Ceiling lamp
All illumination of the room is carried out by the lampshade into which the lamp is directly installed. It is the lampshade that scatters the light and fully illuminates the license plate of the car. It happens that when dismantling or in the process of replacing lamps, the lampshade may break. If this happens to you, then do not panic, lampshades are sold at any auto parts store.
Catalog number of the Priora lamp: 2170-03717010-00;
Its price is: from 100 to 200 rubles;
You should also not forget about the lampshade gasket; it is necessary to protect against moisture getting into the interior.
Gasket catalog number: 2170-03717012-00;
Cost of laying: from 20 rubles;
The lampshade is the same for all Lada Priora models.
Determining the possible reason for the lack of license plate illumination
There are various reasons why an emergency situation may not be covered.
To identify them, turn off the ignition and perform the following steps:
- Using a clean napkin, you need to wipe the lampshades from dirt and moisture to identify whether there is dimming of the lamps, condensation, or deformation of the plastic from exposure to high temperatures;
- The serviceability of the wiring and fuses is checked by turning on the low beam; if at least one light is on, then the problem is not with them. If the light bulb lights up even temporarily when you tap on the flashlight, then you need to secure the light bulb in the socket.
New lighting elements
Thus, the reasons for faulty NC lighting may be the following:
- the lamp burned out;
- the lamp is poorly secured in the socket;
- the fuse has failed;
- the integrity of the wiring is compromised;
- no power supply;
- there is no “mass” on the body;
- weak contact in the mounting block.
Lamps
Lamps installed from the manufacturer's factory have a filament. After the first replacement, many install brighter LED lamps in place of the standard ones, which can illuminate the number much more efficiently and prettierly, giving the car a more beautiful look.
Standard lamps have the number W5W. The incandescent lamp has a power of 5W, which is quite enough to illuminate the room.
Cost of W5W lamp: from 20 rubles;
You can also install LED analogues instead of the standard lamp. LEDs consume less electricity and have a higher luminous flux.
It should be noted that according to the law on the safe operation of cars, the consecration of the license plate must allow one to see letters and numbers from a distance of at least 20 meters.
Penalties
As you already understood everything, backlighting is required to ensure that traffic police and traffic police officers can quickly and conveniently read the license plate at a certain distance. Usually the figure is 20 meters. When a car is stopped for one reason or another, inspectors should not have any obstacles to identifying the license plate number.
Current traffic regulations state that registration plates must be readable, regardless of the time of day or external lighting. This rule applies to front and rear plates.
A number is considered unreadable in a situation where at least one letter or number cannot be distinguished and read. In addition to the fact that the car owner is obliged to keep the plates clean, the rear license plate is additionally provided with backlighting. And in completely good condition.
Since the driver may not have the rear license plate light illuminated if there is a malfunction, this becomes the basis for imposing a fine. Most often, a protocol is drawn up for several reasons related to the performance of the backlight:
- there is no backlight at all;
- lighting fixtures are in poor condition;
- the backlight is present, but does not work correctly due to incorrect installation or non-compliance of the lighting device itself with the requirements.
We must not forget about the requirements for the color of lamps and shades. According to traffic regulations, the use of exclusively white lighting fixtures is allowed. If there is a backlight, but it shines in red, yellow or any other color other than white, this is still considered an offense. This results in a fine justified by law.
Traffic police inspector stops a car
Many motorists have had to deal with fines for rear license plate lights that were faulty, did not work correctly, or were installed incorrectly. Drivers should know some nuances regarding the requirements and rules.
If we start from paragraph 3.3 of the current traffic rules, then it says that it is prohibited to drive a vehicle that does not have external lighting devices. Since license plate backlight lamps are positioned by the rules as an external lighting device, operating a car with a faulty backlight is legally considered an offense.
Pay attention to the number of working lamps. In a car there are 1-2 lampshades or more. If there are 2 or more lamps, but only one works or one of several does not function, this is also considered a violation. But only in the case when the design of the vehicle from the factory provides for the presence of several separate lamps at once, designed to provide illumination of the rear license plate.
If the rear plate lighting is missing or faulty, the license plate will be considered unreadable at night. Based on Article 12.2 of Part 1 of the Administrative Code, a fine of 500 rubles is provided. Moreover, such a sanction can be imposed only in the dark, provided that the absence of a lamp has caused the license plates to become unreadable.
A traffic police officer can rely on Article 12.2, Part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, if one of the two lamps is not functioning, and the inspector was unable to read the first letter or symbol from 20 meters away. In such a situation, there is a possibility of a fine of 500 rubles or a warning.
