Vehicle Components [EU]

Table of Contents

Motor vehicles — EU type-approval system

Directive 2007/46/EC — approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles

It provides EU countries with a common set of rules for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for these vehicles.

It makes type approval compulsory for all categories of whole vehicles, including those built in several stages. It lays down:

a harmonised framework with general technical requirements for the type approval of new vehicles and of systems, components and technical units designed for such vehicles, so as to facilitate their registration, sale and entry into service in the EU;
rules regarding the sale and entry into service of vehicle parts and equipment.

Scope

The directive applies to cars, vans, trucks, buses and coaches, which are now covered by fully harmonised EU requirements.

Procedure

The EU type-approval system is based on the principles of third-party approvals* and mutual recognition* of such approvals.
Under the type-approval regime, before being put on the market, the vehicle type is tested by a national technical service in accordance with the legislation. The national approval authority then delivers the approval (‘CE certificate’) on the basis of these tests. The manufacturer may make an application for approval in any EU country.

It is sufficient that the vehicle is approved in one EU country for all vehicles of its type to be registered with no further checks throughout the EU on the basis of their certificate of conformity.
A certificate of conformity is a statement by the manufacturer that the vehicle conforms to EU type-approval requirements. The manufacturer has the responsibility to ensure the conformity of production to the approved type.

Technical requirements

The directive mainly covers the administrative procedure to be followed for the approval of vehicles. The actual technical requirements against which vehicles have to be tested are covered in other EU texts which are listed in Annex IV to the directive. For instance, these texts:

make certain features mandatory, such as:
electronic stability control;
new and improved mirrors;
daytime running lights;
side guards to prevent pedestrians and cyclists from falling under vehicles and anti-spray devices;
lay down additional requirements for buses and coaches:
emergency exits that are appropriate to vehicle capacity;
easier access for people with reduced mobility;
adequate residual space in the event of the rollover of the vehicle, etc.;
cover certain environmental obligations such as:
the standardised measure of CO2 emissions,
pollutant emission limits,
fuel consumption,
engine power or vehicle noise emissions.

In 2017, the European Commission adopted Regulations (EU) 2017/1151 and (EU) 2017/1154. These ensure that, from 1 September 2017, new car models pass new and more reliable emissions tests under real driving conditions (‘Real Driving Emissions’).

FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?

The directive entered into force on 29 October 2007. Depending on the category of vehicle, the directive’s application was phased in over the 2009–14 period. It had to become law in the EU countries by 28 April 2009.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

Emissions in the automotive sector (European Commission)
Directives and regulations on motor vehicles, their trailers, systems and components (European Commission).
KEY TERMS

Third-party approval: an approval obtained from a third party such as an accredited independent body approved by each EU country.
Mutual recognition: EU countries recognise type-approval certificates issues by the designated authorities in other EU countries.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 September 2007 establishing a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (Framework Directive) (OJ L 263, 9.10.2007, pp. 1-160)

Successive amendments and corrections to Directive 2007/46/EC have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 of 1 June 2017 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information, amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012 and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 (OJ L 175, 7.7.2017, pp. 1-643)

See consolidated version.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1154 of 7 June 2017 amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information, amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards real-driving emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 6) (OJ L 175, 7.7.2017, pp. 708-732)

Corrigendum

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2400 of 12 December 2017 implementing Regulation (EC) No 595/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the determination of the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of heavy-duty vehicles and amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulation (EU) No 582/2011 (OJ L 349, 29.12.2017, pp. 1-247)

Emissions from air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles

Directive 2006/40/EC on emissions from air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles

It introduces EU-wide rules to cut emissions from motor vehicle air-conditioning systems* and provides for the gradual prohibition of air-conditioning systems designed to contain fluorinated gases with a global warming potential (GWP)* higher than 150.
It thus averts any obstacles which may arise, within the EU’s internal market, from the adoption by EU countries of different technical requirements on this aspect.
It forms part of the EU’s vehicle type-approval procedure.
It complements EU legislation to reduce fluorinated greenhouse gases in line with the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol.

Technical rules

The directive sets rules for controlling leakages from air-conditioning systems designed to contain greenhouse gases with a GWP higher than 150. Such systems are therefore banned by a transitional measure, unless the rate of leakage from that system does not exceed the maximum permissible limits. This measure applies to all new vehicle types as from 21 June 2008 and to new vehicles from 21 June 2009.

As a second stage, it introduces a total ban on air-conditioning systems designed to contain fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP higher than 150. The ban covers all new vehicle types from 1 January 2011 and applies to all new vehicles from 1 January 2017.
It also lays down rules on the retrofitting and refilling of air-conditioning systems.

Scope

The directive covers passenger cars (category M1 vehicles) and light commercial vehicles (category N1, class 1 vehicles).
It is the first stage of a legislative package on air-conditioning systems. Regulation (EC) No 706/2007 sets the administrative rules concerning the EU type-approval procedure and a harmonised leakage detection test in order to measure the leakage rate of fluorinated gases with a global warming potential higher than 150.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 4 July 2006 and had to become law in the EU countries by 3 January 2008.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

Directives and regulations on motor vehicles, their trailers, systems and components (European Commission).
KEY TERMS

Air-conditioning system: any system whose main purpose is to decrease the air temperature and humidity of the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
Global warming potential (GWP): the climatic warming potential of a fluorinated greenhouse gas relative to that of carbon dioxide. It is calculated in terms of the 100-year warming potential of one kilogram of a gas relative to one kilogram of CO2. The relevant GWP figures are those published in the third assessment report adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2001 IPCC GWP values).

