Only the original UN/ECE texts have legal effect under international public law. The status and date of entry into force of this Regulation should be checked in the latest version of the UN/ECE status document TRANS/WP.29/343, available at:

http://www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29fdocstts.html

Regulation No 58 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UN/ECE) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of:

I. Rear underrun protective devices (RUPDs)

II. Vehicles with regard to the installation of an RUPD of an approved type

III. Vehicles with regard to their rear underrun protection (RUP) [2019/272]

Incorporating all valid text up to:

03 series of amendments to the Regulation – Date of entry into force: 18 June 2016

CONTENTS

REGULATION

1. Scope

2. General requirements

3. Definitions common to Parts I, II and III

PART I. APPROVAL OF RUPDs

4. Definitions

5. Application for approval

6. Approval

7. Requirements

8. Conformity of production

9. Penalties for non-conformity of production

10. Modification and extension of approval of an RUPD type

11. Production definitively discontinued

12. Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests, and of Type Approval Authorities

PART II. APPROVAL OF A VEHICLE WITH REGARD TO THE INSTALLATION OF AN RUPD OF AN APPROVED TYPE

13. Definitions

14. Application for approval

15. Approval

16. Requirements for installation of an approved RUPD

17. Conformity of production

18. Penalties for non-conformity of production

19. Modification and extension of approval of a vehicle type

20. Production definitively discontinued

21. Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests, and of Type Approval Authorities

PART III. APPROVAL OF A VEHICLE WITH REGARD TO ITS REAR UNDERRUN PROTECTION (RUP)

22. Definitions

23. Application for approval

24. Approval

25. Requirements for RUP

26. Conformity of production

27. Penalties for non-conformity of production

28. Modification and extension of approval of a vehicle type

29. Production definitively discontinued

30. Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests, and of Type Approval Authorities

PART IV. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

31. Transitional provisions

ANNEXES

1. Communication (Part I)

2. Communication (Part II)

3. Communication (Part III)

4. Arrangements of approval marks

5. Test conditions and procedures

6. Specific vehicles

7. Requirements for different vehicle categories

1. SCOPE

1.1. This Regulation applies to:

1.1.1. PART I: the RUPDs which are intended to be fitted to vehicles of categories M, N and O (1);

1.1.2. PART II: the installation on vehicles of categories M, N and O (1) of RUPDs which have been type approved to Part I of this Regulation;

1.1.3. PART III: vehicles of categories M, N and O (1) equipped with an RUPD which has not been separately approved according to Part I of this Regulation or so designed and/or equipped that its component parts can be regarded as totally or partially fulfilling the function of the RUPD;

1.1.4. Vehicles of categories M1, M2, M3, N1, O1 and O2 (1) on grounds of rear underrun protection.

1.2. This Regulation does not apply to:

1.2.1. Tractive units for articulated vehicles;

1.2.2. Trailers specially designed and constructed for the carriage of very long loads of indivisible length, such as timber, steel bars, etc.;

1.3. Vehicles where any RUPD (e.g. fixed, removable, foldable, adjustable, etc.) is incompatible with their use on traffic roads may be partly or fully exempted from this Regulation, subject to the decision of the Type Approval Authority.

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1. All vehicles shall be so constructed and/or equipped as to offer effective protection over their whole width against under-running of vehicles mentioned in paragraph 1 of this Regulation in the event of rear collision with vehicles of category M1 and N1 (2).

2.2. The vehicle shall be tested under the conditions as laid down in paragraph 2 of Annex 5.

2.3. Any vehicle in one of the categories M1, M2, M3, N1, O1 or O2 shall be deemed to satisfy the condition set out above:

(a) If it satisfies the same conditions as set out in Part II or Part III, or

(b) If the ground clearance of the rear part of the unladen vehicle does not exceed 550 mm over a width which is not shorter than that of the rear axle by more than 100 mm on either side (excluding any tyre bulging close to the ground), or

(c) If, in case of vehicles of categories O1 and O2 where the tyres project for more than half of their width outside the bodywork (excluding the wheel guards) or outside the chassis in the absence of bodywork, the ground clearance of the rear part of the unladen vehicle does not exceed 550 mm over a width which is not less than 100 mm deducted from the distance measured between the innermost points of the tyres (excluding any tyre bulging close to the ground), on either side.

Where there is more than one rear axle, the width to be considered is that of the widest.

The requirements of paragraphs 2.3(b) and 2.3(c) above shall be satisfied at least on a line:

(a) At a distance of not more than 450 mm from the rear extremity of the vehicle;

(b) That may have interruptions totalling not more than 200 mm.

2.4. Any vehicle of category G will be deemed to satisfy the condition for the ground clearance set out above, if the departure angle (ISO 612:1978) does not exceed:

(a) 10° for vehicles of categories M1G and N1G;

(b) 20° for vehicles of categories M2G and N2G; and

(c) 25° for vehicles of categories M3G and N3G;

over a width which is not shorter than that of the rear axle by more than 100 mm on either side (excluding any bulging of the tyres close to the ground).

