Standards for corner lights on vehicles

ECE R119 is a European standard that provides guidelines for the approval of corner lamps on vehicles. A corner lamp provides additional lighting to the part of the road close to the front corner of the vehicle, specifically on the side where the vehicle turns.

These lights improve visibility during cornering, which is essential for the safety of both the driver and other road users.

What does the ECE R119 Standard describe?

• Light intensity
• Colour of light
• Installation position
• Electrical connection
• Photometric stability

Light intensity

Corner lamps must provide a specific light intensity that meets both minimum and maximum requirements. The intensity is measured at different angles to ensure that the lighting illuminates corners sufficiently without blinding other road users. After 10 minutes of use, the light intensity must remain constant. This ensures that the lights function reliably even after long-term use.

Colour of light

The light emitted by corner lights must be white. This blends well with other lighting on the road. Outside the light distribution area, there should be no abrupt colour changes. This prevents confusion for other road users and contributes to uniform light distribution.

Installation position

Corner lamps must be placed between 250 mm and 900 mm above the ground. They must not be higher than the vehicle's low beam lights. This height ensures that the lighting functions effectively.

In addition, the lights must be mounted within 1,000 mm of the front of the vehicle. This placement provides optimum visibility during cornering.

Electrical connection

Corner lights only switch on when the vehicle's direction indicator or steering wheel indicates that a turn is being made. As soon as the indicator is cancelled or the steering wheel returns to its straight position, the lights switch off automatically.

This prevents unnecessary energy consumption and guarantees correct operation. Also, the corner lights activate during reversing, but switch off when the reversing lights are no longer active. In addition, the lights automatically switch off at speeds above 40 km/h to prevent dazzling other road users.

Photometric stability

Corner lights must continue to perform stably even after prolonged use. The light intensity must not change significantly during a 15-minute test period. This stability is important to ensure that the lights perform consistently, even in challenging conditions.

Related topics: ECE-R87 (position lights) / ECE R10 (Electromagnetic Compatibility - EMC) / ECE R48 (Lighting and Signalling Installation)

Frequently asked questions about ECE R119

Why are corner lights important for road safety?

Corner lights provide better road visibility during cornering. This allows the driver to notice obstacles and other road users more quickly, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

External source: For more details on ECE R119 and other lighting standards, visit the official UNECE website.