MAIN DOCUMENT

Directive 2006/40/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 relating to emissions from air conditioning systems in motor vehicles and amending Council Directive 70/156/EEC (OJ L 161, 14.6.2006, pp. 12-18)

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases and repealing Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 (OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, pp. 195-230)

Successive amendments to Directive 2007/46/EC have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 706/2007 of 21 June 2007 laying down, pursuant to Directive 2006/40/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, administrative provisions for the EC type-approval of vehicles, and a harmonised test for measuring leakages from certain air-conditioning systems (OJ L 161, 22.6.2007, pp. 33-52)

Emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (Euro VI): certification rules

Regulation (EC) No 595/2009 on type-approval of motor vehicles and engines (with respect to emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and access to vehicle repair and maintenance information)

It defines the rules for type-approval of motor vehicles, engines and replacement parts for heavy-duty vehicles (lorries, buses and coaches) with respect to their emission performance. It also establishes rules on:
in-service conformity of vehicles and engines;
durability of pollution-control devices;
on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems;
accessibility of vehicle OBD and vehicle repair and maintenance information;
measurement of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

It repeals Directives 80/1269/EEC, 2005/55/EC and 2005/78/EC with effect from 31 December 2013.
Regulation (EU) 2018/858 (see summary), which applies from 1 September 2020, amends Regulation (EC) No 595/2009 by removing the references in it regarding access to vehicle OBD and vehicle repair and maintenance information.

Scope

This regulation applies to motor vehicles of categories M1, M2, N1 and N2 with a reference mass exceeding 2,610 kg and to all motor vehicles of categories M3 and N3 as defined in Annex II of Directive 2007/46/EC (see summary).

Manufacturer obligations

Manufacturers must:

be able to demonstrate that all new vehicles, engines or spare parts sold, registered or put into service in the EU have been type-approved in accordance with this regulation;
implement technical measures to guarantee effective limitation of exhaust-pipe emissions throughout the normal life of the vehicles under normal conditions of use.

Requirements and tests

Manufacturers must equip their vehicles or engines with components that ensure compliance with the emission limits laid down in Annex I of this regulation under conditions specified by the European Commission in this regulation and in the implementing acts.

Access to information

Manufacturers must:
guarantee independent operators (i.e. businesses which are independent from authorised dealers and repairers of a given vehicle brand) access to information on OBD systems and on diagnostic equipment, tools or software;
provide a standardised, secure and remote facility to enable independent repairers to complete operations which involve access to the vehicle security system.
The information should be made available on manufacturers’ websites, or, if this is not feasible, in another appropriate format.
It should be noted, however, as of 1 September 2020, all rules relating to vehicle repair and maintenance information will be found in Chapter XIV of Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

Timetable

National authorities must no longer grant EU or national type-approval for vehicles that do not comply with this regulation as from 31 December 2012. They must prohibit the registration of new vehicles that do not comply with this regulation as from 31 December 2013.

Financial incentives

Countries may grant financial incentives for the purchase of motor vehicles produced in series which comply with this regulation until 31 December 2013. Retrofitting measures may also be considered either to adapt in-use motor vehicles or for scrapping.
The amount of the financial incentives must be equal to the additional cost of the technical measures introduced to ensure compliance of the vehicle with emission limits.

Implementing legislation

Implementing acts contain measures to implement Regulation (EC) No 595/2009:

Commission Regulation (EU) No 582/2011 sets out the specific technical requirements for the approval of heavy-duty vehicles with regard to emissions and access to vehicle repair and maintenance information.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2400 (see summary) complements the legal rules established by Regulation (EU) No 582/2011. It lays down the rules for:
certifying truck components with an impact on CO2 emissions and the fuel consumption of vehicles;
issuing licences to perform simulations to determine CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of new vehicles to be sold, registered or put into service in the EU;
operating simulation tools and declaring the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption values that they determine.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 7 August 2009. However, some of the amendments to Directive 2007/46/EC included in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 595/2009 have applied since 31 December 2013.

BACKGROUND

The Seventh Environment Action Programme highlights the need to reduce air pollution. This regulation contributes to its objectives in terms of air quality by establishing a system which constrains the automobile industry to limit the emissions from the vehicles that it produces.

For more information, see:

Reducing CO2 emissions from Heavy-Duty Vehicles (European Commission).

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Regulation (EC) No 595/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (Euro VI) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information and amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 and Directive 2007/46/EC and repealing Directives 80/1269/EEC, 2005/55/EC and 2005/78/EC (OJ L 188, 18.7.2009, pp. 1-13)

Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 595/2009 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2007 and (EC) No 595/2009 and repealing Directive 2007/46/EC (OJ L 151, 14.6.2018, pp. 1-218)

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Commission Regulation (EU) No 136/2014 of 11 February 2014 amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 as regards emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and Commission Regulation (EU) No 582/2011 as regards emissions from heavy duty vehicles (Euro VI) (OJ L 43, 13.2.2014, pp. 12-46)

Commission Regulation (EU) No 582/2011 of 25 May 2011 implementing and amending Regulation (EC) No 595/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council with respect to emissions from heavy duty vehicles (Euro VI) and amending Annexes I and III to Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 167, 25.6.2011, pp. 1-168)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 of 18 July 2008 implementing and amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information (OJ L 199, 28.7.2008, pp. 1-136)

Motor vehicle towing devices

Regulation (EU) No 1005/2010 on type-approval requirements for motor vehicle towing devices

It sets out rules on the type-approval of motor vehicle towing devices*.
It aims to adapt current requirements to developments in scientific and technical knowledge.
It forms part of the implementation of the Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 on the general safety of motor vehicles.

Types of vehicles concerned

This regulation applies to vehicles of category M and N, namely:

motor vehicles designed and built for passenger transport having at least 4 wheels;
motor vehicles designed and built to transport goods having at least 4 wheels.

Requirements for towing devices

Manufacturers are required to equip vehicles with a towing device. Towing devices must be able to withstand a tractive and compressive static force equivalent to at least half the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle.
The regulation also establishes test procedures to check compliance of devices.

Rules for EU type-approval

The vehicle manufacturer must submit an application for EU type-approval to the competent authority. This application must contain certain information, namely:

the make and type of the vehicle;
the technically permissible maximum laden mass declared by the manufacturer;
a drawing or photograph of the chassis/area of the vehicle body showing the position, construction and mounting of the towing device.
If the competent authority considers that the vehicle satisfies all of the requirements concerning towing devices, it grants EU type-approval and issues a type-approval number in accordance with Directive 2007/46/EC.

