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When can you use amber beacons?
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- By: Lars Nuwenhof
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An amber beacon is a warning signal used to alert other road users to a vehicle or operation that may present a temporary hazard. In the UK, flashing amber beacons are used on specific vehicles and in specific situations, including certain slow-moving, maintenance and recovery vehicles. Where applicable, the beacon must meet the relevant approval requirements, such as ECE R65.
Orange flashing beacons(amber warning lights) are intended as warning signals for situations in which a vehicle poses a potential danger to other road users. Think low speed, standing still on the carriageway, work, exceptional transport or salvage. They do not give priority (unlike blue/red).
In most UNECE countries, the main rules are the same. However, there are some exceptions to which we will elaborate further on this page.
In this article, you will read:
- When you are allowed to use orange beacons and in what situations.
- Which certifications are mandatory (ECE R65 and ECE R10) and what class 1 and class 2 mean.
- The installation requirements from ECE R48: 360° visibility, mounting height and symmetry.
- The four common mounting types: fixed 3-bolt, 1-bolt, magnet mounting and DIN connection.
- National exemptions in relevant UNECE markets, including Spain from 1 January 2026 (V-16).
When can amber flashing beacons be used in the UK?
In practice, mounting and operation are often lumped together. Legally, however, they are two separate matters, each with its own regulatory framework. Those who keep that distinction sharp avoid fines and wrong purchasing choices.
Mounting an orange beacon. Mounting on a vehicle is permitted provided the light is ECE R65-certified and the installation complies with ECE R48 mounting rules (mounting height, 360° visibility, switching conditions). An incorrectly mounted light can lead to rejection during inspections and to legal liability in the event of accidents.
Carrying an orange beacon. This is where it gets stricter. Actually turning on the public road is only permitted in specific situations. Think work on or alongside the road, low speed, exceptional transport, salvage or escort. For other times such as commuting or a trip to the hardware store, switching on is not allowed, even if the light is certified and correctly fitted.
Amber vs blue flashing beacons: different colours, different rules
Important to remember: orange is not a priority colour. Blue is reserved for emergency services such as police, fire brigade and ambulance, and gives the right to claim priority with siren and beacons. Orange(amber) only warns. It signals that your vehicle itself shapes a temporary risk to other road users due to work, low speed or special transport. Other road users maintain their normal priority rules.
Want to know more about when blue signal lights are permitted and who is allowed to carry them? Read our blog on blue beacons and the rules on public roads.
Amber beacon rules by country (2026)
| Country | Can orange beacons be used? | Permitted situations/vehicles | Restrictions / Private use | Important regulations / reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Yes, under strict conditions | Work in progress (road construction, maintenance), slow-moving traffic (> certain width/length), exceptional transport, salvage/breakdown assistance, agriculture/forestry with wide machinery, escort. | Private customers: no on normal passenger cars (only non-permanent in case of breakdown in specific cases). Professional/work vehicles only. | Optical and Sound Signals Regulations 2009(art. 5 ff.); Vehicle Regulations art. 5.2.64 ff. → Check RDW or police for specific vehicle types. |
| Germany | Yes, strictly regulated | Road works, exceptional transport (Großraum- und Schwertransporte), slow-moving vehicles (e.g. agriculture >40 km/h limit), salvage, winter service. Often BASt/TÜV approval required for mounting. | Private customers: no, unless exception (e.g. oldtimer or specific work). Strict enforcement via §52 StVZO. | StVZO §52 (Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung) - additional height/visibility requirements for exceptional transport. Consult local traffic authorities or TÜV. |
| Belgium | Yes, under conditions | Work in progress (roads, utilities), exceptional transport, slow-moving traffic, salvage. Often mandatory in certain operations. | Private customers: no on standard vehicles. Only for professional purposes. The light should go out as soon as the vehicle is no longer in the specific situation | Arrêté royal du 3 juin 2024 (Code de la voie publique, in force 2027 but already relevant); RD 1 Dec 1975 (old, but transitional rules). FPS Mobility for details. |
| France | Yes, often required | Vehicles à progression lente (slow driving <25-40 km/h), road works, exceptional transport, salvage, agriculture at wide machines. At least 1-2 gyrophares depending on visibility. | Private customers: no - only for authorised vehicles. Punishable without authorisation. | Code de la route art. R313-28 ff; Arrêté du 4 juillet 1972 (number of gyrophares); Arrêté du 06.02.1992. Service-public.fr for list of authorised vehicles. |
| United Kingdom | Yes, highly recommended / required in many cases | Road works, slow-moving vehicles, recovery, agricultural machinery, abnormal loads. Flashing amber beacons mandatory in certain Chapter 8 situations. | Private customers: limited - only with work or specific consent. | United Kingdom: Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (legal framework for amber beacons) combined with Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 (best-practice for roadworks). |
| Italy | Yes, under conditions | Lavori in corso (road works), trasporti eccezionali, veicoli lenti (agriculture, construction), soccorso stradale. | Private customers: no - only per autorizzati (professional). | Codice della Strada art. 153 (segnale visivo); DIN Lgs. 285/1992. Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti for details. |
Spain: Since 1 January 2026, all vehicles with Spanish registration plates must use an approved connected V-16 emergency signal light (replacement warning triangle) in the event of a breakdown or standstill. Only V-16 models with IoT connection to the DGT 3.0 platform are allowed; non-connected versions and warning triangles are no longer valid after this date. This applies to passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks and buses (Royal Decree 159/2021 + amendment Royal Decree 1030/2022). Foreign EU vehicles may continue to use triangles. This makes Spain unique in the EU.