Where there is more than one rear axle, the width to be considered is that of the widest. The requirements of subparagraphs (a) to (c) of this paragraph shall be satisfied at least on a line:

(a) At a distance of not more than 450 mm from the rear extremity of the vehicle;

(b) That may have interruptions summing up in not more than 200 mm.

3. DEFINITIONS COMMON TO PARTS I, II AND III

3.1. For the purpose of this Regulation:

3.1.1. ‘Unladen mass’ means the mass of the vehicle in running order, unoccupied and unladen but complete with fuel, coolant, lubricant, tools and a spare wheel (if provided as standard equipment by the vehicle manufacturer);

3.1.2. ‘Maximum mass’ means the mass stated by the vehicle manufacturer to be technically permissible (this mass may be higher than the ‘permissible maximum mass’ laid down by the national administration);

3.1.3. An ‘RUPD’ normally consists of a cross-member and links to the chassis side members or other structural members of the vehicle;

3.1.4. ‘Separate cab’ means a cab attached to the vehicle's frame by specific links and which has no common part with the cargo area.

PART I. APPROVAL OF RUPDs

4. DEFINITIONS

4.1. For the purpose of Part I of this Regulation:

4.1.1. ‘Approval of an RUPD’ means the approval of such a type of RUPD with respect to the requirements laid down in paragraph 7. below;

4.1.2. ‘Type of RUPD’ means RUPDs which do not differ with respect to the essential characteristics such as shape, dimensions, attachment, materials and the markings cited in paragraph 5.2.2 below.

5. APPLICATION OF APPROVAL

5.1. The application for approval of an RUPD shall be submitted by the manufacturer of the RUPD or by his duly accredited representative.

5.2. For each type of RUPD the application shall be accompanied by:

5.2.1. Documentation in triplicate giving a description of the technical characteristics of the RUPD: its dimensions, lines and constituent materials and the method of its installation;

5.2.2. A sample of the type of RUPD: the sample shall be clearly and indelibly marked on all its main components with the applicant's trade name or mark and the type designation.

5.3. An RUPD representative of the type to be approved shall be submitted to the Technical Service responsible for conducting the approval tests.

5.4. The Type Approval Authority shall verify the existence of satisfactory arrangements for ensuring effective control of the conformity of production before type approval is granted.

6. APPROVAL

6.1. If the RUPD submitted for approval pursuant to this Regulation meets the requirements of paragraph 7 below, approval of that type of RUPD shall be granted.

6.2. An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved. Its first two digits (at present 03 corresponding to the 03 series of amendments) shall indicate the series of amendments incorporating the most recent major technical amendments made to the Regulation at the time of issue of the approval. The same Contracting Party may not assign the same number to another type of rear underrun protective device.

6.3. Notice of approval, or of extension or of refusal of approval of a type of RUPD pursuant to this Regulation shall be communicated to the Parties to the 1958 Agreement which apply this Regulation, by means of a form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

6.4. There shall be affixed, conspicuously and in a readily accessible place specified on the approval form, to every RUPD conforming to a type of RUPD approved under this Regulation an international approval mark consisting of:

6.4.1. A circle surrounding the letter ‘E’ followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval (3);

6.4.2. The number of this Regulation, followed by the letter ‘R’, a dash and the approval number to the right of the circle prescribed in paragraph 6.4.1.

6.5. The approval mark shall be clearly legible and be indelible.

6.6. Annex 4 to this Regulation gives examples of arrangements of approval marks.

7. REQUIREMENTS

7.1. The cross-member shall have a section height of at least 120 mm. The lateral extremities of the cross member shall not bend to the rear or have a sharp outer edge; this condition is fulfilled when the lateral extremities of the cross-member are rounded on the outside and have a radius of curvature of not less than 2,5 mm.

RUPD intended to be fitted on vehicles of categories M, N1, N2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 8 t, O1, O2, on vehicles of category G and on vehicles fitted with a platform lift, the cross-member shall have a section height of at least 100 mm.

7.2. The RUPD may be so designed to have several positions at the rear of the vehicle. In this event, there shall be a guaranteed method of securing it in the service position so that any unintentional change of position is precluded. The force applied by the operator to vary the position of the device shall not exceed 40 daN.

For RUPD that are designed to have several positions at the rear of the vehicle, a label shall be provided either with (a) symbol(s) or in the language(s) of the country where the device is sold to inform the operator about the standard position of the RUPD to offer effective protection against under-running.

Label minimum size: 60 × 120 mm

7.3. The RUPD shall offer adequate resistance to forces applied parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. (This shall be demonstrated in accordance with the test procedure and test conditions specified in Annex 5 to this Regulation.) The maximum horizontal deflection of the RUPD observed during and after the application of the test forces specified in Annex 5 shall be recorded on the type approval communication (Annex 1, item 8).

