ECE R65: what is this regulation for warning lamps?

What is ECE regulation 65?

The standard applies to various shapes of warning lights, such as beacons, flashing beacons, warning lights and beacon beams. An approved light meets established international visibility requirements.

The standard focuses on the technical performance of the light itself. Separate installation regulations under ECE Regulation 48 apply to mounting.

Would you like to know how this lighting is used in practice on vehicles, such as flashing beacons, warning lights and rotating light bars?
Then read our guide on regulations for flashing beacons and warning lights on vehicles.

ECE R65 certified

When a flashing light is ECE R65 certified, it is officially tested according to international regulations. During type approval, the photometric features are measured at a minimum distance of 25 metres at different angles round the reference axis.

• light output (candela)
• light distribution around the light
• Warning light colour(amber or blue)
• truck methods for light intensity and colour

Video: the difference between ECE R65 Class 1 and Class 2

Within ECE R65, there is a clear distinction between two intensity classes. The difference is in light output and application:

Class	Intensity	Typical application
Class 1	Standard light output (one level)	Night and normal conditions (most tractors and recovery vehicles)
Class 2	Higher light output (two levels: day and night mode)	Daytime, bright sunlight, bad weather, wide agricultural machinery and work traffic with a lot of ambient light

Summary: Class 1 is sufficient for most night-time applications. Class 2 is brighter and often features an automatic or manual day/night switch, ensuring the light remains clearly visible during the day without causing glare at night. Read more about ECE R65 Class 2 here.

What does TA1 / TA2 mean at ECE R65?

On the marking, you often see TA1 or TA2:

• T = Category T (360° rotating or flashing light)
• A = amber (orange)
• 1 = Class 1
• 2 = Class 2

To which vehicles does the standard apply?

The scheme applies to vehicles of categories M, N, O, T and mobile machinery (construction, agriculture, infrastructure).

Requirements flashing light with magnetic base

Since Amendment 5 / Supplement 12, UN/ECE R65 includes an additional truck for magnetically attached special warning lamps. This amendment is included in Annex 9 of the official UNECE documentation.

Difference ECE R65 and ECE R10

R65 is about lighting performance. R10 is about electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Find out more in our article on ECE R10.

Mounting of ECE R65 lighting on vehicles (ECE R48)

ECE R48 stipulates that the light must be mounted so that the required light distribution is not blocked.

Official ECE R65 PDF

Are you looking for the official ECE R65 PDF? Please note that UN/ECE R65 is not always available as one fully merged PDF file. The regulations consist of a basic document of Regulation No 65 Revision 2, supplemented by subsequent amendments and supplements.

View the official UNECE documents for Regulation No. 65

Frequently asked questions about ECE R65

What is ECE R65 approval?

Official type approvals according to international standards for light output and visibility.

What does R65 lighting have to comply with?

For Category T, a 360° horizontal light distribution with minimum values according to Annex 5 applies.

Are ECE R65 flashing beacons mandatory?

That depends on the vehicle category and national regulations.

TRALERT® lighting with ECE R65 certification

View our range of ECE R65-certified warning lights, including flashing lights, warning lights and beacons.

Disclaimer: At TRALERT® we make every effort to keep the information in this article as accurate and up-to-date as possible. Legislation may change. We always recommend checking current legislation with your local authority. TRALERT® is not liable for damages or fines due to outdated information.