Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on rear registration plate lamps for motor vehicles and their trailers (Codified version)
Date: 2007-07-27
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: motor vehicle, signalling device, vehicle parts, vehicle registration

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 27.7.2007 
COM(2007) 451 final 

2007/0162 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

on rear registration plate lamps for motor vehicles and their trailers 

(Codified version) 

(presented by the Commission) 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

In  the  context  of  a  people’s  Europe,  the  Commission  attaches  great  importance  to 
simplifying  and  clarifying  Community  law  so  as  to  make  it  clearer  and  more 
accessible to the ordinary citizen, thus giving him new opportunities and the chance 
to make use of the specific rights it gives him. 

This aim cannot be achieved so long as numerous provisions that have been amended 
several times, often quite substantially, remain scattered, so that they must be sought 
partly  in  the  original  instrument  and  partly  in  later  amending  ones.  Considerable 
research work, comparing many different instruments, is thus needed to identify the 
current rules. 

For  this  reason  a  codification  of  rules  that  have  frequently  been  amended  is  also 
essential if Community law is to be clear and transparent. 

On  1  April  1987  the  Commission  therefore  decided1  to  instruct  its  staff  that  all 
legislative acts should be codified after no more than ten amendments, stressing that 
this  is  a  minimum  requirement  and  that  departments  should  endeavour  to  codify  at 
even  shorter  intervals  the  texts  for  which  they  are  responsible,  to  ensure  that  the 
Community rules are clear and readily understandable. 

The  Conclusions  of 
the  Edinburgh  European  Council 
(December 1992) confirmed this2, stressing the importance of codification as it offers 
certainty as to the law applicable to a given matter at a given time. 

the  Presidency  of 

Codification  must  be  undertaken  in  full  compliance  with  the  normal  Community 
legislative procedure. 

Given  that  no  changes  of  substance  may  be  made  to  the  instruments  affected  by 
codification, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission have agreed, 
by  an  interinstitutional  agreement  dated  20  December  1994,  that  an  accelerated 
procedure may be used for the fast-track adoption of codification instruments. 

is 

this  proposal 

to  undertake  a  codification  of  Council 
The  purpose  of 
Directive 76/760/EEC  of  27  July  1976  on  the  approximation  of  the  laws  of  the 
Member  States  relating  to  the  rear  registration  plate  lamps  for  motor  vehicles  and 
their trailers3. The new Directive will supersede the various acts incorporated in it4; 
this proposal fully preserves the content of the acts being codified and hence does no 
more than bring them together with only such formal amendments as are required by 
the codification exercise itself. 

COM(87) 868 PV. 
See Annex 3 to Part A of the Conclusions. 
Carried out pursuant to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the 
Council – Codification of the Acquis communautaire, COM(2001) 645 final. 
See Annex III, Part A of this proposal. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

1 
2 
3 

4 

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5. 

The codification proposal was drawn up on the basis of a preliminary consolidation, 
in all official languages, of Directive 76/760/EEC and the instruments amending it, 
carried out by the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, by 
means  of  a  data-processing  system.  Where  the  Articles  have  been  given  new 
numbers,  the  correlation  between  the  old and  the  new  numbers  is  shown  in  a  table 
contained in Annex IV to the codified Directive. 

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(cid:208) 76/760/EEC (adapted) 

2007/0162 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

on rear registration plate lamps for motor vehicles and their trailers 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European  Community,  and  in  particular 
Article ⌦ 95 ⌫ thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee1, 

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty2, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

Council Directive 76/760/EEC of 27 July 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the 
Member States relating to the rear registration plate lamps for motor vehicles and their 
trailers3 has been substantially amended several times4. In the interests of clarity and 
rationality the said Directive should be codified. 

(cid:208)  

(2)  ⌦ Directive  76/760/EEC  is  one  of  the  separate  Directives  of  the  EC  type-approval 
system  provided  for  in  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 trailers5] and laid down technical prescriptions concerning the rear 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Recital 1 (adapted) 

1 
2 
3 

4 
5 

OJ C […],[…],p. […]. 
OJ C […],[…],p. […]. 
OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 85. Directive as last amended by Directive 2006/96/EC (OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, 
p. 81). 
See Annex III, Part A. 
[OJ L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 2006/96/EC.] 

