AFRICAN 
STANDARD  DARS  
1379  
First Edition 2020  
 
 Reference No. ARS 1379 :2020 (E) 
ICS 03.120.20; 43.020  
 
 
© ARSO 2020  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Definitions and classifications of power -driven vehicles and trailers  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DARS 1379 :2020  
ii © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
Table of contents  
 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  1 
3 Definitions of vehicles  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  1 
4 Classi fication of power -driven vehicles and trailers  ................................ ................................ ....... 2 
4.1 Category L: Motor vehicles two and three and four wheels  ................................ ..................  2 
4.2 Category M: Power -driven vehicles having at least four wheels and used for the carriage of 
 passengers  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  3 
4.3 Category N: Power -driven vehicles having at least four wheels and used for the carriage of 
 goods  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 4 
4.4 Category O: Trailers (including semi -trailers)  ................................ ................................ ........  4 
4.5 Special purpose vehicle  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  5 
4.6 Agricultural vehicles (Categories T, R and S)  ................................ ................................ ........  6 
4.7 Non-road mobile machinery ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 6 
4.8 Category G: Off -road vehicles  ................................ ................................ ...............................  6 
4.9 Definition of type of bodywork (only for complete/completed vehicles)  ................................ . 9 
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  12 
 
  DARS 1379 :2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  iii Foreword  
 
The African Organization for Standardization (ARS O) is an African intergovernmental organization 
established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Organization of 
African Unity (AU)  in 1977 . One of the fundamental mandates of ARSO is to develop and harmoniz e 
African Standards (ARS) for the purpose of enhancing Africa’s internal trading capacity, increase 
Africa’s product and service competitiveness globally and uplift the welfare of African communities. 
The work of preparing African  Standards is normally carr ied out through ARSO  technical committees. 
Each Member State  interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has 
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, Regional Economic 
Communities (RECs), governmental and non -governmental  organizations , in liaison with ARSO , also 
take part in the work.  
 
ARSO  Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.  
 
The main task of technical committees is to prepare ARSO  Standards. Draft ARSO  Standards 
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an 
ARSO  Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.  
 
Attention is drawn to the possibil ity that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of 
patent rights. ARSO  shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  
 
This African Standard was prepared by the ARSO Technical (Harmonization ) Committee Number  59 
on Automotive Technology and  Engineering ( ARSO/TC 59 ). 
 
 
 
© African Organisation for Standardisation  2020 — All rights reserved*  
 
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P. O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
 
Tel. +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
 
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org  
Web: www.arso -oran.org  
  
                                                 
*© 2020 ARSO — All rights of exploitation reserved worldwide for African Member States’ NSBs.  DARS 1379 :2020  
iv © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
Copyright notice  
 
This ARSO document is copyright -protected by ARSO. While the reproduction of this document 
by participants in the ARSO standards development process is permitted without prior 
permission from ARSO, neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored 
or trans mitted in any form for any other purpose without prior written permission from ARSO.  
 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document for the purpose of selling it should be 
addressed as shown below or to ARSO’s member body in the country of the request er: 
 
 
© African Organisation for Standardisation 20 20 — All rights reserved  
 
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P.O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
 
Tel: +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
 
 
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org  
Web: www.arso -oran.org  
 
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement. 
Violators  may be p rosecuted.  
 
 
  DARS 1379 :2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  v Introduction  
 
This document provides harmonized definitions and the classification used in the harmonized African 
Standards for vehicle standards in order to unify the understanding of the various categories available 
internationally .This document applies to all wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts which can be fitted 
and/or be used on wheeled vehicles. The establishment of the definitions of categories, masses and 
dimensions of vehicles will help to harmonize African Standards which improve the safety and 
environmental protection features of automobiles, and that will reduce development and 
manufacturing costs as well as the cost to consumers.  
 
 
 DARS 1379 :2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  1  
Definitions and classifications of power -driven vehicles and trailers  
 
 
1 Scope  
 
This African Standard provides  the general definitions and the classification s which apply to all 
wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts which can be fitted and/or be used on wheeled vehicles . 
 
