16. 10. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 263/19 
Proposal for a Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States 
relating to the spray-suppression devices of certain categories of motor vehicles and their 
trailers 
COM(89) 377 final — SYN 210 
(Submitted by the Commission to the Council on 24 August 1989) 
(89/C 263/06) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Economic Community, and in particular Article 100 A 
thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission. 
In cooperation with the European Parliament, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and 
Social Committee, 
Whereas it is important to adopt measures with the 
aim of progressively establishing the internal market 
over a period expiring on 31 December 1992; whereas 
the internal market shall comprise an area without 
internal frontiers in which the free movement of goods, 
persons, services and capital is ensured; 
Whereas the technical requirements which certain cate­
gories of motor vehicles and their trailers must satisfy 
pursuant to national laws relate, inter alia, to the spray-
suppression devices of such motor vehicles; 
Whereas these requirements differ from one Member 
State to another; whereas it is therefore necessary that 
all Member States adopt the same requirements either 
in addition to or in place of their existing rules in 
order, in particular, to enable the EEC type-approval 
procedure which was the subject of Council Directive 
70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970 on the approximation 
of the Member States relating to the type-approval of 
motor vehicles and their trailers (!), as last amended by 
Directive 87/403/EEC, to be implemented (2); 
Whereas, with a view to improving road safety, it is 
considered important that all commercial vehicles in 
higher weight categories and with a certain minimum 
design speed should be equipped with efficient spray-
suppression devices in order to retain water and small 
objects thrown upwards and sideways from the vehicle 
tyres; 
(!) OJ No L 42, 23. 2. 1970, p. 1. 
(2) OJ No L 220, 8. 8. 1987, p. 44. Whereas since it is still not possible to establish a single 
performance test for devices of this type when they are 
fitted to the various types of vehicle, it is appropriate 
—in order to make a first step towards improving 
the situation—to provide for EEC component type-
approval of spray-suppression devices of this type; 
whereas for the EEC component type-approval of 
devices of this type account has been taken of the two 
types of device currently on the market, i.e. those of 
the energy-absorption type and those of the air/water 
separator type, and whereas it has been necessary to 
provide for two different tests depending on the types 
of device to be component type-approved; whereas 
these two tests are neither equivalent nor comparable 
and thus inevitably lead to different minimum values 
as regards the efficiency required for the granting of 
EEC component type-approval; 
Whereas, in the light of the studies, research and tests 
currently in progress, these two tests will subsequently 
be amended in order to make them equivalent, without 
ruling out the possibility of being able to replace them 
by a single performance test on the types of vehicle 
fitted with these devices; 
Whereas the approximation of national laws relating 
to motor vehicles entails the mutual recognition by 
Member States of the inspections carried out by each 
of them on the basis of common requirements, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 
Article 1 
1. Member States shall grant EEC component type-
approval for any type of device, hereinafter referred to 
as 'spray-suppression device', intended to reduce the 
production of spray or the throwing-up of mud and 
pebbles, coming from tyres of moving vehicles, where 
this satisfies the requirements regarding design and 
testing provided for in Annex II. 
2. A Member State which has granted EEC com­
ponent type-approval shall take the measures required 
to verify, in so far as is necessary and, if need be, in 
cooperation with the competent authorities of the other 
Member States, that production models conform to the 
approved type. For this purpose the Member State shall 
apply the provisions of Annex IV. 
No C 263/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 10. 89 
Article 2 
Member States shall, for each spray-suppression device 
which they approve pursuant to Article 1, issue to the 
manufacturer or to his authorized representative an 
EEC component type-approval mark in conformity 
with the specimen in Annex II, Appendix 3. 
Member States shall take all appropriate measures to 
prevent the use of marks liable to create confusion 
between spray-suppression devices which have been 
component type-approved pursuant to Article 1 and 
other devices. 
Article 3 
No Member State may prohibit the placing on the 
market of spray-suppression devices on grounds relat­
ing to their construction or their operation if they bear 
the EEC component type-approval mark. 
Nevertheless, this provision does not prevent a Member 
State from taking such measures with regard to spray-
suppression devices bearing the EEC component type-
approval mark which consistently fail to conform to 
the approved type. 
That Member State shall forthwith inform the other 
Member States and the Commission of the measures 
taken, specifying the reasons for its decision. The pro­
visions of Article 5 shall also apply. 
Non-conformity with the approved type, within the 
meaning of the first subparagraph, shall exist if the 
requirements of Annex II have not been respected. 
Article 4 
The competent authorities of each Member State shall, 
within one month, send the competent authorities of 
the other Member States copies of the EEC component 
type-approval certificates completed for each type of 
spray-suppression device which they approve or refuse 
to approve. 
