Commercial vehicle lighting: trends, applications and tips

Discover the latest commercial vehicle lighting for 2026

As a commercial vehicle fitter, you know how decisive lighting is for the functionality of a vehicle. Whether it is a service vehicle for installers, a delivery service with closed surface mounting or a crane vehicle: good interior and exterior light supports efficient and safe work.

In this blog, you will read about:

• An update with the latest products in safety and signalling
• Trending products in interior and cargo space lighting
• Case studies: visiting the vehicle builder
• Our tips to consider when making a lighting choice

CircuLux Series - versatile beacon bar with 360° visibility

For applications where maximum all-round visibility is required, the TRALERT® CircuLux Series offers a complete solution. This LED beacon bar combines full all-round illumination with an aerodynamic slimline design and a dark-look lens. This ensures not only functional visibility, but also a neat and integrated look on modern commercial vehicles.

The CircuLux Series is available in five variants with 18, 20, 22, 24 or 26 modules. Except for the length, the specifications are the same. As standard, the beam has a Traffic advisor function, a cruise mode and a Dimming function, making it suitable for both active warning and permanent visibility during work. A controller is included as standard, simplifying integration in the cabin.

For commercial vehicle fitters, this means one integrated unit with multiple functions, clear system logic and a professional finish on the roof.

In terms of certification, the series is comprehensively certified, including ECE R65 Class 2, ECE R10, CISPR25 Class 3 and the required E and CE markings. The IP67 protection rating makes the light bar suitable for professional, everyday use. Find out all about the CircuLux or browse the full range of beacor bars.

The new standard for compact signalling - MV 4500 Series

With the introduction of the MV-4500 Series, TRALERT® is setting a new standard for compact signalling that combines multifunctionality and ease of installation. These extremely compact marker lights are specifically designed for situations where space is limited, such as mounting in truck brackets or tight surface mounting contours, without compromising light output or certification.

What makes this series truly unique for professional vehicle builders is the extensive integration of functions into a single housing. For example, the MV-4500 offers variants with Omni-colour lighting (white, amber and red in a single spotlight) and even versions with an integrated R65-certified warning light. Thanks to the standard 5-metre cable, the connection process for larger vehicles is significantly simplified, which directly results in shorter fitting times and a more reliable installation. View the series of products

LED warning lights for harsh environments - ADR and IP69K

SF 1000 Series
Do you need LED warning lights for heavy-duty use, without compromising on reliability or visibility? The SF-1000 Series LED warning lights are the answer. This series has been specifically developed for heavy-duty use and is, amongst other things, ADR-certified, giving you, as a vehicle builder, a warranty that the vehicle meets all legal requirements for signalling in special situations.

In addition to ADR certification, this warning light also has IP69K protection (high-pressure resistant). In practice, this means that the warning light is suitable for intensive professional use, even on vehicles that are cleaned frequently. The SF-1000 Series also complies with CISPR 25 Class 5. This minimises electromagnetic interference with vehicle systems such as CAN communication, cameras and telematics. View the series

Arcus Series warning lights with flexible housing for curved surfaces

SF 3000 Series
Not every commercial vehicle has flat mounting surfaces. Particularly with modern bodywork or plastic body panels, a standard warning light is not always the most practical solution. The Arcus Series has been specifically developed for these kinds of applications. Thanks to its flexible housing with a bending radius of 30°, this R65 LED warning light can be mounted on slightly curved surfaces without compromising on appearance or functionality. View the series

The series is available in two variants, with four or six LEDs. Both versions feature 14 flash patterns, 10-33V multivoltage and an
IP69K waterproof housing.

Popular products in interior and cargo space lighting

Inside, it's all about efficiency and comfort for the craftsman. But needs can vary, and for that the options are many. We give our tips for making the right choice.

LED solutions such as the Click-&-Go LED strip ensure even distribution in longer cargo spaces.

Want to find out more? Then read our blog about the latest developments in interior lighting and cargo space lighting.

