CELEX: 51970FC0387
Language: en
Date: 2007-03-21
Title: Proposal for a Directive …/…/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of […] on doors of motor vehicles and their trailers (codified version)

EN

|[pic]                     |COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES                                                                           |

                                        Brussels,
                                        COM

                                                                  Proposal for a

                                          DIRECTIVE …/…/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

                                                                      of […]

                                                  on doors of motor vehicles and their trailers

                                                                (Codified version)

                                                              EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1.    In the context of a people’s Europe, the Commission attaches great importance to simplifying and clarifying Community law so as to make  it
       clearer and more accessible to the ordinary citizen, thus giving him new opportunities and the chance to make use of the  specific  rights
       it gives him.

       This aim cannot be achieved so long as numerous provisions that have  been  amended  several  times,  often  quite  substantially,  remain
       scattered, so that they must be sought partly in the original instrument and partly in later amending ones.  Considerable  research  work,
       comparing many different instruments, is thus needed to identify the current rules.

       For this reason a codification of rules that have frequently been amended  is  also  essential  if  Community  law  is  to  be  clear  and
       transparent.

2.    On 1 April 1987 the Commission therefore decided[1] to instruct its staff that all legislative acts should be codified after no  more  than
       ten amendments, stressing that this is a minimum requirement and that departments should endeavour to codify at even shorter intervals the
       texts for which they are responsible, to ensure that the Community rules are clear and readily understandable.

3.    The Conclusions of the Presidency of the Edinburgh  European  Council  (December 1992)  confirmed  this[2],  stressing  the  importance  of
       codification as it offers certainty as to the law applicable to a given matter at a given time.

       Codification must be undertaken in full compliance with the normal Community legislative procedure.

       Given that no changes of substance may be made to the instruments affected by codification, the European Parliament, the Council  and  the
       Commission have agreed, by an interinstitutional agreement dated 20 December 1994, that an accelerated procedure may be used for the fast-
       track adoption of codification instruments.

4.    The purpose of this proposal is to undertake a codification of Council Directive 70/387/EEC of 27 July 1970 on  the  approximation  of  the
       laws of the Member States relating to the doors of motor vehicles and their trailers[3]. The new Directive will supersede the various acts
       incorporated in it[4]; this proposal fully preserves the content of the acts being codified  and  hence  does  no  more  than  bring  them
       together with only such formal amendments as are required by the codification exercise itself.

5.    The codification proposal was drawn up on the basis of a preliminary consolidation, in all official languages, of Directive 70/387/EEC  and
       the instruments amending it, carried out by the Office for Official Publications  of  the  European  Communities,  by  means  of  a  data-
       processing system. Where the Articles have been given new numbers, the correlation between the old and the new numbers is shown in a table
       contained in Annex V to the codified Directive.

                                            ê 70/387/EEC (adapted)

                                                                  Proposal for a

                                          DIRECTIVE …/…/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

                                                                      of […]

                                                  on doors of motor vehicles and their trailers

                                                            (Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

                                            ê Corrigendum 70/387/EEC (OJ L 999, 1.1.1973, p. 76) (adapted)

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article Ö 95 Õ thereof,

                                            ê 70/387/EEC

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee[5],

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty[6],

Whereas:

                                            ê .

   1) Council Directive 70/387/EEC of 27 July 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the doors of motor  vehicles
      and their trailers[7] laid down technical prescriptions concerning the design and construction of motor vehicles as regards  the  doors  of
      motor vehicles and their trailers. These technical prescriptions concerned the approximation of the laws of the Member States to allow  for
      the EC type-approval procedure established by [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[8]] to be applied in respect  of  each  type  of  vehicle.
      Directive 70/387/EEC has been substantially amended several times[9]. In the interests of clarity and rationality the said Directive should
      be codified.

                                            ê 2001/31/EC recital 1 (adapted)

   2) Ö This Directive is one of the separate Directives of the EC type-approval system provided for in Directive [70/156/EEC]. Consequently, the
      provisions laid down in that Directive relating to vehicle systems, components and separate technical units apply to this Directive. Õ

                                            ê .

