Lamp not working (bulb out)
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Position lamp not working”
- “Direction indicator not working”
- “Stop lamp not working”
- “Rear fog lamp not working”
What it is
Every required lamp must work: headlamps, side and tail lamps, indicators, brake lights, rear fog lamp and others. Often the cause is just a blown bulb.
Why it matters
Lamps let other road users see you and know what you're doing. A non-working brake light or indicator is a safety risk and an MOT fail.
What to check when viewing a car
Walk around the car with the lights, indicators and hazards on, and have someone press the brake. Most bulbs are cheap to replace, though some LED units are not.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
Free: every MOT, every defect explained in plain English, mileage, tax and ULEZ.
What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: lights and number plates
- Headlamp aim too high or too low
- Headlamp lens damaged or not giving enough light
- Number plate lamp not working
- Number plate illegible or incorrect
- Headlamp main beam warning lamp not working
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.