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registration plate lamps. Those technical prescriptions concerned the approximation of 
the laws of the Member States to allow for the EC type-approval procedure established 
by  Directive [70/156/EEC]  to  be  applied  in  respect  of  each  type  of  vehicle. 
Consequently, the provisions laid down in Directive [70/156/EEC] relating to vehicle 
systems, components and separate technical units apply to this Directive. ⌫ 

(cid:208) 76/760/EEC Recital 4 

(3) 

A  harmonised  type-approval  procedure  for  rear  registration  plate  lamps  makes  it 
possible  for  each  Member  State  to  check  compliance  with  the  common  construction 
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 
rear registration plate lamp. The placing of an EC component type-approval mark on 
all  rear  registration  plate  lamps  manufactured  in  conformity  with  the  approved  type 
obviates  any  need  for  technical  checks  on  these  rear  registration  plate  lamps  in  the 
other Member States. 

(cid:208) 76/760/EEC Recital 5 (adapted) 

(4)  ⌦ It  is  desirable  to  take  into  account  the  technical  requirements  adopted  by  the 
UN Economic  Commission  for  Europe  (UN/ECE)  in  its  corresponding  Regulation 
annexed  to  the  Agreement  of  the  United  Nations  Economic  Commission  for  Europe 
concerning  the  adoption  of  uniform  technical  prescriptions  for  wheeled  vehicles, 
equipment and parts which can be fitted and/or be used on wheeled vehicles and the 
conditions  for  reciprocal  recognition  of  approvals  granted  on  the  basis  of  these 
prescriptions (Revised 1958 Agreement)6. ⌫ 

(5)  ⌦ The EC type approval procedure should entail reciprocal recognition by Member 
States  of  the  checks  carried  out  by  each  of  them  on  the  basis  of  the  common 
requirements. ⌫ 

(cid:208) 76/760/EEC Recital 6 (adapted) 

(6) 

This  Directive  should  be  without  prejudice  to  the  obligations  of  the  Member  States 
relating  to  the  time-limits  for  transposition  into  national  law  and  application  of  the 
Directives set out in Annex III, Part B, 

(cid:208)  

6 

Published as Annex I to Council Decision 97/836/EC (OJ L 346, 17.12.1997, p. 78). 

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HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 

(cid:208) 76/760/EEC 

Article 1  

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 of 
agricultural and forestry tractors and all mobile machinery. 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 4 (adapted) 

(cid:208) 76/760/EEC 

Article 2  

1. Each Member State shall grant EC component type-approval in respect of any type of rear 
registration plate lamp which satisfies the construction and testing requirements laid down in 
Annexes ⌦ I and II ⌫ . 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 1 (adapted) 

2. The Member State which has granted EC component type-approval shall take the measures 
required in order to 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  other 
Member States. Such verification shall be limited to spot checks. 

(cid:208) 76/760/EEC 

Article 3  

1.  Member  States  shall  for  each  type  of  rear  registration  plate  lamp  which  they  approve 
pursuant  to  Article  2  ,  issue  to  the  manufacturer  an  EC  component  type-approval  mark 
conforming to the model shown in Annex ⌦ I ⌫, Appendix 3. 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 2 (adapted) 

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2.  Member  States  shall  take  all  appropriate  measures  to  prevent  the  use  of  marks  liable  to 
create  confusion  between  rear  registration  plate  lamps  which  have  been  type-approved 
pursuant to Article 2 , and other devices. 

(cid:208) 76/760/EEC 

(cid:208) 76/760/EEC (adapted) 

Article 4  

1. No Member State may prohibit the placing on the market of rear registration plate lamps on 
grounds relating to their construction or method of functioning if they bear the EC component 
type-approval mark. 