Article 5 
1. If the Member State which has granted EEC com­
ponent type-approval finds that a number of spray-
suppression devices bearing the same EEC component 
type-approval mark do not conform to the type which 
it has approved, it shall take the necessary measures to 
ensure that production models conform to the approved 
type. The competent authorities of that State shall 
advise those of the other Member States of the measures 
taken, which may extend to withdrawal of EEC com­ponent type-approval. The said authorities shall take 
the same measures if they are informed by the com­
petent authorities of another Member State of such 
failure to conform. 
2. The competent authorities of the Member State 
shall, within one month, inform each other of any 
withdrawal of EEC component type-approval granted 
by means of a copy of the component type-approval 
certificate, signed and dated and bearing in large letters 
the words 'EEC Type-Approval Withdrawn', and of 
the reasons for any such measure. 
3. If the Member State which has granted the EEC 
component type-approval challenges the alleged lack of 
conformity, the Member States concerned shall endeav­
our to settle the disagreement. The Commission shall 
be kept informed. Where necessary, it shall arrange for 
appropriate discussions with a view to arriving at a 
solution. 
Article 6 
Any decision taken pursuant to the provisions adopted 
in implementation of this Directive to refuse or with­
draw EEC component type-approval for, or to prohibit 
the marketing or use of spray-suppression devices, shall 
set out in detail the reasons on which it is based. Such 
decisions shall be notified to the party concerned, who 
shall at the same time be informed of the remedies 
available to him under the laws in force in the Member 
States and of the time-limits fixed for availing himself 
of such remedies. 
Article 7 
For the purposes of this Directive, 'vehicle' means any 
motor vehicle in category N and any trailer in 
category 0 as defined in Annex I to Directive 70/156/ 
EEC, designed for use on the road, and with a maximum 
design speed exceeding 50 km/h. 
Article 8 
No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type-
approval or national type-approval, nor refuse or pro­
hibit the sale, registration, placing in service or use of 
vehicles on grounds relating to their spray-suppression 
devices, if the latter bear the EEC component type-
approval mark and have been fitted pursuant to the 
provisions of Annex III. 
Article 9 
Any amendments necessary in order to adapt the 
requirements of the Annexes to this Directive so as to 
take account of technical progress shall be adopted by 
the Commission in accordance with the procedure laid 
down in Article 10. 
16. 10. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 263/21 
Article 10 
The Commission shall be assisted by a committee of 
an advisory nature composed of the representatives of 
the Member States and chaired by the representative of 
the Commission. 
The representative of the Commission shall submit to 
the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The 
committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within 
a time-limit which the Chairman may lay down accord­
ing to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking 
a vote. 
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in 
addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask 
to have its position recorded in the minutes. 
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the 
opinion delivered by the committee. It shall inform the committee of the manner in which its opinion has been 
taken into account. 
Article 11 
1. Member States shall bring into force the pro­
visions necessary in order to comply with this Directive 
by 1 October 1991. They shall forthwith inform the 
Commission thereof. 
The provisions adopted pursuant to the first indent 
shall make express reference to this Directive. 
2. Member States shall communicate the main pro­
visions of national law which they adopt in the field 
covered by this Directive to the Commission. 
Article 12 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 
ANNEX I 
DEFINITIONS 
1. Spray-suppression device 
A device intended to reduce the pulverization of water and the spraying of mud or pebbles thrown 
upwards by the tyres of the vehicle in motion. The spray-suppression device is variously made up of a 
mudguard, rain flaps and valances equipped with an air/water separator or an energy-absorption device. 
2. Mudguard 
A rigid or semi-rigid component intended to trap the water, mud or pebbles thrown up by the tyre in 
motion and to direct it towards the ground. Mudguards may entirely or partially form an integral part 
of the vehicle bodywork or other parts of the vehicle such as the lower part of the load platform, etc. 
3. Rain flap 
A flexible component mounted vertically behind the wheel, on the lower part of the chassis or the 
loading surface, or on the mudguard. 
The rain flap must also reduce the risk of small objects, and in particular pebbles, being picked up from 
the ground by the tyres and thrown upwards or sideways towards other road users. 
4. Air/water separator 
A component forming part of the valance and/or of the rain flap through which air can pass whilst 
reducing pulverized water emissions. 
5. Energy absorber 
Component forming part of the mudguard and/or valance and/or rain flap which absorbs the energy of 
water spray, thus reducing pulverized water spray. 
6. Valance 
Component located approximately within a vertical plane that is parallel to the longitudinal plane of 
the vehicle. It may form part of a mudguard or of the vehicle bodywork. 
No C 263/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 10. 89 
7. Steered wheels 
The wheels actuated by the vehicle's steering system. 
