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The Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2009

Status:

This is the original version (as it was originally made).

PART 3Requirements for Vehicles of Category N1

SECTION 1

1 Requirement2 Definitions and supplementary provisions3 Exemptions and modifications
1. Noise
The technical provisions of Annex I to Directive 70/157/EEC as last amended by Directive 99/101/EC.A “Stationary Noise Test” means, in the case of a modified exhaust system, a stationary test as defined in paragraphs 5.2.3.4.2 and 5.2.3.4.3 of Annex I to Directive 70/157/EEC with a noise limit value measured on the dB(A) scale which must not exceed the equivalent stationary value recorded on the approval, certificate of conformity or test report for that vehicle by more than 2dB(A) at 0.5m.
1.

Directive 70/157/EEC, Annex I, paragraphs 5.3.1.1, 5.3.1.2. and 5.3.1.3 does not apply.

2.

If an approval or test report is issued for a vehicle in accordance with column 1 and the exhaust system is subsequently modified after the last silencer by not more than 2m in length, no further test is required. In the case of any other modification relating to the requirements of column 1 and affecting the only the exhaust system, a Stationary Noise Test must be conducted.

3.

In the case of armoured vehicles exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permissible where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.

2. Emissions
1.

The technical provisions of Annex I to Directive 70/220/EEC as amended by Directive 2003/76/EC, Row B limit values.

2.

Vehicles manufactured on or after 1st January 2012:

The technical provisions of Regulation (EC) 715/2007 as amended by Regulation (EC) 692/2008, Annex I, Table 1.

3.

Vehicles manufactured on or after 1st September 2016:

The technical provisions of Regulation (EC) 715/2007 as amended by Regulation (EC) 692/2008, Annex I, Table 2.

“OBD” means On-Board Diagnostic Systems.
1.

The requirements of OBD do not apply.

2.

Does not apply to vehicles approved to item 41.

3.

Modification of exhaust system length after the last silencer is permissible without any further test.

4.

In the case of a special purpose vehicle, an Approval issued to the most representative base vehicle remains valid irrespective of change in reference weight.

5.

In the case of armoured vehicles exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permissible where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.

3. Fuel Tanks/ Rear Protective Devices

Fuel Tanks:

1.

The technical provisions of paragraphs 5 and 6 of Annex I to Directive 70/221/EEC as last amended by directive 2006/20/EC;

And

2.

For vehicles using gaseous fuels

Regulations 67.01 and 115 for LPG.

Regulation 110 and 115 for CNG.

Rear Protective Devices:

4.

The technical provisions of paragraph 5 of Annex II to Directive 70/221/EEC as last amended by directive 2006/20/EC.

4. Rear Registration Plate Space

The technical provisions of Directive 70/222/EEC;

Or

Space must be provided for a registration plate meeting the requirements of the Display of Registration Marks Regulations 2001.

5. Steering Effort
The technical provisions of paragraphs 4 and 5 of Annex I to Directive 70/311/EEC as last amended by 1999/7/EC.The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
6. Door latches and Hinges

The technical provisions of paragraph 3 of Annex I to Directive 70/387/EEC as last amended by Directive 2001/31/EC.

7. Audible Warning

Component:

Directive 70/388/EEC as last amended by 87/354/EC.

Vehicle:

The technical provisions of paragraph 2 of Annex I to Directive 70/388/EEC as amended by 87/354/EC.

In the case of an armoured vehicle exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permissible where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.
8. Indirect Vision

Component:

Directive 2003/97/EC

Vehicle:

The technical provisions of:

Directive 2003/97/EC, Annex III.

1.

Field of view requirements do not apply to optional mirrors.

2.

In the case of an armoured vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.

9. Braking
The technical provisions of paragraph 2 of Annex I to Directive 71/320/EEC as amended by Directive 98/12/EC and tests as defined in associated Annexes as may be applicable.The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
10. Electro-magnetic Compatibility

Component:

Directive 72/245/EEC as last amended by Directive 2006/28/EC.

Vehicle:

The technical provisions of: Directive 72/245/EEC as last amended by Directive 2006/28/EC, section 6 of Annex I taking into consideration the exemptions in section 8 and tests specified in Annexes IV to X.

11. Diesel Smoke

Directive 72/306/EEC as amended by Directive 2005/21/EC section 5 of Annex I and tests as defined in Annexes IV and V;

Or

A free-acceleration test, the coefficient of absorption of the exhaust emissions from the engine immediately after leaving the exhaust must not exceed:

(a)

If the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1 July 2008, 1.5 per metre, or

(b)

in any other case:

(i)

2.5 per metre; or

(ii)

if the engine of the vehicle is turbo-charged, 3.0 per metre.

