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Additional lighting on the truck not only looks smart, but should also make working in the dark easier. That's why the additional lighting is always an issue for truck drivers. The topic of additional lighting is therefore always relevant with regard to trucks. Special headlights for work immediately come to mind. But be careful: The bulbs cannot simply be installed. Rather play it permissible total weight and the regulations of ECE R48 an important role. The ECE standard specifies, among other things, which vehicle classes are allowed to have additional lights, rear lights or headlights. In most cases, these are so-called “optional provisions”. Ultimately, this means that additional lighting may be installed, but is not mandatory. On the overview page of the EU law you will find the exact content of the regulations of the ECE R48 as a PDF. To do this, simply follow the link: ECE R48 regulations. For headlights, for example, trucks with a permissible total weight of between 3,5 t and 12 t in total four headlights may have. If the truck weighs more than 12 tons, it can even be up to six headlights to be attached. However, a maximum of four of these six lights may be used simultaneously be switched on.
Truck tuning and lighting
In the truck tuning additional lighting or attached LEDs and other headlights are particularly popular. It becomes difficult, however, when the corresponding changes do not comply with the regulations or no approval. These problematic changes include, among other things, lighting from the truck's radiator grille. In addition, the attachment of illuminated advertising or company signs, continuous delimitation and outline lighting strips, as well as spotlights with colored light prohibited. Light strips and LED lights on the wind deflectors and the sides of the truck are also not permitted. The same applies to colored rotating beacons that do not meet the requirements of § 52 Para. 4 and 11 StVZO (Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance). Colored reflectors or spotlights are also allowed not used as truck lighting. Truck vehicle owners clarify best previously with the responsible testing organization which additional lights are permitted before they are installed. Impermissible lighting usually leads to the expiry of the operating permit. If this is the case, drivers and owners may face enormous fines. Especially when the truck is involved in an accident.
Truck interior lighting: what is allowed?
Interior lighting is already installed in the truck as standard. This usually involves general driver's compartment lighting and reading or glove compartment lighting. These are mostly about a door contact switch controlled. The lamps go out automatically after a certain time. However, they can be switched on again at any time using a switch in the vehicle. Truck interior lighting also includes the lamps in the berth and living area in variants with a sleeping facility. If you want to change the lamps inside the truck, you have to make sure that the lighting is on the outside little or no effect shows and by no means dazzles.
while driving additional interior lights forbidden. Usually are even luminous Nameplates, which are located behind the windscreen, atmospheric Back wall lighting in the cabin and flashing fairy lights are prohibited, as in many cases they have an outward effect, are distracting and, in the worst case, even dazzle. Today's vehicles touch down Festoon lamps and LEDs for interior lighting. LED interior lighting can therefore often be seen in trucks and permitted. But what about the additional lighting on the outside of the vehicle?
Exterior lighting with LEDs – when is this permitted on trucks?
Anyone who wants to retrofit their truck with a LED lighting want to equip. Simply replacing individual lighting elements is not permitted. Usually these show no ABE and are therefore also not permitted. The situation is different with Exchange of the entire light module. Here, for example, new headlights, LED rear lights or direction indicators can be installed on the truck, if they are licensed. But the headlights must be equipped with a so-called Luminous range control be provided. LED rear lights or other LED lighting are permitted on the truck if they are factory-installed as standard. These elements are provided with an approval and are part of the mandatory equipment of the vehicle. But even in this case, there must be a headlight range control on the headlight.
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