2.  A  Member  State  may  prohibit  the  placing  on  the  market  of  rear  registration  plate  lamps 
bearing  the  EC  component  type-approval  mark  which  consistently  fail  to  conform  to  the 
approved type. 

That  Member  State  shall  forthwith  inform  the  other  Member  States  and  the  Commission  of 
the measures taken, specifying the reasons for its decision. 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 3  

Article 5  

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. 

(cid:208) 76/760/EEC (adapted) 

Article 6  

1. If the Member State which has granted EC component type-approval finds that a number of 
rear  registration  plate  lamps  bearing  the  same  EC  component  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 that Member State 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 EC component type-approval. Those authorities shall take the same measures if 
they  are  informed  by  the  competent  authorities  of  another  Member  State  of  such  failure  to 
conform. 

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2. The competent authorities of the Member States shall within one month inform each other 
of any withdrawal of EC component type-approval, and of the reasons for such a measure. 

Article 7  

Any decision taken pursuant to the provisions adopted in implementation of this Directive to 
refuse or withdraw EC type-approval for a rear registration plate lamp or prohibit its placing 
on the market or use shall set out in detail the reasons on which it is based.  

Such  decisions  shall  be  notified  to  the  party  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 8  

No  Member  State  may  refuse  to  grant  EC  type-approval  or  national  type-approval  of  any 
vehicle on grounds relating to its rear registration plate lamps if these bear the EC component 
type-approval  mark  and  are  fitted  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  laid  down  in 
Directive [76/756/EEC]7. 

Article 9  

No Member State may refuse or prohibit the sale or registration, entry into service or use of 
any  vehicle  on  grounds  relating  to  its  rear  registration  plate  lamps  if  these  bear  the  EC 
component type-approval mark and are fitted in accordance with the requirements laid down 
in Directive [76/756/EEC]. 

Article 10 

⌦ The ⌫ amendments necessary to ⌦ adapt ⌫ the requirements of Annexes ⌦ I and II 
to this Directive ⌫ to take account of technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with 
the procedure ⌦ referred to ⌫ in Article [13(3)] of Directive [70/156/EEC]. 

Member  States  shall  ⌦ communicate  to ⌫  the  Commission  ⌦ the  texts  of  the  main 
provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive ⌫ . 

Article 11 

7 

[OJ L […], […], p. […].] 

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(cid:208)  

Article 12 

Directive 76/760/EEC, as amended by the acts listed in Annex III, Part A, is repealed, without 
prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating to the time-limits for transposition 
into national law and application of the Directives set out in Annex III, Part B. 

References  to  the  repealed  Directive  shall  be  construed  as  references  to  this  Directive  and 
shall be read in accordance with the correlation table set out in Annex IV. 

Article 13 

This Directive shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in 
the Official Journal of the European Union. 

It shall apply from […] 

(cid:208) 76/760/EEC Art. 12 

Article 14 

This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels, […] 

For the European Parliament 
The President 
[…] 

For the Council 
The President 
[…] 

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(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 (adapted) 

LIST OF ANNEXES 

ANNEX I: 

Administrative provisions for EC type approval 

Appendix 1: 

Information document 

Appendix 2:  Model: EC Type-approval certificate 

Appendix 3: 

 Examples of the EC component type-approval 
mark 

ANNEX II: 

Scope and technical requirements 

⌦ ANNEX III: ⌫ 

⌦ Part A: Repealed Directive with list of its successive 
amendments 

Part B: List of time-limits for transposition into national law 
and application ⌫ 

⌦ ANNEX IV: ⌫ 

⌦ Correlation table ⌫ 

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(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 

ANNEX I 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FOR EC 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 rear registration plate 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. 

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, [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  rear  registration  plate  lamp  approved.  The  same 

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Member State shall not assign the same number to another type of rear registration 
plate lamp. 

3.4.  Where  EC  component  type  approval  is  requested  for  a  type  of  lighting  and 
light-signalling  device  comprising  a  rear  registration  plate  lamp  and  other  lamps,  a 
single EC component type-approval number may be assigned provided that the rear 
registration plate 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. 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 (adapted) 

4. 

