Revision 2 — Amendment 3

Incorporating all valid text up to:

Supplement 14 to the original version of the Regulation — Date of entry into force: 15 October 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REGULATION

0.

Scope

1.

Definitions

2.

Application for approval

3.

Markings

4.

Approval

5.

General specifications

6.

Colour of light

7.

Incidence of the light

8.

Measuring procedure

9.

Photometric characteristics

10.

Conformity of production

11.

Penalties for non-conformity of production

12.

Production definitely discontinued

13.

Transitional provisions

14.

Names and addresses of technical services conducting approval tests, and of administrative departments

ANNEXES

Annex 1 —

Arrangement of approval marks

Annex 2 —

Communication

Annex 3 —

Measurement points for test purposes

Annex 4 —

Minimum field of visibility of the surface to be illuminated

Annex 5 —

Photometric measurement of lamps equipped with several light sources

Annex 6 —

Minimum requirements for conformity of production control procedures

Annex 7 —

Minimum requirements for sampling by an inspector

0.   SCOPE

This Regulation applies to rear registration plate lamps for vehicles of categories M, N, O, and T (1).

1.   DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Regulation:

1.1.

‘Rear registration plate lamp’ means the device for the illumination of rear registration plates, hereinafter called ‘illuminating device’, which illuminates the rear registration plate by reflection. For the approval of this device, the illumination of the space to be occupied by the plate is determined.

1.2.

The definitions given in Regulation No 48 and its series of amendments in force at the time of application for type approval shall apply to this Regulation.

1.3.

‘Rear registration plate lamps of different types’ means lamps which differ in such essential respects as: (a) the trade name or mark; (b) the characteristics of the optical system (levels of intensity, light distribution angles, category of filament lamp, light source module, etc.).

1.4.

References made in this Regulation to standard (étalon) filament lamp(s) and to Regulation No 37 shall refer to Regulation No 37 and its series of amendments in force at the time of application for type approval.

2.   APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL

The application for approval shall be submitted by the holder of the trade name or mark or by his duly accredited representative. It shall specify whether the device is intended to illuminate a wide plate (520 × 120 mm), tall plate (340 × 240 mm), plate for agricultural or forestry tractors (120 × 165 mm) or any combination of those plates. At the choice of the applicant, it will also specify that the device may be fitted in more than one or a field of positions in relation to the space to be occupied by this registration plate; these different positions shall be indicated by the applicant in the communication form. It shall be accompanied by the following, in respect of each type:

(a)

drawings (three copies) in sufficient detail to permit identification of the type and showing geometrically the position in which the illuminating device is to be fitted in relation to the space to be occupied by the registration plate, and the outlines of the area adequately illuminated. The drawings must show the position intended for the approval number in relation to the circle of the approval mark;

(b)

a brief technical description stating in particular, with the exception of lamps with non-replaceable light sources: (i) the category or categories of filament lamp prescribed; this filament lamp category shall be one of those contained in Regulation No 37 and its series of amendments in force at the time of application for type approval; and/or (ii) the light source module specific identification code (2);

(c)	two samples, equipped with the lamp or lamps recommended.

3.   MARKINGS

Illuminating devices submitted for approval must bear:

3.1.

the trade name or mark of the maker or manufacturer of the illuminating device;

3.2.

a space of sufficient size for the approval mark; this space shall be shown in the drawings mentioned in paragraph 2(a) above.

3.3.

in the case of lamps with non-replaceable light sources or light source module(s), the marking of rated voltage of the range of voltage, and the rated wattage;

3.4.

with the exception of lamps with non-replaceable light sources it must bear a clearly legible and indelible marking indicating: (a) the category or categories of filament lamp(s) prescribed; and/or (b) the light source module specific identification code;

3.5.

in the case of lamps with light source module(s), the light source module(s) shall bear:

3.5.1.

the trade name or mark of the applicant; this marking must be clearly legible and indelible;

3.5.2.

the specific identification code of the module; this marking must be clearly legible and indelible. This specific identification code shall comprise the starting letters ‘MD’ for ‘MODULE’ followed by the approval marking without the circle as prescribed in paragraph 4.4.1 below and, in the case several non-identical light source modules are used, followed by additional symbols or characters; this specific identification code shall be shown in the drawings mentioned in paragraph 2(a) above. The approval marking does not have to be the same as the one on the lamp in which the module is used, but both markings shall be from the same applicant;

3.5.3.

the marking of the rated voltage and rated wattage.

