FMVSS / CMVSS
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) establish the baseline automotive lighting standards and regulations in the United States. These requirements define photometric performance, durability, and color for headlamps, signal lamps, and other lighting devices. For official documentation, refer to the NHTSA FMVSS database, which lists all active and historical lighting-related standards.
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| FMVSS 108 (49 CFR 571.108) | Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment | Photometry – Luminous Intensity, Reflex, License Plate Lamps, Color, Luminous Flux Flashers, Environmental Simulation, Mechanical Durability + more |
Headlamps, Turn Signal Lamps, Taillamps, Stop Lamps, Sidemarker Lamps, Clearance Lamps, Backup Lamps, License Plate Lamps, Parking Lamps, High-Mounted Stop Lamps, Daytime Running Lamps, School Bus Signal Lamps, Emergency Warning Lamps, Reflex Reflectors, Retroreflective Sheeting |
| FMVSS 111 (49 CFR 571.111) | Rear Visibility | Mirrors – Reflectivity, Radius of Curvature Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation |
Interior & Exterior Mirrors |
| FMVSS 125 (49 CFR 571.125) | Warning Devices | Photometry – Reflex, Color Environmental Simulation |
Warning Triangles |
| FMVSS 131 (49 CFR 571.131) | School Bus Pedestrian Safety Devices. | Photometry – Luminous Intensity, Reflex, Flash Energy, Color Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation |
Interior Mirrors, Exterior Mirrors, Convex Mirrors |
| FMVSS Part 564 (49 CFR 564) | Replaceable Light Source and Sealed Beam Headlamp Information | Photometry – Luminous Flux Filament Position, Environmental Simulation, Mechanical Durability |
replaceable light sources used for headlamps |
| CMVSS 108 / 108.1 | Canadian Equivalent to FMVSS 108 | Photometry – Luminous Intensity, Reflex, License Plate Lamps, Color, Luminous Flux Flashers, Environmental Simulation, Mechanical Durability + more |
Headlamps, Turn Signal Lamps, Taillamps, Stop Lamps, Sidemarker Lamps, Clearance Lamps, Backup Lamps, License Plate Lamps, Parking Lamps, High-Mounted Stop Lamps, Daytime Running Lamps, School Bus Signal Lamps, Emergency Warning Lamps, Reflex Reflectors, Retroreflective Sheeting |
| CMVSS 1201 | Snowmobile Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment | Photometry – Luminous Intensity, Reflex, Color | Headlamps, Stop/Tail Lamps, Turn Signal Lamps, Reflex Reflectors |
| CMVSS 131 | Canadian Equivalent to FMVSS 131 | Photometry – Luminous Intensity, Reflex, Flash Energy, Color Mechanical Durability, Environmental Exposure | Headlamps, Stop/Tail Lamps, Turn Signal Lamps, Glass and Reflective Surfaces |
SAE
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) develops detailed technical specifications that complement global automotive lighting standards and regulations. These standards define laboratory procedures, measurement geometry, and equipment calibration for photometric and environmental testing. To access current and historical documents, visit the SAE International Standards Catalog.
Photometric and Test Method Standards
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAE J292 | Snowmobile and Snowmobile Cutter Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Lamps, Reflex Reflectors, etc. |
| SAE J575 | Test Methods and Equipment for Lighting Devices for Use on Vehicles Less than 2032 mm in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | All Vehicle Lamps |
| SAE J577 | Vibration Test Machine and Operation Procedure | Vibration, Shock | Vehicle Lamps |
| SAE J578 | (R) Chromaticity Requirements for Ground Vehicle Lamps and Lighting Equipment | Colorimtery | All Lamps and Reflectors |
| SAE J1889 | LED Signal and Marking Lighting Devices | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | LED Signal and Marking Lighting Devices |
| SAE J2650 | Performance Requirements for Road Illumination Devices Using Light Emitting Diode (LED) Sources | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | LED Road Illumination Devices |
Performance and Application Standards
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAE J131 | Motorcycle Turn Signal Lamp | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Motorcycle Turn Signals |
| SAE J222 | Parking Lamp (Front Position Lamp) | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Parking Lamp (Front Position Lamp) |
| SAE J278 | Snowmobile Stop Lamp | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Snowmobile Stop Lamp |
| SAE J279 | Snowmobile Tail (Rear Position) Lamp | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Snowmobile Tail Lamps |
| SAE J280 | Snowmobile Headlamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Snowmobile Headlamps |
| SAE J581 | Auxiliary High Beam Lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Auxiliary High Beam Lamps |
| SAE J582 | Auxiliary Low Beam Lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Auxiliary Low Beam Lamps |
| SAE J583 | (R) Front Fog Lamp | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Front Fog Lamps |
| SAE J584 | (R) Motorcycle Headlamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Motorcycle Headlamps |
| SAE J585 | Tail Lamp (Rear Position Lamp) for Use on Motor Vehicles <, =, or > 2032 mm in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Tail Lamp (Rear Position Lamp) |