It has applied since 29 November 2010.

For more information, see:

Directives and regulations on motor vehicles, their trailers, systems and components (European Commission).
KEY TERMS

Towing device: a device in the shape of a hook, eye or other form, to which a connecting part, such as a towing bar or towing rope, can be fitted.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1005/2010 of 8 November 2010 concerning type-approval requirements for motor vehicle towing devices and implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor (OJ L 291, 9.11.2010, pp. 36-42)

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor (OJ L 200, 31.7.2009, pp. 1-24)

Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

EU type-approval legislation with regard to the UK (1) withdrawal

Regulation (EU) 2019/26 — complementing EU type-approval legislation with regard to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (1) from the EU

It establishes new rules to ensure a smooth transition for the type-approval* of motor vehicles, as well as of systems, components and separate technical units intended for these vehicles, when the UK (1) leaves the EU.

Legal context

Under EU law, the approval of a vehicle type in one EU country is valid EU-wide without the need for further tests and re-certification in other EU countries.
After the UK’s withdrawal from the EU (or at the end of the transition period, if the Withdrawal Agreement is ratified), the UK (1) type-approval authority will no longer be a national authority of an EU country.
Therefore, without agreement on a new relationship between the two parties, it will no longer be possible for manufacturers to place vehicles on the market of the 27 remaining EU countries (EU-27) on the basis of type-approvals granted in the UK (1).

EU-27 type-approval

Manufacturers can apply to an EU-27 type-approval authority for types previously approved by the UK (1) authority.
Manufacturers must:
pay fees to the EU type-approval authority for carrying out its functions and duties;
provide documentation and information to the EU authority if requested.

Conditions for approval

The type must comply with the rules for the placing on the market, registration or entry into service of new vehicles, systems, components or separate technical units applicable when the EU type-approval takes effect.

Approval may be granted on the basis of the same test reports used for the granting of the UK (1) type-approval in accordance with the applicable rules, regardless of whether the technical service that issued the test report has been designated and notified by the EU country granting the EU type-approval.
The EU authority can request the repetition of specific tests. These must be carried by a technical service designated and notified by that authority.
EU type-approval takes effect on the day it is granted granting unless otherwise stated. The UK (1) type-approval becomes invalid on the day preceding that on which EU type-approval takes effect.

In any event, UK (1) type-approval will become invalid at the latest on the day on which the EU type-approval legislation ceases to apply to and in the UK (1).

EU type-approval authority

From the time that the EU type-approval takes effect, the EU authority in question is responsible for vehicles, systems, components and separate technical units manufactured on the basis of the UK (1) type-approval and placed or to be placed on the market, registered or put into service in the EU.

The manufacturer must also request that the EU authority in question takes over the obligations of the UK (1) type-approval authority concerning the manufacturer’s other vehicles, systems, components or separate technical units placed on the market, registered or entered into service in the EU on the basis of UK (1) type-approvals that have either become invalid, or for which no EU type-approval is sought under this regulation.

This request must be made for all vehicles, systems, components and separate technical units based on UK (1) type-approvals held by the manufacturer that were granted after 1 January 2008 unless the manufacturer can provide proof of an agreement with another EU type-approval authority covering those vehicles, systems, components and separate technical units.
The EU authority is not responsible for any acts or omissions of the UK (1) authority.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 13 January 2019.

BACKGROUND

The EU has adopted specific type-approval and market surveillance rules for agricultural and forestry vehicles, as well as for 2 and 3 wheel vehicles and quadracycles.
KEY TERMS

Type-approval: the procedure whereby an approval authority certifies that a type of vehicle, system, component or separate technical unit satisfies certain legal requirements.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Regulation (EU) 2019/26 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 January 2019 complementing Union type-approval legislation with regard to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (1) from the Union (OJ L 8I, 10.1.2019, pp. 1-7)

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2016 on requirements relating to gaseous and particulate pollutant emission limits and type-approval for internal combustion engines for non-road mobile machinery, amending Regulations (EU) No 1024/2012 and (EU) No 167/2013, and amending and repealing Directive 97/68/EC (OJ L 252, 16.9.2016, pp. 53-117)

Successive amendments to Directive 2007/46/EC have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 February 2013 on the approval and market surveillance of agricultural and forestry vehicles (OJ L 60, 2.3.2013, pp. 1-51)

Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2013 on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles (OJ L 60, 2.3.2013, pp. 52-128)

(1) The United Kingdom withdraws from the European Union and becomes a third country (non-EU country) as of 1 February 2020.

Car windscreen wiper and washer systems

Regulation (EU) No 1008/2010 — type-approval requirements for windscreen wiper and washer systems of certain motor vehicles

It lays down rules concerning windscreen wiper* and washer systems* of motor vehicles.
The aim is to adapt current requirements to developments in scientific and technical knowledge.
The regulation establishes type-approval requirements for windscreen wiper and washer systems of motor vehicles. It forms part of the implementation of the Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 on type-approval requirements for the safety of motor vehicles.

Type of vehicle concerned

This regulation applies to vehicles of category M1, i.e. vehicles designed and built for passenger transport, seating not more than 8 passengers in addition to the driver.

Requirements concerning windscreen wipers and washer systems

Manufacturers must equip motor vehicles with:

windscreen wipers consisting of wiper arms. The windscreen wiper system must have at least 2 sweep frequency settings. The windscreen wiper field must cover at least 98 % of vision area A and 80 % of vision area B (these areas are defined in paragraphs 2.2 and 2.4 respectively of Annex 18 of UNECE Regulation No 43);
washer system to spray fluid onto the target area of the windscreen without any leakage, disconnection of any tubing or malfunctioning of any nozzle. This system must deliver sufficient fluid to clear at least 60 % of vision area A.
The regulation also establishes test procedures to check compliance of devices.

