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

UN Regulation No 142 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles with regard to the installation of their tyres [2020/242]

Incorporating all valid text up to:

Supplement 1 to the original version of the Regulation – Date of entry into force: 16 October 2018

This document is meant purely as documentation tool. The authentic and legally binding texts are:

— ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2016/64 and

— ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/14.

CONTENTS

REGULATION

1. Scope

2. Definitions

3. Application for approval

4. Approval

5. Specifications

6. Modification of vehicle type and extension of approval

7. Conformity of production

8. Penalties for non-conformity of production

9. Production definitively discontinued

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

ANNEXES

1. Information document

2. Communication

3. Arrangements of approval marks

1. SCOPE

This Regulation applies to vehicles of category M1 (1) with regard to the installation of their tyres.

It does not apply to vehicles whose conditions of use are incompatible with the characteristics of tyres of class C1 or C2 and to vehicles with regard to the installation of their:

(a) Temporary use spare unit; and/or

(b) Run-flat tyres and/or a run-flat system when operating in their flat tyre running mode; and/or

(c) Tyre pressure monitoring system.

2. DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Regulation:

2.1. ‘Vehicle type with regard to the installation of its tyres’ means vehicles which do not differ in such essential respects as the types of tyres, minimum and maximum tyre size designations, wheel dimensions and off-sets as well as speed and load capabilities suitable for fitment, and the characteristics of the wheel guards;

2.2. Tyres shall be classified as follows:

(a) Class C1 tyres – tyres designed primarily for vehicles of categories M1, N1, O1 and O2;

(b) Class C2 tyres – tyres designed primarily for vehicles of categories M2, M3, N, O3 and O4 with a load capacity index in single formation ≤ 121 and the speed category symbol ≥ ‘N’;

2.2.1. ‘Type of tyre’ means a range of tyres which do not differ in the following essential characteristics:

(a) The tyre class: C1 or C2, as described in paragraph 2.2; and

(b) In the case of class C1 tyres, the characteristics of a type of pneumatic tyre as defined in paragraph 2.1 of Regulation No 30;

(c) In the case of class C2 tyres, the characteristics of a type of pneumatic tyre as defined in paragraph 2.1 of Regulation No 54.

2.3. ‘Tyre size designation’ means the designation as defined in paragraph 2 of Regulation No 30 for class C1 tyres and paragraph 2 of UN Regulation No 54 for class C2 and C3 tyres.

2.4. ‘Wheel off-set’ means the distance from the hub abutment face to the centre line of the rim.

2.5. ‘Pneumatic tyre structure’ means the technical characteristics of the tyre’s carcass.

2.6. ‘Normal tyre’ means a tyre or run flat tyre intended for normal on-road use.

2.7. ‘Snow tyre’ means a tyre whose tread pattern, tread compound or structure is primarily designed to achieve in snow conditions a performance better than that of a normal tyre with regard to its ability to initiate or maintain vehicle motion.

2.8. ‘Special use tyre’ means a tyre intended for mixed use both on- and off-road or for other special duty. These tyres are primarily designed to initiate and maintain the vehicle in motion in off-road conditions.

2.9. ‘Run flat tyre’ is defined in paragraph 2 of Regulation No 30.

2.10. ‘Temporary-use spare tyre’ means a tyre different from a tyre intended to be fitted to any vehicle for normal driving conditions but intended only for temporary-use under restricted driving conditions.

2.11. ‘Wheel’ means a complete wheel consisting of a rim and a wheel disc.

2.12. ‘Temporary-use spare wheel’ means a wheel different from one of the normal wheels on the vehicle type but intended only for temporary use under restricted driving conditions.

2.13. ‘Unit’ means an assembly of a wheel and tyre.

2.14. ‘Standard unit’ means a unit which is capable of being fitted to the vehicle for normal operation.

2.15. ‘Spare unit’ means a unit which is intended to be exchanged for a standard unit in case of malfunction of the latter and may be either of the following.

2.16. ‘Standard spare unit’ means an assembly of a wheel and tyre identical in terms of wheel and tyre size designation, wheel offset and tyre structure to that fitted in the same axle position and to the particular vehicle variant and version for normal operation, including wheels produced from a different material and which may use different wheel fixing nut or bolt designs, but which is otherwise identical to the wheel intended for normal operation.

2.17. ‘Temporary-use spare unit’ means an assembly of any wheel and tyre that does not fall within the definition of standard spare unit and which falls within one of the temporary-use spare unit type descriptions as defined in paragraph 2.10 of Regulation No 64.

