UN R48 baseline text for a 10 series of amendments proposes uniform provisions for vehicle lighting and light-signalling device installation approval. The document consolidates modifications agreed at working group session through dated amendment documents and resolutions. Pending issues include determining “[any] subsequent series” terminology for frozen regulations, renumbering and cross-checking paragraphs, addressing apparent surface visibility, improving daytime running lamp visibility against stop lamps, resolving “prohibited if not allowed” language, and numbering all figures with titles. Editorial polishing includes standardizing hyphenated terminology (“driving-beam,” “passing-beam,” “retro-reflector,” “direction-indicator lamp”), applying consistent UN Regulation references, replacing “communication sheet” with “communication form,” assigning table and figure numbers consistent with similar regulations, and correcting percentage notation to “per cent.”

GTB proposes simplifying UN R48 by developing a single CAD-based method to determine apparent surface at early design stages. The proposal deletes the “light-emitting surface” definition and establishes “apparent surface” as the orthogonal projection of visible light-emitting surfaces in a specified observation direction. Amendments include revised definitions for lens, textured outer lens, illuminating surface, and apparent surface, with modified requirements for single lamps with multiple distinct parts. Distance requirements between adjacent parts are adjusted to 75mm or 200mm depending on lamp type.

Proposal to insert new definitions for “direction indicator projector,” “basic element,” and “direction indicator projection” in paragraph 2.5.22., 2.7.12., and 2.7.13.; amend paragraph 5.9.1. to include direction indicator projections as flashing lamps; amend paragraph 5.15. to specify amber colour for direction indicator projection; insert new paragraph 5.37. with general provisions for direction indicator projections; insert new paragraph 6.28. with detailed requirements for direction indicator projection presence, number, arrangement, position, projection area, orientation, electrical connections, and other requirements for vehicles of categories M, N, O₃, and O₄; insert new item 9.32. in Annex 1 with communication form entries; amend Annex 14 title; and insert new Annex 18 (Basic element to be used for direction indicator projection patterns).

The agenda includes corrections to UN R150-01, baseline documents for UN R53, R74, R86, and R48, simplification of paragraphs 6.×.4 and 6.×.5, transitional provisions, harmonisation of requirements, apparent surface considerations, and direction indicator visibility improvements. The next meetings are scheduled for June and December 2026, with a potential September 2026 session in Tokyo.

Proposal to add new provisions defining terms related to automated driving systems (including Dynamic Driving Task, Automated Driving System, Operational Design Domain, and ADS feature), amend definitions of direction-indicator lamps, adaptive main beam, switching and activation functions, and movable components, insert definitions of direction indicator projectors and projections, add general and special requirements for direction indicator projections including patterns, luminous intensity limits, electrical connections, and operational constraints, amend requirements for vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System including control of lighting functions, automatic operation provisions, testing methods, and applicability of driver-related requirements to categories X and Y vehicles, modify provisions for headlamp control, dipped-beam adjustment, fog lamp adaptation, reversing lamps, and Adaptive Front-lighting Systems to accommodate ADS operation, insert new communication form items for direction indicator projections and ADS presence, amend loading conditions in Annex 5 to reference seating position 1 instead of driver’s seat and add provisions for categories X and Y vehicles, retitle Annex 14, and insert new Annex 18 specifying chevron as the basic element for direction indicator projections in amber colour, effective upon entry into force as Supplement 4 to the 09 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.

Proposal to insert para. 2.5.22. defining direction indicator projector, insert paras. 2.7.12. and 2.7.13. defining basic element of a direction indicator projection and direction indicator projection, insert para. 3.2.10. requiring manufacturers to provide a list of patterns where direction indicator projections are provided, amend para. 5.9.1. to include direction indicator projections as flashing lamps, amend para. 5.15. to specify direction indicator projection colour as amber, insert para. 5.37. with general provisions for direction indicator projections including pattern explanation in owner’s handbook and automatic reduction of luminous intensity to 7.00×10³ cd or less when windshield wiper operates continuously for at least two minutes, insert para. 6.28. with detailed requirements for direction indicator projection presence, number, arrangement, position, projection area, orientation, electrical connections, and other requirements for vehicles of categories M₁–M₃, N₁–N₃, O₃, and O₄, insert item 9.32. in Annex 1 to the Communication Form, amend Annex 14 title, and insert new Annex 18 specifying chevron as the basic element for direction indicator projection patterns in amber colour.

This document addresses rear direction-indicator lamps mounted at low positions on vehicles. Republic of Korea reports increased public petitions and media articles regarding visibility and recognition concerns, particularly in congested traffic and for vehicles with higher driver seating positions like SUVs. UN Regulation No. 48 specifies direction-indicator lamp height requirements: not less than 350 mm and not more than 1,500 mm, or up to 2,100 mm under certain structural conditions. The presentation seeks feedback on similar issues from other countries and manufacturers.