   3) This Directive should be without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating  to  the  time-limits  for  transposition  into
      national law of the Directives set out in Annex IV, Part C,

                                            ê 70/387/EEC
                                            è1 98/90/EC Art. 1 pt. 1

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

                                                                    Article 1

For the purposes of this Directive «vehicle» means any motor vehicle intended for use on the road, having at least  four  wheels  and  a  maximum
design speed exceeding 25 km/h, and its trailers, with the exception of public transport vehicles, vehicles which run on  rails,  è1 agricultural
and forestry tractors ç and è1 all mobile machinery ç.

                                                                    Article 2

                                            ê 70/387/EEC (adapted)

No Member State may refuse to grant EC type-approval or national type-approval of a vehicle on grounds relating to its  doors  if  these  satisfy
the requirements set out in Annexes Ö I, II and III Õ .

                                            ê 1972 Act of Accession, Art. 29 and Annex I, p. 116 (adapted)

                                                                    Article 3

No Member State may refuse Ö registration Õ or prohibit the sale, entry into service or use of a vehicle on grounds  relating  to  its  doors  if
these satisfy the requirements set out in Annexes Ö I, II and III Õ .

                                            ê 70/387/EEC (adapted)

                                                                    Article 4

Ö The amendments necessary to adapt the requirements of Annexes I, II and III to this Directive to take account of technical  progress  shall  be
adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article [13(3) of Directive 70/156/EEC]. Õ .

Article 5

Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered  by  this
Directive.

                                            ê .

                                                                    Article 6

Directive 70/387/EEC, as amended by the acts listed in Annex IV, is repealed without prejudice to the obligations of the Member  States  relating
to the time-limits for transposition into national law of the Directives set out in Annex IV, Part C.

References to the repealed Directive shall be construed as references to this Directive and shall be read  in  accordance  with  the  correlation
table set out in Annex V.

                                                                    Article 7

This Directive shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from [...].

                                            ê 70/387/EEC

                                                                    Article 8

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, […]

For the European Parliament  For the Council
The President    The President
[…]   […]

                                            ê 98/90/EC Art. 1 pt. 2 and Annex pt. 1 (adapted)

                                                                 LIST OF ANNEXES

|1.     |ANNEX I:            |Scope, definitions, general requirements, application for EC type-approval, granting of EC type-approval,   |
|       |                    |modifications of the type and amendments to approvals, conformity of production                             |
|       |Appendix 1:         |Information document                                                                                        |
|       |Appendix 2:         |Ö Model: EC Õ type-approval certificate                                                                     |
|2.     |ANNEX II:           |Construction and fitting requirements and strength tests                                                    |
|3.     |ANNEX III:          |Requirements concerning access to and exit from doors of driver's compartment                               |
|Ö 4. Õ |Ö ANNEX IV: Õ       |Ö Part A: Repealed Directive with its successive amendments Õ                                               |
|       |                    |Ö Part B: Non-repealed amendment Õ                                                                          |
|       |                    |Ö Part C: List of time-limits for transposition into national law Õ                                         |
|Ö 5. Õ |Ö ANNEX V: Õ        |Ö Correlation table Õ                                                                                       |

                                            ê 98/90/EC Art. 1 pt. 2 and Annex pt. 2

                                                                     ANNEX I

     SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, APPLICATION FOR EC TYPE-APPROVAL, GRANTING OF EC TYPE-APPROVAL, MODIFICATIONS OF THE TYPE AND
                                                AMENDMENTS TO APPROVALS, CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

1.    SCOPE

1.1.  This Directive applies to the doors of motor vehicles of categories M1 and N[10].

2.    DEFINITIONS

      For the purpose of this Directive:

2.1.  «approval of a vehicle» means the approval of a vehicle type with regard to its doors and to the characteristics applicable to such doors;

2.2.  «vehicle type» means vehicles which do not differ essentially with respect to the following main characteristics:

         – design and strength characteristics of the latches and hinges as regards the vehicles mentioned in Annex II,

         – construction and fitting requirements of the running boards and steps as regards vehicles not covered by Annex III,

         – position and geometrical characteristics of the access steps and the handholds as regards vehicles mentioned in Annex III,

      in so far as these characteristics have a bearing on the requirements of this Directive.

3.    GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1.  Design

3.1.1.      The design characteristics of the vehicle must permit entry to and exit from it in perfect safety.

3.1.2.      Vehicles of category N2 with a maximum mass exceeding 7,5 tonnes and N3 are deemed to  satisfy  the  abovementioned  requirements  if
       they comply with the prescriptions of Annex III.