| SAE J586 | Stop Lamp for Use on Motor Vehicles Less than, Equal to, or Greater than 2032 mm in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Stop Lamps |
| SAE J587 | License Plate Illumination Devices (Rear Registration Plate Illumination Devices) | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | License (Registration) Plate |
| SAE J588 | Turn Signal Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles Less than 2032 mm in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Turn Signal Lamps |
| SAE J591 | Spot Lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Spot Lamps |
| SAE J592 | Sidemarker Lamps for Use on Road Vehicles Less than 2032 mm in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Sidemarker Lamps |
| SAE J593 | Backup Lamp (Reversing Lamp) | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Backup Lamp (Reversing Lamp) |
| SAE J594 | Reflex Reflectors | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Reflex Reflectors |
| SAE J595 | Directional Flashing Optical Warning Devices for Authorized Emergency, Maintenance, and Service Vehicles | Photometry – Flash Energy Environmental Simulation | Directional Flashing Optical Warning Devices |
| SAE J845 | Optical Warning Devices for Authorized Emergency, Maintenance, and Service Vehicles | Photometry – Flash Energy Environmental Simulation | Omnidirectional and Selective Coverage Optical Warning Devices |
| SAE J852 | Front Cornering Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Front Cornering Lamps |
| SAE J887 | School Bus Warning Lamp | Photometry – Flash Energy Environmental Simulation | School Bus Warning Lamps |
| SAE J914 | Side Turn Signal Lamps for Vehicles Less than 12 m in Length | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Side Turn Signal Lamps |
| SAE J1133 | School Bus Stop Arm Lamp | Photometry – Flash Energy | School Bus Stop Arm Lamp |
| SAE J1306 | (R) Motorcycle Auxiliary Front Lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Motorcycle Auxiliary Front Lamps |
| SAE J1319 | Rear Fog Lamp System | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Rear Fog Lamp Systems |
| SAE J1373 | Rear Cornering Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles Less than 9.1 m in Overall Length | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Rear Cornering Lamps |
| SAE J1383 | Performance Requirements for Motor Vehicle Headlamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Headlamps |
| SAE J1424 | Cargo Lamps for Use on Vehicles Under 5443 kg (12 000 lb) GVWR | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Cargo Lamps |
| SAE J1432 | Rear High Mounted Stop Lamps and Rear High Mounted Turn Signal Lamps for Use on Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Rear High Mounted Stop and Signal Lamps |
| SAE J1623 | (R) Off-Highway Vehicle Headlamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Off-Highway Vehicle Headlamps |
| SAE J1735 | Harmonized Vehicle Headlamp Performance Requirements | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Harmonized Low and High Beam Headlamps |
| SAE J1957 | Center High Mounted Stop Lamp Standard for Vehicles Less than 2032 mm Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Center High Mounted Stop Lamp |
| SAE J1967 | Retroreflective Materials for Vehicle Conspicuity | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Retroreflective Sheeting |
| SAE J2039 | Side Turn Signal Lamp for Long Vehicles | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Side Turn Signal Lamp |
| SAE J2041 | Reflex Reflectors for Use on Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Reflex Reflectors |
| SAE J2042 | Clearance, Sidemarker, and Identification Lamps for On-Road Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Clearance Lamps, Sidemarker Lamps, Identification Lamps |
| SAE J2087 | Daytime Running Lamp | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Daytime Running Lamp |
| SAE J2139 | Tests for Signal and Marking Devices Used on Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Signal Lamps, Marking Devices |
| SAE J2261 | Stop Lamps and Front- and Rear-Turn Signal Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Stop Lamps, Front Turn Signal Lamps, Rear Turn Signal Lamps |
| SAE J2560 | Halogen Light Source Performance Requirements for Motor Vehicle Forward Lighting | Photometry Filament Position | Halogen Replaceable Light Sources |
| SAE J2595 | Performance Requirements for Sealed Beam Motor Vehicle Headlamps (STABILIZED Sep 2015) | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Sealed Beam Headlamps |
Superseded or Historical Standards
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAE J1395 (superseded by J588) | Front and Rear Turn Signal Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Signal Lamps |
| SAE J1398 (superseded by J586) | Stop Lamps For Use on Motor Vehicles 2032mm or More in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Stop Lamps |
| SAE J2040 (superseded by J585) | Tail Lamps (Rear Position Lamps) for Use on Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Tail Lamps |
UN Regulations (UNECE)
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) maintains harmonized automotive lighting standards and regulations known as ECE Regulations. These standards focus on international uniformity for lighting performance, aiming to simplify cross-border compliance and trade. For complete documentation, consult the UNECE Vehicle Regulations Portal.
