CELEX: 51991PC0239
Language: en
Date: 1991-07-08
Title: PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DIRECTIVE RELATING TO THE MASSES AND DIMENSIONS OF CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND THEIR TRAILERS

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                  C0M(91) 239 final - SYN 348
                                                  Brussels, 8 July 1991
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                                 Proposal for a
                               COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
        relating to the masses and dimensions of certain categories of
                      motor vehicles and their trailers
                         (presented by the Commission)
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 ---pagebreak---                                         1 -
                             EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
I. BACKGROUND
1. The implementation of the EEC type approval procedure for motor vehicles
   and their trailers covered by Council directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February
   1970 1 ) comprises especially the adoption of the last separate
   directives for passenger cars (tyres, masses and dimensions, safety
   glazing). The Commission has submitted proposals for this reason in
   January 1990.    Furthermore the framework directive assigns the adoption
   of special provisions for goods vehicles, that is to say trucks with a
   maximum mass exceeding 3,5 t.     To take care of the precise and
   comprehensive content of these provisions it is deemed opportune to
   adopt in particular harmonized Community requirements, inter alia,
   masses and dimensions (items 2.2, 2.4, 2,6 and 2,8 fo Annex II), speed
   limiters and external projections of cabs (item 12.4 of Annex 11 ) as
   special safety provisions for goods vehicles.
2. The European Parliament has adopted, on the 13 March 1984, a resolution
   on the introduction of a programme of Community measures to promote road
   safety2^ and on the 18 February 1986 another resolution on common
   measures to reduce road accidents as part of the Community's programme
   for Road Safety Year 1986 3) . The Council and the Commission are asked
   by these resolutions to take the necessary measures with the aim of
   promoting road safety.
1) OJ n* L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1
2) OJ n* C 104, 16.4.1984, p. 38
3) OJ n* C 68, 24.3.1986, p. 35
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 2-
3. In view of the entry into force of the Single European Act and of the
   aim of a single internal market to be achieved by the end of 1992, it is
   now urgent that the remaining measures that are needed in order to
   complete EEC type approval should be adopted.
4. The legal/administrative procedure put forward in the enacting terms of
   these proposals does not depart from that laid down in framework
   directive 70/156/EEC that is currently in force except as regards the
   procedure for adaptation to technical progress, whereby the Regulatory
   Committee has been replaced by the Advisory Committee. Indeed, the
   Commission intends to apply the provisions of the Single Act, which
   provide for the delegation of power to the Commission in order to
   proceed with this task.
5. With regard to the other options, such as that of the method of
   harmonization (total or optional), the Commission is still applying the
   solutions currently in force.
   However, the Commission does not intend to neglect this important
   matter; considering that the total harmonization will be essential in
   order to fully achieve the large single market, it intends to put
   forward relevant proposals when the framework directive 70/156/EEC is
   next amended.
11. REASONS FOR AND CONTENT OF THE PROPOSAL
6. Masses and dimensions of motor vehicles and their trailers
   For the completion of the EEC whole vehicle type approval of goods
   vehicles, buses and their trailers several separate directives are still
   missing, e.g. the directive related to masses and dimensions of these
   vehicles, required by the items 2.2, 2.4, 2.6 and 2.8 of Annex II to
   directive 70/156/EEC.
 ---pagebreak---                                  - 3 -
For the purpose of type-approval of a vehicle, from the point of view of
its roadworthiness and compliance with relevant regulatory requirements,
one has to bear in mind the distinction between two different concepts,
at least as for as masses (i.e. weihgts) are concerned :
- the technically permissible mass, i.e. the maximum total weight (the
   vehicle's own weight + payload) which the vehicle is able to carry
   safely from a constructional point of view. This mass is not subject
   to a legal maximum, but the manufacturer has to supply the technical
   data which allow to verify the accuracy of the technically permissible
  mass which he declares.
- the maximum authorized mass.
Also at the stage of type-approval, the manufacturer has to declare a
maximum authorized mass which the vehicle will not be allowed to exceed.
The manufacturer will define the maximum authorised mass in function of
commercial (type of customers and use) but also administrative criteria
(taxation, categories of drivers licence, speed limits, customs duties).
However, in addition the declared maximum authorised mass is subject to
two absolute maxima which the vehicle is not allowed to exceed :
1'    the technically permissible mass of the vehicle in question
2'    the legal absolute maximum masses which, with a view mainly to
      infrastructure considerations (compatibility with road surfaces and
      bridges), are legally defined for the various types of vehicles
      (two, three, four axle vehicles, road trains, etc..) and also per
      ax le.
 ---pagebreak---                                  - 4 -
At Community level, these absolute maximum values are laid down in
directive 85/3/EEC. However, as the Community harmonisation is not
perfected as yet in this fiels the present draft proposal refers to the
maximum values as defined by the relevant road traffic regulations".   In
practice«these values correspond to the values of Directive 85/3/EEC for
the majority of the Member States, for the United Kingdom, Ireland,
Denmark and the Netherlands different values are in force.
