1976L0759 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 1
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►B COUNCILDIRECTIVE
of27July1976
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to direction indicator lamps for
motorvehiclesandtheirtrailers
(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
►A4Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the
Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia,the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of
Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak
Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the EuropeanUnion isfoundedL 236 33 23.9.2003
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COUNCILDIRECTIVE
of27July1976
on the approximationof the lawsofthe Member States relating to
direction indicatorlampsformotorvehiclesandtheirtrailers
(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;
Whereasthos e requirementsdiffer 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, in
order, in particular, to allow the EEC type-approval procedure whichwasthe s ubject of Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970on the approximation of the lawsof the Member Statesrelating to thetype-approval of motor vehiclesand their trailers(
3), to be introduced
in respect of each type of vehicle;
Whereasin Directive 76/756/EEC (4), the Council laid down the
common requirements for the installation of lighting and light-signal-ling deviceson motor vehiclesand their trailers ;
Whereasa 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 inform
the other Member Statesof itsfindingsby s ending a copy of the
component type-approval certificate completed for each type of direc-tion indicator lamp; whereasthe placing of an EEC component type-approval mark on all direction indicator lampsmanufactured in confor-mity with the approved type obviatesany need for technical checksonthese 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 RegulationNo 6 (‘Uniform provisions for the approval of direction indicators for
motor vehicles (except motor cycles) and their trailers’) (
5), which is
annexed to the Agreement of 20 March 1958 concerning the adoptionof uniform conditionsfor approval and reciprocal recognition ofapproval for motor vehicle equipment and parts;
Whereasthe approximation of national lawsrelating to motor vehicles
entailsreciprocal recognition by Member Statesof the checkscarriedout by each of them on the basis of the common requirements,1976L0759 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 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 thisOfficial 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
and testing requirements laid down in the relevant Annexes.
2. The Member State which hasgranted EEC component type-
approval shall take the measures required in order to verify thatproduction modelsconform to the approved type, in s o far asthisisnecessary and if need be in cooperation with the competent authoritiesin the other Member States. Such verification shall be limited to spot
checks.
Article 2
Member Statess hall, for each type of direction indicator lamp which
they approve pursuant to Article 1, issue to the manufacturer an ECcomponent type-approval mark conforming to the model shown inAnnex I, Appendix 3.
Member States shall take all appropriate measures to prevent the use of
marksliable to create confus ion between direction indicator 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
direction indicator lampson groundsrelating to their cons truction 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 lampsbearing 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 deci-
sion.
Article 4
The competent authoritiesof the Member Statess hall inform each
other, by meansof the proceduress pecified in Article 4(6) of Directive70/156/EEC, of each approval which they have granted, refused orwithdrawn pursuant to this Directive.
Article 5
1. If the Member State which hasgranted EEC component type-
approval findsthat a number of direction indicator lampsbearing the
same EEC component type-approval mark do not conform to the type
which it has approved, it shall take the necessary measures to ensurethat production modelsconform to the approved type. The competentauthorities of that State shall advise those of the other Member Statesof the 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 bythe competent authoritiesof another Member State of s uch failure toconform.
2. The competent authoritiesof Member Statess hall within one
month inform each other of any withdrawal of EEC component type-approval, and of the reasons for such a measure.1976L0759 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 3
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Article 6
Any decision taken pursuant to the provisions adopted in implementa-
tion of thisDirective to refus e or withdraw component type-approval
for a direction indicator lamp or prohibit itsplacing on the market or
use shall set out in detail the reasons on which it is based. Such deci-sions shall be notified to the party concerned, who shall at the time beinformed of the remediesavailable to him under the lawsin force inthe Member Statesand of the time limitsallowed for the exercis e ofsuch remedies.
Article 7
No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type-approval or national
type-approval of a vehicle on groundsrelating to itsdirection indicator
lampsif thes e bear the EEC component type-approval mark and are
fitted in accordance with the requirementslaid 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 lampsif thes e bear the EEC component type-approval markand are fitted in accordance with the requirementslaid down in Direc-
tive 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 agri-cultural 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 thisDirective before 1 July 1977 and s hallforthwith inform the Commission thereof. They shall apply these provi-sions from 1 October 1977 at the latest.
