About LED license plate lighting: regulations, points of attention and installation tips

What is LED license plate lighting?

LED license plate lighting is lighting that illuminates a vehicle’s license plate so it remains clearly readable, even in the dark. This lighting is mandatory for vehicles driving on public roads. LED license plate lamps consume little power, have a long lifespan, and are highly resistant to vibrations.

Proper license plate lighting is legally required and essential for the visibility of your license plate. If the license plate light is not working or is defective, you can receive a fine of €65 (excluding administrative costs) in the Netherlands. In practice, however, license plate lighting often receives less attention than, for example, work lights or driving lights.

Why choose LED license plate lighting?

More and more vehicles are equipped with LED license plate lighting instead of traditional halogen lamps. This offers several advantages:

Longer lifespan
LED license plate lamps generally last longer than halogen lamps, meaning the lighting needs to be replaced less often.

Lower power consumption
LED lighting consumes less power than traditional halogen lighting. This can be beneficial for vehicles with multiple electrical consumers.

Better vibration resistance
LED lighting is more resistant to vibrations and shocks than filament-based lamps. This is especially important for vehicles that are used intensively and drive on rough roads.

Bright and even illumination
LED license plate lighting produces bright white light, ensuring the license plate remains clearly visible and readable.

What legal requirements apply to license plate lighting?

License plate lighting must meet several legal requirements. These rules are intended to ensure that a license plate remains clearly readable, even in the dark.

The main requirement is that the lighting must make the license plate clearly readable. The light must be white and must not cause glare to the rear. It must also switch on together with the vehicle lighting and carry an E-mark approval. (Read more about this in our blog ECE guidelines explained – part 2).

For all vehicles in the transport sector, it is important that lighting meets these requirements. During inspections, incorrect or non-approved lighting can result in a fine or a failed inspection.

12V or 24V license plate lighting: which voltage do you need?

When choosing LED license plate lighting, it is important to check the voltage of the vehicle.

12V license plate lighting
12V license plate lighting is typically used on vans, light commercial vehicles, and some agricultural vehicles.

24V license plate lighting
24V license plate lighting is the standard for trucks, heavy transport vehicles, and some trailers.

Multivoltage LED license plate lighting (10–30V)

Multivoltage lighting works on both 12V and 24V systems. This makes these lamps suitable for different vehicles and applications. For professional use, multivoltage LED license plate lamps are often preferred because of their versatility. This means it does not matter whether a trailer is connected to a 12V or a 24V vehicle.

What should you consider when buying LED license plate lighting?

When choosing the right license plate lamp, several factors are important.

IP rating and housing
Vehicles used in transport, agriculture, and earthmoving are often exposed to rain, mud, and dust. Therefore, it is recommended to choose lighting with an IP67 or IP68 rating. This means the lamp is well protected against water and dirt.

Mounting method
Check in advance which mounting method is suitable for your vehicle:
surface mounting, recessed mounting, or mounting with a bracket or integrated holder.
The available space and existing mounting points play an important role in this.

Connection
Also pay attention to the connection method. License plate lamps can be supplied with:

• loose wire

• plug connection

• integrated connector

A proper connection helps prevent lighting malfunctions.

Dimensions
Always check whether the lamp fits the license plate holder and the available mounting space.

LED license plate lighting for different vehicles

Trucks
For trucks, 24V or multivoltage license plate lighting is usually used. Reliability and durability are important factors.

Agricultural vehicles
Agricultural machines often operate in muddy and wet conditions. A fully sealed LED license plate lamp is therefore important.

Earthmoving and off-road vehicles
In this sector, vehicles are exposed to heavy vibrations and shocks. It is therefore recommended to choose lighting with a strong aluminium or impact-resistant plastic housing.

Trailers
For trailers, water resistance and corrosion resistance are especially important, particularly with intensive use or when the vehicle is parked outside for long periods.

Why choose M-LED license plate lighting?

Within the MobiLED range, M-LED stands for reliable quality at a competitive price. Advantages of M-LED license plate lighting:

M-LED license plate lighting is ECE approved, suitable for 12V and 24V systems, and has a high IP rating.
The design is vibration-resistant, offers a long lifespan, and is available from stock. Orders placed on working days before 17:00 are shipped the same day.

For professional use in transport, agriculture, and earthmoving, M-LED offers a practical and durable solution.

Installing LED license plate lighting: practical tips

Proper installation prevents malfunctions and extends the lifespan of the lighting.

Practical points to consider:

• Mount the lamp above or next to the license plate

• Ensure the light illuminates the entire plate evenly

• Make cable connections waterproof using heat shrink tubing or waterproof connectors

• Check that the lighting switches on automatically with the parking lights

• Also test the lighting with the engine running

Click here to view all license plate lighting.

Conclusion

LED license plate lighting is a small investment with a big impact on safety and reliability. LED lighting offers a longer lifespan, lower energy consumption, and better resistance to vibrations.

For vehicles used in transport, agriculture, and earthmoving, it is important to choose waterproof, E-approved, and vibration-resistant license plate lighting.

With the M-LED range from MobiLED, you have reliable LED license plate lighting suitable for professional use.

Do you want to choose the right license plate lamp for your vehicle? Pay close attention to voltage, mounting method, and IP rating to ensure a durable and safe solution.