This draft directive covers all categories of motor vehicles except
passenger cars for which a separate directive has been elaborated, at
present under discussion in the Council and European Parliament. The
present proposal contains requirements for the swept path, engine
power/maximum weight ratio and hill starting-ability for motor vehicles
and road trains; these provisions are laid down in item 2.9 and 2.10 of
Annex II to directive 70/156/EEC. Furthermore requirements for the
maximum authorized towable mass of motor vehicles in relation to trailers
with or without service brakes are included in this proposal for a new
direct ive.
 ---pagebreak---                                        - 1-
                                     PROPOSAL
                             FOR A COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
 relating to the masses and dimensions of certain categories of motor vehicles
                                and their trailers
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and
in particular Article 100A thereof,
having regard to the proposal from the Commission ,
                                              2
in cooperation with the European Parliament ,
                                                                  3
having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee ,
Whereas measures should be adopted in order gradually to establish the
internal market during a period expiring on 30 December 1992; whereas the
internal market comprises an entity without internal frontiers within which
the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital shall be guaranteed;
whereas the technical requirements which certain vehicle categories must
satisfy pursuant to national laws relate, inter alia, to their masses and
dimensions;
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 to allow,
 in particular, the EEC type-approval procedure which was the subject 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
               4
 their trailers4 , as last amended                       5
 their trailers , as last amended by Directive 87/403/EEC , to be applied in
respect of each type of vehicle;
 1 OJ n° C ...
 2 OJ n° C ...
 3 OJ n° C ...
 4 OJ n° L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1
 5 OJ n° L 220, 8.8.1987, p. 44
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 2 -
whereas Article 13 of Directive 70/156/EEC lays down a procedure for the
adaptation to technical progress of the provisions of the annexes thereto;
whereas, however, technical progress makes prompt adaptation of the technical
requirements laid down by the separate dirctives necessary; whereas the
Commission should be made responsible for the adoption thereof in order to
simplify and expedite the procedure; whereas in all cases where the Council
confers powers upon the Commission to implement rules laid down in the motor
vehicle sector it is appropriate to provide for a procedure of prior
consultation between the Commission and the Member States within an advisory
committee;
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE
                                    Article 1
This Directive applies to the masses, dimensions and technical requirements
for vehicles which are intended to be type-approved according to their
construction characteristics.
The provisions of this Directive do not preclude any limits to masses and
dimensions for various categories of vehicles as defined by the relevant road
use legislations.
For the purposes of this Directive "vehicle" means any motor vehicle as
defined in Annex I to Directive 70/156/EEC, with the exception of vehicles of
category M , designed and constructed for use on the road, with or without
bodywork, having at least four wheels and a maximum design speed exceeding
25 km/h, and their trailers.
                                    Article 2
Member States may not refuse EEC type-approval or national type-approval of a
type of vehicle, or refuse or prohibit the sale, registration, entry into
service "or use of a vehicle on grounds relating to its masses and dimensions
if these satisfy the requirements set out in Annex 1 hereto.
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 3 -
                                   Article 3
Any amendments necessary to adapt the requirements of the Annexes to this
Directive to technical progress shall be adopted by the Commission in
accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 4.
                                    Article 4
The Commission shall be assisted by the committee established under Article 12
of Directive 70/156/EEC.
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 dow according 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 5
1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and
   administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive not later
   than 1 October 1992.   They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.
2. When Member States adopt these provisions, these shall contain a reference
   to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference at the time of
   their official publication.   The procedure for such reference shall be
   adopted by Member States.
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 4 -
                                   Article 6
With effect from 1 October 1993 Member States :
- may no longer issue the document provided for in Article 10 (1), third
  indent, of Directive 70/156/EEC in respect of a type of vehicle of which the
  masses and dimensions do not meet the requirements of this Directive,
- may refuse to grant national type-approval in respect of a type of vehicle
  of which the masses and dimensions do not comply with the provisions of this
  Directive.
                                   Article 7
This directive is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels,           1992.
 ---pagebreak---                                                                    - 5 -
                                                                  ANNEX I
1.        Scope
          This d i r e c t i v e a p p l i e s t o t h e m a s s e s and d i m e n s i o n s of motor v e h i c l e s of
          category M , M                  and N and t h e i r t r a i l e r s of c a t e g o r y 0 , a s d e f i n e d        in
          Annex I t o D i r e c t i v e         70/156/EEC.
2
  *        Definitions
2.1.      Motor v e h i c l e means any power d r i v e n v e h i c l e a s d e f i n e d i n Annex I t o
          Directive            70/156/EEC.
2.2.      T r a i l e r means any v e h i c l e , a s d e f i n e d i n Annex I t o                Directive
          70/156/EEC, t o be c o u p l e d t o a motor v e h i c l e , w i t h t h e e x c l u s i o n of
          semi-trailers;
2 . 2 . 1 S e m i - t r a i l e r means a towed v e h i c l e i n which t h e a x l e ( s ) i s                (are)
          p o s i t i o n e d b e h i n d t h e c e n t r e of g r a v i t y of t h e v e h i c l e (when u n i f o r m l y
          l o a d e d ) and which i s e q u i p p e d w i t h a c o n n e c t i n g d e v i c e p e r m i t t i n g
          h o r i z o n t a l and v e r t i c a l f o r c e s t o be t r a n s m i t t e d t o t h e d r a w i n g      vehicle
          (tractive unit);                  a s u b s t a n t i a l mass of t h e s e m i - t r a i l e r i s c a r r i e d by
          the t r a c t i v e       unit.
