Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for a second phase of work on GTR 26 and UN R185 (ADS2). The IWG shall keep under review the suitability of existing provisions in the Global Technical Regulation and UN Regulation on ADS, consider proposals for new provisions, submit draft regulatory proposals amending both regulations, maintain the Guidance and Interpretation Document, assume responsibility for Data Storage Systems for Automated Driving matters, and deliver draft proposals no later than the January 2029 session of GRVA. The IWG shall report to GRVA, be managed by six Co-Chairs from different regions, operate in English, reach decisions by consensus, and ensure regulatory proposals are performance based and technology neutral.

Status report to GRVA on the Automated Driving Systems informal working group. Reports progress since the 25th GRVA session in May 2026, including a meeting held in July in Brussels. Describes submissions including draft Terms of Reference for IWG on ADS2. Outlines planned activities: a joint IWG on ADS and workshop meeting 6–9 October 2026 in Sydney to finalize guidance for WP.29 in November 2026 and draft phase 2 programme of work; and an official kick-off IWG on ADS2 meeting 7–11 December 2026 in The Hague. Requests GRVA adoption of draft Terms of Reference for transmission to WP.29.

Status report on e-axle trailer development within GRVA, covering taxonomy, regulatory approach, and progress. The document presents use cases for electric axles in trailers of categories O2, O3, and O4, comparing simplified frameworks for O2 with fully integrated heavy vehicle frameworks for O3/O4. Progress includes updated taxonomy, ISO 11992 standardization work, and completed workshops. Step 2 adoption is targeted for January 2027, with Step 3 planning for O2 trailers to be clarified.

Proposal to amend para. 3.4.1. and para. 3.4.4. in Annex 8 to require manufacturers to address how the braking system strategy will not prejudice safe operation due to failures with other systems involved in achieving the function of the system, and insert new para. 4.5. in Annex 6 to require consideration of the effect of implausible wheel-speed information on anti-lock system operation in fault analysis. The proposal responds to a United Kingdom collision involving tyre failure and ABS activation that resulted in unsafe operation.

Proposal to insert a new para. 5.1.12. requiring that whenever an assessment of compliance to a requirement of this regulation is unachievable without reading internal signal(s) of an electronic system, the vehicle manufacturer shall provide instructions and tools to read signals on in-vehicle networks for the technical service to extract and interpret the signal(s), with this information appended to the test report.

Proposal to establish terms of reference and rules of procedure for the Task Force on Exchange of Scenario-Relevant Information. The TF on ESRI shall propose procedures to facilitate sharing of information under WP.29 that can support the use of traffic scenarios for assessment of vehicles, equipment, and parts performing the dynamic driving task, and shall develop proposals concerning information structuring, information exchange management, public availability of information, and application recommendations. The TF on ESRI shall not propose scenarios for use in regulations, propose a regulatory database or catalogue, propose requirements for scenario use in regulations, or develop regulatory provisions. The TF on ESRI shall aim to develop procedures facilitating continuous improvement of vehicle safety, exchanges among Contracting Parties, application of scenario-related provisions, and efficient procedures for information exchange. The TF on ESRI shall present outcomes within two years from approval of these terms of reference by GRVA. The TF on ESRI is a subsidiary body of GRVA, open to all WP.29 participants, managed by a chairperson or co-chairs from Contracting Parties. Meetings shall be held in public, either in person or online. Decisions shall be reached by consensus.

Draft report of the 33rd meeting of the GRE Taskforce on Autonomous Vehicle Signalling Requirements held on 7 September 2026. The taskforce discussed ADS marker lamps, including a draft proposal for a hybrid regulation, research results from Korea on V2H communication systems, and a presentation by Japan. Key discussion topics included the allowance for substitution of front position lamps and DRLs by ADS marker lamps, lateral ADS marker lamp signalization for trucks, approval marking labels, and visibility angles for side ADS marker lamps. The taskforce agreed to conduct editorial work on the proposal on 16 September and hold a finalizing meeting on 22 September to prepare an informal document for GRE-95 in October.

