Regulation for side marker lights on vehicles

ECE R91 is a European standard that provides guidelines for the approval of side marker lights on vehicles.

The standard applies to side marker lights for motor vehicles and their trailers in categories M, N, O, and T. This means it applies to both light and heavy vehicles, including trailers.

These side marker lights play a crucial role in road safety by making the sides of vehicles more visible, especially in the dark or under poor weather conditions. Adhering to this standard helps manufacturers develop safe products that meet strict European safety requirements.

What does the regulation describe?

ECE R91 sets specific requirements for the performance and installation of side marker lights on vehicles. This standard focuses on important aspects such as light intensity, visibility angle, and the positioning of the side marker lights. The goal is to ensure that vehicles are clearly visible to other road users, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

Key Requirements of ECE R91

The regulation includes guidelines for various aspects of side marker lights:

  • The lights must be bright enough to remain visible under all conditions. The regulation also specifies the color of the light (usually amber or red) and the test procedures to be followed to ensure that the side marker lights meet the requirements in Candela. (For side marker lamps of category SM1: at least 4.0 cd on the reference axis).
  • The side marker lights must be visible from various angles, ensuring that the vehicle is clearly visible regardless of the position of other road users.
  • Side marker lights must be installed at specific positions on the sides of the vehicle to ensure maximum visibility.

Related Topics: Learn more about light beam and ECE-R87 daytime running lights.

Why is Compliance with ECE R91 Important?

Manufacturers must ensure that their side marker lights comply with ECE R91 to legally offer them on the European market. By adhering to the standard, the products meet legal requirements and contribute to road safety. For consumers, this means that their vehicles are equipped with lighting that meets the highest safety standards, which is especially important in poorly lit conditions.

Benefits of complying with the standard

Compliance with the ECE R91 regulation offers several benefits:

  • Increased road safety: Side marker lights that comply with the standard enhance vehicle visibility, reducing the risk of accidents.
  • Consumer Confidence: Drivers can trust that their headlamps meet strict safety standards, enhancing their safety on the road.
  • Consumer confidence: Drivers can trust that their side marker lights meet strict safety standards, enhancing their safety on the road.

Want to know more? Also, check out the benefits of E-mark certification and the role of safety standard EN12352.

Frequently Asked Questions about ECE R91

Waarom zijn zijmarkeringslichten belangrijk voor de verkeersveiligheid?

Side marker lights make vehicles more visible from the side, especially in low-visibility situations such as during the night or in bad weather. This ensures that other road users notice the vehicle in time, reducing the risk of accidents.

External Source: For more details on ECE R91 and other lighting standards, visit the official UNECE website.