ICS 43.040.20
CCS T 38
National Standard of the People's Republic of China
GB 45831-2025
Light sources for power-driven vehicles - Safety requirements
(English Translation)
Issue date: 2025-05-30 Implementation date: 2026-01-01
Issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation of the People's Republic of China
the Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China
Contents
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Identical type determination
5 General requirements and test methods
5.1 Marking
5.2 Bulb or optical surface
5.3 Lamp cap
6 Requirements and test methods for filament light source
6.1 Ageing
6.2 Filament position and dimensions
6.3 Color
6.4 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
6.5 Initial photometric and electrical characteristics
6.6 Inspection of optical quality
6.7 Standard filament light source
7 Requirements and test methods for gas-discharge light source
7.1 Ageing
7.2 Positions and dimensions of electrodes, arcs and light shields
7.3 Starting, rising and hot restrike performance
7.4 Electrical properties
7.5 Flux
7.6 Color
7.7 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
7.8 Standard gas-discharge light source
8 Requirements and test conditions for LED light source
8.1 Ageing
8.2 Position and dimensions of illuminating surface
8.3 Flux
8.4 Normalized luminous intensity distribution/cumulative luminous flux distribution
8.5 Color
8.6 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
8.7 Standard LED light source
8.8 Requirements for Maximum test temperature
8.9 LED light sources without use restrictions
8.10 Additional requirements for LED substitute light source
9 Inspection rules
9.1 Type inspection
9.2 CoP inspection
Annex A (Normative) Shape, length, and position of filament
Annex B (Normative) Measuring methods for the colors of filament light sources
Annex C (Normative) Color durability test
Annex D (Normative) Measuring methods for photometric and electrical characteristics of gas-discharge light sources
Annex E (Normative) Measuring methods for photometric and electrical characteristics of LED light sources
Annex F (Normative) Measuring methods for the luminance contrast and luminance uniformity of the illuminating surface of LED light sources without use restrictions
Annex G (Normative) Sampling and acceptance levels of manufacturer's test records
Light sources for power-driven vehicles -
Safety requirements
1 Scope
This document specifies the identical type determination, general requirements, filament light source requirements, gas-discharge light source requirements, LED light source requirements and inspection rules regarding light sources for power-driven vehicles, and describes the corresponding test methods.
This document applies to replaceable light sources installed in road lighting and light-signalling devices for power-driven vehicles of Categories M, N, O and L.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
GB 4599 Road illumination devices and systems for motor vehicles
GB 4785 Prescription for installation of the external lighting and light-signalling devices for motor vehicles and their trailers
GB/T 26178-2010 The measurement of luminous flux
GB/T 45603-2025 Specification of categories of light sources for power-driven vehicles
IEC 60061-1 Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of interchangeability and safety - Part 1: Lamp caps
IEC 60061-2 Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of interchangeability and safety - Part 2: Holders
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in GB 4785 and GB/T 45603-2025 and the following apply.
3.1
category of light sources
normalized designation based on the standardized design features of light sources
Note: Each category of light sources has a prescribed designation, such as: H4, P21W, T4W, PY21W, RR10W, D2S, LW2, LY3 and LR1.
3.2
LED substitute light source
category of LED light sources designed as a substitute to match a specific category of filament light sources, equipped with a cap whose locating key structure differs from that of the corresponding category of filament light sources
4 Identical type determination
The light sources that show no differences in the following main aspects are considered as the same type of light sources.
——Category of light sources.
——Manufacturer.
——Bulb design and/or cap for a filament light source or a gas-discharge light source; construction for an LED light source. For a filament light source or a gas-discharge light source, the optional yellow bulb or additional optional yellow outer-bulb is only used to change the color of the emitted light without changing other characteristics, and thus does not constitute a change in the type of the light source.
——Rated voltage.
——Class of filament light source (ordinary filament light source and halogen filament light source).
5 General requirements and test methods
5.1 Marking
5.1.1 Marking for filament light source
A filament light source shall have the following marks on its lamp cap or bulb (if on the bulb, the marks shall not adversely affect its optical properties).
——Trademark of the manufacturer or seller.
——Designation of the category of light source. If the maximum diameter of the bulb allowed by the filament light source does not exceed 7.5mm, the wattage letter "W" used for designation need not be marked.
——Rated voltage. For a filament light source with only 12V, and whose the maximum allowable bulb diameter does not exceed 7.5mm, the rated voltage need not be marked.
