The Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2009

The vehicle must be fitted with an exhaust system including a silencer such that the exhaust gases must not escape into the atmosphere without first passing through the silencer.

When:

The vehicle must not emit any avoidable smoke or avoidable visible vapour.

When the engine by which the vehicle is propelled is running without load at a normal idling speed, the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed:

If the engine by which the vehicle is propelled is run without a load at a rotational speed of 2,000 revolutions per minute, the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust emission from the engine must not exceed 0.12% if the vehicle is a vehicle described in paragraph 2(a) or 2(b) above;

If the vehicle is one described in paragraph 2(c) or (d) above and the engine by which it is propelled is run without a load at a fast idling speed:

Does not apply to vehicles approved to item 41.

For the purposes of this item, a vehicle that can be fuelled with both petrol and gaseous fuel, is to be regarded as a vehicle that can only be fuelled with a gaseous fuel, so long as:

Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 do not apply to:

Paragraphs 2(a) and 2(b) do not apply to vehicles propelled by a 2-stroke engine.

Paragraph 2(c) does not apply to:

if the passenger car or other vehicle was not on the effective date, equipped with a catalyst exhaust emissions system, in which case paragraph 2(b) applies.

Paragraphs 2(c) and 2(d) do not apply to vehicles having an effective date before 1st January 1999 which are either:

Paragraphs 3 and 4(b) do not apply to vehicles fuelled solely by natural gas or to bi-fuelled vehicles when controlled to operate on natural gas.

Paragraph 4(c) does not apply to vehicles fuelled by liquid petroleum gas or natural gas.

The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.

An Approval issued to the most representative base vehicle remains valid irrespective of change in the reference mass.

The technical provisions of Section 5 of Annex I of Directive 70/221/EEC as amended by 2000/8/EC, with the exception of paragraphs 5.1, 5.2 and 5.12. No dripping test is to be performed.

Vehicles (except those not fitted for liquid fuels at normal ambient conditions) must comply with the requirements of paragraph 5.1.2. of Annex I to Directive 70/220/EEC as amended by 91/441/EEC.

For vehicles using gaseous fuels:

• ECE Regulation 67.01 for LPG

  Or

• ECE Regulation 110 for CNG

  Or

• ECE Regulation 115 for LPG or CNG retro-fit.

The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.

Directive 70/311/EEC, Annex I, paragraphs 4.1.1.2 and 4.2.1.1.2. do not apply to a steering control system designed to meet the needs of a driver with a physical disability.

All doors, provided on the vehicle for the entry and exit of occupants, must be designed so as to allow easy and safe use. Doors fitted to the side of a vehicle must have both intermediate and fully latched positions. However, latching in an intermediate position is not required if a safety-bolt with an audible warning device is provided as specified in paragraph 2(b) below. Door latches must be designed to prevent the doors from opening accidentally.

Where hinges are used on doors fitted to the side of a vehicle, other than folding doors, the hinges must be fitted at the front edge of the door. However, they may be fitted at the top or rear edge if either:

On hinged doors, the latch and striker assembly must be capable of withstanding any load which is likely to be applied in the course of normal driving (i.e. excluding crash impacts) in both the intermediate and fully latched positions. However if a safety-bolt with an audible warning device is provided as specified in paragraph 2(b) above, the requirement need be met only with the bolt in place.

Column 1, Paragraph 3 does not apply to doors which do not give direct access to a seat designed for normal use while a vehicle is travelling on a road. This includes any door, for which the longitudinal plane passing through the extreme inboard projecting point of such a door is more than 300mm distant from the longitudinal plane passing through the nearest edge of such a seat. For the purpose of this provision the seating position of a wheelchair is considered to be a seat.

The latching requirements in paragraphs 1 and 3 do not apply to any power-operated door if the force applied by the power actuator is sufficient to keep the door completely closed even when any load is applied as described in paragraph 3.

This item does not apply to doors meeting the technical requirements specified in paragraphs 7.6.4 to 7.6.6 or in paragraph 7.6.7 of Annex I to Directive 2001/85/EC.

Directive 71/127/EEC, Annex II, paragraph 1.4 does not apply.

Field of view requirements do not apply to optional mirrors.