8. Self-tracking axle 
An axle pivoted about a central point in such a way that it can describe a horizontal arc. For the 
purposes of this Directive, a self-tracking axle of the 'pivot steering' type is considered to be, and treated 
as, an axle fitted with steered wheels. 
9. Self-steering wheels 
Wheels which swivel through an angle not exceeding 20° owing to the friction exerted by the ground. 
10. Lifting axle 
An axle which can be lifted from the road during normal vehicle use. 
11. Unladen vehicle 
A bodied vehicle [or with representative component(s)] and, where appropriate, with coolant liquid, 
lubricants, fuel, tools, spare wheel and driver having an estimated total mass of 75 kg. 
12. Tyre contact patch 
The part of the tyre, in contact with the road (surface), which provides grip. 
13. Type of spray-suppression device 
The expression 'type of spray-suppression device' means devices which do not differ with respect to the 
following main characteristics: 
— the physical principle adopted in order to reduce emissions (for example: water-energy absorption, 
air/water separator, etc.), 
— materials, 
— shape, 
— dimensions (in so far as they may influence the behaviour of the material). 
ANNEX 11 
REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL OF SPRAY-SUP­
PRESSION DEVICES 
1. Tests to be carried out 
1.1. Depending on their physical operating principle spray-suppression devices are to be subjected to the 
relevant tests as described in appendices 1 and 2 and must deliver the results required in item 4 of 
said appendices. 
2. Application for EEC component type-approval 
2.1. Application for the EEC component type approval of a type of spray-suppression device shall be 
submitted by the holder of the trade mark or name or by his authorized representative. 
2.2. For each type the application shall be accompanied by the following documents in triplicate, and by 
the following information and materials: 
2.2.1. A technical description of the spray-suppression device indicating its physical operating principle and 
the relevant test to which it must be subjected, the materials used and one or more drawings in 
sufficient detail and to an appropriate scale to enable this (or these) to be identified. 
2.2.2. Four samples: three of which for tests and a fourth to be kept by the laboratory for any subsequent 
verification. The test laboratory may require further samples. 
16. 10. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 263/23 
2.3. Markings 
Each sample must be clearly and indelibly marked with the applicant's trade name or mark and 
include a space that is large enough to receive the EEC component type-approval mark. 
3. EEC component type approval 
3.1. Where the samples that are representative of the type of device to be type approved pass the relevant 
tests as described in appendices 1 and 2, EEC type-approval is issued for that type of spray-suppression 
device. 
3.2. A component type-approval number is assigned to each type of EEC component type-approved spray-
suppression device. 
3.3. Any spray-suppression device in conformity with a type approved pursuant to this Directive shall bear 
an EEC component type-approval mark, which shall be so affixed as to be indelible and easily legible 
even when the device is fitted to the vehicle. 
3.4. The EEC component type-approval mark (a model of which is shown in Appendix 3 to this annex) 
shall consist of: 
3.4.1. a rectangle surrounding the lower-case letter 'e', followed by the distinguishing letter(s) or number of 
the Member State which has granted the EEC component type-approval; 
1 for the Federal Republic of Germany, 
2 for France, 
3 for Italy, 
4 for the Netherlands, 
6 for Belgium, 
9 for Spain, 
11 for the United Kingdom, 
13 for Luxembourg, 
18 for Denmark, 
21 for Portugal, 
EL for Greece and 
IRL for Ireland; 
3.4.2. the EEC component type-approval number (corresponding to the number on the component type-
approval certificate, a model of which is shown in Appendix 4 to this annex), which shall be placed 
close to the rectangle, either below the letter 'e', or to the left or right of that letter. The digits of the 
component type-approval number shall be placed on the same side of the letter 'e' and shall face in 
the same direction. The use of Roman numerals in component type-approval numbers must be avoided 
in order to prevent any confusion with other symbols; 
3.4.3. the letter 'A' or the letter 'S', depending on whether the device is of the energy-absorption type (A) or 
of the air/water separator type (S), located in any position above and close to the rectangle. 
Appendix 1 
TESTS ON SPRAY-SUPPRESSION DEVICES OF THE WATER ENERGY-ABSORPTION TYPE 
1. Principle 
The aim of this test is to quantify the ability of a device to retain the water directed against it by a 
series of jets. The test assembly is intended to reproduce the conditions under which the equipment is 
to function when fitted to a vehicle as regards the volume and speed of the water thrown up by the 
tyre tread in contact with the ground. 
2. Equipment 
See Figure 8 for a description of the test assembly. The tests shall be carried out in a still-air 
environment. 
No C 263/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 10. 89 
3. Procedure 
3.1. Secure a 500 (+ 0/ - 5) mm wide, 750 mm long sample of the equipment to be tested, to the vertical 
frame of the testing equipment, making sure that the sample lies well within the limits of the collector, 
and that no obstacle is able to deflect the water, either before or after its impact. 
