2007-12-23 23:35:42 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Hi all
This is my first time asking a question on this site, and I have to say that everyone has been very helpful.
I would like to say a big thank you to all that have answered my question.
Unfortunately I have had to drive with my broken light.
As you would expect this time of year nowhere open to buy a new one!
So I have done as a couple of you suggested and taped it up with a thick clear tape, and its looks pretty good really!!
And the bulb still hasn't blown yet.
I am getting it done tomorrow(thank god).
Once again, thanks to all that have answered.
Hope you all have a happy new year.
Tracie
2007-12-26 07:15:55 · update #1
Illegal or not you're stuck with it till Thursday. Patch it with clear tape, get it fixed soonest and hope if you meet plod that he's had a good christmas
2007-12-25 00:31:42 · answer #1 · answered by The original Peter G 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Despite the majority of answers, driving with a broken headlamp is legal as long as it is still functioning perfectly (brightness and direction) and there are no sharp edges.
It's only illegal to drive with a broken REAR light, as some white light may show through, which in poor visibility may suggest you're reversing when you're not, or that you're travelling in the other direction.
That said an exposed bulb won't last long open to air and moisture so you're best to replace it as the moment the bulb blows you're the wrong side of the law again. Depending on the age of your car you may need to buy an entire headlamp unit, bulb included. They're fairly easy to fit on most cars though.
2007-12-24 03:22:04 · answer #2 · answered by frenziedmonkey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Highway Code, the MOT test and The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 Part III Regulations Governing the Maintenance of lamps, reflectors, rear markings and devices Section 23 Paragraph 2 a (iii) and Paragraph 2 b (iii) require all lamps to be working before driving is permitted, therefore driving with a failed headlamp or running lamp is in contravention of the above clause and illegal
2007-12-23 23:49:03 · answer #3 · answered by Leo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'VE READ THE ANSWERS HERE AND SOME WERE CLOSE.AND SOME WERE OFF TOO. YES IN SOME STATES IT IS ILLEGAL TO RUN WITH BROKEN HEAD LAMPS. HOWEVER, WHEN THE WATER GETS INTO IT YOU ARE TAKING A CHANCE ON IT SHORTING THE WIRING OUT. IT DOES NOT TAKE MUCH MIOSTER TO DO THAT. IF IT IS LIKE ONE OF MY VEHICLES THE WHOLE LAMP COVER IS ONE PIECE AND THE BULB POPS IN THE BACK OF IT. MINE ONLY COST ME $75 TO REPLACE. BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN HAVE A COSTLY BILL LATER. AND TAPING OVER THE BROKEN GLASS IS A SORRY WAY OF FIXING THINGS. FIX IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME IS THE BEST WAY.
2007-12-24 00:21:04 · answer #4 · answered by baby_huey_duvall 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is illegal, sort of, you may get stopped and advised to replace the lamp glass but it will only really become an issue at your next MOT where having missing glass like this will fail the car. Having an exposed bulb, especially in cold damp weather like this is never a good idea as it could cause the bulb to blow which then would be illegal.
2007-12-23 23:44:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
As long as the reflector behind the bulb is not damaged, the car is still legal to drive. However water will cause the bulb to blow very quickly, as a stop gap you can use cling film to cover the broken part of the head light.
Ja.
2007-12-24 00:21:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
bad luck...what type of car is it....sometimes on ebay there are car parts so that may be one source to consider, regretfully you need to get it fixed, you could claim on insurance but it may not be worth it....l think it may well be illegal in the UK..but also the bulb will blow, they are at such a high temperature that any water or frost will cause it to fail....changing the headlight is generally quite easy..surprisingly...but if its more than you fancy trying then a local friendly garage is the next best option...don't let it spoil your xmas...
2007-12-24 05:50:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stick a large transparent food bag over the whole of the headlamp hole. Make sure there is no glass or metal sticking out as this is a hazard to pedestrians.
2007-12-23 23:53:11 · answer #8 · answered by oldfart 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It does'nt matter if it is legal since your bulb is going to fail very soon. Then you will definately be breaking the law as you are required to have all bulbs working. Just replace the headlight.
2007-12-24 04:42:52 · answer #9 · answered by Fred S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It all depends on the police officer and the damage done. If there are sharp edges. And if its affecting the beam image so dazzling drivers. Also if he is in a bad mood might be more strict?
2007-12-23 23:52:32 · answer #10 · answered by charlie_t 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