Provisional agenda for the 52nd session of the IWVTA Informal Group scheduled for November 12, 2026 in Paris. The session will address election of a new Chair, adoption of the agenda and 51st session report, highlights from the 199th WP.29 session, amendments to UN R0 series, contradiction between transitional provisions in UN R22 and Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement, proposed amendments to Guidelines on Transitional Provisions, IWVTA awareness and promotion, extension of mandates, and DETA scheme implementation.

This regulation proposes uniform provisions for the approval of electric powertrain retrofit systems (EPRS) intended for the conversion of vehicles of categories M and N to electric propulsion. It establishes requirements for EPRS design, installation by authorized installers, type approval procedures, application ranges, markings, conformity of production, and modification or extension of approvals. Specific requirements for compliance with applicable UN Regulations are defined, including electromagnetic compatibility, braking, power measurement, rechargeable energy storage systems, and mass and dimension limits. The regulation applies to both pure electric vehicles (EV) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV).

Proposal to clarify para. 5.6.4.6.8.1.(e) of UN R79 to address how different direction indicator lever mechanisms comply with manual deactivation requirements for automated lane change systems. The regulation currently does not distinguish between full-turn methods, where the lever returns to neutral position, and half-turn methods, where activation of the opposite direction indicator or stalk activation in the opposite direction constitutes deactivation. Two options are presented: either add separate provisions for each method, or note that activation of opposite direction indicator lamps may constitute deactivation of the initiating signal.

HWT-PTI held meetings on 8 July, 13 August, and 19 August, with further meetings planned for 28 September, 3 November, and 24 November 2026. Work focuses on three items: revised wording for neutral state of passing beam under discussion, cut-off and kink point commenting on UN R149 Annex 5 and 6, and provision for PTI awaiting outcomes of earlier work items.

Proposal to amend Article 2, paragraph 2 to clarify that where a Certificate of Compliance required under a UN Regulation and issued by an Approval Authority of another Contracting Party is accepted by a Contracting Party, the Approval Authority granting the corresponding type approval shall remain responsible for all aspects of that type approval. The amendment addresses management systems and their Certificates of Compliance used in UN Regulations such as UN R155 and UN R156.

Document explains concerns about the approach in GRVA/2026/30 to require a single Approval Authority to issue certificates of compliance for Cyber Security Management Systems and Automated Driving Systems Management Systems and vehicle type approval. The proposed changes would lead to double or triple approvals of management systems, creating administrative burden and unresolved legal consequences regarding challenged certificates of compliance and their effects on other issued certificates for the same management system. The submission proposes clarifying existing wording, documenting implications of challenged certificates, and adding a new paragraph 5.1.5. to UN R155 permitting mutual agreement between Approval Authorities regarding certificate usage.

Proposal to renew the terms for the Informal Working Group on Cyber Security and Software Updates under GRVA. The IWG shall maintain official documents on cyber security and software updates, develop amendments to UN R155 and UN R156 including provisions on software identification, support application across Global Technical Regulations, and provide opportunities for participants to share implementation experience. The IWG will be chaired by the United Kingdom, United States, and Japan, with OICA providing technical secretariat, and will operate until November 2029.

Status report on activities of the IWG on CS/OTA since the 25th GRVA session. The IWG reviewed proposals for amendment of UN R155 and its interpretation document for multi-stage vehicles, proposals for approval-authority arrangements and Certificates of Compliance for UN R155 and R156, proposals integrating software identification and update text across several UNRs outlined in RE.3, component and STU approval concepts, and remote operation and automated driving systems. The IWG proposes updating regulatory text and interpretation documents for UN R155, revisions to software identification and update text across several regulations, and revised Terms of Reference for a mandate till November 2029.

Document presents parking accident data from China showing high-frequency accident factors including static obstacles and vulnerable road users, with 45% of parking lot accidents occurring on driveways and 40% involving children. Establishes recommendations for a Parking Task Force to research product requirements for Assisted Parking and Automated Parking, evaluate applicability of current UN regulations, and promote formulation or revision of regulations. Identifies technical differences between driving and parking functions, including separate development routes, earlier mass production timelines for parking automation, and specific test method requirements not fully covered by current UN regulations.

