Illumination device for vehicles

The device has light units (1, 2) arranged in a housing, where one of the units comprises a flat light guiding element (13). A narrow side of the element is formed as a light coupling surface. An upper flat side (14) of the element is connected to the narrow side. A lower flat side of the element lies opposite to the upper flat side. Another narrow side (17) of the element connects the flat sides, where the latter narrow side is formed as a linear light decoupling surface. The unit is connected with the light unit. A series of lighting elements i.e. LEDs, are assigned to the units.