3.2.  Doors, entries and exits

3.2.1.      Doors, entries and exits must be such that they can be used easily and without danger.

3.3.  Doors and latches

3.3.1.      Doors and latches must be designed in such a way that any irritating noise on closing may be avoided.

3.3.2.      Door latches must be designed in such a way as to prevent the doors from opening accidentally.

3.4.  Latches and hinges (construction and fitting requirements)

3.4.1.      The hinges of hinge-mounted doors (with the exception of folding doors), when fitted to the sides of the vehicles, must be  fixed  at
       the front edge of the doors in the direction of forward travel. In the case of double doors, these requirements apply  to  the  door  wing
       which opens first; it must be possible to bolt the other wing of the door.

3.4.2.      The latches and hinges of the side doors of vehicles of category M1 must satisfy the  requirements  set  out  in  Annex  II  to  this
       Directive.

3.5.  Running boards and steps (construction and fitting requirements)

3.5.1.      The wheel hub, rims and other parts of the wheel shall not be deemed  to  be  running  boards  or  steps  for  the  purpose  of  this
       Directive, except where reasons relating to construction or use preclude the fitting of running boards or steps elsewhere on the vehicle.

3.5.2.      In vehicles of categories M1, N1 and N2 with a maximum mass not  exceeding  7,5  tonnes  if  the  floor  entrance  to  the  passenger
       compartment of such vehicles is more than 600 mm above the ground, the vehicle must have one or more running boards or steps.

3.5.2.1.    However, for off-road vehicles, as defined in [Part A of Annex II to Directive 70/156/EEC], such a distance from the  ground  may  be
       increased up to 700 mm.

3.5.2.2.    The running boards or steps must be constructed in such a way as to preclude the risk of slipping.

4.    APPLICATION FOR EC TYPE-APPROVAL

4.1.  The application for EC type-approval of a vehicle type with respect to the doors shall be submitted by the vehicle manufacturer.

4.2.  A model for the information document is given in Appendix 1.

4.3.  A vehicle representative of the type to be approved must be submitted to the technical service responsible for type-approval tests.

5.    GRANTING OF EC TYPE-APPROVAL

5.1.  If the relevant requirements are satisfied, EC type-approval pursuant to [Article 4(3) of Directive 70/156/EEC] shall be granted.

5.2.  A model for the EC type-approval certificate is given in Appendix 2.

                                            ê 98/90/EC Art. 1 pt. 2 and Annex pt. 2 (adapted)

5.3.  An Ö EC type-approval Õ number in accordance with [Annex VII to Directive 70/156/EEC] shall be assigned to each type of  vehicle  approved.
       The same Member State shall not assign the same number to another type of vehicle.

                                            ê 98/90/EC Art. 1 pt. 2 and Annex pt. 2

6.    MODIFICATIONS OF THE TYPE AND AMENDMENTS TO APPROVALS

6.1.  In the case of modifications of the type approved pursuant to this Directive, the provisions of [Article 5 of Directive  70/156/EEC]  shall
       apply.

7.    CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

7.1.  Measures to ensure the conformity of production shall be taken in accordance with the provisions laid down  in  [Article  10  of  Directive
       70/156/EEC].

                                                                    Appendix 1

                                                             INFORMATION DOCUMENT No…

    pursuant to [Annex I to Council Directive 70/156/EEC] [(*)] relating to EC type-approval of a vehicle with respect to the doors (Directive
                                                                   [70/387/EEC]

                                                                      [pic]

|(*) The item numbers and footnotes used in this information document correspond|
|to those set out in [Annex I to Directive 70/156/EEC]. Items not relevant for  |
|the purpose os this Directive are omitted.                                     |

                                                                      [pic]

|2.4.1.6.   |Ground clearance (as defined in [ point 4.5 of Part A of Annex II to Directive       |
|           |70/156/EEC]: ........................................................                |

                                                                      [pic]

|2.4.2.6.   |Ground clearance (as defined in [ point 4.5 of Part A of Annex II to Directive       |
|           |70/156/EEC]: ........................................................                |

                                                                      [pic]

                                                                    Appendix 2

                                                                      MODEL

                                                       (maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm))

