EN Official Journal of the European Union L 75/29

Only the original UN/ECE texts have legal effect under international public law. The status and date of entry into force of this Regulation should be checked in the latest version of the UN/ECE status document TRANS/WP.29/343, available at:

http://www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29fdocstts.html.

Regulation No 104 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UN/ECE) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of retro-reflective markings for vehicles of category M, N and O

Incorporating all valid text up to:

Supplement 7 to the original version of the Regulation - Date of entry into force: 26 July 2012

CONTENTS

REGULATION

1. Scope

2. Definitions

3. Application for approval

4. Trade names and other marks

5. Approval

6. General specifications

7. Special specifications

8. Modifications and extension of approval for retro-reflective marking materials

9. Conformity of production

10. Penalties for non-conformity of production

11. Production definitely discontinued

12. Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests and of Administrative Departments

ANNEXES

Annex 1 — The CIE co-ordinate system; Goniometer mechanism embodying the CIE angular system

Annex 2 — Communication concerning the approval or extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval or production definitely discontinued of retro-reflective markings of heavy and long vehicles and their trailers pursuant to Regulation No 104

Annex 3 — Arrangement of the approval mark

Annex 4 — Test procedure

Annex 5 — Specification of marking dimensions

Annex 6 — Colorimetric specifications

Annex 7 — Photometric specifications

Annex 8 — Resistance to external agents

1. SCOPE

This Regulation applies to retro-reflective markings for vehicles of category M2, M3, N, O2, O3 and O4 (1).

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1. For the purpose of these provisions, the following definitions shall apply:

2.1.1. "Sample unit" means part or all of the retro-reflective material intended to be used to achieve the markings defined in paragraph 2.1.2.

2.1.2. "Distinctive markings, graphics" mean coloured markings, whose coefficient of retro-reflection is as defined in paragraphs 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 below.

2.1.3. The definitions given in Regulation No 48 and its series of amendments in force at the time of application for type approval shall apply to this Regulation.

2.2. "Retro-reflection" means the reflection in which luminous flux is returned in directions close to the direction from which it came, this property being maintained even over wide variations of the direction of the luminous flux.

2.2.1. "Retro-reflective marking material" means a surface or a device from which, when directionally illuminated, a relatively large portion of the incident radiation is retro-reflected.

2.3. Geometric definitions (see Annex 1, figure 1)

2.3.1. "Reference centre" means a point on or near a retro-reflective area which is designated to be the centre of the device for the purpose of specifying its performance;

2.3.2. "Illumination axis (symbol I)" means a line segment from the reference centre to the light source.

2.3.3. "Observation axis (symbol O)" means a line segment from the reference centre to the photometer head;

2.3.4. "Observation angle (symbol α)" means the angle between the illumination axis and the observation axis. The observation angle is always positive and, in the case of retro-reflection, is restricted to small angles;

2.3.5. "Observation on half-plane" means the half-plane which originates on the illumination axis and which contains the observation axis;

2.3.6. "Reference axis (symbol R)" means a designated line segment originating on the reference centre which is used to describe the angular position of the retro-reflective device;

2.3.7. "Entrance angle (symbol β)" means the angle from the illumination axis to the reference axis. The entrance angle is usually not larger than 90° but, for completeness, its full range is defined as 0° < β < 180°. In order to specify the orientation in full, this angle is characterised by two components, β1 and β2;

2.3.8. "Rotation angle (symbol ε)" means the angle indicating the orientation of the retro-reflecting material by an appropriate symbol with respect to rotation about the reference axis;

2.3.9. "First axis (symbol 1)" means an axis through the reference centre and perpendicular to the observation half-plane;

2.3.10. "First component of the entrance angle (symbol β1)" means the angle from the illumination axis to the plane containing the reference axis and the first axis; range: – 180° < β1 < 180°;

2.3.11. "Second component of the entrance angle (symbol β2)" means the angle from the plane containing the observation half-plane to the reference axis; range – 90° < β2 < 90°;

2.3.12. "Second axis (symbol 2)" means an axis through the reference centre and perpendicular to both the first axis and the reference axis. The positive direction of the second axis lies in the observation half-plane when – 90° < β1 < 90° as shown in Annex 1, figure 1.

