When installing an LED light bar or planning an auxiliary lighting set up for their vehicle, one of the most common questions we receive from our customers is: 

 

 ‘How do I make sure my lights are road legal?’

 

Across the UK and Europe, vehicle lighting installations are governed by UNECE regulations, which define how lights must be certified, how bright they can be, and how many additional lights can be fitted to a vehicle.  In this guide we explain: 

 

  • How LED light bars stay road legal in the UK and EU

  • What E-mark certification means

  • The difference between Class B, Class A, and Class RA driving lights

  • Why reference numbers matter

  • How our innovative features like Flash-to-Dim help meet regulations

We’ll also use examples from some of our products, such as the Linear-18, Glide, and Glide Roof Pod systems to show how these rules apply in real installations.

(Ford Ranger / Raptor & VW Amarok (2023+) Glide Roof Pods & Triple-R 750 Grille Integration kits) 

 

 

LED Light Bar Laws in the UK / EU 

 

In Europe, auxiliary lighting installations are governed by UNECE Regulation 48, which sets out how additional driving lights can be fitted to a vehicle. Rather than limiting a vehicle to a fixed number of lights, the regulation works using a classification and reference value system.

Each driving light, including both factory-fitted headlights and any auxiliary lamps,  is assigned a classification and reference number based on its intensity. The general rule is that the combined reference value of all driving beams must not exceed 100.

However, this maximum refrence value changes depending on the country you are in, and the vehicle you are mounting the lights too. For example, the UK is more relaxed on the total refrence, where as Germany is much stricter, furthemore, trucks often can have a larger total value than other vehicles. It is important to check the laws for your specific installation and region. 

 

 

How classifications fit in:

 

Alongside installation rules, UNECE regulations (specifically R149) classify driving lights based on their intensity, beam pattern and performance. In most cases, the regulation puts lights into the following categories: Class B driving lights, or Class RA supplemental driving lights. These lights are designed to work alongside the vehicle’s factory main beam headlights to improve visibility when driving at night or in poor conditions. 

 

Class B: At Lazer, most of our high-performance LED driving lights and light bars are approved as Class B driving lights. Class B lights are: High-power driving beams, designed to supplement the vehicle’s main beam headlights. Often Class B driving lights have slightly higher refrence values due to their higher output. 

Class RA: A more recent update to Regulation 48 also allows the installation of Class RA driving lights, which are classified as supplemental driving beams used alongside existing headlights. Due to their lower intesity, these lights often have lower refrence values.

Class A: Some lamps may be certified as Class A driving lights instead. This classification usually only applies when a lamp does not meet the output limits required for Class B approval. For example, our ST2 lamp  is approved as a Class A driving light, placing it within a different regulatory category.

 

 

 What Does an ‘E-Mark’ on an LED Light Bar Mean?

 

If an LED light bar carries an E-mark, it means the lamp has been tested and certified under UNECE regulations. The certification confirms the product meets strict standards for:

 

  • Beam pattern performance

  • Light intensity

  • Durability

  • Environmental resistance

  • Electrical safety

A typical marking may look like:

The number indicates which country issued the certification approval. For example: E9 = Spain. Spain is one of several authorised testing authorities that certify automotive lighting products under UNECE regulations.

 The other additional markings can also provide useful information:

  • PL Marking: the PL marking indicates the lamp uses a plastic lens. Plastic lenses must pass extensive testing to ensure they resist scratches, maintain clarity over time and do not discolor from UV exposure.

  • HR Marking: the HR marking indicates the lamp is approved as a Class B driving light. If the marking simply shows R, the lamp is typically approved as a Class A driving light.

  • UNECE Regulation Numbers: You may also see references such as: R149 / R148 / R112 / R7 - these numbers identify the specific UNECE regulation under which the product has been approved. Each certified lamp also carries a unique certificate number, which allows inspection authorities to verify the approval documentation.

To help our customers verify product compliance, E-mark certificates can be downloaded from our product pages, contained with the downloads section. We provide the first three pages of the certificate, but If a full report is required, we can provide it on request.

 

 

Reference Numbers and Flash-to-Dim Technology

 

Every approved driving light is assigned a reference number (or reference mark). This number represents the maximum peak intensity of light emitted from the lamp, measured at a distance of 25 metres. The reference number helps ensure the combined output of all driving lights on a vehicle remains within legal limits. In some European countries, the maximum combined reference value permitted for road use is 100. This total includes the vehicle’s factory headlights as well as any additional driving lights fitted.

