Request for guidance regarding interpretation of UN lighting rules:

1. Is it allowed that the shape of the apparent surface can be the logo of the manufacturer brand or other brand-identifying figures?
2. Is it allowed that the shape of the apparent surface can be the same as an evocative/suggestive figure? Even as an informative figure such as road traffic
   signs?
3. Is the advertising lighting allowed at the national level in the Contracting parties, regarding to its influence on road safety and distraction?
4. Do we have to consider an apparent surface, whose shape is the logo of a brand manufacturer or other brand-identifying figures, as a advertising lighting?

39. Due to a lack of time, GRE was not in a position to consider GRE-78-03.

47. The experts of France and Germany initiated a discussion on how to treat lamps with apparent surfaces in the form of a company logo or other brand-identifying figures (GRE-78-03). The experts from Finland, France, Italy Netherlands, Poland, Spain and UK reported on their national experiences on the subject. GRE noted that, in many countries, specific illuminated advertisement on vehicles was prohibited. However, no clear restrictions existed for lamps which otherwise met the requirements of lighting and light-signalling Regulations, and particularly of Regulation No. 48. GRE was also informed about optional additional lamps that were allowed in some countries for the purposes of road safety, for example, additional direction indicators for trucks in the form of a cyclist. The experts from France and Germany pointed out that they would distribute a questionnaire to GRE experts to solicit detailed information on relevant national practices. In addition, the expert from the Netherlands suggested establishing a task force. GRE agreed to revert to this issue at the next session, based on the outcome of the survey.

37. The experts of France and Germany presented the preliminary results of their questionnaire on national treatment of evocative, suggestive or figurative apparent surfaces (GRE-80-28). GRE noted that the reported results seemed to indicate the need to harmonize national regulations on the issue. GRE decided to continue this discussion at the next session, based on a more detailed document to be prepared by the experts from France and Germany.

Proposal to improve the proposal submitted by the experts from France and Germany to allow under specified conditions the use of manufacturer logos inside the illuminant surface of a signalling lamp.

16. The experts from France and Germany presented an updated proposal for amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 48 and 148, which introduce conditions for the use of logos of the vehicle or body manufacturer inside the illuminating surface of a signalling lamp (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2019/28 and GRE-82-32). The expert from CLEPA proposed adding the logo of the lamp manufacturer (GRE-82-20). The expert from OICA suggested a modified definition of “manufacturer logo” (GRE-82-36).

17. Several experts expressed their preference to completely prohibit the use of logos inside the lamps on safety concerns, while some others pointed out that road safety would not be compromised, as the lamps should meet all requirements in the respective UN Regulations. Some experts wondered whether the use of letters inside the logos was allowed. Following an in-depth discussion, GRE agreed that the “manufacturer logo” definition would need further clarification and invited the experts from France and Germany to submit a revised proposal for consideration at the next session. Pending the outcome of this discussion, GRE invited type approval authorities to refrain from granting type approvals to signalling lamps with logos inside the illuminating surface.

16. The experts from France and Germany presented an updated proposal for amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 48 and 148, which introduce conditions for the use of logos of the vehicle or body manufacturer inside the illuminating surface of a signalling lamp (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2019/28 and GRE-82-32). The expert from CLEPA proposed adding the logo of the lamp manufacturer (GRE-82-20). The expert from OICA suggested a modified definition of “manufacturer logo” (GRE-82-36).

17. Several experts expressed their preference to completely prohibit the use of logos inside the lamps on safety concerns, while some others pointed out that road safety would not be compromised, as the lamps should meet all requirements in the respective UN Regulations. Some experts wondered whether the use of letters inside the logos was allowed. Following an in-depth discussion, GRE agreed that the “manufacturer logo” definition would need further clarification and invited the experts from France and Germany to submit a revised proposal for consideration at the next session. Pending the outcome of this discussion, GRE invited type approval authorities to refrain from granting type approvals to signalling lamps with logos inside the illuminating surface.

16. The experts from France and Germany presented an updated proposal for amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 48 and 148, which introduce conditions for the use of logos of the vehicle or body manufacturer inside the illuminating surface of a signalling lamp (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2019/28 and GRE-82-32). The expert from CLEPA proposed adding the logo of the lamp manufacturer (GRE-82-20). The expert from OICA suggested a modified definition of “manufacturer logo” (GRE-82-36).

17. Several experts expressed their preference to completely prohibit the use of logos inside the lamps on safety concerns, while some others pointed out that road safety would not be compromised, as the lamps should meet all requirements in the respective UN Regulations. Some experts wondered whether the use of letters inside the logos was allowed. Following an in-depth discussion, GRE agreed that the “manufacturer logo” definition would need further clarification and invited the experts from France and Germany to submit a revised proposal for consideration at the next session. Pending the outcome of this discussion, GRE invited type approval authorities to refrain from granting type approvals to signalling lamps with logos inside the illuminating surface.

Proposal to allow under specified conditions the use of logos inside the illuminating surface of a signalling lamp.

11. The experts from France and Germany proposed introducing conditions for the use of logos inside the illuminating surface of a signalling lamp in the UN LSD Regulation and UN Regulation No. 48 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2019/6). Various experts commented and posed questions on the proposal. GRE noted that a clear definition of “logo” would be needed and that technological neutrality should be ensured. The expert from EC was of the view that the underlying issue did not have bearing on road safety and, thus, should not be discussed by GRE. The proponents agreed to revise the proposal in accordance with the comments received. The expert of OICA offered its assistance.

Proposal to allow the use of logos inside the illuminating surface of a signalling lamp under certain conditions.

16. The experts from France and Germany presented an updated proposal for amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 48 and 148, which introduce conditions for the use of logos of the vehicle or body manufacturer inside the illuminating surface of a signalling lamp (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2019/28 and GRE-82-32). The expert from CLEPA proposed adding the logo of the lamp manufacturer (GRE-82-20). The expert from OICA suggested a modified definition of “manufacturer logo” (GRE-82-36).

17. Several experts expressed their preference to completely prohibit the use of logos inside the lamps on safety concerns, while some others pointed out that road safety would not be compromised, as the lamps should meet all requirements in the respective UN Regulations. Some experts wondered whether the use of letters inside the logos was allowed. Following an in-depth discussion, GRE agreed that the “manufacturer logo” definition would need further clarification and invited the experts from France and Germany to submit a revised proposal for consideration at the next session. Pending the outcome of this discussion, GRE invited type approval authorities to refrain from granting type approvals to signalling lamps with logos inside the illuminating surface.