2.4. Definition of photometric terms

2.4.1. "Coefficient of retro-reflection (symbol R′)" means the quotient of the coefficient of luminous intensity R of a plane retro-reflecting surface and its area A The coefficient of retro-reflection R′ is expressed in candelas per m2 per lx (cd.m–2.lx–1) (Luminance/Illumination);

2.4.2. "Angular diameter of the retro-reflector sample (symbol η1)" means the angle subtended by the greatest dimension of the retro-reflective sample, either at the centre of the source of illumination or at the centre of the receiver (ß1 = ß2 = 0°);

2.4.3. "Angular diameter of the receiver (symbol η2)" means the angle subtended by the greatest dimension of the receiver as seen from the reference centre (β1 = β2 = 0°);

2.4.4. "Luminance factor (symbol ß)" means the ratio of the luminance of the body to the luminance of a perfect diffuser under identical conditions of illumination and observation;

2.4.5. "Colour of the reflected light of the device" The definitions of the colour of the reflected light are given in paragraphs 2.30 of Regulation No 48.

2.5. Description of Goniometer

A goniometer which can be used in making retro-reflection measurements in the CIE geometry is illustrated in Annex 1, figure 2. In this illustration, the photometer head (O) is arbitrarily shown to be vertically above the source (I). The first axis is shown to be fixed and horizontal and is situated perpendicular to the observation half-plane. Any arrangement of the components which is equivalent to the one shown can be used.

2.6. Definition of "type"

Marking materials of the different types means materials which differ in such essential respects as:

2.6.1. the trade name or trade mark;

2.6.2. the characteristics of the retro-reflective material;

2.6.3. the parts affecting the properties of the retro-reflective materials or devices.

3. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL

3.1. The application for approval of a retro-reflective marking material shall be submitted by the holder of the trade name or trade mark, or if necessary by his duly accredited representative, and shall be accompanied by: 3.1.1. Drawings, in triplicate, sufficiently detailed to permit identification of the type. The drawings shall show geometrically the orientation in which the marking materials are to be fitted to a vehicle. They shall also show the position intended for the approval number and the identification symbol in relation to the circle of the approval mark; 3.1.2. A brief description giving the technical specifications of the retro-reflective marking materials; 3.1.3. Samples of the retro-reflective marking materials, as specified in Annex 4;

4. TRADE NAMES AND OTHER MARKS

4.1. Every marking material submitted for approval shall bear: 4.1.1. The trade name or trade mark of the applicant; 4.1.2. An orientation mark "TOP" which must be inscribed on any marking material whose retro-reflective system is not omnirotational at least: (a) on strips in a 0,5 m distance, (b) on areas within 100 × 100 mm2.

4.2. The marks shall be clearly legible on the outside of the marking material and shall be indelible.

5. APPROVAL

5.1. If the retro-reflective marking material submitted for approval in accordance with paragraph 4 above meets the requirements of this Regulation, approval for this type of marking material shall be granted.

5.2. An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved. Its first two digits (at present 00 for the Regulation in its original form) shall indicate the series of amendments incorporating the most recent major technical amendments made to the Regulation at the time of issue of the approval. The same Contracting Party may not assign the same number to another type of retro-reflective marking material.

