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Side-marking rules for LHV transport in Germany (2026)
- Updated:
- By: Lars Nuwenhof
Content
In Germany, it has been mandatory for LHVs to carry flashing side markings since 2022. And this applies not only to German vehicles, but also to foreign LHVs driving on German roads.
In this blog, you will read:
- About the obligation of marker lights with indicator function for LHVs in Germany
- What this means for transport between the Netherlands and Germany
- How the Long-Lkw programme works in Germany
Is blinking marker lights with indicator function mandatory in germany?
Yes, in Germany LHVs must have side marker lights that flash synchronously with the indicator.
What is the Lang-Lkw programme?
If you want to drive an LZV on Germany's official Lang-Lkw network (also known as the Positivnetz), your vehicle must meet a number of technical and safety requirements. Two of these have been mandatory for all vehicles, including existing LHVs, since 1 July 2022.
- side marker lights
Side lighting must flash in sync with the indicator on the same side. This increases visibility while turning or changing lanes. - Turn-off assistant (Abbiegeassistent)
A certified system that monitors blind spots and warns the driver of vulnerable road users such as cyclists or pedestrians.
How does this compare with European rules?
While the European Union only makes flashing side lighting mandatory for new O3 and O4 semi-trailers from January 2025, Germany is already much further ahead with this. Since July 2022, flashing side marker lights have been mandatory in Germany for all LHVs on the Lang-Lkw network - regardless of year of construction or country of origin.
And take note: Germany goes one step further. A separate side indicator, as permitted by EU rules, is not sufficient in Germany. The side lighting must flash exactly at the same time as the indicators. This may seem a small detail, but it makes a big difference in visibility and safety.
The mandatory turning assistant
A turning assistant, also known as a turning camera or turning aid system, is a technological feature designed to significantly reduce the number of accidents, especially involving pedestrians and cyclists, caused by turning trucks. These systems are designed to reduce the dangers of the so-called 'blind spot'. The blind spot is the area next to a vehicle that is invisible to the driver, even with the use of exterior mirrors. The purpose of a turning assistant is to reduce the risk of accidents. Indeed, in urban areas in particular, where pedestrians and cyclists are often near large vehicles, accidents happen unnecessarily.
How does a turning aid system work?
A turn assist system, also known as a turn assistant, is an advanced technological tool that increases safety when making turns with large vehicles, such as trucks and buses. The system uses sensors, such as cameras and radars, to minimise the blind spot next to the vehicle. It is activated when the indicator is used or when the vehicle slows down, and alerts the driver visually and acoustically if objects or road users are detected in the blind spot. This reduces the risk of accidents when making turns, especially in urban areas where pedestrians and cyclists are often near large vehicles. You may also be interested in the article maximum truck width.
When is my vehicle an LZV?
A vehicle is considered a Long Heavy Goods Vehicle (LHV), also known as an 'Ecocombi' or 'Gigaliner', when it is longer than the standard length of 18.75 metres and meets national admission requirements for extra-long vehicle combinations. In most European countries, including the Netherlands, an LHV is allowed a maximum length of 25.25 metres. The maximum permitted weight differs from country to country: in the Netherlands it is 60 tonnes, while in Germany the limit is 40 tonnes, or 44 tonnes for intermodal transport.
LHVs are used to transport more cargo per trip, resulting in up to 30-40% fuel savings per tonne transported, depending on route and load. In Germany, LHVs are divided into five approved vehicle combinations (Type 1 to 5). Additional safety features are mandatory within the German Long-Lkw programme, including a turn-off assistant and side marker lights that flash synchronously with the indicator.
LZV according to Dutch classification (note: in Germany, Type 1 to 5 apply according to the official Bundesministerium für Verkehr.
