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 
 
 
 
 
      ﻗﻴﺎﺴﻴﺔ ﻟﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺔ  ﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ  ﺍﻟﻭﺜﻴﻘﺔ ﻫﺫﻩ           ﻓﺈﻨﻬـﺎ ﻟﺫﻟﻙ ﺒﺸﺄﻨﻬﺎ، ﻭﺍﻟﻤﻠﺤﻭﻅﺎﺕ  ﺍﻟﺭﺃﻱ ﻹﺒﺩﺍﺀ ﺘﻭﺯﻴﻌﻬﺎ  ﺘﻡ ﺨﻠﻴﺠﻴﺔ
               ﻤﺠﻠﺱ ﻤﻥ ﺍﻋﺘﻤﺎﺩﻫﺎ ﺒﻌﺩ ﺇﻻ ﺨﻠﻴﺠﻴﺔ ﻗﻴﺎﺴﻴﺔ ﻜﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺔ  ﺇﻟﻴﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﺭﺠﻭﻉ  ﻴﺠﻭﺯ ﻭﻻ ﻭﺍﻟﺘﺒﺩﻴل،  ﻟﻠﺘﻐﻴﻴﺭ ﻋﺭﻀﺔ
ﺍﻟﻬﻴﺌﺔ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ.ﺍﻟﻜﺒﻴﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺭﻜﺎﺏ  ﻟﺤﺎﻓﻼﺕ  ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﺘﺼﻤﻴﻡ  
ﺍﻷﻭل ﺍﻟﺠﺯﺀ : ﻤﻥ ﺃﻜﺜﺭ ﺘﺤﻤل ﺤﺎﻓﻼﺕ22ﺭﺍﻜﺏ   
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION OF LARGE PASSENGER 
VEHICLES 
Buses designed for the carriage  of persons in excess of : 1 PART 
passengers  22  2 
ﺘﻘﺩﻴﻡ
ﺍﻷ ﻋﻀﻭﻴﺘﻬﺎ  ﻓﻲ ﺘﻀﻡ ﺇﻗﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ ﻫﻴﺌﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺒﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺨﻠﻴﺞ ﻟﺩﻭل ﺍﻟﺘﻌﺎﻭﻥ ﻤﺠﻠﺱ ﻟﺩﻭل ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻴﻴﺱ ﻫﻴﺌﺔ  ﺠﻬﺯﺓ
 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   "  ﺍﻟﺨﻠﻴﺠﻴﺔ  ﺍﻟﻔﻨﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻹﻁﺎﺭﺍﺕﺍﻟﻠﺠﻨﺔ  ﺍﻟﻤﺭﻜﺒﺎﺕ  ﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺎﺕ  ﻟﻘﻁﺎﻉ ﺍﻟﻔﺭﻋﻴﺔ "   ﺒﺈﻋﺩﺍﺩ  ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺔ  
ﺭﻗﻡ " 2009 …… / FDS/ 1 / 2 GSO"   ﺍﻟﻜﺒﻴﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺭﻜﺎﺏ ﻟﺤﺎﻓﻼﺕ  ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﺘﺼﻤﻴﻡ– ﺍﻷﻭل ﺍﻟﺠﺯﺀ:  
 ﻤﻥ ﺃﻜﺜﺭ ﺘﺤﻤل ﺤﺎﻓﻼﺕ22  ﺭﺍﻜﺏ "  ﺒﺈﻋﺩﺍﺩ  ﻗﺒل ﻤﻥ ﺍﻟﺨﻠﻴﺠﻴﺔ  ﺍﻟﻘﻴﺎﺴﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺔ  ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﺒﺤﺭﻴﻥ  ﻤﻤﻠﻜﺔ  
ﺍﺴ ﺒﻌﺩ ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ  ﺇﻋﺩﺍﺩ ﺘﻡ ﻭﻗﺩ  ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺅﻟﻔﺎﺕ  ﻭﺍﻟﺩﻭﻟﻴﺔ  ﻭﺍﻷﺠﻨﺒﻴﺔ  ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺒﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻘﻴﺎﺴﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺎﺕ  ﺘﻌﺭﺍﺽ
ﺍﻟﺼﻠﺔ ﺫﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﺭﺠﻌﻴﺔ  . 
    
 ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﺼﻔﺔ  ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻋﺘﻤﺩﺕ  ﻭﻗﺩ  ﺨﻠﻴﺠﻴﺔ ﻓﻨﻴﺔ ﻜﻼﺌﺤﺔ    ﺭﻗﻡ ﺍﻟﻬﻴﺌﺔ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﻤﺠﻠﺱ ﺍﺠﺘﻤﺎﻉ ﻓﻲ               
      )          ( ﺒﺘﺎﺭﻴﺦ ﻋﻘﺩ ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ،         /      /       ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﻓﻕ  ، ﻫـ/      /  ﻡ  .      
 
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 program of co mmittee 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  /    
 
 3 
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION OF LARGE PASSENGER VEHICLES 
PART 1:  Buses designed for the carriage of persons in excess of 
22 passengers 
 
 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 
1. Scope ................................................................................................................. 3 
2. Complementary References …………………………………………………...3 
3. Definitions......................................................................................................... 3 
4. Specifications & Requirements  ..................................................................... ..6 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNEXES 
 
 
Annex 1  - Explanatory diagrams 
 
Annex 2  - Manoeuvrability 
 
Annex 3  - Testing device for siting of hand-rails and hand-holds 
 
Annex 4  - Guidelines for measuring the closing forces of power-operated doors 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 41. SCOPE 
 
This Regulation applies to single-d eck rigid or articulated vehicles 
designed and constructed for the carriag e of persons and having a capacity 
in excess of 22 passengers, whether seated or standing, in addition to the 
driver, and having an overall width exceeding 2.30 metres.  At the request of the manufacturer, approvals may be granted to vehicles having an 
overall width of 2.30 metres or less if such vehicles comply with the provisions of this Regulation. 
 
  
2. COMPLEMENTARY REFERENCES 
 
2.1             GS0 48 / 1984 “ Moto r Vehicles Conformity Certificate”  
 
 
3. DEFINITIONS 
 
  
3.1. "Vehicle " means a single deck vehicle designed and equipped for the 
transport of more than 22 passengers.  There are three Classes of vehicles.  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. 
 
3.2. "Class I " - Vehicles constructed with areas for standing passengers, to 
allow frequent passenger movement. 
 
3.3. "Class II" - Vehicles cons tructed principally for the carriage of seated 
passengers, and designed to allow th e carriage of standing passengers in 
the gangway and/or in a standing ar ea which does not exceed the space 
provided for two double seats. 
 
3.4. "Class III" - Vehicles c onstructed exclusively for the carriage of seated 
passengers. 
 
3.5. "Trolleybus" means a vehicle of Classes I, II, or III, electrically driven by 
energy from external wires. 
 
3.6. "Articulated vehicle" means a vehicle which consists of two or more rigid 
sections which articulate relative to one another; the passenger 
compartments of each section interc ommunicate so that passengers can 
move freely between them; the rigid s ections are permanently connected so 
that they can only be separated by an  operation involving facilities which 
are normally only found in a workshop. 
 
3.7. "Low floor vehicle" means a vehicle in which at least 35 per cent of the 
area available for standing passengers (o r of its forward section in the case GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 5of articulated vehicles) forms a single area without steps, reached through 
at least one service door by a single step from the ground. 
 
3.8. "Vehicle type" means vehicles which do not differ essentially with regard 
to the constructional features specified in this Regulation. 
 
3.9. "Approval of a vehicle" means the approva l of a vehicle type with regard to 
the constructional features sp ecified in this Regulation. 
 
3.10. "Service door" means a door used by passengers in normal circumstances with the driver seated. 
 
3.11. "Double door" means a door affording two, or the equiva lent of two, access 
passages. 
 
3.12. "Emergency door" means a door additional to the service door(s) intended for use by passengers as an exit only ex ceptionally and, in pa rticular, in an 
emergency. 
 
3.13. "Emergency window" means a window, not necessarily glazed, intended for use as an exit by passe ngers in an emergency only. 
 
3.14. "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. 
 
3.15. "Escape hatch" means an opening in the roof or floor intended for use as an 
exit by passengers in an emergency only. 
 
3.16. "Emergency exit" means an emergency door, emergency window or escape hatch. 
 
