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UN R53 Supplement 3 (03 series) · UNECE Regulation No. 53 (ECE R53) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of category L3 vehicles with regard to the installation of lighting and light-signalling devices.

UN R53 — Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments

Supplement 2 → 3

Adopted at the WP.29 187th sessionEntry into force 2023-01-04
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What changed
  • New paragraph 6.16. gives the installation rules for the adaptive driving-beam (ADB) on L3 vehicles.
  • The control of the driving-beam headlamp(s) may be automatic regarding their switching ON and OFF. Paragraph 6.1.8.3. sets requirements for the sensor system and for a test drive in new Annex 9.
  • Paragraphs 6.2.1.1. and 6.2.1.2. add passing-beam headlamps of Class C or V of the 01 and subsequent series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 149.
Why
  • The proposal aims to allow ADB on vehicles of category L3. UN Regulation No. 48 already permits it as adaptive main-beam for vehicles of categories M and N.
  • The proposal is harmonized with UN Regulation No. 48 to also allow automatic switching ON and OFF of the driving-beam headlamp for L3 vehicles.
  • The entry into force of the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 149 makes references to its headlamp classes necessary.

Q1What changed131 changes

Adaptive driving-beam (ADB): definitions, description and equivalence (paras. 2.21., 2.21.1., 3.2.7., 5.15.7. and 5.23.)

New paragraph 2.21. defines the “Adaptive Driving-Beam” (ADB). It is a front lighting system of driving-beam(s) only, type-approved according to UN Regulation No. 149. It adapts its beam pattern to the presence of oncoming and preceding vehicles. The aim is to improve the long-range visibility for the driver without causing discomfort, distraction or glare to other road users. The “ADB neutral state” is the state of the ADB when the driving-beam is in the maximum condition of activation (paragraph 2.21.1.). Where an ADB is fitted, it is considered equivalent to the driving-beam headlamp(s) (paragraph 5.23.).

"Adaptive Driving-Beam" (or "ADB") means a front lighting system consisting of driving-beam(s) only and type-approved according to UN Regulation No. 149 that adapts its beam pattern to the presence of oncoming and preceding vehicles in order to improve the long-range visibility for the driver without causing discomfort, distraction or glare to other road users.
Unless otherwise specified, administrative and technical provisions for the driving-beam function of the adaptive front lighting system (AFS) in UN Regulation No. 149 shall apply to ADB.
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Number, position, orientation and maximum intensity of the ADB (paras. 6.16. to 6.16.5.1. and 6.16.8.2.)

Where not otherwise specified, the requirements for driving-beam headlamp(s) in paragraph 6.1. apply to the ADB. The number of ADB is one, with one or two installation units (paragraph 6.16.1.). The edge of the illuminating surface of any independent ADB installation unit must be 500 mm to 1,300 mm from the ground. The vertical inclination of the centre of the area of maximum illumination of ADB has a limit in paragraph 6.16.5.1. It must stay between ± 0.5 per cent, except where an external adjusting device is present or the ADB is adjusted together with the passing-beam(s). Lighting units that can be energized simultaneously for the driving-beam lighting or its modes must not exceed 430,000 cd in aggregate maximum intensity.

In the case where an ADB is installed, with the system in its ADB neutral state.
Adaptive Driving-Beam (ADB) (UN Regulation No. 149)
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ADB electrical connections, tell-tales and adaptation of the driving-beam (paras. 6.16.6. to 6.16.8.1.1.5. and Annex 9, para. 2.)

It must always be possible to activate and deactivate the ADB manually, and to deactivate the automatic control manually (paragraph 6.16.6.3.). A visual failure tell-tale for ADB is mandatory, and it must be non-flashing (paragraph 6.16.7.2.). A visual tell-tale must show the driver that the adaptation of the driving-beam is activated (paragraph 6.16.7.3.). The “safety concept” must describe the measures taken to make sure that failure mode is triggered if any external agent obscures the sensor input. The technical service must perform a test drive according to paragraph 2. in Annex 9 (paragraph 6.16.8.1.1.5.). This is to check that the adaptation causes no discomfort, distraction or glare to the driver or to oncoming and preceding vehicles.

Table 2
At the request of the Type Approval Authority, compliance with traffic scenarios other than the ones listed in Table 2 may be demonstrated by the manufacturer by providing sufficient documentation or by other means accepted by the Type Approval Authority.
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Automatic switching ON and OFF of the driving-beam headlamp(s) (paras. 6.1.6.2., 6.1.6.3., 6.1.7.3., 6.1.8.3. and Annex 9, para. 1.)

