ECE R149 vs ECE R112: driving lights for trucks

For your selection, it is especially important which light functions are approved and whether the light is suitable for your application. The historical regulation number is less important here than many people think. That is why, in this article, we will help you quickly understand what to look out for when selecting lighting for your truck.

The full definition of ECE R149 can be found in our explanation of ECE R149. In this article you can read about the practical difference from ECE R112 for driving lights, lightbars and driving lights for trucks.

In this article, you will read:

• What ECE R149 regulates;
• What ECE R112 regulated;
• What the difference means for trucks;
• why the reference number remains important;
• What you look out for with E-test, R10 and mounting.

What does ECE R149 regulate?

ECE R149 is the consolidated UN regulation for road illumination devices: low beam, high beam, headlights and related high beam lighting. The regulation combines a series of older regulations, including R19, R98, R112, R113, R119 and R123, into one approval framework.

Since 14 November 2021, ECE R149 has been the framework for new type approvals. The official regulation text can be found on the UNECE website.

What did ECE R112 regulate?

ECE R112 covered headlights with asymmetrical low beam, high beam or both. The regulation applied to versions with incandescent lamps and, in later versions, with LED modules. Many existing headlights and supplementary high-beam units can therefore still carry an R112 marking.

Products previously approved under R112 do not automatically lose their type approvals with the advent of R149. Whether application on a specific vehicle is permitted also depends on mounting, function, vehicle category and national application requirements.

ECE R149 vs ECE R112: the main difference

The core difference is in scope and in the moment of approval.

Section	ECE R112	ECE R149
Role	Specific, older regulations	Consolidated RID regulation
Focus	Headlights, dimming lights and high beams	Road illumination devices: headlights, high beam, front fog lights and related functions
Status	Visible in older documentation	Framework for new approvals
Focal point	Check existing E-marking	Check function and application

What does this mean for trucks?

For trucks, it is rarely about the standard headlight alone. Many vehicles get additional high beams in the shape of a lightbar or driving lights on the bumper, grille or sun visor. Those units fall under the same approval logic.

A lightbar approved as a high beam for use on public roads must have a valid type approval for that function. For new approvals, this will usually be under R149; older products may still have a valid R112 marking. In the absence of a valid approval, the unit is not allowed on public roads, no matter how powerful it is.

Please also note the reference number

A valid approval is not the only thing that counts. An approved high beam function usually carries a reference number that expresses the maximum light output. The sum of all reference numbers of the high-beam functions on one vehicle must not exceed 100. That limit, defined in the installation requirements under UN R48, corresponds to about 430,000 candela.

Practical advantage: an individually approved lightbar can still put a vehicle out of compliance. As soon as the accumulated reference numbers of the headlamp main beam and the additional driving lights exceed 100, the combination is not permitted. Therefore, add up the reference numbers before mounting, not only during an inspection.

R149 and R10: two different approvals

A common confusion concerns the distinction between R149 and ECE R10. R149 is about the light function and type approval of the lighting itself. R10 is about electromagnetic compatibility (EMC): the degree to which an electrical component does not cause or experience interference.

For LED lighting with integrated electronics, R10 is an important additional consideration in many vehicle applications in addition to lighting technology approval.

E-testing for truck driving lights

Please check the following points when purchasing or mounting:

• Is the light approved for the function you need, such as high beam, low beam or work light?
• Is the E mark visible on the housing or lens?
• Is the reference number known and does it fit within the sum of 100?
• Is the lighting suitable for 12V or 24V, matching the vehicle?
• Does R10/EMC play a role in electronic control?
• Does the mounting position fit within the permitted application?

Driving lights for trucks

Those putting together additional driving lights weigh up approval, reference number and mounting position. Our selection guide for LED lightbars helps with this consideration. When doing so, always check the current product documentation and national application requirements, as these may differ from country to country.

Frequently asked questions

Has ECE R112 been replaced by ECE R149?

Yes. Since 14 November 2021, ECE R149 has been the framework for new type approvals of headlights and high beams. ECE R112 has been merged into it. Products previously approved under R112 do not automatically lose their type approvals. Whether application on a vehicle is permitted also depends on mounting and national requirements.

Does ECE R149 also apply to trucks?

Yes. ECE R149 applies to all motor vehicle categories, including commercial vehicles such as trucks. For additional driving lights on trucks, such as lightbars and driving lights, a valid R149 approval is the starting point. Work lights are not covered by this and may not be used as driving lights on public roads.

Is an R112 mark still valid?

Yes. A product with a valid R112 marking does not lose that approval with the advent of R149. So you do not need to replace existing, approved lighting. Whether the light is permitted on a specific vehicle does depend on mounting and national requirements. In new purchases, you will increasingly come across R149.

What is the difference between ECE R149 and ECE R10?

ECE R149 regulates the light function and type approval of lighting such as high beam and low beam. ECE R10 regulates the electromagnetic compatibility of electrical components. So an LED lamp may need both R149 and R10 approval: the former for the light, the latter for the electronics.

Approved driving lights for your trucks

Are you looking for driving lights, lightbars or driving lights with the right approval for 12V or 24V applications? Check out the range of lighting for trucks or put your situation to our technical advisors for tailored advice.