Part III: Equipment

14. Tyres

(1) No person shall fit or drive a vehicle on any road if the vehicle's wheels being designed for use with rubber tyres, are not equipped with such tyres.

(2) No person shall drive a motor vehicle or trailer on any road:

(a) if the vehicle or trailer is equipped with pneumatic tyres the rubber covering on any one of the tyres is so worn that the tread depth is less than one millimetre anywhere on the tyre; or

(b) if the vehicle or trailer is equipped with pneumatic tyres which are not designed to allow regrooving and such tyres are regrooved; or

(c) if the tyre is damaged such that the cord used in the manufacture of the tyre is exposed; or

(d) if the tyre has a lump or bulge apparently caused by separation or partial failure of its structure, or shows any lifting of the tread rubber if any of which fouls any part under any condition.

(3) No person shall regroove any tyre whose bead diameter is less than 400 millimetres and which is not designed to allow regrooving and is clearly marked as such by the manufacturer of the tyre.

(4) No person shall drive a vehicle on any road unless the vehicle is fitted with tyres and wheels designed for and capable of at least:

(a) carrying adequately and safely at least the maximum permissible axle mass of the vehicle; and

(b) safely attaining the maximum speed permissible in Zimbabwe in respect of such vehicle.

(5) No person shall drive on any road a motor vehicle or trailer equipped with pneumatic tyres unless the tyres are of the appropriate size and correctly inflated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

(6) No person shall drive on any road a vehicle if:

(a) any tyres on any one axle of the vehicle are of a different size or type or construction; or

(b) tyres are fitted or arranged in a manner which may interfere with or is likely to interfere with the driver's control of the vehicle or cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle in whatever way or under any driving conditions; or

(c) any tyre fitted to the vehicle is in such a state of disrepair or in such a condition as to cause damage to the road surface or pose danger to persons on or in such vehicle.

(7) No person shall fit or drive on any road a passenger public service vehicle or a heavy vehicle if the front axle of such a vehicle is equipped with retreaded tyres.

(8) In the case of a passenger public service vehicle fitted with single tyres, on the front and rear axles, all such tyres shall not be retreaded tyres.

15. Red light visible from front and white light visible from rear prohibited

(1) Subject to the provisions of section 30, no person shall display on any vehicle a red light visible from the front of the vehicle.

(2) Subject to sections 27 and 28, no person shall drive a vehicle on any road if there is displayed on the vehicle, any white light which is visible from the vehicle's rear.

16. Pedal cycles lamps

(1) No person shall ride a pedal cycle on any road unless a lamp is fitted to the front of the cycle, showing a white light, the intense part of the beam of which strikes the road at a distance of not less than three metres and not more than thirty metres ahead of the pedal cycle.

(2) A pedal-cycle may, in addition to the lamp referred to in subsection (1), be fitted with one or more lamps emitting a red light directly to the rear.

17. Animal drawn vehicle lights

No person shall drive an animal drawn vehicle on any road at night unless the vehicle is provided with:

(a) two substantially white lights visible at a distance of 75 metres from the front of the vehicle; or

(b) one substantially white light in front of the foremost animal, visible at a distance of 75 metres from the front of the animal.

18. Motor vehicle lamps other than motorcycles

(1) No person shall drive any motor vehicle, other than a motor-cycle, on any road unless the vehicle is equipped with lamps which shall:

(a) comply with the requirements of this section; and

(b) be kept undamaged, properly secured and in an efficient operating condition at all times.

(2) A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with:

(a) two or four headlamps, attached to the front of the vehicle; and

(b) two white or amber side lamps, not exceeding seven watts in power, which shall be fitted in such a manner as to show the width of the vehicle to within 400 millimetres measured from the outside edge of the widest portion of the vehicle and at the same height from ground level.

(3) If a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, is equipped with two headlamps, the headlamps shall be:

(a) of equal luminous intensity, and shall direct a steady beam of white light or amber light or any other light approved by Standards Association of Zimbabwe ahead of the vehicle; and

(b) fitted at the same height on either side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, equidistant from such axis, and each headlamp shall be in such position that no part of the vehicle or its fittings or fixtures extend laterally on the same side as the headlamp more than four hundred millimetres beyond the outside edge of the headlamp:

Provided that vehicles equipped with headlamps fitted such that part of the vehicle or its fittings extend laterally more than 400 millimetres from the outer headlamp and registered before 31st March, 2011, and equipped with side lamps complying in this respect may be used on a road.

(5) The headlamps of a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be:

(a) capable of illuminating the road for a distance of at least 70 metres on main beam and 50 metres on dipped beam, directly in front of the vehicle; and

(b) so focused and directed as to avoid dazzling the vision of the driver of any approaching vehicle on a level road; and

(c) equipped with a control, operated by the driver, to extinguish or deflect downwards or to change the direction of the headlamp beams towards the left in such a manner as to render them incapable of dazzling the vision of the driver of any approaching vehicle.

19. Pass-lamps or fog-lamps

(1) Notwithstanding section 18, a motor vehicle may, in addition to headlamps, be equipped with not more than two lamps commonly known as "pass-lamps" or "fog-lamps" fitted in accordance with this section.

(2) If a motor vehicle is fitted with lamps referred to in subsection (1), they shall be:

(a) fitted to the front of the vehicle at a height not exceeding 600 millimetres above ground level measured from the centre of the lamp and equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and

(b) so focused and directed as to avoid dazzling the vision of the driver of any approaching vehicle on a level road.

20. Motor cycle lamps

(1) No person shall drive a motor cycle, whether with or without a side-car, on any road unless the motor cycle and, where appropriate the side-car, are equipped with lamps which shall:

(a) comply with the requirements of this section; and

(b) be kept undamaged, properly secured and in an efficient operating condition at all times.

(2) A motor cycle shall be equipped with not more than two headlamps, which shall:

(a) direct a steady beam of white or amber light ahead of the motor cycle; and

(b) be capable of illuminating the road for a distance of at least fifty metres directly in front of the motor cycle; and

(c) be so focused and directed as to avoid dazzling the vision of the driver of any approaching vehicle on a level road; and

(d) be equipped with a control, operated by the driver, to deflect downwards or to change the direction of the headlamp beam towards the left in such a manner as to render it incapable of dazzling the vision of the driver of any approaching vehicle on a level road.

