city lights vs. corner markers

[Per Lindgren]

Eyvind Spangen wrote:

> On Wed, 26 Sep 2001 07:32:18 -0700, you wrote:
>
> >How are the European cars wired up? Do they use the corner position as a
> >turn signal or as a always-on corner marker?
>
> They are wired as turn signal only. No markers at all on older
> European cars..

To explain a bit more. In Europe, turn signals must have orange light. There
has to be a side turn signal with orange light. Parking lights up front must
have white light, either as a stand-alone light, or in the headlight
reflector. Rear turn signals must be orange as well. And tail lisghts, brake
lights and rear fog lights must be red. Headlights must be white or yellow,
low beam must reach at least 40 meters, high beams at least 100 mters. These
are the main rules. The lenses can be in any color you want, as long as the
color is correct, and they light with the correct Lux.

In addition, the turn signals also must have a dark background, this is the
real reason why the parking lights and turn signals cn not be using the same
lense, even though they are the correct color. Side markers are now legal
since a few years ago, they can be orange front and rear, but red is also
legal now, if they are a part of the tail light ass'y. Volvo S60 is an
example of this, and Volvo S40 as well. US spec side markers are not legal
because they are not E-code, but many in places this is looked upon "between
the fingers". And the side lights are not mandatory by law, they can be
fitted by any car manufacturer or owner as they wish. Hella and a few others
have kits to DIY install side markers.

US spec DOT headlights are not legal on new cars (read: US imports) here
either, because they are not E-code and in cases dont have sufficient light
output, i.e not reaching far enough. Same goes for US-spec turn sig's and
tails, not legal because no E-code.

PerL
92 Cabrio 2.3E