Information regarding vehicle lighting
Glowing role models
You and other drivers want to see what is coming towards you at night. Incorrectly installed or illegal lights are a risk to all drivers. Furthermore, you also run the risk of substantial fines in the event of being stopped by the police.
Anything that is legal?
The law demands that all light systems function at all times. Light installations are headlights, lights, rear lights and other reflectors.
The installation is governed by both the national regulations as per StVZO §§ 49a - 54 and 60 and the harmonised EU regulations and/or the ECE ("Economic Commission for Europe") rules:
- 76/756/EEC for motor vehicles and trailers
- 78/933/EEC for agricultural or forestry towing vehicles
- 93/92/EEC for two- and three-wheel motor vehicles
- ECE-R 48 for motor vehicles and trailers
- ECE-R 53 for motorcycles.
Coloured light signals
Is a vehicle coming towards you or moving in the same direction as you? The answers are provided by the light colours specified in the StVZO:
| Light | Light colours |
| High beams Low beams Side lights Front clearance lamps Daytime lights Front parking lights Reversing lights Front rear reflectors |
White |
| Fog lamps | White or light yellow |
| Driving direction display Hazard lights Side marking lights Side rear reflectors |
Yellow |
| Rear lights Brake lights Rear fog lamps Rear parking lights Rear reflectors |
Red |
How can I tell whether a light installation is permitted?
Light installations must be certified. You can tell by the corresponding approval symbol which comprises the approval number and the approving authority's symbol.
Example 1:
E4 The country code 4 shows that this component has been approved in the Netherlands. The E indicates an ECE stipulation.
Example 2:
e 1 The component has been approved on the basis of an EU guideline in Germany (indicated by the country code "1").
All lighting installations fitted to the vehicle must function. The road traffic regulations do not distinguish between lights used when the vehicle is static or those using while driving.
What the law does not allow
Illegal, for example, are:
- Under-chassis lights
- Christmas trees behind the windows
- LEDs
- Permanently-activated, circulating or blinking light garlands
- The name of the driver in lights
- Illuminated advertising or similar
TÜV NORD expert tip:
Many changes are not permissible for good reasons. Talk to our experts before making your decision. We will provide support and will advise on the circuitry and function. This will make approval quick and simple.
