UN R48 Supplement 15 (06 series) · UNECE Regulation No. 48 (ECE R48) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to the installation of lighting and light-signalling devices.
UN R48 — Supplement 15 to the 06 series of amendments
Supplement 14 → 15
- What changed
- Paragraph 3.2.5. now requires that the method used to determine the apparent surface is declared for each lamp, as defined in paragraph 2.5.
- For semi-trailers, the foremost side-marker lamp must now be not further than 4 m from the front, instead of 3 m.
- Why
- It was unclear whether different methods to determine the apparent surface may be used for different functions.
- On semi-trailers, the required distance of 3 m from the front for the foremost side-marker lamp cannot always be achieved.
Q1What changed8 changes
Method used to determine the apparent surface (para. 3.2.5. and item 10.2. of Annex 1)
Paragraph 3.2.5. now requires that the method used to determine the apparent surface is declared for each lamp, as defined in paragraph 2.5. It must be recorded in item 10.2. of Annex 1. In item 10.2., the two methods are no longer joined by “or”. Each method, the boundary of the illuminating surface and the light-emitting surface, is now followed by “used for the following lamp(s)”.
Foremost side-marker lamp on semi-trailers (para. 6.18.4.3.)
For semi-trailers, the foremost side-marker lamp must now be not further than 4 m from the front, instead of 3 m. For other vehicles, the limit is 3 m, as before. The distance between two adjacent side-marker lamps must still not exceed 3 m. If the structure, design or the operational use of the vehicle makes it impossible to comply, this distance may still be increased to 4 m.
Q2Why it changed
- Proposed by
- Expert from the International Automotive Lighting and Light Signalling Expert Group (GTB) and expert from Germany
- Working party
- GRE, 84th session (April 2021)
Reasons
Two proven methods exist to determine the apparent surface: the light-emitting surface and the illuminating surface. The light-emitting surface is the best choice for a clear lens without additional optics, and the illuminating surface is more adequate for textured outer lenses. It was unclear whether different methods may be used for different functions. The change to item 10.2. of Annex 1 is intended to clarify this.
Sources (5)
“For the determination of the apparent surface currently two proven methods exist.”
“For lighting and light-signaling devices with a clear lens without any additional optics the light emitting surface is the best choice”
“for the determination of the apparent surface of textured (with optics) outer lenses the illuminating surface is more adequate”
“it is unclear if the method used for the determination of the apparent surface may be differently used for different functions”
“The proposed amendment to item 10.2. of Annex 1 intends to clarify this.”
The new sentence in paragraph 3.2.5. was proposed to let the vehicle manufacturer or his duly accredited representative determine the method separately for each function. The common understanding is that the term “lamp” means “lamp (function)”.
Sources (2)
“Consequently, an additional sentence to para. 3.2.5. is proposed to allow the vehicle manufacturer or his duly accredited representative to determine the method used for the apparent surface separately for each function.”
“The common understanding is that the term “lamp” is used with the meaning of “lamp (function)”.”
On semi-trailers, the required distance of 3 m from the front for the foremost side-marker lamp cannot always be achieved. The lamp should nevertheless be installed as close as possible to the front. The proposal takes into account the special circumstances of some semi-trailers, for example curtain-side trailers.
Sources (2)
“The required distance of the foremost side-marker lamp of 3 m from the front cannot always be achieved in case of semi-trailers, nevertheless it should be installed as close as possible to the front.”
“taking into account the special circumstances of some semi-trailers (for example: curtain-side trailers)”
Document trail
- 2021-02ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2021/5GTB proposal on the apparent surface
- 2021-02ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2021/8Proposal by Germany on the foremost side-marker lamp
- —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/84GRE session report, paras. 24 and 25
- 2021-09Sent to WP.29ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/93Text that GRE sent to WP.29 and AC.1
- 2021-11WP.29 adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/1161Adopted at the 185th session (session report, para. 121)
- 2022-06-22In forceC.N.207.2022.TREATIES-XI.B.16.48UN depositary notification
Q3Who is affected
Vehicle manufacturer
- Declare the method used to determine the apparent surface for each lamp (para. 3.2.5.).
- On semi-trailers, fit the foremost side-marker lamp not further than 4 m from the front (para. 6.18.4.3.).
Component supplier
- No direct action for this role.
Technical service / Approval authority
- Check that the method used to determine the apparent surface is declared for each lamp (para. 3.2.5.).
- Check the position of the foremost side-marker lamp on semi-trailers against the 4 m limit of paragraph 6.18.4.3.
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ⓘ This report gives advice only. It is not legal or type-approval advice.
More UN R48 change reports
- 09 series — Supplement 4
- 09 series — Supplement 3
- 09 series — Supplement 2
- 09 series — Supplement 1
- 09 series — Base text
- 08 series — Supplement 9
- 08 series — Supplement 8
- 08 series — Supplement 7
- 08 series — Supplement 6
- 08 series — Supplement 5
- 08 series — Supplement 4
- 08 series — Supplement 3
- 08 series — Supplement 2
- 08 series — Supplement 1
- 08 series — Base text
- 07 series — Supplement 11
- 07 series — Supplement 10
- 07 series — Supplement 9
- 07 series — Supplement 8
- 07 series — Supplement 7
- 07 series — Supplement 6
- 07 series — Supplement 5
- 07 series — Supplement 4
- 07 series — Supplement 3
- 07 series — Supplement 2
- 07 series — Supplement 1
- 07 series — Base text
- 06 series — Supplement 24
- 06 series — Supplement 23
- 06 series — Supplement 22
- 06 series — Supplement 21
- 06 series — Supplement 20
- 06 series — Supplement 19
- 06 series — Supplement 18
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