                                                           EC TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE

|                                                                     |Stamp of administration      |
|Communication concerning the                                                                       |
|- EC type-approval (1),                                                                            |
|- extension of EC type-approval (1),                                                               |
|- refusal of EC type-approval (1),                                                                 |
|- withdrawal of EC type-approval (1),                                                              |
|of a type of a vehicle/component/separate technical unit (1) with regard to Directive [70/387/EEC],|
|as last amended by Directive .../.../EC.                                                           |
|EC type-approval number:                                                                           |
|........................................................................................           |
|Reason for extension:                                                                              |
|...........................................................................................        |

                                                                      [pic]

|0.7.      |In the case of components and separate technical units, location and method of the affixing of the |
|          |EC type-approval mark: .................................................................           |

                                                                      [pic]

|(3) As defined in [Part A of Annex II to Directive 70/156/EEC]                                                              |

                                                                      [pic]

                                                   Addendum to EC type-approval certificate No…

                                 concerning the type approval of a vehicle with regard to Directive [70/387/EEC]

|1.         |Additional information                                                                                                 |
|1.1.       |Occupant door configuration(s): …………………………….…………………..                                                                  |
|1.2.       |Method of opening: ………………………………………………………….…..                                                                          |
|1.3.       |Latch-opening method: ………………………………………………………….                                                                          |
|5.         |Remarks: …………………………………………………………………………                                                                                  |

                                                                 _______________

                                            ê 70/387/EEC
                                            è1 Corrigendum 70/387/EEC (OJ L 999, 1.1.1973, p. 76)
                                            è2 98/90/EC Art. 1 pt. 2 and Annex pt. 3(a)
                                            è3 98/90/EC Art. 1 pt. 2 and Annex pt. 3(b)

                                                                     ANNEX II

   CONSTRUCTION AND FITTING REQUIREMENTS AND STRENGTH TESTS FOR è1 LATCHES ç AND HINGES ON SIDE DOORS FOR ENTRY TO OR EXIT FROM è2 VEHICLES OF
                                                                  CATEGORY M1 ç

1.    GENERAL

1.1   Latches and hinges must be so designed, constructed and fitted that  in  normal  use,  the  vehicle  satisfies  the  requirements  of  this
       è3 Annex ç.

1.2   Each latch shall have both an intermediate latched position and a fully latched position.

2.    PARTICULARS AND BATCHES OF LATCHES AND HINGES TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE MANUFACTURER OR HIS AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE.

      The manufacturer or his authorised representative must submit the following particulars and batches of latches and hinges:

2.1   Drawings of the doors and of their latches and hinges on an appropriate scale and in sufficient detail;

2.2   A technical description of the latches and hinges;

2.3   A batch of five sets of hinges per door. Where, however, the same sets are used for several doors, it will  be  sufficient  to  submit  one
       batch of sets. Sets of hinges which are distinguishable only because they are designed to be fitted on the left or on the right shall  not
       be regarded as different;

2.4   A batch of five complete latches, including actuating mechanism, per door. Where, however, the same complete latches are used  for  several
       doors, it will be sufficient to submit one batch of such latches. Latches which are distinguishable only because they are designed  to  be
       fitted on the left or on the right shall not be regarded as different.

3.    CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

3.1   Latches

3.1.1 Longitudinal load

      The latch and striker assembly shall be able to withstand a longitudinal load of 453 kp (444 daN) in the intermediate latched position  and
       1134 kp (1111 daN) in the fully latched position (Figure 2).

3.1.2 Transverse load

      The latch and striker assembly must be capable of withstanding a transverse load of 453 kp (444 daN) in the intermediate latched  position,
       and 907 kp (889 daN) in the fully latched position (Figure 3).

3.1.3 Resistance to inertia load

      The latch shall not move from the fully latched position when a longitudinal or transverse inertia load, in both directions,  of  30  g  is
       applied to the lock assembly, including its actuating mechanism.

3.2   Hinges

3.2.1 Each hinge system shall be capable of supporting the door and withstanding a longitudinal load of 1134 kp (1111 daN) and a transverse  load
       of 907 kp (889 daN) in both directions.

4.    REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING THE STRENGTH OF DOOR è1 LATCHES ç AND HINGES

      Compliance with the requirements contained in points 3.1 and 3.2 shall be checked in accordance with the following:

4.1   Setting up, procedure and equipment for static-load tests

4.1.1 Setting up

4.1.1.1     Hinges

4.1.1.1.1 The tests shall be conducted with the use of rigid components reproducing the geometric conditions of the mounting on the vehicle of  a
       fully latched door.

