What are rear flashers and rear warning systems? Are they allowed?

What are rear flashers and what is a rear warning system?

The term "rear flashers" refers to rear-facing warning lights that emit light only to the rear. Their primary purpose is to provide additional warning to traffic approaching from behind and to ensure the geometric visibility of the warning light from the rear.

A "rear warning system" can refer to a combination of multiple rear flashers as well as warning systems in accordance with RSA (flashing arrows and beacons). When we refer to a rear warning system here, we mean the combination of multiple rear flashers.

Rear Flashers – Classification into categories:

• ECE-R65 Type X: Directional warning lights
• ECE-R65 Type HT: Paired modules as a replacement for rotating beacons
• KBA approval according to §53a StVZO: Additional warning lights

When are rear flashers allowed on trucks?

In principle, directional warning lights for additional rear warning are not permitted—except on emergency vehicles—unless an exemption is granted under §70 StVZO or through the conditions of an StVO exemption permit. Emergency vehicles are allowed to use not only two individual (symmetrically mounted) rear flashers, but also synchronized rear warning systems with up to six individual flashing modules.
A general possibility to enable rear warning nonetheless is the use of so-called additional warning lights, which also exist in the form of directional warning lights. However, these must explicitly have German type approval from the KBA. On trucks, the issue often arises that fixed installation is only permitted inside the vehicle. On the outside of the vehicle, they may only be mounted when stationary, e.g. with magnets.

Rear flashers or 180-degree modules are only permitted when they are genuinely required to achieve 360-degree visibility of the beacon. This applies strictly when it is necessary for visibility purposes and must not be used as an excuse for additional flashing lights. Only warning light systems of Type HT may be used in this case. The use of standard rear flashers of Type X is not permitted.

What requirements must rear flashers meet?

Like all lighting devices, rear flashers must have the appropriate certification mark. For Type X and Type HT, this is the E-mark for testing according to ECE-R65, and for additional warning lights used while stationary, a wave symbol with the corresponding KBA number.

If you have any further questions or require more detailed technical information on this topic, you can contact our team of specialists at any time.

Based on experience, legal regulations change irregularly, therefore LED-MARTIN GmbH cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided here.