AUXILIARY LIGHTING
FOR TRUCKS
Statutory regulations for auxiliary lights
according to ECE Regulation 48
4–5
What is the legal position regarding
headlamps and auxiliary lights?
6–7
What does the reference number indicate?
What does the isolux diagram show?
8–9
Auxiliary lights:
Suggestions for installation on vehicles
under 12 tonnes
10 – 11
Auxiliary lights:
Suggestions for installation on vehicles over
12 tonnes
12 – 15
Front lighting
Avoid confusion at police checks with the
HELLA Reference Number Pass
Truck lighting
STATUTORY
PROVISIONS FOR
LIGHTING:
WHAT IS PERMITTED?
The statutory provisions need to be taken into account
if a vehicle is to be correctly equipped or retrofitted
with parts. The following pages present the statutory
regulations concerning the installation of front, side or
rear lighting, as stipulated by ECE Regulation 48.
It is clearly stated which lamps are prescribed by law
and which are approved. The fitting regulations for the
individual lights are also explained in detail.
Experience has shown that statutory regulations
frequently change. Therefore we can assume no
liability for these equipment regulations.
Illegal lighting arrangements that illuminate outwards
whilst on the road:
Light chains
Illuminated name signs, skulls, etc.
Illuminated truck manufacturer logos
Illuminated advertising figures
Illuminated Christmas trees
Advertising lettering
Light chains that surround the vehicle
02 | 03
“Our customers need to understand
the reasoning that decides how many
additional headlamps can be installed. In
addition, they must avoid exceeding the
maximum permissible illuminance.”
Nico Fischer, Workshop Manager, HaKaWe automobile
workshop in Hagen (Germany)
Reference numbers on auxiliary lights and standard-issue
headlamps (left and right) are visible on the glass cover near
the registration mark (e.g. for Germany).
What is the legal position regarding headlamps
and auxiliary lights?
Under ECE Regulation 48, commercial vehicles with a weight
of up to 12 tonnes may have at most four headlamps (German
road traffic regulations (StVZO) § 50). Both light commercial
vehicles and heavy-duty trucks are fitted with two headlamps as
standard. Therefore, each vehicle may have two auxiliary lights.
These may be installed either on the front of the vehicle or on
the roof. The reference number of a lamp provides information
about its maximum illuminance. The most common values are
12.5 / 17.5 / 37.5 / 50. The sum of the reference numbers of
all the high-beam headlamps that can be switched on at the
same time may not exceed 100.
Some trucks come with four headlamps as standard. If
auxiliary high-beam lamps are to be installed on such vehicles,
the standard-fitted ones must be permanently disabled
(disconnected), or disabled via the software of the lighting
control module. No more than four headlamps may be on at any
one time. See the suggestions for installation for vehicles under
12 tonnes on page 8-9.
An amendment of ECE Regulation 48 to cover trucks with a
maximum load weight higher than 12 metric tonnes has already
been passed: these may have at most six high-beam lamps
installed (including the standard-fitted ones), and the circuitry
must ensure that no more than four of these can be lit at any one
time. See the suggestions for installation for vehicles over
12 tonnes on page 10-11.
At a glance
What do I need to know?
1. The total illuminance of the high-beam lamps may not
exceed a reference number of 100 (see page 6-7).
2. Reference numbers are engraved on the lenses of
standard-fitted and auxiliary high-beam lights.
3. No more than four headlamps may be on at any one time
(applies to commercial vehicles in either maximum load
weight category).
4. Mounting only in pairs (see page 7).
What do I need to do?
1. Look for the desired type of illumination, e.g. low
reference numbers for winding roads, high reference
numbers for long straight roads.
2. Add up the reference numbers for the standard installed
main headlamps (left and right) and the auxiliary lights to get
a total figure. These values may not exceed the maximum
total reference number of 100, otherwise there is the threat
of a fine.
04 | 05
What does the reference number indicate?
What does the isolux diagram show?