7.4. For vehicles fitted with a platform lift at the rear, the underrun device may be interrupted for the purposes of the mechanism. In this case, the following special requirements apply:

7.4.1. The maximum lateral clearance measured between the elements of the underrun device and the elements of the platform lift, which move through the interruption when the lift is operated and which make the interruption necessary, may amount to no more than 2,5 cm.

7.4.2. The individual elements of the underrun protection, including those outboard of the lift mechanism, where provided, shall have an effective surface area, in each case, of at least 420 cm2.

7.4.3. For cross-members with a section height of less than 120 mm, the individual elements of the underrun protection, including those outboard of the lift mechanism, where provided, shall have an effective surface area, in each case, of at least 350 cm2.

7.4.4. In the case of vehicles having a width of less than 2 000 mm and where it is impossible to achieve the requirements of paragraphs 7.4.2 and 7.4.3, the effective surface may be reduced on the condition that the resistance criteria are met.

8. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

The conformity of production procedures shall comply with those set out in the 1958 Agreement, Schedule 1 (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3), with the following requirements:

8.1. Every rear underrun protective device approved under this Regulation shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved by meeting the requirements set out in paragraph 7 above.

8.2. The Type Approval Authority that has granted type approval may at any time verify the conformity control methods applied in each production facility. The normal frequency of these verifications shall be one every two years.

9. PENALTIES FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

9.1. The approval granted in respect of a type of RUPD pursuant to this Regulation may be withdrawn if the requirements set forth above are not met or if the protective device has failed to pass the test prescribed in Annex 5.

9.2. If a Contracting Party to the Agreement applying this Regulation withdraws an approval it has previously granted, it shall forthwith so notify the other Contracting Parties applying this Regulation, by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

10. MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF APPROVAL OF AN RUPD TYPE

10.1. Every modification of the RUPD type shall be notified to the Type Approval Authority which approved the RUPD type. The Type Approval Authority may then either:

10.1.1. Consider that the modifications made are unlikely to have an appreciable adverse effect and that in any case the RUPD still complies with the requirements; or

10.1.2. Require a further test report from the Technical Service responsible for conducting the tests.

10.2. Confirmation or refusal of approval, specifying the alterations shall be communicated by the procedure specified in paragraph 6.3 above to the Parties to the Agreement applying this Regulation.

10.3. The Type Approval Authority issuing the extension of approval shall assign a series number of such an extension and inform thereof the other Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

11. PRODUCTION DEFINITIVELY DISCONTINUED

If the holder of the approval completely ceases to manufacture a type of rear underrun protective device approved in accordance with this Regulation, he shall so inform the Type Approval Authority which granted the approval. Upon receiving the relevant communication that Authority shall inform thereof the other Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

12. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF TECHNICAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING APPROVAL TESTS, AND OF TYPE APPROVAL AUTHORITIES

The Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation shall communicate to the United Nations Secretariat the names and addresses of the Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests and of the Type Approval Authorities which grant approval and to which forms certifying approval or extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval, issued in other countries, are to be sent.

PART II. APPROVAL OF A VEHICLE WITH REGARD TO THE INSTALLATION OF AN RUPD OF AN APPROVED TYPE

13. DEFINITIONS

13.1. For the purposes of Part II of this Regulation:

13.1.1. ‘Approval of a vehicle’ means the approval of a vehicle type with regard to the installation of an RUPD of an approved type according to Part I of this Regulation;

13.1.2. ‘Vehicle type’ means vehicles which do not differ in such essential aspects as: The width of the rear axle; The structure, the dimensions, the shape and the height from the ground of the rear part of the vehicle and the characteristics of the suspension, in so far as they have a bearing on the requirements specified in paragraph 19. of this Regulation; The approved RUPDs fitted to the vehicle.

13.2. Other definitions applicable to this Part II are contained in paragraph 3 of this Regulation.

14. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL

14.1. The application for approval of a vehicle type with regard to the installation of an RUPD(s) of an approved type shall be submitted by the vehicle manufacturer or by his duly accredited representative.

14.2. It shall be accompanied by the under-mentioned documents in triplicate and by the following particulars:

14.2.1. Drawings of the vehicle showing, according to the criteria referred to in paragraph 13.1.2 of this Regulation, the vehicle type in side and rear elevation with the indication of the position of the approved RUPD(s) and design details of its (their) fixing elements to the chassis of the vehicle;

14.2.2. The maximum mass of the vehicle;

14.2.3. A list of the RUPDs intended to be fitted to the vehicle;

14.2.4. At the request of the Type Approval Authority the type approval communication form (i.e. Annex 1 of this Regulation) of each RUPD shall also be supplied.

14.3. A vehicle representative of the type to be approved and fitted with an approved RUPD shall be submitted to the Technical Service responsible for conducting the approval tests.

