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The Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2020

Type Statutory-Instrument

Publication 2020-08-03

Last updated 2025-11-01

State In force

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(ii) having previously been registered under the 1994 Act, structurally modified,

for the personal use of a person (R) who is a relevant individual, and

(b) the whole, or a substantial part, of the construction, assembly or modification was carried out—

(i) by R,

(ii) by one or more relevant individuals acting on behalf, and under the direction, of R, or

(iii) by R and one or more relevant individuals acting on behalf, and under the direction, of R.

(2) For the purposes of this paragraph, a relevant individual in relation to a motor vehicle is an individual who does not, at any time during the period when the construction or assembly of the vehicle was being carried out, carry on a business in the course of which motor vehicles are normally constructed, assembled or modified.

7

(1) A vehicle is a vehicle manufactured in very low volume if the condition in sub-paragraph (2) is satisfied.

(2) The condition is that the total number of vehicles of the family of types to which the vehicle in question belongs which are manufactured in the world during any period of 12 months falling within the period of 36 months immediately preceding the month in which the vehicle was manufactured does not exceed 500.

8

A vehicle is a vehicle manufactured using parts of a registered vehicle if—

(a) it is constructed or assembled by a person carrying on a business in the course of which motor vehicles are normally constructed or assembled,

(b) it is equipped with an engine which has previously been used as the engine of another vehicle which had been registered under the 1994 Act or any earlier Act providing for the licensing and registration of mechanically propelled vehicles, and

(i) chassis,

(ii) body,

(iii) suspension,

(iv) an axle,

(v) transmission, or

(vi) steering assembly.

9

(1) A vehicle is a rebuilt vehicle if it—

(a) is a vehicle to which the approval authority is required to assign a vehicle identification number,

(b) is not an amateur built vehicle or a vehicle manufactured using parts of a registered vehicle, and

(c) has been rebuilt using a replacement chassis, or an integral chassis body, which is of the same design and construction as that of the original vehicle and which—

(i) was supplied for the purpose without having been previously used, or

(ii) previously formed part of a vehicle registered under the 1994 Act or any earlier Act providing for the licensing and registration of mechanically propelled vehicles.

(2) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) the approval authority is required to assign a vehicle identification number to a vehicle where it appears to the authority upon receipt of an application under regulation 18 that the vehicle does not have a vehicle identification number which—

(a) satisfies the requirements set out in paragraph 3 of the Annex to Council Directive 76/114/EEC ,

(b) has previously been assigned under this Schedule, or

(c) if it does not fall within paragraph (a) or (b), is adequate for the purpose of enabling the vehicle to be identified.

10

For the purpose of determining whether a multi-purpose vehicle falls into category M₁ or N, if the manufacturer so requests a vehicle which has—

(a) 4 or more seats,

(b) a load area not exceeding 40% of its length, and

may be categorised as M₁.

