ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺒﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺨﻠﻴﺞ ﻟﺩﻭل ﺍﻟﺘﻌﺎﻭﻥ  ﻤﺠﻠﺱ ﻟﺩﻭل  ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻴﻴﺱ  ﻫﻴﺌﺔ 
GCC STANDARDIZATION ORGANIZATION (GSO) 
 
 
 
 
 
  ﻨﻬﺎﺌﻲ:  ﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ
 
 
 
 
GSO2/1/FDS/…….: 2009  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ﺇﻋﺩﺍﺩ
 ﻟﻘﻁﺎﻉ ﺍﻟﺨﻠﻴﺠﻴﺔ  ﺍﻟﻔﺭﻋﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻔﻨﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻠﺠﻨﺔ  ﻭﺍﻹﻁﺎﺭﺍﺕ  ﺍﻟﻤﺭﻜﺒﺎﺕ  ﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺎﺕ  
 
 
 
 
ﻗﻴﺎﺴ ﻟﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺔ  ﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ  ﺍﻟﻭﺜﻴﻘﺔ ﻫﺫﻩ  ﻓﺈﻨﻬﺎ ﻟﺫﻟﻙ ﺒﺸﺄﻨﻬﺎ، ﻭﺍﻟﻤﻠﺤﻭﻅﺎﺕ  ﺍﻟﺭﺃﻱ ﻹﺒﺩﺍﺀ ﺘﻭﺯﻴﻌﻬﺎ  ﺘﻡ ﺨﻠﻴﺠﻴﺔ ﻴﺔ
 ﻤﺠﻠﺱ ﻤﻥ ﺍﻋﺘﻤﺎﺩﻫﺎ ﺒﻌﺩ ﺇﻻ ﺨﻠﻴﺠﻴﺔ ﻗﻴﺎﺴﻴﺔ ﻜﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺔ  ﺇﻟﻴﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﺭﺠﻭﻉ  ﻴﺠﻭﺯ ﻭﻻ ﻭﺍﻟﺘﺒﺩﻴل،  ﻟﻠﺘﻐﻴﻴﺭ ﻋﺭﻀﺔ
ﺍﻟﻬﻴﺌﺔ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ.ﺍﻟﻜﺒﻴﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺭﻜﺎﺏ  ﻟﺤﺎﻓﻼﺕ  ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﺘﺼﻤﻴﻡ  
ﺍﻟﺜﺎﻨﻲ ﺍﻟﺠﺯﺀ :  ﻤﻥ ﺃﻗل ﺘﺤﻤل ﺤﺎﻓﻼﺕ22ﺭﺍﻜﺏ   
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION OF LARGE PASSENGER 
VEHICLES 
22 exceeding  not Buses designed for the carriage of persons : 2 PART 
passengers GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 2 
ﺘﻘﺩﻴﻡ
ﻋﻀﻭﻴﺘﻬﺎ  ﻓﻲ ﺘﻀﻡ ﺇﻗﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ ﻫﻴﺌﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺒﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺨﻠﻴﺞ ﻟﺩﻭل ﺍﻟﺘﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﻤﺠﻠﺱ ﻟﺩﻭل ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻴﻴﺱ ﻫﻴﺌﺔ  ﺍﻷﺠﻬﺯﺓ  
 ﺍﻟﻘﻴﺎﺴﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺎﺕ  ﺇﻋﺩﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﻬﻴﺌﺔ ﻤﻬﺎﻡ ﻭﻤﻥ ، ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺒﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺨﻠﻴﺞ ﺩﻭل ﻓﻲ ﻭﺍﻟﻤﻘﺎﻴﻴﺱ  ﻟﻠﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺎﺕ  ﺍﻟﻭﻁﻨﻴﺔ
 ﻤﺘﺨﺼﺼﺔ  ﻓﻨﻴﺔ ﻟﺠﺎﻥ ﺒﻭﺍﺴﻁﺔ ﺍﻟﺨﻠﻴﺠﻴﺔ  . 
  
 ﺍﻟﻔﻨﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻠﺠﻨﺔ ﻋﻤل ﺒﺭﻨﺎﻤﺞ ﻀﻤﻥ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺒﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺨﻠﻴﺞ ﻟﺩﻭل ﺍﻟﺘﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﻤﺠﻠﺱ ﻟﺩﻭل ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻴﻴﺱ ﻫﻴﺌﺔ ﻗﺎﻤﺕ ﻭﻗﺩ
ﺭﻗﻡ2-1  "ﺍﻟﺨﻠﻴﺠ ﺍﻟﻔﻨﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻹﻁﺎﺭﺍﺕﺍﻟﻠﺠﻨﺔ  ﺍﻟﻤﺭﻜﺒﺎﺕ  ﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺎﺕ  ﻟﻘﻁﺎﻉ ﺍﻟﻔﺭﻋﻴﺔ ﻴﺔ "   ﺒﺈﻋﺩﺍﺩ  ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺔ  
ﺭﻗﻡ "2009 . … / FDS/ 1 / 2 GSO "  ﺍﻟﻜﺒﻴﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺭﻜﺎﺏ ﻟﺤﺎﻓﻼﺕ  ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﺘﺼﻤﻴﻡ – ﺍﻟﺠﺯﺀ ﺍﻟﺜﺎﻨﻲ : ﺤﺎﻓﻼﺕ
 ﺃﻗلﺘﺤﻤل ﻤﻥ 22  ﺭﺍﻜﺏ "  ﺒﺈﻋﺩﺍﺩ  ﻗﺒل ﻤﻥ ﺍﻟﺨﻠﻴﺠﻴﺔ  ﺍﻟﻘﻴﺎﺴﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺔ  ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﺒﺤﺭﻴﻥ  ﻤﻤﻠﻜﺔ  ﺘﻡ ﻭﻗﺩ 
ﺒﻌﺩ ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ  ﺇﻋﺩﺍﺩ  ﺍﻟﻤﺭﺠﻌﻴﺔ  ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺅﻟﻔﺎﺕ  ﻭﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻴﺔ  ﻭﺍﻷﺠﻨﺒﻴﺔ  ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺒﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻘﻴﺎﺴﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺎﺕ  ﺍﺴﺘﻌﺭﺍﺽ 
ﺍﻟﺼﻠﺔ ﺫﺍﺕ  . 
   
     ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺔ  ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻋﺘﻤﺩﺕ  ﻭﻗﺩ    ﺨﻠﻴﺠﻴﺔ ﻓﻨﻴﺔ ﻜﻼﺌﺤﺔ           ﺭﻗﻡ ﺍﻟﻬﻴﺌﺔ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﻤﺠﻠﺱ ﺍﺠﺘﻤﺎﻉ ﻓﻲ             
. ﻡ         /      /      ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﻓﻕ  ، ﻫـ      /      /      ﺒﺘﺎﺭﻴﺦ ﻋﻘﺩ ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ،  )          (
 
Foreword 
 
 
Standardization Organization for GCC (G SO) is a regional Organization which 
consists of the National Standards Bodies of GCC member States. One of GSO 
main functions is to issue Gulf Standards /Technical regulation through 
specialized technical committees (TCs). 
 
GSO through the technical pr ogram of committee TC No . 2-1 "  The Gulf 
technical Subcommittee for vehicles and tyres standards " has prepared this 
Standard .  The Draft Standard has b een prepared by Kingdom Of Bahrain .  
 
 The draft Standard has been prepared  based on relevant ADMO, International 
and National foreign Sta ndards and references. 
 
This standard has been approved as Gulf  Standard by GSO Board of Directors in 
its meeting No..../....  …….held on    /    /   /  H ,  /    /   G 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 3GENERAL CONSTRUCTION OF LARGE PASSENGER VEHICLES 
PART 2:  Buses designed for the carriage of persons not exceeding 22 
passengers  
 
 
 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 Page  
 
1. Scope .....................................................................................................................    4 
 
2.  Complementary  references ………………………………………………………   4 
 
3. Definitions .............................................................................................................    4 
 
3. Specifications ........................................ ................................................................   10 
 
 
 
ANNEXES 
 
 
Annex 1  - Explanatory diagrams 
 
Annex 2  - Guidelines for measuring the closing forces of power-operated doors GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 41. SCOPE 
 
  This Regulation applies to sing le-deck rigid vehicles designed and 
constructed for the carriage of seated  or standing persons and having a 
capacity not exceeding 22 passengers in addition to the driver. 
 
 
2.                       COMPLEMENTARY REFERENCES 
 
2.1   GS0 48 / 1984 “ Motor Vehicl es Conformity Certificate”  
 
 
3.  DEFINITIONS 
 
  For the purposes of this Regulation: 
 
3.1. " Vehicle " means a single-deck vehicle of ca tegory designed and constructed 
for the carriage of seated, or seated  and standing persons and having a 
capacity not exceeding 22 passengers in addition to the driver. 
 
  There are two classes of vehicles: 
 
3.1.1.  Class A : Vehicles designed to carry stan ding passengers; a vehicle of this 
class has seats and may have pr ovision for standing passengers. 
 
3.1.2.  Class B : Vehicles not designed to carry sta nding passengers; a vehicle of this 
class has no provisions for standing passengers. 
 
3.1.3.  " Low floor vehicle " means a vehicle in which at least 35 per cent of the area 
available for standing passengers forms a single area without steps, reached 
through at least one service door by a single step from the ground. 
 
3.2.  " Vehicle type"  means a category of vehicles which do not differ essentially 
with regard to the constructional features specified in this Regulation. 
 
3.3.  " Service door " means a door used by passenge rs in normal circumstances 
with the driver seated. 
 
3.4.  " Double door " means a door affording two, or the equivalent of two, access 
passages. 
 
3.5.  " Emergency door " means a door additional to the service doors intended for 
use by passengers as an exit only excep tionally and, in particular, in an 
emergency. 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 53.7.  " Emergency window " means a window, not necessa rily glazed, intended for 
use as an exit by passengers in an emergency only. 
 
3.8.  " Double window " means an emergency window which, when divided into 
two by an imaginary vertical line (or plane), exhibits two parts each of which 
complies as to dimensions and access with the requirements applicable to a normal emergency window. 
 
3.9.  " Escape hatch " means a roof-opening intended for use as an exit by 
passengers in an emergency only. 
 
3.10.  " Emergency exit " means an emergency door, emergency window or escape 
hatch. 
 
3.11.  " Exit" means a service door or emergency exit. 
 
3.12.  " Sliding door " means a door, which can be opened or closed only by sliding 
it along one or more rectilinear or approximately rectilinear rails. 
 
3.13.  " Floor or deck " means that part of th e bodywork whose upper surface 
supports standing passengers, the feet of seated passengers and of the driver, 
and seat mountings. 
 