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNECE R1 (superseded by R112) | Headlamps (including R2 and/or HS1 lamps) | Photometry, Colorimetry | Headlamps |
| UNECE R2 (superseded by R37) | Headlamp Bulb Approval | – | Vehicle Lamps |
| UNECE R3 (superseded by R150) | Retro-reflecting devices | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical & Environmental Tests | Retroreflectors |
| UNECE R4 (superseded by R148) | Illumination of rear registration plates | Photometry, Colorimetry | ID/Registration Plate Lamps (License Plate Lamps) |
| UNECE R5 (superseded by R112) | Sealed Beam headlamps | Photometry, Colorimetry | Sealed Beam (SB) Headlamps |
| UNECE R6 (superseded by R148) | Direction indicators (Turn Signals) | Photometry, Colorimetry | Direction Indicator (Turn Signal) Lamps |
| UNECE R7 (superseded by R148) | Position, stop and end-outline lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry | Position Lamps, Tail Lamps, Stop Lamps |
| UNECE R8 (superseded by R112) | Headlamps (H1, H2, H3. HB3, HB4, H7, H8, H9, HIR1 and/or HIR21) | Photometry, Colorimetry | Halogen Filament Headlamps |
| UNECE R19 (superseded by R149) | Front Fog Lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry | Front Fog Lamps |
| UNECE R20 (superseded by R112) | Headlamps (H4) | Photometry, Colorimetry | Headlamps (Halogen Filament) |
| UNECE R23 (superseded by R148) | Reversing Lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry | Backup Lamps and Maneuvering Lamps |
| UNECE R27 (superseded by R150) | Advance warning triangles | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Tests, Environmental Tests | Warning Triangles |
| UNECE R31 (superseded by R148) | Headlamps (halogen sealed beam (HSB)) | Photometry, Colorimetry, Mechanical Tests, Environmental Tests | Headlamps (Halogen Sealed Beam) |
| UNECE R37 (superseded by R5) | Filament light sources | – | Vehicle Lamps |
| UNECE R38 (superseded by R148) | Rear fog lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical Tests | Rear Fog Lamps |
| UNECE R48 | Installation of lighting and light-signalling devices | – | lighting and light-signalling devices |
| UNECE R50 (superseded by R148) | Position, stop, direction indicators lamps for mopeds and motorcycles | Photometry, Colorimetry | Position Lamps, Stop Lamps, Indicator Lamps (Turn Signal), Registration/License Plate Lamps |
| UNECE R53 | Installation of lighting and light-signalling devices for L3 vehicles | Photometry, Colorimetry | lighting and light-signalling devices (motorcycles) |
| UNECE R65 | Special warning lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical Tests, Environmental Tests | Warning Lamps emitting Blue or Amber Lights Intermittently |
| UNECE R69 (superseded by R150) | Rear marking plates for slow-moving vehicles | Photometry, Colorimetry | Retroreflective Rear Marking Plate |
| UNECE R70 (superseded by R150) | Rear marking plates for heavy and long vehicles | Photometry, Colorimetry | Retroreflective Rear Marking Plate |
| UNECE R72 (superseded by R112) | Headlamps (HS1 lamps) (motorcycles) | Photometry, Colorimetry | Headlamps (motorcycles) |
| UNECE R74 | Installation of lighting and light-signalling devices (L1 Vehicles) | Photometry, Colorimetry | Motorcycle Lamps |
| UNECE R76 | Headlamps for mopeds | Photometry, Colorimetry | Headlamps |
| UNECE R77 (superseded by R148) | Parking lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry | Parking lamps |
| UNECE R82 | Headlamps (HS2) (moped) | Photometry, Colorimetry | Headlamps | UNECE R86 | Installation of lighting and light-signalling devices for agricultural tractors | – | lighting and light-signalling devices (agricultural tractors) |