14.3.1. A vehicle not comprising all the components proper to the type may be accepted for test provided that it can be shown by the applicant to the satisfaction of the Type Approval Authority that the absence of the components omitted has no effect on the results of the verifications, so far as the requirements of this Regulation are concerned.

14.4. The Type Approval Authority shall verify the existence of satisfactory arrangements for ensuring effective checks on conformity of production before type approval is granted.

15. APPROVAL

15.1. If the vehicle submitted for approval pursuant to this Regulation is provided with an approved RUPD and meets the requirements of paragraph 16 below and has been tested following the conditions set out in paragraph 2.2, approval of that vehicle type shall be granted.

15.2. An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved. Its first two digits (at present 03 corresponding to the 03 series of amendments) shall indicate the series of amendments incorporating the most recent major technical amendments made to the Regulation at the time of issue of the approval. The same Contracting Party may not assign the same number to another vehicle type.

15.3. Notice of approval or of extension or of refusal of approval of a vehicle type pursuant to this Regulation shall be communicated to the Parties to the 1958 Agreement which apply this Regulation, by means of a form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

15.4. There shall be affixed, conspicuously and in a readily accessible place specified on the approval form, to every vehicle conforming to a vehicle type approved under this Regulation an international approval mark consisting of:

15.4.1. A circle surrounding the letter ‘E’ followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval (4);

15.4.2. The number of this Regulation, followed by the letter ‘R’, a dash and the approval number to the right of the circle prescribed in paragraph 15.4.1.

15.5. If the vehicle conforms to a vehicle type approved, under one or more other Regulations annexed to the Agreement, in the country which has granted approval under this Regulation, the symbol prescribed in paragraph 15.4.1 need not be repeated; in such a case the Regulation and approval numbers and the additional symbols of all the Regulations under which approval has been granted in the country which has granted approval under this Regulation shall be placed in vertical columns to the right of the symbol prescribed in paragraph 15.4.1.

15.6. The approval mark shall be clearly legible and be indelible.

15.7. The approval mark shall be placed close to or on the vehicle data plate affixed by the manufacturer.

15.8. Annex 4 to this Regulation gives examples of arrangements of approval marks.

16. REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION OF AN APPROVED RUPD

16.1. For vehicles of the categories N2 with a maximum mass exceeding 8 t, N3, O3 and O4, the ground clearance with respect to the underside of the protective device, even when the vehicle is unladen, shall not exceed:

(a) 450 mm for motor vehicles and trailers with hydropneumatic, hydraulic or pneumatic suspension or a device for automatic levelling according to load. In any case, a departure angle up to 8° according to ISO 612:1978 with a maximum ground clearance of 550 mm shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements.

(b) 500 mm or a departure angle according to ISO 612:1978 of 8°, whichever is less, for vehicles other than those in (a) above. In any case, a departure angle up to 8° according to ISO 612:1978 with a maximum ground clearance of 550 mm shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements.

This requirement applies over the entire width of the motor vehicle or trailer and shall be such that the height above the ground of the points of application of the test forces applied to the device according to Part I of this Regulation and recorded in the type approval communication form (Annex 1, item 7) does not exceed the values in the paragraphs (a) and (b) above, increased by half the minimum section height required for the cross member of the RUPD.

The height requirement for the application of the test forces shall be adjusted to the adjusted ground clearance due to the provisions for the departure angle specified above.

16.2. For vehicles of categories M, N1, N2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 8 t, O1 and O2, the ground clearance with respect to the underside of the protective device, even when the vehicle is unladen, shall not exceed 550 mm over its entire width and shall be such that the height above the ground of the points of application of the test forces applied to the device according to Part I of this Regulation and recorded in the type approval communication form (Annex 1, item 7) does not exceed 600 mm.

16.3. The width of the rear protective device shall at no point exceed the width of the rear axle measured at the outermost points of the wheels, excluding the bulging of the tyres close to the ground, nor shall RUPD be more than 100 mm shorter on either side. Where the device is contained in or comprises the vehicle bodywork which itself extends beyond the width of the rear axle, the requirement, that the width of the RUPD shall not exceed that of the rear axle, shall not apply. However, in case of vehicles of categories O1 and O2 where the tyres project for more than half of their width outside the bodywork (excluding the wheel guards) or outside the chassis in the absence of bodywork, the width of the RUPD shall not be less than 100 mm deducted from the distance measured between the innermost points of the tyres, excluding the bulging of the tyres close to the ground, on either side. Where there is more than one rear axle, the width to be considered is that of the widest rear axle. In addition the requirements of paragraphs 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of Annex 5 relating the distance of the points of application of the test forces from the outer edges of the rear wheels (Annex 1, item 7) shall be verified and recorded in the type approval communication form.

