UN R48 Base text (09 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 — 09 series of amendments
Changes from 08 series of amendments (supplement 4)
- What changed
- New paragraph 6.27. adds the optional answer-back signal, which helps the user to identify and find the car under the park condition.
- New inclination limits by mounting height apply to dipped-beam headlamps, and manual levelling devices are now limited to categories M2G, M3G, N2G and N3G.
- The two main-beam headlamps must now be Class B, and the two dipped-beam headlamps Class C, of UN Regulation No. 149 (01 or later series).
- Why
- Manual levelling is allowed only for off-road vehicles, because sensors for automatic levelling are a reliability risk in very harsh environments.
- Some manufacturers already make lights flash with door locking or unlocking under the park condition, to increase user convenience.
- Some lamps reach a quite stable phase after a short period, but the old definition always required a wait of at least 15 minutes.
Q1What changed266 changes
Answer-back signal (paras. 2.6.4., 5.9.4., 5.15. and 6.27. and Annex 1)
New paragraph 6.27. adds the optional answer-back signal, which helps the user to identify and find the car under the park condition. It may only be activated automatically with door locking or unlocking and/or detection of the vehicle user near the vehicle (para. 6.27.9.2.). It must come from approved lamps and exterior courtesy lamps of at most 700 cd per lamp on or above the HH line (para. 6.27.9.1.). A flashing signal must not flash faster than 2.0 Hz, and the optical indication must not exceed 3 seconds (paras. 6.27.7.2. and 6.27.9.4.). In paragraph 5.15., the answer-back signal colour, and in addition to white the exterior courtesy lamp colour, follow the specifications of the specific lamp used. Annex 1 gets new items 9.28. and 10.9. for the answer-back signal and for comments on it.
Exterior courtesy lamps (paras. 2.5.18., 6.24.2., 6.24.9.1., 6.24.9.2. and 6.24.9.4.)
The definition now covers supplementary illumination to help the vehicle user approach or depart, enter or exit, and load or unload the vehicle (para. 2.5.18.). The number is now one or two, and further lamps may also illuminate the area around the vehicle (para. 6.24.2.). With the vehicle stationary, the lamps may now also be switched ON after a driver, passenger or load compartment door is closed (para. 6.24.9.1.). Paragraph 6.24.9.2. adds that rear position lamps, parking lamps, side marker lamps and/or end-outline marker lamps may also be switched ON. To meet paragraph 6.24.9.3., the applicant may also prove that direct light in the Annex 14 test is not more than 0.5 cd per lamp. This needs the applicant's request and the consent of the Technical Service (para. 6.24.9.4.).
Dipped-beam headlamp inclination and levelling (paras. 6.2.6., 6.2.9.3. and 6.22.6., Annexes 8 and 9)
Paragraph 6.2.6.1.2. now sets inclination limits by mounting height h in a table: for 0.5 ≤ h ≤ 0.9, from -0.50 to -(h + 1.2) per cent. The old initial aiming values are deleted, and the initial downward inclination must be within the range of paragraph 6.2.6.1.2. Manually adjusted levelling devices are now permitted only for vehicles of categories M2G, M3G, N2G and N3G, and they need a stop position (para. 6.2.6.2.2.). The old paragraph 6.2.9.3., which did not apply paragraph 6.2.6.2.2. to headlamps above 2,000 lumens, is deleted. Annex 8 now requires a simple control, clearly described in the owner's handbook, and deletes the old control methods, symbol list and examples. For AFS, initial downward inclinations must also be within the range of paragraph 6.2.6.1.2., and Annex 9, paragraph 1.3.2., now uses the same table.
Front fog lamps (paras. 6.3.2., 6.3.6. and 6.3.9., Annexes 7 and 9)
Front fog lamps must now be Class “F3”, approved to UN Regulation No. 19 (03 or later series) or No. 149 (00 or later series). The old paragraph 6.3.6.1.1. for Class “B” front fog lamps, with a cut-off of -1.5 per cent or lower, is deleted. Paragraph 6.3.9. now refers to the communication form item “Luminous intensity is variable” of Annex 1 to UN Regulations Nos. 19 or 149, instead of item numbers. The Annex 7 title now refers to paragraph 6.3.6.1. instead of paragraph 6.3.6.1.2. for the front fog lamp cut-off. Paragraph 6.3.6.2.2. and Annex 9 now say only “front fog lamp”, without the class or category “F3” wording.
Type approval of headlamps, lamps and retro-reflectors (paras. 6.1. to 6.22.)
