Commission Regulation (EU) No 130/2012

of 15 February 2012

concerning type-approval requirements for motor vehicles with regard to vehicle access and manoeuvrability and implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor1, and in particular Article 14(1)(a) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)
Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 is a separate Regulation for the purposes of the type-approval procedure provided for by Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 September 2007 establishing a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (Framework Directive)2.
(2)
Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 repeals Council Directive 70/387/EEC of 27 July 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the doors of motor vehicles and their trailers3 as well as Council Directive 75/443/EEC of 26 June 1975 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the reverse and speedometer equipment of motor vehicles4. The requirements set out in those Directives for access steps, handholds and running boards as well as reversing devices should be carried over to this Regulation and, where necessary, adapted to the development of scientific and technical knowledge. Certain other requirements laid down in those Directives and which are not covered by this Regulation are already addressed through the compulsory application of UNECE Regulation No 115 and Regulation No 396 listed in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 661/2009.
(3)

The scope of this Regulation should be in line with that of Directive 70/387/EEC and Directive 75/443/EEC insofar appropriate. The Regulation should therefore cover vehicles of categories M and N.

(4)

Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 lays down basic requirements for the type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to vehicle access, namely access steps, handholds and running boards as well as manoeuvrability, namely reversing devices. It is necessary to set out the specific procedures, tests and requirements for such type-approval.

(5)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Technical Committee – Motor Vehicles,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1Scope

This Regulation applies to vehicles of categories M and N as defined in F1Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

Article 2Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

  1. (1)

    ‘vehicle type with regard to vehicle access and manoeuvrability’ means vehicles which do not differ in such essential respects as:

    1. (a)

      the characteristics of running boards, access steps and handholds;

    2. (b)

      the characteristics of the reversing device.

  2. (2)

    ‘off-road vehicle (ORV)’ means a vehicle in conformity with the criteria set out in Part A of F2Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2018/858;

  3. (3)

    ‘floor entrance’ means the lowest point of the door aperture or other structure whichever of the two is higher, which a person has to clear in terms of height in order to enter the passenger compartment.

Article 3F3GB type-approval of a vehicle with regard to vehicle access and manoeuvrability

1.

The manufacturer or the representative of the manufacturer shall submit to the approval authority the application for F4GB type-approval of a vehicle with regard to vehicle access and manoeuvrability.

2.

The application shall be drawn up in accordance with the model of the information document set out in Part 1 of Annex I.

3.

If the relevant requirements set out in Annexes II and III to this Regulation are met, the approval authority shall grant F5a GB type-approval and issue a type-approval number in accordance with the numbering system set out in F6Annex IV to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/683.

F7The approval authority may not assign the same number to another vehicle type.

4.

For the purposes of paragraph 3, the approval authority shall deliver F8a GB type-approval certificate established in accordance with the model set out in Part 2 of Annex I.

Article 4Validity and extension of approvals granted under Directive 70/387/EEC and Directive 75/443/EEC

F9... The sale and entry into service of vehicles type-approved before the date referred to in Article 13(2) of Regulation (EC) No F10661/2009 is permitted, and the approval authority must continue to grant extension of approvals to those vehicles under the terms of Directive 70/387/EEC and Directive 75/443/EEC.

Article 5Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

F11...

Done at Brussels, 15 February 2012.

For the Commission

The President

José Manuel Barroso

ANNEX IAdministrative provisions for the type-approval of vehicles with regard to vehicle access and manoeuvrability

PART 1Information document

MODEL

Information document No … relating to the F12GB type-approval of a vehicle with regard to vehicle access and manoeuvrability.

The following information, if applicable, shall be supplied in triplicate and include a list of contents. Any drawings shall be supplied in appropriate scale and in sufficient detail on size A4 or on a folder of A4 format. Photographs, if any, shall show sufficient detail.

If the systems, components or separate technical units referred to in this information document have electronic controls, information concerning their performance shall be supplied.

0.GENERAL

0.1.

Make (trade name of manufacturer): …

0.2.

Type: …

0.2.1.

Commercial name(s) (if available): …

0.3.

Means of identification of type, if marked on the vehicle7 …

0.3.1.

Location of that marking: …

0.4.

Category of vehicleM1: …

0.5.

Name and address of manufacturer: …

0.8.

Name(s) and address(es) of assembly plant(s): …

0.9.