[m]
Ref. 17.5
40
30
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
[m]
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Low reference number – ideal for winding roads.
The reference number tells you the maximum luminous
intensity the headlamp can produce.
The reference number enables you to see at a glance how
powerful a lamp is. The reference number is obtained by
converting the maximum luminous intensity in candela. It
is a dimensionless number – so it has no associated unit of
measurement. All headlamps specify the reference number of
their high-beam alongside their ECE type approval. Two highbeam headlamps each with reference number 17.5 give a total
reference number of 35 for the vehicle as a whole.
Which is better – low reference numbers or high ones?
High-beam headlamps with low reference numbers spread
their light widely, but not so far as those with higher reference
numbers. High-beam headlamps with high reference numbers
will be ideal for long straight roads – winding roads, for example
in mountainous terrain, will be better lit by lights with a low
reference number.
[m]
40
30
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
[m]
0
100
200
300
400
500
Example of an isolux diagram. All distance measurements in metres.
The isolux diagram shows how the light from the headlamp
is distributed.
The light closer to the headlamp is more intense than from
further away. The light effect decreases with both length and
width. The isolux diagram depicts four important properties of
headlamp light:
1. What shape is the light beam?
2. How far does it reach?
3. How wide is the illumination?
4. How intense is the light in which area?
600
[m]
Ref. 50
40
30
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
[m]
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
High reference number – ideal for long straight roads.
[m]
The different colours in the isolux diagram indicate the light
intensity.
Please observe the statutory provisions for your country.
The reference number of all switched-on headlamps (always
only in pairs) combined may not exceed 100. No more than 4
headlamps may be on at any one time.
Red-orange: high light intensity. As distance increases,
the light decreases in intensity, illustrated here from yellow to
green to blue.
Please note: installation
only permitted in pairs!
06 | 07
Auxiliary lights:
Suggestions for installation on vehicles under
12 tonnes
The examples show some of the many combination options.
Please observe applicable local regulations.
Layout:
/
Layout:
2 x S ref no. 17.5 + 2 x A ref no. 17.5
Total = ref no. 70 (permitted)
Layout:
/
Layout:
2 x S ref no. 17.5 (2 disconnected) + 2 x A ref no. 50
Total = ref no. 100 (maximum permitted)
S = standard high beam
/
2 x S ref no. 25 + 2 x A ref no. 17.5
Total = ref no. 85 (permitted)
/
2 x S ref no. 17.5 + 4 x A ref no. 25 (2 disconnected)
Total = ref no. 85 (permitted)
A = Auxiliary high beam
Headlamp on
Lamp on
Headlamp disconnected
Lamp disconnected
Maximum illuminance: ref no. 100
Vehicles with a total permitted weight of between 3.5 and 12 tonnes may be fitted
with a maximum of four auxiliary high-beam lamps. ECE Regulation no. 48 dictates
that a maximum of four high-beam headlamps (including those fitted as standard)
may be on at the same time in Europe.
Layout:
/
/
2 x S ref no. 17.5 + 4 x A ref no. 17.5 (2 disconnected)
Total = ref no. 70 (permitted)
Layout:
/
2 x S ref no. 17.5 (2 disconnected) + 4 x A ref no. 17.5
Total = ref no. 70 (permitted)
Layout:
/
/
2 x S ref no. 37.5 (2 disconnected) + 4 x A ref no. 25
Total = ref no. 100 (maximum permitted)
Layout:
/
2 x S ref no. 37.5 (2 disconnected) + 4 x A ref no. 25
Total = ref no. 100 (maximum permitted)
08 | 09
Auxiliary lights:
Suggestions for installation on vehicles over 12
tonnes
These examples show some of the many possible combinations.
Please observe the valid national regulations.