LHV transport between the Netherlands and Germany
Please note: for Dutch LHV combinations, the same technical requirements apply in Germany as for German vehicles. This means that Dutch LHVs must also be equipped with an approved turn-off assist system and with side marker lights that flash synchronously with the direction indicators. Without these modifications, foreign LHVs will not be allowed on the German road network. Germany has made bilateral agreements for this purpose, including with the Netherlands, making these safety features mandatory for cross-border LHV traffic.
See the ECE-approved side markings from TRALERT®
LED side-marker with flashing light function | 12-24v | 50cm cable | M10ZK-100A
In our stock
SKU:
M10ZK-100A
| Weight | 0.095 kg |
|---|---|
| Whole series | MV-700 serie |
| Light colour | Amber |
| Connectors | Open wire end |
| Filter connectors | Open wire end |
| Cable length | 50cm cable |
| Cable length filter | 0 - 50cm |
| Dimensions | 126 x 51 x 26mm |
| Voltage | 12-24v |
| Voltage filter | 12-24v |
| Shape | Oval |
| Housing material | Polycarbonate |
| Protection class | Waterproof |
| Centre distance | 85mm |
| Mounting bracket | Excl. mounting bracket |
| Housing colour | Black |
| lens material | Polycarbonate |
| Certification | CE, ECE-R10, ECE-R3, ECE-R6-CAT5, ECE-R91 |
| Lens colour | Amber |
| Warranties | 2 years |
| Mounting | Surface mounting |
| Brand | Fristom |
| Side marker lights | No |
| Rear marker lights | No |
| Front marker lights | No |
| Side indicators | Yes |
| Reflectors | With reflector |
| Width | 126mm |
| Width filter | 101-150mm |
| Height | 51mm |
| Height filter | 51-60mm |
| Depth | 26mm |
| Depth filter | 21-30mm |
| Suitable for trucks | Yes |
| Suitable for semi-trailer | Yes |
| Suitable for commercial vehicles | Yes |
| Suitable for semi-trailers | Yes |
| Suitable for: | Semi-Trailers, Commercial vehicles, Semi-trailers, Trucks |
LED top lights | 12-24v | amber | MV-3810A
In our stock
SKU:
MV-3810A
| Weight | 0.126 kg |
|---|---|
| Whole series | MV-3800 serie |
| Light colour | Amber |
| Connectors | 2-PIN's SuperSeal connector |
| Filter connectors | SuperSeal |
| Cable length | 15cm cable |
| Cable length filter | 0 - 50cm |
| Dimensions | 181 x 26 x 43mm |
| Voltage | 12-24v |
| Voltage filter | 12-24v |
| Shape | Strip |
| Housing material | Polycarbonate |
| Protection class | IP68 |
| Centre distance | 169mm |
| Housing colour | Black |
| lens material | Polycarbonate |
| Certification | CE, ECE-R10 |
| Lens colour | Transparent |
| Warranties | 2 years |
| Mounting | Flush mounting |
| Brand | Horpol |
| Side marker lights | No |
| Rear marker lights | No |
| Front marker lights | No |
| Side indicators | No |
| Reflectors | Without reflector |
| Width | 181mm |
| Width filter | 151-200mm |
| Height | 26mm |
| Height filter | 21-30mm |
| Depth | 43mm |
| Depth filter | 41-50mm |
| Suitable for trucks | Yes |
| Suitable for: | Trucks |
LED neon marker light amber | 12-24v | 50cm. cable | MV-2200A
In our stock
SKU:
MV-2200A
| Weight | 0.105 kg |
|---|---|
| Whole series | MV-2200 serie |
| Light colour | Amber |
| Connectors | Open wire end |
| Filter connectors | Open wire end |
| Cable length | 50cm cable |
| Cable length filter | 0 - 50cm |
| Dimensions | 120.5 x 46.5 x 18.6mm / 121.2 x 75.7 x 22.3mm |
| Voltage | 12-24v |
| Voltage filter | 12-24v |
| Shape | Oval |
| Housing material | Polycarbonate |
| Weight | 0,91 |
| Protection class | Waterproof |
| Centre distance | 53 / 30mm |
| Mounting bracket | In- & excl. mounting bracket |
| Housing colour | Black |
| lens material | Polycarbonate |
| Certification | CE, ECE-R10, ECE-R3, ECE-R91 |
| Lens colour | Amber |
| Warranties | 2 years |
