1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 1
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 ►M2 retro-reflectors ◄for
motor vehicles and their trailers
(76/757/EEC)
(OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 32)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
►M1Council Directive 87/354/EEC of 25 June 1987 L 192 43 11.7.1987
►M2Commission Directive 97/29/EC of 11 June 1997 L 171 11 30.6.1997
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
▼B
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 27July 197 6
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to
►M2 retro-reflectors ◄for motor vehicles and their trailers
(76/757/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 reflex reflectors;
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 in
order, in particular, to allow the EEC type-approval procedure, which
was the subject of Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970 onthe 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 common
requirements for the installation of lighting and light-signalling devices
on motor vehicles and their trailers;
Whereas a harmonized type-approval procedure for reflectors makes it
possible for each Member State to check compliance with the commonconstruction and testing requirements and to inform the other Member
States of its findings by sending a copy of the component type-approval
certificate completed for each type of reflex reflector; whereas theplacing of an EEC component type-approval mark on all reflexreflectors manufactured in conformity with the approved type obviatesany need for technical checks on these reflex reflectors in the Member
States;
Whereas it is desirable to take into account the technical requirements
adopted by the UN Economic Commission for Europe in its RegulationNo 3 (‘Uniform provisions for the approval of reflex reflecting devicesfor motor vehicles’)(
5), which is annexed to the Agreement of 20 March
1958 concerning the adoption of uniform conditions for approval and
reciprocal recognition of approval for 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,1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 2
(1) OJ No C 55, 13. 5. 1974, p. 14.
(2) OJ No C 109, 19. 9. 1974, p. 26.
(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/C148/C147/C147/C147/C149/C147/C147/C147/C150Addendum 2.E/ECE/TRANS/505
▼B
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
1. Each Member State shall grant EC component type-approval for
any type of retro-reflector which satisfies the construction and textingrequirements laid down in the relevant Annexes.
2. The Member State which has granted EEC component type-
approval shall take the measures required in order verify that production
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 otherMember States. Such verification shall be limited to spot checks.
Article 2
Member States shall, for each type of retro-reflector which they approve
pursuant to Article 1, issue to the manufacturer an EC component type-
approval mark conforming to the model shown in Annex I, Appendix 3.
Member States shall take all appropriate measures to prevent the use of
marks liable to create confusion between reflex reflectors which havebeen type-approved pursuant to Article 1, and other devices.
Article 3
1. No Member State may prohibit the placing on the market of reflex
reflectors on grounds relating to their construction or method offunctioning if they bear the EEC component type-approval mark.
2. Nevertheless, a Member State may prohibit the placing on the
market of reflex reflectors bearing the EEC component type-approvalmark 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 procedure 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 reflex reflectors bearing the same EECcomponent type-approval mark do not conform to the type which it has
approved, it shall take the necessary measures to ensure that production
models conform to the approved type. The competent authorities of thatState shall advise those of the other Member States of the measurestaken which may, where there is consistent failure to conform, extend towithdrawal of EEC component type-approval. The said authorities shall
take the same measures if they are informed by the competent
authorities of another Member State of such failure to conform.
2. The competent authorities of the 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.
Article 6
Any decision taken pursuant to the provisions adopted in implementa-
tion of this Directive, to refuse or withdraw type-approval for a reflex1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 3
▼M2
▼B
▼M2
▼B
▼M2
▼B
▼B
reflector or prohibit its placing on the market or use shall set out in detail
the reasons on which it is based. Such decision shall be notified to theparty concerned, who shall at the same time be informed of the remedies
available to him under the laws in force in the Member States and of the
time limits allowed for the exercise of such remedies.
Article 7
No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type-approval or national
type-approval of a vehicle on grounds relating to its reflex reflectors ifthese bear the EEC component type-approval mark and are fitted inaccordance with 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 reflex reflectors 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 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 of
agricultural 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 withthe 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 administrativeprovisions which they propose to adopt in the field covered by thisDirective.
Article 12
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 4
▼M2
▼B
▼M2
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: Scope and technical requirements1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 5
▼M2
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 retro-reflector 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. in the case of retro-reflectors of either Class I A or III A,1.3.1.1. ten (10) samples of the colour specified by the manufacturer;1.3.1.2. if necessary, two samples in other colour(s) for simultaneous or
subsequent extension of the approval to retro-reflectors in other
colour(s);
1.3.2. in the case of retro-reflectors of Class IV A, ten (10) samples and, if
necessary, the means of fixation.
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. the mark ‘TOP’ appearing horizontally at the top of the illuminating
surface, if required to determine unequivocally the angle or angles of
rotation specified by the manufacturer.
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 I.
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, 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 retro-reflector approved. The same
Member State shall not assign the same number to another type of retro-
reflector.