——Rated wattage (in the order of high-wattage filament/low-wattage filament for a twin-filament light source). If serving as part of the designation for the category of the light source, it need not be marked separately.
——A Halogen filament light source meeting the requirements of 6.4 shall be marked with the letter "U".
——Other marks other than those specified above may be added.
5.1.2 Marking for gas-discharge light source
A gas-discharge light source shall have the following marks on its lamp cap:
——Trademark of the manufacturer or seller;
——Designation of the category of light source;
——Rated voltage, applicable to the category of gas-discharge light sources with integrated ballast;
——Rated wattage;
——Other marks other than those specified above may be added.
For a gas-discharge light source with a separate ballast, the ballast used for light source type inspection shall be marked with the light source type and trademark, as well as the rated voltage and wattage given in GB/T 45603-2025.
5.1.3 LED light source marking
An LED light source shall have the following marks on its lamp cap:
——Trademark of the manufacturer or seller;
——Designation of the category of light source;
——Rated voltage;
——Other marks other than those specified above may be added.
5.1.4 Inspection method for marking
The marks specified in 5.1.1~5.1.3 shall be legible and durable, and shall be inspected by the following methods:
——Visual inspection for legibility of the marks;
——For durability of the marks, rub the marked parts of an unlit light source for 15s with a soft cloth soaked with water. After the test, determine whether the marks are still legible.
5.2 Bulb or optical surface
The bulb of a light source or the optical surface of an LED light source shall be free from nicks or spots that would impede its efficiency or optical properties, as determined by visual inspection.
For a filament light source with a coated bulb, after it is aged according to the requirements of 6.1, the surface of the bulb shall be gently wiped with a cotton cloth soaked with a mixed solution of 70% heptane and 30% toluene by volume. After 5min, visually inspect the bulb surface, and there shall be no obvious change on the surface of the bulb.
For a gas-discharge light source with a colored (outer) bulb, after it operates at the test voltage for 15h, the surface of the bulb shall be gently wiped with a cotton cloth soaked with a mixed solution of 70% heptane and 30% toluene by volume. After 5min, visually inspect the bulb surface, and there shall be no obvious change on the surface of the bulb.
5.3 Lamp cap
5.3.1 A light source shall be equipped with a cap specified in GB/T 45603-2025, and comply with the provisions of the corresponding lamp cap data leaf in IEC 60061-1.
5.3.2 The lamp cap shall be subjected to visual inspection and dimensional testing, and it may be inserted into a lamp holder meeting the requirements of IEC 60061-2 for trial installation test.
5.3.3 The lamp cap shall be firmly fixed on the bulb of a light source or on the bracket of an LED light source.
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Identical type determination
5 General requirements and test methods
5.1 Marking
5.2 Bulb or optical surface
5.3 Lamp cap
6 Requirements and test methods for filament light source
6.1 Ageing
6.2 Filament position and dimensions
6.3 Color
6.4 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
6.5 Initial photometric and electrical characteristics
6.6 Inspection of optical quality
6.7 Standard filament light source
7 Requirements and test methods for gas-discharge light source
7.1 Ageing
7.2 Positions and dimensions of electrodes, arcs and light shields
7.3 Starting, rising and hot restrike performance
7.4 Electrical properties
7.5 Flux
7.6 Color
7.7 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
7.8 Standard gas-discharge light source
8 Requirements and test conditions for LED light source
8.1 Ageing
8.2 Position and dimensions of illuminating surface
8.3 Flux
8.4 Normalized luminous intensity distribution/cumulative luminous flux distribution
8.5 Color
8.6 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
8.7 Standard LED light source
8.8 Requirements for Maximum test temperature
8.9 LED light sources without use restrictions
8.10 Additional requirements for LED substitute light source
9 Inspection rules
9.1 Type inspection
9.2 CoP inspection
Annex A (Normative) Shape, length, and position of filament
Annex B (Normative) Measuring methods for the colors of filament light sources
Annex C (Normative) Color durability test
Annex D (Normative) Measuring methods for photometric and electrical characteristics of gas-discharge light sources
Annex E (Normative) Measuring methods for photometric and electrical characteristics of LED light sources
Annex F (Normative) Measuring methods for the luminance contrast and luminance uniformity of the illuminating surface of LED light sources without use restrictions
Annex G (Normative) Sampling and acceptance levels of manufacturer's test records
ICS 43.040.20
CCS T 38
National Standard of the People's Republic of China
GB 45831-2025
Light sources for power-driven vehicles - Safety requirements
(English Translation)
Issue date: 2025-05-30 Implementation date: 2026-01-01
Issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation of the People's Republic of China
the Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China
Contents
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Identical type determination
5 General requirements and test methods
5.1 Marking
5.2 Bulb or optical surface
5.3 Lamp cap
6 Requirements and test methods for filament light source
6.1 Ageing
6.2 Filament position and dimensions
6.3 Color
6.4 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
6.5 Initial photometric and electrical characteristics
6.6 Inspection of optical quality
6.7 Standard filament light source
7 Requirements and test methods for gas-discharge light source
7.1 Ageing
7.2 Positions and dimensions of electrodes, arcs and light shields
7.3 Starting, rising and hot restrike performance
7.4 Electrical properties
7.5 Flux
7.6 Color
7.7 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
7.8 Standard gas-discharge light source
8 Requirements and test conditions for LED light source
8.1 Ageing
8.2 Position and dimensions of illuminating surface
8.3 Flux
8.4 Normalized luminous intensity distribution/cumulative luminous flux distribution
8.5 Color
8.6 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
8.7 Standard LED light source
8.8 Requirements for Maximum test temperature
8.9 LED light sources without use restrictions
8.10 Additional requirements for LED substitute light source
9 Inspection rules
9.1 Type inspection
9.2 CoP inspection
Annex A (Normative) Shape, length, and position of filament
Annex B (Normative) Measuring methods for the colors of filament light sources
Annex C (Normative) Color durability test
Annex D (Normative) Measuring methods for photometric and electrical characteristics of gas-discharge light sources
Annex E (Normative) Measuring methods for photometric and electrical characteristics of LED light sources
Annex F (Normative) Measuring methods for the luminance contrast and luminance uniformity of the illuminating surface of LED light sources without use restrictions
Annex G (Normative) Sampling and acceptance levels of manufacturer's test records
Light sources for power-driven vehicles -
Safety requirements
1 Scope
This document specifies the identical type determination, general requirements, filament light source requirements, gas-discharge light source requirements, LED light source requirements and inspection rules regarding light sources for power-driven vehicles, and describes the corresponding test methods.
This document applies to replaceable light sources installed in road lighting and light-signalling devices for power-driven vehicles of Categories M, N, O and L.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
GB 4599 Road illumination devices and systems for motor vehicles
GB 4785 Prescription for installation of the external lighting and light-signalling devices for motor vehicles and their trailers
GB/T 26178-2010 The measurement of luminous flux
GB/T 45603-2025 Specification of categories of light sources for power-driven vehicles
IEC 60061-1 Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of interchangeability and safety - Part 1: Lamp caps
IEC 60061-2 Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of interchangeability and safety - Part 2: Holders
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in GB 4785 and GB/T 45603-2025 and the following apply.
3.1
category of light sources
normalized designation based on the standardized design features of light sources
Note: Each category of light sources has a prescribed designation, such as: H4, P21W, T4W, PY21W, RR10W, D2S, LW2, LY3 and LR1.
3.2
LED substitute light source
category of LED light sources designed as a substitute to match a specific category of filament light sources, equipped with a cap whose locating key structure differs from that of the corresponding category of filament light sources
4 Identical type determination
The light sources that show no differences in the following main aspects are considered as the same type of light sources.
——Category of light sources.
——Manufacturer.
——Bulb design and/or cap for a filament light source or a gas-discharge light source; construction for an LED light source. For a filament light source or a gas-discharge light source, the optional yellow bulb or additional optional yellow outer-bulb is only used to change the color of the emitted light without changing other characteristics, and thus does not constitute a change in the type of the light source.
——Rated voltage.
——Class of filament light source (ordinary filament light source and halogen filament light source).
5 General requirements and test methods
5.1 Marking
5.1.1 Marking for filament light source
A filament light source shall have the following marks on its lamp cap or bulb (if on the bulb, the marks shall not adversely affect its optical properties).
——Trademark of the manufacturer or seller.
——Designation of the category of light source. If the maximum diameter of the bulb allowed by the filament light source does not exceed 7.5mm, the wattage letter "W" used for designation need not be marked.
——Rated voltage. For a filament light source with only 12V, and whose the maximum allowable bulb diameter does not exceed 7.5mm, the rated voltage need not be marked.
