1977L0539 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 1
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►B COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 28June 1977
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to reversing lamps for motor
vehicles and their trailers
(77/539/EEC)
(OJ L 220, 29.8.1977, p. 72)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
►M1Council Directive 87/354/EEC of 25 June 1987 L 192 43 11.7.1987
►M2Commission Directive 97/32/EC of 11 June 1997 L 171 63 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
Corrected by:►
C1Corrigendum, OJ L 284, 10.10.1978, p. 11 (77/539/EEC)
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COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 28June 1977
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to
reversing lamps for motor vehicles and their trailers
(77/539/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 reversing lamps;
Whereas these requirements differ from one Member State to another;
whereas it is therefore necessary that all Member States adopt the same
requirements 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 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 the
common requirements for the installation of lighting and light-signallingdevices on motor vehicles and their trailers;
Whereas a harmonized component type-approval procedure for rever-
sing lamps makes it possible for each Member State to checkcompliance with the common construction and testing requirementsand to inform the other Member States of its findings by sending a copyof the component type-approval certificate completed for each type of
reversing lamp; whereas the placing of an EEC component type-
approval mark on all reversing lamps manufactured in conformity withthe approved type obviates any need for technical checks on thesereversing 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 RegulationNo 23 (‘Uniform provisions concerning the approval of reversing lightsfor power-driven vehicles and their trailers’)(
5) which is annexed to the
Agreement of 20 March 1958 concerning the adoption of uniformconditions 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 tests carried outby each of them on the basis of the common requirements,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
1. Each Member State shall grant EEC component type-approval for
any type of reversing lamp which satisfies the construction and testingrequirements laid down in the relevant Annexes.1977L0539 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 2
(1) OJ No C 118, 16. 5. 1977, p. 29.
(2) OJ No C 114, 11. 5. 1977, p. 3.
(3) OJ No L 42, 23. 2. 1970, p. 1.
(4) OJ No L 262, 27. 9. 1976, p. 1.
(5) Economic Commission for Europe document E/ECE/324/E/ECE/TRANS/
505/Rev. 1/Add 22, 20. 8. 1971.▼M2
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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 reversing lamp which they approve
pursuant to Article 1, issue to the manufacturer an EEC 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 reversing lamps which 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
reversing lamps on grounds relating to their construction or method of
functioning if they bear the EEC component type-approval mark.
2. Nevertheless, a Member State may prohibit the placing on the
market of reversing lamps bearing the EEC component type-approvalmark which consistently fail to conform to the approved type.
That State shall inform the other Member States and the Commission
forthwith 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 reversing lamps bearing the same EECcomponent type-approval mark do not conform to the type which it hasapproved, it shall take the necessary measures to ensure that productionmodels conform to the approved type. The competent authorities of thatState shall advise those of the other Member States of the measures
taken which may, where there is consistent failure to conform, extend to
withdrawal of EEC component type-approval. The said authorities shalltake the same measures if they are informed by the competentauthorities of another Member State of such failure to conform.
2. The competent authorities of Member States shall inform each
other within one month 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 EEC component type-
approval for a reversing 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 same 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.1977L0539 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 3
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Article 7
No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type-approval or national
type-approval of any vehicle on grounds relating to its reversing 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 reversing lamps ifthese bear the EEC component type-approval mark and are fitted inaccordance 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 least
four wheels and a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h, and its
trailers, 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 withthe procedure laid down in Article 13 of Directive 70/156/EEC.
Article 11
1. Member States shall bring into force the provisions needed in order
to comply with this Directive within 18 months of its notification andshall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.
2. Member States shall ensure that the texts of the main provisions of
national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive arecommunicated to the Commission.
Article 12
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1977L0539 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 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: Scope and technical requirements1977L0539 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 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 reversing 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.