2 Normative references  
 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies.  
 
ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78, Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles  (R.E.3)  
 
ISO 612, Road vehicles — Dimensions of motor vehicles and towed vehicles — Terms and definitions  
 
ISO 3833, Road Vehicles — Types — Terms and definitions  
 
3 Definitions of vehicles  
 
For the purpose of this standard the following definitions apply.  
 
3.1 
power -driven vehicle  
a self-propelled road vehicle, other than a moped in the territories of Contracting Parties which do not 
treat mopeds as motor cycles, and other than a rail -borne vehicle  
 
3.2 
motor vehicle  
a power -driven vehicle which is normally used for carrying persons or goods by road or for drawing, 
on the road, vehicles used for the carriage of persons or goods. This term embraces trolley -buses, 
that is to say, vehicles connected to an electric conductor and not rail -borne. It does not cover 
vehicles such as agricultu ral tractors, which are only incidentally used for carrying persons or goods 
by road or for drawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage of persons or goods  
 
3.3 
motor cycle  
a two-wheeled vehicle, with or without side -car,which is equipped with a p ropelling engine. 
Contracting Parties may also treat as motor cycles in their domestic legislation three -wheeled vehicles 
whose unladen mass does not exceed 400 kg. The term "motor cycle" does not include mopeds, 
although Contracting Parties may treat mope ds as motor cycles for the purpose of the Convention  
 
3.4 
moped  
a two-wheeled or three -wheeled vehicle which is fitted with an internal combustion engine having a 
cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cm3 and a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km per hour.  
 
3.5 
Trailer  
a non-self-propelled  vehicle, which is designed andconstructed to be towed by a power -driven  vehicle 
and includes semi -trailers  
 
3.6 
combination of vehicles  
coupled vehicles which travel on the road as a unit  AFRICAN STANDARD  DARS 1379 :2020  
2 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
3.7 
articulated vehicle  
a combination of vehicles comprising a motor vehicle and semi –trailer coupled to the motor vehicle  
 
3.8 
road tractor  
road motor vehicle designed, exclusively or primarily, to haul other road vehicles which are not power -
driven (mainly semi -trailers)  
 
3.9 
agricultural tractor  
a vehicle specifically designed to deliver a high tractive effort at slow speeds, for the purposes of 
hauling a trailer or machinery  
 
3.10 
manufacturer  
the person or body who is responsible to the Type Approval Authority (TAA) for all aspects of the type 
approval pr ocess and for ensuring the conformity of production. It is not essential that the person or 
body is directly involved in all stages of the construction of the vehicle or component which is the 
subject of the approval process  
 
3.11 
manufacturer ’s representative  
any natural or legal person established in the Community who is duly appointed by the manufacturer 
to represent him to the approval authority and to act on his behalf in matters covered by the UN 
Regulations requirements for approval ,and wh ere reference is made to the term ‘manufacturer’, it is 
to be understood as indicating either the manufacturer or his representative  
 
3.12 
component  
a device intended to be part of a vehicle, which may be approved independently of a vehicle where 
the UN re gulations makes express provisions for so doing  
 
3.13 
separate technical unit  
a device intended to be part of a vehicle, which may be approved separately, but only in relation to 
one or more specified types of vehicle where the UN regulations makes express  provisions for so 
doing  
 
3.14 
original parts or equipment  
parts or equipment which are manufactured according to the specifications and production standards 
provided by the vehicle manufacturer for the production of parts or equipment for the assembly of the 
vehicle in question. This includes parts or equipment which are manufactured on the same production 
line as these parts or equipment. It is presumed unless the contrary is proven, that parts constitute 
original parts if the part manufacturer certifies that the parts match the quality of the components used 
for the assembly of the vehicle in question and have been manufactured according to the Un 
regulations requirements and specifications and production standards of the vehicle manufacturer  
 
4 Classific ation of power -driven vehicles and trailers  
 
4.1 Category L : Motor vehicles two and three and four wheels  
 
4.1.1  Category L 1: A two -wheeled vehicle with an engine cylinder capacity in the case of a thermic 
engine not exceeding 50 cm3 and whatever the means of propulsion a maximum design speed not 
exceeding 50 km/h.  
 DARS 1379 :2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  3 4.1.2  Category L 2:A three -wheeled vehicle of any wheel arrangement with an engine cylinder 
capacity in the case of a thermic engine not exceeding 50 cm3 and whatever the means of propulsion 
a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h.  
 