EC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL MARK 

4.1. 

In addition to the markings referred to in point 2.1, every rear registration plate 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 of the 
Member State which has granted type approval: 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

for Germany 

for France 

for Italy 

for the Netherlands 

for Sweden 

for Belgium 

for Hungary 

for the Czech Republic 

9 

for Spain 

11 

for the United Kingdom 

(cid:208) 2003 Act of Accession Art. 20 
and Annex II, p. 53 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 

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12 

for Austria 

13 

for Luxembourg 

17 

for Finland 

18 

for Denmark 

19 

for Romania 

20 

for Poland 

21 

for Portugal 

23 

for Greece 

24 

for Ireland 

26 

for Slovenia 

27 

for Slovakia 

29 

for Estonia 

32 

for Latvia 

34 

for Bulgaria 

(cid:208) 2006/96/EC Art. 1 and Annex 
pt. A.17. 

(cid:208) 2003 Act of Accession Art. 20 
and Annex II, p. 53 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 

(cid:208) 2003 Act of Accession Art. 20 
and Annex II, p. 53 

(cid:208) 2006/96/EC Art. 1 and Annex 
pt. A.17. 

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(cid:208) 2003 Act of Accession Art. 20 
and Annex II, p. 53 

36 

for Lithuania 

49 

for Cyprus 

50 

for Malta; 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 (adapted) 

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 amendment to this Directive on the date EC type approval was 
granted. In this Directive the sequence number is 00; 

4.2.3. 

an additional symbol as follows: the letter “L”. 

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 point 3.4, for a 
type of lighting and light-signalling device comprising a rear registration plate 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 of the 
Member State which has granted type approval (see point 4.2.1); 

4.5.2. 

the base approval number (see point 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 

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(see point 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. 

4.9. 

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. 

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. 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 

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. 

6.2. 

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]. 

The luminance B of any device picked at random from a mass produced batch shall 
not be lower than 2 cd/m2 and, in the formula for the gradient, the factor 2 may be 
replaced by 3 (see paragraph 9 of the documents referred to in point 2.1 of Annex II 
to this Directive). 

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(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 (adapted) 

Appendix 1 

Information document No … 

relating to the EC component type approval of rear registration plate lamps 

(Directive [76/760/EEC]) 

The following  information,  if  applicable, must be supplied in triplicate and include a list of 
contents. Any drawings must be supplied in appropriate scale and in sufficient detail on size 
A4 on a folder of A4 format. Photographs, if any, must show sufficient detail. 

If  the  systems,  components  or  separate  technical  units  have  electronic  controls,  information 
concerning their performance must be supplied. 

0. 

GENERAL 

0.1. 

Make (trade name of manufacturer): ……………………………………………. 

0.2. 

Type and general commercial description(s): ……………………………………. 

0.5. 

Name and address of manufacturer: …………………………………………….. 

0.7. 

In the case of components and separate technical units, location and method of 
affixing of the EC ⌦ type ⌫ - approval mark: …………………………….. 

0.8. 

Address(es) of assembly plant(s): ……………………………………………….. 

1. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE 

1.1. 

Type of device: …………………………………………………………………. 

1.1.1.  Device function(s): ……………………………………………………………… 

1.1.2.  Category or class of device: …………………………………………………….. 

1.1.3.  Colour of the light emitted or reflected: ………………………………………….. 

1.2. 

Drawing(s) in sufficient detail to permit identification of the type of the device and 
showing …………………………………………………………………………. 

