UN R48 Supplement 9 (07 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 9 to the 07 series of amendments
Supplement 8 → 9
- What changed
- New paragraph 6.27. adds the optional reversing projection. This is a light signal projected on the ground by reversing projectors to give other road users enhanced recognition of reversing indication.
- Paragraph 6.12.1. deletes the 2 m width limit for optional parking lamps on motor vehicles not exceeding 6 m in length.
- For semi-trailers, the foremost side retro-reflector may now be up to 4 m from the front, instead of 3 m (para. 6.17.4.3.).
- Why
- The reversing projection proposal aims at enhanced recognition of the reversing signal by patterns projected on the road.
- Some M1 vehicles are now wider than 2 m, and the old paragraph 6.12. did not allow parking lamps on them.
- Side-marker lamps usually include retro-reflectors, and a different limit for the foremost side retro-reflector can make two devices necessary on a semi-trailer.
Q1What changed53 changes
Reversing projection: definitions, colour and patterns (paras. 2.5.21., 2.7.10., 2.7.11., 5.9.4., 5.15., 5.36. and Annex 17)
A “reversing projection” is a light signal projected on the ground by reversing projectors to give other road users enhanced recognition of reversing indication (para. 2.7.11.). Paragraphs 2.5.21. and 2.7.10. add definitions of “reversing projector” and of the “basic element” of a reversing projection. The colour of the reversing projection is white (para. 5.15.). The patterns must use only the basic elements listed in new Annex 17, which lists a rectangle (para. 5.36.2.1.). Each pattern must have one or more basic elements of the same type in a line (para. 5.36.2.2.). The reversing projection may vary with the steering wheel angle and/or the speed of the vehicle and/or the proximity to an obstacle (para. 5.9.4.).
Use of reversing projections: switching, overlap, wipers and rear cameras (paras. 5.10.3., 5.36.4. to 5.36.6. and 6.27.7.)
The reversing projections may be switched ON only when the reversing lamps are switched ON (para. 6.27.7.1.). When more than one projection is switched ON at the same time, the projected patterns must not overlap (para. 5.36.4.). Paragraph 5.36.5. sets a luminous intensity limit for reversing projections after two minutes or more of continuous wiper operation. Above that limit, the projection must switch OFF or reduce its intensity to the limit or less. The applicant must give sufficient evidence that the reversing projection will not negatively affect rear camera system performance as defined in UN Regulation No. 158. For the rules on light that could give rise to confusion, no account is now taken of reversing projections (para. 5.10.3.).
Presence, number, projection area and visibility of reversing projections (para. 6.27., Annex 1 item 9.31. and Annex 14)
Under new paragraph 6.27., the reversing projection is optional, and the number is one or two reversing projections. The reversing projectors must be type approved to the 01 or later series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 148. Paragraph 6.27.5.1. limits the lateral distance of the projection's outer edge to 1,875 mm, with respect to the longitudinal plane of the vehicle. Paragraph 6.27.9.1. requires a check that no reversing projector apparent surface is directly visible from the boundary of the zone of Annex 14. If the requirement of paragraph 6.27.9.1. is not fulfilled, paragraph 5.12.1.2.(b) in the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 148 applies. New item 9.31. of the Annex 1 communication form records the reversing projection, and the Annex 14 title now also names reversing projectors.
Width limit for parking lamps deleted (para. 6.12.1.)
Paragraph 6.12.1. deletes the condition “not exceeding 2 m in width” for parking lamps. Before this supplement, parking lamps were optional on motor vehicles not exceeding 6 m in length and not exceeding 2 m in width.
Foremost side retro-reflector on semi-trailers (para. 6.17.4.3.)
For semi-trailers, the foremost side retro-reflector may now be up to 4 m from the front, instead of 3 m (para. 6.17.4.3.). For other vehicles, the limit of 3 m from the front does not change.
Q2Why it changed
- Proposed by
- Expert from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) and experts from the International Automotive Lighting and Light-Signalling Expert Group (GTB)
- Working party
- GRE, 92nd session (April 2025)
Reasons
The reversing projection proposal intends to introduce light-signalling to other road users in the form of patterns projected on the road. The projection is intended to give enhanced recognition of the reversing signal. The proposer states that the width and length limits of the projection area let observers recognize the signal and link it to the right vehicle.
Sources (3)
“This proposal intends to introduce the possibility of light-signalling, in form of projection of patterns on the road, for other road users through new light-signalling function “Reversing projection”.”
“The reversing projection is an intentional projection onto the road surface for proving enhanced recognition of the reversing signal.”