3.14.  " Gangway " means the space providing access by passengers from any seat 
or row of seats to any other seat or  row of seats or to any access passage 
from or to any service door; it does not include: 
 
3.14.1.  the space required to accommodate  the feet of seated passengers; 
 
3.14.2.  the space above the surface of any step or staircase; or 
 
3.14.3.  any space which affords access solely to one seat or to one row of seats. 
 
3.15.  " Access passage " means the space extending inwards into the vehicle from 
the service door up to the outermost ed ge of the upper step (edge of the 
gangway).  Where there is no step at th e door, the space to be considered as 
access passage shall be that which is measured according to paragraph 4.7.1.1. up to a distance of 30 cm from the starting position of the inner face 
of the dual panel. 
 
3.16.  " Driver's compartment " means the space intended for the driver's exclusive 
use, except in emergency, and containing the steering wheel, controls, instruments and other devices neces sary for driving the vehicle. 
 
3.17. " Unladen kerb mass " (MK) (kg) means the mass of the vehicle in running 
order, unoccupied and unladen but with  the addition of 75 kg for the mass of GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 6the driver, the mass of fuel correspo nding to 90 per cent of the capacity of 
the fuel tank specified by the manuf acturer, and the masses of coolant, 
lubricant, tools and spare wheel, if any. 
 
3.17.1.  " Unladen mass " (MV) (kg) means the unladen kerb mass (MK) (kg) of the 
vehicle as defined in paragraph 2.17., with the addition of 75 kg for the mass 
of the crew member corresponding to th e seat, if any, specially assigned to 
this crew member as described in paragraph 4.7.1.8.  The vehicle shall be 
complete with 90 per cent of the cap acity of all additional liquid tanks 
(e.g. fuel for combustion heaters, screen  washers, etc.).  Where facilities 
such as a kitchen or toilet are fitted , the fresh water tanks shall be full and 
the waste tanks empty. 
 
3.18.  " Technical maximum mass " means the technically permissible maximum 
mass declared by the manufacturer of  the vehicle.  (This mass may be 
greater than the "permissible maximum mass" to be prescribed by national 
administrations). 
 
3.19.  " Technically permissible maximum axle mass " means that part of the 
technically permissible maximum mass of the vehicle, declared by the 
manufacturer, which results in the verti cal force at the road surface in the 
contact area on the wheel/wheels of an axle.  This mass may be greater than 
the maximum permissible axle mass au thorized by national administrations. 
 
  The sum of all technically permissi ble maximum axle masses of the vehicle 
may be greater than the technically  permissible maximum mass of that 
vehicle. 
 
3.20.  " Passenger " means a person other than the dr iver or a member of the crew. 
 
3.20.1.  " Passenger with reduced mobility " means all passengers who have a special 
difficulty when using public transport,  especially elderly and disabled 
people.  Reduced mobility does not n ecessarily imply any form of medical 
impairment. 
 
3.21.  " Passenger compartment " means the space intended for passengers use 
excluding any space occupied by fixed appliances such as bars, kitchenettes or toilets or luggage compartment. 
 
3.22.  " Automatically operated service door " means a power-operated service door 
which can be opened (other than by m eans of emergency controls) only after 
a control is operated by a passenger, and after activa tion of the controls by 
the driver, and which clos es again automatically. 
 
3.23.  " Starting prevention device " means a device which prevents the vehicle 
being driven away from rest when a door is not fully closed. GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 7 
3.24.  " Driver operated service door " means a service door which normally is 
opened and closed by the driver. 
 
3.25. Unless otherwise stated, all measurements  shall be made when the vehicle is 
at its unladen kerb mass (MK) (kg) and it is standing on a smooth and 
horizontal ground surface.  If a kneeling system is fitted to the vehicle, it 
shall not be in operation. 
 
3.26.  Wherever there is a requirement in  this Regulation for a surface in the 
vehicle to be horizontal or at a specif ic angle when the vehicle is at its 
unladen kerb mass (MK) (kg), in the case of a vehicle with mechanical 
suspension, the surface may exceed this slope or possess a slope when the 
vehicle is at its unladen kerb mass (MK)  (kg), provided that  this requirement 
is met when the vehicle is in the loading condition declared by the manufacturer.  If a kneeling system is f itted to the vehicle, it shall not be in 
operation. 
 
4.  SPECIFICATIONS 
 
4.1.  Load distribution between axles and loading conditions
 
4.1.1.  The load distribution of a statio nary vehicle on level ground shall be 
determined in two conditions: 
 
4.1.1.1. unladen, as specified in paragraph 4.1.3., and 
 
4.1.1.2. laden, as specified in paragraph 4.1.4. 
 
4.1.2.  The front axle (or axles) shall carry not less than the percentage of mass 
shown in the table below: 
 
Loading Conditions Class A Class B 
Unladen 20 25 
Laden 25 25 
 
4.1.3.  Unladen, for the purpose of this pa ragraph (4.1.) and paragraph 4.3., means 
the vehicle in the condition described in paragraph 2.17.1. 
 
4.1.4.  Laden, for the purpose of this paragr aph (4.1.), means the vehicle unladen as 
described in paragraph 4.1.3. with the addition of a mass Q on each 
passenger seat, a number, correspondi ng to the authorized number of 
standing passengers, of mass Q unif ormly distributed over the area S 1, a 
mass equal to B uniformly distribute d in the baggage compartments and, 
where appropriate, a mass equal to BX uniformly distributed over the 
surface area of the roof equipped for the carriage of baggage (MT) (kg). GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 8 
4.1.5.  The values of Q for the different cl asses of vehicles are specified in  
paragraph 4.3.2. 
 
4.1.6.  B (kg) shall have a numeric al value not less than 100 V (m3). 
 
4.1.7.  BX shall exert a pressure  of not less than 75 kg/m2 over the whole surface 
area of the roof equipped for the carriage of baggage. 
 
4.2.  Area available for passengers
 
4.2.1.  The total surface area S o available for passengers is calculated by deducting 
from the total area of the vehicle: 
 
4.2.1.1. the area of the driver's compartment; 
 
4.2.1.2. the area of steps at doors and the ar ea of any step with  a depth of less  
than 30 cm; 
 
4.2.1.3. the area of any part over which the ve rtical clearance is  less than 135 cm 
measured from the floor, according to paragraph 4.7.8. and disregarding 
intrusions permitted.  In the case of  vehicles to which paragraph 4.7.1.9. 
applies, this dimension may be reduced to 120 cm. 
 
4.2.2.  The surface area S 1 available for standing passengers (only in the case of 
class A vehicles) is calc ulated by deducting from S o: 
 
4.2.2.1. the area of all parts of the floor in which the slope exceeds 8 per cent; 
 
4.2.2.2. the area of all parts which are not accessible to a standing passenger when all 
the seats are occupied; with the exception of folding seats; 
 
4.2.2.3. the area of all parts where the clear he ight above the floor is less than 190 
cm or in the case of the section of the gangway situated above and behind 
the rear axle, and the at taching parts thereof - le ss than 180 cm (handholds 
shall not be taken into ac count in this connection); 
 
4.2.2.4. the area forward of a vertical plane passing through the cent re of the seating 
surface of the driver's seat (in its rearmost position) and through the centre of 
the exterior rear-view mirror mounted on the opposite side of the vehicle; 
and 
 
4.2.2.5. the area 30 cm in front of all seats other than folding seats; 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
4.2.2.6. any surface not being excluded by the provisions in paragraphs 4.2.2.1. to 
4.2.2.5. above, on which it is not possi ble to place a rectangle of 
400 mm x 300 mm. 
 
4.3. Passenger capacity
 
4.3.1. There shall be on the vehicle a number (P s) of seating places (see 
paragraph 3.2.9. above), other than fo lding seats, which conform to the 
requirements of paragraph 4.7.8.  For a vehicle of Class A the number P s 
shall be at least equal to the number of  square metres of floor available for 
passengers and crew (if any) (S o) rounded down to the nearest whole 
number. 
 
4.3.2. The total number N of seating and st anding places in vehicles  shall be 
calculated such that both of  the following conditions are  fulfilled: 
 
N ≤ PsSS +  
sp1 
 and 
 
QVX R  -  V L  -  MV  -  MT  N⋅ ⋅≤  
where: 
 
Ps = Number of seating places (see paragraphs 3.2.9. and 4.3.1.); 
S1 = Surface area (m2) (see paragraph 4.2.2.) available for standing 
 passengers; 
Ssp    = Area assumed for one standing passenger (m2/standing passenger) 
  (see paragraph 4.3.2.2.); 
MT = Technically permissibl e maximum mass (kg) (see 
paragraph 2.18.); 
MV = Unladen mass (kg) as defined in paragraph 2.17.1.; 
L = Specific load of baggage (kg/m3) in the baggage compartment(s); 
V = Total volume (m3) of the baggage compartments 
  (see paragraph 3.2.5.); 
R = Specific mass of baggage in the roof area (kg/m2); 
 VX = Total surface area (m2) available for baggage to be carried on the 
   roof (see paragraph 3.2.6.); 
 Q = Mass (kg) assumed for the lo ad on each passenger seating and 
   standing place, if any (see paragraph 4.3.2.2.). 
 
4.3.2.1. In vehicles of Class B, S 1 = 0. 
 
4.3.2.2. The values of Q, S sp, L and R for both classes of vehicles are as follows: 
 
 9GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 10 
Class  
Q (kg)  
Ssp (m2/standing 
passenger)  
L 
(kg/m3)  
R 
(kg/m2) 
 
A  
68  
0,125  
100  
75 
 
B  
71 */  
(no standing passengers)  
100  
75 
 
 */  Including 3 kg of hand baggage. 
 
4.3.2.3. If a vehicle of Class B is approved as  a Class A vehicle, the mass of baggage 
carried in the baggage compartments accessible only from outside the vehicle 
is not taken into account. 
 
4.3.3. When calculated according to paragraph 4.3.2., the mass on each axle of the 
vehicle shall not exceed the values of their respective technically permissible 
maximum values. 
 
4.3.4. The vehicle shall be clearly marked in a manner visible on the inside in the 
vicinity of the front door in letters or pictograms not less than 15 mm high 
and numbers not less than 25 mm high, with 
 
4.3.4.1. the number of seating places for which the vehicle is designed (Ps); 
 
4.3.4.2. the total number of passengers for which the vehicle is designed (N); 
 
4.3.4.3. the number of wheelchairs, if any, for which the vehicle is designed. 
 
4.4.  Strength of the superstructure 
 
  In the case of class B vehicles onl y, it must be shown by calculation or by 
any other suitable method that the struct ure of the vehicle is strong enough to 
withstand an evenly-distributed static load on the roof equa l to the technical 
maximum mass (MT) of the vehicle. 1/ 
 
4.5.  Protection against fire risks
 
4.5.1.  Engine compartment
 
4.5.1.1. No inflammable soundproofing material or material liable to become 
impregnated with fuel or lubricant sha ll be used in the engine compartment 
unless the material is covered by an impermeable sheet. 
 