Applyingfor EUtype-approval

The vehicle manufacturer must submit an application for type-approval to the competent authority. The manufacturer has 2 options:

to submit an application for type-approval for each type of vehicle concerning its windscreen wiper and washer systems; or
to submit an application for type-approval, as a technical unit, for a type of windscreen washer system.
The EU application must contain the following information:

the make and type of vehicle;
a detailed technical description of the wiper and washer system;
a description of the method of operation of the wiper and washer systems.
If the competent authority considers that the vehicle satisfies all of the requirements concerning windscreen wiper and washer systems, it grants EU type-approval and issues a type-approval number in line with Directive 2007/46/EC.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 30 November 2010.

KEY TERMS

Windscreen wiper system: a system for wiping the outer face of the windscreen.

Windscreen washer system: a system for storing, transferring and aiming fluid towards the outer face of the windscreen.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1008/2010 of 9 November 2010 concerning type-approval requirements for windscreen wiper and washer systems of certain motor vehicles and implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor (OJ L 292, 10.11.2010, pp. 2-20)

Successive amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1008/2010 have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Installation of motor vehicle tyres

Regulation (EU) No 458/2011 – type–approval requirements for motor vehicles and their trailers with regard to the installation of their tyres

It defines the requirements applying to the EC type–approval of the installation of tyres on vehicles of the following categories.
M: motor vehicles designed and built for the carriage of passengers and having at least 4 wheels.
N: motor vehicles intended and built for the transportation of goods and having at least 4 wheels.
O: trailers.
It implements Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 on the general safety of motor vehicles.

Requirements relating to the assembly of tyres

In accordance with the regulation on the general safety of motor vehicles, tyres are classified into 3 categories, namely C1, C2 and C3.

All tyres must be fitted to the vehicle and have the same structure, except temporary-use spare tyres*.

The space in which the wheel turns must allow for unrestricted movement of tyres and rims.

Tyres fitted to vehicles have maximum load ratings and must bear a speed category symbol. These aspects must be compatible with the vehicles in question.

If a vehicle has a spare wheel, it must belong to 1 of 2 categories:

a standard spare unit in the same size as the tyres fitted to the vehicle;
a temporary-use spare unit of a type suitable for use on the vehicle.
Rules concerning EC type–approval

The vehicle manufacturer must submit an application for EC type–approval to the competent authority. This application must contain certain information, in particular:

make and type of vehicle;
number of axles and wheels;
key characteristics of the tyres.
If the competent authority considers that the vehicle complies with all the requirements laid down in respect of the installation of tyres, it delivers EC type–approval and assigns a type–approval number in accordance with Directive 2007/46/EC.

Regulation (EU) 2015/166 amends Regulation (EU) No 458/2011 adapting it to technical progress concerning the optional spare wheel for N1 category vehicles (i.e. those carrying goods and having a maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes).

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It applies from 2 June 2011.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

Directives and regulations on motor vehicles, their trailers, systems and components on the European Commission’s website
KEY TERMS

Temporary-use spare tyre: a tyre designed for temporary use at inflation pressures that are higher than those set for standard and reinforced tyres

MAIN DOCUMENT

Commission Regulation (EU) No 458/2011 of 12 May 2011 concerning type–approval requirements for motor vehicles and their trailers with regard to the installation of their tyres and implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning type–approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor (OJ L 124, 13.5.2011, pp. 11-20)

Successive amendments to Regulation (EU) No 458/2011 have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

Motor vehicle wheel guards

Regulation (EU) No 1009/2010 — type-approval requirements for wheel guards of certain motor vehicles

It lays down rules relating to wheel guards.
It aims to adapt current requirements to developments in scientific and technical knowledge.
The regulation sets out type-approval requirements for motor vehicle wheel guards. It forms part of the implementation of Regulation (EC) 661/2009 on safe motor vehicles and trailers.

Type of vehicle concerned

This regulation applies to vehicles of category M1, i.e. vehicles designed and built to carry passengers with not more than 8 seats, in addition to the driver’s seat.

Requirements for wheel guards

Manufacturers must equip vehicles with a guard for each wheel.
The wheel guards may consist of parts of the bodywork or separate mudguards, which will protect road users against thrown-up stones, mud, ice, snow and water.

The regulation also defines specific requirements concerning, in particular:
the vehicle’s mass;
the overall width of the wheel guard;
the contour and location of the wheel guards.
Manufacturers must also design the vehicle in order that users may use snow traction devices*.

Rules for EU type-approval

The vehicle manufacturer must submit an application for EU type-approval to the competent authority. The application must include:

the make and type of vehicle;
the number of axles and wheels;
detailed drawings of the wheel guards.

If the competent authority considers that the vehicle satisfies all of the requirements for wheel guards, it must grant EU type-approval and issue a type-approval number in accordance with Directive 2007/46/EC on the EU type-approval of vehicles.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 30 November 2010.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

Directives and regulations on motor vehicles, their trailers, systems and components (European Commission).

KEY TERMS

Snow traction device: snow chain or other equivalent device providing traction in snow, which can be mounted onto the vehicle’s tyre/wheel combination.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1009/2010 of 9 November 2010 concerning type-approval requirements for wheel guards of certain motor vehicles and implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor (OJ L 292, 10.11.2010, pp. 21-29)

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

Reducing pollution from light motor vehicles

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 — type-approval of light passenger and commercial vehicles with respect to emissions (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and access to vehicle repair and maintenance information

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION?

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007:

sets harmonised rules for emission type-approval of cars and light commercial vehicles, known collectively as light-duty vehicles;
covers replacement, pollution control devices*, and sets out rules for their type-approval;
has been amended several times, most recently by Regulation (EU) 2018/858.
Regulation (EU) 2018/858:

overhauls the EU’s rules on vehicle type-approval;
introduces more robust testing methods with respect to pollutant emissions; and
repeals Directive 2007/46/EC on EU type-approval for vehicles from 31 August 2020.

Key Points

The legislation applies to light-duty vehicles less than 2.6 tonnes.