16.4. For vehicles of categories M, N1, N2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 8 t, O1 and O2, the device shall be so fitted that the horizontal distance between the rear of the cross-member of the device and the most rearward point at the rear extremity of the vehicle, including any platform lift system, does not exceed 400 mm diminished by the largest total deformation including both plastic and elastic deformation (paragraph 7.3 of Part I) measured and recorded during the test at any of the points where the test forces are applied (Annex 1, item 8) during the type approval of the rear underrun protective device in conformity with the provisions of Part I of this Regulation and recorded in the type approval communication form. In measuring this distance, any part of the vehicle which is more than 2 m above the ground for every loading condition of the vehicle shall be excluded.

For vehicles of categories N2 with a maximum mass exceeding 8 t, N3, and vehicles of categories O3 and O4, equipped with a platform lift or being designed as a tipping trailer, the same requirement as above applies; however, for vehicles of these categories, the horizontal distance shall not exceed 300 mm measured to the rear of the cross-member before the test forces are applied.

For vehicles of categories O3 and O4, without any platform lift system and not being designed as a tipping-trailer, the maximum horizontal distances are reduced to 200 mm before the test forces have been applied and 300 mm diminished by the largest total deformation including both plastic and elastic deformation (paragraph 7.3 of Part I) measured and recorded during the test at any of the points where the test forces are applied (Annex 1, item 8).

In any case non-structural protrusions such as tail lamps and those of less than 50 mm of size in any direction, such as rubber bumpers, resilient buffers, hinges and latches shall be excluded from the determination of the most rearward point at the rear extremity.

Before the application of the test forces, the maximum allowed horizontal distance of a single, a segmented or an inclined cross-member of an RUPD is 100 mm between the rear of the cross-member measured at the most forward point and the rear of the cross-member measured at the most rearward point, measured in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle.

16.5. The device shall be so fitted that after the application of the test forces specified in Annex 5 for vehicles of the categories N2 with a maximum mass exceeding 8 t, N3, O3 and O4, the maximum ground clearance of the protective device, even when the vehicle is unladen, shall at any point not exceed by more than 60 mm the value before test. For vehicles with a departure angle up to 8° (paragraph 16.1) the maximum ground clearance shall not exceed 600 mm.

16.6. The maximum mass of a vehicle type for which approval is requested shall not exceed the value indicated on the type approval communication form of each approved RUPD intended to be installed on that vehicle.

16.7. Given the provisions of paragraph 7.2 for adjustable RUPD the label shall be placed clearly and permanently visible at the driver's place or at the rear area of the vehicle next to the RUPD, at a location, which is easily visible.

17. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

The conformity of production procedures shall comply with those set out in the 1958 Agreement, Schedule 1 (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3), with the following requirements:

17.1. Every vehicle approved under this Regulation shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved by meeting the requirements set out in paragraph 16 above.

17.2. The Type Approval Authority that has granted type approval may at any time verify the conformity control methods applied in each production facility. The normal frequency of these verifications shall be one every two years.

18. PENALTIES FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

18.1. The approval granted in respect of a vehicle type pursuant to this Regulation may be withdrawn if the requirements set forth above are not met.

18.2. If a Contracting Party to the Agreement applying this Regulation withdraws an approval it has previously granted, it shall forthwith so notify the other Contracting Parties applying this Regulation, by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

19. MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF APPROVAL OF A VEHICLE TYPE

19.1. Every modification of the vehicle type shall be notified to the Type Approval Authority which approved the vehicle type. The Type Approval Authority may then either:

19.1.1. Consider that the modifications made are unlikely to have an appreciable adverse effect and that in any case the vehicle still complies with the requirements; or

19.1.2. Require a further test report from the Technical Service responsible for conducting the tests.

19.2. Confirmation or refusal of approval, specifying the alteration, shall be communicated by the procedure specified in paragraph 15.3 above to the Parties to the Agreement applying this Regulation.

19.3. The Type Approval Authority issuing the extension of approval shall assign a series number for such an extension and inform thereof the other Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

20. PRODUCTION DEFINITIVELY DISCONTINUED

If the holder of the approval completely ceases to manufacture a type vehicle approved in accordance with this Regulation, he shall so inform the Type Approval Authority which granted the approval. Upon receiving the relevant communication, that Authority shall inform thereof the other Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

21. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF TECHNICAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING APPROVAL TESTS, AND OF TYPE APPROVAL AUTHORITIES

The Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation shall communicate to the United Nations Secretariat the names and addresses of the Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests and of the Type Approval Authorities which grant approval and to which forms certifying approval or extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval, issued in other countries, are to be sent.