3.2. Set the water flowrate at 0.675 (+ 0.01) 1/s and direct at least 90 1 on to the sample from a horizontal 
distance of 500 ( + /- 2) mm (Figure 8). 
3.3. Allow the water to trickle from the sample into the collector and calculate the percentage (difference) 
between the quantity of water collected and the quantity of water sprayed. 
3.4. Repeat the test five times and calculate the average percentage amount of water collected. 
4. Results 
4.1. The calculated average percentage of water collected during the five tests shall not be less than 70% 
of the amount of water directed on to the device. 
4.2. If the highest and lowest percentages of water collected depart from the average percentage by more 
than 5%, the test will not be valid and shall be repeated. 
If even in this second test the highest and lowest percentages of water recovered again depart from 
the average percentage by more than 5%, and/or if the average value does not satisfy the requirements 
of item 4.1 of this Appendix, approval shall be refused. 
4.3. Where the vertical position of the material or the device influences the results obtained, the procedure 
described in items 3.1 and 3.4 above must be repeated in the positions giving the highest and lowest 
percentages of water collected; the requirements of item 4.2 remain in force. The requirements of item 
4.1 above remain in force in order to give the results of each test. 
Appendix 2 
TESTS ON SPRAY-SUPPRESSION DEVICES OF THE AIR/WATER SEPARATOR TYPE 
1. Principle 
This test is intended to determine the effectiveness of a porous material intended to retain the water 
with which it has been sprayed by means of a pressurized air/water pulverizer. 
The equipment used for the test must simulate the conditions to which the material would be 
submitted, with regard to the volume and speed of the water sprays produced by the tyres, if it were 
fitted to a vehicle. 
2. Equipment 
2.1. The test assembly is as described in Figure 9. 
3. Procedure 
3.1. Secure a 305 x 100 mm sample vertically in the test assembly, check that there are no air bubbles 
between the sample and the upper curved plate and that the tray is properly in position. Fill the 
pulverizer tank with exactly one litre of water and place this as described in the diagram. 
3.2. The pulverizer shall be regulated as follows: 
pressure (at pulverizer): 5 bar + 10% / — 0% 
flowrate: 1 litre/minute + / — 5 seconds 
pulverization: circular, roughly 50 mm in diameter at 200 mm from the sample, nozzle 5 mm in 
diameter. 
16. 10. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 263/25 
3.3. Pulverize until there is no more water vapour and note the time taken. Let the water flow out of the 
sample onto the tray for 60 seconds and measure the volume of water collected. Possibly measure the 
quantity of water remaining in the pulverizer tank. Calculate the percentage by volume of water 
collected versus the volume of water pulverized. 
3.4. Repeat the test five times and calculate the average percentage of the quantity collected. Check before 
each test that the tray, pulverizer tank and measuring vessel are dry. 
4. Results 
4.1. The calculated average percentage of water collected at the end of five tests must not be less than 
85% of the quantity of water sprayed on to the device. 
4.2. If the highest and lowest percentages of water collected vary by more than 5% of the average 
percentage, the test is not valid and must be repeated. 
No C 263/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 10. 89 
Appendix 3 
MODEL OF THE EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL MARK 
a^ 12 mm 
2a 
The spray-suppression device bearing the above EEC type-approval mark is a device of the energy-absorption 
type (A), which has been approved in Spain (e 9) under Number 148. The figures used are only indicative. 
16. 10. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 263/27 
Appendix 4 
MODEL OF THE EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE 
(Maximum format: A4 (210 x 297 mm) 
e... Name of Administration 
Communication concerning the granting, refusal, withdrawal or extension of EEC component type-approval 
in respect of a type spray-suppression device 
EEC component type-approval number: Extension number: 
1. Trade mark or name of device 
2. Type and category of device: energy-absorption/air/water separator (*) 
3. Name and address of manufacturer 
4. Name and address of manufacturer's authorized representative (if any) 
5. Characteristics of spray-suppression devices mounted on the vehicle (brief description, trade mark or 
name, numbers) 
6. Date on which the device was submitted for EEC component type-approval 
7. Technical service responsible for the EEC component type-approval tests 
8. Date and number of test report issued by the technical service 
9. Date on which EEC component type-approval was granted/refused/withdrawn/extended (*) 
10. Reason(s) for the extension of EEC component type-approval (where applicable) 
11. Place 
12. Date 
13. Signature 
14. Annexed is a list of documents making up the EEC component type-approval file, deposited with the 
competent authority which granted that approval; a copy can be obtained on request. 
15. Remarks (if any) 
(*) Delete as appropriate. 