4.1.3  Category L 3: A two -wheeled vehicle with an engine cylinder capacity in the case of a thermic 
engine exceeding 50 cm3 or whatever the means of propulsion a maximum design speed exceeding 
50 km/h.  
 
4.1.4  Category L 4: A vehicle with three wheels asymmetrically arranged in relation to the 
longitudinal median plane with an engine cylinder capacity in the case of a thermic e ngine exceeding 
50 cm3 or whatever the means of propulsion a maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h (motor 
cycles with sidecars).  
 
4.1.5  Category L 5: A vehicle with three wheels symmetrically arranged in relation to the 
longitudinal median plane with an engine cylinder capacity in the case of a thermic engine exceeding 
50 cm3 or whatever the means of propulsion a maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h.   
 
4.1.6  Category L 6: A vehicle with four wheels whose unladen mass is not more than 350 kg, not 
including the mass of the batteries in case of electric vehicles, whose maximum design speed is not 
more than 45 km/h, and whose engine cylinder capacity does not exceed 50 cm3 for spark (positive) 
ignition engines, or whose maximum net power output does not exceed 4 kW in the case of other 
internal combustion engines, or whose maximum continuous rated power does not exceed 4 kW in 
the case of electric engines.  
 
4.1.7  Category L 7: A vehicle with four wheels, other than that classified for the category L 6, whose 
unladen mass is not more than 400 kg (550 kg for vehicles intended for carrying goods), not including 
the mass of batteries in the case of electric vehicles and whose maximum continuous rated power 
does not exceed 15 kW.  
 
4.2 Category M : Power -driven vehicles having at least four wheels and used for the 
carriage of passengers  
 
4.2.1  Category M 1: Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers and comprising not more than 
eight seats in addition to the driver's seat.  
 
4.2.2  Category M 2: Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than eight seats 
in addition to the driver's seat, and having a maximum mass not exceeding 5 tonnes.  
 
4.2.3  Category M 3: Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than eight  seats 
in addition to the driver's seat, and having a maximum mass exceeding 5 tonnes.  
 
4.2.4  Vehicles of categories M 2 and M 3 belong to:  
 
4.2.4.1  For vehicles having a capacity exceeding 22 passengers in addition to the driver, there are 
three classes of vehicles:  
 
4.2.4.1.1 Class I: Vehicles constructed with areas for standing passengers, to allow frequent 
passenger movement.  
 
4.2.4.1.2 Class II:  Vehicles constructed principally for the carriage of seated passengers, and 
designed to allow the carriage of standing passengers in the gangway and/or in an area which does 
not exceed the space provided for two double seats.  
 
4.2.4.1.3 Class III:  Vehicl es constructed exclusively for the carriage of seated passengers.  
 
4.2.4.1.4 A vehicle may be regarded as belonging in more than one class. In such a case it may be 
approved for each class to which it corresponds.  
 
4.2.4.2  For vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers in addition to the driver, there 
are two classes of vehicles:  DARS 1379 :2020  
4 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
4.2.4.2.1Class A:  Vehicles designed to carry standing passengers; a vehicle of this class has seats 
and shall have provisions for sta nding passengers.  
 
4.2.4.2.2Class B:  Vehicles not designed to carry standing passengers; a vehicle of this class has no 
provision for standing passengers.  
 
4.2.5  Remarks  
 
4.2.5.1  Articulated bus or coach  is a vehicle which consists of two or more rigid sections which 
articulate relative to one another; the passengers compartments of each section intercommunicate so 
that passengers can move freely between them; the rigid sections are permanently connected so that 
they can only be separated by an operation involving facilities which abnormally only found in 
workshop.  
 
4.2.5.2  Articulated buses or coaches comprising two or more non -separable but articulated units shall 
be considered as single vehicles.  
 