3.4. Where EC component type-approval is requested for a type of lighting
and light-signalling device comprising a retro-reflector and other lamps,
a single EC component type-approval number may be assigned provided
that the retro-reflector 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 retro-reflector
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. a rectangle surrounding the letter ‘e’ followed by the distinguishing
number or letters of the Member State which has granted type-approval:
1 for Germany
2 for France3 for Italy1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 6
▼M2
4 for the Netherlands
5 for Sweden
6 for Belgium9 for Spain11 for the United Kingdom
12 for Austria
13 for Luxembourg17 for Finland18 for Denmark
21 for Portugal
23 for GreeceIRL 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 of
Directive 70/156/EEC, preceded by the two figures indicating the
sequence number assigned to the most recent major technical amend-
ment to Directive 76/757/EEC on the date EC type-approval was
granted. In this Directive the sequence number is 02;
4.2.3. an additional symbol as follows:4.2.3.1. ‘I A’, ‘III A’ or ‘IV A’ denoting the class in which the retro-reflector was
placed when approved.
4.3. The EC component type-approval mark shall be affixed to the light-
emitting surface of the retro-reflector in such a way as to be indelible and
clearly legible even when the retro-reflector is fitted to the vehicle.
4.4. Examples of the EC component type-approval mark are given in
Appendix 3, Figure 1.
4.5. 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 retro-reflector and other lamps, a single EC component
type-approval mark may be affixed, consisting of:
4.5.1. a rectangle 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);
4.5.2. the base approval number (see item 4.2.2, first half-sentence);4.5.3. if necessary, the required arrow, in so far as it relates to the lamp
assembly as a whole.
4.6. This mark may be located anywhere on the lamps which are grouped,
combined or reciprocally incorporated, provided that:
4.6.1. it is visible after the installation of the lamps;
4.6.2. no light-transmitting components of the grouped, combined or
reciprocally incorporated lamps can be removed without simultaneously
removing the approval mark.
4.7. 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:
4.7.1. either on the appropriate light-emitting surface;
4.7.2. or in a group, in such a way that each of the grouped, combined or
reciprocally incorporated lamps may be clearly identified.
4.8. 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.
4.9. 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 2.1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 7
▼M2
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.
5.2. Where type-approval is extended to a retro-reflector differing only in
colour, the samples of each other colour, submitted in accordance with
item 1.3.1.2 above, must meet only the colorimetric specifications; the
other tests need not be repeated.
This paragraph does not apply to class IV A retro-reflectors.
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. In mechanical and geometrical terms, conformity shall be considered
satisfactory if the differences do not exceed the variations inherent in
industrial production.
6.3. Conformity of production shall not be invalidated if all the photometric
measurements performed on a specimen selected at random meet at least
80 % of the specification.
6.4. If the condition laid down in paragraph 6.3 is not met, a further sample
of five units shall be selected at random. The average of each type of
photometric measurement must meet the specification and no individual
measurement may be less than 50 % of the specification.1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 8
▼M2
Appendix 1
Information document No …
relating to the EC component type-approval of retro-reflectors
(Directive 76/757/EEC, as last amended by Directive …/…/EC)
1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 9
▼M2
1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 10
▼M2
Appendix 2
MODEL
(maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm))
1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 11
▼M2
1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 12
▼M2
1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 13
▼M2
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 class
I A retro-reflector, type approved in Germany (e1) pursuant to this Directive (02)
under the base approval number 1471.1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 14
▼M2
Figure 2
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 schematize the shape of the light-signalling device. These are not part
of the approval mark).
MODEL A
MODEL B
MODEL C
1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 15
▼M2
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. This approval mark shows 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
Council Directive 76/759/EEC (OJ No L 262, 27. 9. 1976, p. 71),
sequence No 01;
A red rear position lamp (R) approved in accordance with Annex II to
Council Directive 76/758/EEC (OJ No L 262, 27. 9. 1976, p. 54),
sequence No 02;
A rear fog lamp (F) approved in accordance with Council Directive 77/
538/EEC, sequence No 00;
A reversing lamp (AR) approved in accordance with Council Directive 77/
539/EEC (OJ No L 220, 29. 8. 1977, p. 60), 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;
A rear registration plate lamp (L) approved in accordance with Council
Directive 76/760/EEC (OJ No L 262, 27. 9. 1976, p. 85), sequence No 00.1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 16
▼M2
ANNEX II
SCOPE AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
1.SCOPE
This Directive applies to retro-reflectors for motor vehicles and their
trailers.
2.TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
2.1. The technical requirements are those set out in paragraphs 2, 6 and 7 and
Annexes 1 and 4 to 15 of UN-ECE Regulation No 3 which consists of a
consolidation of the following documents:
— the 01 and 02 series of amendments(1);
— the Supplement 1 to 02 series of amendments(2);
— the Supplement 2 to 02 series of amendments(3);
— the Supplement 3 to 02 series of amendments(4),
except that:
2.1.1. Where reference is made to ‘Regulation No 48’, this shall be understood
as ‘Directive 76/756/EEC’.1976L0757 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 17
(1)E/ECE/324/C148/C147/C147/C147/C149/C147/C147/C147/C150Add.2/Rev.1 and …/Rev.1/Amend.1.E/ECE/TRANS/505
(2)E/ECE/324/C148/C147/C147/C147/C149/C147/C147/C147/C150Add.2/Rev.1/Amend.2.E/ECE/TRANS/505
(3)E/ECE/324/C148/C147/C147/C147/C149/C147/C147/C147/C150Add.6/Rev.1/Amend.3.E/ECE/TRANS/505
(4) TRANS/WP29/446.