For example:

  • If a vehicle’s standard headlights have a reference value of 20 each, the total from the headlights alone would be 40.

  • This would leave 60 reference points available for additional driving lights.

  • A driver could therefore fit four auxiliary lights with a reference mark of 15 each, reaching the maximum permitted value of 100.

At Lazer we design many of our lamps to actualy have relatively low peak intensity reference numbers, which helps drivers stay within these limits even when fitting multiple auxiliary lights. This is possible because our lights spread or distribute the available light more efficiently, producing a wide, smooth, and homogenous beam pattern rather than concentrating all intensity into a single narrow hotspot.

 

 

Alongside this, many Lazer products feature dual output functionality, meaning they have a low output / road-legal output mode, and a high output / Boost Mode - designed for use off-road or in regions where lighting restrictions do not apply. More recently our products, such as Glide and the Sentinel PL2 range, also feature our new innovative Flash-To-Dim technology, which allows for a much easier switch between the output modes whilst driving.  The dual output functionality and Flash-To-Dim technology help achieve road-legal certification, as during the approval process, the lamp is tested in low output / road-legal mode, which reduces the light output to achieve the lower reference value.

 

Drivers travelling in countries with strict regulations should operate the lamp in road-legal mode. Then when driving off-road, or in regions such as Sweden where light output limits may not apply, drivers can activate boost mode for maximum visibility. This dual-mode functionality ensures the lighting system can remain fully compliant for road use, while still offering the high-performance illumination expected from advanced LED driving lights.

 

What Is a Double E-Mark?

Some LED light bars are approved with what is known as a double E-mark. This occurs when a lamp contains two internally separate LED modules, each approved as an individual driving light. Although the product appears as one single lamp, internally it functions as two certified lighting elements - allowing it to be compliant with UNECE Regulation 48.

 

Example: Linear-18 Double E-Mark Approval

A good example of this is the Linear-18 LED light bar. Within the lamp, the left and right sections are identical, but they are certified as two separate lighting modules. When the lamp is switched on, both sides illuminate simultaneously. However, during the certification process they are approved independently, which allows the lamp to carry a double E-mark approval. This design enables us to maximise performance of the product while still meeting regulatory limits.

 

Example: Glide Double E-Mark Approval

The Glide driving light is another example of a double E-mark lamp, but with a slightly different configuration. In this lamp, the beam pattern from the left side differs slightly from the right side. This happens because the centre section of the lamp contains spot LEDs, with the middle four reflectors designed specifically to produce a long-range beam, whilst the wide reflectors produce an expansive wide beam.

As a result, the lamp produces a non-symmetrical beam pattern, meaning the left and right elements are tested separately during certification. When reviewing the certification documentation for Glide: one variant represents the right-hand element and one variant represents the left-hand element. Both elements together  achieve a reference value of 12.5, allowing the lamp to receive its double E-mark approval.

 

Example: Why Glide Roof Pods Use a Single E-Mark

When the Glide lamps are integrated into roof pods, such as those we developed for the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger / Ranger Raptor, the certification changes. Because UNECE Regulation 48 allows only two additional driving lights, a lamp with a double E-mark counts as two lights.

If two double-E-marked lamps were mounted on the roof, the installation could effectively count as four driving lights, which would exceed the legal limit. This is particularly important in countries such as Germany, Switzerland and other EU markets where lighting regulations are strictly enforced. To ensure the system remains compliant, the Glide lamps used in these roof pods are recertified as single E-mark units. The revised approval number is shown on the lamp infill pieces and on the product label on the underside of the lamp to clearly identifiy the lamp as single E-mark certified when used in the roof-mounted system.

 

Staying Road Legal with LED Light Bars and Auxiliary Lights

 

Understanding LED driving light regulations and certification can seem complicated, but the markings on each product provide clear evidence of compliance.

Installing LED light bars or auxiliary driving lights can significantly improve nighttime visibility, but ensuring your setup complies with UK and EU road regulations is essential. To keep your installation road legal, always check:

 

  • The lamp carries a valid E-mark certification

  • The correct driving light classification is used

  • The number of auxiliary lights fitted does not exceed legal limits

  • The reference numbers remain within regulation limits

 

By selecting properly certified lighting products (such as ours) and installing them correctly, you can enjoy the benefits of high-performance LED lighting while staying fully compliant with road regulations.