3.17. "Exit" means a service door or emergency exit. 
 
3.18. "Floor or deck" means that part of the bodywork whose upper surface 
supports standing passengers, the feet of  seated passengers and the driver, 
and the seat mountings. 
 
3.19. "Gangway" means the space providing acce ss 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 d oor and any area for sta nding passengers; it does 
not include: the space extending 30 cm in front of any seat; the space above the surface of any step or staircase at the doors; or any space which affords 
access solely to one seat or one row of seats. 
 
3.20. "Access passage" means the space extending inwards into the vehicle from the service door up to the outermost e dge of the upper st ep (edge of the GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 6gangway).  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. 
 
3.21. "Driver's compartment" means the space intended for the driver's exclusive use and containing the driver's s eat, the steering wheel, controls, 
instruments and other devices neces sary for driving the vehicle. 
 
3.22. "Unladen kerb mass" (MK) (kg) mean s the mass of the vehicle in running 
order, unoccupied and unladen but with the addition of 75 kg for the mass of the driver, the mass of fuel corres ponding 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. 
 
3.23. "Unladen mass" (MV) (kg) means the unladen kerb mass (MK) (kg) of the 
vehicle as defined in paragraph 2.1 6., with the addition of 75 kg for the 
mass of the crew member correspondi ng to the seat, if any, specially 
assigned to this crew member as  described in paragraph 5.7.1.8.  The 
vehicle shall be complete with 90 per cent of the capacity of all additional liquid tanks (e.g. fuel for combustion heat ers, 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. 
 
3.24. "Technically permissible maximum mass" means the 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). 
 
3.25. "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 vert ical 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 authorized by national administrations.  The sum of all t echnically permissible maximum axle 
masses of the vehicle may be greater  than the technically permissible 
maximum mass of that vehicle. 
 
3.26. "Passenger" means a person other than th e driver or a member of the crew. 
 
3.27. "Passenger with reduced mobility" means all passengers who have a special difficulty when using public transport, especially elderly and disabled people.  Reduced mobility doe s not necessarily imply any form of 
medical impairment. 
 
3.28. "Passenger compartment" means the space intended fo r passengers' use 
excluding any space occupied by fi xed appliances such as bars, 
kitchenettes or toilets. GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 7 
3.29. "Automatically operated service do or" means a power-operated service 
door which can be opened (other than  by means of emergency controls) 
only after a control is operated by a pa ssenger, and after activation of the 
controls by the driver, and whic h closes again automatically. 
 
3.30. "Starting prevention device" means a device which prevents the vehicle 
being driven away from rest when a door is not fully closed. 
 
3.31. "Driver operated servic e door" means a service door which normally is 
opened and closed by the driver. 
 
3.32. Unless otherwise stated, all measuremen ts shall be made when the vehicle 
is at its unladen kerb mass (MK) (k g) 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. 
 
3.33. 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 ma ss (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 fitted to the vehicle, it shall not be in operation. 
 
 
4. SPECIFICATIONS & REQUIRMENTS  
 
4. 1      Load distribution between axl es and loading conditions
 
4.1.1. The load distribution of a stationary vehicle on level ground shall be determined in two conditions: unladen, as specified and laden, as specified in paragraph. 
 
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 I Class II Class III 
 Rigid Articulated Rigid Articulated Rigid Articulated 
Unladen 20 20 25 20 25 20 
Laden 25 20 25 20 25 20 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 84.1.3. Unladen, for the purpose of this paragraph (5.1.), and paragraph 5.3., 
means the vehicle in the  condi tion described in paragraph 2.16.1. 
 
4.1.4. Laden, for the purpose of this paragr aph (5.1.), means the vehicle unladen 
as described in paragraph 5.1.3. with  the addition of a mass Q on each 
passenger seat, a number,  corresponding to the authorised number of 
standing passengers, of masses Q unif ormly distributed over the area S1, a 
mass equal to B uniformly distributed 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. 
 
4.1.5. The values of Q for the different Cl asses of vehicle are specified in 
paragraph 5.3. below. 
 
4.1.6. B (kg) shall have a numerical value not less than 100 V (m3). 
 
4.1.7. BX shall exert a specific load 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 0 available for passengers is calculated by deducting    
from the total area of the vehicle:   
  
      the area of the driver's compartment;  
             
the area of steps at doors and the area of a ny step with a depth of less than    
30 cm;  
            
                  the area of any part over which the vertical clearance is less than 135 cm 
measured from the floor (disregarding intrusions permitted according to paragraph ; and 
             
the area of any part of the articulated sec tions of an articulate d vehicle to     
which part access is prevented by handrails and/or partitions. 
 
4.2.2 The surface area S1 available for sta nding passengers (only in the case of 
vehicles of Class I and Class II, in which the carriage of standing 
passengers is allowed) is cal culated by deducting from S0: 
 
4.2.2.1 in vehicles of Class I and Class II: 
 
4.2.2.1.1. the area of all parts of the floor in which the slope exceeds 8 per cent; 
 
4.2.2.1.2. 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; 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
4.2.2.1.3. the area of all parts where the clear height 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, an d the attaching parts thereof - less than 180 cm 
(hand-holds shall not be taken in to account in this connection); 
 
4.2.2.1.4. the area 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; 
and, 
 
4.2.2.1.5. the area 30 cm in front of all seats other than folding seats; 
 
4.2.2.1.6. any surface not being excluded by the provisions in paragraphs 5.2.2.1.1. to 
5.2.2.1.5. above, on which it is not possi ble to place a rectangle of 
400 mm x 300 mm; 
 
4.2.2.1.7. in vehicles of Class II, the ar ea in which standing is not allowed. 
 
 
4.3. Passenger capacity  
 
4.3.1. There shall be on the vehicle a number (P s) of seating places (see 
para. 3.2.9. above), other than fold ing seats, which conform to the 
requirements of paragraph 5.7.8.  If the ve hicle is of Class I or Class II, the 
number P s shall be at least equal to the nu mber of square metres of floor 
available for passengers and crew (if any) (S o) rounded down to the nearest 
whole number; the required number ma y be reduced by 10 per cent in the 
case of Class I vehicles (0.9 S o). 
 
4.3.2. The total number N of seating and standing places in vehicles shall be 
calculated such that both of th e following conditions are fulfilled: 
 
SS +  P  N
sp1
s≤   
 
 
and 
 
 
QVX R  -  V L  -   MV -  MT  N••≤   
 
 
where: 
 
Ps = Number of seating places (see paragraphs 3.2.9. and 5.3.1.); 
 
S1 = Surface area (m2) (see paragraph 5.2.2.) available for standing 
passengers; 
 
9  GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 10Ssp = Area assumed for one standing passenger (m2/standing passenger) 
(see paragraph 5.3.2.2.); 
 
MT = Technically permissible maximu m mass (kg) (see paragraph 2.17.); 
 
MV = Unladen mass (kg) as defined in paragraph 2.16.1.; 
 
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 load on each passenger seating and 
standing place, if a ny (see paragraph 5.3.2.2.). 
 
4.3.2.1. In the case of Class III vehicles, S 1 = 0. 
 
4.3.2.2. The values of Q, S sp, L and R for every class of vehicle are as follows: 
 
Class Q (kg) Ssp
(m2/standing passenger) L 
(kg/m3) R 
(kg/m2) 
I 68 0.125 100 75 
II 71 */ 0.150 100 75 
III 71 */ (no standing passengers) 100 75 
 
*/    Including 3 kg of hand baggage. 
 
4.3.2.3. If a vehicle of Class II or Class III is  approved as a Class I 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 5.3.2., 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 (P s); 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 114.3.4.2. the total number of passengers for which the vehicle is designed (N); 
 
 
4.4. Protection against fire risks
 
4.4.1. Engine compartment
 
4.4.1.1. No flammable sound-proofing material or material liable to become 
impregnated with fuel or lubricant shall be used in the engine compartment 
unless the material is covered by an impermeable sheet. 
 
4.4.1.2. Precautions shall be taken, either by a suitable layout of the engine 
compartment or by the provision of drainage orifices, to avoid, so far as possible, the accumulation of fuel or lubr icating oil in any part of the engine 
compartment. 
 
4.4.1.3. A partition 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 vehicle is descending a long gradient, e.g. a retarder or a device for hea ting the interior of the body other, 
however, than a device functioning by wa rm water circulation) and the rest 
of the vehicle. 
 
