Rear number plate illumination

License plate illumination, which is a mandatory attribute of cars, often raises questions among drivers related to possible changes or upgrades in its installation. So, according to GOST, you need to stick to illuminating the license plate of the rear of the car, while avoiding illuminating the front number.

License plate illumination is a mandatory attribute of cars

If the light above the car’s “mini-passport” does not light up, or the lighting does not meet the standards, the driver of the vehicle, when traffic police inspectors discover these violations, is subject to a state fine. To avoid penalties, you should be fully aware of how to properly install and operate the lighting fixture.

Regulatory aspects

The Regulations of the Road Traffic Regulations state that every car must be equipped with special lighting equipment for the rear of the car, capable of being switched on when the side lights are operating. Accordingly, it must be activated in the dark so that the traffic police inspector can easily distinguish the symbols of the vehicle’s “mini-passport” from a distance of at least 20 meters.

The fine for the lack of illumination of the rear license plate and, accordingly, its unreadability is 500 rubles.

The possibility of losing your driver's license for a period of 6-12 months with confiscation of the lighting device is also present. The owner of a vehicle may be subject to such punishment for illuminating the front registration plate, since according to regulatory documents it must be absent.

Replacing a room light bulb

Troubleshooting algorithm

At the first sign of a malfunction in the license plate illumination, you should immediately begin to determine the cause and eliminate it. A non-functioning license plate lighting system is one of the significant reasons for stopping a vehicle at night.

For traffic police officers, the absence of license plate illumination can be regarded as an attempt to hide the ownership of the car and information about its registration. In most cases, this will result in a fine.

Trying to make an excuse like “I don’t know, it just happened” leads nowhere. The driver is obliged to check the car before leaving, especially when driving in the dark. Moreover, usually two backup light sources are usually used for illumination. As soon as one emitter fails, the car owner is obliged to immediately fix the problem.

Video - replacing the license plate lamp on a Mitsubishi Outlander 3:

At the first stage, it is advisable to perform a complete computer diagnostic of the car, including monitoring the multifunctional unit (body control unit). In most cases, it will indicate the cause of the problem. But it can also provide a more concise explanation of an error such as “faulty license plate illumination.” This is understandable even without diagnostics.

Typically, a reverse fault finding algorithm is used, that is, from the final control element, that is, from the emitter (lamp or LED system). To do this, you need to have the simplest measuring instrument - a multimeter.

In many cases, it is quite difficult to reach and dismantle the emitter light, especially if the license plate itself is installed in the bumper: access from below the car is required. To be on the safe side, it's best to first check the fuse that supplies the license plate lamps.

The specific location of its installation can be found in the operating manual of your car or you can find this information using Internet search engines or special resources.

Further actions:

1. Remove the license plate light.

It is necessary to find detailed information on this issue, since intuitive actions can lead to damage to the latches or connector.

2. Disconnect the connector.

3. Check for voltage at the connector when the side lights are turned on. To do this, turn on the ignition and dimensions. Next, using a multimeter in the position of measuring direct voltage at the limit of 20 Volts, connect the multimeter probes to the connector contacts. If there is no voltage, then most likely the problem is not in the flashlight emitter, but in the wiring, control unit or fuse.

4. If voltage is supplied, proceed to disassemble the flashlight in order to remove the emitter.

First of all, the diffuser mounted on the clamps is usually removed.

5. Next, remove the emitter. It can be of two types:

• incandescent lamp;
• LED.

The incandescent lamp is easily removed from the socket.

Usually it has two thin leads that are bent on the sides. The cause of its malfunction may be broken leads or burnt-out filament. For greater confidence, you can ring it using a multimeter in resistance measurement mode at a limit of 200 Ohms.

LED design is usually more complex.

It is better to call it from the connector.

To do this, switch the multimeter to the “diode” control mode. The LED emitter should ring in one direction and show “1”, that is, infinity, when the probes are connected back. If the design does not ring, you often have to “unplug” the lantern, as in the Lifan X60.

6. If it is determined that the light emitter (lamp or LED structure) is faulty, it must be replaced. You cannot replace a lamp with an LED or vice versa. They have different current consumption. The body control module may detect an error. You can install an emulator, but this is an additional unnecessary hassle.

7. If the emitters are working properly, no voltage is supplied to them, you should follow the wiring to the fuse. It is necessary to check whether there is voltage at the fuse contacts when the dimensions are turned on. If not, then the problem is in the control unit. If so, then the problem is in the wiring. The weakest point of the wiring is under the threshold in the driver's seat area. It is necessary to dismantle the threshold and inspect the wiring harness. It will be good if you know the color of the wire that serves the backlight. Another weak point is under the corrugation of the tailgate (if the license plate is installed on it).