4.2.5.3 In the case of a towing vehicle designed to be coupled to a semi -trailer (tractor for semi -
trailer), the mass to be considered for classifying the vehicle is the mass of the tractor vehicle in 
running trim, increased by the mass corresponding to the m aximum static vertical load transferred to 
the tractor vehicle by the semi -trailer and, where applicable, by the maximum mass of the tractor 
vehicle's own load.  
 
4.2.5.4  Mass of a vehicle in running order  means the mass of an unladen vehicle with bodywork, 
and with coupling device in the case of a towing vehicle, or the mass of the chassis with cab if the 
manufacturer does not fit the bodywork and/or coupling device, including coolant, oils, 90 per cent of  
fuel, 100 per cent of other liquids except used waters, tools, spare wheel, driver (75 kg) and, for buses 
and coaches, the mass of the crew member (75 kg) if there is a crew seat in the vehicle.  
 
4.3 Category N : Power -driven vehicles having at least four  wheels and used for the 
carriage of goods  
 
4.3.1  Category N 1: Vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having amaximum mass not 
exceeding 3.5 tonnes.  
 
4.3.2  Category N 2: Vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having amaximum mass exceeding 
3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes.  
 
4.3.3  Category N 3: Vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having amaximum mass exceeding 
12 tonnes.  
 
4.3.4  Remarks  
 
4.3.4.1  In the case of a towing vehicle designed to be coupled to a semi -trailer (tractor for semi -
trailer), the mass to be considered for classifying the vehicle is the mass of the tractor vehicle in 
running trim, increased by the mass corresponding to the maximum stati c vertical load transferred to 
the tractor vehicle by the semi -trailer and, where applicable, by the maximum mass of the tractor 
vehicles own load.  
 
4.3.4.2  The equipment and installations carried on certain special purpose vehicles (crane vehicles, 
works hop vehicles, publicity vehicles, etc.) are regarded as being equivalent to goods.  
 
4.4 Category O : Trailers (including semi -trailers)  
 
4.4.1  Category O 1: Trailers with a maximum mass not exceeding 0.75 tonnes.  
 
4.4.2  Category O 2: Trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 0.75 tonnes, but not exceeding 3.5 
tonnes.  
 DARS 1379 :2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  5 4.4.3  Category O 3: Trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes, but not exceeding 10 
tonnes.  
 
4.4.4  Category O 4: Trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 10 tonnes.  
 
4.4.5  Furthermore, trailers of categories O 2, O3 and O 4 are of one of the three following types:  
 
4.4.5.1  Semi -trailer:  A towed vehicle, in which the axle(s) is (are) positioned behind the centre of 
gravity of the vehicle (when uniformly loaded), and which is equipped with a connecting device 
permitting horizontal and vertical forces to be transmitted to the towing vehicle . One or more of the 
axles may be driven by the towing vehicle.  
 
4.4.5.2  Full trailer:  A towed vehicle having at least two axles, and equipped with a towing device 
which can move vertically (in relation to the trailer) and controls the direction of the front axle(s), but 
which transmits no significant static load to the towing vehicle. One or more of the axles may be 
driven by the towing vehicle.  
 
4.4.5.3  Centre -axle trailer:  A towed vehicle, equipped with a towing device which cannot move 
vertically (in relation to the trailer) and in which the axle(s) is (are) positioned close to the cent re of 
gravity of the vehicle (when uniformly loaded) such that only a small static vertical load, not exceeding 
10 per centof that corresponding to the maximum mass of the trailer or a load of 1,000 daN  (1000 kg)1 
(whichever is the lesser) is transmitted to the towing vehicle. One or more of the axles may be driven 
by the towing vehicle.  
 
4.4.6  Remark  
 
In the case of a semi -trailer or centre -axle trailer, the maximum mass to be considered for classifying 
the trail er corresponds to the static vertical load transmitted to the ground by the axle or axles of the 
semi -trailer or centre -axle trailer when coupled to the towing vehicle and carrying its maximum load.  
 
4.5 Special purpose vehicle  
 
A vehicle of category M, N or O for conveying passengers or goods and for performing a special 
function for which special body arrangements and/or equipment are necessary.  
 