4.4.2. Fuel filler-holes
 
4.4.2.1. Fuel filler-holes shall be accessibl e only from outside the vehicle. 
 
4.4.2.2. No part of fuel filler-holes shall be less than 50 cm from any service door or 
emergency door aperture when the fuel  tank is intended to contain petrol, 
and not less than 25 cm when it is intende d to contain diesel fuel; they shall 
moreover not be in the passenger compartment, nor in the driver's compartment.  Fuel-filler-holes shall not be so located that there is a risk of fuel falling on to the engine or exhaust system during filling. 
 
4.4.2.3. The fuel shall not be able to run out through the filler-hole cap or through 
the devices provided to stab ilize the pressure in the tank, even if the tank is 
completely overturned; a slight drip sh all however be tolerated 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. 
 
4.4.2.4. If the filler-hole is situated on a side  of the vehicle, the cap shall, when 
closed, not project beyond the adjacent surfaces of the bodywork. 
 
4.4.2.5. Fuel filler-hole caps sh all be so designed and cons tructed that they cannot 
be opened accidentally. 
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 124.5.3. Fuel tanks
 
4.5.3.1. Every fuel tank shall be securely fixed.  No part of a fuel tank shall be less 
than 60 cm from the front of the vehicle or less than 30 cm from the rear of 
the vehicle so as to provide protection in the event of front or rear impact. 
 
4.5.3.2. No part of a fuel tank shall proj ect beyond the overall width of the 
bodywork. 
 
4.5.3.3. All tanks shall be subject ed to a hydraulic internal-p ressure test, which shall 
be carried out on an isolated unit co mplete with standard filler-pipe, 
filler-neck and cap. 
 
The tank shall be completely filled w ith water.  After all communication 
with the outside has been cut off, the pressure shall be gradually increased, 
through the pipe connection through 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 maintained for one minute.  During this time the tank 
shell shall not crack or leak; it ma y, however, be permanently distorted. 
 
4.5.3.4. Fuel tanks must be made so as to be corrosion resistant. 
 
4.5.3.5. Any excess pressure or any pressure  exceeding the working pressure must 
be automatically compensated by suitable devices (vents, safety valves, etc.).  The vents must be designed in su ch a way as to prevent any fire risks. 
 
4.5.4. Fuel-feed systems
 
4.5.4.1. No apparatus used for the fuel f eed shall be placed in the driver's 
compartment or the passenger compartment. 
 
4.5.4.2. Fuel lines and all other parts of th e 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 parts of the fuel-feed 
system shall be so designed and constr ucted as to remain leakproof 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 on any exhaust system or any high voltage electrical equipment. 
 
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 134.5.5. Emergency switch
 
 There shall be provided an emergenc y switch which is intended to reduce 
the risk of fire after th e vehicle has come to a st andstill.  This emergency 
switch shall have the following characteristics: 
 
4.5.5.1. It shall be located within immediate reach  of the driver seated in the driver's 
seat. 
 
4.5.5.2. It shall be clearly marked and be provided with a protective cover or other 
suitable means to prevent inadvert ent operation.  Clear instructions 
concerning the method of operation sha ll be displayed in the immediate 
vicinity of the emerge ncy switch, e.g. "Remove cover and move lever 
downwards!  Actuate only when the vehicle has been brought to a stop". 
 
4.5.5.3. Its actuation shall cause simultaneous 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 switc h, fitted as close to the batteries as 
possible, and which isolates  at least one battery term inal from the electrical 
circuit, with the exception of the ci rcuit performing the function required by 
paragraph 5.5.5.3.3. 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; 
 
4.5.5.3.4. retrieving of trolley poles. 
 
4.5.5.4. Performance of the functions menti oned in paragraph 5.5.5.3. above may be 
initiated not only by the emergency switch, but also by separate controls, 
provided that these do not in an emergency 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 temperature and humidity conditions to which they are exposed.  In the engine compar tment, particular attention shall be GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 14paid to their suitability to withstand the environmental temperature, oil and 
vapour. 
 
4.5.6.2. No cable used in an electrical circui t shall carry a current  in excess of that 
acceptable for such a cable in the light of its mode of in stallation and the 
maximum ambient temperature. 
 
4.5.6.3. Every electrical circuit feeding an ite m of equipment other than the starter, 
the ignition circuit (posi tive ignition), the glow-pl ugs, the engine-stopping 
device, the battery-charging circuit and the battery shall include a fuse or a 
circuit breaker.  Circuits feed ing low consumption equipment may, 
however, be protected by a common fu se or a common circuit-breaker, 
provided that its rated cap acity does not exceed 16 A.  In the case where 
electronics are incorporated, these circ uits may be protected by protection 
devices integrated into the electronic  components or systems.  In such a 
case, the manufacturer shall give all the relevant technical information at the 
request of the Technica l Service responsible fo r conducting the tests. 
 
4.5.6.4. All cables shall be well protected and shall be held secure ly in position in 
such a way that they cannot be dama ged by cutting, abrasion or chafing. 
 
4.5.6.5. Where the voltage exceeds 100 Volts RMS (root mean square) in one or 
more electrical circuits in a vehicl e, a manually-operated isolating switch 
which is capable of disconnecting all such  circuits from the main electrical 
supply shall be connected in each pol e of that supply  which is not 
electrically connected to earth, and shal l be located inside the vehicle in a 
position readily accessible to the driver , provided that no such isolating 
switch shall be capable of  disconnecting any electri cal circuit supplying the 
mandatory external vehicle lights. 
 
4.5.6.6. There shall be at least two internal li ghting circuits such that failure of one 
will not affect the other.  A circuit serving only permanent entry and exit 
lighting can be considered as one of these circuits. 
 
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 driver's compartment and ventilated to outside air. 
 
4.5.8. Fire extinguishers and first-aid equipment
 
4.5.8.1. Space shall be provided for the fitting of  one or more fire extinguishers, one 
being near the driver's seat and th e space provided for each measuring not 
less than 600 mm x 200 mm x 200 mm.  Local  intrusions into this space are 
permitted provided a fire extinguisher of adequate size may still be fitted. 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 154.5.8.2. Space shall be provided for the fitting of one or more first-aid kits.  The 
space provided shall be not less than 7 dm3, the minimum dimension shall 
not be less than 80 mm. 
 
4.5.9. Materials
 
 No flammable material shall be permitted within 10 cm of any exhaust 
system component, any high voltage el ectrical equipment or any other 
significant source of heat of a vehicl e unless the material is effectively 
shielded.  For the purpose of this pa ragraph, a flammable material is 
considered to be one which is not designed to withstand the temperature 
likely to be encountered in that location.  Where necessary, shielding shall 
be provided to prevent grease or ot her flammable materials coming into 
contact with any exhaust system, any high voltage electri cal equipment or 
any other significant source of heat. 
 
4.6. Exits
 
4.6.1. Number
 
4.6.1.1. The minimum number of service doors required is as follows: 
 
Number of service doors Number of 
passengers Class I Class II Class III 
23 -  45 1 1 1 
46 -  70 2 1 1 
71 - 100 3 2 1 
    > 100 4 3 1 
 
4.6.1.2. The minimum number of service doors in each rigid section of an 
articulated vehicle shall be one except  that this minimum number shall be 
two in the case of the front section of  an articulated vehicle of Class I. 
 
4.6.1.3. The minimum number of doors in a vehi cle shall be two, either two service 
doors or one service door and one emergency door. 
 
4.6.1.4. For the purpose of this requirement, service doors equi pped with a power 
operated control system shall not be d eemed to be exits unless they can be 
readily opened by hand, once the contro l prescribed in paragraph 5.6.5.1. 
has been actuated if necessary. 
 
4.6.1.5.The minimum number of emergency exits shall be such that the total number 
of exits is as follows: 
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 16Number of passengers Minimum total 
number of exits 
23 - 30 4 
31 - 45 5 
46 - 60 6 
61 - 75 7 
76 - 90 8 
    > 90 9 
 
 Escape hatches can only count as one of the above-mentioned number of 
emergency exits. 
 
4.6.1.6. Each rigid section of an articulated vehicle shall be treated as a separate 
vehicle for the purpose of determin ing the minimum number and the 
position of exits.  The connecting passage between them shall not be 
considered as an exit.  The number of passengers shall be determined for each rigid section.  The plane, which lies through the geometric centre of the 
turning section floor, and perpendicular to  the longitudinal axis of a vehicle, 
when it moves straight, shall be considered as the border between sections. 
 
