1. The Working Party on General Safety Provisions (GRSG) met online for its 123rd session from 28 March to 1 April 2022, hosted from Geneva. The meeting was chaired by Mr. A. Erario (Italy). Experts from the following countries participated in the work, following Rule 1 of the Rules of Procedure of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/690/Rev.1): Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America. Experts from the European Commission participated. Experts from non-governmental organizations participated: American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), International Association for Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV Global), International Body and Trailer Building Industry (CLCCR), International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee (CITA), International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), Liquid Gas Europe (LGA), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA).

2. GRSG considered and adopted the agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/1) proposed for the 123rd session, the running order (GRSG-123-03) and the annotations (GRSG-123-22). The informal documents distributed during the session are listed in annex I to this report. The GRSG informal working groups (IWG) are listed in annex XI of the session report.

GRSG-123-03 | GRSG-123: Running order of meeting

GRSG-123-22 | GRSG-123: Updated annotated provisional agenda for the March 2022 session

GRSG/2022/1 | GRSG: Annotated provisional agenda for the 123rd (March 2022) session

3. The secretariat of GRSP introduced a presentation (GRSP-70-02) on the work progress of IWG on Safer Transport of Children in Buses and Coaches (IWG-STCBC) to GRSG. The expert from Germany added a clarification that the aim of IWG was a new UN Regulation concerning existing systems used in passenger cars and that the specific new Child Restraint System (CRS) would be not developed. He added that IWG favoured built-in CRS and booster cushions due to their lack of bulk. However, especially in the latter case, the problem of head containment would remain. He also stated that the belt length would be an issue since buses had not been structured to incorporate large rolls of belts to secure CRS. He finally announced that a proposal would be officially presented by IWG at the December 2022 session of GRSP.

GRSP-70-02 | Status Report of the Informal Working Group on Safer Transport of Children in Buses and Coaches

4. The expert from Sweden introduced GRSG-123-14 on an accident involving a M3 Class I vehicle articulated with a CNG propulsion system which had collided with a height restriction portal. The expert from the United Kingdom confirmed that similar accidents occurred in his country with high buses against infrastructure (e.g. bridges). The expert from the Netherlands added that accidents of this kind may involve vehicles with different propulsion and technology (e.g. electric vehicles), and confirmed the relevance of the issue. GRSG agreed in principle to resume discussion on this topic based on the final results of the investigation provided by the expert from Sweden.

5. The Chair of GRSG reiterated his invitation to experts to report on current activities regarding consideration of specifications on autonomous shuttles with the aim of reviewing the applicability of existing requirements or creating new categories of these vehicles, and asked if there were updates.

6. The expert from the European Commission confirmed that the work of autonomous shuttles is a subgroup of the motor vehicle working group, and that the current work of the Commission was to achieve a European approach. He invited GRSG experts to participate in the ongoing work on autonomous shuttles in the Commission, and emphasized the importance of contributions from GRSG experts in the ongoing work.

7. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/2 to allow for the possibility of granting type-approvals to the M3 Class I vehicle category (which are not yet part of the scope of UN Regulation No. 118). She explained that the proposal aimed to introduce M3 Class I vehicles into the current scope of the UN Regulation on a voluntary basis. Moreover, she explained that this proposal would ensure that interpretations did not differ among Type Approval Authorities, and therefore provided the same level playing field for vehicle manufacturer’s requests, especially in the case of tenders.

8. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/2, not amended. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as Supplement 1 to the 04 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 118 (Burning behaviour of materials), for consideration and vote at the November 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSG/2022/2 | UN R118: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 04 series of amendments Proposal to extend the scope of the regulation to vehicles of category M3, Class III.

9. GRSG noted that proposals had not been submitted for consideration under this agenda item.

10. GRSG noted that proposals had not been submitted for consideration under this agenda item.

11. The expert from France introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/3 to clarify the classification of panes in “safety-glass faced with plastics material” and “glass-plastics”, and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/4 to resolve a potential inconsistency in abrasion test requirements for flexible plastics other than the windscreen.

12. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/3 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/4, not amended. The secretariat was requested to combine the two documents for submission as a unique proposal of Supplement 10 to the 01 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 43 (Safety glazing), for consideration and vote at the November 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSG/2022/3 | UN R43: Proposal for Supplement 10 to 01 series of amendments Proposal to clarify the classification of panes in "safety-glass faced with plastics material" and "glass-plastics"

GRSG/2022/4 | UN R43: Proposal for Supplement 10 to the 01 series of amendments Proposal to solve a potential inconsistency regarding abrasion test requirements for flexible plastics other than windscreen.

13. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/5 to clarify the current definition of security glazing in UN Regulation No. 43. However, this does not pertain to the category of T vehicles – wheeled or tracked agricultural or forestry vehicles – which require a security glazing windscreen to protect the occupant from, for example, ruptured chainsaws (required in ISO 21876:2020).

14. GRSG noted that the current provisions of the UN Regulation did not allow type approval of the safety glazing of T vehicles. GRSG agreed to postpone full discussion of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/5 to its October 2022 session, while awaiting a full understanding of the solutions to test configurations of safety glazing of the T vehicle category that were coordinated by the experts from OICA, CLCCR and other interested parties.

GRSG/2022/5 | UN R43: Proposal for Supplement 10 to the 01 series of amendments Proposal to clarify the scope of the regulation.

15. The expert from European Commission, on behalf of the IWG on awareness of Vulnerable Road Users Proximity in low-speed manoeuvres (VRU-Proxi), introduced the revised terms of reference of the IWG (ToR) GRSG-123-01-Rev.2. He also informed GRSG that Mr. R. Ladret Piciorus from EC would be the new IWG Chair. GRSG noted that IWG would deal with general issues (e.g. component approvals) in forward motion, reversing motion and direct vision until the 128th session of GRSG (October 2024). Finally, GRSG adopted the IWG ToR as reproduced in annex II to the report.

GRSG-123-01/Rev.2 | VRU-Proxi Informal: Revised terms of reference and rules of procedure

16. GRSG noted the withdrawal of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/8 and agreed to not keep this agenda item at its next sessions since it was not planned that a new proposal would be tabled by the expert from Japan at this moment.

GRSG/2022/8 | UN R46: Proposal for Supplement 10 to the 04 series, Supplement 1 to 05 series of amendments The text reproduced below was prepared by the expert from the Informal Working Group on Awareness of Vulnerable Road Users Proximity (VRU-Proxi) to have a more consistent scope

17. The expert from Germany on behalf of IWG on VRU-Proxi introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/9 and GRSG-123-10-Rev.1 amending it. He explained that the proposal: would solve issues on some vehicle configurations for which BSIS may not work correctly (e.g. because of the vehicle body, the vehicle use), would allow more flexibility for system design and would pave the way for introducing automated brake functions.

18. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/9 as amended by annex III to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 4 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 151 (Blind Spot Information Systems) to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2022 sessions.

GRSG-123-10/Rev.1 | UN R151: Proposal for amendment to Supplement 4 to original version Proposal by the IWG VRU-Proxi to amend document GRSG/2022/9 (proposal for amendments to resolve issues with the installation and functioning of BSIS on certain vehicle configurations).

GRSG/2022/9 | UN R151: Proposal for Supplement 4 to the original version Proposal to resolve issues with the application of provisions to vehicle configurations for which BSIS may not work correctly (e.g. because of the vehicle body, the vehicle use) to allow more flexibility for system design and facilitate introducing automated brake functions.

19. The expert from Japan on behalf of IWG on VRU-Proxi introduced GRSG-123-15-Rev.1, superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/10 to clarify the type-approval testing process. The expert from the United Kingdom argued that in paragraph 16.1.3.1., the current terminology “permanent” would potentially relieve the responsibility of drivers in case of an accident involving vulnerable road users. The experts from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom agreed. Therefore, GRSG discussed GRSG-123-31, to provide two alternative texts, among others, to paragraph 16.1.3.1. and also to avoid subjectivity of the term “obstruction” as proposed by the expert from France (second alternative sentence in square brackets). The expert from EC endorsed the sentence proposed by the expert from France. The expert from Japan proposed to further discuss the proposal within IWG.

20. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/10 as amended by annex IV to the report (GRSG-123-15-Rev.1). The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 2 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 158 (Reversing motion) to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2022 sessions. Moreover, GRSG agreed to submit GRSG-123-31 to IWG VRU-Proxi, for a possible amendment of paragraph 16.1.3.1. that would amend the draft Supplement 2 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 158. Consideration would eventually be at its October 2022 session.