5.3. Notice of approval or refusal or extension of approval of a type of marking material under this Regulation shall be communicated to the Parties to the 1958 Agreement which apply this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

5.4. Every marking material conforming to a type approved under this Regulation shall bear, in addition to the marks prescribed in paragraph 4.1, a clearly legible and indelible international approval mark consisting of: 5.4.1. A circle surrounding the letter "E" followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval (2). 5.4.2. The number of this Regulation, followed by the letter "R", a dash and the approval number according to paragraph 5.2. 5.4.3. The following additional symbols indicating the class of material: 5.4.3.1. "C" for material for contour/strip marking; 5.4.3.2. "D" for material for distinctive markings/graphics intended for a limited area; 5.4.3.3. "E" for material for distinctive markings/graphics for extended area; 5.4.3.4. "D/E" for materials for distinctive markings or graphics as base or background in printing process for fully coloured logos and markings of class "E" in use which fulfil the requirements of class "D" materials.

5.5. The approval mark shall be visible and clearly legible on the outside of the marking material and shall be indelible and positioned at least once (a) at 0,5 m intervals on strips, (b) on areas within 100 × 100 mm2.

5.6. Annex 3 to this Regulation gives an example of the arrangement of the approval mark.

6. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

6.1. Retro-reflective marking materials shall be that way constructed that they function satisfactorily and will continue to do so in normal use. In addition, they shall not have any defect in design or manufacture that is detrimental to their efficient operation or to their maintenance in good condition.

6.2. Retro-reflective marking materials or parts thereof shall not be capable of being easily dismantled.

6.3. The means of attachment of the marking materials shall be durable and stable.

6.4. The outer surface of the retro-reflective marking materials shall be easy to be cleaned. The surface shall therefore not be rough and any protuberances they may exhibit shall not prevent easy cleaning.

7. SPECIAL SPECIFICATIONS

7.1. Retro-reflective marking materials shall also satisfy the conditions as to shape and dimensions, and the colorimetric, photometric, physical and mechanical requirements set forth in Annexes 5 to 8 to this Regulation.

7.2. Advertising, consisting of retro-reflective logos, distinctive markings or letters/characters has to be decent. It may consist of marking materials of class "D" if the total retro-reflective area is less than 2 m2; if the total retro-reflective area is at least 2 m2 class "E" shall be used (3). 7.2.1. For class "D" marking materials the maximum values of the coefficient of retro-reflection are less or equal to the value defined in Annex 7, table 2, and are intended to be used in distinctive markings, graphics. 7.2.2. For class "E" marking materials the maximum values of the coefficient of retro-reflection are less or equal to 33 per cent of the values defined in Annex 7, table 2. 7.2.3. White retro-reflective marking materials intended as base or background in printing processes for fully coloured logos and markings of class "E" in use, without unprinted blank areas, may fulfil the requirements in Annex 7, table 2, for class "D" materials and must be marked as class "D/E".

7.3. Depending on the nature of retro-reflective marking material, the competent authorities may authorize laboratories to omit certain unnecessary tests, provided that such omission is mentioned under "Remarks" on the form notifying approval.

8. MODIFICATIONS AND EXTENSION OF APPROVAL FOR RETRO-REFLECTIVE MARKING MATERIALS

8.1. Every modification of the retro-reflective marking material shall be notified to the administrative department which granted the type approval. The department may then: 8.1.1. either consider that the modifications made are unlikely to have appreciable adverse effects and that in any case the type of device still complies with the requirements; 8.1.2. or require a further test report from the technical service responsible for conducting the tests.

8.2. Confirmation or refusal of approval, specifying the alterations, shall be notified by the procedure specified in paragraph 5.3 above to the parties to the Agreement applying this Regulation.

8.3. The Competent Authority issuing the extension of approval shall assign a series number to each communication form drawn up for such an extension.

9. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

The conformity of production procedures shall comply with those set out in the Agreement, Appendix 2 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.2), with the following requirements:

9.1. Any retro-reflective marking material approved to this Regulation shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved by meeting the requirements set forth in paragraphs 6 and 7 above.

9.2. The conformity of production shall not be contested if the mean value of the photometric measurements of five specimens taken at random deviates unfavourably by not more than 20 per cent from the prescribed values given in Annex 7 of this Regulation.