The two main-beam headlamps must now be Class B, and the two dipped-beam headlamps Class C, of UN Regulation No. 149 (01 or later series). The options for UN Regulations Nos. 98 and 112, and for Classes B or D of the 00 series of No. 149, are deleted. Up to two additional pairs of main-beam headlamps of Classes A, B or RA of UN Regulation No. 149, 00 or later series, are optional. Lamps such as stop lamps and direction-indicator lamps must now be type-approved to a named series of their regulation or of UN Regulation No. 148. Retro-reflectors must now be type-approved to UN Regulation No. 3 (02 or later series) or No. 150 (00 or later series). In paragraph 6.2.8.2., the failure tell-tale rules for the principal dipped beam now cover light source modules and other light sources, not only LED modules.
Manoeuvring lamps, daytime running lamps, photometric stability and two definitions (paras. 2.5.3., 2.5.20., 2.10.8., 6.19.7.5. and 6.26.)
Paragraph 6.26.2. now sets the number of manoeuvring lamps by vehicle length. Up to 6 m: one or two; above 6 m to 9 m: up to four; above 9 m: up to six. Manoeuvring lamps must be not more than 1,500 mm above the ground, and adjacent lamps on the same side at least 0.5 m apart. Paragraph 6.19.7.5. is reworded on which lamps are switched ON or OFF with the daytime running lamps; the 7,000 lux condition does not change. The definition of “photometric stability has occurred” now also accepts a variation of less than 1 per cent within any 5-minute period (para. 2.10.8.). The definitions of direction-indicator lamp and external status indicator now refer to UN Regulation No. 97, 116, 162 or 163 (paras. 2.5.3. and 2.5.20.).
Transitional provisions and approval marks (para. 12.8. and Annex 2)
New paragraph 12.8. sets the transitional provisions for the 09 series of amendments. For categories M, N1, O1 and O2, Contracting Parties need not accept preceding-series approvals first issued after 1 September 2027. From 1 September 2030, they need not accept preceding-series approvals or extensions for these categories. For categories N2, N3, O3 and O4, the same steps apply from 1 September 2028 and 1 September 2031 (para. 12.8.3.). Contracting Parties must continue to accept preceding-series approvals for vehicle types not affected by the 09 series changes (para. 12.8.5.). The approval mark examples in Annex 2 now show the 09 series of amendments.
Q2Why it changed
- Proposed by
- Informal Working Group on Simplification of Lighting and Light-Signalling Regulations (IWG SLR), with proposals from SIG, CLCCR, OICA and GTB
- Working party
- GRE, 89th session (October 2023)
Reasons
GRE set the vertical limit of the aiming diagram at -0.5 per cent to further mitigate potential glare. Manual levelling is allowed only for off-road vehicles, because sensors for automatic levelling are a reliability risk in very harsh environments. The rule that mandated automatic levelling above 2,000 lm is deleted, because it is neither performance based nor technologically neutral.
Sources (3)
“in order to further mitigate potential glare, GRE finally agreed to set the vertical limit at - 0.5 per cent”
“For vehicles operating in a very harsh environment adding sensors for automatic levelling systems is a reliability risk.”
“This requirement is recognized neither performance based nor technologically neutral”
Some manufacturers make vehicles whose lights flash with door locking or unlocking under the park condition, to increase user convenience. The proposer believes such functions can be permitted if they do not impair traffic safety. The 3-second limit is the same as for the external status indicator of immobilisers. This limit has not been revised since 1995, which the proposer considers proof that there have been no safety issues. The scope of the exterior courtesy lamp is extended to integrate the existing ‘follow-me-home’ function.
Sources (5)
“to increase user convenience, some manufacturers have produced vehicles with a function that allows lights to flash in conjunction with locking/unlocking of the doors”
“We believe that such functions can be permitted to the extent that they do not impair traffic safety.”
“The duration of the optical indication of the answer-back signal shall not exceed 3 seconds in the same manner as the external status indicator of immobilisers.”
“This can be considered a proof that there have been no safety issues.”
“Extension of the scope of the exterior courtesy lamp (ECL) in order to integrate the existing ‘follow-me-home’ function.”
Some lamps reach a quite stable phase after a short period, but the old definition always required a wait of at least 15 minutes. With the new definition, the measurement time can be reduced without loss of accuracy, because a variation of 1 per cent is easy to identify.
Sources (3)
“The light emitted by some lamps reaches a quite stable phase after a short period.”
“the existing requirements do not allow this, because at least 15 minutes shall always be waited”
“the measurement time can be reduced without any loss of measurement accuracy, since a variation of 1 per cent can be easily identified”
Proposer's reason (informal document GRE-88-27)
IWG SLR agreed that paragraph 6 is the most practical place for the 01 series changes of UN Regulations Nos. 148, 149 and 150. Only Class “F3” front fog lamps are allowed, to guarantee the latest performance level. The general UN Regulation reference is removed from the title of each lamp, to avoid misinterpretation of which series of amendments applies.
Submitted by Experts from IWG-SLR. Working party adoption: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/88, para. 11.
