Presentation to explain the rational behind the proposal of a new Annex 8 to the R55 introduced in the working document GRRF/2017/03.

Proposed addition, based on document GRRF/2016/32, to the package of amendments developed by the informal working group on UN R55 (document GRRF/2017/3). The proposal aims to make clear to Technical Services and Authorities that in cases where no values for the maximum permissible towing vehicle and trailer masses and the maximum permissible static vertical imposed load on the tow ball are declared by a vehicle manufacturer or where the declared maximum vertical value is zero, approval shall be refused.

Addition, based on document GRRF/2016/32, to the package of amendments developed by the informal working group on UN R55 (document GRRF/2017/3). The proposal aims to make clear to Technical Services and Authorities that in cases where no values for the maximum permissible towing vehicle and trailer masses and the maximum permissible static vertical imposed load on the tow device are declared by a vehicle manufacturer or where the declared maximum vertical value is zero, approval shall be refused.

Proposal to restrict component type-approval for mechanical coupling devices dedicated to category M1 vehicles to use only on such M1 vehicles as are designed to tow trailers.

UN R55 informal group proposal for:

1. An amendment for the separation of the procedures to verify towable mass from the procedure of setting and certifying performance values;
2. An amendment that adds procedures to verify towable mass for vehicle combinations that have hitherto not been accounted for in the Regulation;
3. Amendments that adds integrated fixing points for secondary couplings;
4. An amendment that clarifies the procedure to identify worst cases for certification testing;
5. Amendments that removes typos in the current Regulation.