ECE Regulations 6, 7 and 91 Explained
ECE Regulations set the legal framework for vehicle lighting across Europe and many other regions worldwide. For tactical and defense vehicles, compliance with these standards is often a requirement, especially when vehicles must also be road-legal. Three of the most relevant regulations are ECE R6, R7 and R91.
ECE R6 — Direction Indicators
ECE Regulation 6 applies to direction indicators (turn signals). It defines requirements for:
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Light colour (amber only)
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Minimum and maximum luminous intensity
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Beam distribution and visibility angles
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Flashing frequency
For military or tactical vehicles, indicators must still comply when vehicles operate in public traffic. Direction indicators can be integrated into multi-function lights, as long as they meet the photometric tests of R6.
ECE R7 — Position, Stop and End-Outline Lamps
ECE Regulation 7 covers:
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Front and rear position lamps (parking lights)
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Stop lamps (brake lights)
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End-outline marker lamps for large vehicles
The regulation defines requirements such as:
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Colour (red for rear, white for front, amber for side)
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Intensity ranges (bright enough to be seen, but not dazzling)
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Distribution angles and surface area
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Visibility at night and during the day
Tactical vehicles often combine position, brake and blackout modes in one housing. In such cases, the visible (ECE R7) functions must be type-approved separately.
ECE R91 — Side-Marker Lamps
ECE Regulation 91 applies to side-marker lamps, used on long or wide vehicles to improve visibility from the side. The requirements include:
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Amber colour (except red allowed at the rear)
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Minimum luminous intensity for visibility at night
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Spacing rules depending on vehicle length
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Angle of visibility (forward and rearward)
Side-marker lamps are especially important on large tactical trucks, trailers and armored transports to ensure visibility under road traffic rules.
Why This Matters for Tactical Lighting
Even when a vehicle is built for military purposes, if it operates on public roads it must meet civilian regulations. ECE R6, R7 and R91 are part of the type-approval process for lighting. Without these approvals, vehicles may face registration issues or operational restrictions in Europe and partner countries.
Common Mistakes
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Mixing military blackout lights with civilian modes without ensuring the civilian function meets the ECE test requirements.
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Wrong colour output (e.g. using red for a front marker).
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Incorrect spacing of side-marker lamps on trailers or long trucks.
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Assuming NATO or MIL-STD approval replaces ECE approval — in most cases, both are required for dual-use vehicles.
Practical Steps for Buyers and Users
Some simple steps help avoid risk:
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Confirm the product’s classification (for example, whether it carries an ECCN code or ITAR status).
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Request a written compliance statement from the supplier.
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Identify the end-user and deployment country early in the process.
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Allow additional time for licensing when projects involve IR or military-only lights.