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This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
►B COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 27July 197 6
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to direction indicator lamps for
motor vehicles and their trailers
(76/759/EEC)
(OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 71)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
►M1Council Directive 87/354/EEC of 25 June 1987 L 192 43 11.7.1987
►M2Commission Directive 89/277/EEC of 28 March 1989 L 109 25 20.4.1989
►M3Commission Directive 1999/15/EC of 16 March 1999 L 97 14 12.4.1999
Amended by:
►A1Act of Accession of Greece L 291 17 19.11.1979
►A2Act of Accession of Spain and Portugal L 302 23 15.11.1985
►A3Act of Accession of Austria, Sweden and Finland C 241 21 29.8.1994
(adapted by Council Decision 95/1/EC, Euratom, ECSC) L 1 1 1.1.1995
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COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 27July 197 6
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to
direction indicator lamps for motor vehicles and their trailers
(76/759/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic
Community, and in particular Article 100 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament(
1),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(2),
Whereas the technical requirements which motor vehicles must satisfy
pursuant to national laws relate inter alia to their direction indicator
lamps;
Whereas those requirements differ from one Member State to another;
whereas it is therefore necessary that all Member States adopt the samerequirements either in addition to or in place of their existing rules, inorder, in particular, to allow the EEC type-approval procedure whichwas the subject of Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970 on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the type-
approval of motor vehicles and their trailers(
3), to be introduced in
respect of each type of vehicle;
Whereas in Directive 76/756/EEC(4), the Council laid down the
common requirements for the installation of lighting and light-signalling
devices on motor vehicles and their trailers;
Whereas a harmonized type-approval procedure for direction indicator
lamps makes it possible for each Member State to check compliancewith the common construction and testing requirements and to informthe other Member States of its findings by sending a copy of thecomponent type-approval certificate completed for each type of
direction indicator lamp; whereas the placing of an EEC component
type-approval mark on all direction indicator lamps manufactured inconformity with the approved type obviates any need for technicalchecks on these direction indicator lamps in the other Member States;
Whereas, it is desirable to take into account the technical requirements
adopted by the UN Economic Commission for Europe in its Regulation
No 6 (‘Uniform provisions for the approval of direction indicators formotor vehicles (except motor cycles) and their trailers’)(
5), which is
annexed to the Agreement of 20 March 1958 concerning the adoption ofuniform conditions for approval and reciprocal recognition of approvalfor motor vehicle equipment and parts;
Whereas the approximation of national laws relating to motor vehicles
entails reciprocal recognition by Member States of the checks carriedout by each of them on the basis of the common requirements,1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 2
(1) OJ No 28, 17. 2. 1967, p. 458/67.
(2) OJ No 224, 5. 12. 1966, p. 3802/66.
(3) OJ No L 42, 23. 2. 1970, p. 1.
(4) See page 1 of this Official Journal.
(5) Economic Commission for Europe, Document E/ECE/324, Addendum 5 of
22 May 1967.
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HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
1. Each Member State shall grant EC component type-approval for
any type of direction indicator lamp which satisfies the construction andtesting requirements laid down in the relevant Annexes.
2. The Member State which has granted EEC component type-
approval shall take the measures required in order to verify thatproduction models conform to the approved type, in so far as this is
necessary and if need be in cooperation with the competent authorities in
the other Member States. Such verification shall be limited to spotchecks.
Article 2
Member States shall, for each type of direction indicator lamp which
they approve pursuant to Article 1, issue to the manufacturer an EC
component type-approval mark conforming to the model shown inAnnex I, Appendix 3.
Member States shall take all appropriate measures to prevent the use of
marks liable to create confusion between direction indicator lampswhich have been type-approved pursuant to Article 1, and other devices.
Article 3
1. No Member State may prohibit the placing on the market of
direction indicator lamps on grounds relating to their construction ormethod of functioning if they bear the EEC component type-approvalmark.
2. Nevertheless, a Member State may prohibit the placing on the
market of direction indicator lamps bearing the EEC component type-
approval mark which consistently fail to conform to the approved type.