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. if necessary in order to prevent any mistake in mounting the reversing
lamp on the vehicle, bear the word ‘TOP’ marked horizontally on the
uppermost part of the illuminating surface;
2.1.3. in the case of lamps with replaceable light sources: the type(s) of
filament lamp prescribed;
2.1.4. 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
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 reversing lamp approved. The
same Member State shall not assign the same number to another type of
reversing lamp.
3.4. Where EC component type approval is requested for a type of lighting
and light-signalling device comprising a reversing lamp and other lamps,
a single EC component type-approval number may be assigned provided
that the reversing 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 reversing 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. 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 Italy1977L0539 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 6
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4 for the Netherlands
5 for Sweden
6 for Belgium
9 for Spain
11 for the United Kingdom
12 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 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 77/539/EEC on the date EEC type approval was
granted. In this Directive the sequence number is 00;
4.2.3. an additional symbol consisting of the letters ‘A’ and ‘R’, mingled as
shown in figure 1 of Appendix 3.
4.2.4. On lamps of which the visibility angles are asymmetrical with regard to
the reference axis in a horizontal direction, an arrow pointing towards the
side on which the photometric specifications are met up to an angle of
45º H.
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. 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 reversing lamp 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 2.1977L0539 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 7
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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 reversing lamp shall comply with the photometric conditions
specified in paragraphs 6 and 8(1). Nevertheless, in the case of a
reversing lamp selected 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 % of the minimum value
prescribed in paragraph 6 (1).1977L0539 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 8
(1) Of the documents referred to in point 2.1 of Annex II of the present Directive.
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Appendix 1
Information document No …
relating to the EC component type-approval of reversing lamps
(Directive 77/539/EEC, as last amended by Directive …/…/EC)
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Appendix 2
MODEL
(maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm))
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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
reversing lamp, type approved in Germany (e1) pursuant to this Directive (00)
under the base approval number 1471. The arrow indicates the side on which the
required photometric specifications are met up to an angle of 45º H.1977L0539 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 14
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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
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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 marks shows that the
device was approved in Germany (el) 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
Conseil Directive 76/759/EEC (OJ No L 262, 27. 9. 1976, p. 32);
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. 70),
sequence No 02;
A rear fog lamp (F) approved in accordance with Council Directive 77/
538/EEC (OJ No L 262, 27. 9. 1976, p. 54);
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;
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 00.1977L0539 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 16
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ANNEX II
SCOPE AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. SCOPE
This Directive applies to reversing lamps for motor vehicles and their
trailers.
2. TECNICAL REQUIREMENTS
2.1. The technical requirements are those set out in paragraphs 1, 5 to 8 and
Annexes 3 and 4 of UN-ECE Regulation No 23 which consists of a
consolidation of the following documents:
— the Regulation in its original form (00) incorporating Supplements 1
to 4 to Regulation No 23 and a Correction(1);
— Supplement 5 to Regulation 23(2);
except that:
2.1.1. Where reference is made to ‘Regulation No 48’, this shall be understood
as ‘Directive 76/756/EEC’.
2.1.2. Where reference is made to ‘Regulation No 37’, this shall be understood
as ‘Annex VII to Directive 76/761/EEC’.
2.1.3. In paragraph 6.4, penultimate section, the sentence ‘(see paragraph 2 of
this Regulation)’ shall be understood as ‘(see Appendix 1 of Annex I to
this Directive)’.
2.1.4. In paragraph 6.4, last section, the sentence ‘a statement in paragraph 11
“Comments” of the Communication form (see Annex I to this
Regulation)’ shall be understood as ‘a statement in the Addendum to
the type-approval certificate (see Appendix 2 of Annex I to this
Directive)’.1977L0539 — EN — 20.07.1997 — 005.001 — 17
(1)E/ECE/324/C148/C147/C147/C147/C149/C147/C147/C147/C150Rev.1/Add. 22/Rev. 1.E/ECE/TRANS/505
(2)E/ECE/324/C148/C147/C147/C147/C149/C147/C147/C147/C150Rev. 1/Add. 22/Rev. 1/Amend. 1.E/ECE/TRANS/505