4.6.1.7. If the driver's or a separate crew  compartment does not communicate with 
the 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 paragraph 5.6.8. for emergency windows. 
 
4.6.1.8. A double service door shall count as  two doors and a double window as two 
emergency windows. 
 
4.6.1.9. Escape hatches, additio nal to the emergency doors and windows, shall be 
fitted in Class II and Class III vehicles.  They may also be fitted in the case 
of Class I vehicles.  There should not  be any escape hatches fitted in the 
roof of any trolleybuses.  The mini mum number of hatches shall be: 
 
Number of passengers Number of hatches 
not exceeding 50 1 
exceeding 50 2 
 
4.6.2. Siting of exits
 
4.6.2.1. The service doors shall be situated on the side of the vehicle that is nearer to 
the side of the road corresponding to the direction of traffic in the country in 
which the vehicle is licensed for operati on, and at least one of them shall be 
in the forward half of the vehicle. 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 174.6.2.2. Two of the doors shall be separate d such that the distance between 
transverse vertical planes through their centres of area is not less than 40 per 
cent of the overall length of the passe nger compartment measured parallel to 
the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. 
 In the case of an articulated vehicle, this requirement shall be fulfilled if two 
doors of the different sections are separated such, that the distance between 
the doors is not less than 40 per cent of  the overall length of the combined 
passenger compartment (all sections).  In either case, if one of these doors forms part of a double door this dist ance shall be measured between the 
doors which are furthest apart. 
 
4.6.2.3. The exits shall be placed in such a way that their number on each of the two 
sides of the vehicle is substantially the same. 
 
4.6.2.4. At least one emergency exit shall be situ ated either in the rear face or in the 
front face of the vehicle respectively.  For Class I vehicles and for vehicles 
with a rear part permanently closed off from the passenge rs’ compartment, 
this provision is fulfilled if an escape hatch is fitted. 
 
4.6.2.5. The exits on the same side of the vehicle shall be suitably spaced out along 
the length of the vehicle. 
 
4.6.2.6. A door shall, provided that it is not a service door, be permitted in the rear 
face of the vehicle. 
 
4.6.2.7. If escape hatches are fitted, they shall be positioned as follows:  If there is 
only one hatch, it shall be situated in th e middle third of the vehicle; if there 
are two hatches, they shall be sepa rated by a distance of at least 2 m 
measured between the nearest edges of th e apertures in a line parallel with 
the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. 
 
4.6.3. Minimum dimensions  
 
4.6.3.1. The several kinds of exits shall have  the following minimum dimensions of 
free access: GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 18 
   Class I Class II  Class III Remarks 
Height (cm) 180 165 ---  
 
 
Service door  
 
Width (cm)  
 
Single door   :   65 
Double door  :  120 This dimension may be 
reduced by 10 cm when 
the measurement is made at the level of the hand-
holds.  The required 
width of free access shall be ensured in the height of 70 to 160 cm related to the level of the first step (see Annex 1, figure 12) 
Height (cm) 125  
Emergency door  
 
 
Door 
aperture 
Width (cm) 55  
--- 
 
Emergency window  
Area (cm2)  
4,000 It shall be possible to 
inscribe in this area a 
rectangle 50 cm high and 70 cm wide. 
Emergency window situated in the rear face of 
the vehicle, if the manufacturer does not 
provide an emerge ncy window of the 
minimum dimensions prescribed above. It shall be possible to insc ribe in the emergency window 
aperture a rectangle 35 cm high and 155 cm wide.  The corners of the rect angle may be rounded to a radius of 
curvature not exceeding 25 cm. 
 
Escape hatch  
Aperture area (cm2)  
4,000 It shall be possible to 
inscribe in this area a 
rectangle measuring 
50 x 70 cm 
 
4.6.4. Technical requirement s for 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).  However, this requirement shall not be 
construed as precluding th e possibility of locking the door from the outside, 
provided that the door can always  be opened from the inside. 
 
4.6.4.2. Every control or device for opening a se rvice door from outside shall not be 
more than 180 cm from 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. GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 19 
4.6.4.4. If a manually-operated service door is fi tted with a slam lock it shall be of 
the two-stage type. 
 
4.6.4.5. On the inside of a service door ther e 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 no t adequate, optical 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 service door which opens towards the interior of th e vehicle shall be 
so constructed that its movement is not likely to cause injury to passengers 
in normal conditions of use.  Wher e necessary, appropriate protection 
devices shall be fitted. 
 
4.6.4.8. If a service door is loca ted adjacent to a door to a toilet or other internal 
compartment the service door shall be proofed against unintentional 
operation.  However, this requirement sh all not apply if the door is locked 
automatically when the vehicle is moving at a speed exceeding 5 km/h. 
 
4.6.4.9. The service door in any open positi on 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 an emergency ever y 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, are 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 identified when appro aching the door and 
when standing in front of the door; 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 204.6.5.1.4. can be operated by one person when st anding immediately in front of the 
door; 
 
4.6.5.1.5. 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 operation 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 5.6.5.6.2. below, the controls sha ll be such that 
after they have been ope rated to open the door and returned to their normal 
position, the door will not close again un til the driver subsequently 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 out side emergency controls shall be 
reactivated automatically either by the starting of the engine or before the 
vehicle reaches a speed of 20 km/h.  Subsequen tly, deactivation of the 
outside emergency controls shall not o ccur automatically, but shall require a 
further action by the driver. 
 
4.6.5.3. Every driver-operated service door shall 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 5.6.5.6.2. and 5.6.5.6.3. 
 
4.6.5.5. Where controls are provided for the driver to open and close a 
power-operated service door, th ey shall 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-ope rated 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 the front serv ice door, this requirement shall be 
considered satisfied if the fo llowing two requirements are met: GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 21 
4.6.5.6.2. The first requirement is that when th e closing of the door at any measuring 
point described in Annex 4 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 automa tically-operated service door, remain 
open until a closing control is oper ated.  The clamping force may be 
measured by any method to the satisfa ction of the Competent Authority.  
Guidelines are given in Annex 4 to th is 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 requ irement may be checked by hand, or by 
means of the test bar mentioned in  paragraph 5.6.5.6.2., tapered at one end 
over a length of 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 passage 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 mo re 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 no t, however be so soft  that if the doors 
are closed on the test bar menti oned 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 se rvice door is held clos ed 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 incapable of operation above that speed. 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 224.6.5.9. An audible warning to the driver may be activated if the vehicle is driven 
away from rest when any power-operated service door is not fully closed.  
This audible warning shall be activa ted at a speed exceeding 5 km/h for 
doors complying with the requirements of paragraph 5.6.5.6.3.3. 
 
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 5.6.5.1., the opening cont rols of every 
automatically-operated service door sha ll be capable of be ing activated and 
deactivated only by the driver from his seat. 
 
4.6.6.1.2. Activation and deactivation may be e ither direct, by mean s 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 the driver sh all 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. 
 
4.6.6.1.4. In the case of direct actuation by m eans of a switch the functional state of 
the system shall be clearly indicated to the driver, for example by the position of the switch or an indicator lamp or an illuminated switch.  The switch shall be specially marked and ar ranged 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 pressi ng 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 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 buttons mentioned in paragraph 5.6.6.2.1.1., and 
the use of the means of communicat ion with the driver mentioned in 
paragraph 5.7.9.1., may send a signal whic h is stored and which, after the 
activation of the opening controls by the driver, effects the opening of the 
door. 
 
4.6.6.3. Closing of automatically -operated service doors. GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 23 
4.6.6.3.1. When an automatically-operated serv ice door has opened it shall close again 
automatically after a time interval ha s elapsed.  If a passenger enters or 
leaves the vehicle during this time interval, a safety  device (e.g. a footboard 
contact, light barrier, one-way gate) shall ensure that the time until the door 
closes is sufficiently extended. 
 
4.6.6.3.2. If the passenger enters or  leaves the vehicle while the door is closing, the 
closing process shall be interrupted au tomatically and the door shall return 
to the open position.  The reversal may be actuated by one of the safety devices referred to in paragra ph 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 being opened again by a passenger 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 controls of the automatically-operated 
service doors by the driver, open doors shall close in accordance with paragraphs 4.6.6.3.1. and 4.6.6.3.2. 
 
