UNITED

NATIONS

Distr.

Economic and Social GENERAL

Council TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.1/Amend.2
16 April 1999

ENGLISH
Original: ENGLISH and
FRENCH

ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE

INLAND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE

Working Party on the Construction of Vehicles

CONSOLIDATED RESOLUTION ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF VEHICLES (R.E.3)

Revision 1 - Amendment 2

Annex 7/Rev.2 - CLASSIFICATION AND DEFINITION OF POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLES

AND TRAILERS

Note: The text reproduced below contains revision 2 of annex 7. */ It is

based on document TRANS/WP.29/1999/15, as corrected (Russian only), which was
adopted by the Working Party on the Construction of Vehicles at its
one-hundred-and-seventeenth session (TRANS/WP.29/663, paras. 91 and 92).

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*/ Annex 7/Rev.1 is contained in document TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.1 and it had

been based on document TRANS/SC1/WP29/78/Amend.3.

GE.99-21425
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Annex 7

CLASSIFICATION AND DEFINITION OF POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLES AND TRAILERS

1. CATEGORY L - MOTOR VEHICLES WITH LESS THAN FOUR WHEELS

1.1. Category L1:

A two-wheeled vehicle with an engine cylinder capacity in the case of

a thermic engine not exceeding 50 cm3 and whatever the means of
propulsion a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h.

1.2. Category L2:

A three-wheeled vehicle of any wheel arrangement with an engine

cylinder capacity in the case of a thermic engine not exceeding 50 cm3
and whatever the means of propulsion a maximum design speed not
exceeding 50 km/h.

1.3. Category L3:

A two-wheeled vehicle with an engine cylinder capacity in the case of

a thermic engine exceeding 50 cm3 or whatever the means of propulsion a
maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h.

1.4. Category L4:

A vehicle with three wheels asymmetrically arranged in relation to the

longitudinal median plane with an engine cylinder capacity in the case
of a thermic engine exceeding 50 cm3 or whatever the means of
propulsion a maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h (motor cycles with
sidecars).

1.5. Category L5:

A vehicle with three wheels symmetrically arranged in relation to the

longitudinal median plane with an engine cylinder capacity in the case
of a thermic engine exceeding 50 cm3 or whatever the means of
propulsion a maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h.

2. CATEGORY M - POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLES HAVING AT LEAST FOUR WHEELS AND

USED FOR THE CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS

2.1. Category M1:

Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers and comprising not more
than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat (see also
paragraph 8.1. below).
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2.2. Category M2:

Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than

eight seats in addition to the driver's seat, and having a maximum
mass not exceeding 5 tonnes.

2.3. Category M3:

Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than

eight seats in addition to the driver's seat, and having a maximum
mass exceeding 5 tonnes.

2.4. Vehicles of category M2 and M3 belong to:

(i) one or more of the three classes (Class I, Class II, Class III)
in accordance with Regulations Nos. 36 and 107.

(ii) one of the two classes (Class A, Class B) in accordance with

Regulation No. 52.

2.4.1. Class I:

Vehicles constructed with areas for standing passengers, to allow

frequent passenger movement.

2.4.2. Class II:

Vehicles constructed principally for the carriage of seated

passengers, and designed to allow the carriage of standing passengers
in the gangway and/or in an area which does not exceed the space
provided for two double seats.

2.4.3. Class III:

Vehicles constructed exclusively for the carriage of seated

passengers.

2.4.4. Class A:

Vehicles designed to carry standing passengers; a vehicle of this

class has seats and may have provisions for standing passengers.

2.4.5. Class B:

Vehicles not designed to carry standing passengers; a vehicle of this

class has no provision for standing passengers.

2.5. Remarks.

2.5.1. ”Articulated bus or coach” is a vehicle which consists of two or more

rigid sections which articulate relative to one another; the
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passengers compartments of each section intercommunicate so that

passengers can move freely between them; the rigid sections are
permanently connected so that they can only be separated by an
operation involving facilities which are normally only found in a
workshop.

2.5.2. Articulated buses or coaches comprising two ore more non-separable but
articulated units shall be considered as single vehicles.

2.5.3. In the case of a towing vehicle designed to be coupled to a

semitrailer (tractor for semitrailer), the mass to be considered for
classifying the vehicle is the mass of the tractor vehicle in running
trim, increased by the mass corresponding to the maximum static
vertical load transferred to the tractor vehicle by the semitrailer
and, where applicable, by the maximum mass of the tractor vehicle's
own load.

2.5.4. “Mass of a vehicle in running order” means the mass of an unladen

vehicle with bodywork, and with coupling device in the case of a
towing vehicle, or the mass of the chassis with cab if the
manufacturer does not fit the bodywork and/or coupling device,
including coolant, oils, 90 per cent of fuel, 100 per cent of other
liquids except used waters, tools, spare wheel, driver (75 kg) and,
for buses and coaches, the mass of the crew member (75 kg) if there is
a crew seat in the vehicle.