GRSG-123-15/Rev.1 | UN R158: Proposal for Supplement 2 to the original version Proposal from the IWG VRU-Proxi to clarify the certification procedures This document supersedes document GRSG/2022/10.

GRSG-123-31 | UN R158: Proposal for Supplement 2 to the original version This proposal supersedes ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/10. Text prepared by the experts from IWG VRU-Proxi to avoid and prevent misunderstandings in the certification process

GRSG/2022/10 | UN R158: Proposal for Supplement 2 to the original version The text was reproduced below was prepared by the experts from the Informal Working Group VRU-Proxi to amend UN Regulation No. 158 so that misunderstandings are avoided in the certification process

21. The expert from Japan, on behalf of the Task Force on Reverse Warning Sound issues of the Working Party on Noise and Tyres (GRBP), introduced the status report (GRSG-123-13) of the Task Force on the draft new UN Regulation on reversing alarm, adopted by GRBP at its seventy-fifth session. He explained that the proposed draft of the new UN Regulation referred to UN Regulation No. 158 on the requirements for the pause switch. The expert from OICA remarked that inconsistent cross references to UN Regulation No. 10 should be resolved in UN Regulations Nos. 158, 161 and 162. The expert from OICA also proposed that the reference to UN Regulation No.158 mentioning the version of the UN Regulation, would be as a static reference. He suggested, in reference to slide 6 of GRSG-123-13 that:

“…, device(s) for means of rear visibility or detection as described in UN Regulation No. 158 in its original version, paragraph 1.3., allowing the driver to check the hazard area behind the vehicle, including when towing vehicle(s) of category O,…”.

The expert from the Netherlands agreed with this issue, since UN Regulation No. 158 refers to compliance with the technical requirements and transitional provisions of UN Regulation No. 10, 05 series of amendments. The expert from OICA stated that the above-mentioned device would need to equip even trailers (vehicle category O). GRSG agreed to resume consideration of this issue at its October 2022 session.

GRSG-123-13 | Reversing warning sounds: Explanation of the proposed framework for a new UN Regulation

22. GRSG noted GRSG-123-11-Rev.1 prepared by IWG VRU-Proxi allowing some vehicles to not fulfil the requirements of the Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS) as long as they are not ready to drive off, or during operation of incompatible auxiliary equipment, if agreed by the Type Approval Authority. GRSG note also GRSG-123-32 tabled by the expert from OICA to address the test tolerances of the subject vehicle and the test target only.

23. GRSG adopted GRSG-123-11-Rev.1 and GRSG-123-32 as reproduced in annex V to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposals as separate documents, both as draft Supplement 2 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 159 (Moving Off Information System) to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2022 sessions. At the same time, it was agreed to keep both official proposals to WP.29, in the agenda of the October 2022 session of GRSG for possible further development.

GRSG-123-11/Rev.1 | UN R159: Proposal for Supplement 2 to the original version Proposal from the VRU-Proxi informal group to allow some vehicle configurations for which MOIS may not work correctly (e.g.: because of the vehicle body, the vehicle use) to not fulfil the requirements of the MOIS as long as they are not ready to drive off or during operation of incompatible auxiliary equipment if it is agreed by the Type Approval Authority.

GRSG-123-32 | UN R159: proposal for amendment All major amendments address the test tolerances of the subject vehicle and the test target only. They do not affect the Moving Off Information System safety requirements, however increased the system robustness and ensure the feasibility of physical test conditions and vehicle characteristics.

24. The expert from Japan introduced, through presentation (GRSG-123-17), the new draft UN Regulation on awareness of VRU-Proxi who are in the front and lateral side proximity of vehicles (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/6 and GRSG-123-18 amending it).

25. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/6 as amended by annex VI to the report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as the draft new UN Regulation No. XXX (VRU in Front and Side Close Proximity) to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2022 sessions. The expert from EC welcomed the proposal and clarified that this new UN Regulation would not become mandatory in the European Union in the near future, but most likely in a farther future.

