N.J. Admin. Code § 13:20-33.23

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 13:20-33.23 - Commercial vehicle inspection: headlights

(a) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with at least two headlights mounted at the same level with an equal number on each side of the front of the motor vehicle. Headlights shall emit only a white light and shall be tested for proper operation. Headlights shall not be tested for aim unless they have been previously rejected at inspection for one of the reasons set forth in this section. If headlight aim testing is required, the headlight aim shall meet the specifications listed below:

1. High beam aim specifications:

i. Vertical aim: From four inches above to five inches below;

ii. Horizontal aim: From six inches right to six inches left.

2. Low beam aim specifications:

i. Vertical aim: From three inches below to 14 inches below;

ii. Horizontal aim: From eight inches right to 23 inches right.

(b) The headlight aim specifications set forth in (a) above refer to the location of the "hot spot" (the center of the high intensity portion of the beam pattern) based on a distance of 25 feet from the test screen. The vertical aim specifications indicate the distance the "hot spot" shall be above or below the horizontal centerline straight ahead of the headlight center. The horizontal aim specifications indicate the distance the "hot spot" shall be to the right or to the left of the vertical centerline straight ahead of the headlight center.

(c) SAE visual inspection limits for the vertical aim of the "hot spot" of Type 1 headlight units are from four inches above to four inches below, and for the horizontal aim of the "hot spot" of Type 1 headlight units are from four inches right to four inches left.

(d) SAE visual inspection limits for the top edge of the high intensity zone of Type 2 headlight units are from four inches above to four inches below, and for the left edge of the high intensity zone of Type 2 headlight units are from four inches left to four inches right.

(e) If headlight aim is inspected with a mechanical aimer, the inspection specifications for both Type 1 and Type 2 headlight units shall be four inches above to four inches below and four inches left to four inches right.

(f) Headlights shall be properly installed so that their beams are readily adjustable, both vertically and horizontally, and their aim is not grossly misaligned nor readily disturbed by ordinary vehicle operation.

(g) Headlights shall be of a type approved as meeting the standards of the United States Department of Transportation or, for motor vehicles manufactured prior to the adoption of such standards, the standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

(h) A motor vehicle having a headlight with a missing lens shall not be certified; provided, however, that a motor vehicle shall not be refused certification because the headlight has a bull's-eye-type hole that has been repaired in a proper manner.

(i) There shall be no colored spray on the lens, visor, reflector, or other attachment that is not included in the standards of the United States Department of Transportation or, for motor vehicles manufactured prior to the adoption of such standards, the standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

(j) On motor vehicles equipped with four headlights, the Type 2 headlight shall be mounted above or to the outside of the Type 1 headlight.

(k) Retractable headlights shall be in the fully open position when the headlights are tested.

(l) Motor vehicles which are used for plowing snow may have an extra set of headlights mounted above the plow. Switching shall be provided so that either set of headlights may be used, but not both.

(m) Certification of a motor vehicle shall not be refused because a headlight lens is cracked or broken or there is excessive moisture therein, provided the headlight is operational and emits a white light. However, the motorist shall be advised to have the defect corrected.

(n) Certification of a motor vehicle shall not be refused because the light intensity of a headlight is weak, provided the headlight is operational and emits a white light. However, the motorist shall be advised to have the defect corrected.

(o) Certification of a motor vehicle shall not be refused because there is a brush guard, grille, or cover over or in front of a headlight, provided the headlight is operational and emits a white light. However, the motorist shall be advised to have the condition corrected.

(p) A motor vehicle shall not be refused certification because of a missing headlight rim or rims; however, the motorist shall be advised to have the defect corrected.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:20-33.23

Amended by 48 N.J.R. 810(a), effective 5/16/2016