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Dangerous MOT Failures - Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment
Dangerous MOT Failures - Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment
Part of the Dangerous MOT Failures Explained series.
Lights and electrical systems are essential for visibility and communication on the road.
When going through the MOT Test, these areas will be checked. If your car's brake lights, indicators, or headlights are inoperative, you're putting yourself and others at risk.
This section outlines 6 dangerous MOT faults that relate to lighting and electrical systems.
Brake lights not functioning correctly, as well as other electrical issues can result in a dangerous fail if it affects safety.
Full List of Dangerous MOT Faults: Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment
| Vehicle System / Component | MOT Manual Reference | Specific Fault / Issue | Description | MOT Fault Category |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.3.1. Presence, condition and operation | (a) Stop lamp(s) | (iii) all missing or inoperative | Dangerous |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.3.2. Switching | (a) Stop lamp(s) | (iii) remain on when the brakes are released | Dangerous |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.10 Trailer electrical socket | (c) A 13-pin trailer socket | (ii) not functioning at all | Dangerous |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.11 Electrical wiring | (a) Electrical wiring | (iii) likely to touch hot or rotating parts, drag on the ground or the connectors for braking or steering disconnected | Dangerous |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.11 Electrical wiring | (b) Electrical wiring | (iii) for braking or steering components extremely deteriorated | Dangerous |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.11 Electrical wiring | (c) Electrical wiring insulation | (iii) in such a condition there is an imminent risk of fire or formation of sparks | Dangerous |
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment – What to Do If You Fail for This Issue
Though these faults may seem minor, lighting-related dangerousMOT fails are legally binding.
You can’t drive your car until issues like brake light or headlamp failure are corrected.
These are often quick to repair - in many cases, garages can replace bulbs, relays or fuses the same day. Request a quote and retest once fixed.
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment – Symptoms to Watch For
- Brake lights or indicators not working
- Dim or flickering headlights
- Dashboard lighting errors or alerts
- Fog lights not functioning
- Reflectors missing or damaged
Check all the lights before your MOT. Even one non-functioning light can result in a fail — and if it compromises road safety, it could be marked as dangerous.