2 . 2 . 2 F u l l t r a i l e r means a towed v e h i c l e h a v i n g a t l e a s t two a x l e s ,              and
          e q u i p p e d w i t h a t o w i n g d e v i c e which can move v e r t i c a l l y            (in r e l a t i o n   to
          t h e t r a i l e r ) and c o n t r o l s t h e d i r e c t i o n of t h e f r o n t a x l e ( s ) , b u t which
          t r a n s m i t s no s i g n i f i c a n t    s t a t i c load t o t h e drawing v e h i c l e .
2 . 2 . 3 C e n t r e - a x l e t r a i l e r means a towed v e h i c l e e q u i p p e d w i t h a t o w i n g d e v i c e
          which c a n n o t move v e r t i c a l l y             (in r e l a t i o n to the t r a i l e r ) , and i n which
          the axle(s)            i s ( a r e ) p o s i t i o n e d c l o s e t o t h e c e n t r e of g r a v i t y of     the
          v e h i c l e (when u n i f o r m l y l o a d e d ) such t h a t o n l y a s m a l l s t a t i c          vertical
          l o a d , n o t e x c e e d i n g 10% of t h a t c o r r e s p o n d i n g t o t h e maximum mass of                  the
          t r a i l e r o r l o a d of 1000 daN ( w h i c h e v e r i s t h e l e s s e r )            is transmitted           to
          the drawing v e h i c l e .
 ---pagebreak---                                        6 -
2.3   Combined vehicles
      (Vehicle combinations)
2.3.1 Road train means a vehicle combination consisting of a motor vehicle and
      a trailer, excluding semi-trailer.
2.3.2 Articulated vehicle means a vehicle combination consisting of a motor
      vehicle (tractive unit) and a semi-trailer.
2.3.3 Articulated bus means a bus consisting of two rigid sections connected
      permanently to each other by an articulated joint.  The passenger
      compartments of both sections intercommunicate so that passengers can
      move freely between them.  The two connected rigid sections can only be
      separated by an operation involving facilities of a workshop, mainly for
      repair purposes.
2.4.  Maximum authorized dimensions means the maximum dimensions up to which
      the vehicle is type approved.
2.5.  Kerb mass means the unladen mass of the vehicle in running order,
      including coolant, oils, fuel, tools, spare wheel and driver whose mass
      is assessed at 75 kg.
2.6.  Maximum authorized mass means the maximum mass up to which the vehicle
      is type approved; the maximum authorized mass of the vehicle shall not
      exceed the technically permissible maximum mass.
2.7.  Technically permissible maximum mass means the maximum mass of the
      vehicle based on its construction and given by the manufacturer.
2.8.  Maximum authorized mass on the axle means the maximum mass on the axle
      up to which the vehicle is type approved; the maximum authorized mass on
      the axle shall not exceed the technically permissible maximum mass on
      the axle.
2.9.  Technically permissible maximum mass on the axle means the maximum mass
      on the axle based on the construction of the vehicle and the axle and
      given by the manufacturer.
 ---pagebreak---                                        7-
2.10. Maximum authorized towable mass means the maximum actual mass of a
      trailer to be coupled to the motor vehicle and up to which the motor
      vehicle is type approved; the maximum authorized towable mass shall not
      exceed the technically permissible maximum towable mass.
2.11. Technically permissible maximum towable mass means the maximum mass of a
      trailer, which can be coupled to the motor vehicle based on the
      construction of the motor vehicle and/or the coupling given by the
      manufacturer.
2.12. Technically permissible maximum vertical load on the coupling means the
      maximum load on the coupling based on the construction of the motor
      vehicle and/or coupling given by the manufacturer.
      This load is the proportional mass of a trailer, when coupled to a motor
      vehicle, transferred by the towing device of the trailer on the coupling
      of the motor vehicle and passing vertically through the centre of the
      coupling device.
3.    Application for EEC type-approval
3.1.  The application for approval of a vehicle type with regard to its masses
      and dimensions shall be submitted by the vehicle manufacturer or his
      duly accredited representative.
3.2.  It shall be accompanied by the undermentioned documents in triplicate
      and the following particulars:
3.2.1 a description of the vehicle type, its axles, masses and dimensions
      comprising the particulars referred to in Annex II, along with the
      documentation required in application of Article 3 of Directive
      70/156/EEC and
3.2.2 dimensional drawings of the front-, side- and rear-view of the vehicle
      and the arrangement of its axles showing the dimensional particulars
      laid down in this Annex.
3.3.  A vehicle conforming to the characteristics described in Annex II shall
      be submitted to the technical service responsible for conducting the
      approval tests and checks.
 ---pagebreak---                                                        - 8-
4.         EEC type-approval
           An EEC type-approval certificate conforming to the model of Annex III
           shall be issued for approval referred to under sections 3.1 and 3.2. of
           this Annex.