(3) A side-car attached to a motor cycle shall be equipped with a lamp, not exceeding seven watts in power, so placed that no part of the side-car on the off or nearside, as the case may be, extends laterally more than 400 millimetres beyond the outside edge of the lens of the lamp.

21. Motor vehicle tail lamps

(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle, other than a motor cycle with or without a side-car, on any road unless the vehicle is equipped with at least two tail-lamps which shall:

(a) comply with the requirements of this section; and

(b) be kept undamaged, properly secured and in an efficient operating condition at all times.

(2) Each of the tail-lamps referred to in subsection (1) shall:

(a) be fitted to the rear of the vehicle on either side of the vehicle's longitudinal axis and shall be fitted:

(i) within 400 millimetres on either side of the vehicle measured from the outside edge of the lens to the outside edge of the widest portion of the vehicle; and

(ii) not more than one comma five metres and not less than 300 millimetres above ground level measured from the centre of the lens; and

(b) emit a red light directed to the rear of the vehicle; and

(c) emit a luminosity of not less than that of a clear five or ten watt tungsten-filament lamp in respect of a light or heavy vehicle; and

(d) in the case of a heavy vehicle have a lens with an area of not less than seven thousand eight hundred square millimetres.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (1) and (2), every vehicle shall be equipped with an equal number of tail lamps on either side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle which shall be equidistant from such axis and fitted in a similar manner.

22. Motor cycle tail lamps

(1) No person shall drive a motor cycle on any road unless the motor cycle is equipped with at least one tail lamp, which shall:

(a) be attached to the rear of the motor cycle in such a manner that the centre of the lens of the tail lamp lies in the plane of the longitudinal axis of the motor cycle; and

(b) emit a red light of at least three watts directed to the rear of the motor cycle; and

(c) be kept undamaged, properly secured and in an efficient operating condition at all times.

(2) A side-car attached to a motor cycle shall be equipped with at least one tail lamp, so placed that no part of the side-car on the off or nearside, as the case may be, extends laterally more than 400 millimetres beyond the outside edge of the lens of the lamp:

Provided that a motor cycle equipped with more than two wheels shall comply with the requirements of section 21(2) (a) and (b).

23. Trailers and vehicles on tow tail lamps

No person shall drive any vehicle drawing another vehicle unless the drawn vehicle is equipped with two tail lamps complying with the requirements of section 21.

24. Motor vehicles and trailers stop lights

(1) No person shall drive on any road a motor vehicle, other than a motor cycle on a road unless the motor vehicle or trailer is equipped with at least two stop lights each of which shall:

(a) consist of a lamp of not less than fifteen watts in power; and

(b) subject to subsection (2), be fitted to the rear of the vehicle, not more than 400 millimeters from the outer edges of the back of the vehicle and not less than 300 millimetres and not more than one comma five metres above ground level measured to the outer edges of the lamp; and

(c) emit a red light directly to and clearly visible from the rear of the vehicle; and

(d) be kept clean, undamaged, properly secured and in an efficient operating condition at all times.

(2) The stop lights referred to in subsection (1) may be incorporated in the vehicle's tail lamps referred to section 21:

Provided that the stop lights shall have more light intensity than any tail lamps at all times when operated.

25. Motor cycle stop lights

(1) No person shall ride a motor cycle on any road unless the motor cycle is equipped with at least one stop light which shall:

(a) consist of a lamp of not less than ten watts in power; and

(b) be attached to the rear of the motor cycle in such a manner that the centre of the lens of the stop light lies in the plane of the longitudinal axis of the motor cycle; and

(c) emit a red light directly to and clearly visible from the rear of the vehicle; and

(d) be kept clean, undamaged, properly secured and in an efficient operating condition at all times.

(2) A side-car attached to a motor cycle shall be equipped with at least one stop light, so placed that no part of the side-car on the off or nearside, as the case may be, extends laterally more than 400 millimetres beyond the outside edge of the lens of the lamp:

Provided that a motor cycle equipped with more than two wheels shall comply with the requirements of section 25.

26. Rear registration plate light

(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle, motor cycle or a trailer on any road unless the motor vehicle, motor cycle or trailer is equipped with at least one lamp capable of illuminating the rear registration plate of the motor vehicle, motor cycle or trailer with a white light and complying with the requirements of this section.

(2) The lamp or lamps referred to in subsection (1) shall be:

(a) so arranged that none of the rays from the lamp or lamps, except those reflected from the registration plate, are directed to the rear of the motor vehicle or trailer; and

(b) of at least five watts in power and capable of illuminating every figure and letter on the registration plate so that they are visible from a distance of at least twenty metres; and

(c) kept clean, undamaged and properly secured and in an efficient operating condition at all times.

27. Reversing-lamps

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) a motor vehicle shall be equipped with not more than two reversing lamps illuminating the road to the rear of the vehicle.

(2) The reversing lamp referred to in subsection (1) shall:

(a) have power output of not less than 15 watts;

(b) no light shall be emitted except when the vehicle is engaged in reverse gear and shall be maintained so as to operate in this manner at all times;

(c) be kept clean, undamaged and properly secured and in an efficient operating condition at all times.

(d) this section shall not apply to vehicles manufactured before 1990.

28. Spot lights

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two spot lights.

(2) A spot light fitted in terms of subsection (1) shall be:

(a) fitted at the height lower than that of the lamps in section 18;

(b) fitted at the front of the vehicle and so focused as to avoid dazzling the vision of the driver of an oncoming vehicle on a level road.

(3) No person shall:

(a) drive a motor vehicle on any road if the vehicle is fitted with more than two spot lights; and

(b) except in the case of an emergency, use any spot light on any road in substitution of any lamp mentioned in section 18; and

(c) use any spot light fitted to a motor vehicle:

(i) in such a manner as to interfere with the vision of any person on a road; or

(ii) in such a manner as to cause annoyance to any person, whether on a road or not.

(4) For the purpose of this section a spot light fitted to a motor vehicle and used solely for the purposes of hunting, searching and night repair work may be fitted above the lamps referred to in section 18 and shall be mounted in such a manner that they are easily detachable when not in use.

