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:

https://unece.org/status-1958-agreement-and-annexed-regulations

UN Regulation No 161 – Uniform provisions concerning the protection of motor vehicles against unauthorized use and the approval of the device against unauthorized use (by mean of a locking system) [2021/2274]

Date of entry into force: 30 September 2021

This document is meant purely as documentation tool. The authentic and legally binding text is: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/48.

CONTENTS

Regulation

1. Scope

2. Definitions

3. Application for approval

4. Approval

5. Approval of a vehicle of category M 1 and N 1 with regard to its devices to prevent unauthorized use

6. Modification of the type and extension of approval

7. Conformity of production procedures

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

4 Part 1 - Wear producing test procedure for devices to prevent unauthorized use acting on the steering

4 Part 2 - Test procedure for devices to prevent unauthorized use acting on the steering using a torque limiting device

5 (reserved)

6 Operation parameters and test conditions for devices to prevent unauthorized used (by mean of a locking system)

7 Electromagnetic compatibility

1. Scope

This Regulation applies to:

1.1. 1 and N 1 Approval of a vehicle of category Mand N ( 1 ) with regard to its devices to prevent unauthorized use.

1.2. The fitting of devices to vehicles of other categories is optional but any such device fitted is required to comply with all relevant provisions of this Regulation.

1.3. At the request of the manufacturer, Contracting Parties may grant approvals according to this Regulation to vehicles of other categories and devices for fitment to such vehicles.

1.4. This Regulation does not apply to radio transmission frequencies, whether or not related to the protection of vehicles against unauthorized use.

2. Definitions

2.1. ‘ Component ’ means a device subject to the requirements of this Regulation and intended to be part of a vehicle, which may be type-approved independently of a vehicle where this Regulation makes express provisions for so doing.

2.2. ‘ Separate technical unit ’ means a device subject to the requirements of this Regulation and intended to be part of a vehicle, which may be type-approved separately, but only in relation to one or more specified types of vehicle where this Regulation makes express provisions for so doing.

2.3. ‘ Manufacturer ’ means the person or body who is responsible to the approval authority for all aspects of the type approval process and for ensuring conformity of production. It is not essential that the person or body is directly involved in all stage of the construction of the vehicle, system, component or separate technical unit which is the subject of the approval process.

2.4. ‘ Vehicle type ’ means a category of motor vehicles which do not differ in such essential respects as: 2.4.1. The manufacturer’s type designation, 2.4.2. The arrangement and design of the vehicle component or components on which the device to prevent unauthorized use acts, 2.4.3. The type of device to prevent unauthorized use.

2.5. ‘ Device to prevent unauthorized use ’ means a locking system designed to prevent unauthorized normal activation of the engine or other source of main engine power of the vehicle in combination with at least one system which: (a) locks the steering; or (b) locks the transmission; or (c) locks the gearshift control; or (d) locks brakes. In the case of a system which locks brakes, deactivation of the device shall not automatically release the brakes contrary to the driver’s intention.

2.6. ‘ Steering ’ means the steering control, the steering column and its accessory cladding, the steering shaft, the steering gearbox and all other components which directly affect the effectiveness of the device to prevent unauthorized use.

2.7. ‘ Combination ’ means one of the specifically developed and constructed variations of a locking system which, when properly activated, permits operation of the locking system.

2.8. ‘ Key ’ means any device designed and constructed to provide a method of operating a locking system which is designed and constructed to be operated only by that device.

2.9. ‘ Rolling code ’ means an electronic code consisting of several elements the combination of which changes at random after each operation of the transmitting unit.

3. Application for approval

3.1. The application for approval of a vehicle or component type with regard to this Regulation shall be submitted by the manufacturer.

3.2. It shall be accompanied by an information document established in accordance with the model shown in Annex 1, and giving a description of the technical characteristics of the device to prevent unauthorized use and the method(s) of installation for each make and type of vehicle on which the protective device is intended to be installed.

3.3. Vehicle(s)/component(s) representative of the type(s) to be approved shall be submitted to the technical service responsible for conducting the approval tests.