Manufacturers must:

design, construct and assemble components so that the vehicle complies with the legislation;
prove that all new vehicles and new pollution control devices comply with the legislation and can meet the emission limits during a vehicle’s normal life under normal conditions of use on the road;
ensure that pollution control devices can last 160,000 km;
vehicles emissions can be checked after 5 years or 100,000 km, whichever is sooner;
provide buyers with carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption figures;
not use defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems, except under strict conditions — such as to protect an engine against damage or accident;
(until 1 September 2020) make available on websites unrestricted and standardised access to vehicle repair and maintenance information for independent garages. This should include items like service handbooks and technical manuals. They may charge a reasonable fee. These requirements are replaced by those in Regulation (EU) 2018/858 on 1 September 2020.

National authorities must:

give EU type-approval* to new vehicles that comply with the legislation;
refuse to grant approval to vehicles that do not meet the emissions standards, within the authorised deadlines relating to each vehicle category;
allow the registration of vehicles complying with this regulation;
ban the sale or installation of pollution control devices that do not meet the EU standards;
ensure penalties exist for manufacturers that falsify declarations or results, withhold data, or make use of defeat devices.
The Commission keeps under regular review the procedures, tests, requirements and emission limits set out in the legislation and regularly updates them in implementing legislation.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 3 January 2009.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

Emissions in the automotive sector (European Commission)
Road transport: Reducing CO2 emissions from vehicles (European Commission).
KEY TERMS

Pollution control device: mechanism or equipment that removes pollutants, from car exhaust fumes for example, which otherwise would be released into the atmosphere.
Type approval: the procedure by which a product is certified to meet a minimum set of regulatory and technical requirements.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2007 on type approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information (OJ L 171, 29.6.2007, pp. 1-16)

Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

See consolidated version.

Manufacturer’s statutory plate and identification number for motor vehicles

Regulation (EU) No 19/2011 on type-approval requirements for the manufacturer’s statutory plate and for the vehicle identification number of motor vehicles and their trailers

It lays down requirements concerning EC-type approval of the manufacturer’s statutory plate* and of the motor vehicle identification number*.
It forms part of the implementation of Regulation (EC) 661/2009 on safe motor vehicles and trailers.
Following the repeal of Directive 76/114/EEC by Regulation (EC) 661/2009, it adapts the technical rules in that directive to those of Directive 2007/46/EC on the EU type-approval of vehicles.

Types of vehicles concerned

The regulation applies to vehicles of category M, N and O, namely:

motor vehicles designed and built for the carriage of passengers and having at least 4 wheels;
motor vehicles intended and built for the transportation of goods and having at least 4 wheels;
trailers (including semi-trailers).

Requirements for the manufacturer’s statutory plate

Each vehicle must be fitted with a statutory plate that must consist (at the manufacturer’s discretion) either of:

a rectangular sheet of metal; or
a rectangular self-adhesive label.

The manufacturer’s statutory plate must contain certain items of information, including:

the manufacturer’s company name;
the vehicle type-approval number;
the vehicle identification number;
the technically admissible laden masses.
Regulation (EU) No 249/2012 amends Regulation (EU) No 19/2011 introducing the possibility for vehicle manufacturers to use self-adhesive labels for the making of the statutory plates.

Requirements for the vehicle identification number (VIN)

The manufacturer must affix a VIN on each vehicle and ensure its traceability for 30 years. The VIN consists of:

the world manufacturer identifier (WMI);
the vehicle descriptor (VDS);
the vehicle indicator section (VIS).
It must be affixed in an accessible position and be visible. It must be stamped so as not to disappear under normal conditions of use of the vehicle.

Provisions concerning EC type-approval

The vehicle manufacturer must submit an application for EU type-approval to the competent authority. The application must contain certain items of information, in particular:

the brand and type of vehicle;
the position and method of attachment of the manufacturer’s statutory plate;
the location of the VIN.
If the competent authority considers that the vehicle complies with all requirements concerning the manufacturer’s statutory plate and the vehicle identification number, it must grant EU type-approval and issue a type-approval number in accordance with Directive 2007/46/EC.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 1 February 2011.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

Directives and regulations on motor vehicles, their trailers, systems and components (European Commission).

KEY TERMS

Manufacturer’s statutory plate: a plate or label, affixed by the manufacturer on a vehicle that provides the main technical characteristics which are necessary for the identification of the vehicle and provides the competent authorities with the relevant information concerning the permissible maximum laden masses.
Vehicle identification number (VIN): the alphanumeric code assigned to a vehicle by the manufacturer in order to ensure proper identification of every vehicle.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Commission Regulation (EU) No 19/2011 of 11 January 2011 concerning type-approval requirements for the manufacturer’s statutory plate and for the vehicle identification number of motor vehicles and their trailers and implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor (OJ L 8, 12.1.2011, pp. 1-13)

Successive amendments to Regulation (EU) No 19/2011 have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

See consolidated version.

Safe motor vehicles and trailers

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 — type-approval for motor vehicles and trailers

New motor vehicles must meet the same technical requirements throughout the European Union. This helps ensure a high level of road safety and environmental protection, and makes the EU’s automotive industry more competitive.

It sets out the technical requirements and the procedures to ensure that new motor vehicles meet EU safety and energy efficiency standards.

KEY POINTS

This regulation establishes requirements for the type-approval of:

—the safety of motor vehicles and their trailers;
—the energy efficiency of motor vehicles (by making it mandatory to install tyre pressure monitoring systems and gear shift indicators);
—the safety and energy efficiency of tyres and their levels of noise emissions.
It applies to:

—motor vehicles with at least 4 wheels, used to transport passengers (category M)
—motor vehicles with at least 4 wheels, intended for goods transport (category N)
—trailers (category O).

Type-approval*

Through the Regulation, the EU conforms to a number of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regulations on technical specifications for motor vehicles. A vehicle type-approved under these UNECE regulations is considered to meet the Commission’s type-approval standards.

Regulation 2015/166, which supplemented and amended the original regulation, sets out detailed rules on the specific procedures, technical requirements and tests for type-approval. It also covers components and separate technical units for motor vehicles.

Manufacturers’obligations

Manufacturers must guarantee that new vehicles sold, registered or put into service in the EU are type-approved in accordance with this regulation.