26. GRSG agreed to consider a proposal of amendment (supplement/new series of amendments) at its October 2022 session, announced by the expert of the Russian Federation, to the new UN Regulation No. XXX (VRU in Front and Side Close Proximity).

GRSG-123-17 | Explanation of the proposal for a new UN Regulation on light vehicle driver awareness of close-proximity VRU

GRSG-123-18 | M1/N1 close-proximity VRU safety: Proposal to correct document GRSG/2022/6

GRSG/2022/6 | Proposal for new regulation (Driver’s Awareness of Vulnerable Road Users in Close- Proximity to the Front and Lateral Sides of Vehicles) Proposal from the Informal Working Group on Awareness of Vulnerable Road Users Proximity (VRU-Proxi) to enhance the safety for vulnerable road users who are in the front and lateral side proximity of light vehicles vehicles.

27. The expert from EC introduced, through a presentation (GRSG-123-30), the draft new UN Regulation No. XXX of VRU-Proxi on Direct Vision (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/7 and GRSG-123-09 amending it). He underlined that the new draft UN Regulation would enhance the direct visibility of vulnerable road users from the driver seat, by reducing to the greatest possible extent the blind spots in front of and to the side of the driver. As a follow-up to the EC presentation, the expert from Germany remarked that driver’s behaviour and skills to judge critical situations without technical assistance is increasingly important since more than 90 per cent of road accidents are estimated to result from some level of human error. Therefore, he introduced GRSG-123-08, to ensure among others, that automated vehicles are equipped with the technology to support the driver especially during low-speed manoeuvres. The expert from AAPC endorsed, in principle, the proposal but suggested replacing the term “automated vehicle” with “VRU collision system”. The expert from the United States of America supported the proposal but suggested sending it to IWG on Functional Requirements for Automated Vehicles (FRAV) to verify the consistency with already defined terminology. The expert from the United Kingdom expressed concern for the late submission of the document introducing substantive changes to the draft UN Regulation and seemingly introducing alternative technology. He therefor suggested discussion of GRSG-123-08 at another stage. The expert from Germany suggested discussing the document with the Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles Working Group (GRVA) to determine consistent definitions. The expert from EC replied that the approach proposed by GRSG-123-08 was not new and not endorsed by the majority of contracting parties because the IWG mandate was for a unique technology for direct vision. The experts from Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom supported the position of EC to adopt the draft UN Regulation and discuss GRSG-123-08 at the October 2022 session of GRSG. The expert from the Russian Federation assumed that the new UN Regulation would apply to large trucks and buses (M3 and N3 categories of vehicles) according to the design configuration of the vehicle. The expert from EC confirmed it and clarified that there were options and protocols for manufacturers to follow also for small buses and trucks (N1, N2, M1 and M2). The expert from OICA acknowledged the merit of the proposal. However, he pointed out the issue of lack of harmonization of the three-dimensional point machine to correctly implement the proposed UN Regulation. The expert from Sweden supported the draft new UN Regulation. However, in his view, application on long vehicles would be challenging particularly in view of the changes proposed in GRSG-123-08.

28. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/7 as amended by annex VII to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft new UN Regulation No. XXX (VRU Direct Vision) to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2022 sessions.

29. GRSG agreed to send GRSG-123-08 to IWG VRU-Proxi for further elaboration and resume discussion at its October 2022 session for possible amendments to the official proposal to WP.29 of new UN Regulation No. XXX (VRU Direct Vision).

30. GRSG agreed to send GRSG-123-25 and GRSG-123-26, tabled by the expert from Spain, to IWG VRU-Proxi for further elaboration.

GRSG-123-08 | CV direct vision: Proposal to amend document GRSG/2022/7 Proposal to introduce provisions for "automated vehicles" and to amend provisions for measurement of direct vision volume with regard to areas obscured by certain components.

GRSG-123-09 | VRU-Proxi Proposal for amendment to regulation on direct vision Proposal for modifications to the transitional provisions and to allow the certificate on a higher riding variant, assuming this represents a worse case than the mid-point.of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/7.

GRSG-123-25 | VRU-Proxi : Proposal to amend the proposal for the Approval of Motor Vehicles with Regard to their Direct Vision

GRSG-123-26 | VRU-Proxi: Proposal to amend regulation on Approval of Motor Vehicles with Regard to their Direct Vision Text to modify the consideration that the testing procedure is independent of the distance between the front axle and the foremost point of the vehicle. The reference point is the AHP.

