7.

REQUIREMENTS 7.1. Measurement of the mass of the vehicle in running order and of its distribution among the axles The mass of the vehicle in running order and its distribution on the axles are measured on the vehicles submitted in accordance with 3.3, placed in a stationary position with their wheels set straight ahead. If the measured masses differ by no more than 3 % from the masses stated by the manufacturer for the corresponding technical configurations within the type, or by no more than 5 % if the vehicle is of categories N1, O1, O2, or M2 not exceeding 3,5 t, themasses in running order and their distribution among the axles as stated by the manufacturer are used for the purpose of the requirements below. Otherwise the measured masses must be used and the technical service may then, if necessary, carry out additional measurements on vehicles other than those submitted in accordance with 3.3. ▼M2 7.2. Measurement of dimensions Measurement of the overall length, width and height is carried out in accordance with the provisions of section 2.4 on the vehicle(s) in running order submitted in accordance with section 3.3. If the measured dimensions differ by more than 1 % from those stated by the manufacturer for the corresponding technical configurations within the type, the measured dimensions are used for the purpose of the requirements below and the technical service may then, if necessary, carry out additional measurements on vehicles other than those submitted in accordance with section 3.3. The limit values laid down in Annex I to Directive 96/53/EC may not, however, be exceeded. ▼B 7.3. Maximum authorized dimensions for vehicles 7.3.1. Maximum length 7.3.1.1. Motor vehicle: as per section 1.1 of Annex I to Directive 96/53/EC. 7.3.1.2. Trailer (excluding semi-trailer): as per section 1.1 of Annex I to Directive 96/53/EC. 7.3.1.3. Articulated bus or coach: as per section 1.1 of Annex I to Directive 96/53/EC. 7.3.1.4. Semi-trailer: The distance referred to in 7.3.1.4.1 is measured without taking account of the devices mentioned in 2.4.1, and the distance referred to in 7.3.1.4.2 must be measured with no exemption at all. 7.3.1.4.1. The distance between the axis of the fifth-wheel king-pin and the rear of a semi-trailer must not exceed the limit laid down in section 1.6 of Annex I to Directive 96/53/EC, measured horizontally in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle. 7.3.1.4.2. The distance between the axis of the fifth-wheel king-pin and any foremost point at the front of the semi-trailer must not exceed 2,04 m as per section 4.4 of Annex I to Directive 96/53/EC, measured horizontally. 7.3.2. Maximum width 7.3.2.1. Any vehicle: as per section 1.2 of Annex I to Directive 96/53/EC. 7.3.2.2. Fixed or mobile superstructures of the vehicles of categories N and O specially designed for the controlled temperature transportation of goods, the thickness of the side walls of which exceeds, including the insulation, 45 mm: as per section 1.2 of Annex I to Directive 96/53/EC. 7.3.3. Maximum height 7.3.3.1. Any vehicle: as per section 1.3 of Annex I to Directive 96/53/EC. 7.4. Mass distribution calculations 7.4.1. Calculation procedure 7.4.1.1. For the purpose of the mass distribution calculations hereafter laid down, the manufacturer must provide the technical service in charge of the tests with the information (in tabular or any other appropriate form) necessary to identify — for each technical configuration within the vehicle type as defined by each set of the possible values of all the items in Annex II to this Directive — the corresponding technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle, the technically permissible maximum masses on the axles and groups of axles, the technically permissible maximum towable mass, and the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the combination. 7.4.1.2. Suitable calculations must be carried out in order to make sure that the following requirements are fulfilled for each technical configuration within the type. For this purpose, the calculations may be limited to the worst cases. 7.4.1.3. In the following requirements, the notations M, mi, µj, TM, and MC respectively designate the following parameters, for which the requirements of 7.4 must be fulfilled: M = the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle, mi = the technically permissible maximum mass on the axle designated ‘i’, where ‘i’ varies from 1 to the total number of axles of the vehicle, µj = the technically permissible maximum mass on the solo axle or group of axles designated ‘j’, where ‘j’ varies from 1 to the total number of solo axles and groups of axles, TM = the technically permissible maximum towable mass, and MC = the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the combination. 