Horse drawn carriages

This information explains the vehicle standard requirements for horse-drawn carriages. This does not cover the standard of animal to be used.

Passenger seating

• There must be no hazardous projections, sharp corners or edges.
• A seat for a driver or passenger in a carriage must be securely attached to the carriage.

Brakes

• The carriage must have a braking system installed operating on at least two wheels.
• The braking system must be adjustable to allow for wear.
• The braking system must be able to be operated from the normal driving position.
• A parking brake and/or wheel chocks must be fitted, capable of holding the fully laden carriage stationary at a 12% up or down gradient.

Wheels

• The wheels of the carriage must be of sound structure, with all spokes in satisfactory condition and free of damage.
• Wheel bearings must not have excessive play.

Vehicle marking

Rear reflectors

Every vehicle drawn by animal power must be equipped with two reflectors at the rear which comply with the following, measured from the centre of the reflector:

• symmetrically located no more than 400 mm in from the side
• no higher than 1.5 metres from the ground
• fitted in a vertical position facing squarely to the rear so that light from a motor vehicle headlamp at a distance of 45 metres will give a red reflection of light.

Side reflectors

Every vehicle drawn by animal power must be equipped with a yellow wheel reflector on the centre of each wheel and a yellow side reflector strip along each side capable of reflecting light from a motor vehicle headlamp from a distance of 45 metres.

Vehicle lighting

Indicators

Every vehicle drawn by animal power must be equipped with turn signal lamps at the front and rear which comply with the following, measured from the centre of the reflector:

• amber in colour
• centre of the light at least 350 mm above the ground
• no more than 2.1 metres above the ground
• have a flashing rate of not less than sixty per minute and not greater than one hundred and twenty per minute
• be clearly visible to drivers approaching the vehicle at all distances up to 30 metres
• no closer than 400 mm apart and not more than 500 mm in from each side
• the signalling device shall be readily operated by the driver from the normal driving position.

Night-time operation

If the carriage is fitted with the following headlights and rear lights for nighttime operation it must comply in full with the following:

• Every two-wheeled vehicle shall be equipped on opposite sides with 2 lighted lamps showing a white light to the front and a red light to the rear. Complying with the following, measured from the centre of the light:
  • not more than 2.1 metres from the ground
  • at least 600mm apart
  • visible at night for at least 200 metres.
• Every vehicle with four or more wheels must be equipped:
  • on opposite sides at the front two lamps showing a white light to the front, measured from the centre of the light:
    • not more than 1.4 metres from the ground
    • at least 600mm apart
    • visible at night for at least 200 metres.
  • at the rear of the vehicle in the centre or to the right-hand offside a lamp showing a red light to the rear, measured from the centre for the light:
    • not more than 2.1 metres from the ground
    • at least 600mm apart
    • visible at night for at least 200 metres.

Vehicle Standards reference: MR1644.