Case study - Iveco Daily MY24

This new IVECO Daily is fitted with LED warning lights and lightbars. The interior of the commercial vehicle is also fitted with LED lighting. Among other features, the van is equipped with special work lights for improved visibility and safety. These reversing lights with integrated warning lights are positioned at the corners above the cargo space, ensuring optimum visibility when reversing and unloading. The warning lights are also highly visible in this position. View the project

Case study - VCS Crane Service

This Mercedes-Benz Sprinter from VCS Crane Service is fitted with a complete lighting package. This package comprises ECE R10 and R65-certified lighting, to comply with legal requirements and ensure safe working at night. Here, work lights around the crane were combined with modular LED warning lights. By defining logical switching groups in advance, the installation remained clear and easy to service. View the project

Additional tips to consider when making choices

When it comes to commercial vehicle lighting, it is not about a single specification. It is about the combination of beam pattern, mounting position, protection and certification. By taking these factors into account in advance, you can make a more informed choice and avoid having to make adjustments later on.

The desired beam pattern

The beam pattern determines how the working area is illuminated.

• Flood beam: wide dispersion close to the vehicle
• Spot beam: targeted beam for longer distances
• Combination beam: balance between range and spread

With driving lights and lightbars bars, range often plays a bigger role. With work lights, the focus is usually on dispersion around the vehicle.

By determining in advance where the work area is located - directly next to the vehicle or further ahead - you make more targeted choices and avoid later repositioning.

“The three choices that make all the difference in practice? IP rating, beam pattern and mounting. A floodlight at bumper height works differently to a spotlight at roof level. By clearly defining the working area in advance, you avoid having to reposition the lights afterwards.”

The mounting position

The position of the light has a direct influence on the work image.

A light at roof height (about 2.5-3.5 metres) with a slight downward angle gives a different result than the same light at bumper height.

Practical focal points:

• Consider the desired working distance
• Truck the angle before final mounting
• Use damping when mounting on roof rack or roof carrier

A simple truck setup prevents adjustments during or after surface mounting.

IP67 or IP69K?

The correct IP value for your vehicle lighting depends on the operating conditions.

Match the protection to the cleaning practice of the vehicle. Oversizing is not always necessary.

“IP69K always sounds like the safest choice. But for a standard service vehicle that is washed as normal, IP67 is often more than adequate from a technical point of view. We recommend IP69K when the vehicle is regularly cleaned with high-pressure or hot water.”

This keeps the solution technically appropriate and cost-efficient.

ECE R10 electromagnetic compatibility

The ECE R10 certification relates to electromagnetic compatibility. In practical terms, this means that the lighting must not emit any interfering signals and must itself be immune to electromagnetic interference from the vehicle.

In practice, R10 prevents, among other things:

• Unexplained error messages on the dashboard
• Interferences in sensors or cameras
• Interference with communication or measurement systems

For commercial vehicle manufacturers, ECE R10 is therefore not a formality, but a technical prerequisite. Especially in newer vehicles with extensive electronics, R10-certified lighting contributes to a fault-free and professionally constructed system.

ECE R65 and R23

Various ECE regulations apply to commercial vehicle lighting. Two of these are most commonly encountered in professional applications.

ECE R65 relates to signal lighting. This standard sets requirements for light intensity, flash patterns and visibility under specific conditions. For service vehicles or crane lorries, this means that the warning signals around the vehicle are controlled and clearly recognisable.

The ECE R23 certification relates to reversing lights. This concerns the correct beam pattern and sufficient lighting behind the vehicle without causing excessive glare to other road users.

Cabling

Good cabling prevents later overhaul.

Practical focal points:

• Use sufficient cable diameter to limit voltage drop
• Ensure a solid mass connection
• Distribute additional lighting across multiple fuses

View all cabling

Truck lighting as a complete solution

An integrated approach prevents overhauls and keeps the installation manageable.

In practice, this means looking at work lights, signal lights, reversing lights and cargo space lighting not separately, but as a single system. That starts with a logical lighting plan and ends with a well thought-out cable structure.

When components are matched beforehand in terms of voltage range, fuse, switching groups and certification, an installation is created that not only functions, but also remains service-friendly. This saves installation time and prevents discussions in case of interference.

Tailor-made advice and the TRALERT® Experience Centre

The choice between modular warning lights, flexible solutions or a complete beacon bar depends on vehicle type and application.

Contact us for specific advice or experience it yourself in the TRALERT® Experience centre