7.4.1.4. In the case of a solo axle, designated ‘i’ as an axle and ‘j’ as a group of axles, mi = µj by definition. 7.4.1.5. In the case of vehicles fitted with loadable axles, the following calculations must be carried out with the suspension of the axles loaded in the normal running configuration. In the case of vehicles fitted with retractable axles, the following calculations are carried out with the axles lowered. 7.4.1.6. For groups of axles, the manufacturer must indicate the laws of distribution among the axles of the total mass applied on to the group (for instance by stating the distribution formulae or producing distribution graphs). 7.4.1.7. In the case of semi-trailers and centre-axle trailers, and for the purpose of the following calculations, the coupling point is considered as an axle designated ‘O’, and the corresponding masses mo and µo defined, by convention, as the technically permissible maximum mass on the coupling point of the trailer. 7.4.2. Requirements for vehicles of categories N and O, except trailer caravans 7.4.2.1. The sum of the masses mimust not be less than the mass M. 7.4.2.2. For each group of axles designated ‘j’, the sum of the masses mi on its axles must not be less than the mass µj. In addition, each of the masses mi must not be less than the part of µj applying on the axle ‘i’ as determined by the mass distribution laws for that group of axles. 7.4.2.3. The sum of the masses µjmust not be less than the mass M. 7.4.2.4. The mass in running order, plus the mass corresponding to 75 kg multiplied by the number of passengers, plus the technically permissible maximum mass on the coupling point, must not exceed the mass M. 7.4.2.5. ▼M2 When the vehicle is laden to its mass M according to any one of the relevant situations described in sections 7.4.2.5.1 or 7.4.2.5.2 the mass corresponding to the load on the axle ‘i’ must not exceed the mass Mi on that axle, and the mass corresponding to the load on the solo axle or group of axles ‘j’ must not exceed the mass μj. 7.4.2.5.1. Uniform distribution of mass means the vehicle in running order with a mass of 75 kg positioned on every passenger seat is laden to its mass M, the payload being uniformly distributed on the area designed for the transportation of goods. 7.4.2.5.2. In the case of extreme distribution of mass (non-uniform load), the manufacturer must state the extreme permissible possible positions of the centre of gravity of the payload and/or body and/or equipment or interior fittings (for instance: from 0,50 m to 1,30 m in front of the first rear axle), with the vehicle in running order and a mass of 75 kg positioned on every passenger seat being laden to its mass M. ▼M2 ————— ▼B 7.4.2.6. When a vehicle of category N is laden to its mass M and its rear axle (designated ‘n’ as an axle) or rear group of axles (designated ‘q’ as a group of axles) is laden to its mass mn or µq, the mass bearing on the steering axle or axles must not be less than 20 % of M. 7.4.2.7. MC must not exceed M + TM. 7.4.3. Requirements for buses and coaches 7.4.3.1. The requirements of 7.4.2.1 to 7.4.2.3, and of 7.4.2.7, apply. ▼M2 7.4.3.2. The mass of the vehicle in running order, plus the mass Q multiplied by the number of seated and standing passengers, plus the masses WP, B and BX as defined in section 7.4.3.3.1, plus the technical permissible maximum mass on the coupling point, if a coupling is fitted by the manufacturer, shall not exceed the mass M. ▼B 7.4.3.3. When the incomplete vehicle is laden to its mass M according to the situation described in 7.4.2.5.1.2 or when the complete or completed vehicle in running order is laden as described in 7.4.3.3.1 the mass corresponding to the load on each axle must not exceed the mass mi on each axle, and the mass corresponding to the load on each solo axle or group of axles must not exceed the mass µj on that group of axles. Moreover, the mass corresponding to the load on the driving axle or the sum of masses corresponding to the loads on the driving axles must be a least 25 % of M. ▼M2 7.4.3.3.1. The vehicle in running order is loaded with: a mass corresponding to the number P of seated passengers, of mass Q; a mass corresponding to the number SP of standing passengers, of mass Q uniformly distributed over the surface available for standing passengers S1; where appropriate, a mass WP uniformly distributed over each wheelchair space; a mass equal to B (kg) uniformly distributed in the baggage compartments; a mass equal to BX (kg) uniformly distributed over the surface area of the roof equipped for the carriage of baggage, where: P is the number of seating places. S1 is the area for standing passengers. In the case of vehicles of classes III or B, S1 = 0. SP, declared by the manufacturer, must not exceed