1.2.1. 

in  what  geometrical  position  the  device  is  to  be  mounted  on  the  vehicle  (not 
applicable to rear registration plate lamps): ……………………………………… 

1.2.2. 

the  axis  of  observation  to  be  taken  as  the  axis  of  reference  in  the  tests  (horizontal 
angle  H  =  0°,  vertical  angle  V  =  0°)  and  the  point  to  be  taken  as  the  centre  of 
reference  in  the  said  tests  (not  applicable  to  retro-reflecting  devices  and  rear 
registration plate lamps): ………………………………………………………… 

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1.2.3. 

the position intended for the EC component type-approval mark: ………………… 

1.2.4. 

for rear registration plate lamps, the geometrical position in which the device is to be 
fitted in relation to the space to be occupied by the registration plate, and the outline 
of the area adequately illuminated: …………………………………………………. 

1.2.5. 

for headlamps and front fog lamps, a frontal view of the lamps with details of lens 
ribbing, if any, and the cross section: ……………………………………………….. 

1.3. 

A brief technical description stating, in particular, with the exception of lamps with 
non-replaceable light sources, the category or categories of light sources prescribed 
which  shall  be  one  or  more  of  those  contained  in  Directive  [76/761/EEC]  (not 
applicable to retro-reflecting devices): ……………………………………………….. 

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Appendix 2 

MODEL 

(maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm)) 

7.  Date: …………………………………………………………………………… 

8. 

Signature: ………………………………………………………………………. 

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9. 

The  index  to  the  information  package  lodged  with  the  approval  authority, 
which may be obtained on request, is attached. 

_________ 
(1) 
(2) 

Delete where not applicable. 
If the means of identification of type contains characters not relevant to describe the vehicle, 
component  or  separate  technical  unit  types  covered  by  this  type-approval  certificate  such 
characters shall be represented in the documentation by the symbol: “?” (e.g. ABC??123??). 
As defined in Annex IIA to Directive [70/156/EEC]. 

(3) 

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Addendum to EC type-approval certificate No … 

concerning the component type-approval of a lighting and/or light-signalling device with 
regard to Directive(s) [76/757/EEC]; [76/758/EEC]; [76/760/EEC]; [76/761/EEC]; 
[76/762/EEC]; [77/538/EEC]; [77/539/EEC] and [77/540/EEC](*) as last amended by 
Directive(s) … 

1. 

Additional information 

1.1.  Where applicable, indicate each lamp 

1.1.1.  The category(ies) of the device(s): ……………………………………………… 

1.1.2.  The  number  and  category  of  light  sources  (not  applicable  to  retro  reflector(**): 

…………………………………………………………………………….. 

1.1.3.  The colour of the light emitted or reflected: ……………………………………. 

1.1.4.  Approval granted solely for use as a replacement part on vehicles already in service: 

Yes/No(*) 

1.2. 

Specific information for certain types of lighting or light-signalling devices 

1.2.1.  For retro-reflecting devices: In isolation/part of an assembly of devices(*) 

1.2.2.  For rear registration plate lamps: Device for illuminating a tall plate/a wide plate(*) 

1.2.3.  For headlamps: If equipped with an adjustable reflector, the mounting position(s) of 
the  headlamp  in  relation  to  the  ground  and  the  longitudinal  median  plane  of  the 
vehicle, 
(those)  position(s)  only: 
………………………………………………………………………………………… 

the  headlamp 

for  use 

that 

in 

is 

if 

1.2.4.  For reversing lamps: This device shall be installed on a vehicle only as part of a pair 

of devices: Yes/No(*) 

5. 

Remarks 

5.1. 

Drawings 

5.1.1.  For  rear  registration  plate  lamps:  the  attached  drawing  No  …  shows  the  geometric 
position in which the device is to be fitted in relation to the space to be occupied by 
the registration plate, and the outline area adequately illuminated; 

5.1.2.  For  retro-reflecting  devices:  the  attached  drawing  No  …  shows  the  geometric 

position in which the device is to be fitted to the vehicle; 

5.1.3.  For all other lighting and light-signalling devices: the attached drawing No … shows 
the geometric position in which the device is to be fitted to the vehicle, and the axis 
of reference and centre of reference of the device. 

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5.2. 

For  headlamps:  Operating  mode  used  during  the  test  (⌦ point ⌫  5.2.3.9  of 
Annex I to Directive [76/761/EEC]): …………………………………………………  

(*) 
(**) 

Delete where not applicable 
For lamps with non-replaceable light sources, indicate the number and the total wattage of the light 
sources. 

