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E4 Marked Lamp: Dutch Approval or English Right-Hand Traffic Compatibility?

sander 51084 16
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How can I tell whether an E4-marked headlamp is meant for right- or left-hand traffic?

E4 only means the lamp was approved in the Netherlands; it does not by itself tell you whether the lamp is for right- or left-hand traffic [#18040915][#18041070] The thread’s consensus is that the arrow marking is the traffic-side clue: one reply says a right arrow means left-hand traffic, while another says the arrow points toward the outer side of the vehicle and the lamp sits on the left side [#18040739][#18041032] A practical check is to fit the H4 bulb and look at the beam cut-off: a left-hand-traffic/English lamp throws the beam higher to the left, while a continental/right-hand-traffic lamp throws it higher to the right [#18040662] One user also notes that on a three-lug H4 bulb the top lug is vertical for right-hand traffic, while on a left-hand-drive lamp the bulb is slightly twisted to the right when viewed from the bulb side [#18040662] If you still cannot tell from the markings, the thread recommends just inserting the bulb and checking the beam pattern directly [#18040662][#18041032]
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  • #1 18040335
    sander
    Level 16  
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    I have a question whether this lamp is for right or left-hand traffic - the E4 marking suggests Dutch approval, while from what I found on the web, the right arrow is a lamp for an Englishman?

    E4 Marked Lamp: Dutch Approval or English Right-Hand Traffic Compatibility?
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  • #2 18040363
    sanfran
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    It is possible that from "english".
    can you post pictures of the entire lamp from the front?
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  • #4 18040604
    sander
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    There is nothing about a right arrow at all on this page, and the reverse is true of the other pages.
    Removal of the entire lamp
    E4 Marked Lamp: Dutch Approval or English Right-Hand Traffic Compatibility?
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  • #5 18040662
    sanfran
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    To my eye, this is a left-hand traffic lamp.
    But I can be wrong.
    The halogen lamp has three lugs, the one on top is perfectly vertical for right-hand traffic. In a left-hand drive lamp, the bulb is slightly twisted to the right - clockwise when viewed from the bulb mounting side.

    As a last resort, you can always insert the H4 bulb, connect the cable and see if it shines higher to the left (English) or to the right (continent).
  • Helpful post
    #6 18040739
    dizba
    Level 33  
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    Right arrow = left-hand traffic.
  • #7 18040772
    sander
    Level 16  
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    Then why is the E4 marking in this case?
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  • #8 18040915
    dizba
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    It does not matter. It was approved there. Not only angoles produce left-hand traffic.
  • #9 18040968
    sander
    Level 16  
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    And can it be 100% determined after marking the lamp?
    Because the seller insists that it is adapted to our right-hand traffic.
    The lamp is marked DEPO 2701685
  • #10 18041030
    sanfran
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    Check post # 5.
    And now a few photos of the approval of lamps in left-hand traffic.
    The stickers are Nissan, the lamp is printed on Honda.
    Left:
    E4 Marked Lamp: Dutch Approval or English Right-Hand Traffic Compatibility?

    Laws:
    E4 Marked Lamp: Dutch Approval or English Right-Hand Traffic Compatibility?

    Left:
    E4 Marked Lamp: Dutch Approval or English Right-Hand Traffic Compatibility?

    Laws:
    E4 Marked Lamp: Dutch Approval or English Right-Hand Traffic Compatibility?
  • #11 18041032
    BANANvanDYK
    Level 42  
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    Looking at the shape of the slant on the mirror - asymmetrical light, right-hand traffic, i.e. continental Europe. The arrow is not a right / left movement, but the place where the lamp is mounted, in this case the left side of the vehicle (LH). The number of gauges and the types of lamps suggest that it is a H4 lamp.
    Buddy sanfran, in this case, only after marking RHD on the sticker, you can tell that these are English lamps.

    By the way, what's the problem to insert a light bulb and see what the shape of the light beam is?
  • #12 18041070
    Millaka
    Level 24  
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    BANANvanDYK wrote:
    The arrow is not a right- / left-hand movement, but the place where the lamp is mounted

    And that's what it is, the left / right arrow always points to the outer contour of the vehicle.
    ... and this E means:

    E1 Deutschland
    E2 Frankreich
    E3 Italien
    E4 Niederlande
    E5 Schweden
    E6 Belgien
    E7 Ungarn
    E8 Tschechien
    E9 Spanien
    E10 ehemaliges Jugoslavien
    E11 Grossbritannien
    E12 Österreich
    E13 Luxemburg
    E14 Schweiz

    Added after 7 [minutes]:

    And why there is no Polish "E" yet, I don't know.
  • #13 18041187
    pepe150
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    E20 - is Polish. You have these on Polish beacons.
  • #14 18043233
    Trabi
    Level 36  
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    I have a scooter from England. Unfortunately for me, with a lamp for left-hand traffic. On the review it was immediately clear that the beam was shining in the wrong direction. Advice from the controlling person? Either buy a new lamp for our movement, or - a cheaper option - polish the notches for the H4 bulb so that the bulb is turned and the upper catch is vertical (this is what was written about in col. Sanfran ). I sawed it, checked it - it's ok. I go through the next inspections without any problems.
  • #15 18043532
    sanfran
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    In the UK, the regulations are friendlier.
    All you need is a piece of tape on the lamp and the inspection is carried out without any reservations.

