Expert for Vehicle Safety Parts Lighting Cooling Camera Grill
KOT15 series square rear lamp viewed from the front
Home/Knowledge Center/Rear Signal Lamp Regulations R3 R6 R7 R23 and R38
Buying Guide

Rear Signal Lamp Regulations R3 R6 R7 R23 and R38

Rear signal lamps must meet multiple international regulations to ensure visibility and safety. The ECE R3, R6, R7, R23, and R38 standards cover specific lamp functions including stop, tail, turn, and direction indicators.

R3 R6 R7 R23 and R38 Cover Core Rear Lamp Functions

ECE R3 governs stop lamp intensity and visibility. ECE R6 sets requirements for direction indicators, including flash rate and visibility. ECE R7 covers rear fog lamps and their integration with other functions. ECE R23 applies to rear position lamps and their brightness. ECE R38 defines the performance of progressive turn indicators, ensuring smooth and visible signal transitions. Each regulation ensures that rear lamps perform reliably under real-world conditions. Compliance with all five is mandatory for vehicles and trailers sold in ECE member countries. Failure to meet any one standard can result in rejection during homologation or inspection.

Combination Lamps Reduce Complexity in Trailer Design

Trailer builders face challenges when integrating multiple individual lamps to meet ECE R3 R6 R7 R23 R38. Each separate lamp requires its own mounting, wiring, and certification. A combination lamp like the KOT33 series consolidates stop, tail, turn, and progressive indicator functions into one unit. This reduces the number of components, simplifies wiring, and lowers the risk of non-compliance. It also reduces weight and installation time. For OEMs and upfitters, using a single compliant lamp instead of five separate ones streamlines production and certification. The KOT21 series and KOT15 series also offer multi-function designs with full regulatory coverage.

KOT15 series square rear lamp viewed from the front
KOT15 series - see the product page for what our records state.

Voltage Range and Warranty Support Reliable Operation

The KOT15 series, KOT21 series, and KOT33 series operate on 10-30V, making them compatible with standard vehicle electrical systems. This range covers most commercial and utility vehicles, including trailers and forklifts. The 2-year warranty applies to all models and covers defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is confirmed on request and applies to all units supplied. The consistent voltage range and long warranty reduce risk for buyers. It ensures that the lamps will perform reliably over the expected service life of the vehicle or trailer.

Answers

Questions on This Topic

What does ECE R3 R6 R7 R23 R38 mean for rear signal lamps?

These regulations cover stop, turn, tail, and progressive indicator functions. Each standard defines brightness, flash rate, visibility angle, and integration requirements. Compliance with all five is required for legal use in ECE member countries.

Can I use a single lamp to meet all ECE R3 R6 R7 R23 R38 requirements?

Yes. The KOT33 series, KOT21 series, and KOT15 series are combination lamps that meet all five regulations in one unit. This simplifies homologation and reduces component count.

What is the voltage range for the KOT15, KOT21, and KOT33 series?

All three series operate on 10-30V. This range is standard for most commercial and utility vehicle electrical systems.

Do these lamps include a progressive turn indicator?

Yes. The KOT33 series includes a progressive indicator function that meets ECE R38. The KOT21 and KOT15 series do not include this feature.

What is the warranty period for these rear signal lamps?

All models have a 2-year warranty. The specification is confirmed on request.

Are these lamps suitable for trailers and utility vehicles?

Yes. The KOT15, KOT21, and KOT33 series are designed for trailers, utility vehicles, and commercial fleets requiring full ECE compliance.

Do these lamps require external control modules?

No. The KOT33 series includes a built-in progressive indicator. The KOT15 and KOT21 series do not require external modules for basic functions.

Still Not Sure Which Model Fits

Tell us the vehicle, the voltage and the market. We will point at the two or three models that fit and send what our records state for each.

Write to [email protected] and tell us the model, quantity and destination market. We answer with the specification sheet and a quotation.