Indications on lights
Vehicle lights approved for use on public roads bear various markings. These provide information on the type approval, function and permitted use of the light. These include, for example, ECE test marks as well as functional markings for low beam, high beam, stop lights or direction indicators.
The actual marking of a lamp depends on its function and the relevant underlying regulations. Modern lamps may bear several markings at the same time.
The marking systems have changed with the further development and consolidation of the ECE Regulations. Older markings, which can still be found on approved lamps, may therefore differ from the markings on current approvals in accordance with UN R148 and R149. The following overview contains both current and frequently encountered older markings.
Additional information on lights
The markings may appear in combination on lights with multiple functions. Examples include CR-BS, WCR-CS, WCR-DS or WCR-ES for lights with dipped and high beam. UN R149 also provides for further markings for special designs and functions.
For high beam headlamps, a reference number is also frequently specified. Typical values include, for example, 7.5, 12.5, 17.5, 20 or 25.
Current or still relevant markings are:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| C-AS | Class AS symmetrical low beam |
| C-BS | Class BS symmetrical low beam |
| WC-CS | Class CS symmetrical low beam |
| WC-DS | Class DS symmetrical low beam |
| WC-ES | Class ES symmetrical low beam |
| R-BS | Class BS high beam |
| WR-CS | Class CS high beam |
| WR-DS | Class DS high beam |
| WR-ES | Class ES high beam |
| F3 | Class F3 fog lights |
| K | Cornering lights |
Common older designations
The older H and D markings refer to specific headlamp or light source technologies. An LED headlamp therefore does not receive an HC, HR or HCR marking simply because it uses LEDs. The older marking systems can still be found on heads that have been approved accordingly.
A slash within certain headlamp markings indicates a specific circuit configuration. For example, ‘C/R’ in such older markings indicates that the dipped and high beam cannot be switched on at the same time.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Position/parking lights |
| B | Fog lights |
| C | asymmetrical low beam |
| R | high beam |
| CR | asymmetrical low and high beam |
| C/R | asymmetrical low and high beam, cannot be switched on simultaneously |
| HC | asymmetrical low beams with halogen light source |
| HR | high beam with halogen light source |
| HCR | asymmetrical low and high beam with halogen light source |
| HC/R | asymmetrical low and high beam with halogen light source, cannot be switched on simultaneously |
| DC | Low beam with gas-discharge light source |
| DR | High beam with gas-discharge light source |
| DCR | Low and high beam with gas-discharge light source |
| DC/R | Low and high beam with gas-discharge light source, cannot be switched on simultaneously |
| M | Markings from older regulations for certain lights on agricultural and forestry tractors |
Right-hand and left-hand traffic
On lights, arrows may indicate suitability for a specific direction of traffic. The direction of traffic is particularly relevant for low beams, as the asymmetrical beam pattern differs for right-hand and left-hand traffic.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| ← | for left-hand traffic |
| ↔ | for left-hand and right-hand traffic |
| no arrow | in the case of asymmetrical low beams, always for right-hand traffic |
Additional information on taillights
Taillights and indicator lights may bear the following markings, amongst others:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| AR | Reversing light |
| F1 | Rear fog lamp with constant luminous intensity |
| F2 | Rear fog lamp with variable luminous intensity |
| IA | Class IA retro-reflector |
| R1 | Rear light with constant luminous intensity |
| R2 | Rear light with variable luminous intensity |
| S1 | Brake light with constant luminous intensity |
| S2 | Brake light with variable luminous intensity |
| S3 | raised central brake lamp with constant luminous intensity |
| S4 | raised central brake lamp with variable luminous intensity |
Additional information on direction indicators
On direction indicators, numbers denote different categories and areas of application. Arrows may also indicate the prescribed mounting side or orientation. The exact meaning depends on the specific category and approval of the light.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| 1, 1a, 1b | front direction indicators of different categories |
| 2a, 2b | rear direction indicators of different categories |
| 3, 4, 5, 6 | side direction indicators of different categories |
| 12 | rear direction indicators for Category L vehicles |
Additional information on other lights
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| L | Number plate lamp |
| SM1 | Side marker lamp |
| SM2 | Side marker lamp for certain vehicles of the class M1 |
| RL | Daytime running lights |
Further details
In addition to the function markings, further details may be provided on a luminaire.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| PL | Light-emitting surface or outer cover lens made of plastic |
| TOP | Marking of the prescribed installation position or the top side |
ECE test mark and approval number
The actual ECE test mark indicates the approval system under which the lamp was type-approved. The number next to the E-mark identifies the country that granted the approval. It does not indicate the country of manufacture of the lamp.
In the case of current approvals, the number of the underlying UN Regulation, its amendment series and the approval number may also form part of the marking. For example, markings in accordance with UN R148 for light-signalling devices and UN R149 for road-marking devices may appear together on a single light unit.