No C 263/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 10. 89 
ANNEX 111 
REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE EEC TYPE-APPROVAL OF A TYPE OF VEHICLE WITH 
REGARD TO THE FITTING OF SPRAY-SUPPRESSION DEVICES 
SCOPE 
1. All category N2, N3, 03 and 04 vehicles must be constructed and/or fitted with spray-suppression 
devices in such a way as to meet the following requirements. 
2. The requirements laid down in item 1 above shall, however, not apply to chassis/cab vehicles, or 
unbodied vehicles, to 'off-road' vehicles as defined in Directive 70/156/EEC, or to vehicles in which 
the presence of spray-suppression devices is incompatible with their use. 
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 
3. Axles 
Where a vehicle is fitted with one or more lifting axles, the spray suppression device must: 
3.1. cover all of the wheels when the axle is lowered and the wheels in contact with the ground when 
the axle is raised; 
3.2. satisfy the conditions applicable to rigid axles if mounted on the pivoting part. If not mounted on 
that part it must satisfy the conditions that are applicable to steered wheels. 
4. Position of outer valance 
4.1. In the case of non-steered wheels the distance 'c' between the longitudinal plane tangential to the 
outer tyre wall, apart from any tyre bulge near the ground, and the inner edge of the valance shall 
not exceed 75 mm unless the radius of the inner edge of the valance, as defined in items 7.2, 8.2 
and 9.2, is less than 1,0 R, in which case it must not exceed 100 mm (Fig. 1). 
4.2. In the case of steered and self-steering wheels distance 'c' shall not exceed 100 mm. 
5. State of vehicle 
For the checking of compliance with this Directive the vehicle must be in the following state: 
(a) it must be unladen and tractors for articulated units must be connected to their semi-trailers. In 
every case the wheels shall be in the straight-ahead position; 
(b) the loading surfaces of semi-trailers must be horizontal; 
(c) the tyres must be inflated to their normal pressure. 
6. Mudguards and rain flaps 
6.1. The mudguards and rain flaps of non-steered wheels that are covered by the bodywork floor, or by 
the lower part of the load platform, must meet the specification set out in item 7 or 8 or 9 below. 
6.2. Mudguards and rain flaps for the other wheels must meet the specifications set out in item 7 or 9 
below. 
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS 
7. Requirements concerning spray-suppression devices for axles fitted with steered or self-steering or 
non-steered wheels 
7.1. Mudguards 
7.1.1. The mudguards must cover the zone immediately above, ahead and behind the tyre or tyres: 
16. 10. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 263/29 
a) in the case of a single or multiple axle where distance 'd' (Fig. 4) between the tyres fitted to the 
adjacent axles exceeds 300 mm, the forward edge (Fig. 2, tip C) must extend forwards to reach 
a line O-Z where theta = 30° above the horizontal at the most for axles fitted with steering or 
self-steering wheels, or 20° at the most for axles fitted with non-steered wheels. 
The rearmost edge (Fig. 2, tip A) must extend downwards in such a way as not to be more than 
100 mm above a horizontal line passing through the centre of the wheel. 
b) in the case of multiple axles where the distance 'd' between the tyres fitted to the adjacent axles 
does not exceed 300 mm, the mudguard must be as shown in Figure 4a. 
c) the mudguard must possess a total width 'q' (Fig. 1) at least adequate to cover the entire width 
of the tyre 'b' or the entire width of two tyres V in the case of twin wheels, account being taken 
of the extremes for the tyre/wheel unit specified by the manufacturer. Dimensions 'b' and Y 
shall be measured at hub height, excluding any markings, ribs, protective bands, etc. on the tyre 
walls. 
7.1.2. The front side of the rear part of the mudguard must be fitted with a spray-reduction device 
complying with the specifications set out in Annex II. This material must cover the inside of the 
mudguard up to a height determined by a straight line running from the centre of the wheel and 
forming an angle of at least 30° with the horizontal (Fig. 3). 
7.1.3. If the mudguards are made up of several components, where these are fitted, they must not 
incorporate any aperture enabling spray to exit while the vehicle is in motion. 
7.2. Outer valances 
7.2.1. In the case of single axles, or multiple axles where the distance 'd' between the tyres on adjacent 
axles exceeds 300 mm, the lower edge of the outer valance may not be situated beyond the following 
distances and radii, as measured from the centre of the wheel (see Figure 2). 
a) Axles fitted with steered wheels or self-steering wheels: Rv = 1,5 R 
— Front edge (towards the front of the vehicle) (tip C at 30°) 
— Rear edge (towards the rear of the vehicle) (tip A at 100 mm) 
— Top (immediately above the tyre) 
b) Axles fitted with non-steered wheels: RV = 1,25 R 
— Front edge (tip C at 20°) 
— Rear edge (tip A at 100 mm) 
— Top (immediately above the tyre) 
where R is the radius of the tyre fitted to the vehicle, and Rv the distance, expressed as a radius, at 
which the lower edge of the outer valance is situated. 