To improve road safety, all vehicles must be equipped with an electronic stability control system. Vehicles in categories M2, M3, N2 and N3 must be equipped with an advanced emergency braking system and a lane departure warning system. This will apply to all new lorries and buses from 1 November 2015.

Tyres must satisfy requirements relating to:

—wet grip
—rolling resistance
—rolling noise.

In addition, vehicles in category M1 must be equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system, seat belt reminder and gear shift indicators, among many other more detailed specifications for all vehicle categories.

Obligations for EU countries

Commission type-approval or national type-approval is granted only to vehicles meeting the requirements laid down in this regulation.

BACKGROUND

Safety in the automotive sector.

KEYWORDS

* Type-approval: shows a vehicle type has been tested to make sure it meets the relevant regulatory, technical and safety requirements.

ACT

References

Regulation (EC) No 661/2009

Regulation (EU) No 407/2011

Regulation (EU) No 523/2012

Regulation (EU) 2015/166

The successive amendments and corrections to Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

RELATED ACTS

Motor vehicles with trailers: permissible sound level

The aim of this directive is to implement European Union regulations relating to vehicle noise based on complete harmonisation.

Council Directive 70/157/EEC of 6 February 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the permissible sound level and the exhaust system of motor vehicles [Official Journal L 42 of 23.02.1970].

The Directives apply to any motor vehicle intended for use on the road, with or without bodywork, having at least four wheels and a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h, with the exception of vehicles that run on rails, agricultural and forestry tractors and all mobile machinery.

The Directives lay down limits for the noise level of the mechanical parts and exhaust systems of the vehicles concerned. The limits range from 74 dB(A) for motor cars to 80 dB(A) for high-powered goods vehicles.

Permissible values are drawn up for specific categories of vehicles:

cars;
public transport vehicles;
goods vehicles.
Member States are required to publish noise level values for type-approval by 1 October 1994.

Hence Member States may not, for reasons relating to the permissible sound level and exhaust system:

refuse or prohibit the sale, registration, placing on the market or use of vehicles which comply with the provisions of the Directive;
prohibit the placing on the market of an exhaust system or technical unit if they correspond to a type in respect of which type-approval has been granted.

Tax incentives granted by Member States to encourage new limits to be met in advance may be authorised if they are:

non-discriminatory;
for a limited period;
of an amount which is significantly lower than the cost of the equipment fitted;
applied to vehicles fitted with equipment which enables future European standards to be met in advance.

Type-approval procedure for each type of vehicle, exhaust system and technical unit (silencer and replacement exhaust system):

the application for EEC type-approval shall be submitted by the manufacturer or his authorized representative;
it shall contain the information required by the existing Directives;
different type-approval tests shall be provided for;
where the type of vehicle, exhaust system or technical unit meets the test requirements, an EEC type-approval certificate shall be issued by the competent authority of the Member State in question.
This Directive has been repealed by Regulation (EU) No 540/2014 with effect from 30.6.2027.

References

Act

Entry into force

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Directive 70/157/EEC

10.2.1970

10.8.1971 – 1.7.1973

OJ L 42 of 23.2.1970

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Directive 73/350/EEC

16.11.1973

OJ L 321 of 22.11.1973

Directive 77/212/EEC

10.3.1977

31.3.1977

OJ L 66 of 12.3.1977

Directive 81/334/EEC

28.4.1981

31.12.1981

OJ L 131 of 18.5.1981

Directive 84/372/EEC

5.7.1984

30.9.1984

OJ L 196 of 26.7.1984

Directive 84/424/EEC

4.9.1984

31.12.1984

OJ L 238 of 6.9.1984

Directive 87/354/EEC

29.6.1987

31.12.1987

OJ L 192 of 11.7.1987

Directive 89/491/EEC

25.7.1989

1.1.1990

OJ L 238 of 15.8.1989

Directive 92/97/EEC

16.11.1992

30.6.1993

OJ L 371 of 19.12.1992

Directive 96/20/EEC

3.5.1996

30.9.1996

OJ L 92 of 13.4.1996

Directive 99/101/EC

17.1.2000

31.3.2000

OJ L 334 of 28.12.1999

Directive2007/34/EC

5.7.2007

OJ L 155 of 15.6.2007

Directive 2013/15/EU

1.7.2013

OJ L 158 of 10.06.2013.

RELATED ACT

Regulation (EU) No 540/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the sound level of motor vehicles and of replacement silencing systems, and amending Directive 2007/46/EC and repealing Directive 70/157/EEC [Official Journal L 158 of 27.5.2014].

Improving tyres’ fuel efficiency, braking capacity and noise levels

Regulation (EC) No 1222/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the labelling of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency and other essential parameters

Good quality tyres can significantly reduce fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions. To help consumers choose a product that is more fuel efficient, has better wet braking and is less noisy, they need clear and relevant information about the quality of the tyre.

This regulation aims to harmonise information concerning the energy performance of tyres, as well as on wet braking and external rolling noise.

Key Points

The regulation applies to C1, C2 and C3 tyres* and excludes:

—re-treaded tyres;
—off-road professional tyres;
—tyres designed to be fitted only to vehicles registered for the first time before 1 October 1990;
—T-type temporary-use spare tyres*;
—tyres with a speed rating of less than 80 km/h;
—tyres with a nominal rim diameter not exceeding 254 mm or of 635 mm or more;
—tyres fitted with additional devices to improve traction properties (for example studded tyres);
—tyres designed only to be fitted on vehicles intended exclusively for racing.

Responsibilities of tyre suppliers

Tyre suppliers must monitor the labelling of C1, C2 and C3 tyres delivered to distributors and consumers. This labelling includes a sticker, which must indicate:

—the fuel efficiency class (letter A to G);
—the wet grip class (letter A to G) — the tests for wet grip performance on the different tyre classes are amended and supplemented by Regulations (EU) No 228/2011 and (EU) No 1235/2011;
—the external rolling noise measured value (in decibels).
Suppliers must declare this information publicly, such as on their website or in catalogues.