That State shall forthwith inform the other Member States and the
Commission of the measures taken, specifying the reasons for its
decision.
Article 4
The competent authorities of the Member States shall inform each other,
by means of the procedures specified in Article 4(6) of Directive 70/156/
EEC, of each approval which they have granted, refused or withdrawn
pursuant to this Directive.
Article 5
1. If the Member State which has granted EEC component type-
approval finds that a number of direction indicator lamps bearing the
same EEC component type-approval mark do not conform to the typewhich it has approved, it shall take the necessary measures to ensure thatproduction models conform to the approved type. The competentauthorities of that State shall advise those of the other Member States ofthe measures taken, which may, where there is consistent failure to
comform, extend to withdrawal of EEC component type-approval. The
said authorities shall take the same measures if they are informed by thecompetent authorities of another Member State of such failure toconform.
2. The competent authorities of Member States shall within one
month inform each other of any withdrawal of EEC component type-approval, and of the reasons for such a measure.1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 3
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Article 6
Any decision taken pursuant to the provisions adopted in implementa-
tion of this Directive to refuse or withdraw component type-approval for
a direction indicator lamp or prohibit its placing on the market or use
shall set out in detail the reasons on which it is based. Such decisionsshall be notified to the party concerned, who shall at the time beinformed of the remedies available to him under the laws in force in theMember States and of the time limits allowed for the exercise of suchremedies.
Article 7
No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type-approval or national
type-approval of a vehicle on grounds relating to its direction indicator
lamps if these bear the EEC component type-approval mark and are
fitted in accordance with the requirements laid down in Directive 76/756/EEC.
Article 8
No Member State may refuse or prohibit the sale, registration, entry into
service or use of any vehicle on grounds relating to its directionindicator lamps if these bear the EEC component type-approval markand are fitted in accordance with the requirements laid down in
Directive 76/756/EEC.
Article 9
For the purposes of this Directive, ‘vehicle’ means any motor vehicle
intended for use on the road, with or without bodywork, having at leastfour wheels and a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h, and itstrailers, with the exception of vehicles which run on rails and ofagricultural and forestry tractors and all mobile machinery.
Article 10
Any amendments necessary to adjust the requirements of the Annexes to
take account of technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with
the procedure laid down in Article 13 of Directive 70/156/EEC.
Article 11
1. Member States shall adopt and publish the provisions necessary in
order to comply with this Directive before 1 July 1977 and shallforthwith inform the Commission thereof. They shall apply theseprovisions from 1 October 1977 at the latest.
2. Once this Directive has been notified, the Member States shall also
ensure that the Commission is informed, in sufficient time for it to
submit its comments, of any draft laws, regulations or administrative
provisions which they propose to adopt in the field covered by thisDirective.
Article 12
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 4
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LIST OF ANNEXES
ANNEX I: Administrative provisions for type approval
Appendix 1: Information document
Appendix 2: Type-approval certificate
Appendix 3: Models of the EC component type-
approval mark
ANNEX II: Technical requirements1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 5
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ANNEX I
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FOR TYPE APPROVAL
1. APPLICATION FOR EC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL
1.1. The application for EC component type-approval pursuant to Article
3(4) of Directive 70/156/EEC of a type of direction indicator lamp
shall be submitted by the manufacturer.
1.2. A model for the information document is given in Appendix 1.
1.3. The following must be submitted to the technical service responsible
for conducting the type-approval tests:
1.3.1. Two samples equipped with the lamp or lamps recommended; if the
devices are not identical but are symmetrical and suitable for mounting
one on the left and one on the right side of the vehicle, the two samples
submitted may be identical and be suitable for mounting only on the
right or only on the left side of the vehicle; for adirection indica tor of
category 2b, the application shall also be accompanied by two samples
of the parts constituting the system which ensures the two levels of
intensity.
2. MARKINGS
2.1. The devices submitted for EC component type approval must bear:
2.1.1. the trade name or mark of the manufacturer;
2.1.2. in the case of lamps with replaceable light sources: the type(s) of
filament lamp prescribed;
2.1.3. in the case of lamps with non-replaceable light sources: the nominal
voltage and wattage.
