Lighting car parks and outdoor workplaces safely

Key facts in brief: According to EN 12464-2, a car park needs a maintained value of 5 lx (low, U₀ ≥ 0.25), 10 lx (medium, U₀ ≥ 0.40) or 20 lx (high, U₀ ≥ 0.40) depending on traffic volume. For safety it is also important that faces are recognisable and the luminaires are well shielded.

Applicable standards

Company car parks are designed as outdoor workplaces according to EN 12464-2; for public parking areas EN 13201 may apply ^[1].

EN 12464-2 was republished in Germany in July 2025 and replaces the 2014-05 edition ^[3] ^[4]. Among the changes: the required illuminance is now given in steps so that context modifiers can be applied; there is also a maximum grid size, updated flicker requirements, the new environmental zone E0 and new annexes on reflectances and railway installations ^[3] ^[4].

Traffic volume	Maintained illuminance Ēm	Uniformity U₀
low (e.g. staff car park)	5 lx	≥ 0,25
medium (e.g. supermarket)	10 lx	≥ 0,40
high (e.g. large shopping centres)	20 lx	≥ 0,40

Values according to EN 12464-2:2014-05 as given by licht.de ^[1]; the examples for classifying traffic volume are guidance only. For new designs the 2025 edition applies – we check the table values for each project against the current standard.

Safety means recognising faces

In addition to ground brightness, the perception of people is crucial. An appropriate minimum semi-cylindrical illuminance of 0.4 to 3 lx supports facial recognition; well-shielded luminaires are also important and edge areas should be included ^[1].

Semi-cylindrical illuminance describes the share of light falling on a semi-cylindrical measuring surface; a high share of light from the front makes faces recognisable even from a greater distance ^[5]. For smaller car parks in city centres and residential areas, luminaires with mounting heights of up to 4.5 m are suitable; bushes and trees must not shade the light, which should be checked regularly ^[1].

Outdoor workplaces

For loading zones, depots, petrol stations or outdoor storage areas, EN 12464-2 contains specific requirements for each activity. Typical design questions are pole positions that do not obstruct manoeuvring traffic, shadows cast by lorries and containers, and glare for drivers.

Environment and neighbours

Fully shielded luminaires with no upward light
Warm white light where the use allows
Dimming or switching off outside operating hours, motion sensors in peripheral zones
Consideration of room brightening for adjacent residential buildings

Our approach

Survey or site plan, definition of traffic volume with the operator, lighting calculation with pole layout, economic comparison and manufacturer-neutral tender. For existing installations we check by measurement whether the values are met.

Frequently asked questions

Is one luminaire per pole at the entrance enough?

Almost never. Without a calculation, dark zones occur between the poles and uniformity is not achieved.

May the lighting be dimmed at night?

Yes, if the use allows it. During operating hours the standard values must be achieved.

Does EN 12464-2 or EN 13201 apply to customer car parks?

Car parks as outdoor workplaces are designed to EN 12464-2; public parking areas in the street space to DIN 13201-1 and EN 13201-2. We clarify the assignment at the start of the project.

Sources (in German)

Author: Paul Rostand Ndjeundoun, M.Sc. (Hons), Certified Lighting Expert (LiTG), Registered European Lighting Expert · As of November 2026. Standard values have been carefully researched but do not replace consulting the currently valid edition of the standard.