4.   APPROVAL

4.1.

If the two samples of a type of illuminating device submitted in accordance with paragraph 2 above satisfy the provisions of this Regulation, approval shall be granted.

4.2.

An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved. Its first two digits (at present 00 for the Regulation in its original form) shall indicate the series of amendments incorporating the most recent major technical amendments made to the Regulation at the time of issue of the approval. The same contracting party may not assign this number to another type of device covered by this Regulation, except in the case of an extension of the approval to a device differing only in the colour of the light emitted.

4.3.

Notice of approval or of extension or refusal of approval of a type of illuminating device pursuant to this Regulation shall be communicated to the Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation, by means of a form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

4.4.

Every illuminating device conforming to a type approved under this Regulation shall, in addition to the markings referred to in paragraphs 3(a) and 3(c) above, bear an international approval mark in conformity with Annex 1, consisting of:

4.4.1.

A circle surrounding the letter ‘E’ followed by a number identifying the country which has granted approval (3);

4.4.2.

An approval number, in the vicinity of the circle;

4.4.3.

The following additional symbol: the letter ‘L’;

4.4.4.

The first two digits of the approval number which indicate the most recent series of amendments to this Regulation may be placed in the vicinity of the additional symbol L.

4.5.

The mark and symbols referred to in paragraphs 4.4.1, 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 shall be indelible and shall be clearly legible even when the illuminating device is mounted on the vehicle.

4.6.

When two or more lamps are part of the same unit of grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated lamps, approval is granted only if each of these lamps satisfies the requirements of this Regulation or of another Regulation. Lamps not satisfying any one of those Regulations shall not be part of such a unit of grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated lamps.

4.6.1.

Where grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated lamps comply with the requirements of several Regulations, a single international approval mark may be applied, consisting of a circle surrounding the letter ‘E’ followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted the approval, an approval number and, if necessary, the required arrow. This approval mark may be placed anywhere on the grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated lamps provided that:

4.6.1.1.

it is visible after their installation;

4.6.1.2.

no part of the grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated lamps that transmits light can be removed without at the same time removing the approval mark.

4.6.2.

The identification symbol for each lamp appropriate to each Regulation under which approval has been granted, together with the corresponding series of amendments incorporating the most recent major technical amendments to the Regulation at the time of issue of the approval, shall be marked:

4.6.2.1.

either on the appropriate light-emitting surface;

4.6.2.2.

or in a group, in such a way that each lamp of the grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated lamps may be clearly identified (see three possible examples in Annex 1).

4.6.3.

The size of the components of a single approval mark shall not be less than the minimum size required for the smallest of the individual marks by a Regulation under which approval has been granted.

4.6.4.

An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved. The same contracting party may not assign the same number to another type of grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated lamps covered by this Regulation.

4.6.5.

The approval marking shall be clearly legible and indelible. It may be placed on an inner or outer part (transparent or not) of the device which cannot be separated from the transparent part of the device emitting the light. In any case the marking shall be visible when the device is fitted on the vehicle or when a movable part such as the hood or boot lid or a door is opened.

4.7.

Annex 1 gives examples of arrangements of approval marks for a single lamp (figure 1) and for grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated lamps (figure 2) with all the additional symbols referred to above.

5.   GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Each device shall satisfy the provisions of paragraph 9 (4).

5.1.

The devices for the illumination of rear registration plates shall be so constructed that the whole surface of the plate will be visible within the angles given in Annex 4.

5.2.

All measurements shall be made with the standard filament lamp of the category prescribed by the manufacturer, the supply voltage being so regulated as to produce the reference luminous flux. All measurements on the devices with non-replaceable light sources shall be made at 6,75 V, 13,5 V or 28,0 V respectively.

5.3.

In the case of light sources supplied by a special power supply, the above test voltages shall be applied to the input terminals of that power supply. The test laboratory may require from manufacturer the special power supply needed to supply the light sources.

5.4.

For any rear registration plate illuminating device, except those equipped with filament lamp(s), the luminance values measured after one minute and after 30 minutes of operation shall comply with the minimum requirements. The luminance distribution after one minute of operation can be calculated by applying at each test point the ratio of luminance values measured in one point after one minute and after 30 minutes of operation.

5.5.

In the case of light source modules, it shall be checked that:

5.5.1.

The design of the light source module(s) shall be such as: (a) that each light source module can only be fitted in no other position than the designated and correct one and can only be removed with the use of tool(s); (b) if there are more than one light source module used in the housing for a device, light source modules having different characteristics can not be interchanged within the same lamp housing.

