Germany's StVZO (Road Traffic Licensing Regulations) K-mark (also known as §22a TA23 or TA14b certification) is a stringent safety standard for headlights and taillights, specifically established for bicycles and light electric vehicles. Its core purpose is to enhance night riding safety while preventing oncoming traffic or pedestrians from being blinded by direct glare.
Regulatory Requirements
Front lights that comply with the K-mark certification must feature the following characteristics:
- Cut-off Line Design: The lamp must possess a clear cut-off line. The light pattern must focus directly onto the road surface, with the upper portion of the beam cut off. Upward light scattering is strictly prohibited to avoid blinding oncoming road users and drivers.
- Brightness Standards: The center brightness at a designated illumination distance of 10 meters must meet specific criteria.
- No Flashing Allowed: To ensure stable road illumination, headlights are only permitted to operate in steady-on mode; flashing functions are strictly prohibited.
- Distinct Marking: Certified products must display a clearly laser-etched or printed K-mark wave symbol followed by the approval number on the housing, representing German certification.
- Battery Indicator: The device must include a low-battery warning or power indicator function.