Proposal to:

• Insert new para. 3.2.2. requiring manufacturers of ALKS active in territories other than the approving Contracting Party to provide summaries of how applicable traffic rules were identified, interpreted, and assessed, summaries of specific testing carried out, and a single point of contact,
• Insert new paras. 4.8. to 4.8.6. establishing procedures for granting approval authorities to inform receiving approval authorities of such ALKS, requiring information sharing at least 30 days prior to approval, permitting receiving authorities to comment within 30 days, establishing dispute settlement under Article 10 and Schedule 6 of the 1958 Agreement, and requiring the same procedures when extending type approval to additional territories,
• Insert footnotes [Y] and [X] regarding periodic review and contact details for approval authorities.

Status report on the ADS Workshop since the 25th GRVA, covering two meetings held in June and July 2026. Task 3 addressed interpretation and guidelines, with nearly 60 change requests discussed and concluded during the Brussels meeting. Four types of changes were needed to GRVA/2026/24: consolidation of approved changes, addition of GTR version references, revised number formatting, and editorial improvements. Two informal documents are provided for clarity: a clean revision (GRVA-26-09e) and a listing of substantive changes (GRVA-26-09a1e). The workshop seeks GRVA approval for submission to WP.29 in November 2026 for adoption in March 2027. The revision applies alphabetical headings aligned with ADS regulations structure, alphanumeric subheadings for explanations, and deletes consecutive numbering to avoid confusion with GTR and UN R185 paragraph numbers.

Report on a virtual meeting of the Task Force on Vehicular Communications held on 11 June 2026. Presentations were made by China CAICT with support from CATARC, the European Commission DG MOVE, and SAE International on the use of communications to improve the protection of VRUs. The co-chairs are UK, U.S., and Japan, with China as vice-chair.

The IWG on AEBS held its second meeting virtually on 18 June 2026 and decided to submit ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2026/38 for approval, an amendment adding a footnote to clarify that Sufficient nominal Peak Braking Coefficient should be understood as a minimum value. The IWG plans to collect accident data from jurisdictions, existing regulations, technologies, and state-of-the-art performance requirements for collision scenarios involving pedestrians at night. A schedule of future informal meetings is provided through January 2028, with a draft regulation planned for availability by January 2028 and formal submission by September 2028.

Proposal to amend paragraph AI to introduce a link between existing text in Part A and new Part C regarding vehicle transformations, insert new Part C providing guidance for the application of UN Regulation No. 155 to transformed vehicles including documentary evidence requirements, and add section 6 clarifying that the requirement for Certificate of Compliance and type approval to be issued by the same Approval Authority applies only within the scope of a specific type approval and its approval holder.

Proposal to insert definitions for Software Identification Number, insert requirements for manufacturers to provide necessary information allowing the Technical Service to uniquely identify hardware and software configurations, insert provisions allowing vehicle manufacturers to apply for new approvals to differentiate software versions for registered versus new vehicles, amend production discontinuation provisions to clarify that cessation is not deemed definitive if the manufacturer intends to obtain subsequent extensions for software updates of vehicles already registered in the market, renumber and insert new items in approval communication annexes regarding software identification and software updates including RxSWIN, and insert provisions allowing vehicle manufacturers to obtain new approvals for software version differentiation across multiple UN Regulations (13, 13-H, 79, 89, 130, 131, 139, 140, 152, 155, 156, 157, 171, 175, and 178).

Provisional agenda for the twenty-sixth session of the Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA), held 14 September 2026 in Geneva. Items include adoption of agenda, highlights from June 2026 WP.29 session, Artificial Intelligence in vehicles, automated and connected vehicles including Automated Driving Systems, UN Regulations 155, 156, 157, 171, 178, 151, 152, 130, 131, 139, 140, 13, 13-H, 78, 90, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, braking systems, Electronic Stability Control, e-Trailers, motorcycle braking, exchange of views on guidelines and national activities, Revision 3 to the 1958 Agreement, election of officers, and other business including climate change mitigation strategy and programme of work.

Progress report on Authentication and Authorisation (OBAC) work. Since the 25th GRVA session, a brief update was provided to the 199th WP.29 session in June, input was gathered from contracting parties regarding scope, needs and directions, use cases were set for initial focus including DSSAD, OBFCM, Digital Key and ePTI, and rationale was refined. A Support Paper is now being drafted for introduction through WP.29.