——Rated wattage (in the order of high-wattage filament/low-wattage filament for a twin-filament light source). If serving as part of the designation for the category of the light source, it need not be marked separately.
——A Halogen filament light source meeting the requirements of 6.4 shall be marked with the letter "U".
——Other marks other than those specified above may be added.
5.1.2 Marking for gas-discharge light source
A gas-discharge light source shall have the following marks on its lamp cap:
——Trademark of the manufacturer or seller;
——Designation of the category of light source;
——Rated voltage, applicable to the category of gas-discharge light sources with integrated ballast;
——Rated wattage;
——Other marks other than those specified above may be added.
For a gas-discharge light source with a separate ballast, the ballast used for light source type inspection shall be marked with the light source type and trademark, as well as the rated voltage and wattage given in GB/T 45603-2025.
5.1.3 LED light source marking
An LED light source shall have the following marks on its lamp cap:
——Trademark of the manufacturer or seller;
——Designation of the category of light source;
——Rated voltage;
——Other marks other than those specified above may be added.
5.1.4 Inspection method for marking
The marks specified in 5.1.1~5.1.3 shall be legible and durable, and shall be inspected by the following methods:
——Visual inspection for legibility of the marks;
——For durability of the marks, rub the marked parts of an unlit light source for 15s with a soft cloth soaked with water. After the test, determine whether the marks are still legible.
5.2 Bulb or optical surface
The bulb of a light source or the optical surface of an LED light source shall be free from nicks or spots that would impede its efficiency or optical properties, as determined by visual inspection.
For a filament light source with a coated bulb, after it is aged according to the requirements of 6.1, the surface of the bulb shall be gently wiped with a cotton cloth soaked with a mixed solution of 70% heptane and 30% toluene by volume. After 5min, visually inspect the bulb surface, and there shall be no obvious change on the surface of the bulb.
For a gas-discharge light source with a colored (outer) bulb, after it operates at the test voltage for 15h, the surface of the bulb shall be gently wiped with a cotton cloth soaked with a mixed solution of 70% heptane and 30% toluene by volume. After 5min, visually inspect the bulb surface, and there shall be no obvious change on the surface of the bulb.
5.3 Lamp cap
5.3.1 A light source shall be equipped with a cap specified in GB/T 45603-2025, and comply with the provisions of the corresponding lamp cap data leaf in IEC 60061-1.
5.3.2 The lamp cap shall be subjected to visual inspection and dimensional testing, and it may be inserted into a lamp holder meeting the requirements of IEC 60061-2 for trial installation test.
5.3.3 The lamp cap shall be firmly fixed on the bulb of a light source or on the bracket of an LED light source.
Contents of GB 45831-2025
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Identical type determination
5 General requirements and test methods
5.1 Marking
5.2 Bulb or optical surface
5.3 Lamp cap
6 Requirements and test methods for filament light source
6.1 Ageing
6.2 Filament position and dimensions
6.3 Color
6.4 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
6.5 Initial photometric and electrical characteristics
6.6 Inspection of optical quality
6.7 Standard filament light source
7 Requirements and test methods for gas-discharge light source
7.1 Ageing
7.2 Positions and dimensions of electrodes, arcs and light shields
7.3 Starting, rising and hot restrike performance
7.4 Electrical properties
7.5 Flux
7.6 Color
7.7 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
7.8 Standard gas-discharge light source
8 Requirements and test conditions for LED light source
8.1 Ageing
8.2 Position and dimensions of illuminating surface
8.3 Flux
8.4 Normalized luminous intensity distribution/cumulative luminous flux distribution
8.5 Color
8.6 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
8.7 Standard LED light source
8.8 Requirements for Maximum test temperature
8.9 LED light sources without use restrictions
8.10 Additional requirements for LED substitute light source
9 Inspection rules
9.1 Type inspection
9.2 CoP inspection
Annex A (Normative) Shape, length, and position of filament
Annex B (Normative) Measuring methods for the colors of filament light sources
Annex C (Normative) Color durability test
Annex D (Normative) Measuring methods for photometric and electrical characteristics of gas-discharge light sources
Annex E (Normative) Measuring methods for photometric and electrical characteristics of LED light sources
Annex F (Normative) Measuring methods for the luminance contrast and luminance uniformity of the illuminating surface of LED light sources without use restrictions
Annex G (Normative) Sampling and acceptance levels of manufacturer's test records
