Legislation on the Installation of Lighting and Signalling Devices for Motor Vehicles

Directive 76/756/EEC

Council Directive 76/756/EEC of 27 July 1976 is an important step towards the harmonization of the laws of the Member States of the European Union concerning the installation of lighting and light-signalling devices on motor vehicles and their trailers. The purpose of this directive is to unify the technical requirements that motor vehicles must meet in order to ensure road safety and to facilitate the mutual recognition of type approvals between Member States.

Purpose and Significance of the Directive

The aim of the directive is to harmonize the technical requirements for the installation of lighting and signalling devices, which are essential for traffic safety. These requirements differ among Member States, which can lead to problems in vehicle type approval and market access. Harmonization therefore brings the following advantages:

• Ensuring road safety: Standardized lighting and signalling devices guarantee that vehicles are visible under all conditions.
• Easier type approval: Harmonized regulations allow vehicles approved in one Member State to be more easily accepted in others.
• Supporting the internal market: Removing technical barriers contributes to the free movement of goods and services within the EU.

Key Points of the Directive

Definitions and Scope

The directive defines key terms and specifies the types of vehicles covered. For the purposes of this directive, "vehicle" means any motor vehicle intended for use on roads, with or without bodywork, having at least four wheels and a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h, excluding rail vehicles, agricultural tractors, and machinery for public works.

Technical Requirements for the Installation of Devices

The directive sets out in detail the technical requirements for the installation of various types of lighting and signalling devices, such as:

• Main-beam headlamps: Provide long-range illumination of the road ahead.
• Dipped-beam headlamps: Illuminate the road ahead without dazzling drivers of oncoming vehicles.
• Front fog lamps: Improve road illumination in fog, snow, heavy rain, or dust clouds.
• Direction indicators: Alert other road users of the driver's intended change of direction.
• Brake lamps: Inform other drivers when the vehicle is braking.

Requirements for Mutual Recognition of Type Approvals

Member States may not refuse to grant EEC type approval or national type approval for a vehicle type on grounds relating to the installation of lighting and light-signalling devices, provided that these devices comply with the requirements laid down in Annex I of the directive.

Inspections and Updates

Member States must be able to monitor changes in vehicle design and, where necessary, carry out new tests and update type approvals. The directive also establishes procedures for adapting technical requirements to technical progress.

Overview of Lighting and Signalling Devices

Main-beam Headlamp

The main-beam headlamp illuminates the road over a long distance ahead of the vehicle. It must be installed to allow accurate adjustment and orientation. The light emitted must be white or selective yellow.

Dipped-beam Headlamp

The dipped-beam headlamp illuminates the road ahead without causing undue glare or discomfort to oncoming drivers or other road users. Like main-beam headlamps, dipped-beam headlamps must be accurately adjusted.

Front Fog Lamp

The front fog lamp is designed to improve road illumination in poor weather conditions such as fog, snow, or heavy rain. The light colour may be white or yellow.

Direction Indicators

Direction indicators warn other road users of the driver's intention to change direction. They must emit amber light and be visible even in daylight.

Brake Lamps

Brake lamps alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down or stopping. They must emit red light, and their luminous intensity must be higher than that of rear position lamps.

Rear Registration Plate Lamp

This device must ensure illumination of the rear registration plate so that it is legible under all lighting conditions. It must light up simultaneously with the rear position lamps.

Front and Rear Position Lamps

Front position lamps indicate the presence and width of the vehicle when viewed from the front. Rear position lamps serve the same purpose when viewed from behind.

Geometrical Visibility and Other Requirements

Geometrical Visibility

Geometrical visibility of the devices is a key requirement to ensure that lights are visible from different angles. This visibility is defined by minimum angles that determine the spatial area in which the apparent surface of the lamp must be visible.

Electrical Connections

Electrical connections must be designed so that certain lamps cannot be switched on or off separately. For example, front and rear position lamps, the rear registration plate lamp, and any additional side marker lamps must be switched on and off together. Interconnecting cables can be found here.

Light Colour

The directive also specifies colour requirements for the light emitted by each type of lamp and headlamp. For instance, main-beam headlamps must emit white or selective yellow light, while brake lamps must emit red light.

Conclusion

Council Directive 76/756/EEC is a key document for harmonizing legislation concerning the installation of lighting and light-signalling devices on motor vehicles within the European Union. Its aim is to establish uniform technical requirements to improve road safety, simplify vehicle type approval, and support the free movement of goods and services within the EU.