For the purposes of this item:

“co-efficient of absorption” is to be construed in accordance with paragraph 3.5 of Annex VII to Directive 72/306/EEC;

“free acceleration” has the same meaning as in Annex II to Directive 77/143/EEC as last amended by Directive 92/55/EEC.

1.

Directive 72/306/EEC as amended ceases to apply from 2nd January 2013.

2.

Modification of exhaust system is permissible without any further test.

3.

Does not apply to a vehicle which complies with Directive 2005/55/EC as amended by Directive 2008/74/EC.

13. Anti-Theft and, if fitted, Alarm system and Immobiliser
1.

The technical provisions of: Directive 74/61/EEC as amended by Directive 95/56/EC.

2.

Optional panic alarm not forming part of an alarm system under paragraph 1 must comply with the following:

(a)

The alarm signal must be audible and in addition may include optical alarm devices, or be a radio alarm, or any combination of the above.

(b)

The technical requirements of Directive 74/61/EEC as last amended by Directive 95/56/EC, Annex VI, Part II, paragraphs 8.2 to 8.8, 9.1.2 to 9.2.1, 9.2.3 to 9.4, 9.6, 9.9 to 9.10, and 9.11.2 to 11. inclusive.

(c)

unsetting the panic alarm must immediately cut the alarm signal.

An immobiliser, if fitted, must be approved as part of the base vehicle or as a separate technical unit.

An alarm, except those mentioned in column 1 paragraph 2, must be approved as part of the base vehicle or as a separate technical unit.

14. Protective Steering
The technical provisions of: Directive 74/297/EEC as amended by Directive 91/662/EEC, Annex I, paragraph 5.

This item does not apply to:

(a)

vehicles with a maximum permissible mass exceeding 1500 kg;

(b)

armoured vehicles.

15. Seat Strength
The technical provisions of: Directive 74/408/EEC as amended by Directive 2005/39/EC.
1.

In the case of a special purpose vehicle the requirements in column 1 do not apply to seats intended for use solely while the vehicle is stationary and any such seats must be clearly identified to users by means of a pictogram or a sign with appropriate text.

2.

The provisions of paragraph 2 of Article 1 to Directive 2005/39/ECdo not apply.

17. Speedometer and Reverse Gear

The technical provisions of: Directive 75/443/EEC as amended by Directive 97/39/EC, Annex I and Annex II, paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2;

Or

(a)

for all true speeds up to the design speed of the vehicle, the true speed must not exceed the indicated speed;

(b)

for all true speeds of between 25 mph and 70 mph (or the maximum speed if lower), the difference between the indicated speed and the true speed must not exceed (V/10 + 6.25) mph where V = the true speed.

18. Plates (statutory)

The technical provisions of: Directive 76/114/EEC as amended by Directive 78/507/EEC;

And

Where the vehicle is the subject of a multi stage build a plate is required on completion of each stage as appropriate.

19. Seat Belt Anchorages
The technical provisions of: Directive 76/115/EEC as amended by Directive 2005/41/EC.
1.

In the case of a special purpose vehicle:

(a)

the requirements in column 1 do not apply to seats intended for use solely while the vehicle is stationary; and

(b)

any seats which are not for use when travelling on a road must be clearly identified to users by means of a pictogram or a sign with appropriate text.

2.

In the case of an armoured vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.

20. Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices

The technical provisions of UNECE Regulation 48.03;

And

Dipped beam headlamps must be designed for left hand rule of the road traffic.

In the case of an armoured vehicle or special purpose vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply provided that all mandatory lighting devices are fitted and that the geometric visibility is not affected.
21. Retro Reflectors
Directive 76/757/EEC as amended by Directive 97/29/EC.
22. End-outline, Front-Position (side), Rear-Position (side), Stop, Side Marker, Daytime Running Lamps
Directive 76/758/EEC as amended by Directive 97/30/EC.
23. Direction Indicators
Directive 76/759/EEC as amended by Directive 99/15/EC.
24. Rear registration Plate Lamps
Directive 76/760/EEC as amended by Directive 97/31/EC.
25. Headlamps (including bulbs)
Directive 76/761/EEC as amended by Directive 99/17/EC.
25A. Cornering Lamps (where fitted)
UNECE Regulation 119.
26. Front Fog Lamps (where fitted)
Directive 76/762/EEC as amended by Directive 99/18/EC.
27. Towing Hooks
The technical provisions of: Annex II to Directive 77/389/EEC as amended by Directive 96/64/EC.In the case of an armoured vehicle or special purpose vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.
28. Rear fog Lamps
Directive 77/538/EEC as amended by Directive 99/14/EC.
29. Reversing Lamps
Directive 77/539/EEC as amended by Directive 97/32/EC.
30. Parking Lamps (where fitted)
Directive 77/540/EEC as amended by Directive 99/16/EC.
31. Seat Belts
The technical provisions of Directive 77/541/EEC EEC as amended by Directive 2005/40/EC.
1.

