COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 1999/15/EC

of 16 March 1999

adapting to technical progress Council Directive 76/759/EEC relating to direction indicator lamps for motor vehicles and their trailers

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to 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 trailers(1), as last amended by Directive 98/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(2), and in particular Article 13(2) thereof,

Having regard to Council Directive 76/759/EEC of 27 June 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to direction indicator lamps for motor vehicles and their trailers(3), as last amended by the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, and in particular Article 10 thereof,

(1) Whereas Directive 76/759/EEC is one of the separate Directives of the EC type-approval procedure which has been established by Directive 70/156/EEC; whereas, consequently, the provisions laid down in Directive 70/156/EEC relating to vehicle systems, components and separate technical units apply to Directive 76/759/EEC;

(2) Whereas, in particular, Article 3(4) and Article 4(3) of Directive 70/156/EEC require each separate Directive to have attached to it an information document and also a type-approval certificate based on Annex VI to Directive 70/156/EEC in order that type-approval may be computerised; whereas the type-approval certificate provided for in Directive 76/759/EEC should be amended accordingly;

(3) Whereas the procedures should be simplified in order to maintain the equivalence envisaged by Article 9(2) of Directive 70/156/EEC between certain separate Directives and the corresponding regulations of the United Nations' Economic Commission for Europe (UN-ECE), when those regulations are amended; whereas, as a first step, the technical requirements of Directive 76/759/EEC should be replaced by those of UN-ECE Regulation No 6 by way of cross-reference;

(4) Whereas it is necessary to ensure that the requirements in Council Directive 76/756/EEC(4), as last amended by Commission Directive 97/28/EC(5), and in Council Directive 76/761/EEC(6), as last amended by Commission Directive 1999/17/EC(7), are complied with;

(5) Whereas the measures provided for in this Directive are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Adaptation to Technical Progress established by Directive 70/156/EEC,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

Article 1

Directive 76/759/EEC is amended as follows:

1. In Article 1, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

"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. In Article 2, the first paragraph is replaced by the following:

"Member States shall, for each type of direction indicator lamp which they approve pursuant to Article 1, issue to the manufacturer an EC component type-approval mark conforming to the model shown in Annex I, Appendix 3."

3. Article 4 is replaced by the following:

"Article 4

The competent authorities of the Member States shall inform each other, by means of the procedures specified in Article 4(6) of Directive 70/156/EEC, of each approval which they have granted, refused or withdrawn pursuant to this Directive."

4. Article 9 is replaced by the following:

"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 of agricultural and forestry tractors and all mobile machinery."

5. The Annexes are replaced by the text in the Annex to this Directive.

Article 2

1. From 1 October 1999, or, if the publication of the texts referred to in Article 3 is delayed beyond 1 April 1999, six months after the actual date of publication of these texts, Member States may not, on grounds relating to direction indicator lamps:

- refuse, in respect of a type of vehicle or a type of direction indicator lamp, 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 direction indicator lamps,

provided that the direction indicator lamps comply with the requirements of Directive 76/759/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 April 2000 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 direction indicator lamps, and for any type of direction indicator lamp, if the requirements of Directive 76/759/EEC, as amended by this Directive, are not fulfilled.

3. From 1 April 2001 the requirements of Directive 76/759/EEC relating to direction indicator lamps as components, as amended by this Directive, shall be applicable for the purposes of Article 7(2) of Directive 70/156/EEC.

4. Notwithstanding paragraphs 2 and 3, for the purposes of replacement parts Member States shall continue to grant EC type-approval of direction indicator lamps, and to permit their sale and entry into service, in accordance with previous versions of Directive 76/759/EEC provided that such direction indicator 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 where first registered.

Article 3

The paragraphs and annexes of UN-ECE Regulation No 6, referred to in point 1 of Annex II, shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities before 1 April 1999.

Article 4

1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 1 October 1999; however, if the publication of the texts referred to in Article 3 is delayed beyond 1 April 1999, the Member States shall comply with this obligation six months after the actual date of publication of these texts. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.