PART 2 — Requirements for Part 2 vehicles

CHAPTER 1

Column 1 Requirement	Column 2 Definitions and supplementary provisions	Column 3 Exemptions and modifications
1 Noise	1 Noise	1 Noise
1 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.	For the purposes of this item “S” means the rotational speed at which maximum power is produced.	Paragraph 1 only applies to vehicles fitted with an internal combustion engine as part of the propulsion system for the vehicle.
2 When— (a) the vehicle is held stationary on a level surface such that there is an unobstructed area not less than 3 metres wide all around the vehicle, and (b) the engine by which the vehicle is propelled is run at a constant rotational speed of 3/4S, the noise measured at 0.5 metres from the exhaust outlet at 45 degrees to the axis of the outlet pipe in a horizontal plane, must not exceed 99dB(A).	For the purposes of this item “S” means the rotational speed at which maximum power is produced.	Paragraph 1 only applies to vehicles fitted with an internal combustion engine as part of the propulsion system for the vehicle.
2 Light Duty Emissions	2 Light Duty Emissions	2 Light Duty Emissions
1 The vehicle must not emit any avoidable smoke or avoidable visible vapour.	“the emissions publication” has the same meaning as in paragraph 7(b) of Schedule 7B of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986¹¹⁴;	1 Does not apply to vehicles approved to item 41.
2 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— (a) if the vehicle has an effective date before 1st August 1986, 4.5%; (b) if the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1st August 1986 and is not a vehicle described in sub-paragraph (c) or (d) below, 3.5%; (c) if the vehicle is of a description mentioned in the Annex to the emissions publication and is either— (i) a passenger car having effective date on or after August 1992, or (ii) any other vehicle having an effective date on or after 1st August 1994, the relevant percentage; (d) if the vehicle is not of a description mentioned in the Annex to the emissions publication and is— (i) a passenger car having an effective date on or after 1st August 1995 or any other vehicle having an effective date on or after 1st August 1995 or any other vehicle having an effective date on or after 1st August 1997, 0.5% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume; (ii) a passenger car or any other vehicle having an effective date on or after 1st September 2002, 0.3% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume.	“fast idling speed” means, in the case of a vehicle of a description mentioned in the Annex to the emissions publication, a rotational speed between the minimum and maximum limits shown against that description of vehicle in columns 3(e) and (f) respectively of that Annex;	2 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— (a) the petrol system is fitted for emergency purposes only, and (b) the petrol tank cannot contain more than 15 litres of petrol.
3 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;	“the lambda value” means the ratio by mass of air to petrol vapour in the mixture entering the combustion chambers divided by 14.7;	3 Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 do not apply to— (a) vehicles not propelled by a spark ignition engine; (b) vehicles having an effective date before 1st August 1975; (c) vehicles having an effective date before 1st August 1987 and propelled by a rotary piston engine.
4 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— (a) the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.3% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (b) if the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1st September 2002, the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.2% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (c) the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.02% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, and (d) the lambda value must be between the relevant limits.	“normal idling speed” means in the case of a vehicle of a description mentioned in the Annex to the emissions publication, a rotational speed between the minimum and maximum limits shown against that description of vehicle in columns 2(b) and 2(c) respectively of that Annex;	4 Paragraphs 2(a) and 2(b) do not apply to vehicles propelled by a 2-stroke engine.
4 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— (a) the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.3% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (b) if the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1st September 2002, the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.2% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (c) the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.02% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, and (d) the lambda value must be between the relevant limits.	“passenger car” means a motor vehicle which— (a) is constructed or adapted for use for the carriage of passengers and is not a goods vehicle, (b) has not more than five seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and (c) has a weight not exceeding 2500kg maximum gross;	5 Paragraph 2(c) does not apply to— (a) a passenger car having an effective date on or after 1st August 1992 and before 1st August 1995; (b) any other vehicle having an effective date on or after 1st August 1994 and before 1st August 1997, 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.