If you have any questions about certifications, vehicle fitment, or lighting regulations, feel free to get in touch with our team directly via: sales@lazerlamps.com

 

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About LED Light Bar Laws in the UK and Europe

 

 ‘Are LED light bars legal in the UK / EU?’

Yes, LED light bars can be road legal in the UK, provided they comply with UNECE vehicle lighting regulations. To remain road legal, the lights must:

  • Carry a valid E-mark certification

  • Be wired to operate only with the vehicle’s main beam

  • Not exceed the allowed reference number limits

  • Follow installation rules under UNECE Regulation 48

Most vehicles are permitted to install two additional driving lights alongside their factory headlights. Choosing E-mark approved auxiliary lights is the easiest way to ensure compliance.

 

 

What does E-mark mean on LED lights?

An E-mark confirms that a lighting product has been tested and certified under UNECE automotive lighting regulations.The certification ensures the product meets requirements for:

  • Beam pattern performance

  • Light intensity limits

  • Electrical safety

  • Environmental durability

The number beside the E-mark identifies which country issued the certification. For example: E9 = Spain. Each certified light also carries a certificate number, which allows authorities to verify the approval documentation.

 

 

‘What is the difference between Class A, Class B and RA driving lights?’

Driving lights are classified according to UNECE regulations. Each classification determines how the lamp can be used and installed legally.

 

Class B Driving Lights

  • High-power driving beams

  • Designed to supplement a vehicle’s main beam headlights

  • Common for high-performance LED light bars

Class RA Driving Lights

  • Supplemental beams used alongside existing headlights

  • Introduced in updates to UNECE Regulation 48

Class A Driving Lights

  • Lower output driving lights that do not meet the limits required for Class B approval

 

‘How many auxiliary driving lights can you fit to a vehicle in Europe?’

Under UNECE Regulation 48, vehicles are generally permitted to install: Two additional Class B driving lights, or Two Class RA supplemental driving lights. These must operate alongside the vehicle’s high beam headlights. This is why some lighting systems, particularly roof-mounted lights, are designed carefully to ensure they do not exceed the maximum permitted number of driving lights. However, it is also important to consider refrence numbers and combined refrence value permitted for road use in your region. 

 

‘What are reference numbers on driving lights?’

Every approved driving light is assigned a reference number (or reference mark). This number represents the maximum peak intensity of light emitted from the lamp, measured at a distance of 25 metres. The reference number helps ensure the combined output of all driving lights on a vehicle remains within legal limits. In some European countries, the maximum combined reference value permitted for road use is 100. This total includes the vehicle’s factory headlights as well as any additional driving lights fitted.

If a vehicle’s standard headlights have a reference value of 20 each, the total from the headlights alone would be 40.This would leave 60 reference points available for additional driving lights. A driver could therefore fit four auxiliary lights with a reference mark of 15 each, reaching the maximum permitted value of 100.

Lazer Lamps auxiliary lights use dual output technologies such as Flash-to-Dim, which allows the lamp to operate at: Reduced output for road use / Higher output for off-road or unrestricted environments. The reduced output mode allows the lamp to achieve a lower reference number and therefore help stay within the combined reference value. 

 

 

 ‘Are roof-mounted LED light bars legal in Europe?’

Roof-mounted LED light bars can be road legal in Europe if they comply with UNECE regulations. However, roof lights must still follow the rule limiting vehicles to two additional driving lights.For this reason, some roof  lighting systems,  such as Lazers VW Amarok & Ford Ranger / Ranger Raptor roof pod kits,  are certified as single E-mark units rather than double E-mark lamps to ensure the installation remains compliant. For longer light bars running along the top roof, they are certified with a double E-Mark to remain road legal, for example - the linear-36 standard light bar. 

 

 

‘Where can I check if an LED light bar is certified?’

Certified LED driving lights include an E-mark and approval number on the lens or housing. You can usually verify certification by:

  • Checking the E-mark on the product

  • Looking up the approval certificate

  • Downloading the documentation from our website - available on the product page - downloads section

 

'I Need Help Choosing Road-Legal LED Driving Lights?'

Choosing the right E-mark approved LED light bar or auxiliary driving lights ensures you get maximum visibility while staying compliant with UK and EU road regulations. However there are also a range of different factors to consider, including style, performance, integration and budget, If you're unsure which lights are suitable for your vehicle or driving needs, our team is always happy to help - sales@lazerlamps.com

 

 

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