SURFACE J586

REV.
SEP95
VEHICLE
400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001
STANDARD Issued 1927-02
Revised 1995-09

Superseding J586 DEC89

Submitted for recognition as an American National Standard

(R) STOP LAMPS FOR USE ON MOTOR VEHICLES

LESS THAN 2032 MM IN OVERALL WIDTH

Foreword—This Document has also changed to comply with the new SAE Technical Standards Board format.

1. Scope—This SAE Standard provides test procedures, requirements, and guidelines for stop lamps intended
for use on vehicles of less than 2032 mm in overall width.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Publications—The following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specified
herein. The latest issue of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J567—Lamp Bulb Retention System

SAE J575—Tests for Motor Vehicle Lighting Devices and Components
SAE J576—Plastic Materials for Use in Optical Parts Such as Lenses and Reflectors of Motor Vehicle
Lighting Devices
SAE J578—Color Specification
SAE J579—Lighting Code Identification
SAE J1050—Describing and Measuring the Driver's Field of View

2.2 Related Publications—The following publications are provided for information purposes only and are not a
required part of this document.

2.2.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J222—Parking Lamps (Front Position Lamps)

SAE J585—Tail Lamps (Rear Position Lamps) for Use on Motor Vehicles Less Than 2032 mm in Overall
Width
SAE J586 FEB84—Stop Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles Less Than 2032 mm in Overall Width
SAEJ588 NOV84—Turn Signal Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles Less Than 2032 mm in Overall Width
SAE J592—Clearance, Side Marker, and Identification Lamps
SAE J594—Reflex Reflectors
SAE J1395 MAY85—Front and Rear Turn Signal Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or More in
Overall Width
SAE J1398—Stop Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width

SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirely
voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”

SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS DOCUMENT: (724) 772-8512 FAX: (724) 776-0243

TO PLACE A DOCUMENT ORDER; (724) 776-4970 FAX: (724) 776-0790
SAE WEB ADDRESS [Link]

Copyright 1995 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
 SAE J586 Revised SEP95

SAE J1957—Central High Mounted Stop Lamp Standard for Use on Vehicles Less than 2032 mm Overall
Width
SAE J2040—Tail Lamps (Rear Position Lamps) for Use on Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width
SAE J2042—Clearance, Sidemarker, and Identification Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or
More in Overall Width

2.2.2 NHTSA PUBLICATION—Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402.

FMVSS108 56 FR 64733 – 64737

3. Definitions

3.1 Stop Lamps—Lamps giving a steady light to the rear of a vehicle to indicate the intention of the operator of a
vehicle to stop or diminish speed by braking.

4. Lighting Identification Code—Stop lamps for use on vehicles less than 2032 mm in overall width may be
identified by the code "S" in accordance with SAE J759.

5. Tests

5.1 SAE J575 is a part of this document. The following tests are applicable with modifications as indicated.

5.1.1 VIBRATION TEST

5.1.2 MOISTURE TEST

5.1.3 DUST TEST

5.1.4 CORROSION TEST

5.1.5 PHOTOMETRY TEST

[Link] Photometric measurements shall be made with the light source of the signal lamp at least 3 m from the
photometer. The H-V axis shall be taken as parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[Link] Photometric measurements shall be made with the bulb filament steadily burning. Photometric
measurements of multiple compartment lamps or multiple lamp arrangements shall be made by either of
the following methods by aligning the axis of each lamp or compartment with the photometer:

[Link].1 All compartments or lamps shall be photometered together provided that a line from the light source of
each compartment or lamp to the center of the photometer sensing device does not make an angle of
more than 0.6 degree with the photometer H-V axis. When compartments or lamps are photometered
together, the H-V axis shall intersect the midpoint between their light sources.

[Link].2 Each compartment or lamp shall be photometered separately. The photometric measurement for the
entire multiple compartment lamp or multiple lamp arrangement shall be determined by adding the
photometric outputs from each individual lamp or component at corresponding test points.

