Guide To: ECE R48 - Vehicle Lighting Installation and Use

UN ECE R48, or Regulation No. 48 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations, is a regulation that specifies the requirements for the installation of lighting and light-signalling devices on power-driven vehicles and their trailers. These devices are used to communicate with other road users and to improve the visibility of vehicles.

UN ECE R48 applies to all lighting and light-signalling devices that are installed on vehicles, including headlights, taillights, stop lamps, turn signals, and hazard lights. The regulation specifies the size, shape, color, and location of these devices. It also specifies the test methods that must be used to verify that they meet the requirements of the regulation.

UN ECE R48 is recognized by many countries around the world. This means that lighting and light-signalling devices that have been approved under UN ECE R48 can be used on vehicles in these countries.

Here are some of the key requirements of UN ECE R48:

Lighting and light-signalling devices must be mounted in a way that ensures that they are visible to other road users. Lighting and light-signalling devices must be of a type that is approved for use on vehicles. Lighting and light-signalling devices must be able to withstand a certain amount of vibration without deforming. UN ECE R48 is an important regulation that helps to improve the safety of vehicles on the road. By requiring lighting and light-signalling devices to meet certain standards, the regulation helps to ensure that these devices are effective in communicating with other road users and improving the visibility of vehicles.

Here are some additional points about UN ECE R48:

Lighting and light-signalling devices must be marked with the UN ECE R48 approval number. Lighting and light-signalling devices must be replaced if they are damaged or become defective.