“The proposed width limit of 1,875 mm and length value of 3,000 mm guarantee that observers are able to recognize the signal, to identify the correct relation between the reversing projector and a projecting vehicle”
According to GTB, the basic elements of the pattern give clear information and cannot be confused with road signs or markings. A rectangle is proposed as the basic element because it is generally understood as a trajectory indicator.
Sources (2)
“GTB defined basic elements of pattern that provide a clear information and cannot be confused with road signs/markings.”
“A rectangle is proposed as the basic element of Reversing projection because it is generally understood as a trajectory indicator.”
The pattern may vary with three parameters: backward speed, steering wheel angle and detection of an obstacle. The speed gives road users behind the car information on the movement of the vehicle. The steering wheel angle gives information on the predicted path of the vehicle backwards, especially to vulnerable road users. The obstacle parameter warns the driver about an obstacle behind the car.
Sources (2)
“The variation of the pattern of the reversing projection is allowed according to 3 relevant parameters: speed of the vehicle backward, steering wheel angle, detection of an obstacle.”
“The second one provides information on the predictive trajectory of the vehicle backwards, especially to the vulnerable road users.”
Modern M1 vehicles have increased in width, for example because of safety systems and the comfort of occupants. Some of them now exceed a width of 2 m, and the old paragraph 6.12. did not allow parking lamps on them. To increase the safety of road users, the proposal extends the fitment of parking lamps to these vehicles.
Sources (3)
“Modern M1 vehicles have increased in width due to safety systems (e.g. for compliance with side impact performance requirements) and for the comfort of occupants.”
“The existing paragraph 6.12. of UN Regulation No. 48 does not allow parking lamps to be fitted to these vehicles.”
“To increase the safety of road users this proposal would extend the fitment of parking lamps to vehicles which exceed 2 m in width.”
Side-marker lamps are usually combined devices that also include retro-reflectors. An earlier amendment allowed the foremost side-marker lamp on semi-trailers up to 4 m from the front. A different requirement for the foremost side retro-reflector interferes with this typical arrangement, and two devices may be needed.
Sources (3)
“Usually, side-marker lamps are combined devices including also retro-reflectors.”
“Germany proposed to expand the 3m criteria for the foremost side-marker lamp up to 4m on semi-trailers”
“A different requirement for the foremost side-marker lamp and the foremost retro reflector interferes with this typical arrangement and two devices may be needed.”
Document trail
- 2025-02RevisedECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2024/20/Rev.1Revised GTB proposal on reversing projections
- 2025-02ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2025/4OICA proposal on the parking lamp width requirement
- 2025-02ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2025/6GTB proposal on side-marker lamps combined with retro-reflectors on semi-trailers
- —Amended in sessionGRE-92-31Improvements to the parking lamp proposal
- —Amended in sessionGRE-92-32Amendments to the reversing projection proposal at the 92nd GRE session
- —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/92GRE session report, paras. 16, 18 and 23
- 2025-08Sent to WP.29ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2025/115Text that GRE sent to WP.29 and AC.1
- 2025-11WP.29 adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/1188Adopted at the 197th session (session report, para. 110)
- 2026-06-04In forceC.N.203.2026.TREATIES-XI.B.16.48UN depositary notification
Q3Who is affected
Vehicle manufacturer
- If you fit reversing projections, explain the patterns in the owner's handbook (para. 5.36.1.).
- As the applicant, give sufficient evidence that reversing projections will not negatively affect rear camera system performance (para. 5.36.6.).
- Make sure the reversing projections cannot be switched ON unless the reversing lamps are switched ON (para. 6.27.7.1.).
- Keep the projection's outer edge within 1,875 mm laterally, with respect to the longitudinal plane of the vehicle (para. 6.27.5.1.).
- Keep the farthest edge of the projection within 3,000 mm of the backward extreme outer edge of the vehicle.
- Decide whether to fit parking lamps to motor vehicles up to 6 m long and wider than 2 m.
- On semi-trailers, place the foremost side retro-reflector not further than 4 m from the front (para. 6.17.4.3.).
Component supplier
- Have reversing projectors type approved to the 01 or later series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 148.
- Use only the basic element of Annex 17, a white rectangle, for the reversing projection patterns (para. 5.36.2.1.).
- Make sure the reversing projector type approval covers the wiper requirement of paragraph 5.36.5.
Technical service / Approval authority
- For reversing projectors, do the visual test of paragraph 6.27.9.1. with the observer zone of Annex 14.
- Accept 6.27.9.1. as met when the installation conditions comply with 5.12.1.2.(a) of the 01 series of UN Regulation No. 148.
- If the applicant asks and you agree, check the requirement of paragraph 6.27.9.1. by a drawing or simulation.
- Do not count light that light-signalling devices transmit downwards as a reversing projection (para. 5.36.3.).
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ⓘ This report gives advice only. It is not legal or type-approval advice.
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