But there is another example when only one lamp out of two provided by the design works, but the remaining lampshade still ensures good readability of the sign, which is visible from 20 meters. Then there is no penalty.
But there is one interesting trick that actually contradicts everything said earlier. Do not forget that lighting belongs to the category of external lighting devices. But according to the law, you cannot operate a vehicle with faulty lighting devices; this is considered a violation. Then the inspector turns to Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code. And here it says that if the lamp is faulty, even if the license plate is readable, a fine may still follow. Its size is also 500 rubles. But sometimes you can get by with just a warning.
As a result, we see 2 articles that somewhat contradict each other. Therefore, you should not count on the operation of only part of the license plate illumination lamps, even if it illuminates the plate well and provides the required level of readability from a distance. The inspector may no longer focus on readability, but simply on a non-working lamp.
Since a new light bulb actually costs a penny, and you can replace it yourself, you shouldn’t run into fines. Always carry a set of spare light bulbs and at least one spare lampshade. This will save you from unwanted fines. Even if the amount is small, it is still unpleasant.
How to avoid a fine
There are situations when drivers will not have to pay fines for non-functioning license plate lights. To begin with, such fines are not imposed during the daytime, when there is no need to turn on the lighting fixtures. People stop for this only in the dark.
There are several basic situations when the law will be on your side, and the inspector does not have the right to draw up a protocol:
- the design of the car does not provide for the presence of lighting devices;
- the breakdown occurred on the road, and you have not yet had time to fix it;
- only one of the lamps does not function.
Regarding the last point, one can argue, since there is Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which allows you to fine even in the absence of a glow, even from one of the lampshades or one of several lamps provided for by the design. If the sign remains legible, the inspector is unlikely to have any reason to stop you specifically because of the lamp, since he simply cannot see from a distance that one of the devices is not working. A malfunction is usually noticed when stopping for other reasons, but later the vehicle is checked and an additional reason is discovered to fine you.
As for lighting devices that are not structurally provided for, this applies mainly to old vehicles, which were actually produced without illumination for the license plate area. The driver can connect the lamps at his discretion, but their malfunction will not be considered an offense. Here it is useful to have with you a certificate confirming the successful completion of maintenance. If it is available, the inspector will have no rights or grounds to fine you.
License plate light
It also happens that the driver leaves, being completely confident that the backlight is working properly. But at some point the light bulb burns out or fails for some other reason. This applies to situations where the breakdown occurred en route. It is possible to avoid punishment. But here everything largely depends on the ability to negotiate and be persuasive. If you explain with reason and confidence that you just found out about the breakdown and everything was working when you left, you can get off with a warning.
It is possible to avoid fines for non-functioning license plate illumination, although this is not always possible and not for everyone. Even if you were simply warned and you continued driving, this will not prevent another inspector located further along your route from stopping you again and still drawing up a report.
The most correct solution in a situation where you notice such a malfunction before leaving or already on the way is to replace the burnt out lamp.
Replacement
It is easy to replace the lamps by following the instructions described below.
In hatchback and station wagon bodies, before starting work, it is necessary to remove the plastic trim on the trunk door; it is attached to plastic clips. To dismantle, carefully snap off the clips at the edges and the upholstery will come off.
Work process
- We find the lamp plug in the area of the number, turn it clockwise and pull it towards ourselves. The cartridge will be removed from the lampshade.
- We take out the old lamp by pulling it towards ourselves and install the new one.
- We assemble in reverse order.
- As you can see, there is nothing complicated in the process of replacing license plate lamps.
Important Features
According to traffic regulations, with the onset of darkness, and even under conditions of limited visibility, the license plate must be illuminated in white or yellowish colors.
This is necessary not only so that other road users can see the license plate number of the car, but also to determine the direction of movement of the car.
Why, in this case, is it prohibited to illuminate license plates in other colors? So, if blue and red lamps are used as lighting, this may well cause an emergency on the road. This happens due to the fact that in the dark the driver’s perception of colors changes.
Results
You learned how to change the license plate light bulb on popular cars. Rest assured that on other car models there is nothing difficult and everything is done in the image and likeness of our examples. By the way, by eliminating such minor malfunctions with your own hands, you save money, because auto repair shops charge quite a lot of money for such procedures, several hundred rubles, depending on the region. So why spend money on such trifles if it is absolutely not difficult for even the most inexperienced driver?