The control of the driving-beam headlamp(s) may be automatic regarding their switching ON and OFF (paragraph 6.1.6.2.). Where the driving-beam headlamp(s) are switched ON automatically, they must be switched OFF automatically in two cases (paragraph 6.1.8.3.5.). The first case is when oncoming or preceding vehicles are detected within the fields and distances of paragraphs 6.1.8.3.1.1. and 6.1.8.3.1.2. The second case is when the illuminance produced by ambient lighting conditions exceeds 7000 lx. The overall performance of the automatic control must be checked by simulation or other means from the applicant, accepted by the Type Approval Authority. It must also be checked by a test drive according to paragraph 1 in Annex 9.

Table 1
Test Section Traffic conditions Road type Urban areas Multi-lane road, e.g. motorway Country road Speed 50 ± 10 km/h 100 ± 20 km/h 80 ± 20 km/h Average percentage of the full test course length 10 per cent 20 per cent 70 per cent A Single oncoming vehicle or single preceding vehicle in a frequency so that the driving-beam will switch ON and OFF. X X B Combined oncoming and preceding traffic situations, in a frequency so that the driving-beam will switch ON and OFF. X X C Active and passive overtaking manoeuvres, in a frequency so that the driving-beam will switch ON and OFF. X X D Oncoming bicycle, as described in paragraph 6.1.8.3.1.2. X E Combined oncoming and preceding traffic situations X
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Lamps that stay switched ON with secondary driving-beams (para. 6.1.6.)

Paragraph 6.1.6. now covers vehicles fitted with secondary driving-beam(s) approved in accordance with UN Regulations Nos. 113 or 149. On these vehicles, at least one of three lamps must remain switched ON with the secondary driving beam(s). Two of these lamps are the passing-beam(s) and a primary driving-beam approved according to UN Regulations Nos. 113 or 149. The third is a driving-beam of Class A or B approved according to the 01 and subsequent series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 149. Paragraph 6.1.6.1. now says that the passing-beam(s) may remain “switched ON” with the driving-beam(s), instead of “illuminated”.

The passing-beam(s) may remain illuminated switched ON with the driving-beam(s).
However, when the vehicle is fitted with secondary driving-beam(s) approved in accordance with UN Regulations Nos. 113 or 149, at least one of the following lamps shall remain switched ON with the secondary driving beam(s):
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Passing-beam headlamps of Class C or V (paras. 6.2.1.1. and 6.2.1.2.)

Paragraphs 6.2.1.1. and 6.2.1.2. add passing-beam headlamps of Class C or V of the 01 and subsequent series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 149. Paragraph 6.2.1.1. is for motorcycles having a cylinder capacity ≤ 125 cm3, and paragraph 6.2.1.2. is for motorcycles having a cylinder capacity > 125 cm3.

Class A, B, D, CS, DS or ES of UN Regulation No. 149;
Class C or V of the 01 and subsequent series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 149.
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Median longitudinal plane of the vehicle (paras. 6.1.3.1.1., 6.2.3.1.4. and 6.13.4.1.1.)

In paragraphs 6.1.3.1.1., 6.2.3.1.4. and 6.13.4.1.1., “medium longitudinal plane of the vehicle” changes to “median longitudinal plane of the vehicle”. In paragraph 6.1.3.1.1., the word “shall” changes to “must” in two places.

An independent driving lamp may be fitted above or below or to one side of another front lamp: if these lamps are on top of the other the reference centre of the driving lamp shall must be located within the medium median longitudinal plane of the vehicle; if these lamps are side by side their reference centre shall must be symmetrical in relation to the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle.
An independent daytime running lamp may be installed above, below or to one side of another front lamp: If these lamps are one above the other, the reference centre of the daytime running lamp shall be located within the medium median longitudinal plane of the vehicle; if these lamps are side by side, the edge of the illuminating surface shall not be more than 250 mm from the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle.
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Q2Why it changed

Proposed by
Expert from the International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (ADB and automatic switching of the driving-beam); Informal Working Group on Simplification of Lighting and Light-Signalling Regulations (headlamp classes and secondary driving-beams)
Working party
GRE, 83rd session (October 2020) and 85th session (October 2021)

Reasons

  • The proposal aims to allow vehicles of category L3 to be equipped with ADB. UN Regulation No. 48 already permits this as adaptive main-beam for vehicles of categories M and N.

    Source
    “aimed at allowing vehicles of category L3 to be equipped with Adaptive Driving-Beams (ADB), which is already permitted under UN Regulation No. 48 as adaptive main-beam for vehicles of categories M and N.”

  • The proposal says that ADB on motorcycles will contribute to road safety for motorcycle riders and for other road users. The adaptation of the driving-beam will improve the forward visibility of riders without causing discomfort, distraction or glare to other road users.