4. Approval

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

4.2. An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved. Its first two digits (at present 00, corresponding to the Regulation in its original form) shall indicate the series of amendments incorporating the most recent major technical amendment made to the Regulation at the time of issue of the approval. The same Contracting Party shall not assign the same number to another type of vehicle or component as defined in this Regulation.

4.3. Notice of approval or of extension of approval of a type 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 2 to this Regulation.

4.4. There shall be affixed, conspicuously and in a readily accessible place specified on the approval form, to every vehicle or component conforming to a type approved under this Regulation, an international approval mark consisting of: 4.4.1. a circle surrounding the letter ‘E’ followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval (2), and 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 a type conforms to a type approved, under one or more other UN 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 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 4.4.1.

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

4.7. In the case of a vehicle, the approval mark shall be placed close to or on the vehicle data plate affixed by the manufacturer.

4.8. Annex 3 to this Regulation gives examples of arrangements of approval marks.

5. Approval of a vehicle of category M1 and N1 with regard to its devices to prevent unauthorized use

5.1. General specifications

5.1.1. The device to prevent unauthorized use shall be so designed that it is necessary to put it out of action in order to enable:

5.1.1.1. the engine to be started by means of the normal control, and

5.1.1.2. the vehicle to be steered, driven or moved forward under its own power.

5.1.1.3. The requirement of paragraph 5.1.1. can be achieved at the same time as or before to the actions described at paragraphs 5.1.1.1. and 5.1.1.2.

5.1.2. The requirements of paragraph 5.1.1. shall be met by the application of a single key.

5.1.3. Except in the case provided for in paragraph 5.2.1.5., a system operated with a key inserted in a lock shall not permit removal of the key before the device referred to in paragraph 5.1.1. has come into action or has been set to act.

5.1.4. The device to prevent unauthorized use referred to in paragraph 5.1.1. above, and the vehicle components on which it operates, shall be so designed that it cannot rapidly and without attracting attention be opened, rendered ineffective or destroyed by, for example, the use of low-cost, easily concealed tools, equipment or fabrications readily available to the public at large.

5.1.5. The device to prevent unauthorized use shall be fitted to the vehicle as an item of original equipment (i.e. equipment installed by the vehicle manufacturer prior to first retail sale). It shall be fitted in such a way that even after removal of its housing it cannot, when in the blocked condition, be dismantled other than with special tools. If it is possible to render the device to prevent unauthorized use ineffective by the removal of screws, those screws shall, unless they are of the non-removable type, be covered by parts of the blocked protective device.

5.1.6. Mechanical locking systems shall provide at least 1 000 different key combinations or a number equal to the total number of vehicles manufactured annually if less than 1 000. In vehicles of one type the frequency of occurrence of each combination shall be roughly one per 1 000.

5.1.7. Electrical/electronic locking systems, e.g. remote control, shall have at least 50 000 variants and shall incorporate a rolling code and/or have a minimum scan time of 10 days, e.g. a maximum of 5 000 variants per 24 hours for 50 000 variants minimum.

5.1.8. Regarding the nature of the device to prevent the unauthorized use, paragraph 5.1.6. or 5.1.7., shall be applied.

5.1.9. The key and lock shall not be visibly coded.

5.1.10. The lock shall be so designed, constructed and fitted that turning of the lock cylinder, when in the locked position, with a torque of less than 2,45 Nm is not possible with any key other than the mating key, and

5.1.10.1. For lock cylinders with pin tumblers no more than two identical tumblers operating in the same direction shall be positioned adjacent to each other, and in a lock there shall not be more than 60 per cent identical tumblers;

5.1.10.2. For lock cylinders with disc tumblers no more than two identical tumblers operating in the same direction shall be positioned adjacent to each other, and in a lock there shall not be more than 50 per cent identical tumblers.

5.1.11. Devices to prevent unauthorized use shall be such as to exclude any risk of accidental operating failure while the engine is running, particularly in the case of blockage likely to compromise safety.

