Automotive lighting products approved under UN ECE regulations often carry several markings such as A, R1, SM1, E9 and 148R00.

One common question is: Can several different lighting functions share the same UN ECE R148 approval number?

The answer is yes, but only under certain conditions. Understanding the difference between a lighting function, an approval number and an approved lamp type is essential when checking E-marked vehicle lighting products.

What Is UN ECE Regulation No. 148?

UN Regulation No. 148 covers many light-signalling devices used on motor vehicles and trailers. It consolidates requirements that were previously contained in several separate ECE regulations.

Typical functions covered by R148 include:

Approval Number and Lighting Function Are Different

Symbols such as A, R1 and SM1 identify the approved lighting function. They are not the approval number itself.

A UN ECE approval marking normally identifies:

• the country granting the approval, such as E9 for Spain;
• the applicable UN Regulation;
• the series or supplement information;
• the individual approval number;
• the approved lighting function or functions.

For example, an approval number may appear in official documentation as:

E9*148R00/05*22707*00

The lighting category, such as A, is stated separately in the approval documentation.

Can One R148 Approval Number Cover Several Functions?

Yes. UN ECE R148 allows one approval number to be assigned to a light-signalling device or system incorporating more than one lamp function.

This is common in genuine combination lamps. A rear combination lamp, for example, may contain:

• rear position lamp;
• stop lamp;
• rear direction indicator;
• reversing lamp;
• rear fog lamp.

These functions may belong to one physical lamp assembly and share one approval number, provided that each individual function meets its applicable technical requirements.

The Important Distinction: One Multi-Function Lamp vs. Different Single-Function Lamps

A shared approval number should not be confused with several independent lamps that simply use the same housing or mould.

For example, consider three lamps using the same mechanical design:

• one version is approved as an A front position lamp;
• one version is approved as an R1 rear position lamp;
• one version is approved as an SM1 side marker lamp.

Although the housing, lens dimensions or mounting system may be similar, the finished products perform different regulatory functions.

Same housing does not automatically mean the same approval type.

Real Homologation Example: SIGROCK T43 Series

The SIGROCK T43 series provides a practical example of how different single-function versions can be approved clearly under UN ECE R148.

The three T43 variants share the same product family, but each regulatory function has been submitted and approved separately.

The official approval documents identify the trade name as SIGROCK and the individual lamp types as T43P-01, T43P-02 and T43P-03.

Each version was tested by IDIADA under its own test report:

• T43P-01 / SM1 – Test Report CN24100057;
• T43P-02 / R1 – Test Report CN24100058;
• T43P-03 / A – Test Report CN24100059.

This creates a direct and traceable relationship between:

Product Model → Lighting Function → Test Report → E9 Approval Number

Why Separate Approval Numbers Matter for Single-Function Variants

The T43 example illustrates an important distinction.

T43P-01, T43P-02 and T43P-03 belong to the same product family, but each finished lamp performs a different R148 function.

Instead of treating SM1, R1 and A as three interchangeable variants under one approval number, each function has its own approval number.

This makes homologation information easier for vehicle manufacturers, distributors and inspectors to verify.

For example:

T43P-01 SM1 E9*148R00/05*22705*00

cannot be confused with:

T43P-03 A E9*148R00/05*22707*00

Even though both products belong to the T43 family, the approval documentation clearly identifies their different regulatory functions.

What About a Genuine A + R1 + SM1 Multi-Function Lamp?

A different situation occurs when one physical lamp genuinely contains all three functions.

For example, a multi-directional truck or trailer marker lamp may provide:

If A, R1 and SM1 are genuinely incorporated into the same device and each function complies with the applicable R148 requirements, they may be covered by one common approval number.

The key difference is that all three functions actually exist in the same approved physical device.

Is There a Special Approval Number Format for Combination Lamps?

No. R148 does not create a special approval-number format exclusively for combination lamps.

A multi-function lamp does not receive a special letter in the approval number simply because it contains several functions.

Instead, the approval marking and official Communication document identify the functions included under that approval.

Therefore, the approval number alone does not tell you whether a lamp is:

• a single-function lamp;
• a grouped lamp;
• a combined lamp; or
• a reciprocally incorporated lamp.

The official approval documentation must be checked.

How to Verify an R148 Approval

For professional purchasing or vehicle homologation, checking only the E-mark moulded into the lens may not be sufficient.

A proper verification should compare the physical product with:

• the official UN ECE Communication document;
• the approved lamp category;
• the approval number;
• the technical drawings;
• the relevant test report.

The SIGROCK T43 approvals demonstrate this clearly. Each Communication document states the specific lamp category and its corresponding E9 approval number.

Common Questions About R148 Approval Numbers

Can one approval number cover several lamp functions?

Yes, when those functions genuinely form part of the same approved light-signalling device or system and each function satisfies the applicable requirements.

Does the same housing mean the lamps can automatically share one approval number?

No. Mechanical similarity alone does not determine the regulatory lamp type.

Can A, R1 and SM1 all appear under one approval?

They can when one physical lamp genuinely performs all three approved functions. This is different from three separate single-function products.

How does SIGROCK handle the T43 series?

