Freelance engineering office for lighting design & planningWhy vertical light is decisive
At a crossing, pedestrians must be clearly visible from both directions of travel even in darkness or on wet roads – on the zebra crossing itself and already in the waiting area. This usually requires additional, fixed lighting [1]. A high proportion of vertical illuminance makes pedestrians appear bright against a dark background [1].
Requirements
In Germany, the guidelines for the layout and equipment of pedestrian crossings (R-FGÜ 2001) and DIN 67523 must be observed. If the existing street lighting does not achieve the required values, additional fixed lighting must be installed [1].
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Assessment area | rectangular, horizontal area covering the crossing and waiting areas [1] |
| Vertical illuminance on the centre line | ≥ 30 lx maintained value at 1 m height at defined points [1] |
| Minimum in the assessment area | no point below 4 lx, including the waiting zone 1 m from the kerb [1] |
| Colour of light | a colour differing from the street lighting increases attention, e.g. LED luminaires with yellow light [1] |
| Operating time | no switch-off during the entire hours of darkness [1] |
| Switching | switchable independently of other light sources [2] |
| Surroundings of the crossing | at least 0.3 cd/m² road luminance for 100 m before and after the crossing [1] |
The relevant standards are DIN 67523-1 and DIN 67523-2, both edition 2010-06 [3]. Before planning and measuring, we check the current status of the standards.
Structure of DIN 67523
Part 1 sets out the general quality characteristics and guide values; Part 2 specifies how these characteristics are calculated and measured [3]. With the 2010 edition, the requirements were changed to maintained values [1]. Because these are maintained values, the design must apply a maintenance factor: an installation that only just reaches 30 lx at commissioning will fall below that value after a few years of operation.
Correct luminaire arrangement
Special luminaires with asymmetrical light distribution are positioned so that the crossing and waiting areas are lit from the respective direction of travel – usually placed before the crossing as seen in the direction of travel. The maximum falls on the pedestrian in the middle of the zebra crossing, and special optics prevent glare for oncoming drivers [1]. Lighting directly above the centre axis of the crossing is not permitted [1]: it produces mainly horizontal light and makes pedestrians appear as dark silhouettes.
Testing existing crossings
Measurements are taken at night under operating conditions with a calibrated lux meter; the method follows EN 13201-4. The result for each crossing is a rating (compliant, partially compliant, non-compliant) with a recommended measure. Our page on light measurement shows how such an inspection works.
Crossing aids
Central islands and other crossing aids without a zebra crossing do not have to be lit according to DIN 67523, but lighting is highly advisable [1].
Typical design mistakes
- Luminaire centred above the crossing instead of before it in the direction of travel
- Waiting areas at the kerb not included in the evaluation field
- Additional lighting on the same circuit as street lighting that is dimmed or switched off at night
- No maintenance factor applied – the installation falls below the maintained value after a few years
- Surroundings before and after the crossing too dark, so the eye cannot adapt in time
Funding
Under the Kommunalrichtlinie, pedestrian crossing lighting is in principle subject to the same funding criteria as street lighting retrofits. Because it is safety lighting, however, it must be operated without control technology [4]. More in the article Street lighting retrofit.
Frequently asked questions
Is normal street lighting sufficient at a zebra crossing?
Only if it demonstrably meets the requirements of DIN 67523. This is rarely the case, because street luminaires mainly provide horizontal illumination.
How often should crossings be inspected?
After new construction or retrofit for acceptance, and then at regular intervals as part of the duty to ensure road safety, especially after changes to the street lighting.
May the lighting at a pedestrian crossing be dimmed or switched off at night?
No. The additional lighting must be in operation throughout the hours of darkness and must be switchable independently of the rest of the street lighting.
Sources (in German)
- licht.de – Fußgängerüberwege und Querungshilfen
- BEGA – Aufsatzleuchten für Fußgängerüberwege
- DIN Media – DIN 67523-1:2010-06
- klimaschutz.de – Kommunalrichtlinie 4.2.1 Außen- und Straßenbeleuchtung
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.