4.5.1  Motor caravan:  A special purpose M 1 category vehicle constructed to include 
accommodation space which contains at least the following equipment:  
 
(a) Seats and table;  
 
(b) Sleeping accommodation which may be converted from the seats;  
 
(c) Cooking facilities; and  
 
(d) Storage facilities.  
 
This equipment shall be rigidly fixed to the living compartment; however, the table may be designed to 
be easily removable.  
 
4.5.2  Armoured vehicle: Vehicle intended for the protection of conveyed passengers and/or goods 
and complying with armour plating anti-bullet requirements.  
 
4.5.3  Ambulance: Motor vehicle of category M intended for the transport of sick or injured people 
and having special equipment for such purpose.  
 
4.5.4  Hearse:  Motor vehicle intended for the transport of deceased people and having special 
equipment for such purpose.  
 
                                                 
11 dekanewton (daN) = 10 N; 1 kg = 9.80665N ≈ 10 N; hence 1 daN ≈ 1 kg  DARS 1379 :2020  
6 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  4.6 Agricultural vehicles (Categories T, R and S)  
 
4.6.1  Category T :Motorised,  wheeled or 1tracked agricultural or forestry vehicle having at least two 
axles and a maximum design speed of not less than 6 km/h, the main function of which lies in its 
tractive power and which has been especially designed to pull, push, carry and actuate certain 
interchangeable equipment designed to perform agricultural or forestry work, or to tow agricultural or 
forestry trailers or equipment; it may be adapted to carry a load in the context of agricultural or 
forestry work and/or may be equipped with one or more pa ssenger seats.  
 
4.6.2  Category R — Agricultural trailer:  agricultural or forestry vehicle intended mainly to be 
towed by a tractor and intended mainly to carry loads or to process materials and where the ratio of 
the technically permissible maximum laden mass to the unladen mass of that vehicle is equal to or 
greater than 3.0.  
 
4.6.3  Category S — Interchangeable towed equipment: means any vehicle used in agriculture or 
forestry which is designed to be towed by a tractor, changes or adds to its functions, permanently 
incorporates an implement or is designed to process materials, which may  include a load platform 
designed and constructed to receive any tools and appliances needed for those purposes and to store 
temporarily any materials produced or needed during work and where the ratio of the technically 
permissible maximum laden mass to t he unladen mass of that vehicle is less than 3.0.  
 
4.7 Non-road mobile machinery  
 
Any mobile machine, transportable industrial equipment or vehicle with or without body work, not 
intended for the use of passenger - or goods -transport on the road, in which an internal combustion 
engine is installed.  
 
4.8 Category G :Off-road vehicles  
 
4.8.1 Definition  
 
Off-road vehicles are considered to be the vehicles of categories M and N satisfying the requirements 
of this paragraph, checked under the conditions indicated in paragraphs 4.8.2. and 4.8.3.  
 
4.8.1.1  Vehicles in category N 1 with a maximum mass not exceeding 2 tonnes and vehicles in 
category M1 are considered to be off -road vehicles if they have:  
 
(a) At least one front axle and at least one rear axle designed to be driven simultaneously 
including vehicles where the drive to one axle can be disengaged;  
 
(b) At least one differential locking mechanism or at least one mechanism having a similar effect; 
and  
 
(c) If they can climb a 30 per cent gradient calculated for a solo vehicle;  
 
(d) In addition, they shall satisfy a least five of the following six requirements:  
 
(i) The approach angle shall be at least 25°;  
 
(ii) The departure angle shall be at lea st 20°;  
 
(iii) The ramp angle shall be at least 20°;  
 
(iv) The ground clearance under the front axle shall be at least180 mm;  
 
(v) The ground clearance under the rear axle shall be at least180 mm;  
 
(vi) The ground clearance between the axles shall be at least200 mm.  
 DARS 1379 :2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  7 4.8.1.2  Vehicles in category N 1 with a maximum mass exceeding 2 tonnes or in category N 2, M 2 or M 3 
with a maximum mass not exceeding 12 tonnes are considered to be off -road vehicles either if all 
their wheels are designed to be driven simultaneously, including vehicles where the drive to one axle 
can be disengaged, or if the following three requirement s are satisfied:  
 
(a) At least one front axle and at least one rear axle are designed to be driven simultaneously, 
including vehicles where the drive to one axle can be disengaged;  
 
(b) There is at least one differential locking mechanism or at least one  mechanism having a 
similar effect;  
 
(c) They can climb a 25 per cent gradient calculated for a solo vehicle.  
 