29. Beacon lights

(1) Except as provided in this section, no person shall drive a motor vehicle on any road if the vehicle is equipped with a beacon light.

(2) An ambulance or ambulance backup vehicle, a fire-engine or a motor vehicle used solely for fire brigade or fire-fighting purposes may be equipped with a red beacon light.

(3) A motor vehicle:

(a) used by or for the purposes of the Police Force or Military Police of the Zimbabwe National Army; or

(b) used for escorting the vehicle in which the President or a person authorised by the President is travelling may be equipped with a blue beacon light.

(4) A motor vehicle used for the purpose of traffic law enforcement by a Government Vehicle Inspecting Officer/Driving Examiner may be equipped with an amber beacon light.

(5) The following motor vehicles shall be equipped with an amber beacon light:

(a) a motor vehicle incorporating a crane, winch or similar device for recovering or towing disabled vehicles;

(b) a motor vehicle escorting a vehicle carrying an abnormal load;

(c) a motor vehicle carrying an abnormal load;

(d) a motor vehicle other than that referred to in paragraph (a) while towing a disabled vehicle at night.

(6) A person who uses a motor vehicle referred to in:

(a) subsection 5(a) to tow another vehicle on a road; or

(b) subsection 5(b) and (c);

shall ensure that the motor vehicle is equipped with an amber beacon light and that the beacon light is in operation while the motor vehicle is towing or, as the case may be, escorting a vehicle carrying an abnormal load.

(7) A person who drives a motor vehicle referred to in subsection (5) shall bring the beacon light on his or her motor vehicle into operation as soon as he or she:

(a) arrives at the place where the disabled vehicle is located; or

(b) begins escorting a vehicle carrying an abnormal load; or

(c) embarks on a journey carrying an abnormal load;

and shall ensure that it remains in operation during the recovery of the disabled vehicle or escorting of the vehicle carrying an abnormal load or delivery of the abnormal load.

(8) Except in the circumstances prescribed in subsections (6) and (7), no person shall drive a motor vehicle referred to in of subsection (5)(a), (b) or (c) on any roads while the vehicle's beacon light is in operation.

(9) No person shall drive on any road a motor vehicle permitted to be equipped with a beacon light in terms of this section unless the beacon light has a flashing speed of not less than sixty or more than one hundred and fifty flashes per minute.

(10) No person shall drive on any road a motor vehicle equipped with a lamp capable of being confused with a beacon light, whatever is colour and whether or not it emits a flashing light.

30. Height and side marker lamps

(1) No person shall drive a heavy vehicle on any road unless the vehicle is fitted with height lamps complying with the requirements of subsection (2).

(2) Height lamps referred to in subsection (1) shall:

(a) be fitted to the highest point of the vehicle at the front and rear; and

(b) be fitted so as to be clearly visible from the front or rear of the vehicle as the case may be not be less than two in front and rear; and

(c) be not more than seven watts in power; and

(d) be kept undamaged properly secured and in efficient working condition at all times; and

(e) emit light of any colour other than red if visible from the front and at the rear other than white if visible from the rear.

(3) A heavy vehicle may be fitted with side marker lamps complying with the requirements of subsection (4).

(4) Side marker lamps referred to in subsection (3) shall:

(a) emit light of any colour other than red in front and other than white at the rear; and

(b) be so placed that:

(i) there is a light at each end of the body of the vehicle or combination of vehicles; and

(ii) the distance between successive lamps is not more than four metres; and

(iii) they are not less than 300 millimetres from the ground level; and

(iv) they face directly outwards from the side to which they are fitted at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and show amber light.

31. Lamps to emit diffused light

Any person who drives a vehicle on any road shall ensure that every lamp fitted onto the vehicle, other than:

(a) the headlamps, in the case of a motor vehicle; or

(b) the front lamp, in the case of a pedal cycle; or

(c) any spotlight, pass-lamp, reversing lamp or fog lamp emits diffused light when in operation on a road.

32. Retro reflector: general requirements

(1) Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, every retro reflector required to be fitted to a vehicle and pedal cycle in terms of these regulations shall:

(a) be of the honeycomb grade (high intensity grade) or diamond grade and perform so as to meet the specifications listed in the chromaticity chart in the Third Schedule; and

(b) be circular, rectangular or triangular in shape; and

(c) if circular, have a diameter of at least 60 millimetres or, if not circular, have an area of not less than 3 000 square millimetres and a height of at least 50 millimetres; and

(d) have a mark or marks certifying that such reflective material meets the specifications of the Third Schedule, or any other standard equivalent to or better than that specified in the Third Schedule and acceptable to the Standards Association of Zimbabwe.

(2) No retro reflector or reflective material required to be fixed in accordance with these regulations shall incorporate any word, figure or symbol provided that a retro reflector may incorporate the manufacturer's symbols, figures and standard markings.

(3) Every retro reflector required to be fitted to a vehicle or load in terms of these regulations shall:

(a) be not lower than 300 millimetres and not higher than 1.2 metres from the ground level measured to the centre of the retro reflector:

Provided that if, owing to the structure of the vehicle, it is impossible to fit the retro reflectors on the sides, front or rear thereof of such vehicle at the prescribed height the retro reflector shall be fitted as near as possible to such height;

(b) be in a vertical position and face squarely to the front, rear or sides in respect of white, red and amber retro reflectors respectively.

(4) No person shall drive on a road any vehicle while displaying to the:

(a) front thereof a retro reflector which is not a white reflector;

(b) back thereof a retro reflector which is not a red reflector;

(c) side thereof a retro reflector which is not an amber reflector:

Provided that the provisions of these regulations shall not apply in respect of:

(i) a registration plate, pedals or pedal arms of a pedal cycle which may be equipped with amber retro reflectors;

(ii) a warning sign fitted in terms of section 34(2) and (3) and section 37.

(5) Where an advert is fixed onto a vehicle and is partially or wholly comprised of reflective material such reflective material shall have less reflectivity than that of the honeycomb grade of retro reflectors.