GRSG-123-30 | Direct Vision: Presentation to support the new regulation on DV for Trucks and Buses

GRSG-123-30 | Direct Vision: Presentation to support the new regulation on DV for Trucks and Buses

GRSG/2022/7 | Proposal for new regulation on Uniform Provisions Concerning the Approval of Motor Vehicles with Regard to their Direct Vision Proposal by the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Awareness of Vulnerable Road Users proximity in low-speed manoeuvres (VRU-Proxi) to establish a new UN Regulation on Direct Vision.

31. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/19, to avoid double approval with regard to rear impact by removing the impact tests for M1 and N1 vehicles from UN Regulation No. 34 for those vehicles that are also in the scope of UN Regulation No. 153 (Fuel system integrity and electric power train safety at rear-end collision). At the same time, she introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2021/19/Rev.1 that removes categories M1 and N1 from the scope to avoid crash test duplications with UN Regulations Nos. 94, 95 and 153 as a new series 04 of amendments to the UN Regulation No. 34.

32. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/19, not amended. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 34 (Prevention of fire risks), for consideration and vote at the November 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSG/2022/19 | UN R34: Proposal for Supplement 3 to the 03 Series of Amendments Proposal to clarify the equivalency of UN Regulations No. 153 for the type-approval of vehicles according to Part II-2 of UN Regulation No. 34

33. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2021/19/Rev.1, as amended below. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft 04 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 34 (Prevention of fire risks), for consideration and vote at the November 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1. It was further agreed to keep the document submitted to WP.29 on the agenda of the October 2022 session of GRSG for further revision.
Paragraph 1.2., amend to read:

“1.2. Part II (vacant) and/or rear collision.”

GRSG/2021/19/Rev.1 | UN R34: Revised proposal for 04 series of amendments

34. The expert from the Russian Federation introduced GRSG-123-29 on the results of the meeting held on 12 December 2021 of the Task Force to amend the UN Regulation. GRSG agreed to reconvene the Task Force chaired by the Russian Federation with the participation of interested parties to fine-tune the proposal ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2021/23 for amendments to UN Regulation No. 66, to be considered at its October 2022 session.

GRSG-123-29 | UN R66: Report on the informal meeting on the proposal for Supplement 11 to 02 series of amendments

35. The expert from Liquid Gas Europe introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/11 to correct the references to paragraphs in the text of the UN Regulation. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/11, not amended. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 2 to the 03 and for Supplement 1 to the 04 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 67 (LPG vehicles), for consideration and vote at the November 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSG/2022/11 | UN R67: Proposal for Supplement 2 to the 03 series and Supplement 1 to 04 series of amendments Proposal to correct the references to paragraph 6.15. which were renumbered as paragraph 6.17. by Supplement 15 to 01 series of amendments (document WP.29/2018/18).

36. GRSG considered document GRSG-123-06-Rev.1 (proposal for Supplement 3 to the 03 and for Supplement 2 to the 04 series of amendment to the UN Regulation), to align the requirements of the UN Regulation to the most relevant standards. GRSG requested the secretariat to distribute it with an official symbol at its October 2022 session.

GRSG-123-06/Rev.1 | UN R67: Proposal for Supplement 3 to the 03 and for Supplement 2 to the 04 series of amendments Proposal to align the requirements of IP protection grades to latest IEC standard and recognize ISO 20653 as a valid alternative and to correct duplicate paragraph numbers 6.17.10.8 in separately adopted amendments by changing one of the amendments to 6.17.10.9.

37. GRSG considered the proposal for Supplement 1 to the 05 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 110 (CNG and LNG vehicles) in GRSG-123-02-Rev.1 (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/12) to overcome the lack of design qualification tests within UN Regulation No. 110 to determine that a temperature activated Pressure Relief Device (PRD) would consistently activate in a timely manner. GRSG agreed to resume discussion at its October 2022 session based on a new official proposal drafted by a Task Force coordinated by the expert of NGVA Europe. GRSG also agreed, in case a new proposal was not submitted by the deadline for official documents, that the secretariat would distribute GRSG-123-02-Rev.1 with an official symbol.