                                                 
1/ This paragraph will be reconsidered wh en Regulation No. 66 is next amended. GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 114.5.1.2. Precautions shall be taken, either by a suitable layout of the engine 
compartment or by the provision of drai nage orifices, to avoid so far as 
possible the accumulation of fuel or lubri cating oil in any part of the engine 
compartment. 
 
4.5.1.3. A barrier of heat-resisting material  shall be fitted between the engine 
compartment or any other source of heat (such as a device designed to 
absorb the energy liberated when a ve hicle is descending a long gradient, 
e.g. a retarder or a device for heating the interior of the body other, however, 
than a device functioning by warm water circulation) and the rest of the 
vehicle.  A heating device operati ng other than by hot water may be 
provided in the passenger compartment if it is encased in material designed 
to resist the temperatures generated by the device, emits no toxic fumes and 
is positioned such that no passenger is likely to come into contact with any 
hot surface. 
 
4.5.2.  Fuel filler-holes
 
4.5.2.1. Fuel filler-holes shall be accessibl e only from outside the vehicle. 
 
4.5.2.2. Fuel filler-holes shall not be underneath a door aperture; they shall 
moreover, not be in the passenger compar tment or the driver's compartment.  
Fuel filler-holes shall not be located su ch that there is a risk of fuel falling 
onto the engine or exhaust system during fillings. 
 
4.5.2.3. The fuel shall not be able to run out  through the filler-hole cap or through the 
devices provided to stabilize the pressure in the tank, even if the tank is completely overturned; slight drip sha ll however be tolera ted if it does not 
exceed 30 g/min.  If the vehicle is f itted with several interconnected fuel 
tanks, the pressure during the test sh all correspond to the most unfavourable 
position for the fuel tanks. 
 
4.5.2.4. If the filler-hole is situ ated on a side of the vehi cle, the cap shall, when 
closed, not project beyond the adjacent surfaces of the bodywork. 
 
4.5.2.5. Fuel filler-hole caps shall be so designe d and constructed that they cannot be 
opened accidentally. 
 
4.5.3.  Fuel tanks
 
4.5.3.1. All of the vehicle's fuel tanks shall be securely fixed and so situated as to be 
protected by the structure of the vehicle in the event of a frontal or rear collision. No part of a fuel tank shall be less than 60 cm from the front and 
less than 30 cm from the rear of the vehicle unless the vehicle has successfully complied with the front al-impact and the rear-end impact GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 12requirement of Regulation No. 34; there shall be no protruding parts, sharp 
edges, etc., near the tanks. 
 
4.5.3.2. No part of a fuel tank shall project beyond the overa ll width of the 
bodywork. 
 
4.5.3.3. Fuel tanks must be made so as to be corrosion resistant. 
 
4.5.3.4. Any excess pressure or any pressure exceeding the working pressure shall be 
automatically compensated by suitable devices (vents, safety valves, etc.).  The vents shall be designed in such a way as to prevent any fire risks. 
 
4.5.3.5. All tanks shall be subjected to a hydraulic internal-pressure  test, which shall 
be carried out on an isolated unit complete with standard filler-pipe, filler-neck and cap.  The tank shall be completely filled with water. After all communication with the outside has been  cut off, the pressure shall be 
gradually increased, through the pipe connection th rough which fuel is fed to 
the engine, to a relative pressure which is double the se rvice pressure, but 
not less than 0.3 bar, which shall be ma intained for one minute.  During this 
time the tank shell shall not crack or leak; it may, however, be permanently distorted. 
 
4.5.4.                   Fuel-feed systems
 
4.5.4.1. No apparatus used for the fuel feed  shall be placed in the driver's 
compartment or the passenger compartment. 
 
4.5.4.2. Fuel lines and all other parts of the fuel-feed system shall be accommodated 
in positions on the vehicle where they have the fullest reasonable protection. 
 
4.5.4.3. Twisting or bending movements and vibrat ion of the vehicle structure or the 
power unit shall not subject the fu el lines to abnormal stress. 
 
4.5.4.4. The unions of pliable or flexible pi pes with rigid part s of the fuel-feed 
system shall be so designed and constr ucted as to remain leak proof in the 
various conditions of use of the vehicl e, despite aging, twisting or bending 
movements, or vibration of the ve hicle structure or the power unit. 
 
4.5.4.5. Fuel leaking from any part of the system  shall be able to flow away freely to 
the road surface, but never onto the exhaust system. 
 
4.5.5.  Emergency switch, if fitted  
 
  If an emergency switch is fitted to reduce the risk of fire after the vehicle has 
come to a standstill, this emergenc y switch shall have the following 
characteristics: GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 13 
4.5.5.1.  It shall be located within immediate r each of the driver seated in the driver's 
seat; 
 
4.5.5.2. It shall be clearly marked and be pr ovided with a protective cover or other 
suitable means to prevent inadvert ent operation.  Clear  instructions 
concerning the method of operation shall be displayed in the immediate 
vicinity of the emerge ncy switch, e.g. "Remove cover and move lever 
downwards! Actuate only when the ve hicle has been brought to a stop"; 
 
4.5.5.3. Its actuation shall cause simulta neous performance of the following 
functions: 
 
4.5.5.3.1. quick stoppage of the engine; 
 
4.5.5.3.2. operation of a battery isolating switch, fitted as close to  the batteries as 
possible, and which isolates at least one battery terminal from the electrical circuit, with the exception of the circuit permitting the function required by  paragraph 4.5.5.3.3. below, the circuits  which ensure the uninterrupted 
function of the tachograph as well as  those devices whose sudden removal 
from service could provoke a greater risk  than the one avoided, for example: 
 
4.5.5.3.2.1. emergency interior lighting; 
 
4.5.5.3.2.2. cooling scavenger of  auxiliary heaters; 
 
4.5.5.3.2.3. centralized electronic door locking. 
 
4.5.5.3.3. Switching-on of the vehicle's hazard warning signal. 
 
4.5.5.4. Performance of the functions men tioned in paragraph 4.5.5.3. above may be 
initiated not only by the emergency switch, but also by separate controls, provided that these do not in an emerge ncy interfere with the functioning of 
the emergency switch. 
 
4.5.6.  Electrical equipment and wiring
 
4.5.6.1. All cables shall be well insulated and all cables and electrical equipment 
shall be able to withstand the temper ature and humidity conditions to which 
they are exposed.  In the engine compar tment, particular attention shall be 
paid to their suitability to withstand the environmental temperature, oil and 
vapour. 
 
4.5.6.2. No cable used in an elec trical circuit shal l carry a current in  excess of that 
acceptable for such a cable in the light of its mode of installation and the 
maximum ambient temperature. GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 14 
4.5.6.3. Every electrical circuit f eeding an item of equipmen t other than the starter, 
the ignition circuit (positive ignition),  the glow-plugs, the engine-stopping 
device, the charging circ uit and the battery earth connection shall include a 
fuse or a circuit breaker.  Circuits feeding low consumption equipment may, 
however, be protected by a common fu se or a common circuit-breaker, 
provided that its rated capacity does not  exceed 16 A.  In the case where 
electronics are incorporated, these ci rcuits may be protected by protection 
devices integrated into the electronic components or sy stems.  In such a case, 
the manufacturer shall give all the re levant technical information at the 
request of the Technica l Service responsible fo r conducting the tests. 
 
4.5.6.4. All cables shall be suitably protected a nd shall be held secu rely in position in 
such a way that they cannot be dama ged by cutting, abrasion or chafing. 
 
4.5.7.  Batteries
 
4.5.7.1. All batteries shall be well secured and easily accessible. 
 
4.5.7.2. The battery compartment shall be separated from the passenger compartment 
and the driver's compartment and ventilated to outside air. 
 
4.5.8.  Fire extinguishers and first-aid equipment
 
4.5.8.1. The vehicle shall be fitted with one or more fire extinguishers, one being 
near the driver's seat.  Each extinguisher  shall have a minimum test rating of 
8A 
or 21B to CEN Standard EN3 Part 1 or an equivalent national standard. 
 
4.5.8.2. Space shall be provided for the fitting of  one or more first-aid kits. The space 
provided shall not be less than 7 dm3, the minimum dimension shall not be 
less than 80 mm. 
 
4.5.8.3. Fire extinguishers and first aid kits may be secured against theft or 
vandalism (e.g. in an internal locker or behind breakable glass), provided 
that the locations of these items are clearly marked and means are provided 
for persons to easily extract them in an emergency. 
 
4.5.9.  Materials
 
  No flammable material shall be permitted within 10 cm of the exhaust pipe 
unless the material is effectively shielded. 
 
4.6.  Exits
 
4.6.1.  Number GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 15 
4.6.1.1. Every vehicle shall have at least two doors, i.e. either one service door and 
one emergency door or two service doors. 
 
4.6.1.2. For the purpose of this requirement , service doors equipped with a power-
operated control system shall not be d eemed to be exits unless they can be 
readily opened by hand once the control prescribed in paragraph 4.6.5.1. has 
been actuated, if necessary. 
 
4.6.1.3. The minimum number of emergency exits  shall be such that the total number 
of exits and of escape hatches is as follows: 
 
Number of passengers Minimum number of exits Number of escape hatches counted as emergency exits 
  permitted required 
≤ 16 3 1  
 > 16 4  1 
 
4.6.1.4. Where the driver's compartment does not  communicate with th e inside of the 
vehicle it shall have two exits, which shall not both be in the same lateral 
walls; where one of the exits is a window it shall comply with the 
requirements set out in paragraphs 4.6.3.1., 4.6.8.1. and 4.6.8.2. for emergency windows. 
 
4.6.1.5. A double service door shall count as two doors and a double window as two 
emergency windows. 
 
4.6.2.  Siting of exits
 
4.6.2.1. The service door(s) shall be situated on th e side of the vehicle that is nearer 
to the side of the road correspond ing to the direction of traffic, 2/ or in the 
rear face of the vehicle. 
 
4.6.2.2. The exits shall be placed in such a way that there is at least one exit on each 
side of the vehicle. 
 
4.6.2.3. The forward half and the rearward half of the passenge r space shall each 
contain at least one exit. 
 
4.6.2.4. At least one exit shall be situated either  in the rear face or in the front face of 
the vehicle unless an escape hatch is fitted in the roof. 
 
                                                 
2/ In the country in which the vehicle is licensed for operation. GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 164.6.2.5. If the space reserved for the driver's seat and the passenger's seats beside the 
driver's seat does not communicate with the main passengers' compartment 
by means of a suitable passageway 
 
4.6.2.5.1. the main compartment reserved for pa ssengers shall contain exits satisfying 
the requirement of paragraph 4.6.1 with respect to number and those of  paragraphs 4.6.2.1., 4.6.2.2. and 4.6.2.3. above with respect to siting; 
 
4.6.2.5.2. The driver's door shall be accepted as the emergency door for the occupants 
of the seats situated besi de the driver's seat provided that it is possible to 
move a test gauge from the occupants' seats to the exterior of the vehicle 
through the driver’s door (see Annex 1, figure 21). 
 