Name and address of the manufacturer’s representative (if any) …

1.GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VEHICLE

1.1.

Photographs and/or drawings of a representative vehicle: …

2.MASSES AND DIMENSIONS910

2.6.Mass in running order

Mass of the vehicle with bodywork and, in the case of a towing vehicle of category other than M1, with coupling device, if fitted by the manufacturer, in running order, or mass of the chassis or chassis with cab, without bodywork and/or coupling device if the manufacturer does not fit the bodywork and/or coupling device (including liquids, tools, spare wheel, if fitted, and driver and, for buses and coaches, a crew member if there is a crew seat in the vehicle)11 (maximum and minimum for each variant): …

4.TRANSMISSION12

4.6.Gear ratios

Reverse: …

9.BODYWORK

9.3.

Occupant doors, latches and hinges

9.3.1.

Door configuration and number of doors: …

9.3.4.

Details, including dimensions, of entrances, steps and necessary handles where applicable: …

Explanatory notes

PART 2 F13GB type-approval certificate

MODELFormat: A4 (210 × 297 mm)F14GB type-approval CERTIFICATE

Stamp of type-approval authority

Communication concerning:

  • F14GB type-approval

  • extension of F14GB type-approval

  • refusal of F14GB type-approval

  • withdrawal of F14GB type-approval

of a type of vehicle with regard to vehicle access and manoeuvrability

with regard to Regulation (EU) No 130/2012, F15as it has effect in domestic law, and as last amended by S.I. …./…

F14GB type-approval number: …

Reason for extension: …

Delete where not applicable.

SECTION I

0.1.

Make (trade name of manufacturer): …

0.2.

Type: …

0.2.1.

Commercial name(s) (if available): …

0.3.

Means of identification of type, if marked on the vehicle14: …

0.3.1.

Location of that marking: …

0.4.

Category of vehicleM2: …

0.5.

Name and address of manufacturer: …

0.8.

Name(s) and address(es) of assembly plant(s): …

0.9.

Name and address of the manufacturer's representative (if any): …

SECTION II

1.

Additional information: see Addendum.

2.

Technical service responsible for carrying out the tests: …

3.

Date of test report: …

4.

Number of test report: …

5.

Remarks (if any): see Addendum.

6.

Place: …

7.

Date: …

8.

Signature: …

  • Attachments

    Information package

    Test report

Addendumto F16GB type-approval certificate No …

1.Additional information:

  1. 1.1.

    Brief description of the vehicle type as regards its structure, dimensions, lines and constituent materials: …

    …

2.

Vehicle type of category M1 / N1 / N2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 7,5 tonnes16 is / is not16 fitted with running boards or access steps.

3.

Off-road vehicle (ORV) yes / no16

4.Device for reversing: gearbox / other means16

  1. 4.1.

    Brief description of the device for reversing where this is not a function of the gearbox: …

5.

Remarks: …

ANNEX II

Requirements for vehicles with regard to vehicle access

1.GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1.

The design characteristics of the vehicle type shall permit entry to and exit from the passenger compartment in complete safety and entrances to the passenger compartment shall be constructed in such a way that they can be used easily and without any danger.

2.RUNNING BOARDS AND ACCESS STEPS

2.1.

The wheel hub, rims and other parts of the wheel shall not be deemed to be running boards or access steps for the purpose of this Regulation, except where reasons relating to construction or use preclude the fitting of running boards or access steps elsewhere on the vehicle.

2.2.

The height of the floor entrance is determined either directly from the ground surface or from the horizontal plane passing through the middle, in relation to the longitudinal direction, of the step immediately below.

PART 1

Requirements concerning the access to and exit from the doors of the passenger compartment of vehicles of category N2 having a maximum mass exceeding 7,5 tonnes and of category N3

1.ACCESS STEPS TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT (Figure 1).

1.1.

The distance (A) from the ground surface to the upper surface of the lowest step, measured with the vehicle in running order on a horizontal and flat surface, shall not be more than 600 mm.

1.1.1.

However, for off-road vehicles (ORV) the distance (A) may be increased up to 700 mm.

1.2.

The distance (B) between the upper surfaces of the steps shall be not more than 400 mm. The vertical distance between two subsequent steps shall not vary by more than 50 mm. The last requirement shall not apply to the distance between the uppermost step and the floor entrance of the passenger compartment.

1.2.1.

