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MOT Sections

Lights And Signals

MOT checks for lights and signals on motorcycles are divided into seven sections. Please click on a link below to skip to the section of interest.

front and rear position lamps :: headlamps :: stop lamps :: rear reflectors :: indicators :: headlamp aim :: audible warnings

Front and Rear Position Lamps on a Motorcycle

note: the front position light, or sidelight, is considered separate from the motorcycle’s headlight and at least 50% of all light sources within a lamp must function. If lamps are obscured by other parts of the bike they will fail.

The front light must emit a white light unless it is within a yellow headlamp and the rear must always be red
Both lights must illuminate immediately once the switch is pressed, be securely mounted and not flicker when tapped
The switch must also be securely mounted and again, tapping shouldn’t affect the lights
One switch must operate both lights

Daylight MOT

If a motorbike has no lights at all, or they are taped, painted or permanently disconnected so as to emit no light whatsoever you can still get an MOT pass but you will receive an advisory note stating that the bike should only be used during the hours of daylight and not during times of seriously reduced visibility.

Fog Lights

The motorcycle MOT does not cover rear fog lights or amber lights within the indicator lens of your bike.

Motorcycle Headlamps

Your motorbike’s headlamp must emit either yellow or white light
It must light immediately the switch is pressed
It should not be adversely affected by any other lamp or the horn
It must not flicker when tapped or when the switch is tapped
Both headlight and switch must be securely attached to the motorcycle.

Twin headlights

Only one or both headlamps need to illuminate for either dipped or main beam and they must be mounted one on top of the other or symmetrically and no more than 200mm apart.

Mopeds

For the purposes of the MOT mopeds are only required to have a functioning dipped beam.

Pre-1931 Motorcycles

If your bike was built before 1 January 1931 it doesn’t need a headlight at all but if there is one it must function correctly.

Motorcycle Stop Lamps

Your motorbike’s stop lamp must emit only a steady red light
It must light immediately once the switch(es) is pressed and switch off when released
It should not be adversely affected by any other lamp
It must be securely attached to the bike and not flicker when tapped
Both brakes must operate the stop lamp unless the the was manufactured with only one switch

Slow Vehicles & Mopeds

Bikes which cannot exceed 25mph do not have to have a stop lamp fitted nor do mopeds which were first registered before 1 April 1986 but if fitted they must function correctly.

Rear Reflectors on Motorcycles

Your bike must be fitted with one unobscured red reflector
It must be securely fitted and reflect squarely to the rear
It must be positioned along the motorcycles longitudinal centre line

Extra Reflectors and Tape

Only one reflector is required for the MOT but your bike will not fail for having more. Unfortunately reflective tape is not considered satisfactory.

Motorcycle Indicators

Indicators must be fitted to a motorcycle and emit only orange light
They must flash on and off, not just dim and brighten
They must flash between 60 and 120 times per minute
They must be visible when riding or have a functioning idiot light
They must be securely fitted and so must the switch
They must not be adversely affected by the operation of another lamp or the horn

Motorcycles Registered Pre-1986

Any motorcycle first registered before 1st August 1986 does not need indicators to pass an MOT

Slow and Off-Road Vehicles

Bikes which cannot exceed 30mph or off-road bikes designed to carry just the rider do not need indicators but if fitted they must function correctly.

Motorcycle Headlamp Aim

note: a specialist piece of equipment is needed to correctly check the aim of your motorbikes headlight but if you follow the guidelines below we would be happy to make minor adjustments if necessary free of charge.

A motorcycle headlight should point directly forward and slightly downwards
The dipped beam must kick-up to the offside of the bike

Audible Warnings

Your bike must be fitted with a working continuous tone horn or horns
It must be loud enough to be heard by other road users
It must not make a harsh or grating noise
It must be easily operable whilst riding