5.1.6 WARPAGE TEST FOR DEVICES WITH PLASTIC COMPONENTS

5.2 Color Test—SAE J578 is a part of this document.

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 SAE J586 Revised SEP95

6. Requirements

6.1 Performance Requirements—A device when tested in accordance with the test procedures specified in
Section 5, shall meet the following requirements:

6.1.1 VIBRATION—SAE J575

6.1.2 MOISTURE—SAE J575

6.1.3 DUST—SAE J575

6.1.4 CORROSION—SAE J575

6.1.5 PHOTOMETRY—SAE J575

[Link] The lamp shall meet the photometric performance requirements contained in Table 1 and its footnotes.
The summation of the luminous intensity measurements at the specified test points in a zone shall be at
least the value shown.

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 SAE J586 Revised SEP95

TABLE 1—PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS(1)

Minimum Luminous Minimum Luminous Minimum Luminous
Intensity Intensity Intensity
Test (cd) (cd) (cd)
Points (2) Lighted Sections(3) Lighted Sections 3 Lighted Sections3
Zone (deg) 1 2 3
10U-5L
1 5U-20L 50 60 70
5D-20L
10D-5L

5U-10L
2 H-10L 100 115 135
5D-10L

5U-V
H-5L
3 H-V 380 445 520
H-5R
5D-V

5U-10R
4 H-10R 100 115 135
5D-10R

10U-5R
5 5U-20R 50 60 70
5D-20R
10D-5R

Maximum Luminous Intensity (cd) (4) 300 360 420

1. Ratio requirements of [Link] apply.

2. The measured values at each test point shall not be less than 60% of the minimum value in Table 2.
3. A multiple device signaling unit gives its indication by two or more separately lighted sections which may be separate
lamps, or areas that are joined by common parts. The photometric values are to apply when all sections that provide
the same signal are considered as a unit except when the dimensions between optical centers exceed those given in
[Link]. For a separate lamp arrangement, where lamps are interchangeable, each lamp shall be of approximately the
same performance.
4. The listed maximum shall not be exceeded over any area larger than that generated by a 0.5 degree radius within the
solid angle defined by the test points in Table 1.

[Link] A multiple compartment lamp or multiple lamps may be used to meet the photometric requirements of a
stop lamp. If a multiple compartment or multiple lamps are used and the distance between adjacent light
sources does not exceed 560 mm for two compartments or lamp arrangements and does not exceed 410
mm for three compartments or lamp arrangements, then the combination of the compartments or lamps
must be used to meet the photometric requirements for the corresponding number of lighted sections
(Table 1). If the distance between adjacent light sources exceeds the dimensions, each compartment or
lamp shall comply with the photometric requirements for one lighted section (Table 1).

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 SAE J586 Revised SEP95

[Link] When a tail lamp is combined with the stop lamp, the stop lamp shall not be less than three times the
luminous intensity of the tail lamp at any test point; except that at H-V, H-5L, H-5R, and 5U-V, the stop lamp
shall not be less than five times the luminous intensity of the tail lamp. If a multiple compartment or
multiple lamp arrangement is used and the distance between optical axis for both the tail lamp and stop
lamp is within the dimensions specified in [Link], the ratio of the stop lamp to the tail lamp shall be
computed with all the compartments or lamps lighted. If a multiple compartment or multiple lamp
arrangement is used and the distance between optical axes for one of the functions exceeds the
dimensions specified in [Link], the ratio shall be computed for only those compartments or lamps where
the tail lamp and stop lamp are optically combined. When the tail lamp is combined with the stop lamp,
and the maximum luminous intensity of the tail lamp is located below horizontal and within an area
generated by a 0.5 degree radius around a test point, the ratio for the test point may be computed using the
lowest value of the tail lamp luminous intensity within the generated area.

6.1.6 WARPAGE—SAE J575

6.1.7 COLOR—The color of light from the stop lamps shall be red as specified in SAE J578.

6.2 Materials Requirements—Plastic materials used in the optical parts shall meet the requirements of SAE
J576.

6.3 Design Requirements

6.3.1 If a stop signal is optically combined with the tail lamp and a two-filament bulb used, the bulb shall have an
indexing base and the socket shall be designed so that bulbs with nonindexing bases cannot be used.
Removable sockets shall have an indexing feature so that they cannot be reinserted into lamp housings in
random positions, unless the lamp will perform its intended function with random light source orientation.