33. Retro reflectors: pedal cycles

(1) No person shall ride a pedal cycle on any road unless:

(a) subject to subsection (3), in the case of a pedal cycle with one rear wheel, the cycle is equipped with a rear mudguard, the rear end of which is visible from the rear, and to which there is fixed a red retro reflector complying with the requirements of section 32 and so positioned;

(b) in the case of a pedal cycle with more than two wheels, it is equipped with:

(i) two white retro reflectors fixed to the front of the cycle; and

(ii) two red retro reflectors fixed to the rear of any goods container forming part of or attached to, the cycle; and

(iii) each such retro reflector referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) is so placed that no part of the goods container extends laterally more than two hundred and twenty millimetres beyond the retro reflector, measured from the outer edge of the retro reflector.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(a), a pedal cycle without a rear mudguard may be ridden on a road if a red retro reflector complying with the requirements of section 32 is fitted to left and right of the rear fork, midway between the wheel hub and the highest point of the fork or centrally on the frame below the saddle.

(3) Additional amber retro reflectors may be fitted on the pedals or to the spokes of the wheels of any pedal cycle.

(4) No person shall ride a pedal cycle on any road at night without retro reflective material on his clothing visible from a distance of at least fifty metres when illuminated by two headlamps complying with the requirements of section 18 (3) when not deflected downwards.

34. Retro reflectors and warning signs: animal drawn vehicles

(1) No person shall drive an animal drawn vehicle on any road unless the vehicle is fitted with:

(a) a warning sign, directed to the rear, which conforms with the requirements of subsections (2) and (3); and

(b) two white retro reflectors directed to the front, which comply with the requirements of subsection (4).

(2) A warning sign referred to in subsection (1)(a) shall:

(a) be fitted so that its lower edge is not less than three hundred millimetres and its upper edge not more than one comma two metres above ground level; and

(b) extend horizontally for such distance as is necessary to indicate the overall width of the vehicle to within four hundred millimetres on either side of the vehicle.

(3) A warning sign referred to in subsection (1)(a) shall consist of strips of:

(a) red retro reflective material 50 millimetres wide; and

(b) yellow retro reflective material 50 millimetres wide in the form as illustrated in the Fifth Schedule.

(4) The white retro reflectors referred to in subsection (1)(b) shall be fixed to the front of the vehicle, within four hundred of either side of the vehicle and placed at the same height.

35. Retro reflectors: motor cycles

(1) No person shall drive a motor cycle on any road unless:

(a) a red retro reflector is fixed to the rear of the motor cycle and directed to the rear of such motor cycle; and

(b) in the case of a motor cycle with more than two wheels, it is equipped with:

(i) two white retro reflectors fixed to the front of the motor cycle; and

(ii) two red retro reflectors fixed to the rear of any goods container forming part of; or

(iii) attached to, the motor cycle;

and each such retro reflector is so placed that no part of the goods container extends laterally more than two hundred and twenty millimetres beyond the reflector; measured from the outer edge of the reflector; and

(c) if a side-car is attached to the motor cycle, a red retro reflector is fixed to the rear of the side-car and directed to the rear of such side-car.

36. Retro reflectors: heavy vehicles

(1) No person shall drive on any road a heavy vehicle, unless white retro reflector complying with the requirements of subsection (2) is fixed to the vehicle.

(2) The white retro reflector referred to in subsection (1) shall:

(a) consist of a continuous strip of white retro reflecting material not less than 50 millimetres in width; and

(b) be fixed to the front of the vehicle; and

(c) extend horizontally for such distance as to indicate the vehicle's width to within four hundred millimeters on either side:

Provided that, if the structure of the vehicle is such that it is not possible to comply with paragraphs (a) to (c), the retro reflectors shall be fixed so as to comply with these paragraphs as far as is reasonably possible.

37. Warning sign: heavy vehicles

(1) No person shall drive a heavy vehicle on any road unless a warning sign, conforming with the requirements of subsections (2) and (3), is fitted to the rear of the vehicle and directed to its rear.

(2) A warning sign referred to in subsection (1) shall:

(a) be fitted so that its lower edge is not less than three hundred millimetres; and

(b) its upper edge not more than one comma two metres above ground level; and

(c) extend horizontally for such distance as is necessary to indicate the overall width of the vehicle to within four hundred millimetres on either side of the vehicle:

Provided that if the structure of the vehicle is such that it is not possible to comply with this subsection, the warning sign shall be placed so as to comply with this subsection as far as is reasonably possible.

(3) A warning sign referred to in subsection (1) shall be not more than five hundred millimetres high and shall consist of diagonal strips of:

(a) red reflective material 100 millimetres wide; and

(b) yellow reflective material 100 millimetres wide in the form of a chevron pattern as illustrated in the Fourth Schedule.

38. Retro reflectors: rear of commercial motor vehicles

(1) No person shall drive a commercial motor vehicle on any road unless a red retro reflector complying with subsection (2) is fitted to the vehicle.

(2) The red retro reflector referred to in subsection (1) shall:

(a) consist of a continuous strip of red reflective material, and not less than fifty millimeters in width; and

(b) fixed to the rear of the vehicle; and

(c) extend horizontally for such distance as to indicate the vehicle's width to within four hundred millimeters on either side:

Provided that if the structure of the vehicle is such that it is not possible to comply with the paragraphs (a) to (c), the reflectors shall be fixed so as to comply with those paragraphs as far as is reasonably possible;

(d) the provision of this section shall not apply to motor vehicles bearing foreign registration that are in transit or on a temporary entry.

39. Retro reflectors: other motor vehicles

(1) No person shall on any road drive a motor vehicle other than:

(a) a heavy vehicle; or

(b) a commercial motor vehicle; or

(c) a motor cycle;

unless two red retro reflectors complying with section 32 are fixed to the rear of the vehicle:

(i) within four hundred millimetres of either side of the vehicle, measured from the outer edge of the reflector to the edge of the rear of the vehicle; and

(ii) at the same height.

(2) No person shall on any road drive a motor vehicle other than a heavy vehicle or a motor cycle, unless two white reflectors complying with section 32 are fixed to the front of the vehicle:

(a) within four hundred millimetres of either side of the vehicle measured from the outer edges of the reflector to the edges of the rear of the vehicle; and

(b) at the same height.