Verification of the access to the driver's door shall be subject to the requirements of paragraph 4.7.3.2., by using the test gauge having a dimension of 600x400 mm, as described in paragraph 4.7.3.3.   The service 
door provided for the passengers shall be in the side of the vehicle opposite 
to that containing the driver’s door and shall be accepted as the emergency 
door for the driver; 
 
4.6.2.5.3. The doors referred to in paragrap h 4.6.2.5.2. shall not be subject to the 
requirements of paragraphs 4.6.3., 4.7.1., 4.7.2., 4.7.7. and 4.10.1. 
 
4.6.3.  Minimum dimensions
 
4.6.3.1. The several kinds of exits shall ha ve the following minimum dimensions: 
(see also Annex 1, figure 17): 
 
 Aperture  Dimensions  Remarks 
Entry height:
Class A - 165 cm 
Class B - 150 cm The service door entry height shall be measured as the vertical distance, 
measured on a vertical plane of the horizontal projections of the mid 
point of the door aperture and the top surface of the lowest step. 
Aperture height The vertical height of the service door aperture shall be such as to 
permit the free passage of the dual panel referred to in paragraph 4.7.1.1. The height at the upper corners may be reduced with round-offs, with a radius of not more than 15 cm. 
Service door 
Width:
 
Single door: 
   65 cm 
Double door: 
  120 cm For vehicles of class B where the service door aperture height lies 
between 140 and 150 cm a minimum single door aperture width of 75 cm shall apply. For all the vehi cles the width of any service door 
may be reduced by 10 cm when the measurement is made at the level of the hand-holds and by 25 cm in cas es where intruding wheel arches or 
the actuating mechanism for automati c or remote-control doors or the 
rake of the windscreen so require. 
Emergency 
door Height: 125 cm 
 
 The width may be reduced to 30 cm in cases where intruding wheel arches so require, providing that the width of 55 cm is respected at the 
minimum height of 40 cm above the lowest part of the door aperture. GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 17 Aperture  Dimensions  Remarks 
Width:   55 cm The height at the upper co rners may be reduced with round-offs, with a 
radius of not more than 15 cm. 
Emergency 
window Aperture area: 
4,000 cm2It shall be possible to inscribe in  this area a rectangle 50 cm high and 
70 cm wide. A 5 per cent tolerance shall, however, be permitted in 
respect of this area for type approvals  issued for one year following the 
entry into force of this Regulation.  
  Emergency window situated in 
the rear face of the vehicle if the manufacturer does not provide 
an emergency window of the 
minimum dimensions prescribed above It shall be possible to inscribe in the emergency window aperture a rectangle 35 cm high and 155 cm 
wide. The corners of the rectangle 
may be rounded to a radius of curvature not exceeding 25 cm. 
Escape hatch Aperture area: 
4,000 cm2It shall be possible to inscribe in this area a rectangle measuring
50 x 70 cm. 
4.6.3.2. A vehicle to which paragraph 4.7.1.9. applies shall meet the requirements of 
paragraph 4.6.3.1. above in respect of emergency windows and escape hatches, 
and the following requirements in resp ect of service doors and emergency 
doors: 
 
 Aperture  Dimensions  Remarks 
Service door Aperture height: 
110 cm This dimension may be reduced by a radius at the corners of the aperture not exceeding 15 cm radius. 
 
 Width: 
Single door: 
   65 cm 
 
Double door: 
  120 cm This dimension may be reduced by a radius at the corners of the aperture not exceeding 15 cm radius. 
The width may be reduced by 10 cm when the measurement is made at the level of the hand-holds and by 25 cm in cases where intruding wheel arches or the actuating mechanism for automatic or remote-control doors or the rake of the windscreen so require. 
 
Emergency door Height: 110 cm 
 
Width:   55 cm The width may be reduced to 30 cm in cases where intruding wheel arches so require, providing that the width  of 55 cm is respected at the minimum height of 40 cm above the lowest part of the door aperture. The height and width at the upper corners may be GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 18reduced with round-offs, with a radius 
of not more than 15 cm. 
 
4.6.4.  Technical conditions for the all service doors
 
4.6.4.1. Every service door shall be capable of  being easily opened from inside and 
from outside the vehicle when the vehicl e is stationary (but not necessarily 
when the vehicle is moving). Howeve r, this requirement shall not be 
construed as precluding th e possibility of locking the door from outside, 
provided that the door can alwa ys be opened from inside. 
 
4.6.4.2. Every control or device for opening a se rvice door from the outside shall not 
be more than 180 cm above the ground when the vehicle is standing unladen 
on a level surface. 
 
4.6.4.3. Every one-piece manually-operated serv ice door which is hinged or pivoted 
shall be so hinged or pivoted that if the open door comes into contact with a stationary object while the vehicle is  moving forwards it tends to close. 
 
4.6.4.4. If a manually-operated service door is fitted with a slam lock it shall be of 
the two-stage type. 
 
4.6.4.5. On the inside of a service door there shall not be any device intended to 
cover the inside steps when the door is closed. 
 
4.6.4.6. If the direct view is not adequate, op tical or other devices shall be installed 
to enable the driver to detect from hi s seat the presence of a passenger in the 
immediate interior and exterior vicinity  of every service door which is not an 
automatically-operated service door. 
 
4.6.4.7. Every door which opens towards the in terior of the vehicle shall be so 
constructed that its movement is not lik ely to cause injury to passengers in 
normal conditions of use.  Where nece ssary, appropriate protection devices 
shall be fitted. 
 
4.6.4.8. If a service door is located adjacent to a toilet door or a door to another 
internal compartment the service door shall be proofed against an 
unintentional operation.  However, this  requirement shall not apply if the 
service door is locked automatically wh en the vehicle is moving at a speed 
exceeding 5 km/h. 
 
4.6.4.9. On service doors which are in the rear face of the vehicle,  the leaves shall 
not be capable of being opened more than 115° nor less than 85° and, when 
open, shall be capable of being held automatically in that position.  This 
does not preclude the ability to override that stop and open the door beyond that angle when it is safe to do so; for example, to enable reversing against a GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 19high platform for loading or to open the doors through 270° to allow a clear 
loading area behind the vehicle. 
 
4.6.4.10. The service door in any open position shall not obstruct the use of or 
required access to any mandatory exit. 
 
4.6.5.  Additional technical requirements for power-operated service doors
 
4.6.5.1. In the event of the emergency every power-operated service door shall be 
capable, when the vehicle is stationary (but not necessarily when the vehicle 
is moving), of being opened from inside  and, when not locked, from outside 
by controls which, whether or not the power supply is operating: 
 
4.6.5.1.1. override all other controls; 
 
4.6.5.1.2. in the case of interior controls, ar e placed on, or within 300 mm of, the door, 
at a height of not less than  1,600 mm above the first step; 
 
4.6.5.1.3. can be easily seen and clearly iden tified when approaching the door and 
when standing in front of the door; 
 
4.6.5.1.4. can be operated by one person when standing immediately in front of the 
door; 
 
4.6.5.1.4. cause the door to open, or enable th e door to be easily opened by hand; 
 
4.6.5.1.6. may be protected by a device which can  be easily removed or broken to gain 
access to the emergency control; the ope ration of the emergency control, or 
the removal of a protective cover over the control, shall be indicated to the 
driver both audibly and visually, and 
 
4.6.5.1.7. in the case of a driver-operated door which does not comply with the 
requirements of paragraph 4.6.5.6.2. shall be such that after they have been 
operated to open the door and returned to their normal position the doors 
will not close again until the driver s ubsequently operates a closing control. 
 
4.6.5.2. A device may be provided which is opera ted by the driver from his seat to 
deactivate the outside emergency controls  in order to lock the service doors 
from outside.  In this case, the outside emergency co ntrols shall be 
reactivated automatically either by the starting of the engine or before the 
vehicle reaches a speed of 20 km/h.  Subsequently, d eactivation of the 
outside emergency controls shall not o ccur automatically, but shall require a 
further action by the driver. 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 204.6.5.3. Every driver-operated service door sh all be capable of operation by the 
driver when in the driving seat using controls which, except in the case of a 
foot control, are clearly and distinctively marked. 
 
4.6.5.4. Every power-operated service door sha ll activate a visual tell-tale, which 
shall be plainly visible to the driver  when seated in the normal driving 
position in any ambient lighting condition,  to warn that a door is not fully 
closed.  This tell-tale shall signal whenev er the rigid structure of the door is 
between the fully open position and a point 30 mm from the fully closed 
position.  One tell-tale may serve for one  or more doors.  However, no such 
tell-tale shall be fitted in respect of a front service door which does not 
comply with the requirements of paragraphs 4.6.5.6.2. and 4.6.5.6.3. 
 
4.6.5.5. Where controls are provided for th e driver to open and close a power-
operated service door, they sh all be such that the driver  is able to reverse the 
movement of the door at any time during the closing or opening process. 
 
4.6.5.6. The construction and control system of every power-operated service door 
shall be such that a passenger is unlik ely to be injured by the door or trapped 
in the door as it closes. 
 
4.6.5.6.1. Except in the case of th e front service door, this requirement shall be 
considered satisfied if the fo llowing two requirements are met: 
 
4.6.5.6.2. The first requirement is that when th e closing of the door at any measuring 
point described in Annex 2 to this Re gulation is resisted  by a clamping force 
not exceeding 150 N, the door  shall reopen automatically  to its fullest extent 
and, except in the case of an automatically-operated service door, remain open until a closing control is oper ated.  The clamping force may be 
measured by any method to the satisfaction of the Competent Authority.  Guidelines are given in Annex 2 to this Regulation.  The peak force may be higher than 150 N for a short time provi ded that it does not exceed 300 N.  
The reopening system may be checked by means of a test bar having a section of height 60 mm, width 30 mm with corners radiused to 5 mm. 
 
4.6.5.6.3. The second requirement is that whenev er the doors are closed onto the wrist 
or fingers of a passenger: 
 
4.6.5.6.3.1. the door reopens automatically to its fu llest extent and, except in the case of 
an automatically-operated service door , remains open until a closing control 
is operated, or 
 
4.6.5.6.3.2. the wrist or fingers can be readily extracted from the doors without risk of 
injury to the passenger.  This requirement may be checked by hand, or by 
means of the test bar mentioned in  paragraph 4.6.5.6.2., tapered at one end 
over a length  GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 21of 300 mm from a thickness of 30 mm to a thickness of 5 mm.  It shall not 
be treated with polish nor  lubricated. If the door traps the bar it shall be 
capable of being easily removed, or 
 
4.6.5.6.3.3. the door is maintained at a position allowing the free pass age of a test bar 
having a section of height 60 mm, widt h 20 mm with corners radiused to 5 
mm.  This position shall not be more than 30 mm distant from the fully closed position. 
 