3. CATEGORY N - POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLES HAVING AT LEAST FOUR WHEELS AND

USED FOR THE CARRIAGE OF GOODS

3.1. Category N1:

Vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass not
exceeding 3.5 tonnes.

3.2. Category N2:

Vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass
exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes.

3.3. Category N3:

Vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass
exceeding 12 tonnes.

3.4. Remarks

3.4.1. In the case of a towing vehicle designed to be coupled to a

semitrailer (tractor for semitrailer), the mass to be considered for
classifying the vehicle is the mass of the tractor vehicle in running
trim, increased by the mass corresponding to the maximum static
vertical load transferred to the tractor vehicle by the semitrailer
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and, where applicable, by the maximum mass of the tractor vehicle's

own load.

3.4.2. The equipment and installations carried on certain special purpose

vehicles (crane vehicles, workshop vehicles, publicity vehicles, etc.)
are regarded as being equivalent to goods.

4. CATEGORY O - TRAILERS (INCLUDING SEMITRAILERS)

4.1. Category O1:

Trailers with a maximum mass not exceeding 0.75 tonnes.

4.2. Category O2:

Trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 0.75 tonnes, but not exceeding
3.5 tonnes.

4.3. Category O3:

Trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes, but not exceeding
10 tonnes.

4.4. Category O4:

Trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 10 tonnes.

4.5. Furthermore, trailers of categories O2, O3 end O4 are of one of the

three following types:

4.5.1. 'Semitrailer':

A towed vehicle, in which the axle(s) is (are) positioned behind the

centre of gravity of the vehicle (when uniformly loaded), and which is
equipped with a connecting device permitting horizontal and vertical
forces to be transmitted to the towing vehicle.
One or more of the axles may be driven by the towing vehicle.

4.5.2. 'Full trailer':

A towed vehicle having at least two axles, and equipped with a towing
device which can move vertically (in relation to the trailer) and
controls the direction of the front axle(s), but which transmits no
significant static load to the towing vehicle.
One or more of the axles may be driven by the towing vehicle.

4.5.3. 'Centre-axle trailer':

A towed vehicle, equipped with a towing device which cannot move

vertically (in relation to the trailer) and in which the axle(s) is
(are) positioned close to the centre of gravity of the vehicle (when
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uniformly loaded) such that only a small static vertical load, not
exceeding 10 per cent of that corresponding to the maximum mass of the
trailer or a load of 1,000 daN (whichever is the lesser) is
transmitted to the towing vehicle.
One or more of the axles may be driven by the towing vehicle.

4.6. Remark.

In the case of a semitrailer or centre-axle trailer, the maximum mass

to be considered for classifying the trailer corresponds to the static
vertical load transmitted to the ground by the axle or axles of the
semitrailer or centre-axle trailer when coupled to the towing vehicle
and carrying its maximum load.

5. Special purpose vehicle:

A vehicle of category M, N or O for conveying passengers or goods and

for performing a special function for which special body arrangements
and/or equipment are necessary.

5.1. Motor caravan:

A special purpose M1 category vehicle constructed to include

accommodation space which contains at least the following equipment:

(i) seats and table

(ii) sleeping accommodation which may be converted from the seats
(iii) cooking facilities, and
(iv) storage facilities

This equipment shall be rigidly fixed to the living compartment;

however, the table may be designed to be easily removable.

5.2. Armoured vehicle:

Vehicle intended for the protection of conveyed passengers and/or

goods and complying with armour plating anti-bullet requirements.

5.3. Ambulance:

Motor vehicle of category M intended for the transport of sick or

injured people and having special equipment for such purpose.

5.4. Hearse:

Motor vehicle intended for the transport of deceased people and having
special equipment for such purpose.
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6. CATEGORY T - AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY TRACTORS

'Agricultural and forestry tractor':

A power-driven vehicle, either wheeled or tracklaying, which has at

least two-axles, whose function depends essentially on its tractive
power, and which is specially designed to pull, push, carry or actuate
certain implements, machines or trailers intended for use in
agriculture or forestry.
Such a tractor may be arranged to carry a load and attendants.

7. CATEGORY G - OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

7.1. Definition.

Off-road vehicles are considered to be the vehicles of categories M

and N satisfying the requirements of this paragraph, checked under the
conditions indicated in paragraphs 6.2. and 6.3.

7.1.1. Vehicles in category N1 with a maximum mass not exceeding 2 tonnes and
vehicles in category M1 are considered to be off-road vehicles if they
have:

at least one front axle and at least one rear axle designed to be
driven simultaneously including vehicles where the drive to one axle
can be disengaged;

at least one differential locking mechanism or at least one mechanism

having a similar effect and

if they can climb a 30 per cent gradient calculated for a solo

vehicle.

In addition, they must satisfy a least five of the following six

requirements:

the approach angle must be at least 25E;

the departure angle must be at least 20E;
the ramp angle must be at least 20E;
the ground clearance under the front axle must be at least 180 mm;
the ground clearance under the rear axle must be at least 180 mm;
the ground clearance between the axles must be at least 200 mm.