    Sources (2)
    “Enabling the installation of ADB on motorcycles will contribute to enhancing road safety, not only for motorcycle riders but also for other road users.”
    “The adaptation of the driving-beam to the preceding and oncoming traffic will improve the forward visibility of motorcycle riders, without causing discomfort, distraction or glare to other road users.”

  • The proposal is harmonized with UN Regulation No. 48 to also allow automatic switching ON and OFF of the driving-beam headlamp for L3 vehicles.

    Source
    “the proposal to amend UN Regulation No. 53 is harmonized with UN Regulation No. 48 to also allow the automatic switching ON and OFF of the driving-beam headlamp for vehicles of category L3.”

  • The proposal says that the entry into force of the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 149 makes alternative references necessary. The proposal also adds activation provisions for secondary driving beams, equivalent to those already in UN Regulations Nos. 113 and 149.

    Sources (2)
    “With the entry into force of the new 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 149 produced by IWG SLR, it is necessary to introduce alternative references to UN Regulation No. 53.”
    “This proposal also introduces in UN Regulation No. 53 the activation provisions for secondary driving beams, equivalent to those already laid down in UN Regulations Nos. 113 and 149.”

  • Proposer's reason (informal document GRE-83-51)

    ADB may also emit light below the H-H line, which is not subject to adaptation. To avoid glare from this light, the proposal adds requirements for proper aiming of the ADB on the motorcycle. An ADB sensor on an L3 vehicle may be more exposed to external agents, for example dirt, than on an M or N vehicle. So the proposal requires the “safety concept” to describe the mechanisms that trigger the failure mode if an external agent obstructs the sensor input.

    Submitted by Experts from IMMA. Working party adoption: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/83, para. 36.

    Sources (4)
    “ADB may also emit light below the H-H line to illuminate the near-field, which is not subject to adaptation.”
    GRE-83-51II. Justification, para. 1
    “To avoid light below the H-H line producing glare, it is proposed to introduce requirements to ensure proper aiming of the ADB on the motorcycle.”
    GRE-83-51II. Justification, para. 1
    “The ADB sensor of a vehicle of category L3 may be more exposed to external agents (e.g. dirt) than in case of a vehicle of category M or N.”
    GRE-83-51II. Justification, para. 3
    “it is proposed to explicitly require a description in the “safety concept” of the mechanisms to trigger the failure mode if any external agent obstructs the sensor input”
    GRE-83-51II. Justification, para. 3

Document trail

  1. 2020-07ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2020/13/Rev.1ADB proposal by the expert from the International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association
  2. —Amended in sessionGRE-83-51Changes to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2020/13/Rev.1 by the experts from IMMA
  3. —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/83Session report, para. 36: GRE adopted the ADB proposal, as amended by GRE-83-51
  4. 2021-08ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2021/20Proposal by IWG SLR for references to the headlamp classes of UN Regulation No. 149
  5. —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/85Session report, para. 24: GRE adopted the proposal, subject to reservation of the expert from Germany
  6. 2022-04Sent to WP.29ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/100Text that GRE sent to WP.29 and AC.1
  7. 2022-06WP.29 adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/1166Adopted at the 187th session (session report, para. 182)
  8. 2023-01-04In forceC.N.478.2022.TREATIES-XI.B.16.53UN depositary notification

Q3Who is affected

Vehicle manufacturer

  • If an ADB is fitted on the vehicle, submit the detailed description that paragraph 3.2.7. requires from the applicant.
  • If an ADB is fitted, make sure it has a visual failure tell-tale that is non-flashing (paragraph 6.16.7.2.).
  • Describe in the “safety concept” the measures that trigger failure mode if an external agent obscures the sensor input (paragraph 6.16.8.1.1.4.).
  • If the driving-beam headlamps switch ON automatically, make sure they switch OFF automatically above 7000 lx ambient illuminance (paragraph 6.1.8.3.5.).
  • Make sure it is always possible to switch the driving-beam headlamp(s) ON and OFF manually (paragraph 6.1.6.3.).

Component supplier

  • If you supply ADB systems, make sure they are type-approved according to UN Regulation No. 149 (paragraph 2.21.).
  • If you supply sensor systems for automatic driving-beam control, check them against the requirements of paragraph 6.1.8.3.1.

Technical service / Approval authority

  • For an ADB, perform the test drive according to paragraph 2. in Annex 9 (paragraph 6.16.8.1.1.5.).
  • Be ready to check the automatic driving-beam control in a test drive under paragraph 1 in Annex 9 (paragraph 6.1.8.3.3.2.).
  • In ADB test sections A and B, evaluate and record the acceptability of the adaptation process (Annex 9, paragraph 2.7.).

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ⓘ This report gives advice only. It is not legal or type-approval advice.

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