| UNECE R87 (superseded by R148) | Daytime running lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical Tests, Environmental Tests | Daytime Running Lamps (DRL’s) |
| UNECE R88 | Retroreflective tyres for two-wheeled vehicles | Photometry, Colorimetry, | Retroreflective tires |
| UNECE R91 (superseded by R148) | Side-marker lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical Tests, Environmental Tests | Side-marker lamps |
| UNECE R98 (superseded by R149) | Headlamps with gas-discharge light sources | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical Tests, Environmental Tests | Headlamps |
| UNECE R99 (superseded by R5) | Gas-discharge light sources | Photometry, Colorimetry | Gas-discharge light sources |
| UNECE R104 (superseded by R150) | Retro-reflective markings | Photometry, Colorimetry | Retro-reflective markings |
| UNECE R112 (superseded by R149) | Headlamps emitting an asymmetrical passing-beam | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical Tests, Environmental Tests | Headlamps |
| UNECE R113 (superseded by R149) | Headlamps emitting a symmetrical passing-beam | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical Tests, Environmental Tests | Headlamps |
| UNECE R119 (superseded by R149) | Cornering Lamps | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical Tests, Environmental Tests | Cornering Lamps |
| UNECE R123 (superseded by R149) | Adaptive front-lighting systems (AFS) | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical Tests, Environmental Tests | Headlamps |
| UNECE R128 (superseded by R5) | Light Emitting Diode (LED) light sources | Photometry, Colorimetry | LED Light Sources |
| UNECE R148 | Light Signalling Devices (LSD) | Photometry, Colorimetry | (Turn) Signal Lamps |
| UNECE R149 | Road Illumination Devices (RID) | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical Tests, Environmental Tests | Headlamps |
| UNECE R150 | Retro-Reflective Devices (RRD) | Photometry, Colorimetry, Physical Tests, Environmental Tests | Retroreflective Devices |
CIE
The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) focuses on the science of light and color, providing measurement and testing frameworks that underpin most automotive lighting standards and regulations. Their technical reports define photometry, colorimetry, and visibility models critical to accurate lighting evaluation. Explore official publications at the CIE International Commission on Illumination site.
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIE 13.3 | Method of Measuring and Specifying Colour Rendering of Light Sources (1995) | Photometry – Color | Vehicle lamps, LED modules, Traffic signals |
| CIE 15 | Colorimetry, 4th Edition (2018) | Photometry – Color | Vehicle lamps and LED’s, Signal Lights, Retroreflectors, Safety Garments |
| CIE 54.2 | Retroreflection: Definition & Measurement (2001) | Photometry – Reflex | Retroreflective Sheeting, License Plates, Pavement Markers, Safety Garments, Reflectors |
| CIE 70 | The Measurement of Absolute Luminous Intensity Distributions (1987) | Photometry – Luminous Intensity | N/A (Calibration Standard) |
| CIE 84 | Measurement of Luminous Flux (1989) | Photometry – Luminous Flux | Lamps and LED’s (Headlamps, Signal Lamps, DRL, Fog, etc.) |
ASTM
Advancing Standards Transforming Markets International (ASTM) contributes to automotive lighting standards and regulations by developing laboratory and material testing methods used across industries. These standards ensure consistent testing of plastics, coatings, and optical components in lighting assemblies. Detailed standard descriptions may be viewed and/or purchased at ASTM Standards Database by looking up the specific standard in the search bar.