2.2. These markings shall be clearly legible and indelible and shall be
affixed to the illuminating surface, or to one of the illuminating
surfaces, of the device. They shall be visible from the exterior when the
device is fitted to the vehicle.
2.3. Each device shall have sufficient space for the component type-
approval mark. This space shall be indicated on the drawings referred
to in Appendix 1.
3. GRANTING OF EC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL
3.1. If the relevant requirements are satisfied, EC type-approval pursuant to
Article 4(3) and, if applicable, Article 4(4) of Directive 70/156/EEC
shall be granted.
3.2. A model for the EC type-approval certificate is given in Appendix 2.
3.3. An approval number in accordance with Annex VII to Directive 70/
156/EEC shall be assigned to each type of direction indicator lamp
approved. The same Member State shall not assign the same number to
another type of direction indicator lamp.
3.4. Where EC component type approval is requested for a type of lighting
and light-signalling device comprising a direction indicator lamp and
other lamps, a single EC component type-approval number may be
assigned provided that the direction indicator lamp complies with the
requirements of this Directive and that each of the other lamps forming
part of the lighting and light-signalling device for which EC
component type approval is requested complies with the separate
Directive applying to it.
4. EC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL MARK
4.1. In addition to the markings referred to in item 2.1., every direction
indicator lamp conforming to the type approved pursuant to this
Directive shall bear an EC component type-approval mark.
4.2. This mark shall consist of:
4.2.1. arecta ngle surrounding the letter ‘e’ followed by the distinguishing
number or letters of the Member State which has granted type
approval:
1 for Germany1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 6
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2 for France
3 for Italy4 for the Netherlands
5 for Sweden
6 for Belgium
9 for Spain
11 for the United Kingdom12 for Austria
13 for Luxembourg
17 for Finland
18 for Denmark
21 for Portugal
23 for Greece
IRL for Ireland;
4.2.2. in the vicinity of the rectangle the ‘base approval number’ contained in
section 4 of the type-approval number referred to in Annex VII to
Directive 70/156/EEC, preceded by the two figures indicating the
sequence number assigned to the most recent major technical
amendment to Directive 76/759/EEC on the date EEC type approval
was granted. In this Directive the sequence number is 01;
4.2.3. additional symbols as follows:4.2.3.1. one or more of the numbers: 1, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5, or 6, according to
whether the device belongs to one or more categories 1, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b,
3, 4, 5, or 6;
4.2.3.2. on devices which cannot be mounted on either side of the vehicle
indiscriminately, an arrow showing in which position the device is to
be mounted (the arrow shall be directed outwards from the vehicle in
the case of devices of categories 1, 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b and towards the
front of the vehicle in the case of devices of categories 3, 4, 5 and 6).
In addition, for devices of category 6 an indication ‘R’ or ‘L’ shall in
this case be shown on the device, indicating the right or left side of the
vehicle;
4.2.3.3. on devices which may be used as a single lamp and as part of an
assembly of two lamps, the additional letter ‘D’ to the right side of the
symbol mentioned in paragraph 4.2.3.1.;
4.3. The EC component type-approval mark shall be affixed to the lens of
the lamp or one of the lenses in such a way as to be indelible and
clearly legible even when the lamps are fitted to the vehicle.
4.4. Arrangement of the approval mark.
4.4.1. Independent lamps:
Examples of the EC component type-approval mark are given in
Appendix 3, Figure 1.
4.4.2. Grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated lamps:
4.4.2.1. Where a single EC component type-approval number is issued, as per
item 3.4. above, for a type of lighting and light-signalling device
comprising a direction indicator lamp and other lamps, a single EC
component type-approval mark may be affixed, consisting of:
4.4.2.1.1. arecta ngle surrounding the letter ‘e’ followed by the distinguishing
number or letters of the Member State which has granted type approval
(see item 4.2.1.);
4.4.2.1.2. the base approval number (see item 4.2.2., first half-sentence);
4.4.2.1.3. if necessary, the required arrow, in so far as it relates to the lamp
assembly as a whole.