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(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 (adapted) 

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 rear registration 
plate lamp, type approved in Germany (e1) pursuant to this Directive (⌦ sequence No ⌫00) 
under the base approval number 1471. 

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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 

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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  [Council] 
Directive [76/757/EEC1] , sequence No 02, 

a rear direction indicator of category 2a approved in accordance with [Council] 
Directive [76/759/EEC2] , sequence No 01, 

a  red  rear  position  lamp  (R)  approved  in  accordance  with  Annex  [II]  to 
[Council] Directive [76/758/EEC3] , sequence No 02, 

rear 

a 
approved 
lamp 
Directive [77/538/EC4] , sequence No 00, 

fog 

(F) 

in 

accordance  with 

[Council] 

reversing 

a 
Directive [77/539/EEC5] , sequence No 00, 

(AR)  approved 

lamp 

in  accordance  with 

[Council] 

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 this Directive , 
sequence No 00. 

____________ 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 

[OJ L […], […], p. […].] 
[OJ L […],[ …], p. […].] 
[OJ L […], […], p. […].] 
[OJ L […], […], p. […].] 
[OJ L […], […], p. […].] 

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(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 

ANNEX II 

SCOPE AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS 

1. 

SCOPE 

This  Directive  applies  to  rear  registration  plate  lamps  for  motor  vehicles  and  their 
trailers. 

2. 

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS 

2.1. 

The  technical  requirements  are  those  set  out  in  paragraphs  1  and  5  to  9  and 
Annexes 3  to  5  of  UN-ECE  Regulation  No  4  ⌦ 1 ⌫  which  consists  of  a 
consolidation of the following documents: 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 (adapted) 

(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the Regulation in its original form (00)2, 

the Supplement 1 to Regulation No 43, 

the Supplement 2 to Regulation No 44, 

the Supplements 3 and 4 to Regulation No 45, 

the Supplement 5 to Regulation No 46, 

except that: 

1 
2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

OJ L 203, 30.7.1997, p. 74. 
E/ECE/324 
Add. 3.   
E/ECE/TRANS/505 
E/ECE/324 
E/ECE/TRANS/505 
E/ECE/324 
E/ECE/TRANS/505 
E/ECE/324 
E/ECE/TRANS/505 
TRANS/WP.29/447. 

Add. 3/Amend. 3.  

Add. 3/Amend. 1 and …/Amend. 1/Corr. 1.   

Add. 3/Amend. 2 and …/Amend. 1/Corr. 1.   

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(cid:208) 97/31/EC Art. 1 pt. 5 (adapted) 

2.1.1.  Where  reference  is  made  to  “Regulation  No  48”,  this  shall  be  understood  as 

“Directive [76/756/EC]”. 

2.1.2.  Where reference is made to “Regulation No 37”, this shall be understood as 

“Annex [VII] to Directive [76/761/EEC] 7 ”. 

____________ 

7 

[OJ L […],[…],p. […].] 

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(cid:207) 

ANNEX III 

Part A 

Repealed Directive with list of its successive amendments 
(referred to in Article 12) 

Council Directive 76/760/EEC 
(OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 85) 

Point X.9. of Annex I to the 1979 Act of 
Accession 
(OJ L 291, 19.11.1979, p. 109) 

Point IX.13(d) of Annex I to the 1985 Act of 
Accession 
(OJ L 302, 15.11.1985, p. 213) 

Council Directive 87/354/EEC 
(OJ L 192, 11.7.1987, p. 43) 

Only point 7(d) of the Annex 
concerning Directive 76/760/EEC 

Point XI.C.I.10 of Annex I to the 1994 Act of 
Accession 
(OJ C 241, 29.8.1994, p. 205) 

Commission Directive 97/31/EC 
(OJ L 171, 30.6.1997, p. 49) 

Point I.A.18 of Annex II to the 2003 Act of 
Accession 
(OJ L 236, 23.9.2003, p. 58) 

Council Directive 2006/96/EC 
(OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 81) 

Only as regards the reference to 
Directive 76/760/EEC in Article 1 and 
Annex, point A.17. 