4.6.5.6.4. In the case of a front service door the requirement of paragraph 4.6.5.6. shall 
be considered satisfied if the door: 
 
4.6.5.6.4.1. fulfils the requirements of paragraphs 4.6.5.6.2. and 4.6.5.6.3., or 
 
4.6.5.6.4.2. is fitted with soft edges; these shall not, however be so soft that if the doors 
are closed onto the test bar men tioned in paragraph 4.6.5.6.2. the rigid 
structure of the doors will reach the fully closed position. 
 
4.6.5.7. Where a power-operated service door is held closed only by the continued 
application of the power supply there shall be provided a visual warning device to inform the driver of any fa ilure in the power supply to the doors. 
 
4.6.5.8. A starting prevention device, if fitted, shall be effective only at speeds of less 
than 5 km/h and shall be incapab le of operation above that speed. 
 
4.6.5.9. An audible warning to the driver may be activated if the vehicle is driven 
away from rest when any power-operate d service door is not fully closed.  
This audible warning shall be activat ed at a speed exceeding 5 km/h for 
doors complying with the requirements of paragraph 4.6.5.6.3.3. 
 
4.6.6.  Additional technical requirements for automatically-operated service 
doors
 
4.6.6.1. Activation of the opening controls 
 
4.6.6.1.1. Except as provided in paragraph 4.6.5.1., the opening cont rols of every 
automatically-operated service door shall be capable of being activated and deactivated only by the driver from his seat. 
 
4.6.6.1.2. Activation and deactivation may be eith er direct, by means of a switch, or 
indirect, for example by opening an d closing the front service door. 
 
4.6.6.1.3. Activation of the opening controls by th e driver shall be indicated inside 
and, where a door is to be opened from outside, also on the outside of the vehicle; the indicator (e.g. illuminated push button, illuminated sign) shall be on or adjacent to the door to which it relates. GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 22 
4.6.6.1.4. In the case of direct actuation by mean s of a switch the functional state of the 
system shall be clearly indicated to th e driver, for example by the position of 
a switch or an indicator lamp or an illuminated switch.  The switch shall be 
specially marked and arranged in such a way that it cannot be confused with 
other controls. 
 
4.6.6.2. Opening of automatically-operated service doors 
 
4.6.6.2.1. After activation of the opening controls  by the driver it shall be possible for 
passengers to open the door as follows: 
 
4.6.6.2.1.1. from inside, for example by pressing a push button or passing a light barrier, 
and 
 
4.6.6.2.1.2. from outside, except in the case of a door intended only fo r use as an exit 
and marked as such, for example by pressing an illuminated push button, a 
push button beneath an illuminated sign, or a similar device marked with a 
suitable instruction. 
 
4.6.6.2.2. The pressing of the push butt ons mentioned in paragraph 4.6.6.2.1.1. may 
send a signal which is stored and whic h, after the activati on of the opening 
controls by the driver, eff ects the opening of the door. 
 
4.6.6.3  Closing of automatically-operated service doors 
 
4.6.6.3.1. When an automatically-operated serv ice door has opened it shall close again 
automatically after a time interval has elapsed.  If a passenger enters or 
leaves the vehicle during this time inte rval, a safety device (e.g. a footboard 
contact, light barrier, on e-way gate) shall ensure th at the time until the door 
closes is sufficiently extended. 
 
4.6.6.3.2. If a passenger enters or leaves the vehicle while the door is closing, the 
closing process shall be interrupted automatically and the door shall return to 
the open position.  The reversal may be actuated by one of the devices referred to in paragraph 4.6.6.3.1. or by any other device. 
 
4.6.6.3.3. A door that has closed automatically in accordance with paragraph 4.6.6.3.1. 
shall be capable of bein g opened again by a passenge r in accordance with 
paragraph 4.6.6.2.; this shall not apply if the driver has deactivated the 
opening controls. 
 
4.6.6.3.4. After deactivation of the opening c ontrols of the automatically-operated 
service doors by the driver, open door s shall close in accordance with  
paragraphs 4.6.6.3.1. to 4.6.6.3.3. 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 234.6.6.4. Inhibition of the automatic closing process on doors marked for special 
service, e.g. for passengers with prams, disabled persons, etc. 
 
4.6.6.4.1. The driver shall be able to inhibit the automatic closing process by actuation 
of a special control.  A passenger shall also be able to inhibit the automatic 
closing process directly by pressing a special push button. 
 
4.6.6.4.2. The inhibition of the automatic closi ng process shall be indicated to the 
driver e.g. by a visual tell-tale. 
 
4.6.6.4.3. The cancellation of the reversing of th e automatic closing process shall be 
capable of being done only by the driver. 
 
4.6.6.4.4. Paragraph 4.6.6.3. shall apply to th e subsequent closing of the door. 
 
4.6.7.  Technical requirements for emergency doors
 
4.6.7.1. Emergency doors shall be capable of being easily opened from inside and 
from outside when the vehicle is stati onary.  However, this requirement shall 
not be construed as precluding the possi bility of locking the door from the 
outside, provided that the door can always  be opened from the inside by the 
use of the normal opening mechanism. 
 
4.6.7.2. Emergency doors shall not be fitted with  a power-operated system or be of 
the sliding type.  If a sliding door has been sh own to be capable of being 
opened without the use of tools after a frontal barrier co llision test, in 
accordance with Regulation No. 33, it can be accepted as an emergency 
door. 
 
4.6.7.3. The outside handles of emergency doors shall be not more than 180 cm from 
the ground when the vehicle is standing unladen on level ground. 
 
4.6.7.4. Hinged emergency doors fitted to the side  of the vehicle shall be hinged at 
their forward edge and shall open outw ards.  Check straps, chains or other 
restraining devices shall be permitted, provided that they do not prevent the 
door from opening to and remaining open at an angle of at least 100°.  If a 
means is provided sufficient to give free passage to the emergency door access gauge,  
the 100° minimum angle requirement shall not apply. 
 
4.6.7.5. If an emergency door is located adjacent  to a toilet door or a door to another 
internal compartment the emergenc y door shall be protected against 
unintentional operation.  However, this  requirement shall not apply if the 
emergency door is locked automatically when the vehicle is moving at a speed exceeding 5 km/h. 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 244.6.7.6. All emergency doors which cannot easily be seen from the driver's seat shall 
be provided with an  audible device to warn th e driver when they are not 
securely closed.  The warning device shall be operated by the movement of 
the door catch and not by the movement of the door itself. 
 
4.6.8.  Technical requirements for emergency windows
 
4.6.8.1. Every hinged emergency window shall open outwards. 
 
4.6.8.2. Every emergency window shall: 
 
4.6.8.2.1. either be capable of being easily and instantaneously operated from inside 
and from outside the vehicle by means of a device recognized as satisfactory by the Competent Authority, 
 
4.6.8.2.2. or be made of readily-breakable safety glass.  This latter  provision precludes 
the possibility of using panes of lami nated glass or of plastic material. 
 
4.6.8.3. Every emergency window which can be locked from the outside shall be so 
constructed as to be capable of bei ng opened at all times from inside the 
vehicle. 
 
4.6.8.4. If the emergency window is of a type horizontally hinged at the top edge, an 
appropriate device shall be provided to hold it open.  Emergency windows which open or eject shall do so towards the exterior. 
 
4.6.8.5. The height of the lower edge of an emergency window fitted in the side of 
the vehicle from the level of the floor immediately below it shall not be more  
than 100 cm nor less than 65 cm in th e case of a hinged emergency window,  
or 50 cm in the case of a window  made of breakable glass. 
  However, in the case of a hinged emer gency window the height of the lower 
edge may be reduced to a minimum of 50 cm provided that the window aperture is equipped with  a guard up to a height of 65 cm to prevent the 
possibility of passengers falling out of the vehicle.  Where the window 
aperture is equipped with a guard, the size of the window aperture above the 
guard shall not be less than the minimum size prescribed for an emergency window. 
 
4.6.8.6. Every hinged emergency window whic h is not clearly visible from the 
driver's seat shall be fitted with an au dible warning device to warn the driver 
when it is not completely closed.  The window lock, and not the movement of the window itself, shall actuate this device. 
 
4.6.9.  Technical requirements for escape hatches
 GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 254.6.9.1. Every escape hatch shall operate so as  not to obstruct clear passage from 
inside or outside the vehicle.  The operation of ejectable escape hatches shall 
be such that inadvertent ejec tion is effectively prevented. 
 
4.6.9.2. Escape hatches shall be capable of being easily opened or removed from the 
inside and from the outside.  However, this requirement shall not be construed as precluding the possibility of locking the escape hatch for the purpose of securing the vehicle when unattended provided the escape hatch 
can always be opened from the inside by the use of the normal opening or removal mechanism. 
 
4.6.10.  Retractable steps
 
  Retractable steps, if fitted, shall comply with the following requirements: 
 
4.6.10.1. If power operated, their operation sha ll be synchronized with that of the 
corresponding service or emergency door; 
 
4.6.10.2. When the door is closed no part of th e retractable step shall project more  
than 10 mm beyond the adjacent line of the bodywork; 
 
4.6.10.3. When the door is open and the retractab le step is in th e extended position, 
the surface area shall conform to the requirements of paragraph 4.7.7. of this Regulation. 
 
4.6.10.4. In the case of the power operated step it shall not be possible for the vehicle 
to move from rest, under its own power,  when the step is in the extended 
position.  In the case of a manually ope rated step, an audible or visual 
indication shall alert the driver when the step is not fully retracted; 
 
4.6.10.5. The step shall not be capable of be ing extended when the vehicle is in 
motion.  If the device to ope rate the power operated step fails, the step shall 
retract and remain in the retracted pos ition.  However, the operation of the 
corresponding door shall not be  hindered in the event of  such a failure, or if 
the step is damaged; 
 
4.6.10.6. When a passenger is standing on the pow er operated retractable step, the 
corresponding door shall be incapable of  being closed. Compliance with this 
requirement shall be checked by placing a mass of 15 kg, representing a small child, as the centre of the step.  This requirement shall not apply to any door within the driver's direct field of view; 
 
4.6.10.7. The movement of the retractable step shall not be liable to cause any bodily 
harm either to passengers or to persons waiting at bus stops; 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 264.6.10.8. The corners of retractable steps facing forwards or rearwards shall be 
rounded to a radius of not  less than 5 mm, the edges shall be rounded to a 
radius of not less than 2.5 mm; 
 
4.6.10.9. When the passenger door is opened, th e retractable step shall be securely 
held in the extended position. When a ma ss of 136 kg is placed in the centre 
of a single step or a mass of 272 kg is placed in the centre of a double step 
the deflection at any point on the ste p, measured relative to the body of 
vehicle, shall not exceed 10 mm. 
 
