In heavy transport, lighting is more than just a technical requirement. It is an essential part of safety and visibility on the road. In this article, we discuss what you should specifically consider when selecting, installing, and maintaining lighting for heavy vehicles.

In this blog:

  • We also discuss the key ECE regulations that apply to this.
  • We provide useful tips for a successful installation of the complete lighting.

European regulations on lighting for heavy transport.

Strict regulations regarding lighting prevent accidents and protect road users. This is especially important for heavy vehicles, which are large, wide, and harder to maneuver. That’s why specific regulations have been developed.

Installation regulations

ECE R48: This regulation describes how lighting should be correctly positioned and installed. This includes the placement of headlights, indicators, and marker lights. For example, vehicles longer than 6 meters must be equipped with clearly visible marker lighting at both the front and rear.

Read more about the ECE R48 regulation.

For vehicles longer than 6 meters, it is mandatory to have side marker lights.
These must be positioned so that the distance between them does not exceed 4 meters, with specific distances to the front and rear of the vehicle.

Warning lights

The ECE R65 is the standard that sets specific requirements for warning lights such as beacons and flashers. These must, for example, have a minimum light intensity and display a clear flashing pattern. Learn more about this in the article on the ECE R65 regulation.

Technical requirements

The regulation that standardizes this is ECE R148. It concerns the approval of lighting units, such as LED lamps, to ensure that modern lighting technology meets uniform safety standards.

Electromagnetic compatibility

An essential aspect of vehicle lighting is electromagnetic compatibility. This prevents Canbus issues. Standards regarding this are established in the ECE R10 regulation. Using products approved under this standard minimizes the risk of interference with onboard computers. It also ensures that lighting does not disrupt systems such as the truck's navigation system.

More details about these standards can be found under ECE Regulations.

Mandatory lighting for heavy transport

Lighting typeQuantityPlacementColour
Rear lights2Rear side, symmetricalRed
Brake lights2Rear side, symmetricalRed
Direction indicators2Rear side, symmetricalAmber
Side direction indicators2Each sideAmber
Reversing lights1-2Rear sideWhite
Rear fog light1Rear side, left or centerRed
LED marker lights4Front side (2), Rear side (2), above 2.10 mSides and/or rear side
Side marker lightsDepending on lengthSides, between 0.25 m and 1.50 m heightAmber
Retroreflectors (rear)2Rear side, symmetricalRed
Retroreflectors (side)Depending on lengthSidesAmber; the rear one may be red
Contour markingLine or full contourSides and/or rear sideSide: White or Yellow; Rear side: Red, White, or Yellow

Exceptional transport

In exceptional transport, additional lighting requirements apply. This includes extra warning lights such as beacons and flashers that comply with ECE R65 standards. The lighting must be adjusted to the maximum width and height of the load. Marker lights must clearly indicate the edges of the load. You can apply for a specific exemption here. In many cases, additional requirements are also imposed concerning the 360-degree lighting guideline.

Robust work lights for heavy transport

Transport vehicles are often exposed to harsh conditions. Lighting may face extreme weather conditions and vibrations. This requires lights specifically designed for these challenges.

Water and dust resistance

Lights with a high IP rating (such as IP68 rating or even IP69K) are protected against water and dirt. This is crucial for vehicles that often operate on construction sites or muddy roads.

Vibration resistance

Lighting must withstand the vibrations caused by rough roads to prevent damage.

24 Volt lighting kits for heavy transport

TRALERT® specializes in lighting kits for heavy transport. We offer unique, ready-to-use custom lighting kits, fully tailored to your specific needs. Our kits come with a clear schematic, making installation and maintenance quick and easy. Thanks to the plug-and-play design, you save valuable time during assembly, and damaged parts can be replaced in no time.

View the lighting kits or contact us to create your own lighting solution.

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

Always contact the competent authority in case of doubt to ensure that your vehicle complies with all legal requirements.