4.1.1.1.2 To this equipment there shall be applied, at the mid-point between the hinges:

4.1.1.1.2.1 the prescribed longitudinal load, perpendicular to the axis of the hinge pivots, situated in a plane passing through that axis;

4.1.1.1.2.2 the prescribed transverse load, perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal load and the axis of the pivots, and  situated
       in a plane passing through that axis.

4.1.1.1.3 A new set of hinges shall be used for each test.

4.1.1.1.4 Figure 1 gives an illustration of a test assembly.

4.1.1.2     Latches

4.1.1.2.1 The tests shall be conducted with the use of rigid components reproducing the mounting on the vehicle of the two latch components,  the
       latch body and the striker.

4.1.1.2.2 The prescribed load shall be applied to this equipment so as not to cause any stress on the latch. In  addition,  a  transverse  static
       load of 90·7 kp (88·9 daN) shall be applied in such a way that it tends to move the latch away from its striker in the direction in  which
       the door opens.

4.1.1.2.3 Figures 2 and 3 give illustrations of a test assembly.

4.1.2 Test procedure and equipment

      The equipment referred to in points 4.1.1.1 and 4.1.1.2 shall be mounted on a tensile testing machine with a minimum capacity  of  1500  kp
       (1470 daN). Loads gradually increasing to the values prescribed in points 3.1 and 3.2 shall be applied thereto in  such  a  way  that  the
       speed of separation of the retaining devices does not exceed 5 mm/min.

4.2   Procedure for determining the resistance of latches to acceleration

4.2.1 Resistance to opening in both directions under a longitudinal and transverse inertia load of 30 g, applied in both  cases  to  the  opening
       knob in the direction in which it is actuated, shall be determined dynamically or analytically (Figure 4), disregarding:

4.2.1.1     Frictional forces.

4.2.1.2     The components of gravity acceleration which tend to keep the latch closed.

4.2.2 Latch locking devices, if any, must not be brought into play.

4.3   Equivalent test methods

4.3.1 Equivalent non-destructive test methods are permitted, provided that the results referred to in  points  4.1.2  and  4.2  can  be  obtained
       either entirely by means of the substitute test or by calculation from the results of the substitute test. If a  method  other  than  that
       described in points 4.1.2 and 4.2 is used, its equivalence must be demonstrated.

                                            Door hinge system — static-load fixture (transverse load)

                                                                      [pic]

                                                                     FIGURE 1

                                        Door latch — Test equipment under static load (longitudinal load)

                                                                      [pic]

                                                                     FIGURE 2

                                         Door latch — Test equipment under static load (transverse load)

                                                                      [pic]

                                                                     FIGURE 3

                                                             è1 Door latch assembly ç

                                          Resistance to the effects of inertia — Example of calculation

                                                                      [pic]

                                                                     FIGURE 4

Given:

A door latch system subjected to a deceleration of 30 g

F     =     Ma = (W/g)a = (W/g)30 g = 30 W

F1    =     W1 × 30 − Average load on knob spring

       =    (0,016 kg × 30) − 0,454 kg = 0,036 kg

F2    =     W2 × 30 = 0,023 kg × 30 = 0,68 kg

F3    =     (W3/2) × 30 = (0,012 kg/2) × 30 = 0,184 kg

ΣMO   =     F1 × d1 + F2 × d2 − F3 × d3 = 0,036 kg × 31,5 mm + 0,68 kg × 10,67 mm − 0,184 kg × 4,83 mm = 7,51 mm/kg

F5    =     (MO/d4) = (7,51/31,5) = 0,238 kg

F6    =     W4 × 30 = 0,042 × 30 = 1,265 kg

ΣMp   =     load on bolt spring − (F5 d5 + F6 d6)

       =    45,62 mm/kg − (0,238 × 37,59 + 1,265 × 1,9)

       =    45,62 mm/kg − 11,36 mm/kg = 34,26 mm/kg

                                                                 _______________

                                            ê 98/90/EC Art. 1 pt. 2 and Annex pt. 4
                                            è1 2001/31/EC Art. 1 and Annex pt. 1

                                                                    ANNEX III

    REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE ACCESS TO AND EXIT FROM THE DOORS OF THE DRIVER'S COMPARTMENT OF VEHICLES OF CATEGORY N2 HAVING A MAXIMUM MASS
                                                     EXCEEDING 7,5 TONNES AND OF CATEGORY N3

1.    Access steps to the driver's compartment (see figure)

1.1.  The distance (A) from the ground to the upper surface of the lowest step, measured with the vehicle in running order on  a  horizontal  and
       flat surface, shall not be more than 600 mm.

1.1.1.      However, for off-road vehicles, as defined in [Part A of Annex II] to Directive [70/156/EEC], that distance (A) may be  increased  up
       to 700 mm.

1.2.  The distance (B) between the upper surfaces of the steps shall be not more than 400 mm. The vertical distance between two subsequent  steps
       shall not vary by more than 50 mm. è1 The last requirement shall not apply to the distance between the uppermost step and the cab floor. ç

1.2.1.      However, for off-road vehicles (see point 1.1.1), this latter figure may be increased up to 100 mm.

1.3.  In addition, the following minimum geometrical specifications shall be fulfilled:

|step depth (D):                                                                                           |80 mm            |
|step clearance (E) (include step depth):                                                                  |150 mm           |
|step width (F):                                                                                           |300 mm           |
|width of the lowest step (G):                                                                             |200 mm           |
|step height (S):                                                                                          |120 mm           |
|transversal offset between steps (H):                                                                     |0 mm             |

                                            ê 2001/31/EC Art. 1 and Annex pt. 2

|longitudinal overlap (J) between two subsequent steps in the same flight, or between the uppermost step   |200 mm.          |
|and the cab floor:                                                                                        |                 |

                                            ê 98/90/EC Art. 1 pt. 2 and Annex pt. 4
                                            è1 2001/31/EC Art. 1 and Annex pt. 3

1.3.1.      However, for off-road vehicles (see point 1.1.1), the value (F) may be reduced to 200 mm.

1.4.  The lowest step may be designed as a rung, if this is necessary for reasons relating to construction or use, and in the  case  of  off-road
       vehicles (see point 1.1.1). In such case the rung depth (R) shall be at least 20 mm.

1.4.1.      Rungs of round cross section are not permitted.

1.5.  While getting down from the driver's compartment the position of the uppermost step shall be easily found out.

1.6.  The upper surface of the steps shall be non-slip. In addition, steps exposed to  the  weather  and  the  dirt  during  driving  shall  have
       adequate run-off (draining surface).

2.    Access to handholds to the driver's compartment (see figure)

2.1.  One or more suitable handrails and handholds or other equivalent holding  devices  shall  be  provided  for  the  access  to  the  driver's
       compartment.

2.1.1.      The handrail(s) or handholds or equivalent holding devices must be positioned in such a way that they can be easily  grasped  and  do
       not obstruct access.

2.1.2.      A maximum discontinuity of 100 mm in the holding area of the handrails or handholds or equivalent  holding  devices  may  be  allowed
       (for instance intermediate fixation).

2.1.3.      In the case of access with more than two steps the handrails, handholds or equivalent holding devices shall  be  located  so  that  a
       person may support himself at the same time at three points (with two hands and one foot or with two feet and one hand).

2.1.4.      Except in the case of a stairway, the design and positioning of the handrails, handholds and equivalent holding devices must be  such
       that operators are encouraged to descend facing the cab.

2.1.5.      The steering wheel may be considered as a handhold.

2.2.  The height (N) of the lower edge of at least one handrail or handhold or equivalent holding device,  measured  from  the  ground  with  the
       vehicle in running order on a horizontal and flat surface, shall not be more than 1 850 mm.

2.2.1.      However, for off-road vehicles (see point 1.1.1), such distance (N) may be increased up to 1 950 mm.

2.2.2.      If the floor of the driver's compartment has a height from the ground greater than «N», this height shall be assumed as «N».

2.2.3.      è1 In addition, the minimum distance (P) of the upper edge of the handrail(s) or handholds or equivalent  holding  devices  from  the
       floor of the driver's compartment shall be: ç

         – handrail(s) or handholds or equivalent holding devices (U) 650 mm,

         – handrail(s) or handholds or equivalent holding devices (V) 550 mm.