40. Retro reflectors: sides of vehicles

(1) No person shall drive on any road:

(a) any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, or heavy vehicle, other than a motor vehicle towing a disabled vehicle, the overall length of which exceeds 8 metres; or

(b) a heavy vehicle;

unless amber retro reflectors complying with the provisions of this section are fixed to each side of the motor vehicle, or combination of vehicles, or heavy vehicle as the case may be.

(2) The retro reflectors referred to in subsection (1) shall:

(a) consist of a continuous strip extending to within 400 millimetres of the outer edges;

(b) be fitted at a height of not less than 300 millimetres and not more than 1.2 metres from the ground:

Provided that, if the structure of the vehicle, or combination of vehicles or heavy vehicle is such that it is not possible to fix the retro reflectors as a continuous strip the retro reflectors shall be fixed as near as possible to the requirement subsection (2)(a) and (b).

41. Warning sign: trailers

(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle drawing a light trailer on any road unless a continuous red retro reflector is fixed to the rear of the trailer extending to within 400 millimetres of the trailer measured from the outer edges of the reflector to the outer edges of the trailer.

(2) No person shall on any road drive a motor vehicle drawing a trailer other than a light trailer unless a warning sign:

(a) directed to the rear of the trailer; and

(b) complying with the requirements of section 37 is fitted to the rear of the trailer:

Provided that the warning sign referred to in subsection (2) shall comply with the provisions of section 32 except subsection (1) (b) and (c) and subsection (4)(c).

(3) No person shall drive a motor vehicle drawing any trailer on any road unless:

(a) a reflective white "T" of type III complying with the requirements of subsection (4) is fitted to the extreme right front of the trailer;

(b) a reflective red "T" complying with the requirements of subsection (4) is fitted to the extreme right rear of the trailer and not more than one comma two metres above ground level;

(4) The letter "T" referred to in subsection (3) shall be not less than 150 millimetres high and 120 millimetres wide, and the strokes of the letters shall be not less than 50 millimetres thick and placed on a black background not less than 200 millimetres in height and 175 millimetres in width.

42. Brakes: general requirements of motor vehicles and trailers

(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle or trailer on any road unless the braking system fitted to it complies with the requirements of this section.

(2) Except in the case of an air brake system, the pedal, lever or push rod, as the case may be, by which any braking system is operated shall have a reverse of at least one-third of its designed distance of travel when the brakes are fully applied.

(3) In the case of air brake system, sufficient clearance shall be provided for between the foot pedal and the floor in order to ensure maximum opening of the foot valve.

(4) Except in the case of a braking system fitted into a motorcycle with a side-car, every braking system shall operate with equal intensity on the wheels symmetrically placed in relation to the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle.

(5) Every motor vehicle or trailer which is fitted with a braking system embodying a vacuum or pressure reservoir, shall be equipped with a warning device, so placed as to be readily visible to the driver of the vehicle when in the driving seat which indicates any impending failure or deficiency in the vacuum or pressure system:

Provided that, in the case of a motor vehicle other than a heavy vehicle, which is propelled by an internal combustion engine and fitted with a braking system embodying a vacuum reservoir for which the vacuum is derived directly from the engine's induction system, it shall not be necessary to provide such a warning device, if, in the event of failure or deficiency in the vacuum system, the brakes of that braking system are sufficient to bring the vehicle safely to rest within a reasonable distance.

(6) Every braking system shall be constructed so that it is not rendered immediately ineffective by the non-rotation of the engine of the motor vehicle, or in the case of a trailer, by the non-rotation of the engine of a motor vehicle to which the trailer is attached at the time.

(7) All the equipment which comprises any braking system, shall be designed in such a way as to withstand any reasonable vibration, corrosion, dirt, wear and tear to which it will be subjected during normal use.

(8) Only brake fluid complying with standard SAZS 189 of 1976, its equivalent or better shall be used in any braking system.

(9) Where an air braking system is fitted to a motor vehicle or trailer, the system's air reservoir or other storage device:

(a) shall be fitted in such a way that it can be removed for inspection for rust or corrosion or any other defect; and

(b) when fitted to a trailer, may be manufactured as part of the trailer's framework; and

(c) shall be marked with both working and test pressure on a plate affixed to the reservoir or device; and

(d) shall be capable of being drained physically or automatically.

(10) The brake pipe, tube or hose fitted to a vehicle must:

(a) be manufactured from a material appropriate for its intended use in the vehicle; and

(b) be long enough to allow for the full range of the steering and suspension movements of the vehicle; and

(c) be fitted to prevent it being damaged during the operation of the vehicle by:

(i) a source of heat; or

(ii) any movement of the parts to which it is attached or near it.

(11) Where nylon pipe is used for the piping of a braking system, suitable inserts shall be fitted to prevent the pipe from collapsing where it enters and is held by a pipe fitting.

(12) Where two braking systems are required or permitted to be fitted to a motor vehicle or trailer in terms of these regulations:

(a) one of such systems shall be operated by direct mechanical action without the intervention of any hydraulic, electric or pneumatic device, except in the case of a spring brake whose application is by exhaustion of air pressure in an air braking system; and

(b) the same brake shoes or pads operating within or upon the drums or discs of the vehicle may be used for operating both such systems; and

(c) one of the systems shall be capable of acting on braking surfaces directly attached to parts not liable to failure; and

(d) the braking system on a motor vehicle must be arranged to allow the driver of the motor vehicle to apply brakes from a normal driving position; and

(e) every brake chamber fitted to an air braking system shall be of an appropriate size and capable of producing the required brake force; and

(f) defective brake means any one of the following:

(i) absence of effective braking action upon application of the service and parking brakes; or

(ii) missing or broken mechanical components; or

(iii) loose brake components; or

(iv) audible air leak on any part of the system; or

(v) hydraulic leak on any part of the system; or

(vi) brake maladjustments; or

(vii) cracked, loose or missing lining; or

(viii) brazed brake pipe on hydraulic braking system; or

(ix) any other defect which may in the opinion of the Inspecting Officer is likely to cause danger.

43. Brakes: pedal cycles

(1) No person shall ride a pedal cycle on any road unless the pedal cycle is equipped with two efficient brakes one of which operates on the rear wheel and the other on the front wheel.