5.         Maximum masses and dimensions of vehicles
5.1.       The maximum authorized mass of the vehicle and its axles shall not
           exceed the technically permissible maximum authorized mass of the
           vehicle and its axles.         The sum of the technically permissible maximum
           masses of the axles shall not be less than the technically permissible
           maximum mass and consequently not less than the maximum authorized mass
           of the vehicle.        The maximum authorized mass on each axle shall not be
           exceeded when the vehicle is uniformly laden to its maximum authorized
           mass; with regard to tractors of semi-trailers the vertical load on the
           fifth wheel has to be taken into account in this respect.
5.2.       In the case of buses and coaches the maximum authorized mass of such a
           vehicle and the masses on its axles shall not be exceeded, when the bus
           or coach is carrying the maximum number of passengers including the mass
           of the baggage, stated by the manufacturer in accordance with the
           technical service.        For each passenger (seated or standing) a mass of 68
           kg has to be taken into account, the mass of standing passengers being
           uniformly distributed for these passengers.                  If the vehicle is capable
           of carrying baggage, its mass shall be uniformly distributed in the
           baggage compartments; if the vehicle is designed for carrying baggage on
           the roof, the mass of the baggage shall be uniformly laden and shall not
           exceed 75 kg per square metre.
6.         Special requirements
6.1.       Dimensions
6 . 1 . 1 . Any motor v e h i c l e and a r t i c u l a t e d bus must be able t o turn within a
            swept c i r c l e having an o u t e r r a d i u s of 12.50 m and an inner r a d i u s of
            5.30 m.This requirement a l s o a p p l i e s to a l l a r t i c u l a t e d v e h i c l e s and
            road t r a i n s .
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 9-
6.1.2. The distance between the axis of the fifth wheel king pin and the
       rearmost end of a semi-trailer shall not exceed 12.00 m, measured
       horizontally in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle.
6.1.3. The distance between the fifth wheel king pin and any foremost point at
       the front of the semi-trailer shall not exceed 2.04 m, measured
       horizontally.
6.1.4. In the case of road trains the distance between the rear axle of a
       motor vehicle and the front axle of a trailer shall not be less than
       3.00 m.
7.    Maximum authorized towable mass of a motor vehicle
7.1.  Trailers with service brakes to be coupled to motor vehicles
      For the purpose of towing a trailer with service brakes, the maximum
      authorized towable mass of a motor vehicle shall not exceed the maximum
      authorized mass of the towing motor vehicle or the technically
      permissible maximum towable mass of the motor vehicle, or the mass value
      resulting from the engine power/maximum mass ratio, whichever is the
      lowest value.
      In the case where the vehicles of a road train are equipped with a
      continuous braking system, the maximum authorized towable mass of a
      motor vehicle shall not exceed the maximum authorized mass of the motor
      vehicle multiplied by the factor 1.5 or the technically permissible
      maximum towable mass of the motor vehicle or the mass value resulting
      from the engine power/maximum mass ratio, whichever is the lowest value.
7
  «2. Trailers without brakes to be coupled to motor vehicles
      For the purpose of towing a single axle or tandem axle trailer without
      service brakes, the maximum authorized towable mass of a motor vehicle
      shall not exceed half the mass of the towing motor vehicle in running
      order (including coolant, oils, fuels, tools, spare wheel and driver) or
      the technically permissible maximum towable mass of the motor vehicle or
      the mass value resulting from the engine power/maximum mass ratio, or a
      maximum mass of 0,75 t, whichever is the lowest value.
 ---pagebreak---                                                        - 10 -
     Motor v e h i c l e s towing a t r a i l e r without a s e r v i c e braking device s h a l l ,
     with t h e engine disconnected, provide a s e r v i c e b r a k i n g c a p a b i l i t y
     e q u i v a l e n t t o the requirements of the type-0 t e s t r e l a t e d to
     d e c e l e r a t i o n of t h e braking D i r e c t i v e 71/320/EEC.
7.3. T r a i l e r s t o be coupled t o motor v e h i c l e s of category M and M_
     Only s i n g l e a x l e or tandem a x l e - t r a i l e r s are p e r m i t t e d to be coupled to
     motor v e h i c l e s of category M and M for the purpose of luggage
     transportation.              The p r o v i s i o n s of point 7.1 and 7.2 a r e applied
     accordingly.
7.4. V e r t i c a l load on the coupling of motor v e h i c l e s
     The t e c h n i c a l l y permissible maximum v e r t i c a l load on t h e coupling device
     s h a l l be taken i n t o account when the maximum a u t h o r i z e d mass of the
     v e h i c l e and i t s r e a r a x l e ( s ) i s determined.
     In t h e case of c e n t r e - a x l e t r a i l e r s the maximum a u t h o r i z e d v e r t i c a l load
     on t h e coupling of a motor v e h i c l e , t r a n s f e r r e d by t h e towing device of
     the t r a i l e r (when uniformally loaded) s h a l l not exceed 10% of the
     maximum mass of t h e t r a i l e r or 1,000 kg;               the lower value s h a l l a p p l y .
     The manufacturer s h a l l specify t h e c o n d i t i o n s for t h e attachment of the
     coupling device t o t h e motor v e h i c l e , e s p e c i a l l y t h e r e a r overhang of
     the a t t a c h m e n t .