4 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— (a) the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.3% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (b) if the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1st September 2002, the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.2% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (c) the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.02% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, and (d) the lambda value must be between the relevant limits.	“relevant limits” means— (a) in the case of a vehicle of a description mentioned in the Annex to the emissions publication, the minimum and maximum limits shown against that description of vehicle in columns 3(c) and 3(d) respectively of that Annex, or (b) in any other case, 0.97 and 1.03;	6 Paragraphs 2(c) and 2(d) do not apply to vehicles having an effective date before 1st January 1999 which are either— (a) fuelled solely by either liquid petroleum gas or natural gas, or (b) bi-fuelled vehicles when controlled to operate on either of those gases.
4 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— (a) the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.3% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (b) if the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1st September 2002, the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.2% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (c) the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.02% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, and (d) the lambda value must be between the relevant limits.	“relevant percentage” means, in the case of a vehicle of a description mentioned in the Annex to the emissions publication, the percentage shown against that description of vehicle in column 1(a) of that Annex; and	7 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.
4 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— (a) the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.3% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (b) if the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1st September 2002, the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.2% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (c) the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.02% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, and (d) the lambda value must be between the relevant limits.	“rotary piston engine” means an engine in which the torque is provided by means of one or more rotary pistons and not by any reciprocating piston; and any rotary piston engine is deemed to be a four-stroke engine.	8 In the case of a completed vehicle, the requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
4 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— (a) the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.3% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (b) if the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1st September 2002, the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.2% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (c) the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.02% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, and (d) the lambda value must be between the relevant limits.	“rotary piston engine” means an engine in which the torque is provided by means of one or more rotary pistons and not by any reciprocating piston; and any rotary piston engine is deemed to be a four-stroke engine.	9 An approval issued to the most representative base vehicle remains valid irrespective of change in the reference mass.
4 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— (a) the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.3% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (b) if the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1st September 2002, the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.2% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, (c) the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust emissions from the engine must not exceed 0.02% of the total exhaust emissions from the engine by volume, and (d) the lambda value must be between the relevant limits.	“rotary piston engine” means an engine in which the torque is provided by means of one or more rotary pistons and not by any reciprocating piston; and any rotary piston engine is deemed to be a four-stroke engine.	10 A Combined CO₂ figure may be determined by the Secretary of State using such information as the Secretary of State sees fit.
3A Fuel Tanks	3A Fuel Tanks	3A Fuel Tanks
1 The technical provisions of Section 5 of Annex I of Directive 70/221/EEC as last amended by Directive 2000/8/EC¹¹⁵, with the exception of paragraphs 5.1, 5.2 and 5.12. No dripping test is to be performed.		In the case of a vehicle manufactured on or before 1st May 2009 the requirement in paragraph 5.9.1 for a tank cap to be fixed to the filler pipe does not apply.
2 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/EEC¹¹⁶ as last amended by Directive 91/441/EEC¹¹⁷.		In the case of a vehicle manufactured on or before 1st May 2009 the requirement in paragraph 5.9.1 for a tank cap to be fixed to the filler pipe does not apply.
