Reversing Light On Car Held Illegal

Chronicle (Levin), 22 September 1949, Page 5

Reversing Light On Car Held Illegal

CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 21. 1 White reversing lights on motor vehicles are illegal. A Christchurch motorist has been refused a warrant of litness for his car at the Christchurch City Council's vehicle testing station because it has such a light for use in reversing in awkward situations at night. He has complained to the automobile Association (Canterbury) which will raise the question at the conference of the South Island Motor Union on Friday. I The complaining member (Mr. E. ' Stringer) wrote that testing officers said a warrant of fitness would not be granted -till the light was removed because it was forbidden by the Transport Department. Mr. W. F. Harlev told the council of the Automobile Association that reversing lights were essential on some diffieult West Coast roads. To suggest that they should be prohibited was "a lot of hooey. " Mr. J. S. Haw-kes (secretary) said the regulatious provided for headlights, parking lights and a tail light. Reversing lights were not provided for in the regulations, said Mr. G. W. Tench. It could be suggested that reversing lights upset oncoming traffic. If the regulations provided for a tail light, then double red lights at the back of many modern ears were illegal, said Mr. R. Twyneham. The association decided to raise the matter at the South Island Motor Union meeting.