ECE Regulation
ECE R148 — unified signalling lamp regulation.
R148 replaces and unifies the previous patchwork of lamp regulations (R6, R7, R23, R38, R77, R87, R91) into one consolidated standard for signalling lamps. It came into force for new vehicle type approvals in September 2023, with full mandatory application by 2027. What was once seven regulations covering direction indicators, position lamps, reversing lamps, parking lamps, end-outline markers, DRLs and side-marker lamps is now one document.
Laatst bijgewerkt 24 april 2026
Why consolidate?
The old regulations evolved independently over decades. A rear lamp that combined position, stop and indicator functions needed three separate approval numbers and three separate test reports — even though the physical lamp was one moulded unit. Manufacturers paid three certification fees for essentially one test.
R148 streamlines: one approval report, one type number, one test programme. The technical requirements haven't loosened — each function still has to meet the photometric, colorimetric and EMC criteria from the predecessor regulations — but the paperwork is consolidated.
What changed in practice
For installers fitting lamps today, the practical changes are small:
- Approval marks on new lamps look like "ECE R148" with letter codes indicating which functions are covered (e.g. "IA" for front indicator, "R" for rear position). Older lamps with their original R6/R7/R23 marks remain valid — no retrofit required. - Mixed approvals (one R148 lamp next to an older R7 lamp) are permitted during the transition period through 2027. - Production-conformity checks are tighter under R148 — randomly-pulled units from the production line must still meet the original type-approval output within a tighter tolerance.
A vehicle manufactured before September 2023 does not need to be retrofitted to R148. Installers fitting replacement lamps can choose R148 or the old regulations until the transition ends.
How to read an R148 approval mark
An R148 approval looks like this on the lamp casing:
``` E4 ╱──╲ ( 148R-00 1234 ) ╲──╱ IA R A1 A2 ```
- The circled E and the number identify the issuing national authority (E4 = The Netherlands) - "148R-00" is the regulation number and revision - The four-digit number is the specific type-approval reference - The letters underneath indicate functions: IA = front indicator, R = rear position, A1/A2 = additional classes
Each letter on the bottom row corresponds to a function the lamp is certified for.
Impact on our catalogue
Every LED signalling lamp we add to the catalogue from 2024 onward carries an R148 approval. Older stock approved under R6/R7/R23 remains valid and stays on sale until existing inventory clears — it is still fully road-legal, just under the predecessor regulation.
When you filter our catalogue by "R148-approved", you're looking at the newest-spec lamps. When you filter by "R7", you're looking at proven, still-compliant lamps that have been on the market for years. Neither filter excludes the other from being road-legal.