3 For vehicles using gaseous fuels: UNECE Regulation 67.01 for LPG, UNECE Regulation 110 for CNG, UNECE Regulation 115 for LPG or CNG retro-fit, or the technical provisions of Regulation (EC) No 79/2009 or UNECE Regulation 134 for hydrogen.		In the case of a vehicle manufactured on or before 1st May 2009 the requirement in paragraph 5.9.1 for a tank cap to be fixed to the filler pipe does not apply.
4 Rear Registration Plate Space	4 Rear Registration Plate Space	4 Rear Registration Plate Space
The technical provisions of Directive 70/222/EEC, or space must be provided for a registration place meeting the requirements of the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001.
5 Steering Effort	5 Steering Effort	5 Steering Effort
The technical provisions of paragraphs 4 and 5 of Annex I to Directive 70/311/EEC as last amended by Directive 1999/7/EC, or in the case of a Manual or Power Assisted System, a test to ensure no obvious defect or undue stiffness is evident.	“Manual or Power Assisted System” means a system that will operate in the event of failure of any power supply or assistance.	1 The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
The technical provisions of paragraphs 4 and 5 of Annex I to Directive 70/311/EEC as last amended by Directive 1999/7/EC, or in the case of a Manual or Power Assisted System, a test to ensure no obvious defect or undue stiffness is evident.	“Manual or Power Assisted System” means a system that will operate in the event of failure of any power supply or assistance.	2 Directive 70/311/EEC, Annex 1, 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.
6 Door latches and Hinges	6 Door latches and Hinges	6 Door latches and Hinges
1 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 the 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 the paragraph 2(b) below. Door latches must be designed to prevent the doors from opening accidentally.	For the purposes of this item, “longitudinal plane” means a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of a vehicle.	1 Column 1, paragraph 2 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.
2 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— (a) a device is fitted which automatically closes the door at least to the intermediate latched position if it is unlatched when the vehicle is moving in the forward direction, or (b) a safety-bolt is fitted to prevent such unlatching and an audible or visual warning device is provided which activates an audible warning if the vehicle is driven without the bolt in place.	For the purposes of this item, “longitudinal plane” means a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of a vehicle.	2 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.
3 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.	For the purposes of this item, “longitudinal plane” means a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of a vehicle.	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.
7 Audible Warning	7 Audible Warning	7 Audible Warning
The vehicle must be fitted with an audible warning device which when operated emits a continuous uniform sound capable of giving audible warning of the approach position of the vehicle to which it is fitted.	For the purposes of this item an “audible warning device” does not include a bell, gong or siren.
8 Indirect Vision	8 Indirect Vision	8 Indirect Vision
The essential technical provisions of Directive 71/127/EEC as last amended by Directive 88/321/EEC		1 Directive 71/127/EEC, Annex II, paragraph 1.4 does not apply.
The essential technical provisions of Directive 71/127/EEC as last amended by Directive 88/321/EEC		2 Field of view requirements do not apply to optional mirrors.
9 Braking	9 Braking	9 Braking
1 The vehicle must comply with the requirements of paragraph 2.1 and 2.2 of Annex I of Directive 71/320/EEC as last amended by Directive 98/12/EC; but in the application of that Annex (as so amended) for these purposes— (a) the second sentence of paragraph 2.2.1.2.4 does not apply, (b) paragraph 2.2.1.4.2 does not apply in relation to a vehicle which is fitted with a braking system having a split-circuit transmission which enables braking of not less than one wheel on each side of the vehicle, in the event of failure in a part of the transmission of the service braking system, and (c) paragraph 2.2.1.5.1 applies as if for the last sentence there were substituted the words “This condition must be met by automatic means”.	For the purpose of this item— “anti-lock device” has the same meaning as in Directive 71/320/EEC as amended by Directive 98/12/EC;	1 The requirements in paragraph 1 for the driver to be able to operate the service braking system which 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, as 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.
2 If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock device it must comply with paragraph 2.2.1.23 of Directive 71/320/EEC as last amended by Directive 98/12/EC.	“brake efficiency” means maximum total brake force expressed as a percentage of the maximum gross weight;	2 Paragraph 5(b) has effect in the case of a vehicle having a secondary brake operated by means other than a foot control as if for “50 kg” and “70 kg” respectively there were substituted “40 kg” and “60 kg”.