However, for off-road vehicles (ORV) the allowed variation as indicated above may be increased up to 100 mm.

1.3.In addition, the following minimum geometrical specifications shall be fulfilled:

  1. (a)

    step depth (D): 80 mm;

  2. (b)

    step clearance (E) (include step depth): 150 mm;

  3. (c)

    step width (F): 300 mm;

  4. (d)

    width of the lowest step (G): 200 mm;

  5. (e)

    step height (S): 120 mm;

  6. (f)

    transversal offset between steps (H): 0 mm;

  7. (g)

    longitudinal overlap (J) between two subsequent steps in the same flight, or between the uppermost step and the cab floor entrance height: 200 mm.

1.3.1.

However, for off-road vehicles (ORV) the value (F) may be reduced to 200 mm.

1.4.

In the case of off-road vehicles (ORV), the lowest step may be designed as a rung if this is necessary for reasons relating to construction or use. In such a case the rung depth (R) shall be at least 20 mm.

1.4.1.

Rungs with a round cross-section are not permitted.

1.5.

While getting down from the passenger compartment, the position of the uppermost step shall be easily found out.

1.6.

All access steps shall be constructed in such a way as to preclude the risk of slipping. In addition, access steps exposed to the weather and dirt during driving shall have adequate run-off or a draining surface.

2.ACCESS TO HANDHOLDS TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT (as shown in Figure 1).

2.1.

One or more suitable handrail(s), handhold(s) or other equivalent holding device(s) shall be provided for the access to the passenger compartment.

2.1.1.

All handrails, handholds or equivalent holding devices shall be positioned in such a way that they can easily be grasped and do not obstruct access to the passenger compartment.

2.1.2.

A maximum discontinuity of 100 mm in the handhold area of the handrails, handholds or equivalent holding devices may be allowed.

2.1.3.

In the case of passenger compartment access with more than two steps, the handrails, handholds or equivalent holding devices shall be located in such a way that a person can support himself at the same time with two hands and one foot or with two feet and one hand.

2.1.4.

Except in the case of a stairway, the design and positioning of the handrails, handholds and equivalent holding devices shall be such that operators are encouraged to descend facing the passenger compartment.

2.1.5.

The steering wheel may be considered as a handhold.

2.2.

The height (N) of the lower edge of at least one handrail, handhold or equivalent holding device, measured from the ground surface with the vehicle in running order on a horizontal and flat surface, shall not exceed 1 850 mm.

2.2.1.

However, for off-road vehicles (ORV) the distance (N) may be increased up to 1 950 mm.

2.2.2.

If the floor entrance height of the passenger compartment measured from the ground surface is greater than ‘N’, this height shall be assumed as ‘N’.

2.2.3.In addition, the minimum distance (P) of the upper edge of the handrails or handholds or equivalent holding devices from the floor entrance height of the passenger compartment shall be:

  1. (a)

    handrails, handholds or equivalent holding devices (U): 650 mm;

  2. (b)

    handrails, handholds or equivalent holding devices (V): 550 mm.

2.3.The following geometrical specifications shall be fulfilled:

  1. (a)

    gripping dimension (K): 16 mm minimum 38 mm maximum;

  2. (b)

    length (M): 150 mm minimum;

  3. (c)

    clearance to vehicle components (L): 40 mm minimum with open door.

Figure 1
Access steps and handholds to the passenger compartment

PART 2

Requirements concerning the access to and exit from the doors of the passenger compartment of vehicles of categories other than N2 having a maximum mass exceeding 7,5 tonnes or category N3

1.RUNNING BOARDS AND ACCESS STEPS

1.1.

Vehicles of categories M1 and N1 as well as N2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 7,5 tonnes, shall have one or more running board(s) or access step(s) if the floor entrance height of the passenger compartment is higher than 600 mm above the ground measured with the vehicle in running order on a horizontal and flat surface.

1.1.1.

However, for off-road vehicles (ORV), the distance specified above may be increased up to 700 mm.

1.2.

All running boards and access steps shall be constructed in such a way as to preclude the risk of slipping. In addition, running boards and access steps exposed to the weather and dirt during driving shall have adequate run-off or a draining surface.

ANNEX IIIRequirements for vehicles with regard to vehicle manoeuvrability

1.GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1.

All vehicles shall be equipped with a device for reversing which can be operated from the driver’s position.