What is ECE-R23?
ECE-R23 stands for Economic Commission for Europe regulation 23. ECE-R23 is a regulation established by the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) of the United Nations. This regulation pertains to reverse lights and other special lighting devices designed to enhance the safety and visibility of vehicles when reversing.
The purpose of the ECE-R23 Regulation
- Enhanced Visibility: ECE-R23 sets strict technical specifications and requirements for lighting equipment, such as reverse lights. These standards ensure that the lighting has sufficient brightness and coverage to adequately illuminate the road behind the vehicle. This improves visibility for the driver and other road users, especially in low-light or adverse weather conditions.
- Warning for Reversing: The use of reverse lights, in accordance with ECE-R23, serves as a clear warning to other road users that a vehicle is reversing or about to reverse. This helps prevent accidents and collisions by making others aware of the vehicle's movement.
- Minimization of Harsh Light Beams: ECE-R23 imposes limits on the light output and direction of the lighting to prevent harsh light beams from dazzling other drivers. This contributes to road safety by reducing potential distractions and glare.
- Uniform Standards: ECE-R23 provides uniform standards and specifications recognized in various countries and regions. This aids in the harmonization of vehicle lighting standards and promotes consistency in vehicle lighting production worldwide.
- Control and Enforcement: By complying with ECE-R23 standards, manufacturers and vehicle owners are required to produce and use lighting equipment that meets the highest safety standards. Control and enforcement contribute to the reliability and effectiveness of these standards.
- Traffic Safety: Overall, compliance with ECE-R23 contributes to a higher level of traffic safety by ensuring visible and warning lighting when reversing, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting general road safety.
In essence, ECE-R23 is vital to ensuring traffic safety by providing well-designed, functional, and reliable lighting equipment on vehicles. It reduces the risk of accidents, improves visibility, and contributes to a safer driving experience for everyone on the road.
What does the latest revision of ECE R23 say?
The latest revision, known as Revision 5, includes updates up to 2019 and adds transitional provisions. These provisions state that new approvals for reversing lights under ECE R23 will eventually be replaced by the ECE R149 standard. This new standard provides a more comprehensive guideline for vehicle lighting, covering reversing lights as well as other lighting requirements. However, for vehicles already in use and replacement parts, ECE R23 remains valid.
LED Reverse Lighting
At TRALERT®, we understand the importance of high-quality lighting equipment to ensure road safety. Our LED reverse lights meet the strict standards and specifications set by ECE-R23.
By choosing Tralert’s LED reverse lights, you are assured of high-quality, functional lighting that contributes to a safer driving experience for everyone on the road.
ECE R23 vs ECE R149
The new ECE R149 standard will eventually replace ECE R23 for approvals of new vehicles and lighting. ECE R149 provides a comprehensive and modern approach to vehicle lighting, taking into account not only functionality but also technological developments and electromagnetic compatibility. In the future, reverse lights will therefore need to meet the R149 approval requirements, while existing vehicles and replacement reverse lights may still fall under R23.