2.18. ‘Speed category symbol’ means the symbol as defined in paragraph 2 of UN Regulation No 30 for class C1 tyres and paragraph 2 of UN Regulation No 54 for class C2.

2.19. ‘Load capacity index’ means a number associated to the maximum load rating of the tyre in relation to the definition in paragraph 2 of UN Regulation No 30 for class C1 tyres and paragraph 2 of UN Regulation No 54 for class C2 tyres.

2.20. ‘Maximum load rating’ means the maximum mass which a tyre can carry when operated in conformity with requirements governing utilisation specified by the tyre manufacturer.

3. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL

3.1. The application for approval of a vehicle type with regard to the installation of its tyres shall be submitted by the vehicle manufacturer or by his authorised representative.

3.2. It shall be accompanied by the documents mentioned below in triplicate and include the following particular:

3.2.1. A description of the vehicle type with regard to the items mentioned in paragraph 5.

3.3. A vehicle representative of the vehicle type to be approved, or a simulation tool representing the vehicle type to be approved shall be submitted to the Technical Service conducting the approval tests.

4. APPROVAL

4.1. If the vehicle type submitted for approval pursuant to this Regulation meets the requirements of paragraph 5, approval of that vehicle type shall be granted.

4.2. An approval number shall be assigned to each vehicle type approved; its first two digits (00 for the regulation in its initial form) 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 shall not assign the same number to another vehicle type with regard to the installation of its tyres.

4.3. Notice of approval or of refusal or withdrawal of approval pursuant to this Regulation shall be communicated to the Contracting Parties to the Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a form conforming to the model in Annex 1 and photographs and/or plans supplied by the applicant being in a format not exceeding A4 (210 × 297 mm), or folded to that format, and on an appropriate scale.

4.4. 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 conforming to the model described in Annex 3, consisting of:

4.4.1. A circle surrounding the letter ‘E’ followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval (2);

4.4.2. 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 4.4.1.

4.5. 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 4.4.1 need not be repeated; in such a case, the regulation and approval numbers and the additional symbols shall be placed in vertical columns to the right of the symbol prescribed in paragraph 4.4.1.

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

4.7. The approval mark shall be placed close to or on the vehicle data plate.

4.8. Annex 3 to this Regulation gives an example of approval marks.

5. SPECIFICATIONS

5.1. General requirements

5.1.1. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 5.2.4.2, every tyre fitted to a vehicle, including where applicable any spare tyre, shall meet the requirements of this Regulation.

5.1.2. Every tyre installed to a vehicle, including where applicable any spare tyre, shall fulfil the technical requirements and respect the transitional provisions of Regulations Nos 30, 54 and 117 as applicable.

5.2. Performance requirements

5.2.1. Tyre fitment

5.2.1.1. All tyres normally fitted to the vehicle, thus excluding any temporary-use spare unit, shall have the same structure.

5.2.1.2. All of the tyres normally fitted to one axle shall be of the same type.

5.2.1.3. The space in which the wheel revolves shall be such as to allow unrestricted movement when using the maximum permissible size of tyres and rim widths, taking into account the minimum and maximum wheel off-sets, within the minimum and maximum suspension and steering constraints as declared by the vehicle manufacturer. This shall be verified by performing the checks with the largest and the widest tyres, taking into account the applicable dimensional tolerances (i.e. maximum envelope) related to the tyre size designation as specified in the relevant UN Regulation.

5.2.1.4. The Technical Service and/or Type Approval Authorities may agree to an alternative test procedure (e.g. virtual testing) to verify that the requirements of paragraph 5.2.1.3 are met.

5.2.2. Load capacity

5.2.2.1. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 5.2.4 of this Regulation, the maximum load rating of every tyre as determined in paragraph 5.2.2.2 of this Regulation, including a standard spare unit (if provided), with which the vehicle is fitted shall be:

5.2.2.1.1. In the case of a vehicle fitted with tyres of the same type in single formation: at least equal to half of the technically permissible maximum axle mass for the most heavily loaded axle, as declared by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

5.2.2.1.2. In the case of a vehicle fitted with tyres of more than one type, in single formation: at least equal to half of the technically permissible maximum axle mass as declared by the manufacturer of the vehicle, in respect of the relevant axle.

