To provide a vehicle infrared radiation source for an infrared night vision system.

The invention relates to the vehicle infrared radiation source having a plurality of infrared LEDs, a significant number, or all of the infrared LEDs of which, are removed from a vehicle light system, and are arranged and distributed over a large surface of typically more than 20×20 cm. The infrared LEDs which are preferably arranged at a distance from one another are arranged in the region of the vehicle windows, the radiator grille, the bumpers, or vehicle aprons, at a significant distance from the vehicle light system, in particular, from the headlights, the foglights, and the reversing lights. Distributing the removed infrared LEDs over a large surface ensures that the infrared radiation source ensures sufficient safety for the eyes, thus largely excluding the possibility of damage to the eyes of other road users.