Abstract— Signalfunctions have to fulfil statutoryregulationssuch as CCC, ECE or FMVSS108 to provide aclear signal toother cars on theroad and same standard definitions oflightingparameters. However, as rear combinationlamps are verydifferent from one tothe next and are an increasinglypowerfuldesign element, automobile manufacturers are looking fordistinct and contrasting design. Daytime appearance withnew and unusual look and nighttimeappearance withunexpected illuminationare strong drivers to develop amazing innovativesignalfunctions.

The combination ofLED-technology and different forms oflight-guiding optics, new interpretations ofcommon optical systemsto developvarious styling-options and the use of new materialsand components for lighting effects, is paving the way forfurther,exciting designpossibilities.

The challenge of new signalfunctions is to take thesepossibilitiesand to develop the appearance and illumination effects, thedesigner wants to have and which fitsharmoniously intothe vehicledesign.

Actualoptical systems without certain effects asreflector-systemsor conventional light guide rods will be transfer into lightingsystems with three-dimensional designand appearances in unlitand litcondition. The styling with 3D-effects and more visibledepth as in todays functionalities will become more andmore important.

Inthispaperdifferent possibilitiesof three-dimensionallightingsystems will be describe. Signal functions with variouslightguidingelements with depth-effect, 3D-shapes or integrated intolamps in special arrangements. Signal functions with mirror-and half-mirror-systems, that showsamazing depth-effects andalso theuse of new materials with special night-timeappearance.

Keywords- Rear lamps, 3D-effects,depth-effects,mirror-effect, newmaterials, Stylingpossibilities