In an effort to upgrade their 4x4s to look exactly how they want them, some owners have turned to the robust bull bar. These tough-looking additions are, however, sometimes referred to as being illegal due to safety issues.
This month at Milner Off Road, we’re going to delve deeper into this 4x4 accessory to find out what they are, why exactly people want them and whether they’re legal here in the UK.
Since the issue of their legality is crucial, let’s start by covering exactly what we mean when we say bull bar.
What is a bull bar and why do people have them?
A bull bar - alternatively named A bars, or nudge bar, as it’s known in some countries - is a protection system for the front of a vehicle, usually a 4x4. It essentially looks like a strong, metal bar grill placed over your usual bumper and grill.
It’s believed that bull bars were first used in Australia, where drivers in more rural areas wanted to protect their vehicles from larger animals - think bulls, hence the name. Makes sense right? If you’re driving along a rural road and a large kangaroo leaps out in front of you, you know they can’t do too much damage if you make an impact with them (or them with you).
Since then, bull bars have become more popular overseas, and while that same practical protection is a feature for some drivers, such as those in agricultural settings, many people want them for their aesthetic value.
The trouble with this, however, is that bull bars are usually a rigid fixture, meaning they become very dangerous if you make contact with a cyclist or another vehicle while driving. Normal bumpers and car fronts have a crumple zone to absorb some of the impact, something that a bull bar removes.
That leaves farmers and forestry workers, who rightly want to perverse their vehicles in case of accidental impact with fence posts and livestock, tarred with the same brush as those just looking to toughen up their 4x4.
So, the big question: is it legal to have a bull bar fitted to your 4x4 in the UK?
Are bull bars legal for UK vehicles?
The answer to this is yes. But there are some important caveats to understand.
According to the government website, bull bars should only be fitted if they meet certain safety standards. You can find out more about this here. These include stipulations over the materials used and the design in order to minimise injuries.
It is an offence to sell bull bars that are not approved per the regulations set by the EU in 2007. That means an approved bull bar should have an official mark and certification to show it is up to the necessary safety standards.
The EU legislation has put many people off selling them, however, this isn’t illegal as long as the product complies with the law. It is, however, illegal for you to fit an aftermarket bull bar that doesn’t meet the standards set out in the UNECE Regulation 73, which covers lateral protection devices.
Here at Milner Off Road, we’re leading suppliers of 4x4 parts, tools and accessories, which means you can find compliant bull bars and front protection for your vehicle in our online store. Check out our range of A bars and place your order today to receive rapid dispatch of your item along with worldwide delivery.