2. Once thisDirective hasbeen notified, the Member Statess hall
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 — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 4
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LISTOFANNEXES
ANNEX I: Administrative provisions for type approval
Appendix 1: Information document
Appendix 2: Type-approval certificate
Appendix 3: Modelsof the EC component type-
approval mark
ANNEX II: Technical requirements1976L0759 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 5
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ANNEX I
ADMINISTRATIVEPROVISIONSFORTYPEAPPROVAL
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 isgiven 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 a direction indicator 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 fila-
ment 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 isfitted 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 isgiven 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 isreques ted 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 requirementsof thisDirective and that each of the other
lampsforming part of the lighting and light-s ignalling device for
which EC component type approval isreques ted complieswith the
separate Directive applying to it.
4. EC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL MARK
4.1. In addition to the markingsreferred 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. a rectangle surrounding the letter ‘e’ followed by the distinguishing
number or lettersof the Member State which hasgranted type
approval:
1 for Germany1976L0759 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 6
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2 for France
3 for Italy4 for the Netherlands5 for Sweden6 for Belgium
7 for Hungary
8 for the Czech Republic
9 for Spain
11 for the United Kingdom12 for Austria13 for Luxembourg
17 for Finland
18 for Denmark
20 for Poland
21 for Portugal
23 for Greece
26 for Slovenia
27 for Slovakia29 for Estonia32 for Latvia
36 for Lithuania
CY for Cyprus
IRL for Ireland
MT for Malta;
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 figuresindicating the
sequence number assigned to the most recent major technical amend-
ment to Directive 76/759/EEC on the date EEC type approval was
granted. In thisDirective the s equence number is01;
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 belongsto one or more categories1, 1a, 1b, 2a,
2b, 3, 4, 5, or 6;
4.2.3.2. on deviceswhich cannot be mounted on either s ide 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 devicesof category 6 an indication ‘R’ or ‘L’ s hall 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 lampsare fitted to the vehicle.
4.4. Arrangement of the approval mark.
4.4.1. Independent lamps:
Examplesof the EC component type-approval mark are given in
Appendix 3, Figure 1.1976L0759 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 7
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▼A4
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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. a rectangle surrounding the letter ‘e’ followed by the distinguishing
number or lettersof the Member State which hasgranted 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. Thismark may be located anywhere on the lampswhich 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 reci-
procally incorporated lamps can be removed without simultaneously
removing the approval mark.
4.4.2.3. The identification symbol for each lamp corresponding to each Direc-
tive 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 lampsmay 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
variousDirectivespurs uant to which EC component type approval
wasgranted.
4.4.2.5. Examplesof an EC component type-approval mark for a lamp that is
grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated with other lampsare
given in Appendix 3, Figure 2.
4.4.3. Lampsreciprocally 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 marksrelating to the different typesof headlamps
or unitsof 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. Examplesof an EC component type-approval mark for lampsrecipro-
cally 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 conditionss pecified in paragraphs6 and 8 (
1). Neverthe-
less, in the case of a device picked at random from series production,1976L0759 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 8
(1) Of the documentsreferred to in item 1 of Annex II to thisDirective.
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the requirementsasto minimum intens ity 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 valuess pecified in paragraphs6.1. and 6.2. (1).1976L0759 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 9
(1) Of the documentsreferred to in item 1 of Annex II to thisDirective.
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Appendix 1
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Appendix 2
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Appendix 3
EXAMPLESOFTHEECCOMPONENTTYPE-APPROVALMARK
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 arrowson the approval mark point, according to the cate-
gory of the device iss hown below:
Figure 2a
Simplified marking of grouped, combined or reciprocally incorporated
lampswhentwoormorelampsarepartofthesameassembly
(The vertical and horizontal lines schematise the shape of the light-signalling
device. These are not part of the approval mark)1976L0759 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 14
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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 lampsare part of the s ame 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 — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 15
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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
lampswhentwoormorelampsarepartofthesameassembly
(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 lampsare part of the s ame unit of grouped,
combined or reciprocally incorporated lamps. These approval marksshow 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;
A headlamp (HCR) with a passing beam designed for right-hand and left-
hand traffic and driving beam with a maximum intensity comprised1976L0759 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 16
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between 86 250 and 101 250 candelas(asindicated 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
Lampreciprocally incorporatedorgroupedwithaheadlamp
The above example corresponds to the marking of a lens intended to be used in
different typesof 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(asindicated 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 requirementsof Annex II to Directive 76/761/EEC,
sequence No 01, which is reciprocally incorporated with the same front direc-
tion indicator lamp asabove,
oreven either of the abovementioned headlampsapproved asa s ingle lamp.The main body of the headlamp shall bear the only valid approval number, for
instance:1976L0759 — EN — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 17
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or
or or
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ANNEX II
TECHNICALREQUIREMENTS
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 — 01.05.2004 — 007.001 — 19
(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