8.   Hill-starting ability
     Motor vehicles, road trains and articulated vehicles laden to their
     maximum authorized mass shall be able to start five times at an up-hill
     gradient of at least 12% within 5 minutes.
9.   Engine power/maximum mass ratio
     All motor vehicles shall provide an engine power output of at least
     5 kW/t of the maximum authorized mass of the motor vehicle, the road
     train or the articulated vehicle.
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 11 -
10.   Conditions for maximum authorized mass on the drive axle in the case of
      suspension systems equivalent to air suspension
10.1. Where the relevant road traffic regulations provide for a specific
      maximum value of the authorized mass on the drive axle for vehicles
      equipped with air suspension or suspension systems equivalent to air
      suspension, the following conditions apply :
10.2. The drive axle shall be filled with twin tyres-.
10.3. Tyre contact pressure
      Tyre contact pressure must not be greater than 8 bar.
10-4. Definition of air suspension
      A suspension system is considered to be air suspended if at least 75% of
      the spring effect is caused by the air spring.
10.5. Equivalence to air suspension
      A suspension recognized to be equivalent to air suspension must conform
      to the following conditions :
10.5.1. During free transient low frequency vertical oscillation of the sprung
        mass above a drive axle or bogie, the measured frequency and damping
        with the suspension carrying its maximum load must comply with the
        limits defined in paragraphs 10.5.2 to 10.5.5.
10.5.2. Each axle must be fitted with hydraulic dampers. On tandem axle bogies
        the dampers must be positioned to minimise the oscillation of the
        bogies.
10.5.3. The mean damping ratio D must be more than 20% of critical damping for
        the suspension in its normal condition with hydraulic dampers in place
        and operating.
10.5.4. The damping ratio d of the suspension with all hydraulic dampers
        removed or incapacitated must be not more than 50% of D.
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 12 -
10.5.5. The frequency of the sprung mass above the drive axle or bogie in a
         free transient vertical oscillation must not be higher than 2.0 Hz.
10.5.6. The definition of the frequency and damping of the suspension is given
         in paragraph 10.6 and the test procedures for measuring the frequency
         and damping are laid down in paragraph 10.7.
10.6. Definition of frequency and damping
      In this definition a sprung mass M kg above a drive axle or bogie is
      considered. The axle or bogie has a total vertical stiffness between the
      road surface and the sprung mass of k Newtons/metre (N/m) and a total
      damping coefficient of C Newtons per metre per second (N.s/m). The
      vertical displacement of the sprung mass is Z. The equation of motion
      for free oscillation of the sprung mass is
          d   Z       d Z
                 + c
      M      p"           + kZ = 0
          dt          dt
      The frequency of oscillation of the sprung mass F rad/sec is
                K     C2
      F =
                M    4M
      The damping is critical when C = Co, where
      Co = 2      KM
      The damping ratio as a fraction of critical is C/Co.
       During free transient oscillation of the sprung mass, the vertical
      motion of the mass will follow a damped sinusoidal path (figure 2 ) . The
       frequency can be estimated by measuring the time for as many cycles of
       oscillation as can be observed. The damping can be estimated by
 ---pagebreak---                                                 - 13 -
      measuring t h e h e i g h t s of s u c c e s s i v e peaks of t h e o s c i l l a t i o n in the same
      d i r e c t i o n . If t h e peak amplitudes of t h e f i r s t and second c y c l e s of t h e
      o s c i l l a t i o n a r e A and A , then t h e damping r a t i o D i s
                C          I      A
                Co           2       A2
      In is the natural logarithm of the amplitude ratio.
10.7. Test procedure
      To establish by test the damping ratio D, the damping ratio with
      hydraulic dampers removed and the frequency F of the suspension, the
      loaded vehicle should either :
            a) be driven at slow speed (5 km/hr +/- 1 km/hr) over a 80 mm step
                   with the profile shown in Figure 1. The transient oscillation to
                   be analysed for frequency and damping occurs after the wheels on
                   the drive axle have left the step;
      or b) be pulled down by its chassis so that the drive axle load is 1.5
                   times its maximum static value. The vehicle hold down is suddenly
                   released and the subsequent oscillation analysed;
      or c ) be pulled up by its chassis so that the sprung mass is lifted by
                   80 mm above the drive axle. The vehicle hold up is suddenly
                   dropped and the subsequent oscillation analysed.
      The vehicle should be instrumented with a vertical displacement
      transducer between drive axle and chassis, directly above the drive
      axle. From the trace, the time interval between the first and second
      compression peak can be measured to obtain the frequency F and the
      amplitude ratio to obtain the damping. For twin drive bogies, vertical
      displacement transducers should be fitted between each drive axle and
      the chassis directly above it.
 ---pagebreak---                         - 1 * .
                           FIGURE 1
                  STEP FOR SUSPENSION TESTS
          DIRECTION OF TMVSL
             . — :        > •
                            FIGURE 2
                 A DAMPED TRANSIENT RESPONSE
AMPuruo&s
 ---pagebreak---                                                               15     -
                                                        ANNEX I I
                                                                           (a)
                                    MODEL INFORMATION DOCUMENT
    The following information,if applicable, shall
    be supplied in triplicate and shall include
    a list of contents.
