As vehicle electronics become more technical and duty of care requirements increase, traffic safety measures are becoming more stringent to protect workers and other road users. Often asked questions relate to “REG 65” and “Chapter 8 Spec”. We thought it would be useful to provide a brief summary of what these are and how they affect you.

United Nations Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation 65 on Special Warning Lamps

ECE REG 65 is law in all European Countries. Although it should be adopted in the UK take up has until now been slow. Larger fleets and government vehicles should be specifying this as standard. Reg 65 applies to rotating (Cat. T) and directional (Cat. X) warning lights. It covers labelling, light output (intensity and dispersion/distribution), flash rate/frequency and colour for beacons, light bars and directional lights. Heat resistance, cold start and water ingress are also measured.

Manufacturers must ensure that all products carrying this approval consistently comply with the standards. Customers can have the confidence that products showing this approval meet the necessary standard in all markets which have adopted ECE Regulation 65.
Regulation 65 is the accepted standard in most of Europe.

United Nations Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation 10.03?

ECE Regulation 10.03 covers “Electromagnetic Compatibility”. Electromagnetic compatibility means the ability of a vehicle or component(s) or separate technical unit(s) to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable electromagnetic disturbances to anything in that environment. LED lights produces low levels of Electromagnetic emissions.

ECE Regulation 10.03 is to ensure the maximum levels of radiated and conducted electronic emissions from the product, do not interfere with sensitive electronic systems on the vehicle. (e.g. engine management systems) and to provide product protection to radiated and conducted electronic emissions from the lights.

Chapter 8 Specification

Many people have heard of Chapter 8 Spec legislation but are not entirely sure what it is or what it covers. In relation to light commercial vehicle accessories there are two main areas – beacons and chevrons. Section O5.2 is all about protecting workers and vehicles that have to work on high speed roads, although it recommends the same specifications be used for works vehicles on all types of highway irrespective of speed limit. Below are extracts from the various sections which relate to these products.

Chapter 8, section O5.2 – CONSPICUITY

O5.2.1     Any vehicle engaged in works on the highway not in an established works zone should be of a conspicuous colour.

O5.2.2     Subject to the specific requirements of the following sections, any works vehicles that are used to protect the workforce or form part of the signing of the works should be of conspicuous colour and appropriate marking. This is particularly important for that part of the vehicle visible to drivers and prescribed as part of any sign mounted on the vehicle.

O5.2.3     In addition, on high-speed roads, all vehicles stopping on the highway for works purposes or inspections shall be equipped with high visibility rear markings. High visibility rear markings should comprise either:a) signing to diagram 7403, or b) the alternative light arrow sign in accordance with Section O10.8, or c) chevron markings comprising alternate strips of fluorescent orange-red retroreflective material and fluorescent yellow non-retroreflective material, of not less than 150 mm width each, inclined at 45-60° to the horizontal and pointing upwards, or d) a solid block of fluorescent orange-red retroreflective material.The markings described in (c) and (d) above should cover as much of the rear-facing portion of the vehicle as possible without obscuring windows, vehicle lighting or registration plates.Where the main body of the vehicle being used is not a recognised conspicuous colour (yellow or white) then the above markings should be supplemented by a high visibility fluorescent yellow retroreflective strip, of not less than 50 mm wide, along the side of vehicle as a minimum.

O5.2.4     Red retroreflective tape shall also be applied to all rear facing edges of open doors, guardrails and equipment lockers.

Note: Chapter 8 makes specific reference to the use of ‘Class RA2’ and ‘microprismatic’ reflective markings’ on the rear of vehicles being used on high speed roads. 3M Diamond Grade is a super-high efficiency, full cube retro-reflective sheeting designed for durable vehicle conspicuity markings as required by Chapter 8.

Chapter 8, section O5.3 – Roof Mounted beacons/Lightbars

O5.3.1     Without prejudice to the specific requirements of the following sections, any vehicle stopping on the highway for works purposes or inspections shall be equipped with either a roof-mounted flashing amber warning light bar (comprising at least two independent light sources) or two independent roof-mounted flashing amber warning beacons, visible through 360°.

O5.3.2   Roof-mounted flashing amber warning beacons must comply with the requirements of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations and should also comply with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation 65 on Special Warning Lamps.

O5.3.3     If the main roof-mounted beacon is likely to be obscured from the rear by parts of the vehicle or any equipment carried on the vehicle, additional beacons should be fitted toward the rear of the vehicle where they will remain visible.

O5.3.4     The roof-mounted beacons shall be in use when entering, leaving or moving within the site, when travelling in traffic at less than the general traffic speed, and when stationary on the hard shoulder.

O5.3.5     When stationary within the confines of a fully installed traffic management arrangement, the roof-mounted beacons shall be switched off, unless they form part of the guarding of the works, e.g. works on minor roads, or are required for mobile works; see Sections O10 and O11.

O5.3.6     Vehicles engaged on snow clearing, gritting operations or similar work shall display a flashing amber warning beacon at all times when operating.

To view the full range please browse our beacon and lightbar section