7.1.2. Vehicles in category N1 with a maximum mass exceeding 2 tonnes or in

category N2, M2 or M3 with a maximum mass not exceeding 12 tonnes are
considered to be off-road vehicles either if all their wheels are
designed to be driven simultaneously, including vehicles where the
drive to one axle can be disengaged, or if the following three
requirements are satisfied:
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at least one front axle and at least one rear axle are designed to be
driven simultaneously, including vehicles where the drive to one axle
can be disengaged;

there is at least one differential locking mechanism or at least one

mechanism having a similar effect;

they can climb a 25 per cent gradient calculated for a solo vehicle.

7.1.3. Vehicles in category M3 with a maximum mass exceeding 12 tonnes or in

category N3 are considered to be off-road either if the wheels are
designed to be driven simultaneously, including vehicles where the
drive to one axle can be disengaged, or if the following requirements
are satisfied:

at least half the wheels are driven;

there is at least one differential locking mechanism or at least one

mechanism having a similar effect;

they can climb a 25 per cent gradient calculated for a solo vehicle;

at least four of the following six requirements are satisfied:

the approach angle must be at least 25E;

the departure angle must be at least 25E;
the ramp angle must be at least 25E;
the ground clearance under the front axle must be at least 250 mm;
the ground clearance between the axles must be at least 300 mm;
the ground clearance under the rear axle must be at least 250 mm.

7.2. Load and checking conditions.

7.2.1. Vehicles in category N1 with a maximum mass not exceeding two tonnes
and vehicles in category M1 must be in running order, namely with
coolant fluid, lubricants, fuel, tools, spare-wheel and a driver
considered to weigh a standard 75 kilograms.

7.2.2. Power-driven vehicles other than those referred to in paragraph 6.2.1.

must be loaded to the technically permissible maximum mass stated by
the manufacturer.

7.2.3. The ability to climb the required gradients (25 per cent and 30 per
cent) is verified by simple calculation.
In exceptional cases, however, the technical services may ask for a
vehicle of the type concerned to be submitted to it for an actual
test.

7.2.4. When measuring front and rear incidence angles and ramp angles, no
account is taken of underrun protective devices.
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7.3. Definitions and sketches of front and rear incidence angles, ramp
angle and ground clearance.

7.3.1. ‘Approach angle’ - see Standard ISO 612:1978, term No. 6.10.

7.3.2. 'Departure angle’ - see Standard ISO 612:1978, term No. 6.11.

7.3.3. 'Ramp angle' - see Standard ISO 612:1978, term No. 6.9.
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7.3.4. “Ground clearance between the axles” means the shortest distance
between the ground plane and the lowest fixed point of the vehicle.
Multi-axle bogies are considered to be a single axle.

7.3.5. “Ground clearance beneath one axle” means the distance beneath the
highest point of the arc of a circle passing through the centre of the
tyre footprint of the wheels on one axle (the inner wheels in the case
of twin tyres) and touching the lowest fixed point of the vehicle
between the wheels.
No rigid part of the vehicle may project into the shaded area of the
diagram.
Where appropriate, the ground clearance of several axles is indicated
in accordance with their arrangement, for example 280/250/250.

7.4. Combined designation.

Symbols M and N may be combined with symbol G.

For example, a vehicle of category N1 which is suited for off-road use
may be designated as N1G.
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8. DEFINITION OF TYPE OF BODYWORK (only for complete/completed vehicles)

The type of bodywork may be indicated by the following codification:

8.1. Passenger cars (M1)

AA Saloon:
Standard ISO 3833:1977, term No. 3.1.1.1., but including also vehicles
with more than 4 side windows.

AB Hatchback:
Saloon (AA) with a hatch at the rear end of the vehicle.

AC Station Wagon (Estate car):

Standard ISO 3833:1977, term No. 3.1.1.4.

AD Coupé:
Standard ISO 3833:1977, term No. 3.1.1.5.

AE Convertible:
Standard ISO 3833:1977, term No. 3.1.1.6.

AF Multi-purpose vehicle:
Motor vehicle other than those mentioned in AA to AC intended for
carrying passengers and their luggage or goods, in a single
compartment. However, if such a vehicle meets both of the following
conditions it is not considered to be a vehicle of category M1:

1. The number of seating positions, excluding the driver, is

not more than 6.

1.1. A “seating position” shall be regarded as existing if the

vehicle is provided with “accessible” seat anchorages.

1.1.1. “Accessible” shall mean those anchorages which can be used.

In order to prevent anchorages being “accessible”, the
manufacturer shall physically obstruct their use, for
example by welding over cover plates or by fitting similar
permanent fixtures which cannot be removed by use of
normally available tools.

and

2. P - (M + N x 68) > N x 68

where:

P = technically permissible maximum laden mass in kg

M = mass in running order in kg
N = number of seating positions excluding the driver
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8.2. Special purpose vehicles (M1)

SA Motor caravan: see paragraph 5.1.

SB Armoured vehicle: see paragraph 5.2.

SC Ambulance: see paragraph 5.3.

SD Hearse: see paragraph 5.4.

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