3 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 last amended by Directive 98/12/EEC.	“braking system”, “control”, “transmission”, “service braking system”, “secondary braking system” and “parking braking system”, have the same meanings respectively as in Directive 71/320/EEC as amended by Directive 98/12/EC;	3 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— (a) an amateur-built vehicle, (b) a vehicle manufactured using parts of a registered vehicle, and (c) a rebuilt vehicle.
4 The secondary braking system and service braking system must have the same control.	“in running order” means— (a) with all fluids (such as oils and engine coolant) necessary for the vehicle to be driven, with the fuel tanks full, and having a spare wheel and a tool kit, (b) carrying a driver weighing 68kg, and (c) not carrying any other load or passengers.	(4) The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
5 The brake efficiency must not be less than— (a) for the service braking system— (i) in the case of a passenger vehicle, 60%, or (ii) in the case of a good vehicle, 50%; (b) for the secondary braking system, in the case when the servo-assistance provided for the service braking (if any) fails and a force is applied to the control— (i) in the case of a passenger vehicle, 25% when the force applied is 50kg, or (ii) in the case of a goods vehicle, 25% when the force applied is 70kg, (c) for the parking braking system, 18%.	“lateral brake distribution”, in relation to an axle, means the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the lower to higher of the braking forces transmitted by the tyres to the road surface for two wheels, on opposite sides of the vehicle on the same axle;	(4) The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
6 The lateral brake distribution for the service braking system must— (a) in relation to each steering axle, and (b) for all values of total breaking force and vehicle speed, be not less than 70%.	“longitudinal brake distribution” means the ratio of the braking forces transmitted by the tyres to the road surface through the front and rear wheels respectively when the vehicle is in running order and being braked on a level surface;	(4) The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
7 The longitudinal brake distribution for the service braking system must, for all values of total breaking 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.	“maximum total brake force” means the total braking force when the brakes are fully applied;	(4) The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
8 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.	“servo-assistance” means an energy supply which supplements the muscular energy of the driver;	(4) The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
9 Braking reaction time must comply with the requirements of paragraph 2.3 of Annex II to Directive 71/320/EEC as last amended by Directive 98/12/EC.	“total braking force” means the total of the braking forces transmitted by the tyres to the road surface when the brakes are applied.	(4) The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
10 Electro-magnetic Compatibility	10 Electro-magnetic Compatibility	10 Electro-magnetic Compatibility
The vehicle must comply with the essential technical requirements of paragraph 6 of Annex I to Directive 72/245/EEC as last amended by Directive 89/491/EEC¹¹⁸.
11 Diesel Smoke	11 Diesel Smoke	11 Diesel Smoke
1 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— (a) if the engine of the vehicle is turbo-charged, 3.0 per metre, or (b) in any other case, 2.5 per metre.	For the purposes of this item— “co-efficient of absorption” shall be construed in accordance with paragraph 3.5 of Annex VII to Directive 72/306/EEC¹¹⁹;	This item— (a) applies only to vehicles propelled by a compression ignition engine; (b) does not apply to a vehicle which complies with item 41.
2 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 co-efficient of absorption of the exhaust emissions from the engine immediately after leaving the exhaust must not exceed 1.5 per metre.	“free acceleration” has the same meaning as in Annex II to Directive 77/143/EEC¹²⁰ as last amended by Directive 92/55/EEC¹²¹;	This item— (a) applies only to vehicles propelled by a compression ignition engine; (b) does not apply to a vehicle which complies with item 41.
3 If the vehicle has an effective date on or after 1st September 2018, when the engine is subject to the free-acceleration test, the co-efficient of absorption of the exhaust emissions from the engine immediately after leaving the exhaust must not exceed 0.7 per metres or the plate value (if any), whichever is lower.	“plate value” means the co-efficient of absorption specified either on the vehicle’s plate provided under item 18 of this table, or on any other plate provided for this purpose.	This item— (a) applies only to vehicles propelled by a compression ignition engine; (b) does not apply to a vehicle which complies with item 41.
12 Interior Fittings	12 Interior Fittings	12 Interior Fittings
1 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.	For the purposes of this item— “air bag” means a flexible bag fitted to a vehicle and designed to be filled with gas under pressure in order to protect the driver or a front seat passenger in the event of a collision involving the front of the vehicle;	1 Does not apply to a goods vehicle of category N₁.
2 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.	“designated seating position” means a position where there is a seat designed for normal use while the vehicle is travelling on the road;	2 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.