Layout:
/
Layout:
2 x S ref no. 17.5 + 4 x A ref no. 25 (2 disconnected)
Total = ref no. 85 (permitted)
Layout:
/
Layout:
2 x S ref no. 37.5 (2 disconnected) + 4 x A ref no. 25
Total = ref no. 100 (maximum permitted)
S = standard high beam
/
2 x S ref no. 37.5 (2 disconnected) + 4 x A ref no. 25
Total = ref no. 100 (maximum permitted)
/
4 x S ref no. 17.5 (4 disconnected) + 2 x A ref no. 50
Total = ref no. 100 (maximum permitted)
A = Auxiliary high beam
Lamp on
Lamp on
Lamp disconnected
Lamp disconnected
Maximum illuminance: ref no. 100
Vehicles with a total permitted weight of over 12 tonnes may be fitted with a
maximum of six auxiliary high-beam lamps. ECE Regulation no. 48 dictates that a
maximum of four high-beam lamps (including those fitted as standard) may be on at
the same time in Europe.
Layout:
/
Layout:
2 x S ref no. 37.5 (2 disconnected) + 6 x A ref no. 17.5 (2 disconnected)
Total = ref no. 70 (permitted)
Layout:
/
/
4 x S ref no. 17.5 (4 disconnected) + 6 x A ref no. 25 (2 disconnected)
Total = ref no. 100 (maximum permitted)
/
/
2 x S ref no. 37.5 (2 disconnected) + 2 x A ref no. 17.5 + 4 x A ref no.
25 (2 disconnected)
Total = ref no. 85 (permitted)
Layout:
/
/
2 x S ref no. 17.5 + 6 x A ref no. 25 (4 disconnected)
Total = ref no. 85 (permitted)
10 | 11
Front light white
Vehicle front side
Two headlamps clearly spaced
apart: multi-track vehicles.
Front lighting
The statutory provisions need to be taken into account
if a vehicle is to be correctly equipped or retrofitted
with parts. The following pages detail extracts of of the
legal provisions, in accordance with ECE Regulation
48, for the installation of front lights. Experience has
shown that statutory regulations frequently change.
Therefore we can assume no liability for these
equipment regulations.
Max. 400 mm
Headlamps for low beam
Headlamps for high beam
Fog light
Front direction indicator (indicator)
Daytime running lights
Sidelight
Front contour light
Min. 600 mm
Min. 500 mm
Max. 1,200 mm
Headlamps for low beam
Attachment
Intended for all car classes.
Quantity
2 units
Attachment height
Min. 500 mm, max. 1,200 mm.
Attachment width
Max. 400 mm from the most outside point of the vehicle width. Min. 600 mm between the two low-beam
headlamps.
Electrical circuit
Switching on pairs of auxiliary headlamps in addition to the low beam and/or high beam is permitted. When
changing to low beam, all high-beam headlamps must switch off simultaneously.
Vehicle classes: *N2: Goods vehicles between 3.5 t and 12 t./**N2: Goods vehicles over 12 t.
Headlamps for high beam
Attachment
Intended for all passenger car classes
Quantity
2 or 4 pieces, for N3vehicles = 6 pieces
Only switch on high beam (integrated in headlamp) when there is no danger of blinding oncoming traffic.
Attachment height
No particular regulations
Attachment width
No particular regulations, but attached so that the driver is not dazzled by reflections.
Electrical circuit
The high-beam headlamps may only be switched on either at the same time or in pairs. If 2 additional high-beam
headlamps are attached, then no more than two pairs may be on at the same time. During the transition from low
beam to high beam, at least 1 pair needs to be switched on for high beam. During the low-beam function, all highbeam headlamps need to turn off at the same time.
Max. 400 mm
Min. 250 mm
Max. 800 mm
Fog light
Attachment
Approved for all car classes. Prohibited on trailers.
Quantity
2 units
Colour
White or light amber
Attachment height
Not higher than the low-beam headlamps.
Electrical circuit
They must be switched independent of the high or low-beam lights.