the value S1/Ssp, where Ssp is the conventional space provided for one standing passenger specified in the table below. WP (kg), is the number of wheelchair spaces multiplied by 250 kg representing the mass of a wheelchair and user. B (kg), declared by the manufacturer, must have a numeric value not less than 100 × V. This shall include baggage compartments or racks that may be attached to the outside of the vehicle. V is the total volume of baggage compartments in m3. When approving a vehicle of Class I or A, the volume of baggage compartments accessible only from the outside of the vehicle shall be disregarded. BX, declared by the manufacturer, must have a numeric value not less than 75 kg/m2. Double deck vehicles shall not be equipped for the carriage of baggage on the roof and therefore BX for double deck vehicles shall be zero. Q and Ssp have values laid down in the following table:



Vehicle Class Q (kg) mass of one passenger Ssp (m2/passenger) conventional space for one standing passenger Class I and A 68 0,125 Class II 71 (1) 0,15 Class III and B 71 (1) None (*) Including 3 kg for hand baggage. ▼M2 7.4.3.3.2. In the case of a vehicle equipped with a variable seating capacity, area available for standing passengers (S1) and/or equipped for the carriage of wheelchairs, the requirements of sections 7.4.3.2 and 7.4.3.3 shall be determined for each of the following conditions as applicable. 7.4.3.3.2.1. With all possible seats occupied followed by the remaining area for standing passengers (up to the standing capacity limit declared by the manufacturer, if reached) and, if space remains, any wheelchair spaces occupied. 7.4.3.3.2.2. With all possible standing areas occupied (up to the standing capacity limit declared by the manufacturer) followed by the remaining seats available for seated passengers and, if space remains, any wheelchair spaces occupied. 7.4.3.3.2.3. With all possible wheelchair spaces occupied followed by the remaining area for standing passengers (up to the standing capacity limit declared by the manufacturer, if reached) and then the remaining seats available for use occupied. ▼M2 7.4.3.4. When the vehicle is in running order or laden as specified in section 7.4.3.3.1, the mass corresponding to the load on the front axle or group of axles must not be less than the percentage of the mass of the vehicle in running order or of the technically permissible maximum laden mass ‘M’ laid down in the following table:



Classes I and A Class II Classes III and B Rigid Articulated Rigid Articulated Rigid Articulated 20 20 25 (1) 20 25 (1) 20 (1) This figure is reduced to 20 % for three axle vehicles of classes II and III having two steered axles. ▼M2 7.4.3.5. Where a vehicle is to be approved to more than one Class, sections 7.4.3.2 and 7.4.3.3 shall apply to each Class. ▼M2 7.4.4. Requirements for trailer caravans ▼B The requirements of 7.4.2.1 to 7.4.2.4 and of 7.4.2.7 apply. In addition, when the incomplete vehicle is laden to its mass M according to the situation described in 7.4.2.5.1.2, or when the complete or completed vehicle in running order is laden to its mass M as described in the Appendix to Annex II to Council Directive 92/21/EEC ( 10 ), the mass corresponding to the load on each axle must not exceed the mass mi on this axle, and the mass corresponding to the load on each solo axle or on the group of axles must not exceed the mass µj on this group of axles. Moreover, the mass corresponding to the load on the driving axle or the sum of the masses corresponding to the loads on the driving axles must be at least 25 % of M. 7.5. Conditions to be verified for the classification of a vehicle as an off-road vehicle (Annex II, section 4 of Directive 70/156/EEC) 7.5.1. The technical service must verify if the complete or completed vehicle, or the semi-trailer towing vehicle (semi-trailer tractor) without fifth wheel is to be considered as an off-road vehicle according to the requirements laid down in Annex II to Directive 70/156/EEC. 7.5.2. For other incomplete vehicles, this verification is carried out only at the request of the manufacturer. 7.6. Manoeuvrability 7.6.1. Any motor vehicle and any semi-trailer must be able to manoeuvre on either side for a complete circular trajectory of 360 ° inside an area defined by two concentric circles, the outer circle having a radius of 12,50 m and the inner circle having a radius of 5,30 m, without any of the vehicle's outermost points (with the exception of the protruding parts prescribed for the vehicle width in 2.4.2) projecting outside the circumferences of the circles. ▼M2 For motor vehicles and semi-trailers with axle-lift devices (see section 2.14), this requirement also applies with the retractable axle(s) in the lifted position or loadable axle(s) in the unladen condition. Starting aids such as retractable axles fulfilling the requirements of section 3.5 of Annex IV are exempt from this requirement. ▼B The abovementioned requirements must be verified as follows: 7.6.1.1. Motor vehicles The outermost front point of the motor vehicle must be guided along the contour of the outer circle (see figure A). 