Status report on research activities of the Informal Working Group on ACPE GTR. Canada is conducting ongoing tests with three vehicles examining accelerator application rates, distances to obstacles, and false-positive interventions. The United Kingdom plans to contribute information from Transport London research. South Korea is preparing presentations on documented cases with 10Hz EDR data and KNCAP 2026 tests. Germany is planning vehicle benchmarks and subjective tests. Japan is conducting vehicle evaluation tests using two passenger vehicles with three target types based on UN R175 01 series test procedures. The next coordination meeting is scheduled for 10 November 2026, with an in-person meeting in Tokyo proposed for February 24–26, 2027.

Clean work-in-progress draft proposal to insert a new para. 0 establishing an introduction for vehicles of categories X and Y equipped with an Automated Driving System, and amend para. 6.1.5. to clarify that the exemption for sensors, cameras, and radar devices being part of driver assistance systems does not apply to automated driving systems unless the ADS performance of the DDT is not affected.

Clean work-in-progress draft proposal to amend para. 0 to introduce provisions for vehicles of category Y and vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System, amend para. 1.4. to specify that the Regulation does not apply to vehicles of category Y and to exempt certain vehicles of category N₁, amend para. 2.8. to define the bonnet rear reference line for vehicles of category Y without a windscreen, amend para. 2.22. to include automated driving sensors in the definition of front structure for vehicles of category X and Y, amend para. 2.29. to specify normal ride attitude for vehicles of category X and Y, amend para. 2.32. to define side reference lines for vehicles of category Y without A-pillars, amend para. 2.44. to define windscreen test area boundaries for vehicles of category Y without a windscreen, amend para. 2.45. to specify cowl monitoring area for vehicles of category Y without a windscreen, and amend para. 5.3.1.2. to modify requirements for Actively Regulated Hydro-pneumatic Suspension System when an Automated Driving System feature is active.

Work in progress clean draft proposal to establish a new UN Regulation on crashworthiness of vehicles of category N₁Y with regard to protection of fuel system integrity, protection against electrical shock and vehicle crash compatibility in the event of frontal, rear-end and lateral collision. The regulation applies to vehicles of category N₁Y and specifies test procedures for frontal, lateral and rear-end collisions based on UN R94, UN R95, UN R137 and UN R153. Requirements include fuel system integrity with no more than slight leakage or continuous leakage not exceeding 30 g/min, hydrogen leakage rate not exceeding 118 NL per minute, protection against electrical shock through absence of high voltage, low electrical energy, physical protection or isolation resistance, electrolyte leakage limits, REESS retention and fire hazard prevention, and crash compatibility criteria with Crash Compatibility Criterion not exceeding 40–45 g and Crash Compatibility Value not exceeding 100–120 gt.

Wrap-up of the 21st ADS IWG and 19th GRVA Workshop on ADS Brussels session held 14-17 July 2026. The session discussed and accepted numerous proposals to amend the Guidance Implementation Document (GID) for GTR 26/UNR 185, including modifications to introductory text, safety risk management requirements, reporting provisions for various operational issues, and safety management system guidance. The session also discussed activities for ADS IWG Phase 2 (2026–2029), including remote assistance, ODD description, external HMI, feature activation and deactivation, connectivity, software parameter adaptation, ADS/ADAS transition, DSSAD, ISMR, leading metrics, safety case, text improvement, implementation, system updates, MRC, priority vehicles, STU, and end-to-end technologies.

The 21st IWG CLIV Session agenda for 8–11 September 2026 at UTAC Autodrome de Linas-Montlhry, France, focuses four meeting days on light vehicles. Drafting work with demonstrations occurs throughout the week. Day 1 includes introduction, official welcome, agenda adoption, progress summary, group photo, drafting regulatory text for LVs, research presentation on hot cars, and vehicle demonstration. Days 2–4 comprise drafting sessions for UNR for LVs, presentations including ISO WG on surrogate progression and vehicle demonstration, with closing remarks each day. The meeting ends 17:00 on Friday 11 September 2026.