(2) No person shall ride a pedal cycle equipped with two rear wheels and one front wheel unless it is equipped with two independent brakes which operate on the front and rear wheels respectively.

(3) No person shall ride a pedal cycle equipped with two front wheels and one rear wheel unless it is equipped with two independent brakes which operate on the rear wheel.

44. Brakes: motor cycles

No person shall ride on any road:

(a) a motor cycle without a side-car attached unless the motor cycle is equipped with at least two brakes which act upon the motor cycle's front and rear wheels and which, when applied, prevent the front and rear wheels from revolving in either direction; or

(b) a motor cycle with a side-car attached unless the motor cycle is equipped with two independent brakes which, when applied, prevent the front and rear wheels of the motor cycle from revolving in either direction.

45. Brakes: tractors, construction vehicles and vehicles towing construction trailers

No person shall drive on any road:

(a) a tractor, other than a tractor designed to form part of an articulated unit, whether drawing a trailer or not; or

(b) a construction vehicle; or

(c) any motor vehicle while it is towing a construction trailer;

unless the vehicle concerned is equipped with brakes, the application of which is capable of bringing the vehicle to rest from a speed of twenty-five kilometres per hour on a level, dry road surface within a distance of twelve metres as specified in the table below:

Provided that where a construction vehicle or motor vehicle while towing construction trailer is capable of travelling at a speed in excess of forty kilometres per hour it shall have brakes complying with the requirements of section 46.

46. Brakes: motor vehicles other than tractors, construction vehicles or motorcycles

(1) No person shall drive on any road a motor vehicle other than:

(a) a tractor not designed to form part of an articulated unit; or

(b) a construction vehicle; or

(c) a motor cycle;

unless the motor vehicle is equipped with an efficient footbrake and handbrake independently operated, so adjusted as to operate equally with respect to the wheels on either side of the vehicle.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) a brake which is not capable of bringing a motor vehicle, whether loaded or unloaded, to rest from a speed of thirty kilometres per hour on a level, dry road surface in the following distances shall be deemed to be an inefficient brake unless the brakes comply with the standard specified in the tables below:

TABLE A

Footbrake of motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles

TABLE B

Handbrake of motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), any footbrake shall have a mechanism designed to operate on all wheels fitted to a vehicle and shall be deemed to be inefficient if the first application of the footbrake does not prevent all of such wheels from revolving.

For the purpose of tables A and B the following information and formulae is applicable:

Formulae: S= m.35/P

S = stopping distance in metres

M = mass of the vehicle at the time of testing in kgs

P = total braking force from readings on the roller brake testers

35 = constant at a speed of 30km/h

47. Brakes: trailers

(1) No person shall drive on any road a motor vehicle drawing a trailer, other than a light trailer unless the trailer has an efficient twin line braking system which is constructed according to the following requirements:

(a) every axle of the trailer shall be equipped with brakes which shall operate on each wheel and in the case of air brakes each wheel shall be equipped with an individual brake chamber; and

(b) the brake system shall not be rendered immediately ineffective by the non-rotation of the towing vehicle's engine; and

(c) the brakes on a trailer must operate automatically and quickly if the trailer breaks away from the towing vehicle and remain in operation after such break away; and

(d) every trailer must be fitted with a parking brake:

(i) if fitted to a trailer of a gross mass in excess of 2 000 kg, it shall be of the spring brake type; and

(ii) in all other cases it should be possible to apply the parking brake manually, or otherwise directly on the trailer;

and

(e) brake line couplings shall not be interchangeable; and

(f) every trailer equipped with air brakes shall in addition to the footbrake and parking brake be equipped with an emergency brake capable of being operated from the driver's position of the towing vehicle.

(2) For the purpose of this section, a brake applied by the overrun of the trailer shall be considered to be operated from the vehicle if the gross mass of the trailer does not exceed 2 000 kgs.

(3) Any trailer to which this section applies, whether loaded or unloaded, must be capable of achieving a brake efficiency of at least twenty per centum.

48. Braking device: animal drawn vehicles

(1) No person shall drive an animal drawn vehicle on any road unless the vehicle is fitted with a device capable of being set to prevent at least one wheel from revolving when the vehicle is stationary.

(2) A device referred to in subsection (1) shall be securely fixed to the vehicle by means of a cable or chain.

49. Presumptions regarding brakes

If, in a prosecution for a contravention of section 47 or 48, it is established that the brakes of the vehicle that forms the subject of the charge were tested for compliance with section 45 or 46, as the case may be, and:

(a) the speed of the vehicle was ascertained by means of a speedometer forming part of the equipment of the vehicle, it shall be presumed that the speedometer was accurate unless it is proved that, when brakes were tested, the speedometer was so inaccurate that, at an indicated speed of thirty kilometres an hour, the true speed of the vehicle was more than thirty-three kilometres per hour; or

(b) the road surface on which the vehicle was tested appeared to be level to the person conducting the test, it shall be presumed that the road surface was level unless it is proved that the road surface had a gradient of more than one per centum.

50. Audible warning device: pedal cycles

No person shall ride a pedal cycle on any road unless the pedal cycle is equipped with an efficient audible warning device which is in good working order and when used, is capable of giving adequate warning of its approach.

51. Audible warning device: motor vehicles

(1) No person shall drive on any road any motor vehicle:

(a) unless:

(i) the motor vehicle is equipped with an efficient audible warning device which is in good working order and when used, capable of emitting a sound which under normal conditions is clearly audible from a distance of at least 100 metres; and

(ii) the audible warning device is operated by a button or switch that breaks contact automatically when it is released;

(b) other than:

(i) an ambulance; or

(ii) a fire engine; or

(iii) a motor vehicle used solely for the purposes of fire brigade or for fire fighting, ambulance or police purposes;

if the motor vehicle is equipped with a gong, bell or siren or any other instrument capable of emitting a sound similar to that of a gong, bell or siren.

(2) No person shall operate an audible warning device on any motor vehicle in an offensive manner.

52. Special visual warning device: all motor vehicles

(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a road unless two warning devices complying with the requirements of this section are carried in the vehicle:

Provided that, if the motor vehicle is drawing one or more trailers, two additional warning devices shall be carried in respect of each such trailer.

