Overview
ISO 2575:2021 - "Road vehicles - Symbols for controls, indicators and tell‑tales" defines standardized graphical symbols for use on vehicle controls, indicators and tell‑tales for passenger cars, light and heavy commercial vehicles and buses. The ninth edition specifies the purpose and application for each symbol and the colour conventions for optical tell‑tales so drivers can quickly identify normal operation or malfunctioning systems. This automotive symbols standard improves usability, safety and international consistency across dashboards and vehicle controls.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and terminology: Defines terms such as symbol, tell‑tale, sign and application to ensure consistent use.
- Symbol catalogue: Normative annexes list symbols grouped by function (lighting & signalling, braking, visibility, cab comfort, engine, fuel, transmission, safety systems, electric functions, information/communication, etc.).
- Purpose/application descriptions: Each symbol includes a short description of intended use and installation context.
- Colour coding for tell‑tales:
- Red - danger or imminent serious damage
- Yellow/amber - caution or system malfunction
- Green - normal/safe operating condition
- Blue - reserved uses (e.g., main beam)
- White - when none of the above applies
- Heating/cooling: red = hot, blue = cold
- Legibility and reproduction rules: Guidance on line thickness, rounding, outline vs solid rendering, contrast (prefer light symbol on dark background for controls), sizing (see IEC 80416-3), and pixel matrix requirements (see ISO 15008).
- Permitted modifications: Minor adaptations for technology or aesthetics are allowed provided essential graphical characteristics are preserved.
- Normative vs informative content: Annexes A–N and P are normative; some annexes (I, R) are informative.
Applications - who uses ISO 2575:2021
- Automotive OEMs and design teams for dashboard, switchgear and HUD iconography
- Human‑machine interface (HMI) and UX designers implementing consistent controls and tell‑tales
- Tier‑1 suppliers producing instrument clusters, switches and displays
- Regulatory bodies and type‑approval authorities referencing standardized symbols
- Service and repair manuals, training materials and fleet operators
- Electric vehicle designers (see Annex M for electric functions)
Related standards
- ISO 15008 - in‑vehicle visual presentation / pixel matrix requirements
- IEC 80416 series - graphic symbol design and legibility guidance
- ISO 7000 / IEC 60417 - graphical symbols databases referenced for registration
- ISO Online Browsing Platform (OBP) - official symbol registry
Keywords: ISO 2575:2021, road vehicle symbols, dashboard tell‑tales, controls indicators, automotive HMI, vehicle symbol colours, ISO automotive standard.