Document presents Korean research on event data recorder (EDR) data survivability in electric vehicles following post-crash fires. Analysis of nine Korean EV fire cases shows EDR data retrieval failed in three cases due to ACU damage in fully burned vehicles, while six cases achieved data retrieval despite water immersion from firefighting. The document proposes water immersion testing to assess EDR data survivability for inclusion in EDR Step 3, referencing international automotive standards for test method development.

The IWG on AI reports on three meetings held since June 2026 and future meetings scheduled through January 2027. The IWG has compiled literature on regulated automotive safety systems using AI, created terms and definitions for AI, listed AI use cases for regulated automotive safety systems, and is working on an AI reference document (latest draft AI-11-03). An AI reference document is scheduled for submission as a formal working document to the June 2027 WP.29 session, based on WP.29-199-26 with structural and conceptual improvements. Small drafting groups will propose document updates via change request forms using AI-11-04, with only updates receiving majority consensus during plenary meetings incorporated into the baseline.

Proposal to amend, delete, and insert various provisions throughout a Guidance and Interpretation document on GTR 26 and UN R185 on Automated Driving Systems. The document supplements the proposal to supersede GRVA/2026/24 by providing the changes to the draft text separately from the restructuring and additions of GTR 26 references.

Consolidated revision of the working document on guidance and interpretation document for GTR 26 and UN R185 on Automated Driving Systems (GRVA/2026/24). The document facilitates interpretation of ADS requirements when applied to particular ADS vehicles, provides guidance on evidence for requirements, and helps harmonize application across manufacturers and authorities. It addresses definitions, application for approval, approval procedures, ADS performance of the Dynamic Driving Task in nominal, critical, and failure situations, interactions between ADS and users, safety management systems, test environments, safety cases, and post-deployment safety monitoring.

Document presents suggested revisions to test procedures in Annex 7 and Annex 7 Appendix 1:

• Renumber para. 4.4. into paras. 4.4.1. through 4.4.8. to structure target operation conditions,
• Insert new para. 4.4.7. to permit acceptance of measurement runs outside the control range when agreed by manufacturer and authority,
• Modify para. 3.6.1.1. to define maximum reference acceleration for a selected reference v-t-e ratio and clarify determination procedures,
• Add provision that in case calculated acceleration is negative, the value is set to zero,
• Restructure para. 2.2.1.2. to introduce subsections 2.2.1.2.1. and 2.2.1.2.2. for parameters from acceleration and constant speed tests respectively, and modify parameter definitions including use of vPP,CRS instead of fixed 50 km/h reference speed.

Considerations by TF-Data Analysis regarding tyre slopes, power train slopes, and part load model for the RD-ASEP Sound Expectation Model. Tyre slopes α = 40 and β = 20 are confirmed as appropriate for UN R117 approved tyres. Power train slopes are confirmed as well-framed to normal vehicle behaviour and consistent with Annex 7 ASEP Slope-Assessment principles. For part load model, the function is confirmed for ICE vehicles and HEV in ICE mode, while for EVs and HEVs in EV mode the part load area may require reworking, but the part load model should be applied uniformly to all vehicle techniques.

Document presents considerations on amendments to the RD-ASEP Sound Expectation Model SEM. A simplified approach for electric vehicles is proposed based on Supplement 11 to UN R51.03, using a tyre rolling sound curve with slopes identical to internal combustion engine and hybrid electric vehicles, plus an acceleration term from UN R51.03 Supplement 11 as an additional term, and the AVAS term from Option 1, without other parts of the SEM.

Document presents considerations on revising the AVAS term in the RD-ASEP Sound Expectation Model to align with UN R138.02 specifications for electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Two options are discussed: Option 1 implements only constant speed specifications from UN R138.02, while Option 2 extends this with an additional term to reflect interpretation of paragraph 6.2.8 for accelerated conditions. A revised AVAS term formula applicable for vehicle speeds up to 50 km/h is proposed.

Proposal to amend the determination of reference acceleration aREF by introducing a theoretical calculation formula based on PMR, rated engine speed S, and vehicle mass mro, with a correction function accounting for transmission losses, virtual mass increase, tyre slip, and turbo delay, and to allow manufacturers to alternatively determine reference acceleration by discrete measurements.