4.8.1.3  Vehicles in category M 3 with a maximum mass exceeding 12 tonnes or in category N 3 are 
considered to be off -road either if the wheels are designed to be driven simultaneously, including 
vehicles where the drive to one axle can be disengaged, or if the following requirements are satisfied:  
 
(a) At least half the wheels are driven;  
 
(b) There is at least one differential locking mechanism or at least one mechanism having a 
similar effect;  
 
(c) They can climb a 25 per cent gradient calculated for a solo vehicle;  
 
(d) At least four of the following six requirements are satisfied:  
 
(i) The approach angle shall be at least 25°;  
 
(ii) The departure angle shall be at least 25°;  
 
(iii) The ramp angle shall be at least 25°;  
 
(iv) The ground clearance under the front axle shall be at least 250 mm;  
 
(v) The ground clearance between the axle s shall be at least 300 mm;  
 
(vi) The ground clearance under the rear axle shall be at least 250 mm.  
 
4.8.2  Load and checking conditions  
 
4.8.2.1  Vehicles in category N1 with a maximum mass not exceeding two tonnes and vehicles in 
category M1 shall be in running order, namely with coolant fluid, lubricants, fuel, tools, spare -wheel 
and a driver considered to weigh a standard 75 kilograms.  
 
4.8.2.2  Power -driven vehicles other than those referred to in paragraph 4.8.2.1. shall be loaded to the 
technically permissible maximum mass stated by the manufacturer.  
 
4.8.2.3  The ability to climb the required gradients (25 per cent and 30 per cent) is verified  by simple 
calculation. In exceptional cases, however, the Technical Services may ask for a vehicle of the type 
concerned to be submitted to it for an actual test.  
 
4.8.2.4  When measuring front and rear incidence angles and ramp angles, no account is take n of 
underrun protective devices . 
 
4.8.3  Definitions and sketches of front and rear incidence angles, ramp angle and ground 
clearance  
 
4.8.3.1  Approach angle — see Standard ISO 612, term No. 6.10.  
 DARS 1379 :2020  
8 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
 
4.8.3.2  Departure angle — see Standard ISO 612, term No. 6.11.  
 
 
 
4.8.3.3  Ramp angle — see Standard ISO 612, term No. 6.9.  
 
 
 
4.8.3.4  Ground clearance between the axles:  means the shortest distance between the ground 
plane and the lowest fixed point of the vehicle.  
 
 
 
4.8.3.5  Ground clearance beneath one axle:  means the distance beneath the highest point of the 
arc of a circle passing through the centre of the tyre footprint of the wheels on one axle (the inner 
wheels in the case of twin tyres) and touching the lowest fixed poi nt of the vehicle between the 
wheels.  
 
No rigid part of the vehicle may project into the shaded area of the diagram.  
 
Where appropriate, the ground clearance of several axles is indicated in accordance with their 
arrangement, for example 280/250/250.  
 
DARS 1379 :2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  9  
 
4.8.4  Combined designation  
 
Symbols M and N may be combined with symbol G. For example, a vehicle of category N 1 which is 
suited for off -road use may be designated as N 1G.  
 
4.9 Definition of type of bodywork (only for complete/completed vehicles)  
 
The type of bodywork may be indicated by the following codification:  
 
4.9.1  Passenger cars (M 1) 
 
4.9.1.1  AA Saloon  
 
Standard ISO 3833, term No. 3.1.1.1., but including also vehicles with more than 4 side windows.  
 
3.1.1.1  Saloon  
(sedan)  
 
NOTE  If the 
two side 
windows are 
not divided by 
a central pillar, 
this car may 
be called 
“coach”.  Body  
Closed, with or without central 
pillar to side windows.  
 