Responsibilities of tyre distributors

Distributors must ensure that the labels delivered by suppliers are clearly visible on the tyres presented or stored at the point of sale. If tyres cannot be seen by consumers, distributors must supply this information to consumers themselves.

Responsibilities of car suppliers and car distributors

If consumers can choose their tyres, car suppliers and car distributors must provide them with performance information in terms of fuel efficiency, wet braking and rolling noise for each option.

WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

From 11 October 2010.

KEY TERMS

* C1, C2 and C3 tyres: as defined in Regulation (EC) No 661/2009:

—C1 tyres — primarily for cars;
—C2 tyres — primarily for light commercial vehicles, such as vans;
—C3 tyres — primarily for heavy vehicles (trucks and buses).
T-type, temporary-use spare tyres: designed for use at inflation pressures higher than those for standard and reinforced tyres.

References

Act

Entry into force

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Regulation (EC) No 1222/2009

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Regulation (EU) No 228/2011

29.3.2011

–

OJ L 62, 9.3.2011, pp. 1-16

Regulation (EU) No 1235/2011

20.12.2011

–

OJ L 317, 30.11.2011, pp. 17-23

RELATED ACTS

last update 17.10.2015

Windscreen defrosting and demisting systems for motor vehicles

Regulation (EU) No 672/2010 — type-approval requirements for windscreen defrosting and demisting systems of certain motor vehicles

It defines EU type-approval requirements for windscreen defrosting* and demisting* systems of category M1 motor vehicles. This category covers vehicles with a maximum of 9 seats.
It implements Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 on type approval for motor vehicles and trailers.

Requirements for windscreen defrosting and demisting systems

Every M1 category vehicle must be equipped with:

a system for removing frost and ice from the exterior glazed surface of the windscreen. The driver of the vehicle must have adequate visibility through the windscreen in cold weather.
a system for removing mist from the interior glazed surface of the windscreen.
The efficiency of windscreen defrosting and demisting systems must be verified by tests carried out on the vehicle at a temperature of -8 °C or -18 °C to defrost the ice that has formed on the outside of the windscreen, and a temperature of -3 °C for mist that has formed on the interior of the windscreen.

Rules for EU type-approval

The vehicle manufacturer must submit an application for EU type-approval to the competent authority. The application must contain certain information, including:

the make and type of vehicle;
the characteristics of the windscreen defrosting and demisting system on the display panel;
the characteristics of the vehicle motor heating the system.
If the competent authority considers that the vehicle satisfies all the requirements for windscreen demisting and defrosting systems, it shall grant an EC type-approval and issue a type-approval number in accordance with the numbering system set out in Directive 2007/46/EC.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 17 August 2010.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

Directives and regulations on motor vehicles, their trailers, systems and components (European Commission).
KEY TERMS

Defrosting system: a system intended to eliminate frost or ice on the outside surface of the windscreen.
Demisting system: a system intended to remove mist on the inside surface of the windscreen.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Commission Regulation (EU) No 672/2010 of 27 July 2010 concerning type-approval requirements for windscreen defrosting and demisting systems of certain motor vehicles and implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor (OJ L 196, 28.7.2010, pp. 5-20)

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

Spray-suppression systems for motor vehicles

Regulation (EU) No 109/2011 – spray-suppression systems

Commission Regulation (EU) No 109/2011 of 27 January 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards type-approval requirements for certain categories of motor vehicles and their trailers as regards spray-suppression systems

The regulation defines the requirements for type-approval of spray-suppression systems* for certain categories of motor vehicles. It implements Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 relating to the general safety of motor vehicles.

Categories of motor vehicle

The regulation applies to categories N and O, consisting of motor vehicles designed and constructed for transporting goods, having at least four wheels, as well as to trailers.

Spray-suppression system requirements

Spray-suppression devices are generally situated above the wheels of the vehicle and may comprise a mudguard*, outer valances* and rain flaps*.

The device must be able to operate properly when used normally on wet roads. The following types of device are recognised:

—energy-absorber type devices;
—air/water separator type devices.

Type-approval

The manufacturer of the device and the manufacturer of the vehicle are both required to submit applications for EC type-approval to the competent national authority. This application must contain certain information, specifically:

—the make and type of the device or vehicle;
—the number of axles and wheels of the vehicle;
—the description of the spray-suppression system and its constituent parts.
The manufacturer of the spray-suppression device is required to provide administrative documents relating to the EC type-approval of spray-suppression systems as a separate technical unit.

The manufacturer of the vehicle is required to provide administrative documents relating to:

—the EC type-approval of the vehicle as regards the installation of spray-suppression devices;
—the type-approval certificate of the fitted device.
If the competent authority considers that the device or vehicle satisfies all the requirements concerning spray-suppression systems, it shall grant EC type-approval and issue a type-approval number in accordance with Directive 2007/46/EC.

KEYWORDS

* Spray-suppression system: system that reduces road spray by means of mudguards, valances and rain flaps (see below).

* Type-approval: Indicates that tests have been done to ensure that the relevant regulatory, technical and safety requirements have been met.

* Mudguard: a rigid part of a vehicle that prevents road spray from the tyre being thrown into the air.

* Valance: normally attached to the rear bumper, this prevents rain and mud being sprayed onto other cars and passers-by.

* Rain flap: a flexible component mounted vertically behind a wheel which reduces the spray from a wet road.

References

Act

Entry into force

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Regulation (EU) No 109/2011

1.3.2011

-OJ L 34, 9.2.2011, pp. 2-28

Amending act(s)

Entry into force

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Regulation (EU) 2015/166

24.2.2015

OJ L 28, 4.2.2015, pp. 3-39

RELATED ACTS

last update 24.09.2015

Re-use, recycling and recovery of vehicle parts and materials

Manufacturers must design vehicles so that minimum thresholds of parts and materials may be reused, recycled or recovered once the vehicle comes to the end of its natural life. The aim is to reduce waste from what are known as end-of-life vehicles.

Directive 2005/64/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2005 on the type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to their reusability, recyclability and recoverability and amending Council Directive 70/156/EEC

It lays down administrative and technical rules to ensure that a vehicle’s parts and materials may ultimately be reused, recycled and recovered as much as possible. It makes sure that the reused components do not cause any safety or environmental risks.

Key Points

This European Union (EU) legislation applies to new models and models already being produced of cars, station wagons, people carriers and light commercial vehicles (e.g. vans).
New vehicles may only be sold in the EU if they may be reused and/or recycled to a minimum of 85 % by mass or reused and/or recovered to a minimum of 95 % by mass.

Manufacturers must have strategies in place to properly manage the reusability, recyclability and recoverability requirements of the legislation.
If national authorities consider these strategies satisfactory, the manufacturer receives a certificate of compliance. This is valid for at least 2 years.

The reuse of certain component parts, such as airbags, seat belts and steering locks, is banned and may not be used in new vehicles since they could present safety and environmental risks.
The legislation does not apply to special purpose vehicles such as armoured cars and ambulances or vehicles produced in small series defined as fewer than 500 vehicles of one family of types sold per year in each EU country.

Separate legislation sets out measures to prevent and limit waste from end-of-life vehicles and their components and ensures that wherever possible this is reused, recycled or recovered.

BACKGROUND

Every year, end-of-life vehicles create between 8 and 9 million tonnes of waste in the EU.

For more information, see end-of-life vehicles on the European Commission’s website.

REFERENCES

Act

Entry into force

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Directive 2005/64/EC

15.12.2005

15.12.2006

OJ L 310 of 25.11.2005, pp. 10-27

Amending act(s)

Entry into force

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Directive 2009/1/EC

3.2.2009

-J L 9 of 14.1.2009, pp. 31-32

last update 25.08.2015

Rear registration plates on motor vehicles

Regulation (EU) No 1003/2010 — type-approval requirements for the space for mounting and the fixing of rear registration plates on motor vehicles and their trailers

It sets out rules with regard to the space for mounting and the fixing of rear registration plates on motor vehicles and their trailers.
The aim is to adapt current requirements to developments in scientific and technical knowledge.
Regulation (EU) 2015/166 amends the regulation’s Annex II concerning the requirements for the space for mounting and fixing or rear registration plates and related test procedures.

Key Points

The regulation lays down rules for the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers concerning the space for mounting and the fixing of rear registration plates. It forms part of the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 on type-approval for motor vehicles and trailers.

Requirements for the space for mounting and the fixing of rear registration plates

The space for a rear registration plate must include a flat or virtually flat rectangular surface which must be either:

520 millimetres wide and 120 millimetres high; or
340 millimetres wide and 240 millimetres high.
Amending Regulation (EU) 2015/166 clarifies the requirements concerning the fixing of a rear registration plate:

the plate must be at right angles (+/- 5°) to the longitudinal plane of the vehicle;
the lower edge of the platemust not be less than 0.30 m from the ground;
the plate must be visible in the whole space;
the specific rules on the plate’s visibility depend on the height of the upper edge of the plate — whether it is more than or not more than 1.20 m from the ground.
The regulation also establishes test procedures to check for compliance.

Rules for EU type-approval

The vehicle manufacturer must submit an application for EU type-approval to the competent authority. This application must include:

the make and type of the vehicle;
the range of dimensions for the space for mounting rear registration plates;
the height of the edges from the road surface.
If the competent authority considers that the vehicle satisfies all of the requirements concerning the space for mounting and the fixing of the rear registration plate, it must grant EU type-approval and issue a type-approval number in accordance with Directive 2007/46/EC.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 29 November 2010.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

Directives and regulations on motor vehicles, their trailers, systems and components (European Commission).

MAIN DOCUMENT

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1003/2010 of 8 November 2010 concerning type-approval requirements for the space for mounting and the fixing of rear registration plates on motor vehicles and their trailers and implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor (OJ L 291, 9.11.2010, pp. 22-30)

Successive amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1003/2010 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Vehicle Components [EU]

Motor vehicles — EU type-approval system

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Procedure

Technical requirements

MAIN DOCUMENT

Emissions from air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles

Technical rules

Scope

MAIN DOCUMENT

Emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (Euro VI): certification rules

Scope

Manufacturer obligations

Requirements and tests

Access to information

Timetable

Financial incentives

Implementing legislation

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Motor vehicle towing devices

Types of vehicles concerned

Requirements for towing devices

Rules for EU type-approval

MAIN DOCUMENT

EU type-approval legislation with regard to the UK (1) withdrawal

Legal context

EU-27 type-approval

Conditions for approval

EU type-approval authority

MAIN DOCUMENT

Car windscreen wiper and washer systems

Type of vehicle concerned

Applyingfor EUtype-approval

MAIN DOCUMENT

Installation of motor vehicle tyres

Requirements relating to the assembly of tyres

MAIN DOCUMENT

Motor vehicle wheel guards

Type of vehicle concerned

Rules for EU type-approval

MAIN DOCUMENT

Reducing pollution from light motor vehicles

Key Points

MAIN DOCUMENT

Manufacturer’s statutory plate and identification number for motor vehicles

Types of vehicles concerned

Requirements for the manufacturer’s statutory plate

Requirements for the vehicle identification number (VIN)

Provisions concerning EC type-approval

MAIN DOCUMENT

Safe motor vehicles and trailers

Manufacturers’obligations

References

Motor vehicles with trailers: permissible sound level

References

Improving tyres’ fuel efficiency, braking capacity and noise levels

Key Points

Responsibilities of tyre suppliers

Responsibilities of tyre distributors

References

Windscreen defrosting and demisting systems for motor vehicles

Requirements for windscreen defrosting and demisting systems

Rules for EU type-approval

MAIN DOCUMENT

Spray-suppression systems for motor vehicles

Categories of motor vehicle

Type-approval

References

Re-use, recycling and recovery of vehicle parts and materials

Key Points

Rear registration plates on motor vehicles

Key Points

Rules for EU type-approval

MAIN DOCUMENT

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