The vehicle must comply with the requirements of paragraph 2.1 and 2.2 of Annex 1 of Directive 71/320/EEC as amended by Directive 98/12/EC; but in the application of that Annex (as so amended) for these purposes:

If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock device it must comply with paragraph 2.2.1.23 of 71/320/EEC as amended by Directive 98/12/EC.

The vehicle must comply with the requirements of paragraphs 2.2.1.11.1 and 2.2.1.11.2 of Directive 71/320/EEC as amended by Directive 98/12/EEC.

The secondary braking system and service braking system must have the same control.

The brake efficiency must be not less than:

The lateral brake distribution for the service braking system must:

The longitudinal brake distribution for the service braking system must, for all values of total braking force, vehicle speed and adjustment settings (if any), be greater than the ratio of the vertical forces transmitted to the road through the front and rear wheels respectively when the vehicle is in running order and being braked on a level surface.

The capacity of the braking system to absorb and dissipate energy must be sufficient to ensure that all the required aspects of braking performance can be maintained under all normal operating conditions of the vehicle, including long hill descents, taking account of the vehicle’s speed capability, weight and weight distribution.

Braking reaction time must comply with the requirements of paragraph 2.3 of Annex II to Directive 71/320/EEC as amended by Directive 98/12/EC.

The requirements in paragraph 1 for the driver to be able to operate the service braking system while keeping both hands on the steering control, and the secondary braking system while keeping at least one hand on the steering control, does not apply to a disabled person’s vehicle, so long as the vehicle is adapted for a disabled driver to enable him to control the steering at all times while operating either braking system.

Paragraph 5(b) has effect in the case of a vehicle having a secondary brake operated by a means other than a foot control as if for “50kg” and “70kg” respectively there were substituted “40kg” and “60kg”.

Paragraph 7 does not apply to a vehicle if the brakes acting on its rear wheels are fitted with an anti-lock device and were so fitted at the time of its manufacture except that this exemption shall not apply to:

The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.

If the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1st August 1979, when the engine by which it is propelled is subject to the free-acceleration test, the coefficient of absorption of the exhaust emissions from the engine immediately after leaving the exhaust must not exceed:

If the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1st July 2008, when the engine by which it is propelled is subject to the free-acceleration test, the coefficient of absorption of the exhaust emissions from the engine immediately after leaving the exhaust must not exceed 1.5 per metre.

No surface (other than a surface of a window) of the vehicle interior which can be contacted by a sphere of 165mm diameter and which is within the specified zone, may include any fittings (e.g. controls and instruments) or design features which have any dangerous roughness or sharp edges.

Switches and other controls mounted on the instrument panel which project by more than 9.5mm from the surface of the panel, can be contacted by a sphere of 165mm diameter and which are within the specified zone, must be so constructed and mounted that they would either retract into the surface of the panel or become detached from the panel when a horizontal force of 40kg is applied to them.

The lower edge of the instrument panel which is within the specified zone must be rounded to a radius of curvature of not less than 19mm, or if it is covered with non-rigid material, not less than 5mm.

The rearward and upward-facing parts of seat frames behind which there is a designated seating position, and which are within the head impact zone must be both covered with non-rigid material and have a radius of curvature of not less than 5mm.

The handbrake control in the fully released position and the gear-lever control in any forward gear position must not have any radius of curvature of less than 3.2mm on surfaces which can be contacted by a sphere of 165mm diameter.

Shelves and other similar items fitted below the level of the highest part of the instrument panel must be so constructed that their supports have no protruding edges and that all parts facing into the vehicle present a surface not less than 25mm high with edges rounded to a radius of curvature of not less than 3.2mm. This surface must also be covered with non-rigid material.

On that part of the inner surface of the roof which is situated above or forward of the occupants and can be contacted by a sphere of165mm diameter, the width of projecting parts made of rigid material must not be less than the length of their projection from the surface and their edges must have a radius of curvature of not less than 5mm. Roof sticks or ribs made of rigid material, with the exception of the header rail of the glazed surfaces and door frames, must not project downwards by more than 19mm.

Does not apply to a goods vehicle of category N₁.

Does not apply to any area inside a motor caravan, ambulance, or hearse which is not inside the head impact zone for any designated seating position for use during vehicle travel.

An armoured vehicle is exempted from any requirement of this item if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that it is impossible for the vehicle to comply due to its special purpose.

Paragraph 1 does not apply to:

Paragraph 1 does not apply to foot pedal controls.