    Drawings, if any, shall be supplied in
    appropriate scale and in sufficient detail
    on size A4 or folded to that size.
    Photographs, if any, shall show sufficient
    detail.
    I n t h e c a s e of m i c r o - p r o c e s s o r c o n t r o l l e d
    functions supply r e l e v a n t performance-related
    information.
0 . GENERAL
    0.1       Make (trade name of manufacturer):
    0.2       Type and commercial description (mention any variants):
                                                                                    (b)
    0.3       Means of identification of type, if marked on the vehicle
    0.3.1     Location of that marking:
                                                  (c)
    0.4       Category of vehicle                     :
    0.5       Name and address of manufacturer:
    0.6       Name and address of manufacturer's authorized r e p r e s e n t a t i v e
              ( i f any):
              Location of statutory plates and inscriptions and method of affixing
    0.7
              0.7.1. On the chassis:
              0.7.2. On the bodywork:
              The serial numbers of the chassis of this type commerce at No. ...
    0.8
Footnotes, see Annex I to Directive 70/156/EEC, as last amended by Directive
90/        /EEC (doc. 111/4141/88 Rev.2)
 ---pagebreak---                                          - 16 -
1. GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VEHICLE
    1.1 Photographs and/or drawings of a representative vehicle:
    1.2 Dimensional drawing of the whole vehicle:
    1.3 Number of axles and wheels (if applicable, number of caterpillars or
         tracks) :
         1.3.1  Number and position of axles with double wheels:
         1.3.2  Number and position of steered axles:
         1.3.3  Powered axles (number, position, interconnection):
    1.4 Chassis (if any) (overall drawing):
                                                     ( r\ )
    1.5  Material used for the side-members                 :
    1.6  Position and arrangement of the engine:
    1.7  Driving cab (forward, semi-forward or normal):
                           (e)
2 . MASSES AND DIMENSIONS      ( i n k g , mm a n d a n g l e s ) ( r e f e r t o d r a w i n g where
    applicable)
                                            (f )
                                            v   ;
    2.1  Wheel base(s) (fully loaded)             :
         2.1.1  In the case of semi-trailers: distance between the axis of the
                fifth wheel king pin and the foremost rear axle:
         2.1.2  Distance between the axis of the king pin and the rearmost end
                of the semi-trailer :
         2.1.3  Distance between the axis of the king pin and any point of the
                front of the semi-trailer :
    2.2  In the case of tractive units
                                                                       (a)
                                                                        &
         2.2.1  Fifth wheel lead (maximum and minimum)                     :
         2.2.2  Maximum height of the fifth wheel (standardised)                            :
         2.2.3   Distance between the rear of the cab and the rear axle(s)
                 2.2.3.1  Distance between the rear of the cab and the rear
                          axle(s) (in the case of a chassis with cab):
                 2.2.3.2  Distance between the rear of the steering wheel and
                          the rear axle(s) (in the case of a bare chassis):
    2.3  Axle track(s) and width(s)
         2.3.1   Track of each steered axle              :
         2.3.2   Track of all other axles:
         2.3.3   Width of the widest rear axle:
         2.3.4   Width of the rearmost axle:
                                          i O.UU1VLI JL
 ---pagebreak---                                                            - 17 -
2.4  Range of vehicle dimensions (overall)
     2.4.1         For
                   For chassis wit*        without bodywork
                   2.4.1.1 Length (J).
                                                   (k)
                   2.4.1.2 Width                       :
                   2.4.1.2.1 Maximum width:
                   2 . 4 . 1 . 2 . 2 Minimum width:
                   2.4.1.3 Height (unladen)                             (For suspension adjustable for
                                     height, indicate normal running position):
                   2.4.1.4 Front overhang                            :
                   2.4.1.5 Rear overhang                             :
                   2.4.1.6 Ground clearance (As defined in para. 4.5.4 of
                                                      (c )
                                      footnote v '):
                   2.4.1.7            Distance between a x l e s ( i f m u l t i - a x l e d ) :
     2.4.2         For c h a s s i s with   witl bodywork
                   2.4.2.1            Length ( J )
                                                   v
                   2.4.2.2            Width             :
                                                                                                                (k)
                   2 . 4 . 2 . 2 . 1 Width of t h e bodywork of a r e f r i g e r a t e d v e h i c l e              :
                    2.4.2.3           Height (unladen)                   (For suspension a d j u s t a b l e     for
                                      h e i g h t , i n d i c a t e normal running p o s i t i o n ) :
                    2.4.2.4           Front overhang                 :
                                                                                                           (c)
                    2.4.2.2.1 Approach (n) angle (para. 4.5.1. of footnote                                     ):
                    2.4.2.5           Rear overhang                   :
                                                                                                       (c)
                    2 . 4 . 2 . 5 . 1 Departure angle ( p a r a . 4 . 5 . 2 . of footnote                  ):
                    2.4.2.6           Ground c l e a r a n c e (As defined in p a r a . 4 . 5 . 4 . of