6.3.2 The functional lighted lens area of a single compartment lamp shall be at least 37.5 cm2.

6.3.3 If a multiple compartment lamp or multiple lamps are used to meet the photometric requirements, the
functional lighted lens area of each compartment or lamp shall be at least 22 cm2 provided the combined
area is at least 37.5 cm2.

6.4 Installation Requirements—Stop lamps shall meet the following requirements as installed on the vehicle:

6.4.1 Each stop lamp shall be designed to comply with all photometric requirements of Table 1 with all vehicular
obstructions considered.

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 SAE J586 Revised SEP95

6.4.2 Each stop lamp shall be designed to comply with one of the following visibility requirements:

a. Each lamp must provide a minimum of 13 cm2 of unobstructed projected area when the light emitting
surface area of the lens, excluding reflex reflector area, is projected parallel to a horizontal plane in any
direction from 45 degrees outboard to 45 degrees inboard of the vehicle longitudinal axis, and parallel
to a longitudinal, vertical plane in any direction from 15 degrees above to 15 degrees below1 (see
Figure 1).

FIGURE 1—TAIL LAMP VISIBILITY REQUIREMENTS—UNOBSTRUCTED PROJECTED AREA

b. Each lamp must provide a luminous intensity not less than 0.3 cd throughout the photometric pattern
defined by the corner points specified in Figure 2:

15 degrees above horizontal, 45 degrees inwards and outwards

15 degrees below horizontal*, 45 degrees inwards and outwards

FIGURE 2—TAIL LAMP VISIBILITY REQUIREMENTS—LUMINOUS INTENSITY

1. The downward angle may be reduced to 5 degrees if the lower lighted edge of the lamp is less than 750 mm above the ground.

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 SAE J586 Revised SEP95

7. Guidelines

7.1 Photometric design guidelines for stop lamps, when tested in accordance with 5.1.5 of this document, are
contained in Table 2 and its footnotes.

TABLE 2—PHOTOMETRIC DESIGN GUIDELINES

Minimum Luminous Minimum Luminous Minimum Luminous
Intensity Intensity Intensity
(cd) (cd) (cd)
Test Points Lighted Sections Lighted Sections Lighted Sections
(degrees) 1 2 3
10U, 10D 5L, 5R 16 19 22

20L, 20R 10 12 15
5U, 5D 10L, 10R 30 35 40
V 70 82 95

10L, 10R 40 47 55
H 5L, 5R 80 95 110
V 80 95 110

Maximum Luminous Intensity (1) (cd) 300 360 420

1. The maximum design value of a stop lamp should not exceed the listed design maximum over any area
larger than that generated by 0.25 degree radius within the solid angle defined by the test points in
Table 2.

7.2 Installation Guidelines—The following apply to stop lamps as used on the vehicle and shall not be
considered part of the requirements:

7.2.1 Stop lamps on the rear of the vehicle should be spaced as far apart laterally as practicable, so that the signal
will be clearly visible.

7.2.2 The luminous intensity of incandescent filament bulbs will vary with applied voltage. The electrical power
system of the vehicle should, under normal running conditions, provide design voltage to the lamp as closely
as practical bearing in mind the inherent variability of such systems.

7.2.3 Performance of lamps may deteriorate significantly as a result of dirt, grime, and/or snow accumulation on
the optical surfaces. Installation of lamps on vehicles should be considered to minimize the effect of these
factors.

7.2.4 Where it is expected that lamps must perform in severe environments, for example, be totally immersed in
water periodically, the user should specify lamps designed for such use.

8. Additional Information—As a matter of additional information, attention is called to SAE J567 for
requirements and gages to be used in socket design.

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 SAE J586 Revised SEP95

9. Notes

9.1 Marginal Indicia—The change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating
areas where technical revisions have been made to the previous issue of the report. An (R) symbol to the left
of the document title indicates a complete revision of the report.