7.2.2. In the case of multiple axles where distance 'd' between the tyres on adjacent axles does not exceed 
300 mm, the outer valances located in the space between the axles shall be located at the distances 
set out in 7.2.1 and must extend downwards in such a way as not to be more than 150 mm above a 
horizontal line passing through the centre of the wheels, or in such a way that the horizontal distance 
between their lower extremities does not exceed 60 mm (Figure 4a). 
7.2.3. The depth of the outer valance must extend to not less than 45 mm, at all points behind a vertical 
line passing through the centre of the wheel. The depth of the valances may be gradually reduced in 
front of this line. 
7.3. Rain flaps 
7.3.1. The width of the flap must fulfil the requirement for 'q' in item 7.1.1 c), except where the flap is 
within the mudguards, in which case it must be at least equal in width to the tread of the tyre. 
7.3.2. The basic orientation of the flap must be essentially vertical. 
7.3.3. The distance to the lower edge of the flap shall not exceed 200 mm from the ground (Figure 3). 
7.3.4. The rain flap shall not be more than 300 mm from the rearmost edge of the tyre, measured 
horizontally. 
No C 263/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 10. 89 
7.3.5. In the case of multiple axles where distance 'd' between the tyres on adjacent axles is less than 
250 mm, only the rear set of wheels must be fitted with rain flaps. There must be a rain flap behind 
each wheel when distance 'd' between the tyres on adjacent axles is at least 250 mm (Figure 4b). 
7.3.6. Rain flaps shall not be deflected by more than 100 mm towards the rear under a force of 3N per 
100 mm of flap width, applied to a point located 50 mm above the lower edge of the flaps. 
7.3.7. The whole of the front face of the part of the rain flap having the minimum dimensions required 
must be fitted with a spray-suppression device that meets the specifications set out in Annex II, 
appendix 1. 
7.3.8. No aperture enabling spray to emerge may exist between the lower rear edge of the mudguard and 
the rain flaps. 
7.3.9. Where the spray-suppression device meets the specifications relating to rain flaps (item 7.3) no 
additional rain flap is required. 
8. Requirements relating to spray-suppression devices fitted with energy absorbers for certain axles 
that are fitted with non-steered or self-steering wheels (see item 6.1 above). 
8.1. Mudguards 
8.1.1. Mudguards shall cover the zone immediately above the tyre or tyres. Their front and rear extremities 
must extend at least to the horizontal plane that is tangent to the upper edge of the tyre or tyres 
(Figure 5). However, the rear extremity may be replaced by the rain flap, in which case this must 
extend to the upper part of the mudguard (or equivalent component). 
8.1.2. All of the inner rear part of the mudguard must be fitted with a spray-suppression device that meets 
the requirements set out in Annex II, appendix 1. 
8.2. Outer valances 
8.2.1. In the case of single or multiple axles where the distance between the adjacent tyres is at least 
250 mm, the outer valance must cover the surface extending from the lower to the upper part of the 
mudguard up to a straight line formed by the tangent to the upper edge of the tyre or tyres and 
lying between the vertical plane formed by the tangent to the front of the tyre and the mudguard or 
rain flap located behind the wheel or wheels (Figure 5b). 
In the case of multiple axles an outer valance must be by each wheel. 
8.2.2. No aperture enabling spray to emerge may exist between the outer valance and the inner part of the 
mudguard. 
8.2.3. Where rain flaps are not fitted behind each wheel (see item 7.3.5), the outer valance must be unbroken 
between the outer edge of the rain flap to the vertical plane that is tangent to the point furthest to 
the front of the tyre (Fig. 5a) of the first axle. 
8.2.4. The entire inner surface of the outer valance, the height of which must not be less than 100 mm, 
must be fitted with an energy absorber complying with the specifications set out in Annex II, 
appendix 1. 
8.3. Rain flaps 
These flaps must extend to the lower part of the mudguard and comply with items 7.3.1 to 7.3.9. 
9. Requirements concerning spray-suppression devices fitted with air/water separators for axles with 
steered and non-steered wheels. 
9.1. Mudguards 
9.1.1. Mudguards shall comply with item 7.1.1 c). 
9.1.2. Mudguards for single or multiple axles where the distance between the tyres on adjacent axles 
exceeds 300 mm shall also comply with item 7.1.1 a). 
9.1.3. In the case of multiple axles where the distance between the tyres on adjacent axles does not exceed 
300 mm the mudguards must also conform to the model shown in Figure 7. 
16. 10. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 263/31 
9.2. Outer valances 
9.2.1. The low edges of the outer valances must be fitted with spray-suppression devices complying with 
the provisions in appendix 2 of Annex II. 
