Rear warning system on emergency vehicles

Emergency vehicles “may, in addition to blue rotating beacons, be equipped with a rear warning system consisting of no more than three pairs of horizontally rear-facing yellow flashing lights.” (§52 Section 1 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations – Source: Juris GmbH)

Click here to download the full StVZO document

For legal approval, the system must also meet six additional criteria specified by the StVZO regulations:

1. The lights must be ECE-R65 certified.
2. They must flash synchronously.
3. They should be mounted symmetrically in the upper area of the vehicle’s rear.
4. The rear warning system must be switchable independently of other lighting systems.
5. Its operation must be indicated by a control light in the driver's cab.
6. A notice must be placed in the driver’s cab stating that the rear warning system is only to be used during active deployment and at a maximum of walking speed.

In practice, ECE-R65 certified front flashers are often installed at the rear of emergency vehicles. These are synchronized and controlled independently via backlit switches in the driver’s cab. This highly effective form of warning—typically used on large vehicles—is especially critical on highways and federal roads.

If you have questions about the implementation, registration, or approval of such systems, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Your LED-MARTIN® Service Team

Images:

1. Installation of 6-module rear warning system on Rescue Truck 1

2. Installation of 6-module rear warning system on the TSF-W of Fulda Fire Department at RETTmobil 2018