PART III. APPROVAL OF A VEHICLE WITH REGARD TO ITS REAR UNDERRUN PROTECTION (RUP)

22. DEFINITIONS

22.1. For the purposes of Part III of this Regulation:

22.1.1. ‘Approval of a vehicle’ means the approval of a vehicle type with regard to its RUP;

22.1.2. ‘Vehicle type’ means a category of vehicles which do not differ with respect to the essential points as the width of the rear axle, the structure, the dimensions, the shape and the materials of the rear part of the vehicle, the characteristics of the suspension in so far as they have a bearing on the requirements specified in paragraph 25 of this Regulation;

22.1.3. ‘Rear underrun protection (RUP)’ means the presence at the rear of the vehicle of either: 22.1.3.1. A special RUPD; or 22.1.3.2. Body work, chassis parts or other components, such that, by virtue of their shape and characteristics, these elements can be regarded as totally or partially fulfilling the function of the RUPD.

22.2. Other definitions applicable to this Part III are contained in paragraph 3 of this Regulation.

23. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL

23.1. The application for approval of a vehicle type with regard to the protection afforded by the RUP shall be submitted by the vehicle manufacturer or by his duly accredited representative.

23.2. It shall be accompanied by the under-mentioned documents in triplicate and by the following particulars:

23.2.1. A detailed description of the vehicle type with respect to its structure, dimensions, lines and constituent materials in so far as required for the purpose of this Regulation;

23.2.2. Drawings of the vehicle showing the vehicle type in side and rear elevation and design details of the rear parts of the structure;

23.2.3. The maximum mass of the vehicle;

23.2.4. A detailed description of the RUP: its dimensions, lines, constituent materials and position on the vehicle.

23.3. A vehicle representative of the type to be approved shall be submitted to the Technical Service responsible for conducting the approval tests.

23.3.1. A vehicle not comprising all the components proper to the type may be accepted for test provided that it can be shown by the applicant to the satisfaction of the Type Approval Authority that the absence of the components omitted has no effect on the results of the verification, so far as the requirements of this Regulation are concerned.

23.4. The Type Approval Authority shall verify the existence of satisfactory arrangements for ensuring effective checks on conformity of production before type approval is granted.

24. APPROVAL

24.1. If the vehicle submitted for approval pursuant to this Regulation meets the requirements of paragraph 2.3(b) or paragraph 2.3(c) or paragraph 25 and has been tested following the conditions set out in paragraph 2.2, approval of that vehicle type shall be granted.

24.2. An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved. Its first two digits (at present 03 corresponding to the 03 series of amendments) shall indicate the series of amendments incorporating the most recent major technical amendments made to the Regulation at the time of issue of the approval. The same Contracting Party may not assign the same number to another vehicle type.

24.3. Notice of approval or of extension or of refusal of approval of a vehicle type pursuant to this Regulation shall be communicated to the Parties to the 1958 Agreement which apply this Regulation, by means of a form conforming to the model in Annex 3 to this Regulation.

24.4. There shall be affixed, conspicuously and in a readily accessible place specified on the approval form, to every vehicle conforming to a vehicle type approved under this Regulation an international approval mark consisting of:

24.4.1. A circle surrounding the letter ‘E’ followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval (5);

24.4.2. The number of this Regulation, followed by the letter ‘R’, a dash and the approval number to the right of the circle prescribed in paragraph 24.4.1.

24.5. If the vehicle conforms to a vehicle type approved, under one or more other Regulations annexed to the Agreement, in the country which has granted approval under this Regulation, the symbol prescribed in paragraph 24.4.1 need not be repeated; in such a case the Regulation and approval numbers and the additional symbols of all the Regulations under which approval has been granted in the country which has granted approval under this Regulation shall be placed in vertical columns to the right of the symbol prescribed in paragraph 24.4.1.

24.6. The approval mark shall be clearly legible and be indelible.

24.7. The approval mark shall be placed close to or on the vehicle data plate affixed by the manufacturer.

24.8. Annex 4 to this Regulation gives examples of arrangements of approval marks.

25. REQUIREMENTS FOR RUP

25.1. For vehicles of the categories N2 with a maximum mass exceeding 8 t, N3, O3 and O4, the ground clearance with respect to the underside of the RUP, even when the vehicle is unladen, shall not exceed:

(a) 450 mm for motor vehicles and trailers with hydropneumatic, hydraulic or pneumatic suspension or a device for automatic levelling according to load. In any case a departure angle up to 8° according to ISO 612:1978 with a maximum ground clearance of 550 mm shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements.

(b) 500 mm or a departure angle according to ISO 612:1978 of 8°, whichever is less, for vehicles other than those in (a) above. In any case a departure angle up to 8° according to ISO 612:1978 with a maximum ground clearance of 550 mm shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements.

This requirement applies over the entire width of the motor vehicle or trailer and shall be such that the height above the ground of the points of application of the test forces applied to the device according to Part I of this Regulation and recorded in the type approval communication form (Annex 1, item 7) does not exceed the values in subparagraphs (a) and (b) above, increased by half the minimum section height required for the cross member of the RUPD.

The height requirement for the application of the test forces shall be adjusted to the adjusted ground clearance due to the provisions for the departure angle specified above.