The best manufacturers
License plate lights for Priora W5W with T10 base are produced by almost all well-known lighting manufacturers. Among the most famous and reliable companies are:
- a German company whose products are considered a model of quality and durability;
- Bosh. A world-famous brand, which is also home to Germany. Today it is a powerful concern whose enterprises are located in many countries;
- Philips. A famous company from the Netherlands, whose history goes back almost 130 years of successful work;
- MTF. A transnational company with factories located in Taiwan. Produces a wide range of lighting products;
- Narva. Another German company, which is more than 70 years old. Demonstrates the country's traditional quality and care in the manufacture of automobile lamps;
- Neolux. A European brand that will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary. It originally appeared in Switzerland, but then changed its home country several times. Today Neolux is a subsidiary of OSRAM;
- Koito. Japanese manufacturer producing all types of automotive lamps. It is distinguished by the high quality of its products.
The above list cannot be called exhaustive. There are many manufacturers, they all produce high-quality lighting devices.
In what ways can you achieve original license plate lighting?
Recently, there have been frequent cases when LEDs are inserted into the ceiling instead of conventional lamps. Such lighting is bright and attractive, making the car original and interesting.
It is important that the lighting has a color acceptable by GOST standards and that the numbers are readable
It can be installed on a VAZ 2114 car in two ways.
First way
Replace standard incandescent lamps with LED lamps (they have the same contacts as in factory products).
It is also important to choose the right light bulbs; too bright ones will quickly fail and take up too much energy. It’s also not worth installing very expensive products, because the backlight will become very noticeable, distracting drivers from the road process
Low quality light bulbs can have various defects and quickly fail. So we buy light bulbs from trusted representatives and use them economically.
Second way
Install LED strip. To do this, you will need resistors - 3 pieces and the same number of LED strips. Their colors are very diverse, but it is best to choose white or yellow tones.
If a motorist, in spite of everything, wants to replace the standard backlight with LED, the following steps must be followed:
- Solder a resistor to the positive end of the LED segments.
- Attach small wires to its end and the negative side.
- The result is a design with two contacts, which are powered by wires from the standard backlight.
To give the tape an original design, you need to take a piece of plexiglass and glue the strip onto it with silicone sealant. Next, we connect the wires of the tape to the contacts of the factory backlight lamps and make insulation.
At the next stage, we prepare the surface for installing the product:
- remove the lampshades;
- degrease the fastening side with solvent;
- after drying, apply sealant and glue the LED strip;
- We seal the tape along the edges and leave it until completely dry.
We check the operation of the design in action. If everything is functioning correctly, the job has been done effectively. In exactly the same way, you can illuminate the license plate around the edges, but this can lead to problems with the traffic police. Let's remember this!
LED lighting looks attractive both during the day and at night, making the car bright and original.
Original number plate lighting
According to traffic rules, the backlight must always be in working order, and therefore, if there are problems with the lighting of the license plate, they must be urgently eliminated, the light bulb must be replaced, or the cause must be found in the device unit itself. Create all the conditions for efficient and safe movement on the road! Take care of yourself and your car!
Installation Tips
- When buying new elements, it is worth paying attention to the fact that in addition to sizes 36 mm, which are suitable, there are also sizes 41 and 38 mm, which are not suitable.
- They have polarity, so before replacing elements on the Chevrolet Niva, you should turn on the backlight and only then carry out the installation.
- If, when examining the light bulb, the bulb turns black, but continues to shine, it should also be replaced as it will soon fail.
- Try to avoid moisture, as the device will quickly fail if water gets in.
Using the tips for replacing and installing backlights, you will be able to replace the burnt-out backlight yourself in your garage as hard as anyone.
Sources
- https://LampaExpert.ru/avtomobilnye-lampy/neispravnosti/zamena-lampy-podsvetki-nomernogo-znaka
- https://voditeliauto.ru/poleznaya-informaciya/avtoustrojstva/svetotexnika/zamena-lampy-podsvetki-nomernogo-znaka.html
- https://InfoKuzov.ru/remont/plafon-osveshheniya-nomerov
- https://LampaSveta.com/avto/zamena-lampochki-podsvetki-gosnomera-na-avtomobile
- https://car-hobby.ru/zamena-lamp-podsvetki-nomera.html
- https://expertniva.ru/elektrooborudovanie/kak-pomenyat-lampu-podsvetki-nomera-v-nive-shevrole-samostoyatelno.html
Removal
1. We prepare the car for operations (see “Preparing the car for maintenance and repair”).
2. Disconnect the wire from the negative terminal of the battery (see “Battery - removal and installation”).
3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the two self-tapping screws securing the light to the tailgate door and remove it from the mounting hole.
4. Remove the lampshade and replace the lamp.
5. If it is necessary to replace the flashlight body, disconnect the wire tips from its terminals.
