37. The secretariat presented WP.29-191-16 recalling the purpose of Annex 7 in the consolidated resolution on the construction of vehicles R.E.3. WP.29 invited the GRs to evaluate which regulations should be amended to permit software updates, as suggested by the representative of France.

38. The representative of France introduced WP.29-191-29, a joint statement of the expert groups on regulatory fitness for automated driving systems regarding the establishment of a task force on categories for automated vehicles. He informed WP.29 about the background as well as about the proposed principles for the work on categories and the potential TF.

39. The representatives of China, the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America highlighted the importance of this topic and supported the proposal. The representatives of Germany and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland offered to chair the group with potential other co-chairs.

40. The representative of IMMA requested to exclude or postpone consideration of L-category-vehicles in the new TF on establishment of categories for automated vehicles. He clarified the additional complexity due to diversity of L-category or category 3 vehicles which range from light mopeds to motorcycles, three wheelers, to light and heavy quadricycles. Also, there is a lack of urgency to consider powered two-wheelers which are very complex to automate and IMMA’s recent efforts in GRSP and GRSG to update the category of L7 quadricycle vehicles proved extremely complex due to major diversities in the jurisdictions.

41. The representatives of Germany and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland stated that category L vehicles should not be excluded from the scope and should first be discussed in the TF.

42. The GRVA Chair highlighted that the work on vehicle categorization should both address the needs for automation and be kept as simple as possible. He asked WP.29 for guidance on how the TF should address R.E.3 and S.R.1, as both documents include vehicle categories.

43. The secretariat informed WP.29 about the process of amending S.R.1. and pointed at para. 2.4 of the resolution, which could have an impact on the choice of a deadline.

44. WP.29 agreed to establish the TF and that it could start the work keeping in mind the two categorization systems set in RE.3 and SR.1.