9.2.2. In the case of single or multiple axles where the distance between the tyres on adjacent axles exceeds 
300 mm, the lower edge of the spray-suppression device fitted to the outer valance must have the 
following maximum dimensions and radii, starting from the centre of the wheel (Figure 6): 
(a) Axles fitted with steered wheels or self-steering wheels: Rv = 1,05 R 
— Front edge (towards the front of the vehicle) (tip C at 30°) 
— Rear edge (towards the rear of the vehicle) (tip A at 100 mm) 
— Top (immediately above the tyre) 
(b) Axles fitted with non-steered wheels: Rv = 1,00 R 
— Front edge (tip C at 20°) 
— Rear edge (tip A at 100 mm) 
— Top (immediately above tyre) 
where R = radius of tyre fitted to vehicle and Rv = radial distance from the lowest edge of the outer 
valance to the centre of the wheel. 
9.2.3. In the case of multiple axles where the distance between the tyres on adjacent axles does not exceed 
300 mm, the outer valances located in the inter-axle spaces must follow the path specified in 9.1.3, 
and must extend downwards in such a way as not to be more than 100 mm above a horizontal 
straight line passing through the wheel centres (Figure 7). 
9.2.4. The depth of the outer valance must extend to not less than 45 mm, at all points behind a vertical 
line passing through the centre of the wheel. This depth may be gradually reduced in front of this 
line. 
9.2.5. No aperture enabling spray to emerge must exist in the outer valances or between the outer valances 
and the mudguards. 
9.3. Rain flaps 
9.3.1. Rain flaps shall: 
a) comply with item 7.3 (Figure 3) or 
b) comply with items 7.3.1, 7.3.2, 7.3.8 and 9.3.2 (Figure 6) 
9.3.2. Spray suppression equipment complying with the specifications set out in Annex II, appendix 2, shall 
be fitted to the rain flaps referred to in item 9.3.1 b), at least along the full edge. 
9.3.2.1. The lower edge of this device shall be not more than 200 mm from the ground. 
9.3.2.2. This device must be at least 100 mm deep. 
9.3.3. The rain flap shall not be more than 200 mm from the rearmost edge of the tyre, measured 
horizontally. 
9.3.4. Item 7.3.5 applies as well. 
9.3.5. Apart from the lower part, which includes the air/water separator type of spray-suppression device, 
the rain flap must not bend by more than 100 mm towards the rear under the effect of a force of 
3N per 100 mm of width of the rain flap applied immediately to the spray-suppression device in its 
working position. 
No C 263/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 10. 89 
Appendix 
Model 
Maximum format: A4 (210 x 297 mm) 
ANNEX TO THE EEC TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE IN RESPECT OF A TYPE OF VEHICLE WITH 
REGARD TO THE FITTING OF SPRAY-SUPPRESSION DEVICES 
Articles 4(2) and 10 of Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970 on the approximation of the laws 
of the Member States relating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers 
Name of administration 
EEC type-approval number Extension number 
1. Trade mark or name of vehicle 
2. Type of vehicle and category 
3. Name and address of manufacturer 
4. Name and address of manufacturer's authorized representative (if any) 
5. Characteristics of the spray-suppression devices [type, brief description, trade mark or name, component 
type-approval number(s)] 
6. Vehicle submitted for EEC type-approval tests on 
7. Technical service responsible for the EEC type-approval tests 
8. Date of test report issued by the technical service 
9. Number of test report issued by the technical service 
10. Reason(s) for the extension of EEC type-approval (where applicable) 
11. The extension of EEC type-approval in respect of the fitting of spray-suppression devices has been 
granted/refused (') 
12. Place 
13. Date 
14. Signature 
15. Annexed is a list of documents making up the type-approval file, deposited with the competent authority 
which granted EEC type-approval; a copy can be obtained on request. 
16. Remarks (if any) 
(*) Delete as appropriate. 
16. 10. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 263/33 
ANNEX IV 
CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION, GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS, CESSATION OF PRODUCTION 
1. Conformity of production 
1.1. Any spray-suppression device bearing the EEC component type-approval mark shall conform to the 
type that has been component type-approved. The authority issuing the type-approval mark shall keep 
one sample which, together with the EEC component type-approval certificate, may be used to establish 
whether the devices marketed which bear the EEC component type-approval mark meet the stated 
requirements. 
1.2. A type of device shall be defined by the model and descriptive documents lodged at the time of 
application for EEC component type-approval. Devices whose characteristics are identical with those 
of the pattern device and whose other components do not differ from those of the pattern device 
except for variants not effecting the properties referred to in this annex may be considered to belong 
to the same type. 
1.3. The manufacturer shall carry out routine checks in order to guarantee the conformity of production 
of the type that has been component type-approved. 