Paragraphs 1 and 2 do not apply to any switches, controls or associated equipment designed for the use by a disabled driver and fitted in the driver’s position so long as any edges are blunted.

For the purpose of this item the seating position of a wheelchair is considered to be a seat.

Paragraph 5 does not apply to:

Paragraph 7 does not apply to parts covered with a non-rigid material; to the hood-frames of convertible vehicles; or to hood or tonneau cover press studs so long as they are blunted. For opening roofs, the requirements shall apply to parts, including devices for opening, closing and adjusting the roof, with the roof in the closed position.

Paragraph 1 (in so far as it relates to the surface of an instrument panel) and paragraph 2 do not apply to any vehicle if:

except that this exemption does not apply to:

as defined in Part 1 of this Schedule.

Either:

The vehicle must be fitted with some form of anti-theft device, that is to say, a mechanical anti-theft device or immobiliser or a combination of these (in addition to any key operated switch normally used to start the engine) that prevents the vehicle being driven or moved under its own power. Such device(s) shall comply with the following requirements:

Any alarm system or immobiliser, excluding a panic alarm specified in paragraph 4, fitted to a vehicle must comply with paragraph 1.

An optional panic alarm not forming part of an alarm system under paragraph 1 must comply with the following requirements:

For the purpose of column 1, paragraph 3, compliance may be demonstrated by:

The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.

No part of the steering control surface directed towards the driver which can be contacted by a sphere of 165mm in diameter may present any roughness or sharp edges with a radius of curvature of less than 2.5mm.

The steering control must be designed, constructed and fitted so as not to embody components or accessories, including the horn control and other assemblies, capable of catching in the driver’s clothing or jewellery in normal driving movement.

The steering control and column assembly as fitted to the vehicle or the steering control itself must offer a degree of protection to the driver in the event of a frontal impact by absorbing energy. This requirement shall be treated as met if either:

The vehicle must comply with the requirements of paragraph 5.1 of Annex 1 of Directive 74/297/EEC.

This item does not apply to:

Paragraph 1 does not apply to any vehicle if:

as defined in Part 1 of this Schedule.

The requirements of this item do not apply to a disabled person’s vehicle insofar as the adaptation prevents the vehicle from complying but this exception does not apply where such adaptations can easily be removed, if necessary with the use of tools, in which case evidence of compliance before the vehicle was adapted is required.

In the case of a motor caravan, ambulance or hearse, the requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.

In the case of a motor caravan, ambulance or hearse, the requirements in column 1 do not apply to seats intended for use solely while the vehicle is stationary and any such seats must be clearly identified to users by means of a pictogram or a sign with appropriate text.

This item does not apply to the anchorages of any seat designed for a disabled person, so long as such a seat is securely attached to the vehicle.

In the case of a wheelchair accessible vehicle:

The tests specified in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of Annex II to directive 74/408/EEC do not apply to a seat designed to provide a comparable level of safety.

The provisions of paragraph 2 of Article 1 to Directive 2005/39/EC do not apply.

The essential technical provisions of Directive 74/483/EEC as amended by Directive 79/488/EEC, Annex I, paragraphs 5, 6.2, 6.5.1, 6.11 and 6.14.

Handles, hinges, push buttons and fuel tank filler caps must not project more than 40 mm from the external surface unless they cannot under any circumstance project beyond the extreme outer edge of the vehicle, in which case they may project by up to 50 mm from the external surface. All handles must be enclosed in a protective surround or be recessed, unless they cannot in any circumstances project beyond the extreme outer edge of the vehicle.

The open ends of door handles which rotate parallel to the plane of the door must be turned back towards the plane of the door. Such open ends must be directed rearwards unless the handles cannot under any circumstances project beyond the extreme outer edge of the vehicle and at least one of the following requirements is met:

The open ends of handles, which pivot outwards in any direction, must face either rearwards or downwards, unless they have an independent return mechanism and cannot project more than 15 mm from the external surface should the return mechanism fail.

Does not apply to goods vehicles of category N₁ or multi-purpose vehicles which are classed as M₁ by virtue of paragraph 10 of Part 1 of this Schedule.

The requirements according to the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply to the cab.

Those parts of a motor caravan, ambulance or hearse, other than the driver’s cab, are exempt from any requirement of this item if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that it is impossible for the vehicle to comply due to its special purpose.