5.2.2.1.3. In the case of a vehicle fitted with tyres of class C1 in dual (twin) formation: at least equal to 0,27 times the technically permissible maximum axle mass, as declared by the manufacturer of the vehicle, in respect of the relevant axle.

5.2.2.1.4. In the case of axles fitted with tyres of class C2 in dual (twin) formation: at least equal to 0,25 times, with reference to the load capacity index for dual application, the technically permissible maximum axle mass as declared by the manufacturer of the vehicle, in respect of the relevant axle.

5.2.2.2. The maximum load rating of a tyre is determined as follows:

5.2.2.2.1. In the case of tyres of class C1, the ‘maximum load rating’ as referred to in paragraph 2 of UN Regulation No 30 is taken into account.

5.2.2.2.2. In the case of tyres of class C2, the ‘Table load-capacity variation with speed’ as referred to in paragraph 2 of UN Regulation No 54 is taken into account, which shows, as a function of the load-capacity indices and nominal-speed-category symbols, the load variations which a pneumatic tyre can withstand taking into account the maximum design speed of the vehicle.

5.2.2.3. The manufacturer shall provide in the vehicle owner’s handbook, or by any other communication means in the vehicle the necessary information about replacement tyres load capacity.

5.2.3. Speed capacity

5.2.3.1. Every tyre with which the vehicle is normally fitted shall bear a speed category symbol.

5.2.3.1.1. In the case of a tyre of class C1, the speed category symbol shall be compatible with the maximum vehicle design speed and shall take into account, in the case of tyres of speed categories V, W and Y, the maximum load rating as described in Regulation No 30.

5.2.3.1.2. In the case of tyre of class C2, the speed category symbol shall be compatible with the maximum vehicle design speed and the applicable load/speed combination derived from the ‘Table load-capacity variation with speed’ as described in paragraph 2 of UN Regulation No 54.

5.2.3.2. The requirements of paragraphs 5.2.3.1.1 and 5.2.3.1.2 shall not apply in the following situations:

5.2.3.2.1. In the case of temporary-use spare units for which paragraph 5.2.5 of this Regulation applies.

5.2.3.2.2. In the case of vehicles normally equipped with normal tyres and occasionally fitted with snow tyres where in such a case the speed category symbol of the snow tyre shall correspond to a speed either greater than the maximum vehicle design speed or not less than 160 km/h (or both). However, if the maximum vehicle design speed is greater than the speed corresponding to the lowest speed category symbol of the fitted snow tyres, a maximum speed warning label, specifying the lowest value of the maximum speed capability of the fitted snow tyres, shall be displayed inside the vehicle in a prominent position readily and permanently visible to the driver.

5.2.3.2.3. In the case of vehicles equipped with special use tyres. However, if the maximum vehicle design speed is greater than the speed corresponding to the lowest speed category symbol of the fitted special use tyres, a maximum speed warning label, specifying the lowest value of the maximum speed capability of the fitted special use tyres, shall be displayed inside the vehicle in a prominent position readily and permanently visible to the driver.

5.2.3.2.4. In the case of vehicles equipped with an on-board system fulfilling a speed limitation function where in such a case the speed symbol of the tyres shall be compatible with the speed at which the limitation is set. However, if the vehicle manufacturer has foreseen that the maximum vehicle design speed is greater than the speed corresponding to the lowest speed category symbol of the fitted tyres, a maximum speed warning label, specifying the maximum speed capability of the tyres, shall be displayed inside the vehicle in a prominent position readily and permanently visible to the driver.

5.2.3.3. The manufacturer shall provide the necessary information about replacement tyres speed capacity in the vehicle owner’s handbook or by any other communication means in the vehicle.

5.2.4. Special cases

5.2.4.1. In the case of vehicles which are designed to be capable of towing a trailer, the additional load imposed at the trailer coupling device may cause the rear tyre maximum load ratings to be exceeded in case of class C1 tyres, but not by more than 15 per cent. In such a case, the vehicle owner’s handbook, or the other communication means referred to in paragraph 5.2.3.3, shall contain clear information and advice on the maximum permissible vehicle speed when towing a trailer, in any case not exceeding 100 km/h, and on the rear tyre pressure, at least 20 kPa (0,2 bar) above the tyre pressure(s) as recommended for normal use (i.e. without a trailer attached).