4.6.6.4. 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 closin g 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. Reestablishment of the automatic closing process shall in any case 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 be ing easily opened from inside and 
from outside when the vehicle is stat ionary.  However, this requirement 
shall not be construed as precluding the possibility 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 of the pow er-operated or of the sliding type. 
 
4.6.7.3. The outside handles of emergency door s shall be not more than 180 cm 
above the ground when the vehicle is standing unladen on level ground. GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 24 
4.6.7.4. Emergency doors fitted to the side of the vehicle shall be hinged at their 
forward edge and shall open outwards.   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 100o.  If a 
means is provided sufficient to give  free passage to the emergency door 
access gauge, the 100o minimum angle shall not apply. 
 
4.6.7.5. If an emergency door is located adj acent to a door to a toilet or other 
internal compartment, the emerge ncy door shall be proofed 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. 
 
4.6.7.6. If the driver's service door is not read ily accessible, in pa rticular if it is 
necessary to squeeze betw een the steering wheel and the driver's seat in 
order to reach the service door, the serv ice door shall not be deemed to be 
an emergency door. 
 
5.6.7.7. All emergency doors which cannot easily be seen from the driver's seat shall 
be provided with an audible device to  warn the driver when they are not 
securely closed.  The warning device shall be operated by movement of the 
door catch and not by 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 in stantaneously 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 lo cked from the outside shall be so 
constructed as to be ca pable of being opened at all times from inside the 
vehicle. 
 
4.6.8.4. Every emergency window which is hinge d at the top shall be provided with 
an appropriate mechanism to hold it open. 
 
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 fl oor immediately below it shall be not 
more than 100 cm nor less than 65 cm in the case of a hinged emergency window, or 50 cm in the case of a window made of breakable glass. GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 25 
 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 mini mum size prescribed for an emergency 
window. 
 
4.6.8.6. Every hinged emergency window which is not clearly visible from the 
driver's seat shall be fitt ed with an audible 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
 
4.6.9.1. Every escape hatch shall operate so as not to obstruct the clear passage from 
inside or outside the vehicle. 
 
4.6.9.2. Roof escape hatches shall be either ejectable, hinged or made of readily 
breakable safety glass.  Floor hatches shall be either hinged or ejectable and 
shall be fitted with an audible warning device to warn the driver when it is not securely closed.  The floor escape hatch lock, and not the movement of the hatch itself, shall actuate this de vice.  Floor escape  hatches shall be 
proofed against unintentional operation.  However this requirement shall not apply if the floor hatch is locked auto matically when the vehicle is moving 
at a speed exceeding 5 km/h. 
 
4.6.9.3. Ejectable types shall not become tota lly detached from the vehicle when 
operated such that the hatch is not a danger to other road users.  The operation of ejectable escape hatches shall be such that inadvertent operation is effectively prevented.  Floor  ejectable hatches shall eject only 
into the passenger compartment. 
 
4.6.9.4. Hinged escape hatches shall hinge along the edge towards the front or rear 
of the vehicle and shall hinge through an angle of at least 100 degrees.  
Hinged floor escape hatches shall hinge  into the passenger compartment. 
 
4.6.2.9.5. Escape hatches shall be cap able of being easily open ed or removed from the 
inside and from the outside.  Howeve r, 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 that the escape 
hatch can always be opened or removed from the inside by the use of the normal opening or removal mechanism.  In the case of a readily-breakable hatch, a device shall be provided adjacen t to the hatch, readily available to 
persons inside the vehicle, to ensure that the hatch can be broken. 
 
4.6.10. Technical requirements for retractable stepsGSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 26 
 Retractable steps if fitted shall comply with the following requirements: 
 
4.6.10.1. Their operation shall 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 retractable step is  in the extended position, 
the surface area shall conform to the re quirements of paragraph 4.7.7. of this 
Regulation; 
 
4.6.10.4. It shall not be possible for the vehi cle to move from rest, under its own 
power, when the step is in the extended position; 
 
4.6.10.5. The step shall not be capable of be ing extended when the vehicle is in 
motion.  If the device to operate the st ep fails, the step  shall retract and 
remain in the retracted position.  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 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, at 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; 
 
4.6.10.8. The corners of retractable steps fa cing forwards or rearwards shall be 
rounded to a radius of not less than 5 mm; the edges shal l be rounded to a 
radius of not less than 2.5 mm; 
 
4.6.10.9. When the passenger door is opened, the retractable step shall be securely 
held in the extended position. When a mass 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. 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 274.6.11.2. The emergency controls of service doors and of all emergency exits shall be 
marked as such inside and outside th e 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 insc ribed shall be determin ed by the competent 
administrative department of the coun try of registration of the vehicle. 
 
4.7. Interior arrangements
 
4.7.1. Access to service doors  (see Annex 1, figure 1) 
 
4.7.1.1. The free space extending inwards into th e vehicle from the side wall in 
which the door is mounted shall permit the free passage of a vertical 
rectangular panel 10 cm thick, 40 cm wi de and 70 cm in height above the 
floor, having a second panel 55 cm wide superimposed symmetrically above it; the height of the second panel being as prescribed for th e relevant class of 
vehicle. The dual panel shall be main tained parallel with the door aperture as it is 
moved from the starting position, where th e 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. For vehicles of Class I,  the height of the upper r ectangular panel shall be 
110 cm. For Class II vehicles, the height  shall be 95 cm and for Class III 
vehicles, it shall be 85 cm. 
As an alternative, a trap ezoidal section, having a height of 50 cm, forming 
the transition between the width of the upper and the lower panel, may be 
used.  In this case, the total height of the rectangular section and this 
trapezoidal section of the upper pane l shall be 110cm for all classes of 
vehicles. 
 
4.7.1.3. When the centre line of this dual panel has traversed a distance of 30 cm 
from its starting position and the dual panel is touching th e step surface it 
shall be retained in that position. 
 
4.7.1.4. The cylindrical figure (see Annex 1, fi gure 3) used for testing the gangway 
clearance shall then be moved starti ng from the gangway, in the probable 
direction of motion of a person leaving the vehicle, until its centre line has 
reached the vertical plane which cont ains the top edge of the uppermost 
step, or until a plane tangential to th e upper cylinder touches the dual panel, 
whichever occurs first, and retained in that position (see Annex 1, figure 9). 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 284.7.1.5. Between the cylindrical figure, at th e position set out in paragraph 4.7.1.4. 
and the dual panel, at the position set out in paragraph 4.7.1.3., there shall 
be a free space whose upper and lower limits are shown in Annex 1, figure 
9.  This free space shall permit the fr ee passage of a ver tical panel whose 
form and dimensions are the sa me as the cylindrical form 
(paragraph 4.7.5.1.), central s ection and a thickness of  no more than 2 cm.  
This panel shall be moved, from the cylindrical form tangential position, until its external side is in contact with  the dual panel interior side, touching 
the plane or planes defined by the st ep upper edges, in the probable 
direction of motion of a person using the entrance (see Annex 1, figure 9). 
 
4.7.1.6. The free passage clearance for this  figure shall not include any space 
extending to 30 cm in front of any uncompressed seat cushion and to the height of the top of the seat cushion. 
 
4.7.1.7. In the case of a folding seat, this space shall be determined with the seat in 
the position of use. 
 
4.7.1.8. However, a folding seat for use by the crew may obstruct 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 itse lf and on the communication 
form (see Annex 1), that the seat is for the use of crew only, 
 
4.7.1.8.2. when the seat is not in use it folds automatically as necessary to enable the 
requirements of paragraphs  4.7.1.1. or 4.7.1.2. and 4.7.1.3., 4.7.1.4. and 
4.7.1.5. to be met; 
 
4.7.1.8.3. the door is not considered to be a mandatory exit for the purpose of 
paragraph 4.6.1.5., 
 
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 it s rearmost position and through 
the centre of the exterior rear-vie w mirror mounted on the opposite side of 
the vehicle. 
 
4.7.1.9. The maximum slope of the floor in th e access passage shall not exceed 5 per 
cent when the unladen vehicle is standing on a smooth and horizontal 
surface in its normal condition of travel  (in particular: any kneeling device 
shall not be engaged). 
 