4.6.11.  Markings
 
4.6.11.1. Each emergency exit shall be marked by an inscription reading "Emergency 
exit" inside and out side the vehicle. 
 
4.6.11.2. The emergency controls of service doors and of all emergency exits shall be 
marked as such inside and outside the vehicle either by a representative 
symbol or by a clearly-worded inscription. 
 
4.6.11.3. Clear instructions concerning the met hod of operation shall be placed on or 
close to every emergenc y control of an exit. 
 
4.6.11.4. The language in which the markings referred to in paragraphs 4.6.11.1.  
to 4.6.11.3. above are to be inscribed shall be determined by the competent Administrative Department of the count ry of registration of the vehicle. 
 
4.7.  Interior arrangements
 
4.7.1.  Access to service door (see Annex 1, figure 1) 
 
4.7.1.1. The free space extending inwards into the vehicle from the sidewall in which 
the door is mounted shall permit the fr ee passage of a vertical rectangular 
panel 2 cm thick, 40 cm wide, and 70 cm  in height above the floor, having a 
second panel superimposed above it with the following dimensions: 
 
  Vehicles of class A:  55 cm wide and 95 cm high; 
  Vehicles of class B:  55 cm wide and 70 cm high. 
 
  The width of the upper panel may be reduced at the top to 40 cm when a 
chamfer not exceeding 30 degrees from the horizontal is included (Annex 1, 
figure 1). 
 
  The lower panel shall be within the pr ojection of the upper panel.  A relative 
displacement between the two panels sh all be allowed pr ovided that it is 
always in the same direction. 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 27  The dual panel shall be maintained pa rallel with the door aperture as it is 
moved from the starting position, where the plane of the face nearest to the 
interior of the vehicle is tangential to the outermost edge of the aperture, to 
the position where it touches the first step, after which it shall be kept at right angles to the probable direct ion of motion of a person using the 
entrance. 
 
4.7.1.2. As an alternative, a trapezoidal s ection, having a height of 50 cm, forming 
the transition between the width of th e upper and the lowe r panel, may be 
used.  In this case, the total height of the rectangular section and this trapezoidal section of the upper panel shall be 95 cm. 
 
4.7.1.3. When the centreline of this dual panel has traversed a distance of 30 cm 
from its starting position and the dual panel is touching the step surface, it 
shall be retained in that position. 
 
4.7.1.4. The cylindrical figure (Annex 1, figur e 3) used for testing the gangway 
clearance shall then be moved starting from the gangway, in the probable 
direction of motion of a person leaving the vehicle, until its centreline has 
reached the vertical plane which contai ns the top edge of the uppermost step, 
or until a plane tangential to the upper cylinder touches the dual panel, whichever occurs first, and retained in that position (see Annex 1, fig. 17). 
 
4.7.1.5. Between the cylindrical figure, at th e position set out in paragraph 4.7.1.4. 
and the dual panel, at th e position set out in para graph 4.7.1.3., there shall be 
a free space whose upper and lower limits  are shown in Annex 1, figure 17.  
This free space shall permit the free passage of a vertical panel whose form and dimensions are the same as th e cylindrical form (paragraph 4.7.5.1.) 
central section and a thickness of no mo re than 2 cm.  This panel shall be 
moved, from the cylindrical form tangen tial position, until its external side is 
in contact with the dual panel interi or side, touching the plane or planes 
defined by the step upper edges, in the probable direction of motion of a person using the entrance (see Annex 1, figure 17). 
 
4.7.1.6. The free passage clearance for this  figure shall not include any space 
extending to 30 cm in front of any undepressed seat cushion and to the 
height of the top of the seat cushion. 
 
4.7.1.7. In the case of folding seats, this sp ace shall be required to be determined 
with the seat in the position of use. 
 
4.7.1.8. However, a folding seat for use by the crew may obstruc t the access passage 
to a service door when in the position of use provided that: 
 
4.7.1.8.1. it is clearly indicated, both in the vehicle itself and on the communication 
form ( Annex 1), that the seat is for the use of crew only; GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 28 
4.7.1.8.2. when the seat is not in use it folds au tomatically as necessary to comply with 
the requirements of paragra phs 4.7.1.1. or 4.7.1.2. and 4.7.1.3. to 4.7.1.5.; 
 
4.7.1.8.3. the door is not consider ed to be a mandatory exit for the purpose of  
paragraph 4.6.1.3.; 
 
4.7.1.8.4. the seat is fitted with a retractable safety-belt; and 
 
4.7.1.8.5. when the seat is in the position of use, and when it is in the folded position, 
no part of it shall be forward of a vertical plane passing through the centre of 
the seating surface of the driver's seat in its rearmost position and through 
the centre of the exterior rear-view mirror mounted on the opposite side of 
the vehicle. 
 
4.7.1.9. The service door and emergency door dimensions in paragraph 4.6.3.1. and 
the requirements of paragraphs 4.7.1.1. to 4.7.1.7., 4.7.2.1. to 4.7.2.3., 4.7.5.1.  and 4.7.8.5. shall not apply to a vehicle of  class B with a mass not exceeding 
3.5 tonnes and up to 12 passenger seats in which each seat has unobstructed 
access to at least two doors. 
 
4.7.1.10. A doorway and the route by which passengers gain access to it shall be 
considered unobstructed if they have: 
 
4.7.1.10.1. measured parallel with the longitudi nal axis of the vehicle, there is a 
clearance of not less than 22 cm at a ny point and 55 cm at any point being 
more than 50 cm above the floor or steps (Annex 1, figure 19); 
 
4.7.1.10.2. measured perpendicular to the longitudi nal axis of the ve hicle, there is a 
clearance of not less than 30 cm at a ny point and 55 cm at any point being 
more than 120 cm above the floor or steps or less than 30 cm below the ceiling  (Annex 1, figure 20). 
 
4.7.1.11. Gangways and access passages shall be c overed with an anti-slip material. 
 
4.7.1.12. The maximum slope of the floor in the access passage shall not exceed 
5 per cent. 
 
4.7.2.  Access to emergency doors  (see Annex 1, figure 2)  
 
4.7.2.1. The free space between the gangway and the emergency door aperture shall 
permit the free passage of a vertical cy linder 30 cm in diameter and 70 cm 
high from the floor and supporting a second vertical cylinder 55 cm in 
diameter, the aggregate height of the assembly being 140 cm. GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 29 
4.7.2.2. The base of the first cy linder shall be within th e projection of the second 
cylinder. 
 
4.7.2.3. Where folding seats are installed alongs ide this passage, the free space for 
the cylinder shall be required to be dete rmined with the seat in the opened 
position. 
 
4.7.2.4. For the driver's door to be accepted as an emergency door for the main 
passengers' compartment, it shall: 
 
4.7.2.4.1. either satisfy all the requirements as to dimensions of the door aperture and 
accessibility, or 
 
4.7.2.4.2. satisfy the requirements relating to  the dimensions of emergency doors 
indicated in paragraph 4. 6.3.1., fulfil the requirements indicated in paragraph 
4.6.2.5.2. and that the space reserved for the driver's seat shall communicate 
with the main passengers’ compartm ent through an appropriate passage; 
such requirement shall be deemed to be fulfilled if the test gauge described in paragraph 4.7.5.1. can move unobstruc ted from the gangway, until the 
front end of the gauge reaches the vert ical plane tangential to the foremost 
point of the driver's seat back (this s eat situated in its rearmost longitudinal 
position) and, from this plane, the panel described in paragraph 4.6.2.5.2. 
could be moved to the emergency door in the direction established by such paragraph (see Annex 1, fi gure 22) with seat and st eering wheel adjustment 
in their mid position. 
 
4.7.2.5. If there is a door oppos ite the driver's door, the provisions of paragraph 
4.7.2.4. shall apply to it, provided that ther e is not more than one passenger's 
seat beside the driver. 
 
4.7.2.6. In the case of a vehicle to which paragraph 4.7.1.9. applies, access to the 
doors shall be provided in accordance with that paragraph. 
 
4.7.3.  Access to emergency windows
 
4.7.3.1. It shall be possible to move a test ga uge from the gangway to the exterior of 
the vehicle through every emergency window. 
 
4.7.3.2. The direction of motion of the test gauge shall be in  the direction in which a 
passenger evacuating the vehicle would be expected to move.  The test 
gauge shall be kept perpendicula r to that direction of motion. 
 
4.7.3.3. The test gauge shall be in the form of a thin plate having a size of 60 x 40 cm 
with corners radiused by 20 cm.  Ho wever, in the case of an emergency 
window in the rear face of the vehicle, the test gauge may alternatively have GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
a size  
of 140 cm x 35 cm with corners radiused by 17.5 cm. 
 
4.7.4.  Access to escape hatches
 
  Escape hatches shall be situated above at least part of a seat or some other 
equivalent support affording access to them. 
 
4.7.4.1. If an escape hatch is fitted in a Clas s B vehicle, at least one escape hatch 
shall be located such that a four-sided  truncated pyramid having a side angle 
of 20° and a height of 1,600 mm touches part  of a seat or equivalent support.  
The axis of the pyramid shall be verti cal and its smaller section shall contact 
the aperture area of the escape hatch.  Supports may be foldable or movable provided they can be locked in their position of use.  This position shall be 
taken for verification. 
 
 
 
4.7.4.2. When the structural thickness of the roof is more than 150 mm, the smaller 
section of the pyramid sha ll contact the aperture area of the escape hatch at 
the level of the outside surface of the roof. 
 
4.7.5.  Gangways  (see Annex 1, figure 3) 
 
4.7.5.1. The gangway of a vehicle shall be so  designed and constructed as to permit 
the free passage of a gauging device cons isting of two coaxial cylinders with 
an inverted truncated cone interpos ed between them, the gauging device 
having the following dimensions (in cm): 
 
  Class A Class B 
 Diameter 35 30 Lower 
cylinder  Height 90 90 
 30GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 31 Diameter 55 */ 45 */ Upper 
cylinder  Height 50 (40) +/ 30 
Overall height 190 (180) +/ 150 
 
*/ The diameter of the upper cylinde r may be reduced to 30 cm at the 
top when a chamfer not exceeding 30 Ε from the horizontal is 
included (see Annex 1, figure 3). 
 
+/ The height of the upper cylinder may be reduced by 10 cm in any 
part of the gangway which is locate d to the rear of the most forward 
of the following two planes: 
 a transverse vertical plane situated  1.5 m forward of the centreline of 
the rear axle (foremost rear axle in  the case of vehicles with more 
than one rear axle), and 
 a transverse vertical plane situated  at the rear edge of the rearmost 
service door. 
 
The gauging device may come into contact with strap hangers, if fitted, and 
move them away. 
 