(2) Every special visual warning device referred to in subsection (1) shall:

(a) be in the form of an equilateral triangle of the dimensions, materials and construction prescribed in the Sixth Schedule; and

(b) be permanently and legibly marked with the following particulars:

(i) the name of its manufacturer and a serial number;

(ii) year of its manufacture expressed numerically as for example, 1988;

and

(c) be reflective on both sides; and

(d) be so designed as to stand in place not more than ten degrees from the vertical plane with the lower base of the triangle horizontal and not more than two hundred and fifty millimetres from the ground; and

(e) be capable of being erected in place and replaced in its container without the use of tools.

(3) When not in use, the special visual warning device shall be carried in terms of subsection (1) in an opaque protective container or secured in a light-tight, enclosed and easily accessible compartment in the motor vehicle or trailer concerned.

(4) Whenever a motor vehicle or trailer is stationary on any road, except in a place set aside for the stopping of vehicles, the driver shall place one special visual warning device referred to in subsection (1) at the front of the vehicle or trailer and another such device at the rear, so that:

(a) both special visual warning devices are on the same side of the carriageway as the vehicle or trailer; and

(b) the front of each special visual warning device faces away from the vehicle or trailer and towards oncoming traffic; and

(c) each special visual warning device is not less than thirty metres and not more than fifty metres from the nearest point of the vehicle or trailer.

(5) The special visual warning device may incorporate a battery operated flashing red light in such a way that, when the device is placed in position, the flashing red light is at the topmost corner of the device.

(6) In the case of a vehicle carrying hazardous materials or substances as defined in the First Schedule of Statutory Instrument 262 of 1984 (or any other law substituted for the same), the warning device shall incorporate a battery operated flashing red light in such a way that when the device is placed in position, the flashing red light is at the topmost corner of the device.

53. Spare wheel, tools and fire extinguisher: all vehicles

(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle, other than a motor cycle on any road unless the vehicle is equipped with:

(a) a serviceable spare wheel; and

(b) an efficient jack; and

(c) a wheel-brace or wheel-spanner capable of undoing the vehicle's wheel-nuts; and

(d) in the case of:

(i) a light motor vehicle, a serviceable fire extinguisher weighing a minimum of zero comma seven five kilograms; or

(ii) a heavy vehicle, a serviceable fire extinguisher weighing a minimum of one comma five kilograms.

(2) Every fire extinguisher referred to in subsection (1)(d) shall be:

(a) of a type and make approved by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe or any other International Standards Authority, which approval shall be visibly marked on the fire extinguisher; and

(b) secured at an easily accessible and visible position within the cab of such vehicle:

Provided that a public service vehicle shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher or fire extinguishers as provided for in the Public Service Vehicle Regulations, statutory instrument;

and

(c) where a vehicle is drawing a trailer on any road, the driver shall ensure that equipment specified in subsection (1)(a) is carried and is capable of being fitted to or used on the trailer.

(3) This section shall not apply to motor vehicles bearing foreign registration number plates that are in transit or on a temporary entry permit.

54. Windscreens and windows

(1) No person shall drive on any road a motor vehicle or motor cycle fitted with a cab unless it is equipped with a windscreen complying with the following requirements:

(a) if it is composed of glass:

(i) it shall consist of safety glass manufactured from either clear plate glass or flat glass that is transparent glass, the surfaces of which are flat and parallel to each other so that they provide clear, undistorted vision and reflection by grinding and polishing on both sides or by production by the float process; and

(ii) it shall be so constructed that, if it is damaged in any manner, it will ensure a safe degree of visibility for the driver;

(b) if it is composed of any other material, it shall consist of transparent material so constructed or treated that:

(i) if fractured, it will not readily shatter into fragments capable of causing severe cuts; and

(ii) it provides clear, undistorted vision and reflection; and

(iii) if damaged in any manner, it will ensure a safe degree of visibility for the driver.

(2) Any window or transparent partition other than the windscreen of a motor vehicle used on a road shall:

(a) if composed of glass, consist of safety glass; or

(b) if composed of any other material, consist of transparent material so constructed or treated that if fractured, it will not readily shatter into fragments capable of causing severe cuts.

(3) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on any road unless:

(a) all glass or other transparent material fitted to the vehicle is maintained in such condition that there is no interference with the driver's vision and where such material is tinted, it shall ensure a safe degree of visibility; and

(b) each pane of safety glass fitted to the vehicle is permanently marked with the name or trademark of its manufacturer or with the trade name of the glass, and is clearly identifiable as safety glass by a permanent mark describing it as such:

Provided that this paragraph shall not apply in relation to any pane of safety glass fitted to a motor vehicle before the 1st of January, 1965.

(4) No manufacturer of, or dealer in motor vehicles shall sell or otherwise dispose of a motor vehicle unless its windscreen and windows comply with the requirements of this section.

(5) No repairer of motor vehicles shall replace a windscreen, window or transparent partition with glass or other transparent material which does not comply with the provisions of this section.

55. Windscreen wipers

(1) No person shall drive on any road a motor vehicle equipped with a windscreen, unless the vehicle is fitted with at least one windscreen wiper:

(a) which is not operated manually; and

(b) whose blade, when in operation, wipes the outside of the windscreen continuously, evenly and adequately:

Provided that if a motor vehicle is equipped with more than one windscreen all such wipers shall comply with the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b).

56. Fuel tanks, electric wiring and battery

(1) No person shall operate on a road a motor vehicle:

(a) if the fuel tank, carburetor, fuel receptacle or fuel pipe thereof is defective or so exposed that it constitutes a source of danger; or

(b) if the filling orifice of the fuel tank is not fitted with an effective cap; or

(c) unless the electrical wiring and battery are properly installed, insulated and maintained so that such wiring and battery do not constitute a source of danger.

57. Engine of motor vehicle to be covered

No person shall drive on a road a motor vehicle other than a motor cycle or other cycle unless the engine thereof is so covered as not to be a source of danger.

