The licence plate, number plate, or registration plate is simply a strip of metal or plastic with a combination of numbers and letters. It is part of a vehicle's registration, allowing it to be easily identified.
The licence plate comes in various types, colors, and sizes, but is always equipped with a unique code and authenticity features. In this blog, we take a deeper look at European regulations surrounding licence plates. We also examine the important role lighting plays in meeting European standards for the visibility and readability of licence plates.
European regulations for licence plates
What requirements does a European license plate meet? This question is answered by the regulations set out by the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations.
EU Regulation 2018/858 regulates the approval of vehicles and their components within the EU. It focuses on the requirements for the type approval of vehicles and components, including license plates, to ensure that they meet safety and environmental standards before they can be used on the road.
EU Directive 2007/46/EC It deals with the type approval of motor vehicles and their trailers. It sets out the procedures manufacturers must follow to obtain approval for their vehicles, including the requirements for license plates as part of vehicle identification and safety.
deals with the type approval of motor vehicles and their trailers. It sets out the procedures manufacturers must follow to obtain approval for their vehicles, including the requirements for license plates as part of vehicle identification and safety. heeft betrekking op de veiligheid van voertuigcomponenten. Het bevat eisen voor de goedkeuring van verschillende onderdelen en zorgt ervoor dat deze voldoen aan de gestelde normen voor veiligheid, zichtbaarheid en leesbaarheid op de weg. De verordening vereist dat kentekenplaten voldoen aan de normen voor veiligheid. Dit beïnvloedt ook (indirect) de nummerplaat en houder. De specifieke eisen met betrekking tot verlichting worden verder behandeld in UNECE-regel 48.
UNECE-Rule 48 sets detailed requirements for lighting and signaling on vehicles. This is the primary standard for License plate lighting. The regulation requires that vehicles be equipped with lighting that ensures the license plate is clearly visible, even in poor visibility or at night. The specific requirements for license plate lighting addressed in UNECE Regulation 48 are:
- Minimum lighting: The licence plate must be sufficiently illuminated so that it is readable at night or in poor visibility.
- Type of lighting: The lighting must be white or yellow and illuminate the license plate evenly.
- Position of the lighting: You must position the lighting in such a way that it illuminates the license plate without obstructing other parts of the vehicle.
- Luminescence requirements: The lighting must meet specific brightness standards. The license plate must be visible within a certain range.
Is licence plate lighting mandatory?
Yes, licence plate lighting is mandatory for all vehicles on public roads. This applies to passenger cars, trailers, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, trucks, and even microcars. However, there are some exceptions to the rule.
This requirement does not apply to vehicles without a licence plate, such as bicycles with a trailer. These often use a yellow reflective sign instead of a licence plate.
Lightweight trailers under 750kg are also not required to have separate license plate lighting if they are equipped with a white follow plate (with the same license plate as the towing vehicle). The lighting of the towing vehicle must, however, have a clearly visible license plate. Finally, older agricultural vehicles without a license plate (pre-2021) may be exempt.
Regulation from Europe
All vehicles in the EU must comply with the ECE R4 standard for license plate lighting. The differences mainly lie in the enforcement and monitoring of the rules. Faulty lighting can lead to immediate rejection and/or traffic fines. Consult local regulations in case of doubt.
Small trailer
Licence plate lighting is also mandatory on the trailer. However, this is not the only lighting you will find on a trailer. Depending on the type of trailer and the regulation must also be equipped with other lighting to be allowed on public roads.
Truck
Licence plate lighting is an essential part of the mandatory lighting for trucks and trailers. The lighting rules differ per vehicle category, which makes sense given the various types of trucks and trailers. This includes aspects such as the placement of the lighting, the specific requirements, and the number of lighting points that need to be installed. Read more about the European regulations regarding truck and trailer lighting in this blog.
Tractors and work vehicles
Although these vehicles are not allowed to drive on all public roads, such as highways and expressways, they are required to have the proper lighting when using public roads. Specific rules Moreover, since 2021, there is also a Licence plate requirement for agricultural vehicles. This means that they must not only be equipped with a license plate but also with license plate lighting, so that the license plate is clearly visible in the dark.
How bright can licence plate lighting be?
The use of LED license plate lighting is allowed when it meets the legal requirements and is equipped with a valid ECE approval mark. The lighting must be bright enough to make the license plate clearly readable in the dark from a distance of at least 20 meters. You must also ensure that the lighting evenly illuminates the license plate, and that no parts are unreadable due to shadows.
What color should license plate lighting be?
The lighting for the license plate must be white. Other colors are not allowed. If you have this, it will lead to rejection during the MOT test or, in the worst case, a fine.
The licence plate holder
Although there is no European legislation that explicitly sets requirements for the Licence plate holder, the holder must, in any case, comply with the general requirements for vehicle safety and visibility, as described above. On a national level, there may be additional requirements for the license plate holder. For more information, consult the local authorities.
Licence plate accessories at TRALERT®
At TRALERT®, we offer various solutions that comply with European legislation. Whether you're looking for the right lighting for your license plate or a license plate holder with integrated lighting, our products are certified and meet the applicable regulations. Also, take a look at our Featured license plate accessories.
Mounting licence plate lighting
The installation of licence plate lighting must be done carefully to comply with the regulations. It is also important to choose high-quality, certified products that meet European standards. Make sure the lighting is correctly positioned to evenly illuminate the licence plate. You must not obstruct any other parts of the vehicle. After installation, check whether the lighting meets the brightness and visibility requirements. The licence plate must remain clearly readable, both during the day and at night.
Disclaimer:
At TRALERT®, we make every effort to keep the information in this article as accurate and up-to-date as possible, including regulations regarding vehicle lighting. However, legislation can change frequently, and while we strive to implement these updates promptly, certain updates or adjustments may not yet be reflected in this article. Therefore, we advise our readers always to check the current legislation with their local government agencies or regulatory bodies, especially concerning exceptions or specific national regulations. TRALERT
In case of doubt, always contact the competent authority. This way, you can be sure that your vehicle meets all legal requirements.