9.3. The conformity of production shall not be contested, if the mean value of the colorimetric properties of five specimens taken at random meet the specifications of Annex 6 of this Regulation, to be judged by visual inspection.

9.4. The authority which has granted type approval may at any time verify the conformity control methods applied in each production facility. The normal frequency of these verifications shall be once every two years.

10. PENALTIES FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

10.1. The approval granted in respect of a type of retro-reflective marking material pursuant to this Regulation may be withdrawn if the requirements set forth above are not met or if a retro-reflective marking material bearing the approval mark does not conform to the type approved.

10.2. If a Contracting Party to the Agreement applying this Regulation withdraws an approval it has previously granted, it shall forthwith so notify the other Contracting Parties applying this Regulation, by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

11. PRODUCTION DEFINITELY DISCONTINUED

If the holder of an approval completely ceases to manufacture a retro-reflective marking material approved in accordance with this Regulation, he shall so inform the authority which granted the approval. Upon receiving the relevant communication, that authority shall inform the other parties applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

12. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF TECHNICAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING APPROVAL TESTS AND OF ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS

The Contracting Parties to the Agreement applying this Regulation shall communicate to the United Nations Secretariat the names and addresses of the Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests and of the Administrative Departments which grant approval and to which forms certifying approval or extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval, or production definitely discontinued issued in other countries, are to be sent.

(1) As defined in Annex 7 to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), (document TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.1/Amend.2 as last amended by Amend.4)

(2) The distinguishing numbers of the Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement are reproduced in Annex 3 to Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), document TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.2/Amend.1.

(3) Nothing in this Regulation shall preclude the national authorities to prohibit the use of retro-reflective advertising, logos, distinctive markings, letters/characters as defined in paragraph 2.1.2 of this Regulation.

ANNEX 1 Figure 1 The CIE co-ordinate system 1 : First Axis 2 : Second Axis I : Illumination Axis O : Observation Axis R : Reference Axis α : Observation angle ß1, ß2 : Entrance angles ε : Rotation angle The CIE angular system for specifying and measuring retro-reflective marking materials. The first axis is perpendicular to the plane containing the observation axis and the illumination axis. The second axis is perpendicular both to the first axis and to the reference axis. All axes, angles, and directions of rotation are shown positive. Notes: (a) The principle fixed axis is the illumination axis. (b) The first axis is fixed perpendicular to the plane containing the observation and illumination axis. (c) The reference axis is fixed in the retro-reflective material and moveable with ß1 and ß2. Figure 2 Goniometer mechanism embodying the CIE angular system 1 : First Axis 2 : Second Axis I : Illumination Axis O : Observation Axis R : Reference Axis P : Retro-reflective material α : Observation angle ß1, ß2 : Entrance angles ε : Rotation angle Representation of a Goniometer mechanism embodying the CIE angular system for specifying and measuring retro-reflective materials. All angles and directions of rotation are shown positive.

ANNEX 2 COMMUNICATION (maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm))

ANNEX 3 ARRANGEMENT OF THE APPROVAL MARK a= 12 mm min. The retro-reflective marking material bearing the above approval mark has been approved in Germany (E1) under approval number 0001148. The first two digits of the approval number indicate that the approval was granted in accordance with the requirements of Regulation No 104 in its original form. Symbol "C" indicates the class of the retro-reflective material which is intended for contour/strip marking. Symbol "D" shall indicate material for distinctive markings/graphics intended for a limited area and symbol "E" material for distinctive markings/graphics for extended area. Note: The approval number and the additional symbol must be placed close to the circle and either above or below the letter "E" or to the left or right of that letter. The digits of the approval number must be on the same side of the letter "E" and face in the same direction. The approval number and the additional symbol must be placed diametrically opposite one another. The use of Roman numerals as approval numbers should be avoided so as to prevent any confusion with other symbols.