2.3.  The following geometrical specifications shall be fulfilled:

|gripping dimension (K):                                                  |16 mm minimum                                      |
|                                                                         |38 mm maximum,                                     |
|length (M):                                                              |150 mm minimum,                                    |
|clearance to vehicle components (L):                                     |40 mm minimum with open door.                      |

                                                                      [pic]

3.    In the case of a sloped floor of the driver's compartment the required measurements shall be made from a horizontal plane  passing  through
       a point which is given by the intersection of the front edge of the floor with a vertical plane through the centre of the step immediately
       below and which is perpendicular to the longitudinal medium plane of the vehicle.

                                                                  _____________

                                            é

                                                                     ANNEX IV

                                                                      Part A

                                                Repealed Directive with its successive amendments
                                                            (referred to in Article 6)

|Council Directive 70/387/EEC                                                         |(OJ L 176, 10.8.1970, p. 5)                   |
|Commission Directive 98/90/EC                                               |(OJ L 337, 12.12.1998, p. 29)                      |
|Commission Directive 2001/31/EC                                             |(OJ L 130, 12.5.2001, p. 33)                       |

                                                                      Part B

                                                              Non-repealed amendment
                                                            (referred to in Article 6)

|1972 Act of Accession                                                                                                                    |

                                                                      Part C

                                             List of time-limits for transposition into national law
                                                            (referred to in Article 6)

|Directive                                                           |Time-limit for transposition                                        |
|70/387/EEC                                                          |28 January 1972                                                     |
|98/90/EC                                                            |31 December 1998(*)                                                 |
|2001/31/EC                                                          |30 September 2001(**)                                               |

(*) In conformity with Article 2 of Directive 98/90/EC:

1. With effect from 1 January 1999, Member States may not on grounds relating to vehicle doors:

     – refuse, in respect of a type of vehicle, to grant EC type-approval or national type-approval,

       or

     – prohibit the sale, registration, or entry into service of vehicles,

if the vehicles comply with the requirements of Directive 70/387/EEC, as amended by this Directive.

2. With effect from 1 October 2000, Member States:

     – shall no longer grant EC type-approval,

       and

     – may refuse to grant national type-approval

for a new type of vehicle on grounds relating to vehicle doors if the requirements of Directive 70/387/EEC, as amended  by  this  Directive,  are
not fulfilled.

(**) In conformity with Article 2 of Directive 2001/31/EC:

1. With effect from 1 October 2001, Member States may not on grounds relating to vehicle doors:

     – refuse, in respect of a type of vehicle, to grant EC type-approval or national type-approval, or

     – prohibit the sale, registration, or entry into service of vehicles,

if the vehicles comply with the requirements of Directive 70/387/EEC, as amended by this Directive.

2. With effect from 1 December 2001, Member States:

     – shall no longer grant EC type-approval, and

     – may refuse to grant national type-approval,

for a new type of vehicle on grounds relating to vehicle doors if the requirements of Directive 70/387/EEC, as amended  by  this  Directive,  are
not fulfilled.

                                                                  _____________

                                                                     ANNEX V

                                                                Correlation Table

|Directive 70/387/EEC                                                 |This Directive                                                       |
|Articles 1 and 2                                                     |Articles 1 and 2                                                     |
|Article 2a                                                           |Article 3                                                            |
|Article 3                                                            |Article 4                                                            |
|Article 4(1)                                                         |-                                                                    |
|Article 4(2)                                                         |Article 5                                                            |
|-                                                                    |Articles 6 and 7                                                     |
|Article 5                                                            |Article 8                                                            |
|Annexes I, II and III                                                |Annexes I, II and III                                                |
|-                                                                    |Annex IV                                                             |
|-                                                                    |Annex V                                                              |

                                                                  _____________

                                                             -----------------------
[1]   COM(87) 868 PV.
[2]   See Annex 3 to Part A of the Conclusions.
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[5]   See Annex IV, Parts A and B of this proposal.
[6]   OJ C
[7]   OJ C
[8]   OJ L 176, 10.8.1970, p. 5. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2001/31/EC (OJ L 130, 12.5.2001, p. 33).
[9]   [OJ L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2004/104/EC (OJ L 337, 13.11.2004, p. 13).]
[10]  See Annex IV, Parts A and B.
[11]  As defined in Part A of Annex II to Directive 70/156/EEC.