Broken Indicator

[andydingdang]

A few months ago my car was reversed into. The was some damage to the wing and the glass on the indicator was smashed. The indicator still works but has no glass over so that the bulb is exposed. Do you think I would fail my MOT on this, which is due end of this month or as it works do you think it shouldn't matter? The point is I am not that bothered about the cosmetics of my car and therefore won't bother paying for it to be fixed unless I have to......

[Grunty]

It is illegal, but any action would depend upon whether an officer was busy or bored at the time. If he/she did take action, it is likely that you would be given a caution (warning) or that you would be required to get the work done in a certain number of days and have the work verified by an MOT tester. That can be expensive if the tester makes a charge. Also, the offence would provide a reason for the police to require a breath test, or to examine the rest of the vehicle. They would take action if other faults were disclosed.

And yes, you would fail the MOT!

[andydingdang]

Fair enough, might sound stupid but can I ask why it is illegal?

[Jay70]

I agree the the previous comment. As to the legalities - If your car has clear indicator lenses and hence has an orange bulb fitted the brightness and strength of colour of the light emitted is tested and has to be of a certain level. My car failed it's MOT as the orange bulb had lost some of its coating and wasn't orange enough. So as your indicator lens is broken it could cause the bulb to age prematurely due to being exposed to the elements. Also wether the lens is clear or not it could be have sharp edges which could cause injury. But I wouldn't personally leave it cracked as I wouldn't want any moisture corroding the bulb holder.

[Narolines]

If it's only the "glass" that's broken it'll be cheap to fix anyway - I'd see if I could pick one up for a couple of quid at a breakers, & it's usually just a couple of screws holding it in place - well within the capabilities of even the most ham-fisted/non-technically minded owner.

[andydingdang]

Thanks for all you help, I contact a broker and found that I can buy a replacement indicator for 8 quid. Apparently it clips into place. So even I should be able to do it :) thanks again!