7.6.1.2. Semi-trailers A semi-trailer is deemed to comply with the requirements of 7.6.1 if its wheelbase is not greater than 212,50−2,042−5,30+L/22 where L is the semi-trailer's width, the wheelbase being measured for the purpose of this section as the distance of the axis of the semi-trailer fifth wheel king-pin to the centre line of the non-steering bogie axles; if one or more of the non-steering bogie axles has an axle lift device (see 2.14), then the wheelbase with lowered/lifted axle(s), whichever is the longer, is taken into account. In case of doubt, the approval authority can require a test to be carried out as described at 7.6.1. ▼M2 7.6.2. Additional requirements for vehicles of category N When the vehicle is stationary and has its steered wheels so directed that if the vehicle moved, its outermost forward point would describe a circle of 12,50 m radius, a vertical plane tangential to the side of the vehicle which faces outwards from the circle must be established by marking a line on the ground. When the vehicle moves forward on either side following the circle of 12,50 m radius, no part of it may move outside the vertical plane by more than 0,80 m (see figure B). For vehicles with an axle-lift device this requirement also applies with the axle(s) in the lifted position (within the meaning of 2.14). For vehicles of Category N with retractable axles in the lifted position, or loadable axles in the unladen condition, the figure of 0,80 m is replaced by 1,00 m. 7.6.3. Additional requirements for vehicles of categories M 2 or M 3 With the vehicle stationary, a vertical plane tangential to the side of the vehicle and facing outwards from the circle 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 plane. When the vehicle moves from a straight line approach into the circular area described in section 7.6.1, no part of it shall move outside of that vertical plane by more than 0,60 m (see figures C and D). ▼B Figure A Figure B ▼M2 Figure C R = 12,5 m r = 5,3 m U = maximum 0,6 ▼M2 Figure D R = 12,5 m r = 5,3 m U = maximum 0,6 ▼M2 7.6.4. The requirements of sections 7.6.1 to 7.6.3 may also be verified, at the request of the manufacturer, with an appropriate equivalent calculation or geometric demonstration. If, at the request of the manufacturer, vehicles of category N without steered rear axles are verified according to their geometric characteristics: a vehicle is deemed to comply with the requirements of paragraph 7.6.2 above if its rear overhang is not more than 60 % of the vehicle wheelbase. ▼M2 7.6.5. In the case of incomplete vehicles, the manufacturer must declare the maximum permissible dimensions for which the vehicle is to be checked against the requirements of sections 7.6.1 to 7.6.3. ▼B 7.7. Additional requirements for motor vehicles of categories M2 and M3 The technically permissible maximum towable mass must not exceed 3 500 kg. 7.8. Technically permissible maximum mass on the coupling point of motor vehicles and mounting instructions for couplings ▼M2 7.8.1. The technically permissible maximum mass on the coupling point of a motor vehicle designed to tow a centre-axle trailer and with a technically permissible maximum towable mass exceeding 3,5 tonnes must be at least equal to 10 % of its technically permissible maximum towable mass, or 1 000 kg, whichever is the lesser. 7.8.2. The technically permissible maximum mass on the coupling point of a motor vehicle designed to tow a centre-axle trailer and with a technically permissible maximum towable mass not exceeding 3,5 tonnes must be at least equal to 4 % of its technically permissible maximum towable mass, or 25 kg, whichever is the greater. ▼B 7.8.3. In the case of a motor vehicle with a technically permissible maximum laden mass not exceeding 3,5 tonnes, the manufacturer must specify in the owner's manual the conditions for the attachment of the coupling device to the motor vehicle. Where the case occurs the above conditions must include the technically permissible maximum mass on the coupling point of the motor vehicle, the maximum permissible mass of the coupling device, the mounting points of the coupling device on the motor vehicle and the maximum permissible overhang of the coupling device. 