25.2. For vehicles of categories M, N1, N2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 8 t, O1 and O2, the ground clearance with respect to the underside of the protective device, even when the vehicle is unladen, shall not exceed 550 mm over its entire width and shall be such that the height above the ground of the points of application of the test forces to the RUP does not exceed 600 mm.

25.3. For vehicles of categories M, N1, N2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 8 t, O1 and O2, the RUP shall be situated as close to the rear of the vehicle as possible. The maximum horizontal distance between the rear of the device and the most rearward point at the rear extremity of the vehicle, including any platform lift system, does not exceed 400 mm measured to the rear of the cross-member and recorded during the test when the test forces are applied.

For vehicles of categories N2 with a maximum mass exceeding 8 t, N3, and vehicles of categories O3 and O4, equipped with a platform lift or being designed as a tipping trailer, the same requirement as above applies; however, for vehicles of these categories, the horizontal distance shall not exceed 300 mm measured to the rear of the cross-member before the test forces are applied.

For RUP for vehicles of categories O3 and O4, without any platform lift system and not being designed as a tipping-trailer, the maximum horizontal distance is reduced to 200 mm before and 300 mm during the test when the test forces are applied.

In any case nonstructural protrusions such as tail lamps and those of less than 50 mm of size in any direction, such as rubber bumpers, resilient buffers, hinges and latches shall be excluded from the determination of the most rearward point at the rear extremity.

Before the application of the test forces the maximum allowed horizontal distance of a single, a segmented or an inclined cross-member of an RUPD is 100 mm between the rear of the cross-member measured at the most forward point and the rear of the cross-member measured at the most rearward point, measured in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle.

25.4. The width of the RUP shall at no point exceed the width of the rear axle measured at the outermost points of the wheels, excluding the bulging of the tyres close to the ground, nor shall RUP be more than 100 mm shorter on either side. Where the device is contained in or comprises the vehicle bodywork which itself extends beyond the width of the rear axle, the requirement, that the width of the RUP shall not exceed that of the rear axle, shall not apply. However, in case of vehicles of categories O1 and O2 where the tyres project for more than half of their width outside the bodywork (excluding the wheel guards) or outside the chassis in the absence of bodywork, the width of the RUP shall not be less than 100 mm deducted from the distance measured between the innermost points of the tyres, excluding the bulging of the tyres close to the ground, on either side. Where there is more than one rear axle, the width to be considered is that of the widest rear axle. In addition, the requirements of paragraphs 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of Annex 5 relating the distance of the points of application of the test forces from the outer edges of the rear wheels (Annex 1, item 7) shall be verified and recorded in the type approval communication form.

25.5. The cross-member shall have a section height of at least 120 mm. The lateral extremities of the cross-member shall not bend to the rear or have a sharp outer edge, this condition is fulfilled when the lateral extremities of the RUP are rounded on the outside and have a radius of curvature of not less than 2,5 mm.

For vehicles of the categories M, N1, N2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 8 t, O1, O2, vehicles of category G and vehicles fitted with a platform lift, the cross-member shall have a section height of at least 100 mm.

25.6. The RUP may be so designed to have several positions at the rear of the vehicle. In this event, there shall be a guaranteed method of securing it in the service position so that any unintentional change of position is precluded. The force applied by the operator to vary the position of the RUP shall not exceed 40 daN.

For RUP that are designed to have several positions at the rear of the vehicle a label shall be provided in the language(s) of the country where the device is sold.

Label minimum size: 60 × 120 mm.

The label shall be placed clearly and permanently visible at the rear area of the vehicle next to the RUP to inform the operator about the standard position of the RUP to offer effective protection against under-running.

25.7. The RUP shall offer adequate resistance to forces applied parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and be connected, when in the service position, with the chassis side-members or whatever replaces them. This requirement will be satisfied if it is shown that both during and after the application of the forces described in Annex 5 the horizontal distance between the rear of the RUP and the most rearward point at the rear extremity of the vehicle, including any platform lift system, does not exceed 400 mm at any of the points where the test forces are applied. In measuring this distance, any part of the vehicle which is more than 2 m above the ground when the vehicle is unladen shall be excluded.

After applying the test forces specified in Annex 5 for vehicles of the categories N2 with a maximum mass exceeding 8 t, N3, O3 and O4, the maximum ground clearance of the protective device, even when the vehicle is unladen, shall at any point not exceed by more than 60 mm the value before test. For vehicles with a departure angle up to 8° (paragraph 16.1) the maximum ground clearance shall not exceed 600 mm.

25.8. A practical test shall not be required where it can be shown by calculation that the requirements of Annex 5, paragraph 3, are met. Where a practical test is carried out, the device shall be connected to the chassis side-members of the vehicle or to a significant part of these or to other structural members.

25.9. For vehicles fitted with a platform lift at the rear, the underrun device may be interrupted for the purposes of the mechanism. In this case, the following special requirements apply:

25.9.1. The maximum lateral clearance measured between the elements of the underrun device and the elements of the platform lift, which move through the interruption when the lift is operated and which make the interruption necessary, may amount to no more than 2,5 cm.