4.7.5.1.1. On vehicles of Class A, the diameter of the lower cylinder may be reduced  
from 35 cm to 30 cm in any part of the gangway which is located to the rear of the most forward of the following two planes: 
 
4.7.5.1.1.1. a transverse vertical plane situated  1.5 m forward of the centreline of the 
rear axle (foremost rear axle in the case  of vehicles with more than one rear 
axle); 
 
4.7.5.1.1.2. a transverse vertical plan e situated at the rear edge of the rearmost service 
door in between the axles. 
 
4.7.5.2. Steps may be fitted in the gangways.  The width of such steps shall not be 
less than the width of the gangw ay at the top of the steps. 
 
4.7.5.3. Folding seats allowing passengers to  sit in the gangway shall not be 
permitted. 
 
4.7.5.4. In the case of vehicles to which pa ragraph 4.7.1.9. applies, a gangway shall 
not be necessary provided the access di mensions specified in that paragraph 
are respected. 
 
4.7.6. Slope of the gangway
 
The slope of the gangway shall not exceed: 
 
4.7.6.1. In the longitudinal direction: GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 32 
4.7.6.1.1. 8 per cent in the case of a vehicle of Class A, or 
 
4.7.6.1.2. 12.5 per cent in the case of  a vehicle of Class B. 
 
4.7.6.2. In the transversal directi on 5 per cent for all classes. 
 
4.7.7. Steps  (See Annex 1, figure 4) 
 
4.7.7.1. The maximum and minimum height, and the minimum depth, of steps for 
passengers at service and emergenc y doors and within the vehicle are 
specified in Annex 1, figure 4. 
 
4.7.7.2. For the purpose of this paragraph the he ight of a step shall be measured at 
the centre of its width.  Furthermore,  manufactures should specifically take 
account of access by handicapped particularly in relation to a step height to 
be kept to a minimum. 
 
4.7.7.3. Any transition from a sunken gangway  to a seating area shall not be 
considered to be an step.  However, the vertical distance between the gangway surface and the floor of the s eating area shall not exceed 35 cm. 
 
4.7.7.4. The height of the first step in relation to the ground shall be measured with 
the vehicle being at its unladen kerb mass, the tyre equipment and pressure being as specified by the manufactur ers for the maximum technical mass 
declared in accordance with paragraph 3.2.3. 
 
4.7.7.5. Where there is more than one step, each step may extend into the area of the 
vertical projection of th e next step 10 cm and th e projection over the tread 
below shall leave a free surface of at  least 20 cm (see Annex 1, figure 4). 
 
4.7.7.6. The area of any step shall be not less than 800 cm2. 
 
4.7.7.7. The maximum slope of the step in any direction shall not exceed 5 per cent. 
 
4.7.8.  Passenger seats (including folding seats) and space for seated passengers
 
4.7.8.1. Over each seating position and, except in  the case of the seat(s) alongside the 
driver, its associated foot space, ther e shall be measured a free space with a 
height of not less than 90 cm, measured from the highest point of the 
uncompressed seat cushion and at leas t 135 cm from the mean level of the 
floor in the foot space.  In the case of vehicles to which paragraph 4.7.1.9. 
applies, and also for seat(s) alongside the driver, these dimensions may be 
reduced to 120 cm, measured from the floor and 80 cm measured from the 
highest point of the unc ompressed seat cushion. 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 334.7.8.1.1. This clear space shall extend over the whole horizontal area defined below: 
 
4.7.8.1.1.1. the rectangular area of 40 cm in width, symmetrical in relation to the median 
vertical plane of the seat, and having a length "L" defined in figure 5, Annex 
1, which represents a section through th e median vertical plane of the seat; 
 
4.7.8.1.1.2. the area intended for the feet of the s eated passenger, over the same width of 
40 cm and a depth of 30 cm. 
 
4.7.8.1.2. However, this space shall not include, in its upper part adjacent to the wall of 
the vehicle, a rectangular area 15 cm  in height and 10 cm in width  
(see Annex 1, figure 6). 
 
4.7.8.1.3. In the space extending above the area mentioned in paragraph 4.7.8.1.1.2. the 
following intrusions shall be permitted: 
 
4.7.8.1.3.1. Intrusion of the back of another seat; 
 
4.7.8.1.3.2. Intrusion of a structural member pr ovided that the intrusion is included 
within a triangle whose peak  is situated 70 cm from the top and whose base 
10 cm in width and situated in the upper part of the space in question, 
adjacent to the side wall of th e vehicle (see Annex 1, figure 7). 
 
4.7.8.1.3.3. Intrusion situated in the lower part of the space in question, adjacent to the 
sidewall of the vehicle, of a cr oss-sectional area not exceeding 200 cm2 and 
having a maximum width of 10 cm (Annex 1, figure 8). 
 
4.7.8.1.3.4. Intrusion of a wheel arch provided that one of the following two conditions 
is fulfilled: 
 
4.7.8.1.3.4.1. the intrusion does not extend beyond th e vertical centreline of the seat  
(Annex 1, figure 9), or 
 
4.7.8.1.3.4.2. the area 30 cm in depth available fo r the feet of the seated passenger is 
advanced by not more than 20 cm from the edge of the seat cushion and not 
more  
than 60 cm in front of the squab of the seat (Annex 1, figure 10), these 
measurements being made in the me dian vertical plane of the seat. 
 
4.7.8.1.3.5. In the case of the seats of  the first row, intrusion of  the instrument panel in 
the limit of 10 cm and only at height s from the floor greater than 65 cm. 
 
4.7.8.1.3.6. Intrusion of hopper type windows when open and their fittings.  
 
4.7.8.1.4. In the case of the two rear  side seating places, the re ar edge adjacent to the 
side wall of the vehicle of the space situated above the area mentioned in GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 34paragraph 4.7.8.1.1.1. may be replaced by a cylindrical segment 15 cm in 
radius  
(Annex 1, figure 11). 
 
4.7.8.1.5. In the case of the seats of the first row, the front upper edge of the space 
extending over the area defined in paragraph 4.7.8.1.1.2. may be replaced by 
a plane parallel to this edge, making an  angle of 45° with  the horizontal and 
passing through the rear uppe r edge of this space. 
 
4.7.8.2. Seat dimensions  (see Annex 1, figures. 12 and 13) 
 
4.7.8.2.1. The minimum dimensions for each seating place, as measured from a 
vertical plane passi ng through the centre of that seating place, shall be as 
follows: 
 
Width of the seat cushion on each side 20 cm  
Individual seats Width of the available space, measured in a horizontal plane along the seat back at heights 
between 27 and 65 cm above the undepressed seat cushion  
25 cm 
Width of the seat cushion per passenger, on each side  
20 cm Continuous seats for two or more passengers 
Width of the available space, measured in a horizontal plane along the seat-back at heights between 27 and 65 cm above the undepressed seat cushion  
 
22.5 cm 
 
4.7.8.2.2. In the case of seats adjacent to the wa ll of the vehicle, the available space 
does not include, in its upper part, a tria ngular area 2 cm wide by 10 cm high  
(see Annex 1, figure 13). 
 
4.7.8.3. Seat cushions  (see Annex 1, figure. 14) 
 
4.7.8.3.1. The height of the undepressed seat cushion relative to the floor under the 
passenger's feet shall be such that the distance from the floor to a horizontal plane tangent to the front upper surface of the seat cushion is  between 40 and 50 cm; this height ma y, however, be reduced to not less  
than 35 cm at the wheel arches. 
 
4.7.8.3.2. The depth of the seat cushion shall be at least 35 cm. 
 
4.7.8.4. Seat spacing  (see Annex 1, figure 15) 
 
4.7.8.4.1. In the case of seats f acing in the same directio n, the distance between the 
front of a seat squab and the back of the squab of the seat preceding it shall, when measured horizontally and at a ll heights above the floor between the GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 35level of the top surface of the seat cushion and a point 62 cm above the 
floor, be not less than 65 cm. 
 
4.7.8.4.2. All measurements shall be taken, with the seat cushion and squab 
undepressed in a vertical plane passing through the centreline of the 
individual seating place. 
 
4.7.8.4.3. Where transverse seats face one anot her the minimum distance between the 
front faces of the seat squabs of faci ng seats, as measured across the highest 
points of the seat cushions, shall be not less than 130 cm. 
 
4.7.8.5. Space for seated passengers  (see Annex 1, figure 16) 
 
4.7.8.5.1. For a seat behind a partition or other rigid structure other than a seat, a 
minimum clear space in front of each  passenger seat shall be provided as 
shown in Annex 1, figure 16.  A pa rtition whose contour corresponds 
approximately to that of the inclined s eat back may intrude into this space as 
provided by paragraph 4.7.8.4.  Intrusio n of the dashboard, instrument 
panel, windscreen, sun visor, seat belts anchorages shall be allowed. 
 
4.7.8.5.2. For a seat behind a seat and/or a se at facing the gangway, a minimum clear 
foot space of at least 300 mm depth and a width according to paragraph 4.7.8.2.1. shall be provided as shown in  Annex 1, figure 15b.  The local 
presence in this space of seat legs  and of intrusions  as provided by 
paragraphs 4.7.8.1.3.3. and 4.7.8.1.3.4. shall be permitted provided that adequate space remains for the passengers' feet.  This foot space may partly 
be situated in and/or above the gangwa y but shall not crea te any obstruction 
when measuring the minimum gangw ay-width in accordance with 
paragraph 4.7.5.  Intrusion of the seat be lts and seat belt an chorages shall be 
allowed. 
 
4.7.8.5.3. However, at least two forward or rearwa rd facing seats spec ifically intended 
and marked for disabled passengers sha ll be provided in that part of the 
vehicle which is most suitable for boarding.  These seats shall be designed 
for the disabled so as to provide enough space, shall have suitably designed and placed handholds to facilitate entr y and exit of the seat and provide 
communication from the seated positi on with the driver if necessary. 
 
4.8.  Artificial interior lighting
 
4.8.1.  Internal electrical lighting shall be provided for the illumination of: 
 
4.8.1.1. the passenger compartment; 
 
4.8.1.2. any step or steps; 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 364.8.1.3. the access to any exits; 
 
4.8.1.4. the internal markings and in ternal controls  of all exits; 
 
4.8.1.5. all places where there are obstacles. 
 
4.9.  Handrails and handholds
 
4.9.1.  General requirements
 
4.9.1.1. Handrails and handholds sha ll be of adequate strength. 
 
4.9.1.2. They shall be so designed and installe d as to present no risk of injury to 
passengers. 
 
4.9.1.3. Handrails and handholds shall be of a section enabling passengers to grasp 
them easily and firmly.  Every handrail shall provide a length of at least 10 
cm to accommodate a hand.  No dimensi on of the section shall be smaller 
than 2 cm or greater th an 4.5 cm except in the cas e of handrails on doors and 
seats and in the case of a vehicle of class B, in access passages.  In these 
cases handrails having a minimum dime nsion of 1.5 cm shall be permitted 
provided that one other dimens ion is of at least 2.5 cm. 
 