7.9. Hill-starting ability Motor vehicles towing a trailer and laden to their technically permissible maximum laden mass of the combination, must be capable of starting five times within five minutes at an up-hill gradient of at least 12 %. ▼M2 7.10. Engine power/maximum mass ratio Motor vehicles must provide an engine power output of at least 5 kW/t of the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the combination. In the case of a road tractor, the engine power must be at least 2,2 kW/t. The engine power is measured according to the provisions of Council Directive 80/1269/EEC ( 11 ). ▼B 7.11. Conditions relating to the equivalence between certain non-air suspension and air suspension systems for vehicle driving axle(s) 7.11.1. At the request of the manufacturer, the technical service must verify the equivalence of a non-air suspension to an air suspension for driving axle(s). In order to be recognized as equivalent to air suspension, a non-air suspension must comply with the following requirements: 7.11.1.1. During free transient low-frequency vertical oscillation of the sprung mass above a driving axle or group of axles, the measured frequency and damping with the suspension carrying its maximum load must fall within the limits defined in 7.11.1.2 to 7.11.1.5. 7.11.1.2. Each axle must be fitted with hydraulic dampers. On groups of axles, the dampers must be positioned to minimize the oscillation of the groups of axles. 7.11.1.3. The mean damping ratio Dm must be more than 20 % of critical damping for the suspension in its normal condition with hydraulic dampers in place and operating. 7.11.1.4. The damping ratio Dr of the suspension with all hydraulic dampers removed or incapacitated must be not more than 50 % of Dm. 7.11.1.5. The frequency of the sprung mass above the driving axle or group of axles in a free transient vertical oscillation must not be higher than 2,0 Hz. 7.11.1.6. The frequency and damping of the suspension are defined in 7.11.2. The test procedures for measuring the frequency and damping are laid down in 7.11.3. 7.11.2. Definition of frequency and damping In this definition a sprung mass M (kg) above a driving axle or group of axles is considered. The axle or group of axles has a total vertical stiffness between the road surface and the sprung mass of K newton/metre (N/m) and a total damping coefficient of C newton second per metre (N.s/m). The vertical displacement of the sprung mass is Z. The equation of motion for free oscillation of the sprung mass is: M d2Zdt2 + C dZdt + KZ = O The frequency of oscillation of the sprung mass F (Hz) is: F = 12π2KM − C24M2 The damping is critical when C = Co, where Co = 22KM The damping ratio as a fraction of critical is C/Co. During free transient oscillation of the sprung mass the vertical motion of the mass will follow a damped sinusoidal path (figure 2). The frequency can be estimated by measuring the time for as many cycles of oscillation as can be observed. The damping can be estimated by measuring the heights of successive peaks of the oscillation in the same direction. If the peak amplitudes of the first and second cycles of the oscillation are A1 and A2, then the damping ratio D is D = CCo = 12π ln A1A2 ‘ln’ being the natural logarithm of the amplitude ratio. 7.11.3. Test procedure To establish by test the damping ratio Dm, the damping ratio Dr with hydraulic dampers removed, and the frequency F of the suspension, the loaded vehicle is either: (a) driven at low speed (5 km/h ± 1 km/h) over an 80 mm step with the profile shown in figure 1. The transient oscillation to be analysed for frequency and damping occurs after the wheels of the driving axle have left the step; or (b) pulled down by its chassis so that the driving axle load is 1,5 times its maximum static value. The vehicle held down is suddenly released and the subsequent oscillation analysed; or (c) pulled up by its chassis so that the sprung mass is lifted by 80 mm above the driving axle. The vehicle held up is suddenly dropped and the subsequent oscillation analysed; or (d) subjected to other procedures insofar as it has been proved by the manufacturer, to the satisfaction of the technical service, that they are equivalent. The vehicle must be fitted with a vertical displacement transducer between driving axle and chassis, directly above the driving axle. From the trace, the time interval between thefirst and second compression peaks can be measured to obtain the damping. For twin driving groups of axles, vertical displacement transducers must be fitted between each driving axle and the chassis directly above it. The tyres must be inflated to the appropriate pressure recommended by the manufacturer for the test mass of the vehicle. The test for verifying the equivalence of the suspensions is made at the technically permissible maximum mass on the axle or group of axles, and the equivalence assumed to cover all the lower masses. Figure 1 Step for suspension tests Figure 2 A damped transient response