Trucker in trouble for offence lots of people don't know is illegal

A lorry was stopped by Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing Team and its driver ticketed for having red lights to the front of the vehicle
-Credit: (Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)


Cops have reminded motorists of a 'minor' but obvious offence that not everyone knows about. Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police issued a ticket to a trucker in the region over the blunder.

They pulled over a truck driver who had a red light displayed in the front of their cab. Despite truck drivers often displaying lights upfront, it's actually illegal to to have a red light facing forward.

According to The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, "no vehicle shall be fitted with a lamp which is capable of showing a red light to the front" which can confuse drivers and is a potential danger. It excludes some instances such as any intended for use at the scene of an emergency.

READ MORE:Blast from the past as 70 iconic mobile phone models go on display in Cornwall

READ MORE:Owner's delight as cat brings home winning scratchcard

The Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing Team, which keeps the public up to date with all its latest arrests for motoring offences, reminded people that while it is deemed minor, it's easily enforced.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Yes it’s a minor offence but one easily evidenced and enforced. Using a vehicle on a road showing a red light to the front is an offence. They added: "If you have them fitted to your vehicle please remove. Ticket issued."

The instance sparked a debate among fellow motorists with lots remarking how dangerous not just red lights, but any alternative light can be.

Dan Richardson said: "Coincidentally I saw one yesterday on the A38 It's really incongruous and distracting having any red lights on the opposite carriageway."

@ExtraBlindEye said: "It is a distracting offence and professional drivers should know better." Simon Dove adds: "A greatly underused offence. I have fished many a ticket for this during my years on RPU. Funny how quickly they get turned off when they see a marked car then say they had no idea it's an offence."

Others seemed to think it was a "petty" thing to enforce. @Tedisiek wrote: "Honestly once you’ve sorted knife crime, cross-county drug gangs and smashed domestic terrorism maybe then you could focus on the hard-working people that deliver everything we eat and consume to shops."

devonboy3410 said: " I think a warning would have been enough if he unplugged it all in front of your officers, but then who is going to pay for the police Christmas party? Wonder why people do not like or respect the police now."

@fundame68383635 said: "Some of the replies here underline the problem (as with other issues). People cannot get it through their heads that if something is prohibited, however petty it may seem to them, they should not do it and will be penalised."