5.2.4.2. In exceptional cases, where vehicles are designed for conditions of use which are incompatible with the characteristics of tyres of class C1 or C2 and it is therefore necessary to fit tyres with different characteristics, the requirements of paragraph 5.1.1 of this Regulation shall not apply, provided that all of the following conditions are met:

5.2.4.2.1. The tyres fulfil the technical requirements and respect the transitional provisions of either Regulation No 75 or Regulation No 106; and

5.2.4.2.2. The type-approval authority and technical service are satisfied that the tyres fitted are suitable for the operating conditions of the vehicle. The nature of the exemption and motivation of acceptance shall be stated in the test report as well as on the communication form of Annex 2.

5.2.5. Spare wheels and tyres

5.2.5.1. In cases where a vehicle is provided with a standard spare unit, it shall be of the same size as the tyres actually fitted to the vehicle.

5.2.5.2. Every vehicle provided with a temporary-use spare unit or run flat tyres shall comply with the technical and transitional provisions of Regulation No 64 with respect to the requirements concerning the equipment of vehicles with temporary-use spare units and run flat tyres.

If specific precautions have to be taken in order to fit a temporary-use spare unit to the vehicle (e.g. temporary use spare unit is only to be fitted on the front axle and therefore a front standard unit must first be fitted on the rear axle in order to address a malfunction of a rear standard unit) this shall be stated clearly in the vehicle owner’s handbook or any other communication means in the vehicle, and compliance with the appropriate aspects of paragraph 5.2.1.3 of this Regulation shall be verified.

6. MODIFICATION OF VEHICLE TYPE AND EXTENSION OF APPROVAL

6.1. Every modification to an existing vehicle type shall be notified to the Type Approval Authority which approved the vehicle type. The Type Approval Authority shall then either:

(a) Decide, in consultation with the manufacturer, that a new type approval is to be granted; or

(b) Apply the procedure contained in paragraph 6.1.1 (Revision) and, if applicable, the procedure contained in paragraph 6.1.2 (Extension).

6.1.1. Revision

When particulars recorded in the information documents of Annex 1 have changed and the Type Approval Authority considers that the modifications made are unlikely to have an appreciable adverse effect and that, in any case, the vehicle still complies with the requirements, the modifications shall be designated a ‘revision’;

In such a case, the Type Approval Authority shall issue the revised pages of the information documents of Annex 1 as necessary, marking each revised page to show clearly the nature of the modification and the date of re-issue. A consolidated, updated version of the information documents of Annex 1, accompanied by a detailed description of the modification, shall be deemed to meet this requirement.

6.1.2. Extension

The modification shall be designated an ‘extension’ if, in addition to the change of the particulars recorded in the information documents of Annex 1,

(a) Further inspections or tests are required; or

(b) Any information on the communication document (with the exception of its attachments) has changed; or

(c) Approval to a later series of amendments is requested after its entry into force.

6.2. Confirmation or refusal of approval, specifying the alterations, shall be communicated by the procedure specified in paragraph 4.3 above to the Contracting Parties to the Agreement applying this Regulation. In addition, the index to the information documents and to the test reports, attached to the communication document of Annex 1, shall be amended accordingly to show the date of the most recent revision or extension.

6.3. The Type Approval Authority issuing the extension of approval shall assign a series number to each communication form drawn up for such an extension.

7. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

7.1. Procedures concerning conformity of production shall conform to the general provisions defined in Article 2 and Appendix 2 to the Agreement (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.2) and meet the following requirements:

7.2. A vehicle approved pursuant to this Regulation shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved by meeting the requirements of paragraph 5;

7.3. The Type Approval Authority which has granted the approval may at any time verify the conformity of control methods applicable to each production unit. The normal frequency of such inspections shall be once every two years.

8. PENALTIES FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

8.1. The approval granted in respect of a vehicle type pursuant to this Regulation may be withdrawn if the requirements laid down in paragraph 7 are not complied with.

8.2. If a Contracting Party withdraws an approval it had previously granted, it shall forthwith so notify the other Contracting Parties applying this Regulation by sending them a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

9. PRODUCTION DEFINITIVELY DISCONTINUED

If the holder of the approval completely ceases to manufacture a type of vehicle approved in accordance with this Regulation, he shall so inform the authority which granted the approval, which in turn shall forthwith inform the other Contracting Parties to the Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

10. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THE TECHNICAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING APPROVAL TESTS AND OF TYPE APPROVAL AUTHORITIES

The Contracting Parties to the 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 Authority which grant approval and to which forms certifying approval or extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval are to be sent.

(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 Annex 3 to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3) (document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.6) www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29resolutions.html