An armoured vehicle is exempt from any requirement of this item if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that it is impossible for the vehicle to comply due to its special purpose.

Does not apply to badges and other features of mass produced vehicles that cannot reasonably be removed or modified provided that such projections are blunted except that this exemption does not apply to:

as defined in Part 1 of this Schedule.

Hood or tonneau cover press studs fitted to a convertible vehicle so long as they are blunted.

The technical provisions of: Directive 75/443/EEC as amended by Directive 97/39/EC, Annex I and Annex II, paragraph 4.

The vehicle must be fitted with a speedometer capable of indicating speed in mph at uniform intervals not exceeding 20 mph at all speeds up to the maximum speed of the vehicle.

Annex II paragraphs 4.3 and 4.4 to Directive 75/443/EEC do not apply if the following requirements are met:

Annex II paragraph 4.2.1 to Directive 75/443/EEC applies only where the speedometer is marked in km/h.

The technical provisions of: Directive 76/114/EEC as amended by Directive 78/507/EEC.

Where the vehicle is the subject of a multi-stage build a plate is required on completion of each stage as appropriate. Information which has not changed from the base vehicle plate does not need to be marked on subsequent plates, except the vehicle identification number must be marked on every plate.

In the case of M₁ vehicles paragraphs 2.1.4 to 2.1.7 of the Annex to Directive 76/114/EEC do not apply.

Where a vehicle is mass produced the following may apply:

In the case of a motor caravan, ambulance, or hearse, with a maximum mass equal to or exceeding 2500kg the requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.

In the case of a motor caravan, ambulance, hearse, or other special purpose vehicle the requirements in column 1 do not apply to seats intended for use solely while the vehicle is stationary and any such seats must be clearly identified to users by means of a pictogram or a sign with appropriate text.

In the case of a motor caravan, ambulance, or hearse, at least anchorages for lap belts are required for all rear seating positions.

In the case of armoured vehicles exemption from any requirement of this item is permitted if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that it is impossible for the vehicle to comply due to its special purpose.

Tests need not be performed provided that the vehicle is designed to meet the strength characteristics equivalent to those needed to satisfy the requirements of this item.

The essential technical provisions of UNECE Regulation 48.03.

Dipped beam headlamps must be suitable for left hand rule of the road traffic.

Paragraphs 6.2.6.2 and 6.2.6.3 of UNECE Regulation 48.03 (headlamp levelling) do not apply except where dipped beam headlamps with light sources having an objective luminous flux which exceed 2000 lumen are fitted.

The requirements relating to S3 devices in paragraph 6.7 of UNECE Regulation 48.03 do not apply.

In the case of a rear direction indicator which is one of a number of lamps having a common housing and fitted to a left-hand drive vehicle, paragraph 6.5.4.1 of UNECE regulation 48 applies as if for “400 mm” there were substituted “480 mm”.

Exemption from one or more of the technical requirements is permitted for a special purpose vehicle where the special purpose makes it impossible to fully comply provided that all mandatory devices are installed and geometric visibility is unaffected.

For vehicles with a maximum mass equal to or exceeding 2500kg the requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply to the cab.

In the case of armoured vehicles exemption from any requirement of this item is permitted if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that it is impossible for the vehicle to comply due to its special purpose and provided that all mandatory lighting devices are installed and that the geometric visibility is not affected.

Paragraph 6.7.2.1 of UNECE Regulation 48.03 is to be read as if it also applied to M₁ and N₁ category vehicles.

In paragraph 5.15 of UNECE Regulation 48.03, the text specifying the colour of the side marker lamp is to be read as if the words following the word “red” were deleted.

Paragraph 6.3.4.1 of UNECE Regulation 48.03 does not apply.

Paragraphs 6.9.2 and 6.10.2 of UNECE Regulation 48.03 are to be read as if the word “two” were replaced by “two or four”.

In paragraph 5.15 of UNECE Regulation 48.03, the text specifying the colour of the end outline marker lamp is to be substituted by “white or amber in front, red at the rear”.

In the case of a left hand drive vehicle where the requirements of UNECE Regulation 48.03, paragraph 6.18.7 are met, paragraph 6.5.4.1 is amended so that for “400 mm”, representing the distance from the extreme edge of the vehicle, substitute “510 mm”

In the case of a left hand drive vehicle where the headlamp height above the ground as specified in paragraph 6.2.4.2 of UNECE Regulation 48.03 does not exceed 850mm, the requirement in paragraph 6.2.9 for headlamp cleaning does not apply.

