The 20th session of the Task Force on Vehicle Sound convened on 14 April 2026. The session adopted the draft agenda and reviewed the 19th session report with a minor correction. The cross-matrix, defined in 2021 to assess traffic noise reduction policies through traffic scenarios and models, was rediscussed. A model based on RD-ASEP monitoring data was presented, showing significant deviations from EU-CNOSSOS predictions. Additional data are needed for M₃/N₃ and L-category vehicles. Extension of the cross-matrix to L-categories was proposed, utilising data from UN R41-06 RD-ASEP. A subgroup was established to develop scenarios, particularly for L-categories, and review available models. The next meeting is scheduled for 9 June 2026.

Proposal to establish uniform provisions concerning the approval of M₂ and M₃ vehicles to assist in the prevention of children being left inside. This regulation applies to vehicles of categories M₂ and M₃ class B and III designed or equipped primarily for the carriage of children, or special purpose vehicles of categories M₂ and M₃ class B and III designed specifically for the carriage of children. Vehicles shall be equipped with a physical inspection system which satisfies the requirements, including that the system shall be engaged when the vehicle master control switch is turned off and shall generate an external visual and audible warning if not disarmed within three minutes for buses not exceeding 22 passenger seats, or within five minutes for buses exceeding 22 passenger seats. The audible warning shall be greater than 60 dB(A).

The document reports on ASEAN workshops held in March 2025 and January 2026 regarding vehicle type approval systems under the 1958 Agreement and UN Regulations. The Philippines raised concerns that not all UNR type approval certificates are available in the DETA database, with no prescribed timeline for uploading newly issued approvals or removing withdrawn certificates, and that access to DETA is limited to Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement. The Philippines proposes designating a national DETA focal point, securing official access for all regulatory authorities, requiring complete type approval certificate packages, and relaying concerns to WP.29/UN ECE Secretariat. Singapore and Thailand expressed interest in understanding DETA obligations and minimum commitments for Contracting Parties, and requested practical guidance on UN Regulations compliance.

IWVTA is an internationally recognised whole vehicle type approval scheme within the revised 1958 Agreement framework. It establishes mutual recognition of vehicle type approvals at the whole vehicle level across Contracting Parties, eliminating requirements for further testing, documentation, or certification for safety, environment, energy, and anti-theft. IWVTA comprises two approaches: U-IWVTA applies the highest stringency of latest UN Regulations, while L-IWVTA permits omissions or lower stringency versions. The scope is limited to passenger cars. Merits include simplified type approval systems, reduced testing and administrative costs, and shortened processing times.

The 1st DETA/IWVTA Joint Workshop is scheduled for June 17, 2026, 9:30–12:30 (CEST) as a hybrid meeting in Flensburg. The provisional agenda includes opening remarks from the DETA Chair, IWVTA Chair, and President of KBA. Part 1 covers DETA topics: what DETA is, a demonstration, ASEAN countries’ expectations, and ways to make DETA more attractive. Part 2 covers IWVTA topics: what IWVTA is, industry’s expectations, issuance and acceptance of IWVTA certificates in the EU, and ways to make IWVTA more attractive. The workshop concludes with any other business.

Proposal to amend para. 1., footnote 1 to update the reference to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3.); add new para. 2.3.3.7. defining devices for Automated Driving Systems; amend para. 2.3.8. to clarify the definition of movable components; delete paras. 2.3.12. to 2.3.12.4. concerning terms and definitions related to automated driving; amend paras. 2.5.3., 2.7.4.7., and 2.7.6.1. to 2.7.6.4. to incorporate automated driving system references; insert new paras. 2.5.22., 2.7.12., 2.7.13., 3.2.10., 3.2.11., and 5.35.14. relating to direction indicator projections and driver assistance projections; insert new paras. 5.37. and 5.38. establishing general provisions and special requirements for vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System; amend paras. 6.1.1., 6.1.4.3., 6.1.7.2., 6.1.7.3., 6.1.8.1., 6.2.4.3., 6.2.6.1.1., 6.2.6.2.2., 6.2.7.6., 6.2.7.7., 6.3.4.3., 6.3.6.1.1.1., 6.3.6.1.2.2., 6.3.9., 6.4.7.2., 6.5.7., 6.6.7.1., 6.7.9.2.1., 6.13.4.2., 6.19.4.3., 6.19.7.2.©, 6.20.7.2., 6.22.4.2., 6.22.6.1.1., 6.22.7.4., 6.22.7.5., 6.22.8.3., 6.22.8.4., and 6.26.7. to address automated driving system operation and direction indicator projections; insert new para. 6.29. with comprehensive requirements for direction indicator projections; insert new items 9.33. and 9.34. in Annex 1 regarding direction indicator projections and automated driving systems; amend Annex 5, para. 2. and paras. 2.1. to 2.4. to define seating position 1 and modify loading conditions for automated vehicles; amend Annex 14 title; and insert new Annex 18 specifying the chevron as the basic element for direction indicator projection patterns, based on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2024/21/Rev.1, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2025/23, and GRE-93-30-Rev.1.

The 5th Emergency Door Opening Task Force meeting was held 21–23 April 2026 in Seoul. The meeting minutes of the 4th EDO meeting were adopted without amendment. A report concerning the TF EDO work programme was delivered to WP.29 AC.2 and AC.3 during the 198th session of WP.29, with informal endorsement to transform the Task Force into an Informal Working Group. Discussions addressed amendments to UN Regulation No. 11 and No. 21, including test procedures for power loss, interior and exterior door opening, intuitiveness, and backup systems. Documents EDO-05-03, EDO-05-04, EDO-05-05, EDO-05-07, EDO-05-08, EDO-05-09, and EDO-05-12 were reviewed. Multiple homework items were assigned for completion before the 6th EDO meeting scheduled for 1–3 September 2026 in Paris.

Proposal for a 03 series of amendments, modifying para. 5.4.1.4 (Table 5) to change emission limits for Classes 1, 2, and 3, amending para. 5.4.2.2 to establish CO measurement requirements at idle, adding para. 5.4.4.3 to establish requirements for O₂ content and lambda measurement at high idle with specified calculation methods, modifying para. 12 to change transitional provision references from 02 to 03 series, and inserting comprehensive new technical requirements throughout Annexes 1 through 7 and their Appendices 1 through 12 concerning vehicle propulsion unit families, test procedures for Type I, Type II and Type VII tests, exhaust dilution systems, driving cycles, gearshift procedures, reference fuels, chassis dynamometer specifications, and related emissions testing methodologies applicable to vehicles of category L₃, L₄ and L₅.