WP.29/2026/162
UN R48: Proposal for a Supplement 9 to the 08 series of amendments

Proposal to add provisions for Automated Driving Systems (ADS) in vehicle lighting and light-signalling functions, insert definitions for ADS-related terms and direction indicator projection, amend direction-indicator lamp definition to reference UN Regulations 97, 116, 162, and 163, add direction indicator projector definition, amend switch ON/OFF and activate/deactivate definitions to include ADS operation, insert definitions for basic elements and direction indicator projection, add requirements for direction indicator projection patterns in approval documentation, add driver seat position specification requirement, amend headlamp discomfort and ADS performance requirements across multiple paragraphs, insert main-beam control requirements for active ADS features, amend dipped-beam and front fog lamp provisions to account for ADS, add automatic alignment and luminous intensity adaptation provisions, amend side-marker lamp operation to permit ADS control, insert direction-indicator lamp flash requirements for ADS operation, add hazard warning signal control by ADS, amend interior lighting provisions, amend front-facing lighting unit height requirements for ADS-equipped vehicles without windscreens, insert ADS control requirements for cornering lamps and reversing lamps, amend Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) provisions to permit ADS control, insert new paragraph 6.28. establishing comprehensive direction indicator projection requirements including presence (optional), number, arrangement, position, projection area boundaries, orientation, electrical connections (flash synchronisation with direction-indicator lamps), tell-tale (optional), visual testing requirements, pattern restrictions, and operational restrictions based on vehicle speed and gear engagement, add Communication Form items for direction indicator projection luminous intensity and projector compliance, add item for ADS presence indication, add item for driver seat location specification, amend Annex 5 loading conditions to establish “seating position 1” terminology for the front seat nearest opposing traffic with provisions for ADS-equipped vehicles of categories X and Y, and insert new Annex 18 specifying the chevron as the sole basic element in amber for direction indicator projection patterns.

UNECE server
Excerpts from session reports
GRE | Session 91 | 22-25 Oct 2024

22. The expert from GTB proposed introducing direction indicator projections (DIP). The proposals were accompanied by draft amendments to UN Regulation No. 48 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2024/21, GRE-91-06). A number of GRE experts were not in a position to support the proposals and questioned the safety benefits of DIP, except in particular use cases. Some experts raised concerns about possible light pollution from DIP. The expert from Japan reported that his country had conducted tests of DIP in September 2024 the results of which would be shared with GRE in due course. The Chair concluded that the DIP proposals were not ready for GRE adoption at this time.

GRE | Session 92 | 22-25 Apr 2025

24. The expert from GTB presented revised amendment proposals that aim to introduce direction indicator projections in UN Regulations No. 148 and 48 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2024/21/Rev.1), together with supporting statistical data (GRE-92-05). Some experts were not convinced that the proposed projections would bring benefits for road safety and pointed out the need of real-life experiences. The experts from GTB replied that life demonstrations would be organized on a proper occasion. The expert from the United Kingdom held the view that, in case of deficiencies, the mandatory direction indicators should be upgraded with new functions, rather than installing additional optional lamps. GRE agreed to keep the GTB proposals on the agenda of the next session.

GRE | Session 93 | 21-23 Oct 2025

23. GRE resumed consideration of the amendment proposals on direction indicator projections that had been submitted by the experts from GTB (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2024/21/Rev.1). GRE was informed about live demonstrations that had been organized by GTB in Darmstadt and London in September 2025. The experts from France, Germany, Italy and Japan supported the proposals. The expert from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reiterated his reservation and requested that the cycling community be first consulted on the benefits of the proposed technology.

24. As a compromise, GRE agreed to adopt the proposal as draft Supplement 24 to the 06 series, draft Supplement 11 to the 07 series, draft Supplement 9 to the 08 series and draft Supplement 4 to the 09 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 48 as well as draft Supplement 7 to the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 148 and submit it not to the March, but to the June 2026 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1, thus leaving GRE a possibility of revisiting the proposal at the next GRE session in April 2026. Meanwhile, GTB and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland would solicit the views of the cycling community.

37. The experts of the Task Force on Autonomous Vehicle Signalling Requirements (TF AVSR) briefed GRE on their activities (GRE-93-18-Rev.1) and introduced amendment proposals to UN Regulations Nos. 45 and 48 (08 and 09 series of amendments) to cater for automated driving systems (ADS) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2025/22 as amended by GRE-93-31-Rev.1, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2025/23 as amended by GRE-93-30-Rev.1, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2025/24 as amended by GRE-93-32). GRE adopted these proposals and agreed to submit them to the June 2026 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1, thus leaving GRE a possibility of revisiting the proposal at the next GRE session in April 2026.