PREPARED BY THE SAE SIGNALING AND MARKING DEVICES STANDARDS COMMITTEE

AND THE SAE LIGHTING COORDINATING COMMITTEE

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 SAE J586 Revised SEP95

Rationale—A Geometric Visibility Task Force was established by the May 12, 1993 meeting of the Signalling
and Marking Devices Standards Committee for the purpose of reviewing geometric visibility
requirements in existing signalling and marking device SAE Standards. The objective of the Task Force
was to develop common, unambiguous specifications appropriate to each type of device, based on
existing specifications and to provide for harmonization with European and Japanese standards, where
applicable.

Impetus for establishing the Task Force derived from a December 12, 1991 National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) interpretation of FMVSS No. 108 turn signal geometric visibility
requirements (56 FR 64733 - 64737). That interpretation set forth NHTSA's understanding of the
visibility requirements specified in SAE J1395 APR85, SAE J1398 MAY85, SAE J588 NOV84, and SAE
J586 FEB84. NHTSA's interpretation differed substantially from the industry's intent for geometric
visibility requirements, in part, evidently, because of differing expressions of visibility requirements
among those SAE Standards. NHTSA subsequently revoked its December 12, 1991 interpretation by
letter of October 5, 1992 from NHTSA Chief Counsel Paul Jackson Rice to Mr. J. W. Lawrence of Volvo
GM Heavy Truck Corporation, cc to Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association, Truck Trailer
Manufacturers Association, Ford Motor Company, and Freightliner Corp.

The Task Force developed proposed revisions to geometric visibility requirements for SAE J585, J586,
J588, J594, J1398, J1957, J2040, and J2042. Proposed requirements also were developed for SAE
J222 and J592. Alternative (a) of the proposals is based upon existing SAE geometric visibility
requirements; alternative (b) of the proposals is based upon European proposals. The visibility angle
values help to ensure that drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists are able to detect motor vehicles and their
signal and marker lamps when vehicles are viewed from various angles generated by typical vehicle
maneuvers and roadway configurations, and thereby to minimize their risk of collision. Alternative (a)
and Alternative (b) specifications have been found by regulatory agencies in the North America and
Europe, respectively, to meet the lighting device visibility needs for motor vehicle safety in their
respective jurisdictions. These proposals were presented to the Signalling and Marking Devices
Committee for comment at its April 12, 1994 meeting. Except for SAE J1398, J2040, and J2042,
consensus was reached to ballot the proposed revisions as presented. The Heavy Duty Lighting
Standards Committee elected to separately ballot geometric visibility requirement revisions for SAE
J1398, J2040, and J2042, choosing not to include Task Force recommendations for "option (b)," relating
to harmonization.

Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard—Not applicable.

Application—This SAE Standard provides test procedures, requirements, and guidelines for stop lamps
intended for use on vehicles of less than 2032 mm in overall width.

Reference Section

SAE J222—Parking Lamps (Front Position Lamps)

SAE J567—Lamp Bulb Retention System

SAE J575—Tests for Motor Vehicle Lighting Devices and Components

SAE J576—Plastic Materials for Use in Optical Parts Such as Lenses and Reflectors of Motor Vehicle
Lighting Devices

SAE J578—Color Specification

SAE J579—Lighting Code Identification

 SAE J586 Revised SEP95

SAE J585—Tail Lamps (Rear Position Lamps) for Use on Motor Vehicles Less Than 2032 mm in Overall
Width

SAE J586 FEB84—Stop Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles Less Than 2032 mm in Overall Width

SAE J588 NOV84—Turn Signal Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles Less Than 2032 mm in Overall Width

SAE J592—Clearance, Side Marker, and Identification Lamps

SAE J594—Reflex Reflectors

SAE J1050—Describing and Measuring the Driver's Field of View

SAE J1395 MAY85—Front and Rear Turn Signal Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or More in
Overall Width

SAE J1398—Stop Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width

SAE J1957—Central High Mounted Stop Lamp Standard for Use on Vehicles Less than 2032 mm
Overall Width

SAE J2040—Tail Lamps (Rear Position Lamps) for Use on Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width

SAE J2042—Clearance, Sidemarker, and Identification Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or
More in Overall Width

FMVSS108 56 FR 64733 - 64737

Developed by the SAE Signalling and Marking Devices Standards Committee and the SAE Lighting
Coordinating Committee