| Mounting | Surface mounting |
| Brand | Fristom |
| Side marker lights | Yes |
| Rear marker lights | No |
| Front marker lights | No |
| Side indicators | No |
| Reflectors | With reflector |
| Width | 120.5mm |
| Width filter | 101-150mm |
| Height | 46.5mm |
| Height filter | 41-50mm |
| Depth | 18.6mm |
| Depth filter | 11-20mm |
| Suitable for trucks | Yes |
| Suitable for semi-trailer | Yes |
| Suitable for commercial vehicles | Yes |
| Suitable for semi-trailers | Yes |
| Suitable for: | Semi-Trailers, Commercial vehicles, Semi-trailers, Trucks |
LED marker light neon red with bracket | 12-24v | 50cm. cable | MV-3500R
Available on backorder
SKU:
MV-3500R
| Weight | 0.048 kg |
|---|---|
| Whole series | MV-3500 serie |
| Light colour | Red |
| Connectors | Open wire end |
| Filter connectors | Open wire end |
| Cable length | 50cm cable |
| Cable length filter | 0 - 50cm |
| Dimensions | 60 x 46 x 15mm |
| Voltage | 12-24v |
| Voltage filter | 12-24v |
| Shape | Square |
| Housing material | Polycarbonate |
| Protection class | IP68 |
| Centre distance | 38 / 47mm |
| Mounting bracket | Excl. mounting bracket |
| Housing colour | Black |
| lens material | Polycarbonate |
| Certification | CE, ECE-R10, ECE-R3, ECE-R7 |
| Lens colour | White |
| Warranties | 2 years |
| Mounting | Surface mounting |
| Brand | Horpol |
| Side marker lights | No |
| Rear marker lights | Yes |
| Front marker lights | No |
| Side indicators | No |
| Reflectors | With reflector |
| Width | 60mm |
| Width filter | 51-60mm |
| Height | 46mm |
| Height filter | 41-50mm |
| Depth | 15mm |
| Depth filter | 11-20mm |
| Suitable for trucks | Yes |
| Suitable for semi-trailer | Yes |
| Suitable for commercial vehicles | Yes |
| Suitable for semi-trailers | Yes |
| Suitable for: | Semi-Trailers, Commercial vehicles, Semi-trailers, Trucks |
When will these rules be deployed Europe-wide?
Since 7 July 2024, it is mandatory within the entire European Union that all newly sold trucks and buses (categories N2, N3, M2, M3) are equipped with a turn-off assistant or blind spot warning system as standard. This obligation stems from the EU regulation 2019/2144 and applies in addition to national measures such as in Germany. No retrofit obligation is included for existing vehicles (yet), but member states can apply their own rules, as Germany does for LHVs.
New EU regulations since 2025 for heavy semi-trailers from 3500 kg onwards
From 1 January 2025, the amended UNECE Regulation R48 requires all newly authorised O3 and O4 semi-trailers to be equipped with side lighting that flashes synchronously with the direction indicator. This may be achieved with flashing side marker lights or with a separate side direction indicator. More in the article on semi-trailer lighting rules.
Disclaimer:
At TRALERT®, we do our best to keep the information in this article as accurate and up-to-date as possible, including the regulations surrounding vehicle lighting. However, legislation can change regularly, and although we make every effort to implement these changes in a timely manner, it is possible that certain updates or adjustments have not yet been incorporated into this article. We therefore always advise our readers to check the current legislation with their local government or regulatory bodies, especially when it comes to exceptions or specific national regulations. TRALERT® is not liable for any damages or fines resulting from outdated or incomplete information in this article.
If in doubt, always contact the competent authority to ensure that your vehicle meets all legal requirements.
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Author
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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