4.4.2.2. This mark may be located anywhere on the lamps which are grouped,
combined or reciprocally incorporated, provided that:
4.4.2.2.1. it is visible after the installation of the lamps;4.4.2.2.2. no light-transmitting components of the grouped, combined or
reciprocally incorporated lamps can be removed without simulta-
neously removing the approval mark.1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 7
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4.4.2.3. The identification symbol for each lamp corresponding to each
Directive pursuant to which EC component type approval was granted,
together with the sequence number (see item 4.2.2., second half-
sentence) and, where necessary, the letter ‘D’ and the required arrow
shall be marked:
4.4.2.3.1. either on the appropriate light-emitting surface;
4.4.2.3.2. or in a group, in such a way that each of the grouped, combined or
reciprocally incorporated lamps may be clearly identified.
4.4.2.4. The dimensions of the components of this mark must not be less than
the minimum dimensions specified for individual marks by the various
Directives pursuant to which EC component type approval was
granted.
4.4.2.5. Examples of an EC component type-approval mark for a lamp that is
grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated with other lamps are
given in Appendix 3, Figure 2.
4.4.3. Lamps reciprocally incorporated with other lamps, of which the lens
may also be used for other types of headlamps:
4.4.3.1. the provisions laid down in point 4.4.2. shall apply;
4.4.3.2. in addition, where the same lens is used, the latter may bear the
different approval marks relating to the different types of headlamps or
units of lamps, provided that the main body of the headlamp, even if it
cannot be separated from the lens, also comprises the space described
in point 2.3. and bears the approval marks of the actual functions;
4.4.3.3. if different types of headlamps comprise the same main body, the latter
may bear the different approval marks.
4.4.3.4. Examples of an EC component type-approval mark for lamps
reciprocally incorporated with a headlamp are given in figure 3 of
Appendix 3.
5. MODIFICATIONS OF THE TYPE AND AMENDMENTS TO
APPROVALS
5.1. In the case of modifications of the type approved pursuant to this
Directive, the provisions of Article 5 of Directive 70/156/EEC shall
apply.
6. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION
6.1. As a general rule, measures to ensure the conformity of production
shall be taken in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article
10 of Directive 70/156/EEC.
6.2. Every direction indicator lamp shall comply with the photometric and
colorimetric conditions specified in paragraphs 6 and 8(1). Never-
theless, in the case of a device picked at random from series
production, the requirements as to minimum intensity of the light
emitted (measured with a standard filament lamp as referred to in
paragraph 7 (1)) shall be limited in each relevant direction to 80 per
cent of the minimum values specified in paragraphs 6.1. and 6.2. (1).1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 8
(1) Of the documents referred to in item 1 of Annex II to this Directive.
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Appendix 1
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Appendix 2
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Appendix 3
EXAMPLES OF THE EC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL MARK
Figure 1
The device bearing the EC component type-approval mark shown above is a
direction indicator lamp of category 4, type approved in Germany (e1) purusant to
this Directive (01) under the base approval number 1471, which may also be used
in an assembly of two lamps. The arrow points towards the front of the vehicle.
Direction in which the arrows on the approval mark point, according to the
category of the device is shown below:
Figure 2a
Simplified marking of grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated
lamps when two or more lamps are part of the same assembly
(The vertical and horizontal lines schematise the shape of the light-signalling
device. These are not part of the approval mark)1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 13
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MODEL A
MODEL B
MODEL C
Note:The three examples of approval marks, models A, B and C represent three
possible variants of the marking of a lighting and light-signalling device
when two or more lamps are part of the same unit of grouped, combined or
reciprocally incorporated lamps. These approval marks show that the
device was approved in Germany (e1) under the base approval number
1712 and comprises:
A retro reflector of class IA approved in accordance with Directive 76/757/
EEC, sequence No 02;
A rear direction indicator of category 2a approved in accordance with
Directive 76/759/EEC, sequence No 01;
A red rear position lamp (R) approved in accordance with Annex II to
Directive 76/758/EEC, sequence No 02;
A rear fog lamp (F) approved in accordance with Directive 77/538/EEC,
sequence No 00;
A reversing lamp (AR) approved in accordance with Directive 77/539/
EEC, sequence No 00;
A stop lamp with two levels of intensity (S2) approved in accordance with
Annex II to Directive 76/758/EEC, sequence No 02;1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 14
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A rear registration plate lamp (L) approved in accordance with Directive
76/740/EEC, sequence No 00.