ECE R65-approved amber beacons from TRALERT®
Below is a selection of popular ECE R65-certified flashing beacons from the TRALERT® product range. Each model meets the requirements for use on public roads and is available in various mounting shapes. Whether you opt for permanent flush mounting on a truck or flexible deployment on changing vehicles, these models cover the most common applications. You can find the complete overview on the LED beacons page.
LED Beacon | amber with amber lens | R65 | 12-24v | DIN bracket | S07ZL602AA
In our stock
SKU:
S07ZL602AA
LED R65 Flashing beacon amber with clear lens | 12-24v | DIN bracket | S07ZL602AC
Available on backorder
SKU:
S07ZL602AC
LED beacon amber | 12-24v | 1-bolt mounting ECCOLED | R65 | EB5018A
Available on backorder
SKU:
EB5018A
Ways of mounting
TRALERT® LED flashing beacons (ECE R65-certified) are designed for maximum flexibility in professional applications. Whether for permanent installation on trucks, trailers or agricultural machinery, or for temporary signalling on construction vehicles: you can choose the mounting option that best suits the application, vehicle type and operational requirements. Below are the four main options, with their specific advantages:
- Fixed mounting (usually 3-bolt) The light is permanently bolted to the roof or other flat surface with three bolts. This offers the highest stability and robustness, ideal for intensive use on heavy vehicles such as trucks, tractors or exceptional transport. No risk of loosening under vibration or at high speeds - perfect for long-term, daily use.
- Flexible DIN mounting (plug-in/DIN pin) A shock-proof, flexible stand with DIN mounting point: the light simply clicks onto an existing DIN bracket or holder. This allows quick replacement (no tools required) and absorbs shock/vibration better than fixed mounting. Commonly used in fleets with changing lights, such as in salvage, road maintenance or rental vehicles - maintenance-friendly and durable.
- Magnetic base with suction cup (or pure magnet) Fast, non-permanent attachment via strong magnet(s) and/or vacuum suction cup. Can be placed or removed within seconds, often with a cigarette lighter connection for temporary use. Excellent for flexible or temporary applications, such as breakdown vehicles, occasional work or vehicles that do not always need signalling. Note: not suitable for extremely high speeds (depending on model, often certified up to 130-250 km/h).
Note! Additional requirements for magnet attachment since Amendment 5 from 2023
Magnet mounting is popular for intermittent use, think service and recovery vehicles or temporary signalling at construction sites. The flexibility does come with regulatory attention. Since Amendment 5 from 2023, Annex 9 of ECE R65 sets specific requirements for the magnetic attachment itself. The light must remain firmly in place at representative vehicle speeds, even under vibration or lateral forces. For new type approvals, the combination of light and magnet is assessed as one. A certified light on any magnetic base therefore does not automatically meet the standard. When purchasing, it is wise to ask the manufacturer about the Annex 9 compliance of the complete fastening system. - Single-bolt mounting (1-bolt) Simple and robust installation with just one bolt – fewer holes to drill than with a 3-bolt system, yet still securely fastened. Ideal for vehicles where minimal modification is required, such as trailers or compact machinery. Combines convenience with reliable fastening, without compromising on stability.
For applications where multiple light units are combined in a single bar, read more in our blog about beacon bars on public roads.
TRALERT® supplies ECE R65- and R10-certified flashing beacons, warning lights and beacon bars that comply with the regulations for all UNECE member states. Our specialists will be happy to assist you with a bespoke specification for your market.
Disclaimer: At TRALERT® we make every effort to keep the information in this article as accurate and up-to-date as possible. Legislation may vary by country, region or state and may change. Exemptions are possible in some cases. We recommend that you always check the current legislation with the competent authority in the respective country. TRALERT® is not liable for damages or fines resulting from outdated information.
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Lars Nuwenhof
Lars is a lighting specialist at TRALERT® and responsible for the dealer portal. He writes about LED technology and helps customers with digital links and smart lighting solutions.
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