Guide To: UNECE R6 - Direction Indicator Lamps (Front, Rear and Side)
05 July 2018
Guide To: UNECE R6 - Direction Indicator Lamps (Front, Rear and Side)
UN ECE Regulation No. 6 sets out the uniform provisions concerning the approval of direction indicators (turn signals) for power-driven vehicles and their trailers. The primary objective of this regulation is to ensure that direction indicators are designed and installed in a way that promotes road safety by making vehicle intentions clear to other road users, particularly when turning or changing lanes.
Scope of the Regulation
UN ECE R6 applies to direction indicators (turn signals) for the following vehicle categories:
- L: Motorcycles and mopeds
- M: Passenger cars
- N: Goods vehicles
- O: Trailers
- T: Tractors.
Key Features of UN ECE R6
Design and Construction:
- Direction indicators are devices that signal the driver's intention to turn or change lanes. These must flash when activated by an intermittent electrical supply.
- The indicators must be designed to ensure visibility from a wide range of angles, both horizontally and vertically, ensuring that other road users can clearly see the vehicle’s signals.
Categories of Direction Indicators:
- The regulation defines several categories of direction indicators based on their mounting location and function, such as Category 1, 1a, 1b for the front of the vehicle, and Category 2a, 2b for the rear.
- Additional side direction indicators, such as Category 5 and 6, are used to enhance visibility, especially for larger vehicles like trucks and trailers.
Light Intensity and Colour Requirements:
- The regulation specifies minimum and maximum light intensities for direction indicators to ensure they are visible in all lighting conditions, but do not cause glare.
- The indicators must emit amber light, a standard colour for turn signals worldwide.
Sequential Indicators:
- The regulation allows for sequential activation of light sources in direction indicators, provided they proceed in a uniform and progressive manner. This is commonly seen in modern vehicles with "scrolling" indicators.
Marking and Approval:
- Direction indicators must carry approval marks that identify the country where approval was granted, as well as the applicable category of the device. This ensures traceability and compliance with the regulation.
Incorporation into UN ECE R148
UN ECE R6 has been incorporated into UN ECE Regulation No. 148, which consolidates various light-signalling regulations into a unified framework. This streamlining ensures that manufacturers and regulatory bodies have a more efficient and cohesive process for approving vehicle lighting systems, including direction indicators. By integrating R6 into R148, the industry benefits from standardized practices, which helps in global harmonization of vehicle safety standards.
Conclusion
Direction indicators are a critical part of vehicle safety, and compliance with UN ECE R6 (now largely absorbed into R148) ensures that these devices meet stringent safety standards. By adhering to these regulations, manufacturers can ensure their products are legally recognized and perform reliably in all conditions.
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