Figure 2b
Simplified marking of grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated
lamps when two or more lamps are part of the same assembly
(The vertical and horizontal lines schematise the shape of the light-signalling
device. These are not part of the approval mark)
MODEL A
MODEL B
MODEL C
MODEL D
Note:The four examples of approval marks, models A, B, C and D represent four
possible variants of the marking of a lighting and light-signalling device
when two or more lamps are part of the same unit of grouped, combined or
reciprocally incorporated lamps. These approval marks show that the
device was approved in Germany (e1) under the base approval number
7120 and comprises:
A front position lamp (A) approved in accordance with Annex II to
Directive 76/758/EEC, sequence No 02, for left-hand installation;1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 15
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A headlamp (HCR) with a passing beam designed for right-hand and left-
hand traffic and driving beam with a maximum intensity comprised
between 86 250 and 101 250 candelas (as indicated by the number 30)
approved in accordance with Annex V to Directive 76/761/EEC, sequence
No 02, and incorporating a lens of plastic material (PL);
A front fog lamp (B) approved in accordance with Directive 76/762/EEC,
sequence No 02, and incorporating a lens of plastic material (PL);
A front direction indicator lamp of category 1a approved in accordance
with Directive 76/759/EEC, sequence No 01.
Figure 3
Lamp reciprocally incorporated or grouped with a headlamp
The above example corresponds to the marking of a lens intended to be used in
different types of headlamps, namely:
either:
a headlamp with a passing beam designed for both traffic systems and a driving
beam with a maximum luminous intensity comprised between 86 250 and
101 250 candelas (as indicated by the number 30) approved in Germany (e1)
under the base approval number 7120 in accordance with the requirements of
Annex IV to Directive 76/761/EEC, sequence No 04, which is reciprocally
incorporated with a front direction indicator lamp approved in accordance with
Directive 76/759/EEC, sequence No 01,
ora headlamp with a passing beam and a driving beam, designed for both traffic
systems and approved in Germany (e1) under the base approval number 7122 in
accordance with the requirements of Annex II to Directive 76/761/EEC, sequence
No 01, which is reciprocally incorporated with the same front direction indicator
lamp as above,
or
even either of the abovementioned headlamps approved as a single lamp.
The main body of the headlamp shall bear the only valid approval number, for
instance:1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 16
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or
or
 or
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ANNEX II
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. The technical requirements are those set out in paragraphs 1 and 5 to 8 and
Annexes 1, 4 and 5 of UN-ECE Regulation No 6 which consists of a
consolidation of the following documents:
— the 01 series of amendments incorporating Supplements 1 to 5 to the 01
series of amendments and various Corrigenda thereto(1),
— supplement 6 to the 01 series of amendments(2),
— supplement 7 to the 01 series of amendments(3),
except that:
1.1. where reference is made to ‘Regulation No 48’, this shall be understood as
‘Directive 76/756/EEC’.
1.2. where reference is made to ‘Regulation No 37’, this shall be understood as
‘Annex VII to Directive 76/761/EEC’.1976L0759 — EN — 02.05.1999 — 006.001 — 18
(1)E/ECE/324/C148/C147/C147/C147/C149/C147/C147/C147/C150Rev. 1/Add. 5/Rev. 2.E/ECE/TRANS/505
(2)E/ECE/324/C148/C147/C147/C147/C149/C147/C147/C147/C150Rev. 1/Add. 5/Rev. 2/Amend. 1.E/ECE/TRANS/505
(3) TRANS/WP.29/518