Fallen foul of the high level brake fiasco

[gazon69]

High level brake light isnt an mot failure is it?

Yep

[andrewparker]

High level brake light isnt an mot failure is it?

Ha, well this is where it gets a bit contentious. I read the MOT Testers Manual and it states:

Additional stop lamps fitted and connected must be tested. Where extra lamps are fitted and there is doubt as to whether they are connected, the benefit of this doubt should be given to the presenter.

So VW were basically conforming to the letter of the law. If your car has an additional stop lamp, and it is connected to the lighting circuit, then it must work.

I'd have said the most sensible thing would have been to mark is as an advisory, stating they were unsure if it was connected.

It's pretty damned irritating considering the number of wrecks you see on the road!

[andrewparker]

I assume that if I was to remove the brake light completely it would pass.

[PDT]

My 3rd brake light failed a few days ago just before the MOT so I removed it and covered the gap with black tape, passed fine. So just remove it for now and it will pass, looking further into the regs it only needs to work if its fitted, same as passenger side wing mirrors and spare tyres.

[andrewparker]

So, 5 minutes later I have replaced the faulty light and replaced it with a new one. I'm absolutely astounded how easy it was and will be printing the guide and giving it to VW on Wednesday.