Rear fog lights are essential for road safety, especially in poor visibility or severe weather conditions. But is a rear fog light required on a trailer? And in which situations is it necessary?

In this blog, you will read:
How the regulations and installation requirements are according to the ECE R48 standard.

Is a fog light mandatory on a trailer?

Yes, a fog light is mandatory, depending on the weight and year of manufacture of the trailer, according to the European ECE R48 regulations. Specifically:

Trailers up to 750 kg:

  • Since July 1, 2006, trailers must be equipped with at least one fog light, unless the towing vehicle does not have a fog light.

Trailers over 750 kg:

  • A fog light is mandatory for trailers built after December 31, 1997.
  • For trailers built before this date, there is no requirement.

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A rear fog light must be installed in the center or to the left of the center plane of the trailer.

  • Number and position: For 1 rear fog light: placed to the left of the center or in the center. For 2 rear fog lights: symmetrically positioned on the left and right sides of the rear.
  • Height: Between 0.25 meters and 1.20 meters above the road surface.
  • Distance to other lighting: At least 10 cm distance from the nearest brake light to prevent confusion.
  • Activation: The rear fog light may only operate when the dipped headlights or main beam headlights of the towing vehicle are on.

Two fog lights: These are mounted symmetrically on the left and right sides of the rear.

Important considerations when using the rear fog light

When connecting a trailer with its own rear fog light, it is necessary to immediately deactivate the rear fog light of the towing vehicle.

This prevents the light from reflecting off the trailer, which could lead to reduced visibility and even dangerous glare for other road users.

It is very important to always check whether your vehicle and trailer are equipped with this feature. Especially in foggy conditions, this contributes to optimal safety and improved visibility on the road. Avoid risks by not forgetting this check!

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More about the European ECE R48 regulations

In this blog, we have based our information on the rules and installation guidelines derived from the European ECE R48 regulation. This regulation forms the foundation for all legal requirements concerning vehicle lighting in Europe.

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