UN R53 — Supplement 5 to the 03 series of amendments

New paragraph 2.23. defines the adaptive front lighting system (AFS) as a lighting device type-approved to UN Regulation No. 149. Its beams adapt automatically to varying conditions of use of the passing beam. Paragraph 2.23.1. defines the AFS control signals V, E and W as the inputs to the AFS under paragraph 6.18.6.3. Paragraph 2.24.1. defines the passing-beam classes: C is the basic passing beam, and V is for lit areas such as towns. Class E is for roads such as motorways, and class W is for adverse conditions such as wet road. A functional unit is a part of a lighting unit with a specific light distribution that may be used for different modes or classes.

Where an AFS is fitted, the applicant must give a detailed description of it. The description must give the lighting functions and modes for which the AFS is approved, and the related AFS control signals. The description must also give the provision that adapts the front lighting functions and modes automatically under paragraph 6.18.6.3. The description must also give any special instructions to inspect the light source and to observe the beam visually. The description must also give the documents of paragraph 6.18.8.1. and the lamps grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated with the AFS.

An AFS is now on the list of optional lighting and light-signalling devices (paragraph 5.15.9.). Where an AFS is fitted, it counts as equivalent to the passing-beam headlamp(s) (paragraph 5.24.). The colour of the AFS light must be white (paragraph 5.13.). In the absence of specific instructions, lamp height and orientation are now also checked with an installed AFS in its neutral state (paragraph 5.4.). Other wording in paragraph 5.4. changes slightly: “lamps” becomes “lamp”, “straight ahead” becomes “straight-ahead” and “tyre pressures” becomes “tyre pressure”.

The AFS is optional, and its number is one. Where not otherwise specified, the passing-beam headlamp requirements of paragraph 6.2. apply to the relevant part of the AFS. The AFS height must be 500 mm to 1,200 mm above the ground. The illuminating surfaces of two AFS installation units must not be more than 200 mm apart. At least one lighting unit, energized as the applicant describes, must meet the paragraph 6.2.4. geometric visibility angles for each function and mode. If a headlamp levelling device is necessary for the vertical orientation of paragraph 6.18.5.1., the device must be automatic.

The control that changes over to the passing beam must switch OFF all main-beam headlamps at the same time. The passing beam may stay ON together with the main beams. Gas discharge light sources of the passing beam must stay ON during main-beam operation. The switching ON and OFF of the passing-beam headlamps must meet the “Electrical connection” requirements of paragraphs 5.10. and 6.2.6.

Changes within and between the AFS classes and modes must happen automatically, without discomfort, distraction or glare for the driver or other road users. Class C must be active when no mode of another passing-beam class is active. Class V may operate only when at least one listed condition is detected automatically, for example roads in built-up areas at 60 km/h or less. Class E may operate only above 60 km/h and when another condition is detected automatically, such as motorway conditions or a speed above 110 km/h. Class W may operate only when the front fog lamps, if any, are OFF and a wet road is detected automatically. The driver must always be able to set the AFS to the neutral state and return it to automatic operation.

A visual failure tell-tale for the AFS is mandatory, and it must not flash. The tell-tale must come on when an AFS control signal failure is detected or a failure signal under UN Regulation No. 149 is received. It may be cancelled temporarily, but must come on again whenever the device that starts and stops the propulsion system is switched ON and OFF. The applicant must show that the AFS control signals match the paragraph 3.2.8. description and the AFS type-approval documents. The technical service must do a test drive to check that the automatic operation of the passing beam causes no discomfort. The manufacturer must give a documentation package on the system “safety concept”, which must include the possibility of a fallback to class C.