25.9.2. The individual elements of the underrun protection, including those outboard of the lift system, where provided, shall have an effective surface area, in each case, of at least 420 cm2.

25.9.3. For cross-members with a section height of less than 120 mm, the individual elements of the underrun protection, including those outboard of the lift mechanism, where provided, shall have an effective surface area, in each case, of at least 350 cm2.

25.9.4. In the case of vehicles having a width of less than 2 000 mm and where it is impossible to achieve the requirements of paragraphs 25.9.2 and 25.9.3 above, the effective surface may be reduced on the condition that the resistance criteria are met.

26. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

The conformity of production procedures shall comply with those set out in the 1958 Agreement, Schedule 1 (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3), with the following requirements:

26.1. Every vehicle approved under this Regulation shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved by meeting the requirements set out in paragraph 25 above.

26.2. The Type Approval Authority that has granted type approval may at any time verify the conformity control methods applied in each production facility. The normal frequency of these verifications shall be one every two years.

27. PENALTIES FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

27.1. The approval granted in respect of a vehicle type pursuant to this Regulation may be withdrawn if the requirements set forth above are not met or if the vehicle has failed to pass the test prescribed in Annex 5.

27.2. If a Contracting Party to the Agreement applying this Regulation withdraws an approval it has previously granted, it shall forthwith so notify the other Contracting Parties applying this Regulation, by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 3 to this Regulation.

28. MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF APPROVAL OF A VEHICLE TYPE

28.1. Every modification of the vehicle type shall be notified to the Type Approval Authority which approved the vehicle type. The Type Approval Authority may then either:

28.1.1. Consider that the modifications made are unlikely to have an appreciable adverse effect and that in any case the vehicle still complies with the requirements; or

28.1.2. Require a further test report from the Technical Service responsible for conducting the tests.

28.2. Confirmation or refusal of approval, specifying the alterations shall be communicated by the procedure specified in paragraph 24.3 above to the Parties to the Agreement applying this Regulation.

28.3. The Type Approval Authority issuing the extension of approval shall assign a series number for such an extension and inform thereof the other Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 3 to this Regulation.

29. PRODUCTION DEFINITIVELY DISCONTINUED

If the holder of the approval completely ceases to manufacture a vehicle type approved in accordance with this Regulation, he shall so inform the Type Approval Authority which granted the approval. Upon receiving the relevant communication that Authority shall inform thereof the other Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 3 to this Regulation.

30. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF TECHNICAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING APPROVAL TESTS, AND OF TYPE APPROVAL AUTHORITIES

The Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation shall communicate to the United Nations Secretariat the names and addresses of the Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests and of the Type Approval Authorities which grant approval and to which forms certifying approval or extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval, issued in other countries, are to be sent.

PART IV. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

31. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

31.1. As from the official date of entry into force of the 03 series of amendments, no Contracting Party applying this Regulation shall refuse to grant or refuse to accept type approvals of vehicles, components or separate technical units under Parts I, II or III of this Regulation as amended by the 03 series of amendments.

31.2. Until 1 September 2019, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation shall not refuse to grant or refuse to accept type approvals of vehicles, components or separate technical units under Part I, II or III of this Regulation as amended by the 02 series of amendments.

31.3. As from 1 September 2019, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation shall grant approvals only if the type of vehicle, component or separate technical unit to be approved meets the requirements of Part I, II or III of this Regulation as amended by the 03 series of amendments.

31.4. As from 1 September 2021, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation shall not be obliged to accept, for the purpose of national or regional type approval, a vehicle, component or separate technical unit which is not type approved under Part I, II or III of the 03 series of amendments to this Regulation.

31.5. Until 1 September 2021, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation shall not refuse to grant extensions of approval for vehicles, components or separate technical units which comply with this Regulation as amended by the 02 series of amendments. However, Contracting Parties which are still accepting approvals according to the 02 series of amendments as given in paragraph 31.4 beyond 1 September 2021 shall not refuse to grant extensions to approvals after 1 September 2021.

31.6. Notwithstanding the transitional provisions above, Contracting Parties whose application of this Regulation comes into force after the date of entry into force of the most recent series of amendments are not obliged to accept approvals which were granted in accordance with any of the preceding series of amendments to this Regulation.

(1) As defined in the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.6, para. 2 - www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29resolutions.html

(2) As defined in the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.6, para. 2 - www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29resolutions.html

(3) The distinguishing numbers of the Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement are reproduced in Annex 3 to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev. 6, Annex 3 - www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29resolutions.html

(4) The distinguishing numbers of the Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement are reproduced in Annex 3 to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev. 6, Annex 3 - www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29resolutions.html

(5) The distinguishing numbers of the Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement are reproduced in Annex 3 to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev. 6, Annex 3 - www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29resolutions.html