In the case of a special purpose vehicle:

(a)

the requirements in column 1 do not apply to seats intended for use solely while the vehicle is stationary; and

(b)

Any seats which are not for use when travelling on a road must be clearly identified to users by means of a pictogram or a sign with appropriate text.

2.

In the case of an armoured vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.

3.

Seat belts which have been specially designed or adapted for use by an adult or young person suffering from some physical or mental impairment and intended for use solely by such person are exempt.

(Note: Seat belt anchorages for such belts must satisfy the requirements of item 19.)

4.

A seat belt bearing an approval mark in accordance with column 1 may be fitted, whether or not the seat belt has been type approved for the anchorages to which it is fitted, provided that the seat belt complies with the installation requirements of column 1.

33. Identification of Controls, Tell-tales and Indicators
The technical provisions of: paragraph 5 of Annex I to Directive 78/316/EEC as amended by Directive 93/91/EC
34. Defrost/Demist
Vehicles must be fitted with an adequate defrosting and demisting device.“Adequate” means sufficiently effective to ensure adequate visibility through the windscreen under all conditions.
35. Wash/Wipe
Vehicles must be fitted with adequate washing and wiping devices.“Adequate” means sufficiently effective to ensure adequate visibility through the windscreen under all conditions.
36. Heating Systems (if fitted)

The technical provisions of: Directive 2001/56/EC as amended by 2006/119/EC, paragraph 3 of Annex II, and Annexes III, VII and VIII.

39. CO2 emissions/Fuel consumption
The technical provisions of Directive 80/1268/EEC as amended by 2004/3/EC.
1.

Does not apply to vehicles fitted with an engine approved to item 41.

2.

Does not apply to armoured vehicles or special purpose vehicles.

3.

Annex V of Directive 89/491/EEC amending Directive 80/1268/EEC does not apply with effect from 2nd January 2013.

41. Diesel Emissions
1.

Directive 2005/55/EC as amended by 2006/51/EC, Annex I, and Row B1 limit values.

2.

Complete or incomplete vehicles manufactured on or after 1 October 2010:

Directive 2005/55/EC as amended by 2006/51/EC, Annex I, and Row B2 limit values.

1.

Does not apply to vehicles approved under item 2.

2.

Modification of exhaust system length after the last silencer is permissible without any further test.

45. Safety glass

Component:

Directive 92/22/EEC as amended by Directive 2001/92/EC.

Vehicle:

The technical provisions of: Directive 92/22/EEC as amended by Directive 2001/92/EC.

1.

Exclusions defined in paragraph 1 of Annex II to Directive 92/22/EEC as amended.

2.

Directive 92/22/EEC, Annex III, paragraphs 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 do not apply provided that driver’s forward vision is not distorted and that light transmission of at least 70% is maintained.

3.

In the case of a special purpose vehicle, the requirements for all window glazing, other than the driver’s cab glazing (windshield and side glazing), the material may be either safety glass or rigid plastic glazing.

5.

This item does not apply to armoured vehicles.

46. Tyres

Directive 92/23/EEC as last amended by Directive 2005/11/EC;

And

UNECE Regulation 64.01in the case of a temporary use spare tyre (if fitted).

In the case of an armoured vehicle exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.
48. Masses and Dimensions
The technical provisions of: Directive 97/27/EC as amended by 2003/19/EC, paragraph 7 of Annex I.Directive 97/27/EC, Annex I, paragraphs 7.3.3, 7.5, 7.9, 7.10 and 7.11 does not apply.
49. External Projection of Cabs
The technical provisions of sections 3 & 4 of Annex I to Directive 92/114/EEC.FIn the case of an armoured vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.
50. Couplings where fitted

Component:

Directive 94/20/EC.

Vehicle:

The technical provisions of: Annex VII to Directive 94/20/EC.

60. Frontal Protection Systems (“Bull-bars”) (where fitted)
The technical provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3 of Annex I to Directive 2005/66/EC and Council Decision 2006/368/EC.

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