4.7.1.10. Gangways and access passages shall be c overed with an anti-slip material. 
 
4.7.2. Access to emergency doors  (see Annex 1, figure 2) 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
4.7.2.1. The free space between th e gangway and the emerge ncy 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 cy linder 55 cm in 
diameter, the aggregate height of the assembly being 140 cm. 
 
4.7.2.2. The base of the first cy linder shall be w ithin the projecti on 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 determined when the seat is in the 
opened position. 
 
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 vehicles 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.  However, in the case of an 
emergency window in the rear face of  the vehicle, the test gauge may 
alternatively have a size of 140 cm x 35 cm with corners radiused by 
17.5 cm. 
 
4.7.4. Access to escape hatches
 
4.7.4.1. Escape hatches in the roof 
 
 29
4.7.4.1.1. Except in the case of Class I vehicles , at least one esca pe hatch shall be 
located such that a four-sided truncat ed 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 vertical 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 pos ition of use.  This position shall be 
taken for verification. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 30 
 
 
 
 
 
4.7.4.1.2. When the structural thickness of the roof is more than 150 mm, the smaller 
section of the pyramid shall contact the aperture area of the escape hatch at 
the level of the outside surface of the roof. 
 
4.7.4.2. Escape hatches in the floor 
 
 In the case of an escape hatch fitted in the floor, the hatch shall give direct 
and free access to the exterior of the ve hicle and be fitted where there is a 
clear space above the hatch equivalent to the height of the gangway.  Any 
heat source or moving components shall be  at least 500 mm from any part of 
the hatch aperture. 
 
 It shall be possible to move a test gauge  in the form of a thin plate having 
600 mm x 400 mm with corners radiused  by 200 mm in a horizontal position 
from a height above the floor of  the vehicle of 1.00 m to the ground. 
 
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 c onsisting of two co -axial cylinders 
with an inverted truncated cone interposed between them, the gauging 
device having the following dimensions (in cm): 
 
 Class I Class II Class III 
Diameter of lower cylinder 45 35 30 
Height of lower cylinder 90 90 90 
Diameter of upper cylinder 55 55 45 
Height of upper cylinder 50 50 50 
Overall height 190 190 190 
 
 The gauging device may come into contact with strap hangers, if fitted, and 
move them away. 
 
4.7.5.2. On vehicles of Class I, the diameter  of the lower cylinder may be reduced 
from 45 cm to 40 cm in any part of th e gangway which is located to the rear 
of the most forward of the following two planes: 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 314.7.5.2.1. a transverse vertical plane situated 1.5 m forward of the centre line of the 
rear axle (foremost rear axle in the case  of vehicles with more than one rear 
axle); 
 
4.7.5.2.2. a transverse vertical plane situated at  the rear edge of the rearmost service 
door in between the axles. 
 
4.7.5.2.3. For the purpose of the application of paragraphs 4.7.5.2.1. and 4.7.5.2.2. 
above, each rigid section of an articulated vehicle shall be considered 
separately. 
 
4.7.5.3. On vehicles of Class III the seats on one side or on both sides of the 
gangway may be movable laterally, it being then possible to reduce the 
width of the gangway to a figure corr esponding to a lower cylinder diameter 
of 22 cm, on condition that the operati on of a control on ea ch seat, readily 
accessible to a person standing in the ga ngway, shall be sufficient to cause 
the seat to return automatically, even when it is loaded, to the position corresponding to a minimum width of 30 cm. 
 
4.7.5.4. The height of the upper cylinder may be  reduced by 10 cm in any part of the 
gangway which is located to the rear of the most forward of the following two planes: 
 
4.7.5.4.1. a transverse vertical plane situated 1.5 m forward of the centre line of the 
rear axle (foremost rear axle in the case  of vehicles with more than one rear 
axle). 
 
4.7.5.4.2. a transverse vertical plane situated at  the rear edge of the rearmost service 
door. 
 
4.7.5.4.3. For the purpose of the application of paragraphs 4.7.5.4.1. and 4.7.5.4.2. 
above, each rigid section of an articulated vehicle shall be considered separately. 
 
4.7.5.5. On articulated buses or coach es, the gauging device defined in 
paragraph 4.7.5.1. shall be able to pa ss unobstructed through the articulated 
section.  No part of the soft coveri ng of that section, including parts of 
bellows, shall project into the gangway. 
 
4.7.5.6. 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. 
 
4.7.5.7. Folding seats allowing passengers to  sit in the gangway shall not be 
permitted. 
 
4.7.5.8. Laterally-sliding seats which in one position encroach on the gangway shall 
not be permitted except on vehicles of Class III and subject to the conditions 
prescribed in paragraph 4.7.5.3. GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 32 
4.7.6. Slope of gangway
 
The slope of gangway shall not exceed: 
 
4.7.6.1. In the longitudinal direction: 
 
4.7.6.1.1. 8 per cent in the case of a vehicle of Class I or Class II, or 
 
4.7.6.1.2. 12.5 per cent in the case of a vehicle of Class III. 
 
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. 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 33 
 Class I Class II Class III 
Max. height (cm) 36 1/ 40 1/ 2/ First step 
from ground Max. depth (cm) 30 
Max. height (cm) 25 3/ 35 
Min. height (cm) 12 Other steps 
Min. depth (cm) 20 
1/ 70 cm in the case of an emergency door. 
2/ 43 cm in the case of a vehicle wi th solely mechanical suspension. 
3/ 30 cm in the case of steps at a door behind the rearmost axle. 
 
4.7.7.2. For the purposes of this paragraph, the he ight of a step shall be measured at 
the centre of its width.  Furthermore,  manufacturers should  specifically take 
account of access by the handicapped, partic ularly in relation to step height 
in Class I being kept to a minimum. 
 
4.7.7.3. Any transition from a sunken gangwa y to a seating area shall not be 
considered to be a 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 unladen, the tyre equipmen t and pressure being as specified by 
the manufacturer for the maximum t echnical mass declared in accordance 
with paragraph 3.2.3. 
 
4.7.7.5. Where there is more than one step, e ach step may extend into the area of the 
vertical projection of the next step by up to 10 cm and the projection over 
the tread below shall leave a free surf ace of at least 20 cm in depth (see 
Annex 1, figure 4) with all step nosings being designed such as to minimise 
the risk of tripping and being in a light, contrasting colour. 
 
4.7.7.6. The width and shape of every step shall be such that  a rectangle of 
40 x 30 cm in the case of a first step, and 40 x 20 cm in  the case of any other 
step, can be placed on it with not more  than 5 per cent of the area of the 
appropriate rectangle overhanging the step.  At a double doorway each half 
of the doorway shall fulfil this requirement. 
 
4.7.7.7. The maximum slope of the step in any direction shall not exceed 5 per cent 
when the unladen vehicle is standing  on a smooth and horizontal surface in 
its normal condition of travel (in part icular:  any kneeling device shall not 
be engaged). 
 
4.7.8. Passenger seats (including folding seats) and space for seated 
passengers
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 344.7.8.1. Minimum seat width  (see Annex 1, figure 5) 
 
4.7.8.1.1. The minimum width of a seat cushi on, measured from a vertical plane 
passing through the centre of that  seating position, shall be: 
 
4.7.8.1.1.1.   20 cm in vehicles of Class I and Class II. 
 
4.7.8.1.1.2.   22.5 cm in vehicles of Class III. 
 
4.7.8.1.2. The minimum width of the availa ble space for each seating position, 
measured from a vertical plane passi ng through the centre of that seating 
position at heights between 27 and 65 cm above the uncompressed seat 
cushion, shall be: 
 
4.7.8.1.2.1. 25 cm in the case of individual seats, and 
 
4.7.8.1.2.2. 22.5 cm in the case of continuous seats for two or more passengers. 
 
4.7.8.2. Minimum depth of seat cushion  (see Annex 1, figure 7) 
 
 The minimum depth of a seat cushion shall be: 
 
4.7.8.2.1. 35 cm in vehicles of Class I, and 
 
4.7.8.2.2. 40 cm in vehicles of Class II and Class III. 
 
4.7.8.3. Height of seat cushion  (see Annex 1, figure 6) 
 
 The height of the uncompressed seat cu shion relative to the floor 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 
may however be reduced to not less than 35 cm at the wheel arches and at the engine compartment. 
 
