A light guide and module for motor vehicles that directs light generally
along a horizontal axis. The module includes an array of light sources,
an array of reflectors and a light guide. The light guide defines a body
having opposed upper and lower walls. Formed in the lower wall is at
least one prismatic structure having a reflecting surface oriented to
reflect light based the principle of total internal reflection and to
redirect light toward the upper wall. Formed in the upper wall is at
least one decoupling prism element. The decoupling prism elements
corresponding in number to the prismatic structures and are located in
the upper wall so as to receive redirected light from its corresponding
prismatic structures. The decoupling prism element includes a second
reflecting surface that reflects light redirected from the first
reflecting surface. This second reflecting surface reflects light toward
an output surface of the decoupling prism element based on the principle
of total internal reflection and defines a vertical spread of light. With
the present invention, light emitted from the output surface of the
decoupling prism element can be directed generally along the horizontal
axis when the upper surface is oriented significantly less than
90.degree. relative to the horizontal axis.