                                       footnote ( c h ) :
                                                                                               (c)
                    2.4.2.6.1 Ramp angle (para. 4.5.3. of footnote                                  ):
                    2.4.2.7           Distance between axles (if multi-axled):
 2.5  Mass of the bare chassis (without cab, coolant, oils, fuel, spare
      wheel, tools or driver):
      2.5.1 Distribution of this mass among the axles:
 2.6  Mass of the vehicle with bodywork in running order, or mass of the
      chassis with cab if the manufacturer does not fit the bodywork
                                                                                                             ( n )
      ( i n c l u d i n g c o o l a n t , o i l s , f u e l , t o o l s , spare wheel and d r i v e r )            :
      2 . 6 . 1 D i s t r i b u t i o n of t h i s mass among the a x l e s and, in the case of a
                  s e m i - t r a i l e r , load on t h e f i f t h wheel king p i n :
 2.7 Minimum mass of the v e h i c l e as s t a t e d by t h e manufacturer:
      2.7.1         D i s t r i b u t i o n of t h i s mass among the a x l e s and, in t h e case of a
                    s e m i - t r a i l e r , load on the f i f t h wheel king p i n :
 ---pagebreak---                                                               18 -
    2.8  Technically p e r m i s s i b l e maximum laden mass s t a t e d by t h e
         manufacturer:
         2.8.1         D i s t r i b u t i o n of t h i s mass among the a x l e s and, in    the case of
                       a s e m i - t r a i l e r , load on t h e f i f t h wheel king p i n :
    2.9  Technically permissible maximum mass on each axle and, in t h e case of
         a s e m i - t r a i l e r , load on t h e f i f t h wheel king pin s t a t e d by t h e
         manufacturer:
    2.10 Maximum mass of t r a i l e r which may be coupled
         2.10.1 Full t r a i l e r :
         2.10.2 S e m i - t r a i l e r :
         2 . 1 0 . 3 Centre-axle t r a i l e r : i n d i c a t e t h e maximum r a t i o of t h e coupling
                       overhang                to t h e wheelbase:
         2 . 1 0 . 4 Maximum mass of t h e combination:
          2 . 1 0 . 5 Vehicle i s / i s n o t               s u i t a b l e for towing loads
         2 . 1 0 . 6 Maximum mass of unbraked t r a i l e r :
    2.11 Maximum v e r t i c a l load a t t h e t r a i l e r coupling p o i n t for o t h e r than the
          f i f t h wheel king p i n :
    2.12 Swept p a t h :
    2.13 Engine power/maximum mass r a t i o (in kW/kg):
    2.14 H i l l - s t a r t i n g a b i l i t y :
    2.15 Gradient-climbing a b i l i t y (off-road v e h i c l e ) : %
5 . AXLES
    5.1   Drawing of each axle, together with a statement of the materials used
          and (optionally) of the make and type:
    5.2   Schematic diagram of steered anle(s) showing steering geometry:
6 . SUSPENSION
    6.1   Drawing of the suspension arrangements:
    6.2   Tyres and wheels normally                      fitted
          6 . 2 . 1 D i s t r i b u t i o n of t y r e s to a x l e s and permitted t y r e combinations:
          6 . 2 . 2 Range of t y r e s i z e s :
          6 . 2 . 3 Upper and lower l i m i t s of r o l l i n g r a d i i :
          6 . 2 . 4 Tyre p r e s s u r e ( s ) as recommended by t h e v e h i c l e
                     manufacturer:                        kPa
          6 . 2 . 5 Tyre/wheel c o m b i n a t i o n ( s ) :
          6 . 2 . 6 Chain/tyre combination(s) and a x l e ( s ) on which i t i s t o be
                     mounted:
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 19 -
   6.3  Type and design of the suspension of each axle or wheel:
        6.3.1 Level adjustment: yes/no
   6.4  Characteristics of the springing parts of the suspension (design,
                            t\ materials and dimensions):
        characteristics of the
   6.5  Stabilisers : yes/no (1)
   6.6  Shock absorbers : yes/no
   9.17 Statutory plates
        9.17.1 Photographs and/or drawing of the locations of the statutory
               plates and inscriptions and of the chassis number:
        9.17.2 Photographs and/or drawigs of the official part of the plates
               and inscriptions (completed example with dimensions):
        9.17.3 Photographs and/or drawings of the chassis number (completed
               example with dimensions):
        9.17.4 Manufacturer's certificate of compliance with the requirement
               of the Annex I, item 3 to Directive 76/114
        9.17.4.1 If characters in the 2nd section are used to indicate general
                 characteristics of the vehicle, these characteristics shall
                 be indicated:
        9.17.4.2 If characters in the 2nd section are used to comply with the
                 requirements of item 3.1.1.3, their meaning shall be
                 explained:
(1) Delete where inapplicable
 ---pagebreak---  ---pagebreak---                                                                -   20
                                                                    ANNEX I I I
                                                                    MODEL
                                                (maximum f o r m a t : A4 (210 x 297 mm))
                                                      EEC TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE
                                                                     (vehicle)
                                                                                                              STAMP OF
                                                                                                            ADMINISTRATION
             Communication c o n c e r n i n g t h e
                                  -    type-approval
                                                                                      1
                                   - e x t e n s i o n of t y p e - a p p r o v a l
                                                                                 1
                                   - r e f u s a l of t y p e - a p p r o v a l