5.1.11.1. It shall not be possible to activate devices to prevent unauthorized use without first setting the engine controls to a stop condition and then performing an action which is not an uninterrupted continuation of stopping the engine or without first setting the engine controls to a stop condition and when the vehicle is stationary with the parking brake applied or the speed of the vehicle does not exceed 4 km/h.

5.1.11.2. In the case of devices to prevent unauthorized use, if the action of key withdrawal activates the device it shall either necessitate a minimum movement of 2 mm before activation of the device or incorporate an override facility to prevent accidental removal or partial withdrawal of the key.

5.1.11.3. Paragraphs 5.1.10., 5.1.10.1. or 5.1.10.2., and 5.1.11.2. are only applicable to devices which include mechanical keys.

5.1.12. Power assistance may be used only to activate the locking and/or unlocking action of the device to prevent unauthorized use. The device shall be kept in its operating position by any suitable means which does not need a power supply.

5.1.13. It shall not be possible to activate the motive power of the vehicle by normal means until the device to prevent unauthorized use has been deactivated.

5.1.14. Devices to prevent unauthorized use by preventing release of the brakes of the vehicle shall only be permitted when the working parts of the brakes are held in a locked position by a purely mechanical device. In this case the prescriptions of paragraph 5.1.13. do not apply.

5.1.15. If the device to prevent unauthorized use is equipped with a driver warning feature it shall be activated when the operator opens the driver’s side door, unless the device has been activated and the key removed by the operator.

5.2. Particular specifications

In addition to the general specifications prescribed in paragraph 5.1., the device to prevent unauthorized use shall meet the particular conditions prescribed below:

5.2.1. Devices to prevent unauthorized use acting on the steering

5.2.1.1. A device to prevent unauthorized use acting on the steering shall render the steering inoperative. Before the engine can be started, the normal steering operation shall be restored.

5.2.1.2. When the device to prevent unauthorized use is set to act, it shall not be possible to prevent the device from functioning.

5.2.1.3. The device to prevent unauthorized use shall continue to meet the requirements of paragraphs 5.1.11., 5.2.1.1., 5.2.1.2. and 5.2.1.4. after it has undergone 2 500 locking cycles in each direction of the wear producing test specified in Part 1 of Annex 4 to this Regulation.

5.2.1.4. The device to prevent unauthorized use shall, in its activated position, satisfy one of the following criteria: 5.2.1.4.1. It shall be strong enough to withstand, without damage to the steering mechanism likely to compromise safety, the application of a torque of 300 Nm about the axis of the steering spindle in both directions under static conditions. 5.2.1.4.2. It shall incorporate a mechanism designed to yield or slip, such that the system will withstand, either continuously or intermittently, the application of a torque of at least 100 Nm. The locking system shall still withstand the application of this torque after the test specified in Part 2 of Annex 4 to this Regulation. 5.2.1.4.3. It shall incorporate a mechanism designed to permit the steering wheel to rotate freely on the blocked steering spindle. The blocking mechanism shall be strong enough to withstand the application of a torque of 200 Nm about the axis of the steering spindle in both directions under static conditions.

5.2.1.5. If the device to prevent unauthorized use is such that the key can be removed in a position other than the position in which the steering is inoperative, it shall be so designed that the manoeuvre required to reach that position and remove the key cannot be effected inadvertently.

5.2.1.6. If a component fails such that the torque requirements specified in paragraphs 5.2.1.4.1., 5.2.1.4.2. and 5.2.1.4.3. cannot be easily applied, yet the steering system remains blocked, the system shall satisfy the requirements.

5.2.2. Devices to prevent unauthorized use acting on the transmission or on brakes

5.2.2.1. A device to prevent unauthorized use acting on the transmission shall prevent the rotation of the vehicle’s driving wheels.

5.2.2.2. A device to prevent unauthorized use by acting on brakes shall brake at least one wheel on each side of at least one axle.

5.2.2.3. When the device to prevent unauthorized use is set to act, it shall not be possible to prevent the device from functioning.

5.2.2.4. It shall not be possible for the transmission or brakes to be blocked inadvertently when the key is in the lock of the device to prevent unauthorized use, even if the device preventing starting of the engine has come into action or been set to act. This does not apply wherever the requirements of paragraph 5.2.2. of this Regulation are met by devices used for another purpose in addition and the lock under the conditions above is necessary for this additional function (e.g. electrical parking brake).