5.5.2.

The light source module(s) shall be tamperproof.

5.6.

In the case of replaceable filament lamp(s):

5.6.1.

Any category or categories of filament lamp(s) approved according to Regulation No 37 may be used, provided that no restriction on the use is made in Regulation No 37 and its series of amendments in force at the time of application for type approval.

5.6.2.

The design of the device shall be such that the filament lamp can be fixed in no other position but the correct one.

5.6.3.

The filament lamp holder shall conform to the characteristics given in IEC Publication 60061. The holder data sheet relevant to the category of filament lamp used, applies.

6.   COLOUR OF LIGHT

The light of the lamp used in the illuminating device must be sufficiently colourless not to cause any appreciable change in the colour of the registration plate.

7.   INCIDENCE OF THE LIGHT

The manufacturer of the illuminating device shall specify one or more or a field of positions in which the device is to be fitted in relation to the space for the registration plate; when the lamp is placed in the position(s) specified by the manufacturer the angle of incidence of the light on the surface of the plate shall not exceed 82° at any point of the surface to be illuminated, this angle being measured from the extremity of the device's illuminating area which is furthest from the surface of the plate. If there is more than one illuminating device, the foregoing requirement shall apply only to that part of the plate intended to be illuminated by the device concerned.

When the device has one outer edge of the illuminating surface that is parallel to the surface of the registration plate, the extremity of the illuminating surface of the device which is furthest from the surface of the plate is the middle point of the edge of the illuminating surface, which is parallel to the plate and is furthest from the surface of the plate.

The device must be so designed that no light is emitted directly towards the rear, with the exception of red light if the device is combined or grouped with a rear lamp.

8.   MEASURING PROCEDURE

Luminance measurements shall be made on a diffuse colourless surface with known diffuse reflection factor (5). The diffuse colourless surface shall have the dimensions of the registration plate or the dimension exceeding one measuring point. Its centre shall be placed in the centre of the positions of the measuring points.

This diffuse colourless surface(s) shall be placed in the position normally occupied by the registration plate and 2 mm in front of its holder.

Luminance measurements shall be made perpendicularly to the surface of the diffuse colourless surface with the tolerance of 5° in each direction at the points shown in Annex 3 to this Regulation, each point representing a circular area of 25 mm in diameter. The measured luminance shall be corrected for the diffuse reflection factor 1,0.

9.   PHOTOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS

At each of the points of measurement shown in Annex 3, the luminance B shall be at least equal to 2,5 cd/m2.

The gradient of the luminance between the values B1 and B2, measured at any two points 1 and 2 selected from among those mentioned above, shall not exceed 2 × Bo/cm, Bo being the minimum luminance measured at the various points, that is to say:

10.   CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

The conformity of production procedures shall comply with those set out in the Agreement, Appendix 2 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.2), with the following requirements:

10.1.

Devices for the illumination of rear registration plates (henceforth called devices), approved under this Regulation shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved by meeting the requirements set forth in paragraphs 5, 6 and 9 above. If there is more than one device necessary, then in the following text a device means a set of devices.

10.2.

The minimum requirements for conformity of production control procedures set forth in Annex 6 to this Regulation shall be complied with.

10.3.

The minimum requirements for sampling by an inspector set forth in Annex 7 to this Regulation shall be complied with.

10.4.

The authority which has granted type approval may at any time verify the conformity control methods applied in each production facility. The normal frequency of these verifications shall be once every two years.

11.   PENALTIES FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

11.1.

The approval granted in respect of an illuminating device pursuant to this Regulation may be withdrawn if the requirements laid down above are not complied with.

11.2.

If a Party to the Agreement which applies this Regulation withdraws an approval it has previously granted, it shall forthwith notify the other contracting parties applying this Regulation thereof by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

12.   PRODUCTION DEFINITELY DISCONTINUED

If the holder of the approval completely ceases to manufacture an illuminating device under this Regulation, he shall inform thereof the authority which granted the approval. Upon receiving the relevant communication that authority shall inform the other Parties to the Agreement which apply this Regulation thereof by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

13.   TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

13.1.

Rear registration plate illuminating devices not equipped with filament lamps.

13.1.1.

As from the date of entry into force of Supplement 8, no contracting party applying this Regulation shall refuse to grant approvals under this Regulation as amended by Supplement 8.

13.1.2.