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8. Finally, the most unpleasant case is when the backlight is controlled directly from the multifunctional unit without a fuse in the circuit. If there is a short circuit or a non-original emitter is connected, the control circuits in the electronic unit may fail. In this case, expensive repairs to the unit may be required. It is cheaper to turn to Kulibins, who will install a bypass circuit or connect the lights directly to the side lights.

Video - replacing license plate lamps on a Skoda Octavia A7:

Improved lighting

License plate lighting is not a problem; it can be implemented by upgrading the standard lights. Today, LEDs are most often installed in the form of strips, rulers and modules. However, going overboard with the number of LED items can be regarded as a change in the design of the vehicle.

To avoid punishment, you should remember two things:

• Firstly, a violation in the lighting of the state registration number can only be proven if the vehicle is in use.
• Secondly, changes that have been certified by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate cannot be considered illegal.

About the intensity of the backlight and the permitted colors of LEDs

According to GOST, the light of rear registration plates must be white or yellow, or shades thereof. Thus, any other color of lighting may be regarded as a violation and subject to a corresponding fine of 3,000 rubles, since colored LEDs can confuse drivers following and provoke a traffic accident.

License plate lighting is not a problem; it can be implemented by upgrading the standard lights

Taking into account the standards, it is possible to change the tonality and saturation of the lighting. However, this must be done without attracting the inspector’s attention by using too bright a light, which leaves a mark on the road surface, as well as using excessive amounts of license plate lighting of other colors.

Lighting Retrofit Attributes

The spiral number illumination used in factory flashlights can be replaced with similar LED bulbs of a more powerful spectrum. The standard size of the LED for a light bulb with a standard base ranges from SMD5050 to COB matrices. The main positive quality of such light bulbs is their compatibility with the on-board computer (BC), that is, it will not generate errors when installing LEDs. Lamp prices depend both on the desired power and on the manufacturer. On average, a set of LED devices consisting of two lamps can be purchased for around 300-400 rubles.

For illumination of registration symbols with an LED module, the vehicle owner will have to pay at least 600-800 rubles. But such an LED device also has an advantage: their geometric dimensions exactly repeat the standard lampshades, i.e. no need to redo the fastenings.

A budget-friendly way to solve the problem of license plate illumination is to stick an LED strip above the number or around the perimeter. It is important to remember that it can only be glued to a place that is free of dirt and oil, otherwise the durability of the tape is not guaranteed.

In conclusion, I would like to say that you should strictly adhere to the rules for operating the car and treat the car's lighting fixtures properly. Before leaving, always check that the headlights are working properly so that both the rear and front license plate lights are functioning - this will ensure easy readability of the license plates. Take prompt action to correct any problems.

An example of replacing lighting on different cars

To change a burnt-out license plate light bulb, you need to:

• clean the area where the lampshades are located from dust and dirt;
• remove decorative trim;
• clean the surface of the lampshades;
• unscrew the screws;
• remove the lampshades;
• remove the lighting fixture;
• make sure it is faulty;
• replace light bulbs with new ones;
• check the functionality of the unit by turning on the lights;
• secure the lampshades by first lubricating the screws with silicone grease;
• Reinstall the fastening of the trunk lid trim.

Replacement can only be carried out when the power supply is de-energized. This way you can avoid the occurrence of a short circuit if the cartridge is destroyed or accidental contact of contacts occurs.

The basic algorithm for replacing license plate lamps can be changed depending on the make and type of car.

Hyundai Santa Fe

First, let's look at how to replace the headlight bulb on a Korean Hyundai. For work we will need:

1. Crosshead screwdriver.
2. 2 W5W bulbs.

Each of the license plate lamps on this car is attached using a self-tapping screw and an L-shaped clamp. I marked the location of the screws with red arrows and the locations of the clamps with green arrows.

We unscrew the screw and remove the flashlight, disengaging the latch. The wire powering the lampshade is quite short, so we pull out the light fixture carefully and without fanaticism.

Removing the lantern

Now we see the cartridge with power wires (photo above). Turn it counterclockwise and remove it along with the lamp. The light bulb is removed from the socket by simply pulling it out. We dismantle the burnt one and put a new one in its place. We install the cartridge in place, fix it by turning it clockwise. All that remains is to put the illuminator in place and secure it with a self-tapping screw.

