Regulations on lighting for trucks and semi-trailers in Europe

Truck and trailer lighting must comply with current European legislation at all times. Compliance with these rules is not only crucial for safety, but also prevents rejection at the MOT and high fines.

It is therefore essential to understand the basis of these requirements. The guidelines for all mandatory and permitted truck lighting are set out in ECE-R48 (Regulation concerning the mounting of lighting and light-signalling devices).

In this overview, we translate this complex legislation into practical steps.

In this blog you will read:

• Which lights are mandatory on trucks and how to comply with ECE-R48 requirements.
• The specific side marker lighting requirements, including mandatory placement and dimensions.
• The technical requirements and standards (such as ECE-R10) for LED lighting on your semi-trailer are essential to prevent interference.
• The rules for side marker lights and end marker lights, which are crucial for contouring your vehicle.
• National exemptions in key countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France and the UK.

Compulsory lighting & side marker lighting

The ECE-R48 defines the basic obligations. Below you can read the specifications per vehicle category, with the requirements of side marker lighting and side marker lights in particular differing.

Lighting regulations for light commercial vehicles and small trucks (N1 vehicles)

Vehicles in the N1 category have a maximum permitted weight of 3.5 tonnes. These are usually light commercial vehicles and small trucks. For these vehicles, certain lighting elements are mandatory to ensure visibility and allow safe operation on the road. Below are the main lighting requirements for this category.

Lighting type	Number	Location	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Headlamps	Quantity2	Installation: At least 500 mm from the ground	Specific requirements: Main beamand low beam lights are mandatory
Lightingtype: Rear lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Brake lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Indicators	Quantity4	Installation: Front and rear	Specific requirements
Lighting type: Daytime running lights	Quantity2	Front Installation	Specific requirements Mandatory for all newly registered trucks and buses in the EU since 2023. Trailers and semi-trailers remain exempt.
Lighting type: Reversing lights	Quantity1–2	Location	Specific requirements One reverse light is mandatory for vehicles under 6 metres in length. For vehicles longer than 6 metres, two reverse lights are mandatory.
Lightingtype: Reflectors	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements: Red reflectors, mandatory for all vehicles

Europe has set its standards for lighting in the ECE regulations, which are followed by the 56 UNECE member states.

• Contour markings: Mandatory for long vehicles (over 6 metres), such as N3 and O4 vehicles. These markings provide extra visibility in the dark.

Lighting regulations for medium-duty trucks (N2 vehicles)

Vehicles in the N2 category weigh between 3.5 and 12 tonnes. These are medium-duty trucks, which are subject to additional lighting requirements due to their size and weight. Side marker lights are particularly important for this category, especially for vehicles longer than 6 metres.

Lighting type	Number	Location	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Headlamps	Quantity2	Installation: At least 500 mm from the ground	Specific requirements: Main beamand low beam lights are mandatory
Lightingtype: Rear lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Brake lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Indicators	Quantity4	Installation: Front and rear	Specific requirements
Lighting type: Daytime running lights	Quantity2	Front Installation	Specific requirements Mandatory for all newly registered trucks and buses in the EU since 2023. Trailers and semi-trailers remain exempt.
Lighting type: Reversing lights	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements: Mandatory when reversing
Lightingtype: Fog lights	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements: Mandatory in adverse weather conditions
Lighting type: Side marker lights	Quantity: Min. 2	Position: Side, fitted at 3-metre intervals on vehicles >6m	Specific requirements: Mandatory for vehicles longer than 6m
Lightingtype: Reflectors	Quantity: Min. 2	Installation: Rearand side	Specific requirements: Mandatory

 

Lighting regulations for heavy-duty trucks (N3 vehicles)

Vehicles in the N3 category are heavy trucks weighing more than 12 tonnes. Stricter lighting rules apply to this category, especially for side and contour marker lights, to increase the visibility of the vehicle, especially at night and in bad weather conditions.

Lighting type	Number	Location	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Headlamps	Quantity2	Installation: At least 500 mm from the ground	Specific requirements: Main beamand low beam lights are mandatory
Lightingtype: Rear lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Brake lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Indicators	Quantity4	Installation: Front and rear	Specific requirements
Lighting type: Daytime running lights	Quantity2	Front Installation	Specific requirements Mandatory for all newly registered trucks and buses in the EU since 2023. Trailers and semi-trailers remain exempt.
Lighting type: Reversing lights	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements: Mandatory when reversing
Lightingtype: Fog lights	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements: Mandatory in adverse weather conditions
Lighting type: Side marker lights	Quantity: Min. 2	Position: Side, fitted at 3-metre intervals on vehicles >6m	Specific requirements: Mandatory for vehicles longer than 6m
Lightingtype: Contour marker lights	Quantity: Min. 2	Position: Side, around the outline of the vehicle	Specific requirements: Mandatory for vehicles over 2.1 metres wide
Lightingtype: Reflectors	Quantity: Min. 2	Installation: Rearand side	Specific requirements: Mandatory

Lighting on semi-trailers: technical requirements and legislation

The transition to LED lighting on semi-trailers entails specific technical requirements. Due to the low power consumption of LEDs, modern trucks with CANbus systems may generate error messages, and electromagnetic interference (EMC) may occur.