As from 36 months after the date of entry into force of Supplement 8, contracting parties applying this Regulation shall grant approvals only if the type of devices as described in paragraph 13.1 above meets the requirements of this Regulation as amended by Supplement 8.

13.1.3.

Contracting parties applying this Regulation shall not refuse to grant extensions of approvals to the preceding series of amendments to this Regulation.

13.1.4.

Contracting parties applying this Regulation shall continue to grant approvals to hose types of devices as described in paragraph 13.1 above which comply with the requirements of this Regulation as amended by the preceding series of amendments during the 36 months' period which follows the date of entry into force of Supplement 8.

13.2.

Fitting of rear registration plate illuminating devices described in paragraph 13.1 above on a vehicle.

13.2.1.

As from the date of entry into force of Supplement 8, no contracting party applying this Regulation shall prohibit the fitting on a vehicle of devices described in paragraph 13.1 above approved under this Regulation as amended by Supplement 8.

13.2.2.

Contracting parties applying this Regulation shall continue to allow the fitting on a vehicle of devices described in paragraph 3.1 above approved to this Regulation as amended by the preceding series of amendments during the 48 months' period which follows the date of entry into force of Supplement 8.

13.2.3.

Upon the expiration of a period of 48 months after the date of entry into force of Supplement 8, contracting parties applying this Regulation may prohibit the fitting of devices described in paragraph 13.1 above which do not meet the requirements of this Regulation as amended by Supplement 8 on a new vehicle for which type approval or individual approval was granted more than 24 months after the entry into force of Supplement 8 to this Regulation.

13.2.4.

Upon expiration of a period of 60 months after the date of entry into force of Supplement 8, contracting parties applying this Regulation may prohibit the fitting of devices as described in paragraph 13.1 above which do not meet the requirements of this Regulation as amended by Supplement 8 on a new vehicle first registered more than 60 months after the date of entry into force of Supplement 8 to this Regulation.

14.   NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF TECHNICAL SERVICES CONDUCTING APPROVAL TESTS, AND OF ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS

The Parties to the Agreement which apply this Regulation shall communicate to the Secretariat of the United Nations the names and addresses of the technical services conducting approval tests and of the administrative departments which grant approval and to which forms certifying approval or refusal or withdrawal or approval, issued in other countries, are to be sent.

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(1)  As defined in Annex 7 to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3) (document TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.1/Amend. 2 as last amended by Amend. 4).

(2)  A light source is defined in ISO 7227:1987 ‘Road vehicles — Lighting and light-signalling devices — Vocabulary’ as an emitter of visible and radiant energy.

(3)  1 for Germany, 2 for France, 3 for Italy, 4 for the Netherlands, 5 for Sweden, 6 for Belgium, 7 for Hungary, 8 for the Czech Republic, 9 for Spain, 10 for Serbia, 11 for the United Kingdom, 12 for Austria, 13 for Luxembourg, 14 for Switzerland, 15 (vacant), 16 for Norway, 17 for Finland, 18 for Denmark, 19 for Romania, 20 for Poland, 21 for Portugal, 22 for the Russian Federation, 23 for Greece, 24 for Ireland, 25 for Croatia, 26 for Slovenia, 27 for Slovakia, 28 for Belarus, 29 for Estonia, 30 (vacant), 31 for Bosnia and Herzegovina, 32 for Latvia, 33 (vacant), 34 for Bulgaria, 35 (vacant), 36 for Lithuania, 37 for Turkey, 38 (vacant), 39 for Azerbaijan, 40 for The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 41 (vacant), 42 for the European Community (Approvals are granted by its Member States using their respective ECE symbol), 43 for Japan, 44 (vacant), 45 for Australia, 46 for Ukraine, 47 for South Africa, 48 for New Zealand, 49 for Cyprus, 50 for Malta, 51 for the Republic of Korea, 52 for Malaysia, 53 for Thailand, 54 and 55 (vacant) and 56 for Montenegro. Subsequent numbers shall be assigned to other countries in the chronological order in which they ratify or accede to the Agreement Concerning the Adoption of Uniform Technical Prescriptions for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be Fitted and/or be Used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal Recognition of Approvals Granted on the Basis of these Prescriptions, and the numbers thus assigned shall be communicated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the contracting parties to the Agreement.

(4)  These specifications are such as to ensure good visibility if the inclination of the registration plate does not exceed 30° on either side of the vertical.

(5)  CIE Publication No 17-1970, paragraph 45-20-040.