Hyundai Solaris

Both lamps, which provide room illumination, are located in the Hyundai Solaris under the trim on the trunk lid. To remove them, you need a flathead and Phillips screwdriver. The dismantling process looks like this:

• using a flat-head screwdriver, open the cover in the handle;
• remove the handle by unscrewing the screws with a Phillips screwdriver;
• remove the pistons holding the casing in place;
• remove the casing;
• unscrew the cartridge clockwise;
• remove the lamp, holding it by the glass bulb;
• install a new light bulb;
• Reassemble in reverse order.

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Volkswagen Tiguan

The list of tools intended for replacing headlight bulbs in a Volkswagen Tiguan includes gloves and a Phillips screwdriver. Lamps – C5W. To reinstall you need:

• open the trunk lid;
• remove the lampshades by unscrewing the screws;
• unplug the light bulb from the spring clips;
• install the new device by snapping it into the latches;
• return the lampshades to their place and secure them with self-tapping screws;
• check the result using the side lights.

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Toyota Corolla

To get easy access to the backlight lamp of this brand, you will have to lower the flashlight diffuser down. To do this, you will need to lightly press the tongue.

Further actions are performed in the following order:

• unscrew the cartridge by turning it counterclockwise;
• unscrew the screws;
• remove the lamp holder;
• remove the non-working old one;
• install a new light bulb;
• assemble the structure in reverse order.

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Toyota Camry

To replace the backlight bulb in a Japanese Toyota Camry, you need a flat-head screwdriver. Lamps – W5W. Then follow these steps:

• open your trunk lid;
• release the upholstery opposite the lamp, carefully removing the plastic pistons (use a flat screwdriver to pry up the latch, pull it out and remove the pistons from the upholstery, holding it by the head);
• bend back the upholstery (the back of the flashlight, the socket and the power supply connected to it should open);
• pull out the block;
• squeeze the flashlight clamps;
• push the lantern out;
• pry off the protective glass with a screwdriver;
• remove the protective glass;
• pull out the burnt out light bulb;
• install new lighting;
• snap the glass;
• insert the flashlight into the socket and push it in until the latches click;
• check the operation of the backlight by turning on the side lights;
• assemble the structure in reverse order.

Nissan Qashqai

On this model, replacing the license plate lamp is even easier, since the lamp is attached using latches. We arm ourselves with a flat screwdriver (the author of the photo used a plastic card) and pry the flashlight from the side located closer to the center of the car.

Removing the lampshade using a plastic card

Carefully remove the lampshade from its seat and get to the socket.

Turn the socket counterclockwise and remove it along with the W5W bulb. We pull out the burnt out device, insert a new one and install the lamp in place, making sure that the latches snap into place.

Lada Priora

Here the Lada Priora will act as a “test subject”, in which you don’t even need to dismantle the lamp to replace the license plate light bulb. Open the trunk lid and find the back of the lamp sockets, focusing on the location of the lamps.

We take the socket, turn it counterclockwise until it stops and remove it from the lantern along with the light bulb.

We pull out the burnt out device (W5W) and install a new one in its place. We turn on the dimensions and make sure that everything works. We return the cartridge to its place and fix it by turning it clockwise.

Lada Kalina

What tools will you need:

• flat screwdriver,
• a piece of rag
• new lamps.

The left side of the lampshade is made in such a way that you can place a thin object (in our case, a screwdriver) under it and pry it, releasing the first latch. This requires a little effort. If you are afraid of scratching the plastic, place a prepared rag under the tip of the screwdriver.

Once the left side of the latch has come out, move the lamp itself a little to the left and remove the right side. Pull the lantern out. Now you can either disconnect the wire, or simply turn the lamp a little and remove it from the housing.

The light bulbs in the license plate illumination are the most common ones - W5W. The same ones are in the front side lights. We take out the old incandescent lamps and insert new ones - LED ones. It’s better to immediately check whether you placed them on the wrong side; LED lamps have polarity! Well, now, with a clear conscience, everything can be put back together. The license plate light bulbs on Kalina have been replaced.

What advantages will we get after replacing the standard license plate light bulbs with LED ones?

1. Firstly, they shine much brighter. This is noticeable even to the naked eye. And at the same time they consume much less energy, which leads to at least insignificant savings.
2. Second, they don't get so hot. Having removed the old lamps, you may have noticed some melted plastic near their seats. It is not good. This definitely shouldn’t happen with diode lamps.
3. And last but not least, it looks beautiful. Agree, the bright, white backlight of the license plate looks much better than the standard one.