Hood/Roof  
Fixed, rigid roof. A portion of the 
roof may, however, be 
openable.  
 
Accommodation  
4 or more seats in at least 2 
rows.  
 
Doors  
2 or 4 side doors. There may 
also be a rear opening.  
 
Windows  
4 side windows.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.9.1.2  AB Hatchback  
 
Saloon (AA) with a hatch at the rear end of the vehicle.  
 
  
DARS 1379 :2020  
10 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  4.9.1.3  AC Station Wagon (Estate car)  
 
Standard ISO 3833, term No. 3.1.1.4.  
 
3.1.1.4  Station 
wagon  
 
 Body  
 
Closed.  
Rear shape is designed in orderto give a 
larger interior volume.  
 
Hood/Roof  
Fixed, rigid roof. A portion ofthe roof may, 
however, beopenable.  
 
Accommodation  
4 or more seats in at least2 rows.  
The row or rows of seats mayhave forward -
foldable backs orbe removable to provide a 
loadplatform.  
 
Doors  
2 or 4 side doors and a rearopening.  
 
Windows  
4 or more side windows.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.9.1.4  AD Coupé  
 
Standard ISO 3833, term No. 3.1.1.5.  
 
3.1.1.5  AD Coupé  
 
 Body  
 
Closed.  
Usually, limited rear volume.  
 
Hood/Roof  
Fixed, rigid roof. A portion ofthe roof may, 
however, beopenable.  
 
Accommodation  
2 or more seats in at least1 row.  
 
Doors  
2 side doors. There may also bea rear opening.  
 
Windows  
2 or more side windows.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.9.1.5  AE Convertible  
 
Standard ISO 3833, term No. 3.1.1.6.  
 
3.1.1. 6 convertible  
(open tourer)  
(roadster)  
(spider)  Body  
Openable.  
 
Hood/Roof  
The roof, soft or rigid, has at least2 positions: in 
the first one itcovers the body; in the secondone 
it is retracted.  
 
Accommodation  
2 or more seats in at least1 row.  
 
Doors  
2 or 4 side doors.  
 
Windows  
2 or more side windows.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DARS 1379 :2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  11 4.9.1.6  AF Multi -purpose vehicle Motor vehicle other than those mentioned in AA to AC intended for 
carrying passengers and their luggage or goods, in a single compartment. However, if such a vehicle 
meets both of the following conditions it is not considered to be a vehicle of category M 1:  
 
(a) The number of seating positions, excluding the driver,  is not more than six. A " seating 
position " shall be regarded as existing if the vehicle is provided with " accessible " seat 
anchorages. " Accessible " shall mean those anchorages to which can be used. In order to 
prevent anchorages being " accessible " the man ufacturer shall physically obstruct their use, 
for example by welding over cover plates or by fitting similar permanent fixtures which cannot 
be removed by use of normally available tools; and  
 
(b) P - (M + N x 68) > N x 68  
 
Where:  
 
P = technically permissible maximum laden mass in kg  
 
M = mass in running order in kg  
 
N = number of seating positions excluding the driver.  
 
4.9.2 Special purpose vehicles (M 1) 
 
4.9.2.1  SA Motor caravan: see 4.5.1.  
 
4.9.2.2  SB Armoured vehicle: see 4.5.2.  
 
4.9.2.3  SC Ambulance: see 4.5.3.  
 
4.9.2.4  SD Hearse: see 4.5.4. 
 
 
  DARS 1379 :2020  
12 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Bibliography  
 
TRANS/WP.29/1045 :2005 , Special Resolution No. 1Concerning the common definitions of vehicle 
categories,masses and dimensions (S.R. 1)  
 
ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78 /Rev.6:2017 , Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles  (R.E.3)  
 
ISO 612 :1978 , Road vehicles — Dimensions of motor vehicles and towed vehicles — Terms and 
definitions  
 
ISO 3833 :1977 , Road Vehicles — Types — Terms and definitions  
 
 
 DARS 1379 :2020 
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved