ECE R4
- Updated:
- By: Kevin van Mierlo
Contents
Definition
The lighting term ‘ECE R4’ was previously used for the approval of number plate lights. However, this standard is no longer used for new type approvals.
As part of the UNECE’s Simplification of Lighting Regulations (SLR), ECE R4 has been merged with several other regulations to form the modern ECE R148. This change was officially introduced between 2019 and 2021 and is now recognised as the standard for light-signalling devices on vehicles.
What was the ECE R4 certification for?
The ECE R4 certification was intended for the approval of rear registration plate lighting on vehicles. This standard set requirements for light output, colour, dispersion and visibility of the light to ensure number plates are easily readable, especially in the dark. However, since the introduction of ECE R148, this certification is no longer used for new type approvals.
The new umbrella ECE R148
Are you looking for the correct requirements for the approval of number plate lighting? Then you’ll inevitably come across ECE R148. This regulation covers, amongst other things:
Licence plate lighting
Position lights
Brake lights
Indicators
Rear fog lamps
Reversing lights
Position lights and more
ECE R148 applies to vehicles in categories M, N, O and T, namely: passenger cars, commercial vehicles, trailers and agricultural vehicles.
Why this change?
The transition to R148 aims to:
More overview and simplicity in regulations
Reduced administrative burden for manufacturers
Better adapted to modern technologies such as LED illumination
Combining the original ECE regulations (such as R4, R6, R7, R23, R38, etc.) makes type approval clearer, more efficient and more future-proof.
Existing products with ECE R4
Many existing products still carry an R4 marking and may still be used for replacement on vehicles approved with them. These therefore remain legal for, for example, MOT purposes.
New type approvals
No new approvals are being granted under R4 for new vehicle types or product developments. Manufacturers and importers are obliged to certify new products under ECE R148.
Did you know that ECE R148 stems from the consolidation of no fewer than nine older ECE regulations? These include R4 (licence plate lights), R6 (indicators), R7 (position and brake lights), R23 (reversing lights), R38 (rear fog lights), R50, R77, R87 and R91.
Want to know more?
Read more here about the full content of the ECE R148 regulations and find out what your vehicle lighting must comply with.
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Author
Kevin van Mierlo
Lighting expert at TRALERT® - Kevin tests lighting and finds out everything about legislation. He can tell you all about it.
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