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Part B 

List of time-limits for transposition into national law and application 
(referred to in Article 12) 

Directive 

Time-limit for transposition 

Date of application 

76/760/EEC 

87/354/EEC 

97/31/EC 

2006/96/EC 

30 June 1977 

1 October 1977 

31 December 1987 

- 

1 January 1998(*)1 

1 January 19982 

1 January 2007 

— 

(*) 

In accordance with Article 2 of Directive 97/31/EC: 

“1. 

From  1  January  1998,  or,  if  the  publication  of  the  texts  referred  to  in  Article  3  is  delayed 
beyond  1  July  1997,  six  months  after  the  actual  date  of  publication  of  these  texts,  Member 
States may not, on grounds relating to rear registration plate lamps: 

– 

– 

refuse, in respect of a type of vehicle or a type of lamp mentioned above, to grant EC 
type-approval or national type-approval, or 

prohibit the registration, sale or entry into service of vehicles, or the sale or entry into 
service of rear registration plate lamps, 

provided  that  the  lamps  comply  with  the  requirements  of  Directive 76/760/EEC,  as  amended 
by  this  Directive,  and  that,  as  far  as  vehicles  are  concerned,  they  are  installed  in  accordance 
with the requirements laid down in Directive 76/756/EEC. 

2. 

From 1 October 1998 Member States: 

– 

– 

shall no longer grant EC type-approval, and 

may refuse to grant national type-approval 

for any type of vehicle on grounds relating to rear registration plate lamps, and for any type of 
rear registration plate lamp, if the requirements of Directive 76/760/EEC, as amended by this 
Directive, are not fulfilled. 

3. 

From  1  October  1999  the  requirements  of  Directive  76/760/EEC  relating  to  rear  registration 
plate lamps as components, as amended by this Directive, shall be applicable for the purposes 
of Article 7(2) of Directive 70/156/EEC. 

1 

2 

See Articles 3 and 4(1) of Directive 97/31/EC. The time-limit for transposition was 6 months after the 
date of publication of UN/ECE Regulation No 4 (OJ L 203, 30.7.1997, p. 74). 
See  Articles  3  and 4(1) of Directive  97/31/EC.  The  time-limit  for  application  was 6 months  after  the 
date of publication of UN/ECE Regulation No 4 (OJ L 203, 30.7.1997, p. 74). 

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4. 

Notwithstanding  paragraphs  2  and  3  above,  for  the  purposes  of  replacement  parts  Member 
States shall continue to grant EC type-approval of rear registration plate lamps, and to permit 
their sale and entry into service, in accordance with previous versions of Directive 76/760/EEC 
provided that such lamps 

– 

– 

are intended to be fitted to vehicles already in use, and 

comply  with  the  requirements  of  that  Directive  which  were  applicable  when  the 
vehicles were first registered.” 

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ANNEX IV 

CORRELATION TABLE 

Directive 76/760/EEC 

This Directive 

Article 1 

Article 2 first paragraph 

Article 2 second paragraph 

Article 2 

Article 3(1) 

Article 3(2) 

Articles 3 and 4 

Articles 4 and 5 

Article 5(1) first sentence 

Article 6(1) first subparagraph 

Article 5(1) second and third sentence 

Article 6(1) second subparagraph 

Article 5(2) 

Article 6(2) 

Article 6, first sentence 

Article 7, first paragraph 

Article 6, second sentence 

Article 7, second paragraph 

Articles 7 and 8 

Articles 8 and 9 

Article 9 

Article 10 

Article 11(1)  

Article 11(2) 

- 

Article 12 

Annexes I – II 

– 

– 

Article 1 

Article 10 

- 

Article 11 

Articles 12 and 13  

Article 14 

Annexes I – II 

Annex III 

Annex IV 

_______________ 

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