12 | 13
Front lighting
Max. 400 mm
Min. 600 mm
Min. 350 mm
Max. 1,500 mm
Front direction indicator (indicator)
Attachment
Intended for all car classes.
Quantity
2 units
Colour
Amber
Attachment height
Min. 350 mm, max. 1,500 mm.
Electrical circuit
It must shine independently of the other lamps. All indicator lights on the vehicle must flash simultaneously.
Min. 600 mm
Min. 250 mm
Max. 1,500 mm
Daytime running lights
Attachment
Intended for all car classes. Prohibited on trailers.
Quantity
2 units
Colour
White
Attachment height
Min. 250 mm, max. 1,500 mm.
Attachment width
Min. 600 mm between two daytime running lights.
Electrical circuit
Automatic activation when the engine is started. The daytime running lights must switch off automatically,
if the headlamps or fog lamps are switched on.
Note: New vehicles are equipped with daytime running lights. No compulsory upgrade for older vehicles.
Vehicle classes: *N2: Goods vehicles between 3.5 t and 12 t./**N2: Goods vehicles over 12 t.
Max. 400 mm
Min. 600 mm
Min. 350 mm
Max. 1,500 mm
Sidelight
Attachment
Intended for all passenger car classes
Quantity
2 units
Colour
White
Attachment height
Min. 350 mm, max. 1,500 mm (Exception: 2,100 mm).
Electrical circuit
Must be designed so that the sidelights, taillights, side marker lights and licence plate lights can only be switched on
and off simultaneously.
Note:Sidelights can also be integrated into auxiliary headlamps. The sidelights present on the vehicle as standard can be disabled if auxiliary headlamps have integrated sidelights.
Please observe the additional attachment conditions (see image)!
As far to the outside as possible
Max. 400 mm
As high as possible
Front contour light
Attachment
Intended for vehicles > 2.1 m wide Permitted for vehicles > 1.8 m length and ≤ 2.1 m wide.
Quantity
2 units
Colour
White
Attachment height
Above the transparent area of the windscreen.
Attachment width
As far outside as possible, max. 400 mm from the most outside point of the vehicle width.
Electrical circuit
Must be designed so that the sidelights, taillights, side marker lights and licence plate lights can only be switched on
and off simultaneously.
Other regulations
Additional reflecting parts are allowed. Fitting of 2 additional clearance lights allowed. Attachment height and width
as described above!
Note: Clearance lights may also be integrated into auxiliary headlamps. The clearance lights present on the vehicle as standard can be disabled if auxiliary headlamps have
integrated clearance lights. Please observe the additional attachment conditions (see image)! A total 4 clearance lights are permitted. If auxiliary headlamps are attached below =
side lights. If these auxiliary headlamps are attached above = clearance lights.
14 | 15
Sample: How to fill out the
HELLA Reference Number Pass
Avoid confusion in police checks with
the HELLA Reference Number Pass
You can download more Hella Reference Number Passes at www.hella.com/truck
HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co.
Rixbecker Straße 75
59552 Lippstadt, Germany
Tel.: +49 2941 38-0
Fax: +49 2941 38-7133
Internet: www.hella.com
HELLA Limited
Wildmere Industrial Estate
Banbury, Oxon OX16 3JU
Tel.: (01295) 225600
Fax: 0800 7832571
E-mail: hella.sales@hella.com
Website: www.hella.co.uk
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Regional Headquarters Asia Pacific
Independent Aermarket
2 International Business Park
#02-12 The Strategy
Singapore 609930
Tel: +65 6854 7300
Fax: +65 6854 7302
E-mail: singapore@hella.com
Internet: www.hellaasia.com
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P O Box 6130
Moselville, Uitenhage,
SOUTH AFRICA
6232
Tel.: +27 (0) 41-996-5700
Fax.: +27 (0) 41-996-5720
http://www.hella.co.za
© HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co., Lippstadt
9Z2 999 134-523 J00711/AA/08.13/1.6
Printed in Germany
Subject to technical and price modifications.
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