The Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2020

PART 3 U.K. Requirements for vehicles of category N₁

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 1 Pt. 3 in force at 1.9.2020, see reg. 1(b)

Column 1Requirement	Column 2Definitions and supplementary provisions	Column 3Exemptions and modifications
1Noise
The technical provisions of Annex I to Directive 70/157/EEC as last amended by Directive 1999/101/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 do 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.
2Light Duty Emissions
1 The technical provisions of Regulation (EC) 715/2007 as last 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 Complete or completed vehicles manufactured after 1st December 2019: the technical provisions of Annex XXI in Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (WLTP).		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 completed vehicle, an approval issued to the most representative base vehicle remains valid irrespective of change in reference weight or aerodynamic performance.
		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.
3AFuel Tanks
1 The technical provisions of Directive 70/221/EEC as last amended by Directive 2006/20/EC.
2 For vehicles using gaseous fuels: UNECE Regulation 67.01 for LPG, UNECE Regulation 110 for CNG, UNECE Regulation 115 for LPG or CNG retro-fit, or the technical provisions of Regulation (EC) No 79/2009 or UNECE Regulation 134 for hydrogen.
3BRear Protective Devices
The technical provisions of paragraph 5 of Annex II to Directive 70/221/EEC as last amended by Directive 2006/20/EC.
4Rear 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 Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001.
5Steering Effort
The technical provisions of paragraphs 4 and 5 of Annex I to Directive 70/311/EEC as last amended by Directive 1999/7/EC.		The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
6Door 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.
7Audible Warning
Component: Directive 70/388/EEC as last amended by Directive 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.
Vehicle: The technical provisions of paragraph 2 of Annex I to Directive 70/388/EEC as last amended by Directive 87/354/EC.
8Indirect Vision
Component: Directive 2003/97/EC		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.
Vehicle: The technical provisions of Directive 2003/97/EC, Annex III.
9Braking
The technical provisions of paragraph 2 of Annex I to Directive 71/320/EEC as last 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.
10Electro-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.
13Anti-Theft and, if fitted, Alarm system and Immobiliser
1 The technical provisions of: Directive 74/61/EEC as last amended by Directive 95/56/EC.	Immobilisers, if fitted, must be approved as part of the base vehicle or as a separate technical unit.
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.	Alarms, except those mentioned in column 1 paragraph 2, must be approved as part of the base vehicle or as a separate technical unit.
14Protective Steering
The technical provisions of: Directive 74/297/EEC as last amended by Directive 91/662/EEC, Annex I, paragraph 5.		This item does not apply to— (a) vehicles with a maximum permissible mass exceeding 1500kg; (b) armoured vehicles.
15Seat Strength
The technical provisions of: Directive 74/408/EEC as last 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/EC do not apply.
17Speedometer and Reverse Gear
The technical provisions of Directive 75/443/EEC as last 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.
18Plates (statutory)
The technical provisions of: Directive 76/114/EEC as last 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.
19Seat Belt Anchorages
The technical provisions of: Directive 76/115/EEC as last 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.
20Installation 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.
21Retro Reflectors
UNECE Regulation 3 or UNECE Regulation 150.
22End-outline, Front-Position (side), Rear-Position (side), Stop, Side Marker, Daytime Running Lamps
UNECE Regulation 7 or UNECE Regulation 148.
23Direction Indicators
UNECE Regulation 6 or UNECE Regulation 148.
24Rear registration Plate Lamps
UNECE Regulation 4 or UNECE Regulation 148.
25Headlamps (including bulbs)
UNECE Regulation 8, UNECE Regulation 20, UNECE Regulation 31, UNECE Regulation 98, UNECE Regulation 112, UNECE Regulation 123 or UNECE Regulation 149.
25ACornering Lamps (where fitted)
UNECE Regulation 119 or UNECE Regulation 149.
26Front Fog Lamps (where fitted)
UNECE Regulation 19 or UNECE Regulation 149.
27Towing Hooks
The technical provisions of: Annex II to Directive 77/389/EEC M1 as last amended by Directive 96/64/EC M2 .		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.
28Rear fog Lamps
UNECE Regulation 38 or UNECE Regulation 148.
29Reversing Lamps
UNECE Regulation 23 or UNECE Regulation 148.
30Parking Lamps (where fitted)
UNECE Regulation 7 or UNECE Regulation 148.
31Seat Belts
The technical provisions of Directive 77/541/EEC as last 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.
33Identification of Controls, Tell-tales and Indicators
The technical provisions of paragraph 5 of Annex I to Directive 78/316/EEC as last amended by Directive 93/91/EC M3 .
34Defrost/Demist
Vehicles must be fitted with adequate defrosting and demisting devices.	“Adequate” means sufficiently effective to ensure adequate visibility through the windscreen under all conditions.
35Wash/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.
36Heating Systems (if fitted)
The technical provisions of: Directive 2001/56/EC as last amended by 2006/119/EC, paragraph 3 of Annex II, and Annexes III, VII and VIII.
41Heavy Duty Emissions
1 Directive 2005/55/EC as last amended by Directive 2006/51/EC, Annex I, and Row B2 limit values.		1 Does not apply to vehicles approved under item 2.
2 Complete or completed vehicles manufactured on or after 1st September 2018: Regulation (EC) No 595/2009 Annex I limit values.		2 Modification of exhaust system length after the last silencer is permissible without any further test.
45Safety glass
Component: Directive 92/22/EEC as last 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.
Vehicle: The technical provisions of: Directive 92/22/EEC as last amended by Directive 2001/92/EC.		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.
		4 This item does not apply to armoured vehicles.
46Tyres
Directive 92/23/EEC as last amended by Directive 2005/11/EC, and UNECE Regulation 64.01 in 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.
48Masses and Dimensions
The technical provisions of: Directive 97/27/EC M4 as last amended by Directive 2003/19/EC M5 , paragraph 7 of Annex I.		Directive 97/27/EC, Annex I, paragraphs 7.3.3, 7.5, 7.9, 7.10 and 7.11 do not apply.
49External Projection of Cabs
The technical provisions of sections 3 and 4 of Annex I to Directive 92/114/EEC M6 .		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.
50Couplings 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 Commission Decision 2006/368/EC.
69Electrical Safety
Vehicle: The technical provisions of UNECE Regulation 100.01.

Marginal Citations

M1 OJ No. L 145, 13.6.1977, p. 41.

M2 OJ No. L 258, 11.10.1996, p. 26.

M3 OJ No. L 284, 19.11.1993, p. 25.

M4 OJ No. L 233, 25.8.1997, p. 1.

M5 OJ No. L 79, 26.3.2003, p. 6.

M6 OJ No. L 409, 31.12.1992, p. 17.