Do trailer lights need checking daily?

Yes — if you couple a trailer, its lights and the connection to the unit are part of the daily check, and a common source of faults.

Is a cracked lens a defect?

It can be, particularly if it lets a white light show to the rear or lets water in. Assess it and report anything affecting the light's function.

Who is responsible for a lighting defect found at the roadside?

The driver and operator share responsibility. A daily check that catches and records the fault before use is your best protection.

Walkaround check guide

How to check lights on a daily walkaround

Lighting defects are the easiest thing for an examiner to spot from the roadside — and among the easiest to fix before you set off.

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In short

The daily lighting check confirms every exterior light and indicator works and is clean, so the vehicle can be seen and its intentions signalled. On larger vehicles that means walking the full length to check marker and rear lights, not just the fronts.

What to check

Checking lights, step by step

Headlights (dip and main) and sidelights
Indicators and hazard warning lights, front and rear
Brake lights, including any high-level lamp
Reversing lights
Number plate lights
Marker, side and rear lights on long vehicles and trailers, all clean

Common defects

Blown bulbs

Cracked or missing lenses

Dirty lights obscuring output

Faulty trailer lighting connections

When to fail it

Fail the item for any light that doesn't work, a cracked lens showing a white light to the rear, or heavily obscured lamps. Bulbs are quick to change — do it before the vehicle leaves.

Why it matters

A vehicle that can't be seen or can't signal is a hazard, especially in poor weather or at night, and lighting defects are a frequent roadside-check finding.

More guides

Other walkaround check items

Checking tyres Checking brakes Checking mirrors & glass Checking steering Checking leaks & fluids Checking wipers & washers Checking load security Checking coupling Checking number plates

FAQ

Checking lights, answered

Keep reading

Walkaround checksThe full DVSA daily walkaround check app for every vehicle.The complete guideWhat a DVSA walkaround check is and the duties behind it.Free check listThe full DVSA daily walkaround check list, free to download.

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