Document presents considerations on factor x used in the Sound Expectation Model to split constant speed test results into tyre rolling sound and power train mechanic references. Factor x values are concentrated between 80 and 99, indicating tyre dominance. Small variations in measurements cause disproportional variability in the minor sound source when one source dominates. Two options are proposed: Option 1 requires factor x determined during type approval to be reported and used for subsequent assessments, with any redetermination not exceeding the type approval value; Option 2 requires the power train reference from type approval to be used for all further assessments regardless of measurement variations.

Transport Canada presents results from a national survey on vehicle headlight glare conducted from March to April 2026, with 361,438 respondents. Approximately 90% of participants experience glare at least weekly, with oncoming vehicles cited by 97.4% as the primary source. Large SUVs and pickup trucks were identified by 95.4% as causing the most glare. Light intensity, headlight mounting height, and misalignment were the most commonly perceived contributing factors. Survey respondents identified updating headlight design standards (83.6%) and restricting replacement headlight sales (82.8%) as preferred solutions. Transport Canada is conducting ongoing research including a naturalistic driving study and developing a dedicated vehicle headlight glare webpage.

SLR will deliver Stage 2/Step 2 to GRE-96 by end of January 2027 for submission to WP.29 in November 2027. SLR’s mandate ends December 2027. A new informal working group on Supporting technical experts on Lighting Regulation (SteLR) will be established, chaired by EC and vice-chaired by Germany, to address remaining open points from SLR and TF-GP. Main topics include visibility of signalling functions, glare prevention, apparent surface, energy saving, replaceability and sustainability, and V2X communication.

Simplification work on UN Regulation No. 86 addresses five pending points: the number of additional direction-indicator lamps allowed, geometric visibility of category 6 direction-indicator lamps, height for slow-moving vehicles marking plates set as low as possible above the ground but not less than 250 mm at the lower edge, position for slow-moving vehicles marking plates with regard to the vehicle median longitudinal plane, and speed for automatic activation of manoeuvring lamps proposed at 15 km/h as a compromise.

Agenda for the 48th session of the Subgroup on EDR, a hybrid meeting scheduled for 15-16 September 2026 in Berlin. The agenda includes a final review of and potential amendments to official documents to GRSG regarding UN R160 and UN R169, discussion of the need for Step 3 and inventory of potential items for Step 3 workstream with presentations by IWG delegations expected, EDR for ADS, and a list of action items and schedule of future conference call meetings.

Proposal to amend para. 1.4. to clarify obligations for recording data elements where sensors or systems cannot meet specified format requirements. Recording is not required if no system or sensor is designed to provide the trigger or data element, or if not operational at the time of the trigger condition or recording. However, if the vehicle is fitted with an original equipment manufacturer sensor or system designed to provide the trigger or data element in the specified format, reporting in that format is mandatory when operational. Where sensor or system design capabilities do not allow format requirements to be met, the data element shall nevertheless be recorded and the corresponding limitation reported. Failure states shall be recorded by the EDR.

Draft report from the fifth meeting of the informal group on Automatically Commanded Deceleration (ACPED) for Automated Vehicles, held online on 8 September 2026. The report covers research activities by Contracting Parties including vehicle testing by Germany, Japan, Canada, UK, and South Korea. Discussions addressed unwarranted ACPE activation in various scenarios, including intersections and railway crossings. The next meeting is scheduled for 10 November 2026, with an in-person meeting planned for Tokyo in either January or February 2027.

Proposal to amend UN R74:

• Simplify definitions by referring to UN Regulation No. 48,
• Replace vehicle type references with vehicles of category L₁,
• Use hyphens in “type-approved” and “direction-indicator lamp”,
• Add provisions for electric vehicle inclusion,
• Consolidate general and individual lamp specifications,
• Reorganize geometric visibility requirements into paragraphs 5.5 and 5.6,
• Add para. 5.22 regarding lamp operation requirements,
• Create summary tables in Annexes 6 and 7 for lamp positioning and geometric visibility angles,
• Revise approval marks in Annex 2,
• Reserve Annex 3,
• Establish transitional provisions for the 04 series with dates to be determined (1 September [20xx]).