58. Direction indicators: Motor vehicles, or trailers

(1) No person shall drive on any road a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, other than a construction vehicle or combination of construction vehicles, unless the vehicle or combination of vehicles is equipped with direction indicators which:

(a) consist of lamps of not less than 15 watts in power; and

(b) are fitted at a height of not less than four hundred and fifty millimetres and not more than one comma five metres above ground level; and

(c) are fitted not more than four hundred millimetres from the outer edges of the front or rear, as the case may be, of the motor vehicle or combination of vehicles; and

(d) are fitted so that the indicators on the same side of the vehicle or combination of vehicles operate simultaneously; and

(e) if showing in front, emit diffused white or amber coloured light or if showing to the rear, emit diffused red or amber coloured light; and

(f) are either:

(i) fitted so that the lamps thereof, when in operation, are visible to the driver from the normal driving position, either directly or by reflection; or

(ii) connected to a device so placed in the driver's cab that a visible or audible indication that the indicators are in operations is given;

and

(g) have a flashing speed of not less than sixty and not more than one hundred and twenty flashes per minute; and

(h) are maintained in a clean, unobscured and efficient condition at all times.

(2) No person shall drive on any road a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, other than a construction vehicle or combination of construction vehicles, unless the vehicle or combination of vehicles is equipped with direction indicators which in addition to the requirements of subsection (1) is equipped with a separate switch to operate all the direction indicators simultaneously:

Provided that, this subsection shall not apply to:

(i) a tractor not designed to form part of an articulated vehicle;

(ii) a motor cycle;

(iii) any motor vehicle according to the registration certificate thereof was registered for the first time before 1st January, 1986.

(3) The driver of a motor vehicle fitted with a separate switch to operate hazard lights, shall put into operation the hazard lights fitted to such vehicle when the vehicle is:

(i) stationary in a hazardous position;

(ii) in motion in an emergency.

59. Direction indicators: motor cycles

No person shall drive a motor cycle on any road unless the motor cycle is equipped with direction indicators complying with section 58(1) (a), (d), (e), (g) and (h).

60. Suspension, axles and structure

(1) No person shall drive on a road a motor vehicle, motor cycle or trailer unless all components of the suspension system and axles are efficiently secured, retained and maintained in a condition which enables the vehicle to be driven safely and efficiently.

(2) No person shall drive on a road a motor vehicle, motor cycle or trailer if found to be:

(a) leaking oil or grease onto the road surface or in such a manner as to affect the efficiency of the braking system of such vehicle;

(b) cracked, bent or misaligned or otherwise defective so as to endanger any person on the vehicle or on the road in any way.

(3) No person shall drive on a road a motor vehicle, motor cycle or trailer if its structure is bent, deformed, corroded, cracked, in such a way to cause a hazard on the road in any way.

61. Seats

(1) No person shall drive any motor vehicle on a road if:

(a) the driving seat is in such a condition that it could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle or is not adjustable;

(b) any seat or bunk is not secured.

62. Doors and panels

(1) No person shall drive on a road any motor vehicle fitted with doors if:

(a) any door will not remain securely closed, or is jammed, or so secured that it cannot be opened; or

(b) the hinges, catches or pillars of any doors are loose, broken, cracked, corroded or otherwise to the extent that the door is not secure when closed; or

(c) a safety catch or door lock is not functioning correctly or a door cannot be opened from both inside and outside; or

(d) any winder or window winding mechanism or both are not in good working order:

Provided that the requirement of this section shall not apply to vehicles:

(i) originally designed and manufactured without doors, safari vehicles; or

(ii) vehicles modified and adapted for a special purpose and approved by the Minister.

(2) No person shall drive any motor vehicle on a road unless the door panels, roof panels (ceiling), dashboard, body panels are sufficiently padded or protected so as not to expose vehicle occupants to danger.

63. Mechanical connections between vehicles

(1) No person shall drive on any road any motor vehicle drawing a trailer or trailers unless, the mechanical connections comply with the following requirements:

(a) the couplings used when operating motor vehicles and trailers in combinations shall be strong enough to hold them together and maintained as such at all times; and

(b) a fifth wheel coupling, the mating parts of a coupling, a kingpin or tow bar must not bear a load more than the manufacturer's load rating; and

(c) a kingpin must be used only with a fifth wheel coupling that has a corresponding jaw size; and

(d) the mating parts of a coupling used to connect a semi trailer to the towing vehicle must not allow the semi trailer to roll to an extent that makes the towing vehicle unstable; and

(e) in addition to the draw bar, a safety chain or cable is coupled between the trailer and motor vehicle and between the trailers if more than one trailer is being towed; and

(f) the safety chain or cable referred to in paragraph (e) shall be of such strength as to hold the trailer or trailers in the event of any failure of the draw bar and shall be so fitted as to prevent the draw bar from falling to the ground in the event of its failure.

64. Speedometer, speed monitoring or speed limiting device

(1) No person shall drive on any road any motor vehicle or motor cycle:

(a) which is designed for or capable of exceeding a speed of 40 km/h on a reasonably level road, unless such vehicle or motor cycle is equipped with a speedometer which is in a good working condition; and

(b) the speedometer is equipped with a light which is capable of sufficiently illuminating the speedometer clock.

(2) No person shall drive on any road a passenger public service vehicle or a heavy vehicle with a net mass of four thousand six hundred kilograms or more, unless one of the following speed monitoring or speed limiting devices is fitted to the vehicle:

(a) a tachograph; or

(b) a tacho-log; or

(c) vehicle data recorder; or

(d) fleet manager; or

(e) co-driver; or

(f) any other speed monitoring or speed limiting device which the Minister, after consultation with the Standards Association of Zimbabwe may publish in the Gazette.

(3) The owner of a motor vehicle referred to in subsection (1) shall keep in a safe place for a period of not less than six months, all records from the device fitted to his or her vehicle in terms of subsection (2).

65. Safety devices: omnibuses

Every omnibus of a net mass of four thousand six hundred kilo grams or more shall be fitted with a safety device to the front axle, approved by the Minister, to prevent the omnibus from veering sharply to one side in case of a front wheel tyre-burst.

66. Dangerous fittings or fixtures

No person shall drive a motor vehicle or trailer on any road if anything is fitted or fixed to the vehicle or trailer in such a way as to endanger any person on or outside the vehicle in any way.