This is why the ECE R10 standard is crucial. This standard guarantees that lighting works fault-free and does not interfere with the electronics in the truck.

Since 1 January 2025, new semi-trailers (O4) and heavy trailers (O3) must be fitted with side lighting that flashes in synchronisation with the indicators. This requirement stems from UNECE Regulation R48 and is being introduced to improve the visibility of vehicles when viewed from the side.

This may be achieved either via flashing side marker lights or via a separate side indicator.
The regulation applies only to vehicles first registered from 2025 onwards. Existing vehicles will continue to be permitted as they are.

Regulations for lighting on light trailers and semi-trailers (O1 vehicles)

The O1 category covers light trailers and semi-trailers up to 0.75 tonnes. As these vehicles are small and light, the lighting regulations are less stringent than those for heavier semi-trailers. Nevertheless, reflectors and basic lighting are still mandatory to ensure visibility to other road users.

Lighting type	Number	Location	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Rear lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Brake lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Indicators	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Reflectors	Quantity: Min. 2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements: Red reflectors, mandatory

Regulations on lighting for medium-duty trailers and semi-trailers (O2 vehicles)

The O2 category covers semi-trailers and trailers weighing between 0.75 and 3.5 tonnes. These vehicles are heavier and larger than O1 vehicles, meaning that additional lighting, such as fog lights, is mandatory to ensure visibility.

Lighting type	Number	Location	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Rear lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Brake lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Indicators	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Fog lights	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements: Mandatory in adverse weather conditions
Lightingtype: Reflectors	Quantity: Min. 2	Installation: Rearand side	Specific requirements: Mandatory

Regulations on flashing side lighting

Since 1 January 2025, new semi-trailers (O4) and heavy trailers (O3) must be fitted with side lighting that flashes in synchronisation with the indicators. This requirement stems from UNECE Regulation R48 and is being introduced to improve the visibility of vehicles when viewed from the side.

This may be achieved either via flashing side marker lights or via a separate side indicator.
The regulation applies only to vehicles first registered from 2025 onwards. Existing vehicles will continue to be permitted as they are.

Regulations on lighting for heavy trailers and semi-trailers (O3 vehicles)

The O3 category covers semi-trailers and trailers weighing between 3.5 and 10 tonnes. For this category, in addition to standard rear lights, reversing lights and side marker lights are also mandatory. This increases the vehicle’s visibility, particularly when manoeuvring or driving in the dark.

Lighting type	Number	Location	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Rear lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Brake lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Indicators	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements
Lighting type: Reversing lights	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements: Mandatory when reversing
Lighting type: Side marker lights	Quantity: Min. 2	Position: Side, installed every 3 metres	Specific requirements: Mandatory for vehicles longer than 6m
Lightingtype: Reflectors	Quantity: Min. 2	Installation: Rearand side	Specific requirements: Mandatory

Regulations on lighting for heavy semi-trailers and trailers (O4 vehicles)

Vehicles in the O4 category are heavy trailers weighing over 10 tonnes. Due to their size and weight, these vehicles are required to have additional lighting and contour markings to indicate their dimensions, particularly when driving in the dark or in poor weather conditions.

Lighting type	Number	Location	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Rear lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Brake lights	Quantity2	Installation: On both sides at the rear	Specific requirements
Lightingtype: Indicators	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements
Lighting type: Reversing lights	Quantity2	Installation: Rear	Specific requirements: Mandatory when reversing
Lighting type: Side marker lights	Quantity: Min. 2	Position: Side, installed every 3 metres	Specific requirements: Mandatory for vehicles longer than 6m
Lightingtype: Contour marker lights	Quantity: Min. 2	Position: Sideand rear, around the outline of the vehicle	Specific requirements: Mandatory for vehicles over 2.1 metres wide
Lightingtype: Reflectors	Quantity: Min. 2	Installation: Rearand side	Specific requirements: Mandatory

Truck side marker lights requirements

Here are the main requirements according to European regulations (ECE R91):

• Obligation: side marker lights are mandatory for trucks longer than 6 metres.
• Number: minimum 2 side marker lights per side.
• Placement: lights must be placed along the side of the vehicle, with a maximum distance of 3 metres between individual lights.
• Light colour: side marker lights must be amber coloured.
• ECE regulations: the technical requirements for side marker lights are laid down in ECE R91. This includes aspects such as light output, reflectivity, and correct positioning.