The HWT analyzed literature and expert knowledge to identify glare causes, performance negative effects, and improvable requirements for ADB/AFS systems. Key issues include wet road conditions, external objects obstructing sensors, soiled headlamps, and insufficient dynamic masking accuracy. Recommendations include improving headlamp cleaning enforcement, enhancing vehicle detection requirements, introducing motorway ADB usage, implementing adaptive cut-off lines, and providing manual override instructions.

OICA presents research findings on direction indicator perceptibility when stop lamps activate simultaneously. Key findings indicate that spatial separation between functions, increased direction indicator intensity, and relative signal dominance improve perception. Research shows stop lamp luminance can reduce direction indicator recognition, particularly in near-field viewing. OICA concludes that minimum size requirements proposed in the German proposal exceed available evidence and may create unintended consequences without demonstrated safety benefits.

The document analyzes separating direction indicators and stop lamps. It examines how drivers recognize lighting functions through visual perception and notes that irregular lamp shapes increase reaction time. The document states that “apparent surface”, currently defined only through manufacturer drawings, lacks perceptual grounding because it ignores luminance distribution and edge contrast. It recommends minimum lamp sizes and distances based on visual acuity, minimum luminance requirements, and a 3:1 luminance contrast between functions when spatially merged in one lamp.

A literature review on direction indicator visibility presents research on vehicle lighting design, visibility, and signalling. Sources include studies on overlapping and interlocking of lights, and dynamic evaluation of automobile rear lighting configurations.

CLIV is developing a new UN Regulation for vehicle categories M1, M2, M3, and N1 in Phase 2. The draft regulation requires visual and audible external warnings upon detection of a child left in a vehicle. Visual warnings use direction indicator lamps flashing in SOS morse code pattern for at least 15 seconds, then off for no more than 30 seconds, repeating for at least 10 minutes. Audible warnings must exceed 60dB(A) following the same timing pattern. The IWG requests guidance on potential amendments to UN R48, UN R28, and UN R165.

Proposal to clarify manufacturer logo requirements across several paragraphs: confirming that non-illuminated graphic marks are not considered logos (para. 2.1.7.); permitting vehicle manufacturers to keep the inner portion of a front position lamp active when an AFS headlamp substitutes the outer portion (para. 5.12.1.4.); improving logo language for Light Signalling Devices approved to UN R148 (para. 5.30.1.); and clarifying that Road Illumination Devices approved to UN R149 shall not include a manufacturer logo (para. 5.30.2.).

Proposal to introduce a new “call for help” signal.

Proposal to align the Exterior Courtesy Lamps provisions of the 08 series amendments with those of the 09 series.

Proposal to exclude retro-reflective devices and markings from the requirement of “Red light to the front” and “White light to the rear”.

Proposal to introduce selective yellow as an permitted alternative to white for front position lamps and daytime running lamps in UN R48 and UN R148. Studies confirm that selective yellow performs equally to white for oncoming vehicle recognition and speed estimation. Unlike historical filament lamp applications where a yellow filter reduced luminous intensity, modern LEDs achieve the same intensity levels without reduction. Specific amendments include: updating §5.15 to reflect selective yellow options and removing a duplicated front fog lamp requirement; amending §§6.9.7 and 6.19.7 to deactivate selective yellow position and daytime running lamps on the relevant side during direction indicator activation; and aligning UN R148 (01 series) by amending §§5.1.7, 5.4.7 and Annex 1 accordingly. The colour boundaries for selective yellow are already defined in §2.11.1.2 and require no amendment. Further details can be found in informal document GRE-94-05.

Proposal to clarify and modernize lamp installation and component requirements in UN R48 and UN R148:

• Remove the “band/strip” terminology and expand the definition of a pair of lamps to cover full-width designs
• Remove the three-device maximum for Y-lamps to ensure technology neutrality
• Add a new paragraph §5.5.5 defining a pair as a two-lamp system
• Relocate light source requirements from UN R48 to UN R148 §4.7.3 to ensure at least one light source per side
• Remove the 0.8-metre minimum length requirement
• Clarify that definitions in §2.4.10 apply only to the relevant vehicle categories
• Update provisions for light source positioning in UN R148
• Clarify §4.8.1.3 in UN R148
• Add new sampling provisions in §4.8.11 for testing band/strip lamps

The Task Force on Lamps Under Parked Conditions examined proposed modifications to UN R48 regarding vehicle lamp test modes, focusing on energy status indicators for charging vehicles. Key discussions included: color specifications for indicators, multiple energy status indicator placement on vehicles, frequency requirements for flashing indicators, and apparent surface area values. The group debated whether to include Adaptive Front-lighting System modes in lamp test procedures. Multiple paragraphs were revised, deleted, or approved for further consideration at the next session scheduled for March 2026.