4.7.8.4. Seat spacing  (see Annex 1, figure 6) 
 
4.7.8.4.1. In the case of seats facing in the same direction, the distance between the 
front of a seat squab and the back of th e squab of the seat preceding it, shall, 
when measured horizonta lly and at all heights above the floor between the 
level of the top surface of the seat cushion and a point 62 cm above the 
floor, not be less than: 
 
Class I 65 cm 
Class II 68 cm 
Class III 68 cm 
 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 354.7.8.4.2. All measurements shall be taken, with the seat cushion and squab 
uncompressed, 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 facing 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 8) 
 
4.7.8.5.1. For a seat behind a partition or othe r 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 8.  A part ition 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. 
 
4.7.8.5.2. For a seat behind a seat and/or a seat facing the gangway, a minimum clear 
foot space of at least 300 mm depth and a width according to paragraph 4.7.8.1.1., shall be provided as shown in Annex 1, figure 6b.  The local presence in this space of seat legs  and of intrusions as provided by 
paragraph 4.7.8.6.2.3. shall be permitted provided that adequate space remains for the passengers' feet.  This foot space may partly  be situated in 
and/or above the gangway but shall not create any obstruction when 
measuring the minimum gangway-width in accordance with paragraph 4.7.5. 
 
4.7.8.5.3. However, at least 2 forward or rearward facing seats specifically intended 
and marked for disabled passengers shal l be provided in that part of the 
vehicle which is most suitable for boar ding.  These seats shall be designed 
for the disabled so as to provide en ough space, shall have suitably designed 
and placed hand-holds to facilitate en try and exit of the seat and provide 
communication in accordance with paragraph 4.7.9.1. from the seated 
position. 
 
4.7.8.6. Free height over seating positions   
 
4.7.8.6.1. Each seating position sh all have a free height of  not less than 90 cm 
measured from the highest point of the uncompressed seat cushion.  This 
free height shall extend over the vertical  projection of the whole area of the 
seat and the associated foot space. 
 
4.7.8.6.2. In the space extending above the ar ea mentioned in paragraph 4.7.8.6.1., the 
following intrusions shall be permitted: 
 
4.7.8.6.2.1. Intrusion of the back of another seat; 
 
4.7.8.6.2.2. 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 GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 36is 10 cm in width and situated in th e upper part of the space in question, 
adjacent to the side wall of th e vehicle (see Annex 1, figure 10); 
 
4.7.8.6.2.3. Intrusion of a conduit (e.g. for hot air) situated in the lower part of the space 
in question, adjacent to the sidewall of the vehicle, of a cross-sectional area 
not exceeding 200 cm2 and having a maximum wi dth of 10 cm (see Annex 
1, figure 11). 
 
4.7.8.6.2.4. Intrusion of hopper type windows when open and their fittings. 
 
4.7.9. Communication with the driver
 
4.7.9.1. In the case of a vehicle of Class I or Class II a means shall be provided to 
enable passengers to signal to the driver that he should stop. 
 
4.7.9.2. If a crew compartment is fitted wit hout access to the driver or passenger 
compartments, a means of communication between the driver and this crew 
compartment shall be provided. 
 
4.7.10. Hot drink machines a nd cooking equipment
 
 Hot drink machines and cooking equipmen t shall be so installed or guarded 
that no hot food or drink is likely to be spilled on any seated passenger due 
to emergency braking or cornering forces. 
 
4.7.11. Doors to interior compartments
 
 Every door to a toilet or other interior compartment: 
 
4.7.11.1. shall be self-closing, and shall not be fitted with any device to hold it open 
if, when open, it could obstruct passengers in an emergency, 
 
4.7.11.2. shall, when open, not conceal any ha ndle or control for opening any service 
or emergency door, and 
 
4.7.11.3. shall be provided with a means to en able the door to be opened from outside 
the compartment in an emergency, 
 
4.7.11.4. shall not be capable of being locked fr om the outside unless it can always be 
opened from the inside. 
 
4.8. Artificial interior lighting
 
4.8.1. Internal electrical li ghting shall be provided for the illumination of: 
 
4.8.1.1. all passenger compartments and the articu lated section of an  articulated bus; 
 
4.8.1.2. any step or steps; GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 37 
4.8.1.3. 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. Articulated section of articulated vehicles
 
4.9.1. The articulated section that interconnects rigid portions of the vehicle shall 
be so designed and constructed as to allow a rotary movement about a 
horizontal axis and a vertical axis. 
 
4.9.2. When the articulated vehicle at its unladen kerb mass is stationary on a 
horizontal level surface, there shall not be  between the floor of either of the 
rigid sections and the floor of the rota ting base or of the element replacing 
that base an uncovered gap of a width exceeding: 
 
4.9.2.1. 1 cm when all the wheels of the vehicle are on the same plane, or 
 
4.9.2.2. 2 cm when the wheels of the axle adjacent to the articulated section are 
resting on a surface which is 15 cm higher than the surface on which the 
wheels of the other axles are resting. 
 
4.9.3. The difference in level between the fl oor of the rigid portions and the floor 
of the rotating base, measured at the joint, shall not exceed: 
 
4.9.3.1. 2 cm in the conditions described in paragraph 4.9.2.1. above, or 
 
4.9.3.2 3 cm in the conditions described in paragraph 4.9.2.2. above. 
 
4.9.4. On articulated vehicles, handrails a nd/or partitions shall prevent access by 
passengers to any part of the articulated section where: 
 
(a) the floor has an uncovered gap not complying with the requirements 
of paragraph 4.9.2.; 
(b) the floor cannot carry the mass of the passengers; or 
(c) the movements of the walls constitute a danger to passengers. 
 
4.10. Manoeuvrability
 
4.10.1. The vehicle shall be able to manoeuvr e on either lock inside a circle of 
12.5 m radius without any of its oute rmost points projecting outside the 
circumference of the circle. 
 
4.10.2. When the outermost points of the ve hicle are moving on either lock on a 
circle of 12.5 m radius the vehicle shall be  able to move within the limits of 
a circular track 7.2 m wide (see Annex 2, figures A/B). GSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 38 
4.10.3. With the vehicle stationary, a vertical  plane tangential to the side of the 
vehicle and facing outwards from the ci rcle shall be established by marking 
a line on the ground.  In the case of an articulated vehicle the two rigid 
portions shall be aligned with the plan e.  When the vehicle moves from a 
straight line approach into the circul ar area described in  paragraphs 4.10.1. 
and 4.10.2. above, no part of it shall move outside of this vertical plane by more than 0.8 m (see Annex 2, figure A) in  the case of a rigid vehicle, or by 
more than 1.2 m (see Annex 2, figure B)  in the case of an articulated 
vehicle. 
 
4.10.4. In the case of a vehicle fitted with an axle with an unloading device, these 
requirements shall in each case be fu lfilled with the axle in the most 
unfavourable condition. 
 
4.11. Direction-holding of articulated vehicles
 
 When an articulated bus or coach is moving in a straight line, the longitudinal median planes of its rigid portion shall coincide and form a continuous plane without any deflection. 
 
4.12. Hand-rails and hand-holds
 
4.12.1. General requirements
 
4.12.1.1. Hand-rails and hand-holds shall be of adequate strength. 
 
4.12.1.2. They shall be so designed and installe d as to present no risk of injury to 
passengers. 
 
4.12.1.3. Handrails and hand-holds 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 dimension of the section shall be smaller than 2 cm or greater than 4.5 cm except in the case of handrails on 
doors and seats and, in the case of a vehi cle of Class II or Class III, in access 
passages.  In these cases hand-rails having a minimum dimension of 1.5 cm 
shall be permitted provided that one other dimension is of at least 2.5 cm. 
 
4.12.1.4. The clearance between a hand-rail or ha nd-hold and the adjacent part of the 
vehicle body or walls shall be of at l east 4 cm.  However, in the case of a 
handrail on a door or a seat, or in the access passage of a vehicle of Class II or III, a minimum clearance of 3.5 cm shall be permitted. 
 
4.12.1.5. The surface of every hand-rail, hand- hold or stanchion shall be colour 
contrasting and non-slip. 
 
4.12.2. Hand-rails and hand-holds for standing  passengers:  vehicles of Class I 
and Class IIGSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 
 39 
4.12.2.1. Hand-rails and/or hand- holds 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 3 he reto, at least two 
hand-rails or hand-holds can be reache d by the device's movable arm.  For 
this purpose, strap hangers, if fitted, may be counted as hand-holds, provided they are held in their position by suitable means.  The testing device may be freely turned about its vertical axis. 
 
