New side markings on long vehicles
4A.—(1)  This rule shall apply —
(a)with effect from 1st August 2005, to —
(i)every goods vehicle the length of which exceeds 10 metres; and
(ii)every trailer the length of which exceeds 5 metres,
which is registered on or after that date; and
(b)with effect from 1st August 2007, to —
(i)every goods vehicle the length of which exceeds 10 metres; and
(ii)every trailer the length of which exceeds 5 metres,
which is registered before 1st August 2005.
(2)  Every vehicle to which this rule applies shall be fitted with at least 3 pairs of side markings of the type shown in paragraph (B) of Part IA of the Schedule.
(3)  The side markings on a vehicle to which this rule applies shall meet the following requirements:
(a)each side marking shall be made of yellow retro-reflective material which complies with —
(i)the specifications for retro-reflective markings of Class C set out in Regulation 104 (Uniform Provisions Concerning the Approval of Retro-Reflective Markings for Heavy and Long Vehicles and their Trailers) of Addendum 103 to the Agreement; or
(ii)such other specifications as the Registrar may approve from time to time;
(b)each side marking shall be legibly and permanently marked with the approval mark of the yellow retro-reflective material referred to in sub-paragraph (a) and shall bear the trade name or trade mark of the manufacturer of the material;
(c)each side marking shall be of at least the dimensions set out in the diagram in paragraph (B) of Part IA of the Schedule;
(d)at least 3 side markings shall be fitted on each side of the vehicle and —
(i)in the case of a goods vehicle —
(A)one side marking shall be fitted within one metre from the front end of the cargo compartment of the vehicle;
(B)one side marking shall be fitted within one metre from the rear end of the vehicle; and
(C)one side marking shall be fitted at the midpoint of the vehicle; or
(ii)in the case of a trailer —
(A)one side marking shall be fitted within one metre from the front end of the trailer;
(B)one side marking shall be fitted within one metre from the rear end of the trailer; and
(C)one side marking shall be fitted at the midpoint of the trailer;
(e)the lower edge of each side marking shall be at a height of not less than 250 mm above the ground, whether the vehicle is laden or unladen;
(f)the upper edge of each side marking shall be at a height of not more than —
(i)1,500 mm above the ground; or
(ii)where the side of the vehicle is so constructed that it is impracticable for the upper edge to be at a height of not more than 1,500 mm above the ground, 2,100 mm above the ground,
whether the vehicle is laden or unladen;
(g)each side marking shall be clearly visible at all times when viewed from within a reasonable distance to the side of the vehicle;
(h)each side marking shall be maintained in a clean and effective condition while the vehicle is on a road.
(4)  Any owner of a vehicle to which this rule applies who fails to ensure —
(a)that the vehicle complies with paragraph (2); or
(b)that the side markings on the vehicle comply with paragraph (3),
shall be guilty of an offence.
[S 450/2005 wef 11/07/2005]