Sources (3)
“IWG SLR agreed that the most practical way to introduce changes made to the 01 series of the device UN Regulations (Nos. 148, 149 and 150)”
“However, to guarantee the latest performance level, we have specified that only Class “F3” front fog lamps are allowed.”
“To avoid any misinterpretation of which series of amendments to each regulation must be applied, contracting parties agreed to remove the general reference to each UN regulation from the title of each lamp/function described under paragraph 6.”
Proposer's reason (informal document GRE-88-24)
The proposer intends to improve the all-round visibility of trailers and vehicle combinations, to help mitigate the risk of low-speed manoeuvring accidents in low light. The installation height is limited to 1.5 m to avoid the risk of glare to other road users. The minimum separation of the lamps is there to avoid confusion or distraction to other road users.
Submitted by Expert from CLCCR. Working party adoption: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/88, para. 16.
Sources (3)
“This will help to mitigate the risk of low-speed manoeuvring accidents in low light conditions.”
“the installation height has been limited to 1.5 m to avoid the risk of glare to other road users”
“specify a minimum separation of lamps to avoid causing confusion or distraction to other road users”
Document trail
- 2023-02ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2023/2Proposal on the park condition by the Special Interest Group on the 09 series
- 2023-02RevisedECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2020/8/Rev.3Revised IWG SLR proposal on headlamp levelling
- —Amended in sessionGRE-88-16-Rev.3Park condition text that GRE adopted
- —Amended in sessionGRE-88-24CLCCR text on manoeuvring lamps
- —Amended in sessionGRE-88-27IWG SLR text that replaced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2023/3
- —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/88GRE session report, paras. 8, 11, 16 and 19
- 2023-08ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2023/13IWG SLR proposal to correct a reference to UN Regulation No. 148
- 2023-08ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2023/19GTB proposal on daytime running lamps with other lamps
- 2023-08ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2023/20GTB proposal on the definition of photometric stability
- —Amended in sessionGRE-89-04IWG SLR proposal on failure provisions in paragraph 6.2.8.2.
- —Amended in sessionGRE-89-18OICA improvements and clarifications
- —RevisedGRE-89-02-Rev.3Consolidated text of the draft 09 series
- —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/89GRE session report (89th session), para. 21
- 2023-12Sent to WP.29ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2024/28Text that GRE sent to WP.29 and AC.1
- 2024-03WP.29 adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/1177Adopted at the 192nd session (session report, para. 140)
- 2024-09-22In forceC.N.407.2024.TREATIES-XI.B.16.48UN depositary notification
Q3Who is affected
Vehicle manufacturer
- If fitted, make sure the answer-back signal operates only under the park condition and lasts at most 3 seconds.
- Do not use front fog lamps, rear fog lamps or stop lamps for the answer-back signal (para. 6.27.9.1.).
- Make sure exterior courtesy lamps do not flash and switch OFF when the vehicle is no longer stationary.
- Specify the initial downward inclination of the dipped beam within the range of paragraph 6.2.6.1.2.
- On vehicles other than categories M2G, M3G, N2G and N3G, do not use manually adjusted levelling devices.
- Fit two Class B main-beam and two Class C dipped-beam headlamps to UN Regulation No. 149, 01 series or later.
- Use only Class “F3” front fog lamps approved to UN Regulation No. 19 (03 or later series) or No. 149.
- Mount manoeuvring lamps at most 1,500 mm above the ground, and adjacent ones at least 0.5 m apart per side.
- Plan 09 series approvals for each vehicle category against the dates in paragraphs 12.8.2. and 12.8.3.
Component supplier
- Have Class B main-beam and Class C dipped-beam headlamps approved to 01 or later series of UN Regulation No. 149.
- Have AFS type-approved to the 01 or later series of UN Regulation No. 149.
- Have direction-indicator lamps, stop lamps and front position lamps type-approved to the named series, for example UN Regulation No. 148.
- Have retro-reflectors type-approved to UN Regulation No. 3 (02 or later series) or No. 150 (00 or later series).
- Give the vehicle manufacturer the luminous intensity of lamps used for the answer-back signal, for the 700 cd limit.
Technical service / Approval authority
- Check the dipped-beam inclination against the table in paragraph 6.2.6.1.2. under all static loading conditions of Annex 5.
- Accept manually adjusted levelling devices only on vehicles of categories M2G, M3G, N2G and N3G.
- On request, you may accept direct light of at most 0.5 cd per lamp in the Annex 14 observation test.
- When you measure lamps, accept photometric stability at less than 1 per cent variation within any 5-minute period.
- Check the answer-back signal information in item 10.9. of the communication form.
See every change side by side
RegVault customers compare every version of UN regulations, read the consolidated text and download the PDF.
ⓘ 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
- 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
- 06 series — Supplement 17
- 06 series — Supplement 16
- 06 series — Supplement 15
- 06 series — Supplement 14
- 06 series — Supplement 13
- 06 series — Supplement 12
- 06 series — Supplement 11