The SIGROCK T43 series uses separate approvals for its SM1, R1 and A single-function variants:

• SM1 – E9*148R00/05*22705*00;
• R1 – E9*148R00/05*22706*00;
• A – E9*148R00/05*22707*00.

Conclusion

UN ECE R148 allows multiple lighting functions to share one approval number when they genuinely belong to the same approved lighting device or system.

However, products that share the same housing or product platform should not automatically be assumed to be one approval type when the finished lamps perform different regulatory functions.

The SIGROCK T43 series provides a clear example: the SM1 side marker lamp, R1 rear position lamp and A front position lamp each have their own E9 approval number and corresponding IDIADA test report.

For vehicle manufacturers and professional buyers, the best practice is simple:

Always verify the exact lamp model, R148 function and approval number against the official homologation documentation.

Sigrock, a professional LED warning light manufacturer, is proud to announce our participation in Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026, the leading global trade show for traffic technology, smart mobility, and infrastructure solutions.

Booth No.: 11.508

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

As a trusted supplier of emergency vehicle lighting and vehicle warning lights, Sigrock specializes in high-performance lighting systems designed for fleet, commercial, and public safety applications.

At the show, we will present our latest innovations in:

LED Warning Modules

Lightbars for emergency vehicles

LED Beacons

Traffic Advisors

OEM & ODM Vehicle Lighting Solutions

Our products are engineered for durability, high visibility, and compliance with international standards, including SAE, ECE R65, and CE certifications, making them ideal for global markets across North America and Europe.

With strong capabilities in custom vehicle lighting development, Sigrock supports private label projects, product customization, and full OEM/ODM cooperation for distributors and fleet solution providers.

Register to visit us here:
https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/08jwdv881avca?actioncode=NTWO001510NTQ&partner-contact=2zazbnw5tlqqr&verifier=POGM3btADLHPW4Z7YTuAk0UIWSs

We warmly welcome industry professionals, distributors, and partners to visit Booth 11.508 and explore how Sigrock can support your traffic safety lighting projects.

We look forward to meeting you in Amsterdam.

As the New Year arrives, all of us at Ningbo Sigrock Automotive Lamp Technology Co., LTD. would like to extend our warmest greetings and sincere appreciation to our valued customers, partners, and friends around the world. The beginning of a new year is a time to reflect on achievements, strengthen partnerships, and look forward to new opportunities in the global automotive industry.

Thank You for Your Trust and Support
The past year has been both challenging and rewarding. Thanks to your continued trust and support, Ningbo Sigrock Automotive Lamp Technology Co., LTD. has made steady progress in the development, manufacturing, and supply of high-quality automotive lighting solutions. Every inquiry, order, and cooperation has contributed to our growth and innovation.

We are deeply grateful to our international customers for choosing Sigrock as a reliable supplier of automotive lamps, LED vehicle lighting, and customized lighting solutions. Your confidence motivates us to continuously improve our products, services, and production standards.

Commitment to Automotive Lighting Innovation
As a professional manufacturer specializing in automotive lamp technology, Sigrock is committed to delivering products that meet international quality, safety, and performance standards. Our product portfolio includes a wide range of automotive headlamps, signal lamps, LED lighting systems, and customized vehicle lighting components, designed to meet the diverse needs of OEMs, wholesalers, and aftermarket customers.

In the coming year, we will continue to invest in:

Advanced manufacturing equipment and testing facilities

Research and development of energy-efficient LED automotive lighting

Product durability, brightness optimization, and safety performance

Compliance with global automotive standards and customer specifications

Our goal is to provide stable quality, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery, helping our customers enhance their market competitiveness.

Looking Ahead to the New Year
The new year brings new possibilities and stronger momentum for the automotive lighting industry. With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, intelligent driving systems, and automotive LED technology, lighting has become an increasingly important element of vehicle safety, design, and branding.

Ningbo Sigrock Automotive Lamp Technology Co., LTD. will actively embrace industry trends and continue to expand our capabilities in:

LED automotive lighting innovation

Customized lamp solutions for different vehicle models

Cost-effective solutions for global automotive markets

Long-term partnerships based on transparency and mutual growth

We believe that close cooperation and open communication are the foundation of successful international business. In the new year, we look forward to deepening collaboration with existing customers while building new partnerships across global markets.

Quality, Reliability, and Customer Satisfaction
Quality has always been at the core of Sigrock’s philosophy. From raw material selection to final inspection, every automotive lamp is produced under strict quality control procedures. We understand that automotive lighting products play a critical role in vehicle safety, and we take this responsibility seriously.

In the year ahead, we will continue to:

Improve production efficiency and consistency

Enhance customer service and technical support

Respond quickly to customer feedback and market demands

Deliver automotive lamp products you can rely on

Your satisfaction is our long-term pursuit and the driving force behind everything we do.

Warm New Year Wishes
As we step into the new year together, we sincerely wish you:

Continued business success and steady growth

Smooth projects and prosperous cooperation

Good health, happiness, and peace for you and your family

May the new year bring new achievements and stronger partnerships for all of us.

Once again, thank you for your trust in Ningbo Sigrock Automotive Lamp Technology Co., LTD. We look forward to working closely with you in the coming year and creating a brighter future together through reliable and innovative automotive lighting solutions.

Happy New Year!
— Ningbo Sigrock Automotive Lamp Technology Co., LTD.