              of a t y p e of a v e h i c l e w i t h r e g a r d t o D i r e c t i v e                         relating to the
              m a s s e s and d i m e n s i o n s of motor v e h i c l e s and t h e i r                   trailers
              EEC t y p e - a p p r o v a l No. :                                        E x t e n s i o n No. :
              SECTION I
              0.1          Make (name o f u n d e r t a k i n g ) :
              0.2          Type and commercial d e s c r i p t i o n                ( m e n t i o n any v a r i a n t s ) :
              0.3          Means o f i d e n t i f i c a t i o n of t y p e , i f marked on t h e v e h i c l e             :
              0 . 3 . 1 Location of t h a t marking
                                                            3
              0.4          C a t e g o r y of v e h i c l e      :
              0.5          Name and a d d r e s s of m a n u f a c t u r e r :
              0.6          Name a n d a d d r e s s of m a n u f a c t u r e r ' s a u t h o r i z e d       representative
                           (if any):
1 D e l e t e where i n a p p l i c a b l e
2 The means of i d e n t i f i c a t i o n of t y p e , i f used, s h a l l appear only on t h o s e
  v e h i c l e s covered by t h e i n d i v i d u a l d i r e c t i v e a p p r o v a l . I f t h e means of
  i d e n t i f i c a t i o n of type c o n t a i n s c h a r a c t e r s not r e l e v a n t t o d e s c r i b e t h e
  v e h i c l e t y p e s covered by t h i s t y p e - a p p r o v a l c e r t i f i c a t e , such c h a r a c t e r s
  s h a l l be r e p r e s e n t e d in t h e documentation by t h e symbol " ? "
  ( e . g . ABC??123??).
3 As defined by f o o t n o t e (c) of Annex I t o D i r e c t i v e 70/156/EEC
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 21 -
SECTION II
1.        Additional information
1.1       Length (overall)                                                    m
1.2       Width (overall)                                                     m
1.3       Height (overall)                                                    m
1.4       Max. authorized mass of the vehicle                                  t
1.4.1 Technically permissible max. mass of the vehicle                         t
1.5       Max. authorized masses on the axles
1 . 5 . 1 1 . Axle                                                             t
                 2. Axle                                                       t
                 3. Axle                                                       t
                 4. Axle                                                       t
1.6       Technically permissible max. masses on the axles
1 . 6 . 1 1 . Axle                                                             t
                 2. Axle                                                       t
                 3. Axle                                                       t
                 4. Axle                                                       t
1.7       Technically permissible max. load on the fifth wheel
                           X
                 kingpin                                                       t
1.8       Max. authorized towable mass of the motor vehicle
1.8.1 Trailer with service brakes                                              t
1.8.2 Trailer without service brakes                                           t
1.9       Max. vertical load on the coupling device                            t
2.        Technical department responsible for carrying out the t e s t s :
3.        Date of t e s t report:
4.        Number of t e s t report:
5.        Ground(s) for extending type-approval (where appropriate):
6.        Comments (if any):
7.         Place:
8.        Date:
9.         Signature:
10.        A l i s t of documents making up the type-approval f i l e lodged with
           the administrative department that has granted type-approval,
           which may be obtained on request, is attached.
 ---pagebreak---                                     M
               FICHE D'IMPACT SUR LA COMPETITIVITE ET L'EMPLOI
     Proposition de directive du Conseil concernant le rapprochement des
     Législations des Etats membres relatives aux :
     r- masses et dimensions des poids lourds/ autobus et autocars;
  I. Quelle est la justification principale de la mesure ?
     - Achèvement de la procédure de réception CEE des véhicules automobiles,
     - Harmonisation des législations nationales.
     - Augmentation de la sécurité de La circulation routière.
 II. Caractéristiques des entreprises concernées
     En particulier :
     - y-a-t-il un grand nombre de PME ? Non.
     - note l'on des concentrations dans des régions :
        . éligibles aux aides régionales des E.M- ? Non.
         . éligibles. au Feder ? Non.
III. Quelles sont les obligations imposées aux entreprises ?
     Respecter Les prescriptions desdites directives assurant ainsi le libre
     accès de leurs véhicuLes dans tout Le territoire de la Communauté.
 IV. Quelles sont les obligations susceptibles d'être imposées
      indirectement aux entreprises via les autorités locales ?
     Respecter les prescriptions desdites directives assurant ainsi le libre
     accès de leurs véhicules dans tout le territoire de la Communauté.
  V. Y-a-t-il des mesures spéciales pour les PME ?     Non.
      - lesouelles ?
 VI. Quel est l'effet prévisible :
      - sur   la compétitivité des entreprises ?
          pas d'effet prévisible.
      - sur   l'emploi ?
          pas d'effet prévisible.
VII. Les partenaires sociaux ont-ils été consultés ? Oui
      - Avis des partenaires sociaux : Favorable.
 ---pagebreak---  ---pagebreak---  ---pagebreak---                                                                      ISSN 0254-1475
                                                              COM(91) 239 final
                                                      DOCUMENTS
EN                                                                              07
                                Catalogue number : CB-CO-91-290-EN-C
                                                             ISBN 92-77-73882-0
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities
L-2985 Luxembourg