5.2.2.5. The device to prevent unauthorized use shall be so designed and constructed that it remains fully effective even after some degree of wear as a result of 2 500 locking cycles in each direction. In the case of a protective device acting on brakes, each mechanical or electrical sub-part of the device is concerned.

5.2.2.6. If the device to prevent unauthorized use is such that the key can be removed in a position other than the position in which the transmission or brakes are locked, it shall be so designed that the manoeuvre required to reach that position and remove the key cannot be effected inadvertently.

5.2.2.7. In the case when the protective device acting on the transmission is used, it shall be strong enough to withstand, without damage likely to compromise safety, the application in both directions and in static conditions of a torque 50 per cent greater than the maximum torque that can normally be applied to the transmission. In determining the level of this testing torque account shall be taken not of the maximum engine torque, but of the maximum torque that can be transmitted by the clutch or by the automatic transmission.

5.2.2.8. In the case of a vehicle equipped with a protective device acting on brakes, the device shall be capable of holding the laden vehicle stationary on a 20 per cent up- or down-gradient.

5.2.2.9. In the case of a vehicle equipped with a protective device acting on brakes, the requirements of this Regulation shall not be construed as a departure from the requirements of UN Regulation No 13 or 13-H even in the case of a failure.

5.2.3. Devices to prevent unauthorized use acting on the gearshift control

5.2.3.1. A device to prevent unauthorized use acting on the gearshift control shall be capable of preventing any change of gear.

5.2.3.2. In the case of manual gearboxes, it shall be possible to lock the gearshift lever in reverse only; in addition locking in neutral shall be permitted.

5.2.3.3. In the case of automatic gearboxes provided with a ‘parking’ position it shall be possible to lock the mechanism in the parking position only; in addition, locking in neutral and/or reverse shall be permitted.

5.2.3.4. In the case of automatic gearboxes not provided with a ‘parking’ position it shall be possible to lock the mechanism in the following positions only: neutral and/or reverse.

5.2.3.5. The device to prevent unauthorized use shall be so designed and constructed that it remains fully effective even after some degree of wear as a result of 2 500 locking cycles in each direction.

5.3. Electromechanical and electronic devices to prevent unauthorized use shall be submitted to the tests described in Annex 6.

6. Modification of the type and extension of approval

6.1. Every modification of the vehicle type or component type shall be notified to the Type Approval Authority which approved the vehicle or component 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) below and, if applicable, the procedure contained in paragraph 6.1.2. (Extension) below.

6.1.1. Revision

When particulars recorded in the information documents have changed and the Type Approval Authority considers that the modifications made are unlikely to have appreciable adverse effects and that in any case the foot controls still meet the requirements, the modification shall be designated a ‘revision’.

In such a case, the Type Approval Authority shall issue the revised pages of the information documents 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, accompanied by a detailed description of the modification, shall be deemed to meet this requirement.

6.1.2. The modification shall be designated as an ‘extension’ if, in addition to the change of the data recorded in the information documents:

(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 alteration, shall be communicated by the procedure specified in paragraph 4.3. above to the Contracting Parties to the Agreement applying this Regulation.

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

7. Conformity of production procedures

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

7.1. Vehicles/components under this Regulation shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved by meeting the requirements of the relevant part(s) of this Regulation.

7.2. For each type of vehicle or component the tests prescribed in the relevant part(s) of this Regulation shall be carried out on a statistically controlled and random basis, in accordance with one of the regular quality assurance procedures.

7.3. The authority which has granted 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 2 years.

8. Penalties for non-conformity of production

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

8.2. 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 form conforming to the model in Annex 2.

9. Production definitively discontinued

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

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

10.1. 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 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.

(1) As defined in the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.6. https://unece.org/transport/standards/transport/vehicle-regulations-wp29/resolutions.

(2) 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 - https://unece.org/transport/standards/transport/vehicle-regulations-wp29/resolutions.