UN R48 — Supplement 24 to the 06 series of amendments

A “direction indicator projection” is a light signal projected on the ground to give other road users enhanced recognition of the direction indication (para. 2.7.13.). A “direction indicator projector” is a device used to provide direction indication projection (para. 2.5.22.). The “basic element” of a projection is the single shape that composes the projected patterns (para. 2.7.12.). The colour of direction indicator projections is amber, and they must be flashing lamps (paras. 5.15. and 5.9.1.). Light transmitted downwards by light-signalling devices is not considered a direction indicator projection (para. 5.37.3.).

The patterns may use only the basic elements of new Annex 18, a chevron, in a straight line (paras. 5.37.2.1. and 5.37.2.2.). Annex 18 gives amber as the colour of the basic element. Minor deviations from the shape of the basic element on the road, due to technical restrictions or environmental conditions, are considered to comply (Annex 18). The number, size, ratio and spacing of the basic elements are not restricted if the requirements of paragraph 6.28.5. are met (para. 5.37.2.3.). Each projection may have only one straight line of patterns (para. 6.28.9.3.). If projections are provided, the manufacturer must give the list of patterns, and the owner's handbook must explain them (paras. 3.2.10. and 5.37.1.).

Under new paragraph 6.28., the direction indicator projection is optional. Categories M and N may have one front and/or one rear projection per side; categories O3 and O4 may have one rear projection per side. The projectors must be type approved to the 01 or later series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 148. For arrangement and position, the provisions of paragraphs 6.28.5., 6.28.6. and 6.28.9.1. to 6.28.9.4. apply (paras. 6.28.3. and 6.28.4.). The orientation must be such that paragraph 6.28.5.1. or 6.28.5.2., whichever applies, is fulfilled (para. 6.28.6.). A tell-tale for the projection is optional (para. 6.28.8.).

A front projection may extend at most 5,000 mm ahead of the vehicle front and 1,500 mm beyond its outer edge (para. 6.28.5.1.). A rear projection may extend at most 2,000 mm behind the vehicle rear and 1,500 mm beyond its outer edge (para. 6.28.5.2.). The inner boundary of the projection area is at least 300 mm from the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle. The patterns of each front and each rear projection must start with their closest edge within a limited zone (paras. 6.28.5.3. and 6.28.5.4.).

A projection may switch ON only when the same-side direction indicator lamps are ON and the vehicle speed is 15 km/h or less. A projection that is already ON may stay ON until the direction indicator is deactivated (para. 6.28.7.4.). A projection that is ON must flash in phase and at the same frequency as the direction indicator lamp (para. 6.28.7.1.). When the hazard warning signal is ON, all the projections must not be switched ON at the same time (para. 6.28.7.3.). The rear projection must not switch ON in forward gear, nor the front projection in reverse gear, with one exception (para. 6.28.9.4.). The exception applies when the horizontal angle of the direction of the projections to the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle exceeds 45°.

A visual test from the zone boundary shown in Annex 14 checks that no projector apparent surface is directly visible (para. 6.28.9.1.). The zone planes are 10 m from the front, rear and sides of the vehicle and extend 1 m to 3 m above the ground. If the requirement of paragraph 6.28.9.1. is not met, paragraph 5.13.1.2.(b) of the 01 series of UN Regulation No. 148 applies (para. 6.28.9.2.). The related indication must be made in the communication form in Annex 1 (para. 6.28.9.2.). The title of Annex 14 now also names direction indicator projectors.

After two minutes of continuous wiper operation, a projection above the intensity limit must switch OFF or reduce to the limit or less (para. 5.37.4.). Conformity to the wiper rule is checked at the type approval of the direction indicator projector and shown in the related communication form (para. 5.37.4.). New Annex 1 item 9.32. has yes/no entries for the front and the rear direction indicator projection. Items 9.32.1.1. and 9.32.2.1. record whether the maximum luminous intensity under paragraph 5.37.4. is at most the limit or reduced to at most the limit. Items 9.32.1.2. and 9.32.2.2. record whether the projector meets paragraph 5.13.1.2.(a) or (b) of UN Regulation No. 148, according to paragraph 6.28.9.