ECE R5: parking lights and rear lights

The ECE R5 regulation focuses on the specifications for parking lights (position lights) and rear lights of vehicles. This standard is designed to ensure the visibility of vehicles, especially when parked or driving in poorly lit environments. It ensures that vehicles are clearly visible to other road users, thereby contributing to road safety.

Importance of parking lights and rear lights

Parking lights and rear lights play a crucial role in road safety. They ensure that vehicles are visible, both in the dark and in poor weather conditions. ECE R5 helps to guarantee consistent performance of these lights, reducing the risk of accidents.

Specifications of ECE R5

Parking lights (position lights)

Parking lights, also known as position lights, are designed to make a stationary vehicle visible to other road users. ECE R5 specifies the light intensity, light color, and placement of these lights to ensure they are clearly visible without dazzling other drivers.

Rear lights

Rear lights ensure that a vehicle is visible from behind to other road users. The standard specifies the requirements for light intensity, color (usually red), and placement of these lights to guarantee maximum visibility and safety.

Who is ECE R5 intended for?

ECE R5 is bedoeld voor voertuigfabrikanten, leveranciers van voertuigverlichting, en monteurs die verantwoordelijk zijn voor de installatie en het onderhoud van parkeerlichten en achterlichten. De norm is van toepassing op alle motorvoertuigen en aanhangwagens die op de openbare weg worden gebruikt.

Implementatie van ECE R5

If you want to comply with the standard, you must ensure that parking lights and rear lights meet the following:

      • Inspection and certification: All lights must be inspected and certified according to ECE R5 standards before they are brought to market.
      • Proper installation: Technicians must ensure that the lights are correctly installed and meet the placement requirements as specified in the standard.
      • Regular inspections: Vehicles must be regularly checked to ensure that the lights are functioning correctly.

Conclusion

ECE R5 is an essential standard for the approval of parking lights and rear lights in vehicles. Compliance with this standard improves the visibility of vehicles, contributing to overall road safety. Vehicle manufacturers and technicians play a crucial role in adhering to this standard.

Although the ECE R4 regulation focuses on the photometric specifications of incandescent lamps, it is also important to consider the durability and protection of these lamps.

Incandescent lamps in vehicles can be exposed to various environmental conditions, such as rain, dust, and mud.

This is where the IP rating comes into play, indicating how well a product is protected against these influences. When selecting incandescent lamps for vehicles, it is advisable to also consider the IP rating to ensure the reliability and longevity of the lighting.