ANNEX 4 TEST PROCEDURE TEST SAMPLES 1. Five test samples representing either strips or planes of retro-reflective marking materials have to be submitted to the test laboratory. In the case of strips, at least a length of 3 meters shall be provided; in the case of planes, at least a surface of 500 mm × 500 mm shall be provided. 2. The test samples shall be representative of current production, manufactured in accordance with the recommendation of the manufacturer(s) of the retro-reflective marking materials (1). 3. After verification of the general specifications (paragraph 6 of the Regulation) and the specifications of shape and dimensions (Annex 5), the samples shall be subjected to the heat resistance test described in Annex 8 to this Regulation, prior to the tests described in Annexes 6 and 7. 4. The photometric and colorimetric measurements may be made on five samples. The mean values should be taken. 5. For other tests, samples which have not undergone any testing should be used. (1) Test samples of retro-reflective marking materials shall be applied to edged and degreased aluminum panels of 2 mm thickness and shall be conditioned for 24 hours at 23 °C ± 2 °C at 50 % ± 5 % relative humidity prior to testing

ANNEX 5 SPECIFICATION OF MARKING DIMENSIONS 1. Side and rear marking with strips 1.1. General The markings shall be made of strips of retro-reflective material. 1.2. Dimensions 1.2.1. The width of a side and/or rear marking material shall be 50 mm + 10/– 0 mm. 1.2.2. The minimum length of an element of a retro-reflective marking material shall be such that at least one approval mark is visible.

ANNEX 6 COLORIMETRIC SPECIFICATIONS 1. Retro-reflective marking materials (class C) shall be white, yellow or red. Retro-reflective distinctive markings and/or graphics (classes D and E) may be of any colour. 2. When illuminated by the CIE Standard Illuminant A at an entrance angle β1 = β2 = 0° or, if this produces a colourless surface reflection, an angle β1 = ± 5°, β2 = 0°, and measured at an observation angle of = 20’, the colour of the material in new condition shall be within the limits according to paragraph 2.30 of Regulation No 48. Chromaticity Co-ordinates Colour 1 2 3 4 x [1] 0,585 0,610 0,520 0,505 yellow y [1] 0,385 0,390 0,480 0,465 x [1] 0,373 0,417 0,450 0,548 white y [1] 0,402 0,359 0,513 0,414 x [1] 0,720 0,735 0,665 0,643 red y [1] 0,258 0,265 0,335 0,335 Note: As the question of the night-time colours of retro-reflective marking materials is at present being studied by CIE TC 2.19, the above limits are therefore only provisional and will be revised later after CIE TC 2.19 has completed its work.

ANNEX 7 PHOTOMETRIC SPECIFICATIONS 1. When illuminated with a CIE Standard illuminant A and measured as recommended by CIE publication No 54, 1982, the coefficient of retro-reflection R' in candelas per m2 per lux (cd/m2/lux) of the retro-reflective areas in new condition shall be at least as indicated in table 1 for yellow, white and red materials. 1.1. Minimum values for the coefficient of Retro-reflection Photometric specifications for retro-reflective markings of Class C: Table 1 Minimum values for the Coefficient of Retro-reflection R’ [cd.m-2.lx-1] Observation angle α [°] Entrance Angle β [°] α = 0,33(20’) β1 0 0 0 0 0 β2 5 20 30 40 60 Colour Yellow 300 — 130 75 10 White 450 — 200 95 16 Red 120 60 30 10 — 1.2. Maximum values for the coefficient of retro-reflection Photometric specifications for distinctive markings or graphics of class D: Table 2 Maximum values for the Coefficient of Retro-reflection R' [cd.m-2.lx-1] Observation angle α [°] Entrance Angle β (°) β1 0 0 0 0 α = 0,33° (20') β2 5 30 40 60 Any colour 150 65 37 5 Note: If the sample is provided with an orientation mark, the specified values must only be observed for this orientation. Test samples without an orientation mark must be observed for values at 0° and 90° orientations as well.