According to ECE R48 regulations, side marker lights must be correctly positioned. The distance between the side marker lights must not be too great to ensure that the truck or semi-trailer is clearly visible, particularly in the dark or in bad weather.

The ECE regulations that apply

Different ECE regulations apply to the installation and use of vehicle lighting in Europe. Here are the most important ones you need to know:

• Installation of vehicle lighting, such as the positioning, height and spacing of headlights, rear lights and indicators – ECE R48
• Regulations for indicators – ECE R6
• Requirements for rear lights and brake lights - ECE R7
• Reversing lights - ECE R23
• Side marker lights for long vehicles - ECE R91
• Position lights (DRL) - ECE R87

Long and Heavy Vehicles (LHVs)

Additional lighting requirements apply to Long and Heavy Vehicles (LHVs), which are longer than the standard 18.75 metres and weigh more than 60 tonnes. LHVs must be equipped with:

• Side marker lights along the entire length of the vehicle.
• Contour markings to make the full extent of the vehicle visible.

What colour lighting is permitted?

Below is an overview of the most important guidelines for the colour of truck lighting:

Red light:
Only permitted at the rear of a vehicle. The use of red light at the front is not allowed to avoid confusion.

White light:
Mandatory for vehicle front lighting such as main and low beam lights, side marker lights and position lights.

Amber coloured light:
Permitted for indicators and warning signals. Officially, this type of lighting may only be used to warn or inform other road users.

Safety signalling rules

Vehicles that pose an additional risk on the road or are carrying out work on or alongside the road must, in many situations, be made more visible. Orange warning lights, warning lights and beacor bars increase this visibility and support safe working in and around traffic. Which signalling devices are required or permitted depends on the type of vehicle, the work being carried out and the situation on public roads. You can read all about it in this article, or in the specific article on regulations for beacor bars. Browse our range of LED beacon bars and beacon bars for certified lighting that ensures you can drive in full compliance with the law.

Complete lighting kits to ensure immediate compliance with all regulations

To ensure full compliance with all truck lighting legislation in one go, TRALERT® has developed plug-&-play lighting kits for semi-trailers and 24-volt trailers. This enables drivers to work safely and with good visibility throughout Europe.

National exceptions

Although European regulations are the same in many countries, there are some exceptions and additional requirements from country to country. Here are the main national differences:

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the rules for vehicle lighting and warning lighting are laid down in the Regeling Voertuigen and additional guidelines for agricultural vehicles and other vehicles driving slowly on public roads.

• Fog lights: rear fog lights are mandatory in case of poor visibility (less than 50 metres) due to fog or heavy rain.
• Warning lights: Agriculture and forestry vehicles must have orange warning lights when driving on public roads.
• Side marker lighting: Vehicles wider than 2.10 metres must have side marker lighting.

Source: Government of the Netherlands – Vehicle Lighting Requirements

Germany

In Germany, the rules for vehicle lighting fall under the Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO). This regulates the technical requirements for all vehicles on the road, including lighting.

• Warning lights: additional warning lights are mandatory for vehicles wider than 2.55 metres or longer than 18.75 metres.
• Side marker lights: Mandatory for vehicles longer than 6 metres, with a maximum distance of 3 metres between lights.
• Contour marking: Long and wide vehicles must have white or yellow contour markings on the sides and red on the rear.

Source: Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) – StVZO

Italy

In Italy, there are strict requirements for vehicles using tunnels, especially in mountainous areas. These rules are contained in the Codice della Strada, the Italian highway code.

• Warning lights: Additional warning lights are required in tunnels for vehicles with different dimensions.
• Reflectors: Vehicles must have additional reflectors at the front and rear to be visible in dark tunnels.
• Fog lights: the use of fog lights is mandatory in poor visibility, such as in foggy tunnels or during heavy rain.

Source: Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport – Highway Code

France

In France, the rules for position lights are laid down in the Code de la Route, the French highway code. This legislation is in line with European standards and places additional emphasis on the use of position lights (DRL).

• Daytime running lights (DRL): Mandatory for all trucks on all types of roads, regardless of whether they are inside or outside built-up areas.
• Fog lights: Mandatory in bad weather conditions, especially in mountainous areas and tunnels.

Source: Service Public – Vehicle lighting regulations

United Kingdom

After the Brexit, the UK largely continues to follow European regulations (ECE), but with some adjustments specific to agricultural vehicles and reflectors. The rules are set out in the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989.

• Reflectors on agricultural vehicles: Mandatory reflectors on agricultural vehicles, including orange and red reflectors on the rear and sides.
• Contour marking: For wider vehicles, additional contour markings are mandatory to indicate the outline of the vehicle.

Source: GOV.UK – Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations

Despite the Brexit, the United Kingdom (UK) continues to largely adhere to the vehicle lighting standards of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

Do you want to be sure that your truck lighting complies with all regulations? Find out what we can do for you in the field of truck lighting.

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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.