To this end the manufacturer shall: 
— either have available a laboratory which is sufficiently well-equipped for the execution of the 
essential tests, or 
— have the production-conformity tests carried out by an approved laboratory. 
The results of the production conformity checks shall be made available for inspection by the competent 
authorities for at least one year. 
1.4. The competent authorities may also conduct spot checks. 
1.5. Conformity of production with the type of device that has been component type-approved shall be 
checked under the conditions and in accordance with the methods provided for in Annex II. 
1.6. Conformity of production exists if 9 out of 10 specimens chosen at random satisfy the requirements 
of item 4 of Annex II, Appendices 1 and 2. 
1.7. If the condition specified in 1.6 is not satisfied, a further 10 specimens chosen at random must be 
examined. The average of all measurements taken must be in conformity with the specifications of 
item 4 of Annex II, Appendices 1 and 2 and no individual measurement must be less than 95 % of the 
value specified. 
2. General specifications 
2.1. Spray-suppression devices of this type shall be constructed in such a way that they operate properly 
when used normally on wet roads. Moreover, they shall incorporate no structural or manufacturing 
defect detrimental to their proper functioning or behaviour. 
3. Cessation of production 
3.1. If the holder of an EEC component type-approval entirely ceases production, he shall forthwith inform 
the competent authorities thereof. 
No C 263/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 10. 89 
Figure 1 
Width (q) of mudguard (a) and position of valance (j) 
q (7.1.1. c) 
c (4.1.) 
Note: The figures refer to the corresponding items in Annex III. 
16. 10. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 263/35 
Figure 2 
Dimensions of mudguard and outer valance 
T 
(7.2.) 
Note: 1. The figures quoted relate to the corresponding items in Annex III. 
2. T: extent of mudguard. 
Figure 3 
Position of mudguard and rain flap 
(7.1.2.) 
(7.3.) 
mm max, 
Note: The figures quoted relate to the corresponding items in Annex III. 
No C 263/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 10. 89 
Figures 4 
Mudguards and outer valance for steered or self-steering or non-steered wheels 
60 mm max./150 mm max. (7.2.2.) 
a) Dimensions of mudguards and outer valances for multiple axles 
Note: 1. The figures quoted relate to the following items in Annex III. 
2. T: extent of mudguard. 
(7.3.5.) 
300 mm max, 
b) Position of spray-suppression devices for multiple axles 
Note: The figures relate to the corresponding items in Annex III. 
16. 10. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 263/37 
Figure 5 
Position of spray-suppression devices fitted with energy absorbers for axles fitted with non-steered or self-
steering wheels (Annex HI — items 6.2 and 8) 
100 mm min. 
200 mm max 
< 250 mm 300 mm max. 
a) Multiple axles where the distance between the tyres is less than 250 mm 
100 mm min. (item 8.1. and 8.3.) 
I 
t >^ ^ $5Jw 
I 
I N^\\ ^V^ 
d 
•^— —»• y 
—«i \\ 
\ 
I 
U— 200 mm max. 
i \ 
i 
>. 250 mm 300 mm max. 
b) Single axles or multiple axles where the distance between the tyres is not less than 250 mm 
No C 263/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 10. 89 
Figure 6 
The location of spray-suppression devices fitted with air/water separators for axles fitted with steered and 
non-steered wheels 
/ 45 mm min. (9.2.A.) 
A 200 mm max. 
Note: 1. The figures relate to the corresponding items in Annex III. 
2. T: extent of mudguard. 
Figure 7 
Location of spray-suppression devices (mudguard, rain flap, outer valance) for multiple axles where the 
distance between the tyres does not exceed 300 mm 
45 mm min. (9.2.A.) 
(9.2.1.) 45 mm min. (9.2.%.) 
d^ 300 
d ^.250 
Note: 1. The figures relate to the corresponding items in Annex III. 
2. T: extent of mudguard. 
16. 10. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 263/39 
Figure 8 
Test assembly for energy absorbers (See Annex II, Appendix 1) 
F 500+2 
J 00 mir\.|a 
fc 2T 200 »)J00 rci'V 
Note: A = water supply from pump. 
B = flow towards collector tank. 
C = collector with inside dimension of 500 + 5/ - 0 mm length and 75 + 2/ - 0 mm width. 
D = thin-wall, 54 mm diameter pipe. 
E = 12 holes drilled radially as shown, diameter 1.68 +0.25/-0 mm. 
F = 500 + 0/ - 0 mm-wide sample to be tested. 
All linear dimensions are shown in millimetres 
No C 263/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 10. 89 
Figure 9 
Test assembly for air/water separators (See Annex II, Appendix 2) 
sample ^ . \ pulverizer 
sample 
305 mm 
200 mm _____jjS*22> 
collecto