RV OPINION
There’s another safety aspect involved, that of
people around the caravan, such as distracted
children or pedestrians. Perhaps a visual warning
– clear white lights at the rear of the van indicating
the caravan is about to start backing up – would
give these bystanders the presence of mind to
move to safety.
WHAT THE LAW SAYS
VSB 1 is clear. To quote:
Now, the use of the word ‘must’ in the above
makes it seem as though trailer reversing lights are
mandatory, despite the stipulation immediately
beforehand that they’re optional. Confused? We
don’t blame you.
The fact is that reversing lights for trailers, including
caravans, are indeed optional. However, should
they be fitted, there are requirements on the
number of lights and their placement, depending
on the length of the trailer.
13.13 REVERSING LAMPS Translation: you don’t have to fit them, but if you
do, get it right.
Number: 1 or 2 lamps must be fitted on all
trailers with a length less than 6000mm. MOTORHOMES
Presence: Optional on all trailers.
2 lamps must be fitted on all trailers with a
length greater than 6000mm.
Arrangement: At the rear.
A minimum height of not less than 250mm
from the ground; and maximum height of
1200mm from the ground.
Electrical connections: The lamps light
up when reverse gear is engaged on the
towing vehicle.
Motorhomes have reversing lights, no? And the
last time I checked, the average 4WD and 20ft
caravan had a combined length greater than any
B or C class rig. Trucks not only have reversing
lights but buzzers that sound when ‘reverse’
is engaged to warn others that the vehicle is
backing up. Is this not an acknowledgment that
large vehicle/trailer combinations with limited
visibility at the rear need an appropriate warning
system for the safety of others?
/ 51