4.12.2.2. When applying the procedure described in paragraph 4.12.2.1. above, only 
such hand-rails and hand-holds shall be  considered as are not less than 
80 cm and not more than 190 cm above the floor. 
 
4.12.2.3. For every position that can be occupied  by a standing passenger, at least one 
of the two required hand-rails or hand-hol ds shall be not more than 150 cm 
above the level of the floor at that position.  Exception may be given in the middle of large platforms, but the sum of these exceptions shall not exceed 20 per cent of the to tal standing area. 
 
4.12.2.4. 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 hand-rails parallel to th e walls and installed at a height of 
between 80 cm and 150 cm above the floor. 
 
4.12.3. Hand-rails and hand-holds for service doors
 
4.12.3.1. Door apertures shall be fitted with hand-rails and/or hand-holds on each 
side.  For double doors, this requirement  may be met by th e installation of 
one central stanchion or hand-rail. 
 
4.12.3.2. Handrails and/or handholds  to be provided for service doors shall be such 
that they include a grasping point available to a person standing on the ground adjacent to the service door or on a ny of the successive steps.  Such 
points shall be situated, vertically, between 80 and 110 cm above the ground 
or above the surface of each step, and horizontally: 
 
4.12.3.2.1. for the position appropriate to a person standing on the ground, not more 
than 40 cm inwards from the outer edge of the first step; and 
 
4.12.3.2.2. 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 that 
same edge. 
 
4.12.4. Hand-rails and hand-holds for the handicappedGSO STANDARD                                                                     GSO  /    
 40 
 Hand-rails and hand-holds between the service door and th e seats specially 
identified in accordance with paragraph 4.7.8.5.2. shall be designed to 
specifically take into account the needs of the handicapped. 
 
4.13. Guarding of stepwells
 
 Where any seated passenger is likely to  be thrown forward into a stepwell as 
a result of heavy braking, a guard sha ll be fitted.  The guard 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 
passenger is at risk or to  the riser of the innermost step; whichever is the 
lesser dimension. 
 
4.14. Luggage racks, driver protection
 
 The driver shall be protected from obj ects liable to fall from luggage racks 
in the case of heavy braking. 
 
4.15. Trap doors
 
 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 8mm above floor level.  Edges 
of projections shall be rounded. 
 
 
 
  
 Annex 1
 
EXPLANATORY DIAGRAMS 
 
Figure 1  
ACCESS TO SERVICE DOORS 
(see paragraph 4.7.1.) 
 
 
 Dimension A (cm) Alternative (cm) 
Class I 110 110 
Class II 95 110 
Class III 85 110 
41 
 42Figure 2  
 
ACCESS TO EMERGENCY DOORS 
(see paragraph 4.7.2.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 Figure 3  
 
GANGWAYS 
(see paragraph 4.7.5.) 
 
 
 
 B (cm) C (cm) 
Class I 55 45 
Class II 55 35 
Class III 45 30 
(22 in the case of laterally 
movable seats) 190cm
ØC 90cm50cm
ØBØ30cm
43 
 44Figure 4  
 
STEPS FOR PASSENGERS 
 
(see paragraph 4.7.7.) 
 
 D = Height above the ground, vehicle unladen 
D (cm) 1/ 3/ E (cm) 1/ 2/  
max. min. max. 
Class I 36 12 25 4/ 
Class II; Class III 40 
 
 mechanical 
suspension solely 43  
12  
35 
1/ At a double doorway the steps in each half  of the access passage  shall be treated 
separately. 
2/ E 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.  
 Figure 5  
 
WIDTH OF PASSENGER SEATS 
(see paragraph 4.7.8.1.) 
 
 
 
27 cm 65cm65cm
Individual seat  
 Continuous seat
 
 
 
  G (cm) min 
 F (cm) min Continuous seats Individual seats 
Class I 20 22.5 25 
Class II 20 22.5 25 
Class III 22.5 22.5 25 
 
45 
 46Figure 6a  
 
SEAT SPACING AND CUSHION HEIGHT 
(see paragraph 4.7.8.3. and 4.7.8.4.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62 cm 130 cm min 
 
 
 
 
 H (cm) min I (cm) min 
Class I 65 
Class II 68 
Class III 68 40 - 50 
(for Class I and Class II min. 
35 cm at wheel arches and 
engine compartment(s)) 
  
  
Figure 6b  
 
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 – 8 ° min  30 ° max 15 cm max 15 cm min 30 cm min
 
 
 
47 
 48Figure 7  
 
SEAT CUSHION DEPTH 
(see paragraph 4.7.8.2) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 K (cm) min 
Class I 35 
Class II 40 
Class III 40 
  
 Figure 8  
 
SPACE FOR SEATED PASSENGERS BEHI ND A PARTITION OR OTHER RIGID 
STRUCTURE OTHER THAN A SEAT 
(see paragraph 4.7.8.5.1.) 
 
 
 
 
 
49 
 50Figure 9  
 
ACCESS TO SERVICE DOORS 
 
(see paragraph 4.7.1.4.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Panel  
 
 Dual panel  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 Figure 10  
 
PERMITTED INTRUSION OF A STRUCTURAL MEMBER 
(see paragraph 4.7.8.6.2.2.) 
 
 
(see paragraph 5.7.8.6.2.2.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 I (cm) min. 
Class I 
 40-50 
Class II 
 (for classes I and II min. 
35 cm at wheel arches and engine compartment) 
Class III 
 
 
 
51 
 52Figure 11  
 
PERMITTED INTRUSION OF A CONDUIT 
 
(see paragraph 4.7.8.6.2.3.) 
 
 
200 cm2 
10 cm max.  
 Figure 12  
 
SERVICE DOOR FREE ACCESS 
(see paragraph 4.6.3.1.) 
 
 
 
 
 
53 
 54Annex 2  
 
MANOEUVRABILITY 
(see paragraph 4.10.) 
 
Figure A  
 
   
 Figure B  
 
 
 
 
55 
 56Annex 3  
 
TESTING DEVICE FOR SITING OF  HAND-RAILS AND HAND-HOLDS 
(see paragraph 4.12.2.1.) 
 
 
 
Thickness:  2 cm. 
 
 
  
 Annex 4  
 
(see paragraph 4.6.5.6.2.) 
 
GUIDELINES FOR MEASURING THE CLOSING FORCES 
OF POWER-OPERATED DOORS 
 
1. General  
 
 The closing of a 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 on several factors (e.g. mass of  the door, acceleration, dimensions). 
 
2. Definitions  
 
2.1. Closing force F(t) is a time function, measur ed at the closing edges of the door (see 
paragraph 3.2.). 
 
2.2. Peak force F S is the maximum value of the closing force. 
 
2.3. Effective force F E is the average value of the closing force related to the pulse 
duration: 
 
FTFtd tE
tt
=∫1
12
()  
 
2.4. Pulse duration T is the time between the t 1 and t 2: 
 
T = t 2 - t1
 
where t 1 = threshold of sensitivity, wher e the closing force exceeds 50 N. 
 t 2 = fade-away threshold, where the closing force becomes less than 50 N. 
 
2.5. The relation between the above paramete rs is shown in figure 1 below (as an 
example): 
57 
 58 
 Figure 1  
 
2.6 Clamping force F c is the arithmetical mean value of the effective forces, measured 
at the same measuring point subsequently more times: 
 
FF
ncEiiln
=∑
=()
 
 
3. Measurements  
 
3.1. Conditions of measurement: 
 
3.1.1. Temperature range: 10o - 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: 
 
 (i) one in the middle of the door; 
 (ii) one 150 mm above the lower edge of the door. 
 
3.2.2. In the case of doors equipped with clam ping prevention devices for the opening 
process: 
 
 At the secondary closing edges of the door at that 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 pul se 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 per cent. 
 
4. Measuring device  
 
4.1. The measuring device shall consist of two parts: one handle and one measuring 
part which is a load cell (see figure 2). 
 
4.2. The load cell shall have th e following characteristics: 
 
4.2.1. It shall consist of two sliding housings with the out er dimension of 100 mm in 
diameter and 115 mm in width.  Inside th e 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. 
 
 
59 
 60Figure 2  
 
 
 
  
  
61