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM D4280 | Extended Life Type, Nonplowable, Raised Retroreflective Pavement Markers | Photometry – Reflex, Color; Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Pavement Markers |
| ASTM D4383 | Plowable, Raised Retroreflective Pavement Markers | Photometry – Reflex, Color; Mechanical Durability, Environmental Simulation | Pavement Markers |
| ASTM D4956 | Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control | Photometry – Reflex, Color; Mechanical Durability – Adhesion, Liner Removal, Shrinkage, Flexibility, Impact Resistance | Retroreflective Sheeting (Traffic Control Signs, delineators, barricades, etc.) |
| ASTM E808 | Standard Practice for Describing Retroreflection | Photometry – Reflex | Retroreflectors, Retroreflective Sheeting |
| ASTM E809 | Standard Practice for Measuring Photometric Characteristics of Retroreflectors | Photometry – Reflex | Retroreflectors, Retroreflective Sheeting |
| ASTM E810 | Standard Test Method for Coefficient of Retroreflection of Retroreflective Sheeting Utilizing the Coplanar Geometry | Photometry – Reflex | Retroreflectors, Retroreflective Sheeting |
| ASTM E308 | Standard Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System | Photometry – Color | All Devices |
| ASTM E811 | Standard Practice for Measuring Colorimetric Characteristics of Retroreflectors Under Nighttime Conditions | Photometry – Color | – |
| ASTM B117 | Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus | Salt Spray (Fog) | – |
ISO
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides a globally recognized framework that aligns with national and regional automotive lighting standards and regulations. They cover terminology, testing consistency, and interoperability between markets. For additional reference, review the ISO Technical Committee 22/SC 35 – Lighting and Signalling listings, or search for a standard with their search bar.
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO 7591 | Road vehicles — Retro-reflective registration plates for motor vehicles and trailers — Specification | Photometry – Reflex, Color; Temperature Resistance, Adhesion, Impact Resistance, Bending Resistance, Water Resistance, Cleanability, Fuel Resistance, Saline Mist Resistance | License (Registration) Plates |
| ISO 20471 | High visibility clothing — Test methods and requirements | Photometry – Reflex | High visibility clothing |
ANSI
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) coordinates the development of U.S. consensus-based automotive lighting standards and regulations. While ANSI itself does not author standards, it accredits organizations like SAE and IES that develop lighting performance and safety requirements. Learn more at the ANSI Official Website.
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANSI 107 | American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel | Photometry – Reflex, Color; Reflective Trim Conditioning – Flexing, Folding, Temperature Variation, Rainfall; Garment Area | High-visibility Safety Garments |
| CSAZ96 | (Canadian Equivalent to ANSI 107) | Photometry – Reflex, Color; Reflective Trim Conditioning – Flexing, Folding, Temperature Variation, Rainfall; Garment Area | High-visibility Safety Garments |
NFPA
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) includes lighting-related provisions in its codes addressing emergency vehicles and roadway safety. These guidelines supplement automotive lighting standards and regulations with emphasis on visibility, emergency signaling, and hazard lighting. Additional resources are available from the NFPA Codes and Standards Portal.
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFPA 1971 | Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting | Photometry – Reflex, Color; Environmental Simulation – Temperature (-70 to 150) °C (Heat Exposure – Trim) | Coats, Trousers, Coveralls, Helmets, Gloves, Footwear, and Interface Components |
| NFPA 1977 | Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting and Urban Interface Fire Fighting | Photometry – Color, Reflex | Wildland Firefighter / Wildland Urban Interface Firefighter Garments |
CPSC / Other US Regulations
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees a wide range of regulations relating to safety. CalCoast-ITL specifically tests requirements for bicycle reflectors. Reference material can be found at the CPSC Regulations and Standards Page.
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPSC 1512.16 / 1512.18 | Requirements for [bicycle] reflectors; Tests and Test Procedures. | Photometry – Reflex, Color; Bicycle Reflector Conditioning – Warpage, Lens Impact, Moisture | Bicycle Reflectors |
ITE
The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) publishes technical reports and specifications related to signal systems and roadway lighting that align with broader automotive lighting standards and regulations. These documents define performance and design criteria for traffic control and vehicle detection lighting. Visit the ITE Technical Resources Portal for details.
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITE ST-017 Chapter 13 | Traffic Controls for Street & Highway Construtcion, Maintenance, Utility, & Emergency Operations – Flashing and Steady Burn Warning Lights | Photometry – Luminous Intensity, Reflex, Flash Energy | LED Traffic Signals |
AASHTO / Government Specs
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) develops and maintains government specifications relevant to roadway and infrastructure lighting, ensuring consistency with federal automotive lighting standards and regulations. These standards govern illumination levels, photometric measurements, and construction requirements for public road systems. Access official specifications at the AASHTO Publications Catalog.
Standard |
Title |
Test Types |
Devices Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| AASHTO M268 | Retroreflective Sheeting for Flat and Vertical Traffic Control Applications | Photometry – Reflex | Retroreflective Sheeting |
| GSA/FED K3-A-1822F Section 3.8 | Federal Specification for the Star-of-Life Ambulance | Photometry – Flash Energy | Emergency Vehicle Lighting System |