3 The lower edge of the instrument panel which is within the specified zone must be rounded to a radius of curvature of not less then 19mm, or if it is covered with non-rigid material, not less than 5mm.	“head impact zone” has the same meaning as in Directive 74/60/EEC;	3 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.
4 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.	“non-rigid material” means a material which has a hardness of less than 50 shore A;	4 Paragraph 1 does not apply to— (a) the edges of any interior fitting (if there is a gap of less than 20mm wide between the edges), (b) any heating or ventilation grill element, or (c) any control mounted on the heating or ventilation grill element area, so long as they are blunted.
5 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.	“rigid material” means a material which has a hardness of no less than 50 shore A;	5 Paragraph 1 does not apply to foot pedal controls.
6 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.	“sharp edge” means an edge of rigid material having a radius of curvature of less than 2.5mm, except in the case of projections of less than 3.2mm from the panel. In this case, the minimum radius of curvature does not apply provided that the height of the projection is not more than half its width and its edges are blunted;	6 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.
7 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 of 165mm 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.	“specified zone” means the zone which— (a) is forward of the transverse plane of the torso reference line of the manikin as defined in paragraph 2.5 and appendix 1 of Annex III to Directive 77/649/EEC¹²² as last amended by Directive 90/630/EEC with the manikin positioned in the rearmost designated seating position, (b) is above the horizontal plane passing through the point 150mm above the lowest part of the top of the front seat cushions, and (c) is outside the areas defined by paragraphs 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and 2.3.3 of Annex I to Directive 74/60/EEC as last amended by Directive 78/632/EEC¹²³.	7 For the purpose of this item the seating position of a wheelchair is considered to be a seat.
7 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 of 165mm 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.	“specified zone” means the zone which— (a) is forward of the transverse plane of the torso reference line of the manikin as defined in paragraph 2.5 and appendix 1 of Annex III to Directive 77/649/EEC¹²² as last amended by Directive 90/630/EEC with the manikin positioned in the rearmost designated seating position, (b) is above the horizontal plane passing through the point 150mm above the lowest part of the top of the front seat cushions, and (c) is outside the areas defined by paragraphs 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and 2.3.3 of Annex I to Directive 74/60/EEC as last amended by Directive 78/632/EEC¹²³.	8 Paragraph 5 does not apply to— (a) any floor-mounted hand-brake control if, in the fully released position, no part of the control is in the specified zone, or (b) any hand-brake control mounted on or under the instrument panel if, in the fully released position, there is no possibility of the occupants of the vehicle contacting it in the event of a frontal impact.
7 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 of 165mm 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.	“specified zone” means the zone which— (a) is forward of the transverse plane of the torso reference line of the manikin as defined in paragraph 2.5 and appendix 1 of Annex III to Directive 77/649/EEC¹²² as last amended by Directive 90/630/EEC with the manikin positioned in the rearmost designated seating position, (b) is above the horizontal plane passing through the point 150mm above the lowest part of the top of the front seat cushions, and (c) is outside the areas defined by paragraphs 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and 2.3.3 of Annex I to Directive 74/60/EEC as last amended by Directive 78/632/EEC¹²³.	9 Paragraph 7 does not apply to— (a) parts covered with a non-rigid material, (b) to the hood-frames of convertible vehicles, or (c) 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.
7 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 of 165mm 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.	“specified zone” means the zone which— (a) is forward of the transverse plane of the torso reference line of the manikin as defined in paragraph 2.5 and appendix 1 of Annex III to Directive 77/649/EEC¹²² as last amended by Directive 90/630/EEC with the manikin positioned in the rearmost designated seating position, (b) is above the horizontal plane passing through the point 150mm above the lowest part of the top of the front seat cushions, and (c) is outside the areas defined by paragraphs 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and 2.3.3 of Annex I to Directive 74/60/EEC as last amended by Directive 78/632/EEC¹²³.	10 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— (a) it is fitted with air bags for the protection of the driver and the front seat passenger, and (b) those air bags were fitted at the time the vehicle was manufactured, except that this exemption does not apply to— (i) an amateur-built vehicle, (ii) a vehicle manufactured in very low volume, (iii) a vehicle manufactured using parts of a registered vehicle, and (iv) a rebuilt vehicle, as defined in Part 1 of this Schedule.