They shall apply those provisions from 1 October 1999, or, if the publication of the texts referred to in Article 3 is delayed beyond 1 April 1999, six months after the actual date of publication of those texts.

When Member States adopt those provisions, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or be accompanied by such a reference on the occasion of their official publication. Member States shall determine how such reference is to be made.

2. 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 5

This Directive shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

Article 6

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 16 March 1999.

For the Commission

Martin BANGEMANN

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 11, 16.1.1999, p. 25.

(3) OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 71.

(4) OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 1.

(5) OJ L 171, 30.6.1997, p. 1.

(6) OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 96.

(7) See page 45 of this Official Journal.

ANNEX

"LIST OF ANNEXES

>TABLE>

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 direction indicator 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; 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 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, Article 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 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 is requested 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 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 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 letters of the Member State which has granted type approval:

1 for Germany

2 for France

3 for Italy

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 to Directive 70/156/EEC, preceded by the two figures indicating the sequence number assigned to the most recent major technical amendment to Directive 76/759/EEC on the date EEC type approval was granted. In this Directive the sequence number is 01;

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 belongs to one or more categories 1, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5, or 6;

4.2.3.2. on devices which cannot be mounted on either side 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 devices of category 6 an indication "R" or "L" shall 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 lamps are fitted to the vehicle.

4.4. Arrangement of the approval mark.

4.4.1. Independent lamps:

Examples of the EC component type-approval mark are given in Appendix 3, Figure 1.

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 letters of the Member State which has granted 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. This mark may be located anywhere on the lamps which 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 reciprocally incorporated lamps can be removed without simultaneously removing the approval mark.

4.4.2.3. 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:

4.4.2.3.1. 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 lamps may 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 various Directives pursuant to which EC component type approval was granted.

4.4.2.5. 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.

4.4.3. Lamps reciprocally 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 marks relating to the different types of headlamps or units of 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. Examples of an EC component type-approval mark for lamps reciprocally 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 conditions specified in paragraphs 6 and 8(1). Nevertheless, in the case of a device picked 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(2)) shall be limited in each relevant direction to 80 per cent of the minimum values specified in paragraphs 6.1. and 6.2.(3).

(1) Of the documents referred to in item 1 of Annex II to this Directive.

(2) Of the documents referred to in item 1 of Annex II to this Directive.

(3) Of the documents referred to in item 1 of Annex II to this Directive.

Appendix 1

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002102.EPS">

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002201.EPS">

Appendix 2

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002302.EPS">

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002401.EPS">

Appendix 3

EXAMPLES OF THE EC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL MARK

Figure 1

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002502.EPS">

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 arrows on the approval mark point, according to the category of the device is shown below:

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002503.EPS">

Figure 2a

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 schematise the shape of the light-signalling device. These are not part of the approval mark)

MODEL A

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002601.EPS">

MODEL B

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002602.EPS">

MODEL C

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002701.EPS">

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 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;

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 lamps when two or more lamps are part of the same assembly

(The vertical and horizontal lines schematise the shape of the light-signalling device. These are not part of the approval mark)

MODEL A

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002801.EPS">

MODEL B

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002802.EPS">

MODEL C

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002803.EPS">

MODEL D

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.002901.EPS">

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 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 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 comprised between 86250 and 101250 candelas (as indicated 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

Lamp reciprocally incorporated or grouped with a headlamp

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.003001.EPS">

The above example corresponds to the marking of a lens intended to be used in different types of 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 86250 and 101250 candelas (as indicated 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,

or

a 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 requirements of Annex II to Directive 76/761/EEC, sequence No 01, which is reciprocally incorporated with the same front direction indicator lamp as above,

or

even either of the abovementioned headlamps approved as a single lamp.

The main body of the headlamp shall bear the only valid approval number, for instance:

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.003002.EPS">

or

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.003003.EPS">

or

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.003101.EPS">

or

>PIC FILE= "L_1999097EN.003102.EPS">

ANNEX II

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

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".

(1)

>TABLE>

(2)

>TABLE>

(3) TRANS/WP.29/518".