    E4 Marked Lamp: Dutch Approval or English Right-Hand Traffic Compatibility?
  • #16 18044110
    BANANvanDYK
    Level 42  
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    It's probably an older scooter, because what is currently used in lighting new vehicles is a backward development. In motorcycles and mopeds lamps with symmetrical light (marking -BS on the windshield) are made, no matter if the S2 bulb or the HS1 / H4 halogen which is turned and the bevels on the mirror are made symmetrical.
    In cars, 25W xenon in order to reduce the luminous flux and so that there is no need to install headlight washers ...
  • #17 18044809
    Trabi
    Level 36  
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    So 2008 has its years. But it does :)
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the compatibility of the E4 marked lamp concerning right-hand and left-hand traffic. The E4 marking indicates Dutch approval, but there is confusion regarding its application for right-hand traffic, particularly in the UK. Users suggest that a right arrow on the lamp indicates it is for left-hand traffic, while others argue that the E4 marking does not exclusively determine its use. Various methods to verify the lamp's orientation, such as examining the bulb's position or testing the light beam direction, are proposed. Additionally, users share experiences with adapting lamps for compliance with local traffic regulations, including modifications to H4 bulbs for proper alignment.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 14 E‑codes map approval countries; "the left/right arrow always points to the outer contour." E4 means Netherlands approval, not traffic side. This FAQ helps DIYers and buyers verify RHT/LHT compatibility, decode arrows, and avoid fails. [Elektroda, Millaka, post #18041070]

Why it matters: Picking the wrong traffic-side lamp causes glare, test failures, and wasted money.

Quick Facts

What does the E4 mark on my headlamp actually mean?

E4 indicates the lamp was type‑approved in the Netherlands. E‑codes map to approval countries (e.g., E1 Germany, E11 UK). It does not denote beam direction by itself. [Elektroda, Millaka, post #18041070]

Does the E‑marking tell me if a lamp suits right‑ or left‑hand traffic?

No. The E‑mark shows where the product was approved, not the intended traffic side. Traffic direction depends on optics and beam pattern. “It was approved there.” [Elektroda, dizba, post #18040915]

What does the arrow on the lens indicate?

It points toward the car’s outer contour and identifies the installation side (left/right). Expert quote: “the left/right arrow always points to the outer contour of the vehicle.” It is not the traffic‑side indicator. [Elektroda, Millaka, post #18041070]

Is a right‑pointing arrow a UK (left‑hand traffic) headlamp?

No. That arrow marks the left or right position on the vehicle, not UK vs. continental use. Confirm traffic side by the beam shape on a wall. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #18041032]

How can I test RHT vs LHT at home with an H4 bulb?

Install the H4 bulb and power the lamp facing a wall. The cutoff should rise to the right for right‑hand traffic. It rises to the left for left‑hand traffic. This quick test is decisive. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #18040662]

How do H4 lug positions differ between RHT and LHT lamps?

H4 bulbs have three lugs. For right‑hand traffic optics, the top lug sits perfectly vertical. Left‑hand traffic units rotate the bulb slightly clockwise when viewed from the mounting side. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #18040662]

Can I determine compatibility 100% from markings alone?

Yes, but only if the lamp explicitly shows RHD/LHD on the label. Without that, verify the beam pattern or consult the model catalog. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #18041032]

Can I adapt a left‑hand‑traffic lamp for right‑hand traffic without buying new?

Yes, by re‑indexing the H4 bulb to correct the cutoff. One rider filed the notches, set the upper tab vertical, and passed inspections.
  1. Slightly enlarge H4 locating notches.
  2. Rotate bulb so the top tab is vertical.
  3. Test on a wall and aim correctly. [Elektroda, Trabi, post #18043233]

Will masking tape pass a UK inspection with continental headlights?

Yes. In the UK, masking the kick‑up area with tape is accepted during inspection when the beam is correctly aligned. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #18043532]

What does “BS” on a motorcycle lens mean for traffic side?

It denotes a symmetrical beam unit. With BS‑marked lenses, the traffic side is irrelevant; HS1/H4 or S2 can be used accordingly. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #18044110]

I see “RHD” on a sticker. What does that confirm?

It confirms the lamp is for right‑hand‑drive vehicles on left‑hand traffic roads, like the UK. That marking is decisive. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #18041032]

What does E20 mean on Polish lights?

E20 indicates Poland as the approval country. You will see E20 on Polish‑approved lighting such as beacons. [Elektroda, pepe150, post #18041187]

What happens at inspection if the cutoff steps the wrong way?

Expect an immediate fail. Inspectors spot a beam that kicks up on the wrong side instantly and advise correction or replacement. [Elektroda, Trabi, post #18043233]

Why do some cars use 25W xenon, and does that affect washers?

25W xenon reduces luminous flux to avoid headlamp washer requirements. It’s a design choice seen in newer vehicle lighting. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #18044110]

How can I verify a DEPO 2701685 lamp’s traffic side?

Look for an RHD/LHD sticker first. If absent, install an H4 bulb and check the cutoff direction on a wall. The beam tells you. [Elektroda, BANANvanDYK, post #18041032]
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