13 Anti-Theft and Immobiliser	13 Anti-Theft and Immobiliser	13 Anti-Theft and Immobiliser
1 Either— (a) the technical provisions of Directive 74/61/EEC as last amended by Directive 95/56/EC, or (b) the requirements specified in paragraph 2.	“immobiliser” has the same meaning as in Directive 74/61/EEC as last amended by Directive 95/56/EC.	1 For the purpose of column 1, paragraph 3, compliance may be demonstrated by— (a) a base vehicle approval or test report, or (b) a separate technical unit approval or test report, and a completed installation certificate.
2 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— (a) No anti-theft device is to operate on the braking system; (b) If any anti-theft device is, or incorporates any, mechanical device that acts upon a system that affects the control of the vehicle (e.g. the steering control)— (i) it must not be possible to start the engine in the normal way until every such mechanical device has been deactivated, (ii) it must not be possible to activate any such mechanical device while the engine is running, and (iii) the action of deactivating any such mechanical device must be distinct and separate from that of stopping the engine.	“immobiliser” has the same meaning as in Directive 74/61/EEC as last amended by Directive 95/56/EC.	2 The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
3 Any alarm system or immobiliser, excluding a panic alarm specified in paragraph 4, fitted to a vehicle must comply with paragraph 1.	“immobiliser” has the same meaning as in Directive 74/61/EEC as last amended by Directive 95/56/EC.	2 The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
4 An optional panic alarm not forming part of an alarm system under paragraph 1 must comply with the following requirements— (a) the alarm signal to be audible and in addition may include optical alarm devices, or be a radio alarm, or any combination of the above; (b) the technical requirements of Directive 74/61/EEC as last amended by Directive 95/56/EC, Annex VI, Part II, paragraphs 8.2 to 8.8, 9.1.2 to 9.2.1, 9.2.3 to 9.4, 9.6, 9.9 to 9.10, and 9.11.2 to 11 inclusive; (c) unsetting the panic alarm must immediately cut the alarm signal.	“immobiliser” has the same meaning as in Directive 74/61/EEC as last amended by Directive 95/56/EC.	2 The requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.
14 Protective Steering	14 Protective Steering	14 Protective Steering
1 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.	For the purposes of this item— “driver’s air bag” means a flexible bag fitted to a vehicle and designed to be filled with gas under pressure in order to protect the driver in the event of a collision involving the front end of the vehicle;	1 This item does not apply to— (a) an ambulance, motor caravan, or hearse if the vehicle has been derived from a goods vehicle having a maximum gross weight of not less than 1500kg; (b) an armoured vehicle; (c) a vehicle which complies with the technical requirements of Directive 96/79/EC.
2 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.	“steering control” has the same meaning as in Directive 74/297/EEC.	2 Paragraph 1 does not apply to any vehicle if— (a) it is fitted with a driver’s air bag; (b) the driver’s air bag was fitted and approved at the time the base vehicle was manufactured, and (c) all parts of the steering control are blunted, but this exemption does not apply to— (i) an amateur built vehicle; (ii) a vehicle manufactured in very low volume; (iii) a vehicle manufactured using parts of a registered vehicle; (iv) a rebuilt vehicle, as defined in Part 1 of this Schedule.
3 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. The requirement shall be treated as met if either— (a) the vehicle complies with the requirements of paragraph 5.2 of Annex I of Directive 74/297/EEC, or (b) the steering control complies with the requirements of paragraphs 5.2, 5.4.3, 5.4.4 and 5.4.5 of Directive 74/297/EEC as last amended by Directive 91/662/EEC.	“steering control” has the same meaning as in Directive 74/297/EEC.	3 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.
4 The vehicle must comply with the requirements of paragraph 5.1 of Annex I of Directive 74/297/EEC.	“steering control” has the same meaning as in Directive 74/297/EEC.	3 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.
15 Seat Strength	15 Seat Strength	15 Seat Strength
The technical provisions of Directive 74/408/EEC as last amended by Directive 2005/39/EC.		1 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.
The technical provisions of Directive 74/408/EEC as last amended by Directive 2005/39/EC.		2 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.
The technical provisions of Directive 74/408/EEC as last amended by Directive 2005/39/EC.		3 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.
The technical provisions of Directive 74/408/EEC as last amended by Directive 2005/39/EC.		4 In the case of a wheelchair accessible vehicle— (a) a wheelchair location shall be considered a seating position but the requirements in column 1, paragraph 1, do not apply to the wheelchair; (b) for each wheelchair sufficient space must be provided, the longitudinal plane of the special area must be parallel to the longitudinal plane of the vehicle.

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