4.9.1.4. The clearance between a handhold and the adjacent part of the vehicle body 
or walls shall be of at least 4 cm.  Ho wever, in the case of a handrail on a 
door or a seat, or in the access passag e of a vehicle of class B a minimum 
clearance  of 3.5 cm shall be permitted. 
 
4.9.1.5. The surface of every handrail, ha ndhold or stanchion shall be colour 
contrasting and non-slip. 
 
4.9.2.  Handrails and handholds for class A vehicles  
 
4.9.2.1. Handrails and/or handholds shall be provided in sufficient number for each 
point of the floor area intended, in  conformity with paragraph 4.2.2., for 
standing passengers.  This requirement shall be deemed to be fulfilled if, for all possible sites of the testing device shown in Annex 1, figure 18 of this Regulation at least two ha ndrails and/or handholds can be reached by the 
device's movable arm.  For this purpose, strap hangers, if fitted, may be counted as handholds provided that they are held in their position by suitable means.  The testing device may be freely turned about its vertical axis. 
 
4.9.2.2. When applying the procedure desc ribed in paragraph 4.9.2.1. above, only 
such handrails and/or handholds shall be  considered as are not less than 80 
cm and not more than 190 cm above the floor. GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 37 
4.9.2.3. For every position that can be occupied  by a standing passenger, at least one 
of the two required handra ils and/or handholds shall not be more than 150 
cm above the level of the floor at th at position.  Exception may be given in 
the middle of large platforms, but th e sum of these exceptions shall not  
exceed 20 per cent of the total standing area. 
 
4.9.2.4. Areas which can be occupied by sta nding passengers and are not separated 
by seats from the side walls or rear wa ll of the vehicle shall be provided 
with horizontal handrails parallel to the walls and installed at a height of  
between 80 cm and 150 cm above the floor. 
 
4.9.3.  Handrails and handholds for service doors
 
4.9.3.1. Door apertures shall be fitted with ha ndholds on each side of the passage for 
access by passengers.  For double doors, this requirement may be met by 
one central stanchion or handhold. 
 
4.9.3.2. Handrails and/or handholds to be pr ovided for service doors shall be such 
that they include a grasping point av ailable to a person standing on the 
ground adjacent to the service door or on any of the successive steps.  Such points shall be situated, vertically, between 80 and 110 cm above the ground 
or above the surfaces of each step, and horizontally, 
 
4.9.3.2.1. for the position appropriate to a pe rson standing on the ground, not more  
than 40 cm inwards from the outer edge of the first step; and 
 
4.9.3.2.2. for the position appropriate to a partic ular step, not outwards from the outer 
edge of the step considered, and not more than 60 cm inwards from the inboard edge of that step. 
 
4.9.4.  Handrails and handholds for the handicapped
 
4.9.4.1. Handrails and handholds between the se rvice door and the se ats identified in 
accordance with paragraph 4.7.8.5.2. shall be designed to specifically take 
into account the needs of the handicapped. 
 
4.10.  Guarding of stepwells
 
4.10.1.  Where any seated passenger is likely to be thrown forward into a step well 
as a result of heavy braking, either a guard or a safety-belt shall be fitted.  Where a guard is provided, it shall have  a minimum height from the floor on 
which the passenger's feet rest of 80 cm and shall extend inwards from the 
wall of the vehicle at least as far as  10 cm beyond the longitudinal centre 
line of any seating position where the passeng er is at risk or to the riser of 
the innermost step; whicheve r is the lesser dimension. GSO STANDARD                                                                               GSO     
 
 38 
4.11.  Luggage racks, if fitted, driver protection
 
4.11.1.  The driver shall be protected from objects liable to fall from luggage racks 
in the case of heavy braking. 
 
4.12.  Trap doors, if fitted
 
4.12.1.  Every trap door in the floor of a vehicle shall be so fitted and secured that it 
cannot be dislodged or opened without th e use of tools or keys and no lifting 
or securing device shall project by more than 8 mm above floor level.  
Edges of projections shall be rounded. 
 
4.13.  Reversing lights
 
4.13.1.  All vehicles having a service door in their rear face shall be equipped with 
reversing lights, the installation of which must conform to the provisions of 
Regulation No. 48. 
 
  
 39  
Annex 1
 
EXPLANATORY DIAGRAMS 
 
Figure 1
Access to service doors
(See paragraph 4.7.1.) 
 
 2 cm 
 
 
 40 
Figure 2
 
Access to emergency doors
(See paragraph 4.7.2.) 
 
 
  
 41 
Figure 3
 
Gangways
(see paragraph 4.7.5.) 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dimensions in mm 
 
 
Dimensions (cm)  Ø A  B  Ø C  H 
 Class A  35  50 (40) +/  55  190 (180) +/ 
 Class B  30  30  45  150 
 
________________ 
*/  See the respective footnote (" +/") of paragraph 4.7.5.1. 
 
 42 
Figure 4
 
Steps at service doors
(See paragraph 4.7.7.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A (cm)  1/ 3/ B (cm)  1/ 2/  
max.  min. max. 
Class A 36 12 25  4/ 
Class B 40 
 mechanical 
suspension solely 43 12 35 
 
Notes : 
 
1/ At a double doorway the steps in each half  of the access passage shall be treated 
separately. 
2/ B need not be the same for each step. 
3/ 70 cm in the case of an emergency door. 
4/ 30 cm in the case of steps at a door behind the rearmost axle. 
 
 43 
Figure 5  
 
Length of prescribed seat area  
(See paragraph 4.7.8.1.1.1.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Figure 6  
 
Permitted intrusion into space above seat  
 
Transversal section of the minimum free space above a seating place  
adjacent to the wall of the vehicle  
 
(See paragraph 4.7.8.1.2.) 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 45 
Figure 7  
 
Permitted intrusion of a structural member  
(see paragraph 4.7.8.1.3.2.) 
 
(see paragraph 5.7.8.6.2.2.) 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I (cm) min. 
40-50 
(35 cm at wheel arches and  
engine compartment) 
 
  
Figure 8  
 
Permitted intrusion in lower part of passenger space  
 
(See paragraph 4.7.8.1.3.3.) 
 
 
 47 
 
  
 
 
 
 49
   
 
  
Figure 14  
 
Seat-cushion depth  
(See paragraph 4.7.8.3.) 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 * /   35 cm at wheel arches 
 
 
 Figure 15a 
 
 Seat spacing  
 (See paragraph 4.7.8.4.) 
 
 
 51 
Figure 15b  
 
Space for seated passengers be hind a seat and/ or a seat  
facing the gangway  
(see paragraph 4.7.8.5.2.) 
 
 
 
 
60 cm max 
70 cm min  30 ° max 
– 8 ° min 15 cm min 
15 cm max 30 cm min 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Figure 16  
 
Space for seated passengers behind a partition or other rigid structure other than a seat  
(see paragraph 4.7.8.5.1.) 
 
 
  
 53 
Figure 17  (See paragraph 4.7.1.4.) 
 
Service door entry  
 
  
Figure 18  
 
Testing device for siting of handrails and handholds  
 
(See paragraph 4.9.2.1.) 
 
 
 55 
Figure 19  
Determination of unobstructed access to door  
(See paragraph 4.7.1.10.1.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Figure 20 
 
 Determination of unobstructed access to door  
 (See paragraph 4.7.1.10.2.) 
   
Figure 21  
Access to driver's door  
(See paragraph 4.6.2.5.2.) 
 
 
Test gauge of 60 cm x 40 cm as 
described in paragraph 5.7.3.3. Gangway’s test gauge 
 
 
 
 
 57 
Figure 22  
 
Access to driver's door  
 
(See paragraph 4.7.2.4.2.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Annex 2  
(See paragraph 4.6.5.6.2.) 
 
GUIDELINES FOR MEASURING THE CLOSING FORCES OF  
POWER-OPERATED DOORS 
 
1.  General  
 
 The closing of power-operated door is  a dynamic process. When a moving door 
hits an obstacle, the result is a dynamic reaction force, the history of which (in time) depends upon several factors (e .g. mass of the door, acceleration, 
dimensions). 
 
2.  Definitions  
 
2.1.  Closing force F (t) is a time function,  measured at the clos ing edges of the door 
(see paragraph 3.2. below). 
 
2.2.  Peak force F S means the maximum value of the closing force. 
 
 59 dt   (t)   F    .  T1 =  Ft
tE2
1∫  2.3.  Effective force F E is the average value of the closing force related to the pulse 
duration: 
 
 
 
 
2.4.  Pulse duration T is the time between t 1 and t 2: 
 
 T = t 2 - t1
 
  where t 1  = threshold of sensitivity, where the closing force exceeds 50 N 
 
  t2  = fade-away threshold, where th e closing force becomes less than 
50 N. 
 
2.5.  The relations between the above para meters is shown in figure 1 below (as an 
example): 
  
 
 
  n.)F(    
 =  FiEn
1  =  i
C∑
 2.6.  Clamping force F C is the arithmetical mean value of  the effective forces, measured 
at the same measuring point subsequently more times: 
 
 
 
 
3.  Measurements  
 
3.1.  Conditions of measurement: 
 
3.1.1.  temperature range 10°-30° C. 
 
3.1.2.  the vehicle shall stay on a horizontal surface. 
 
3.2.  Measurements points shall be: 
 
3.2.1.  At the main closing edges of the door: 
 
  one in the middle of the door; 
  one 150 mm above the lower edge of the door. 
 
3.2.2.  In the case of doors equipped with  clamping prevention devices for the opening 
process: 
 
  At the secondary closing e dges of the door at th at point which is considered to be 
the most dangerous place of clamping. 
 
3.3.  At least three measurements shall be taken at each of the measuring points to 
determine the clamping force according to paragraph 2.6. above. 
 
3.4.  The signal of the closing force shall be  recorded by means of a low-pass filter with a 
limiting frequency of 100 Hz. Both the threshold of sensitivity and the fade-away 
threshold to limit the pulse duration shall be set at 50 N.  
 
3.5.  The deviation of the reading from th e rated value shall not be more than ± 3%. 
 
4.  Measuring device  
 
4.1.  The measuring device shall consist of tw o parts: one handle an d one measuring part 
which is a load cell (see figure 2). 
 
4.2.  The load cell shall have  the following characteristics: 
 
4.2.1.  It shall consist of tw o sliding housings with  the outer dimension of 100 mm in diameter 
and 115 mm in width.  Inside the load cell a compression spring shall be fitted between 
the two housings such that the load cell can be pressed together if an appropriate force is 
applied. 
 
4.2.2.  The stiffness of the load cell shall be 10 ± 0.2 N/mm.  The maximum spring deflection 
shall be limited to 30 mm so that a maximum peak force of 300 N is achieved. 
 
 
Figure 2  
 
 
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 61