In the case of a motor caravan, ambulance, or hearse, with a maximum mass equal to or exceeding 2500kg the requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.

In the case of a motor caravan, ambulance, hearse, or other special purpose vehicle the requirements in column 1 do not apply to seats intended for use solely while the vehicle is stationary and any such seats must be clearly identified to users by means of a pictogram or a sign with appropriate text.

In the case of a motor caravan, ambulance, or hearse, at least lap belts are required for all rear seating positions.

In the case of armoured vehicles exemption from any requirement of this item is permitted if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that it is impossible for the vehicle to comply due to its special purpose.

This item does not apply to an adult belt fitted to a vehicle, if the belt provides a level of safety equivalent to that provided by an adult belt which complies with the requirements of column 1.

Seat belts which have been specially designed or adapted for use by an adult or young person who has a physical or mental impairment, and intended for use solely by such person are exempt.

(Note: Seat belt anchorages for such belts shall satisfy the requirements of item 19.)

A seat belt bearing an approval mark in accordance with column 1 may be fitted, whether or not the seat belt has been type approved for the anchorages to which it is fitted, provided that the seat belt complies with the installation requirements of column 1.

Does not apply to a vehicle of category N₁.

Paragraph 3 of Annex I to directive 78/549/EEC does not apply.

The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.

Does not apply to a vehicle of category N1.

Does not apply to head restraints which comply with item 15.

In the case of a motor caravan, ambulance, or hearse, with a maximum mass equal to or exceeding 2500kg the requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.

In the case of a motor caravan, ambulance, hearse, or other special purpose vehicle:

Does not apply to a seat which is a wheelchair.

The technical provisions of Directive 88/77/EEC as amended by Directive 91/542/EEC Row B limit values.

Vehicles manufactured on or after 1st October 2001:

Directive 88/77/EEC as amended by Directive 99/96/EC

Row A limit values.

Vehicles manufactured on or after 1st October 2006:

Directive 88/77/EEC as amended by Directive 99/96/EC

Row B1 limit values.

Vehicles manufactured on or after 1st October 2009:

Directive 88/77/EEC as amended by Directive 99/96/EC

Row B2 limit values.

Does not apply to vehicles approved under item 2 or, in the case of a compression ignition engine, item 11.

The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.

Modification of exhaust system length after the last silencer is permissible without any further test.

In the case of armoured vehicles exemption from any requirement of this item is permitted if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that it is impossible for the vehicle to comply due to its special purpose.

Does not apply to a goods vehicle of category N₁.

For motor caravans, in paragraph 3.1.1.2 of Annex II to Directive 92/21, for “2500mm” substitute “2600mm”.

Paragraphs 3.1.1.3 and 3.3.3 of Annex II to Directive 92/21/EEC do not apply.

In the case of wheelchair accessible vehicles, for the purpose of calculations, the mass of the wheelchair including the user is assumed to be 100 kg. The mass must be concentrated at the H point of the three dimensional machine.

Annex V of Directive 92/23/EEC as amended by 2005/11/EC does not apply to vehicles manufactured before 1st October 2011.

The requirements of column 1 do not apply to a tyre fitted to a vehicle, if the tyre provides a level of safety equivalent to a tyre that meets the requirements of column 1 which refer to the “component” element.

Does not apply to a passenger vehicle of category M₁.

Directive 97/27/EC, Annex I, paragraphs 7.5, 7.8.3, 7.9, 7.10 and 7.11 do not apply.

In the case of a wheelchair accessible vehicle, irrespective of mass, or a motor caravan, ambulance or hearse with a maximum mass equal to or exceeding 2500kg the requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.

Does not apply to couplings fitted as original equipment to mass produced vehicles which are compatible with trailer coupling devices complying with requirements of column 1.

All aspects of the design and construction of the vehicle and its equipment which are not covered by other subject matters in this Schedule, must be such that no danger is caused or likely to be caused to any person in the vehicle or on a road.

In particular, under all normal conditions likely to be encountered while the vehicle is being driven on a road, including when the vehicle is loaded to its maximum gross weight and the axle weight of any one axle equals its maximum permitted axle weight: