Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01515:body:0:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01515
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 12518–15437

intention of the Regulation is to establish uniform provisions for the layout and performance of steering systems fitted to vehicles used on the road. Traditionally the major requirement has been that the main steering system contains a positive mechanical link between the steering control, normally the steering wheel, and the road wheels in order to determine the path of the vehicle. The mechanical link, if amply dimensioned, has been regarded as not being liable to failure.
 Advancing technology, coupled with the wish to improve occupant safety by elimination of the mechanical steering column, and the production advantages associated with easier transfer of the steering control between left and right hand drive vehicles, has led to a review of the traditional approach and the Regulation is now amended to take account of the new technologies. Accordingly it will now be possible to have steering systems in which there is not any positive mechanical connection between the steering control and the road wheels.
 Systems whereby the driver remains in primary control of the vehicle but may be helped by the steering system being influenced by signals initiated on-board the vehicle are defined as "Advanced Driver Assistance Steering Systems". Such systems can incorporate an "Automatically Commanded Steering Function", for example, using passive infrastructure features to assist the driver in keeping the vehicle on an ideal path (Lane Guidance, Lane Keeping or Heading Control), to assist the driver in manoeuvring the vehicle at low speed in confined spaces or to assist the driver in coming to rest at a pre-defined point (Bus Stop Guidance). Advanced Driver Assistance Steering Systems can also incorporate a "Corrective Steering Function" that, for example, warns the driver of any deviation from the chosen lane (Lane Departure Warning), corrects the steering angle to prevent departure from the chosen lane (Lane Departure Avoidance) or corrects the steering angle of one or more wheels to improve the vehicle's dynamic behaviour or stability.
 In the case of any Advanced Driver Assistance Steering System, the driver can, at all times, choose to override the assistance function by deliberate action, for example, to avoid an unforeseen object in the road.
 It is anticipated that future technology will also allow steering to be influenced or controlled by sensors and signals generated either on or off-board the vehicle. This has led to several concerns regarding responsibility for the primary control of the vehicle and the absence of any internationally agreed data transmission protocols with respect to off-board or external control of steering. Therefore, the Regulation does not permit the general approval of systems that incorporate functions by which the steering can be controlled by external signals, for example, transmitted from roadside beacons or active features embedded into