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[Worf]

Not a S2 but relevant for all "classic" vehicles.

I have and old car ( 1954) I have been restoring. Starts and drives. Mechanically and structurally it is 100%, but has no electrics apart from ignition. Everything else is stripped off. I need to take it 3 miles to be professionally top coated. What electrics do I need to make it road legal (it will be taxed and insured) ?  Anything else (no windscreen so no wipers )

Would requirements be different if it was towed? (with a rope)

Very rural area and havent seen a Plod for years round here, but knowing my luck.......

A lot off faff to find a trailer for 3 miles,

[martinthefirst]

Indicators, brake lights, horn?

[Old Hywel]

Taxed and insured, that’s the main boxes ticked.
If towed, a lighting board would probably cover the rest.

[Univetsal]

I would have someone follow me very closely in another vehicle (to prevent someone else getting in-between), and use hand signals for oncoming. Legal no, but sensible on quiet country lanes. Also pick your timing, not around dolly parton hours...
Best get my tin hat... 

[gcc130]

I think I would trailer it.
I would doubt insurance would be valid if no lights etc.

[The Shed]

You need lights fitted and working for it to be legal, front and rear to drive.
To tow by rope both vehicles have to be roadworthy and legal but you could probably get away with it providing you have insurance, technically it will not need tax or MoT.
Use an 'On Tow Board' with working lights you should be ok.

[martinthefirst]

side lamps and head lamps not required:

Vehicles do not need to be fitted with position (or head) lamps, or may have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked if they are:

only used during daylight hours, and
not used at times of seriously reduced visibility

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-private-passenger-and-light-commercial-vehicles/4-lamps-reflectors-and-electrical-equipment#section-4-2-1

[Old Hywel]

Technically you WILL need it taxed, albeit at zero cost.

[Betsy1969]

As you’re so rural I imagine there will be several farm vehicles around on a regular basis and in my experience a lot of the people driving them don’t seem to be worried about lights or number plates  so I would risk it for 3 miles. Not legal of course but what are the chances ?

Andy

[Clifford Pope]

Tractors of the period very often didn't have any electrics at all, (apart from starter motor, and ignition if petrol).
They are road legal during daylight.

[Wittsend]

As you’re so rural I imagine there will be several farm vehicles around on a regular basis and in my experience a lot of the people driving them don’t seem to be worried about lights or number plates  so I would risk it for 3 miles. Not legal of course but what are the chances ?

Andy

... what are they going to do with you if caught

 

[The Shed]

side lamps and head lamps not required:

Vehicles do not need to be fitted with position (or head) lamps, or may have such lamps permanently disconnected, painted over or masked if they are:

only used during daylight hours, and
not used at times of seriously reduced visibility

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-private-passenger-and-light-commercial-vehicles/4-lamps-reflectors-and-electrical-equipment#section-4-2-1

That is an interesting read. Some years back my Dad was pulled up, driving a milk float of all things, this particular float was used as a back up. The officer's retort when Dad pointed out it was daytime and wouldn't be travelling more than five miles, was that he cannot be sure the float would be back before dark and of course what happens if you encounter poor visibility ?
On another occasion he was pulled up after going through a red traffic light at 4 Am. He replied with 'Well it was green when I started'. Both occasions resulted in a finger wagging.

[Bbrian66]

To be clear - running without any lights/indicators  fitted is fine in a vehicle of this age, but if headlamps/sidelights/indicators are fitted then they MUST work correctly.

So if you remove them completely you will be fine.

Bbrian66

[The Shed]

Can't confirm this legality but in a similar vane. I was told if your modern car has a High Mounted Stop Light with LEDs or multiple bulbs then if less than half work it is an MoT fail but if non work then that is a pass ? 

[w3526602]

On another occasion he was pulled up after going through a red traffic light at 4 Am.

Hi Shed

Barbara got booked for driving thru a red road works signal.

The signal was on the far side of a cross-roads. If she had stopped, she would have blocked all other traffic trying to enter the junction. There were some other discrepancies, and worse, but this was her first (and only) time in court, and her lack of experience worked against her. I reckon a solicitor could have got her off.

Whatever, the trial lasted an hour and half, was adjourned for a month, before continuing for another hour. Fined £15, and endorsed.

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