GRSG-123-02/Rev.1 | UN R110: Proposal for amendments to Supplement 4 to 04 series and Supplement 1 to 05 series of amendments Proposal to introduce qualification tests to determine that a temperature activated Pressure Relief Device (PRD) will consistently activate in a timely manner.

GRSG/2022/12 | UN R110: Proposal for Supplement 4 to the 04 series and for Supplement 1 to the 05 series of amendments Proposal of provisions to verify the reliability of temperature-activated pressure relief devices.

38. GRSG considered the proposal for Supplement 1 to the 05 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 110 natural gas/liquified natural gas (CNG/LNG) vehicles in GRSG-123-28 (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/13), to update the existing requirements for compressed CNG/LNG fuelled components. GRSG agreed to resume discussion at its October 2022 session on a new official proposal drafted by a Task Force coordinated by the expert of NGVA Europe.

GRSG-123-28 | UN R110: Proposal for Supplement 1 to 05 series of amendments Text corrects errors/mistakes in the current regulation and update text to be in line with the requirements coming from ISO15500 and NGV3.1 (industry standards for CNG)

GRSG/2022/13 | UN R110: Proposal for Supplement 4 to the 04 series and for Supplement 1 to the 05 of amendments Proposals to update the existing requirements for compressed natural gas/liquified natural gas (CNG/LNG) fuelled components.

39. Moreover, GRSG considered GRSG-123-24 to introduce a change of definition of working pressure for LNG, and to introduce a value for that pressure in annex 3B. GRSG finally agreed to resume discussion at its October 2022 session on a new official proposal drafted by a Task Force coordinated by the expert of NGVA Europe.

GRSG-123-24 | UN R110: Proposal for Supplement 5 to 04 series of amendment Proposal to introduce a change of definition of working pressure for LNG, and introduce a value for that pressure in Annex 3B. Proposal also applicable for Supplement 2 to the 05 series of Amendments

40. The Chair of GRSG recalled the outcome of the discussion at the previous sessions (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/97, paragraphs 33 to 36 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/100, paragraphs 71. and 72.) and requested an update of the development of an additional proposal of amendments tabled by the expert from the European Commission.

41. The expert from the European Commission informed GRSG of an exchange of information among experts that led to the conclusion that the situation was more complex than expected. Therefore, he announced that his organization would relinquish the initiative. However, he stated his readiness to support initiatives of this kind based on further data. He finally invited the expert from OICA to provide data, if needed. GRSG agreed to remove this item from the agenda of the October 2022 session unless new proposals were submitted by its experts.

42. GRSG noted that proposals were not submitted for consideration under this agenda item.

43. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/14, to clarify the scope of the UN Regulation and to complement the text with the missing Supplement 7 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 116. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/14, with the deletion of the amendment to paragraph 1. from the proposal. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 3 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 161 (Devices against unauthorized use), for consideration and vote at the November 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSG/2022/14 | UN R161: Proposal for Supplement 3 to the original version Proposal to clarify the scope of the UN Regulation and to complement the text with the missing Supplement 7 to the original version of UN R116

44. GRSG considered GRSG-123-19, tabled by the expert from OICA to update the reference to UN Regulation No. 10 (amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 161 and 162) (see paragraph 21 above) and agreed to resume consideration on a new proposal at its October 2022 session.

GRSG-123-19 | Proposal for amendments to UN R161 and R162 Proposal to change the references to the 04 series of amendments to UN Regulation No.10 (Electromagnetic Compatibility) to refer to the 06 series of amendments.

45. The expert from Germany raised the issue of range definition and provisions for keyless devices. The expert from the Netherlands reminded GRSG that the short-range device provisions had been removed, so that unlimited range seemed allowed on digital keys. He therefore proposed a task force on the issue. The expert from OICA explained that the technology of traditionally keyless systems did not allow an exact positioning of the key, so that a range definition would exit the technology. She added that for this technology other provisions are available to prevent theft attacks (attacks as for example range extension of a car-key in a house to outreach the car parked in the nearby garage). She concluded that such provisions could be (list not exhaustive): motion sensor to stop the transmission when key was not in motion and switch on the key to stop the transmission. The GRSG Chair invited interested parties to contact the expert from Germany to coordinate solutions to be proposed at the October 2022 session of GRSG.

46. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/15 to clarify the scope of the UN Regulation and to complement the text with the missing Supplement 7 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 116. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/15, not amended. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 4 to the original version to UN Regulation No. 162 (Immobilizers) to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2022 sessions.

GRSG/2022/15 | UN R162: Proposal for Supplement 3 to the original version Proposal to clarify the scope and to complement the text with the missing Supplement 7 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 116.

47. GRSG adopted GRSG-123-04-Rev.1, as reproduced in annex VIII to the session report. The secretariat was requested submit the proposal as draft Supplement 3 to the original version to UN Regulation No. 162 (Immobilizers) to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2022 sessions.

GRSG-123-04/Rev.1 | UN R162: Proposal for Supplement 2 Proposal to correct an error in the adopted text of the Regulation.

48. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/16 to clarify the scope of the UN Regulation and to complement the text with the missing Supplement 7 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 116. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/16, not amended. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 2 to the original version to UN Regulation No. 163 (Vehicle Alarm systems) to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2022 sessions.

GRSG/2022/16 | UN R163: Proposal for Supplement 2 to the original version Proposal to clarify the scope of the UN Regulation and to complement the text of the UN Regulation with the missing Supplement 7 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 116.

49. GRSG noted and adopted GRSG-123-05 on aligning the scope of the 02 series of amendment to the UN Regulation to the 01 series of amendments. The secretariat was requested submit the proposal as draft Supplement 2 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 125 (Forward Field of Vision) to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2022 sessions.

GRSG-123-05 | UN R125: Proposal for supplement 2 to the 02 series of amendments Proposal from the GRSG secretariat to align the scope of the 02 series of amendments with the 01 series of amendments.

50. The expert from the Netherlands on behalf of IWG on Field of Vision Assistant (FVA) of Drivers, introduced the IWG status report (GRSG-123-23). He explained that the next phase of the work would plan a draft new UN Regulation on FVA for all vehicle categories and update UN Regulation No. 125 (splitting off the FVA section). He emphasized that experts from manufacturers should participate in the IWG activities. The GRSG Chair underlined that the scope of IWG activity was to enlarge the scope of the UN Regulation including interaction with other UN Regulations.

GRSG-123-23 | UN R125: IWG FVA status report

51. The expert from Netherlands on behalf of IWG EDR/DSSAD introduced the status report (GRSG-123-20) of the group. He clarified that the group’s activities directly considered the following: (a) complete EDR common performance elements for the 1958/1998 Agreements, (b) EDR performance for Autonomous Driving systems and (c) finalize a new UN Regulation or amend UN Regulation No. 160 for common technical elements on EDR of heavy duty vehicles (trucks and buses). At the same time, he also explained the IWG subjects that were in cooperation with GRVA. He clarified that the timing indicated in GRSG-123-20 would be subject to the IWG programme plan. Furthermore, he introduced GRSG-123-21-Rev.1 that reviews the existing national/regional activities and proposes way forward for EDR at the global level.

52. GRSG agreed to send GRSG-123-21-Rev.1 as an informal document for information to the November 2022 session of WP.29. GRSG noted that a document on the Data Storage system for Automated Driving Vehicles (DSSAD) may be also sent to that session of WP.29, pending the outcome of discussions of GRVA.

53. Moreover, the expert from China introduced GRSG-123-27 that suggested the way forward for full harmonization of EDR. He underlined that the first step of the process of EDR Guidance for 1958 and 1998 had been finalized and that the IWG was moving forward to the second step. To accelerate step 2 in EDR IWG, he suggested listing the existing national EDR regulations/standards into the compendium of candidates. The expert from the United States of America informed GRSG that the Code of Federal Regulation 49, part 563 had been established 15 years ago and would be revised soon. Thus, she suggested that discussion at AC.3 was premature, and she invited experts and representatives of contracting parties to continue exchanges of view on experience and recent implementation of National Regulations. The expert from the Netherlands suggested working in parallel on step 2 and eventually review the deadline for its completion. The expert from Japan endorsed the comments from` the experts of the Netherlands and the United States of America. He valued the presentation from the expert from China, but he suggested continuing discussions within IWG. He further informed GRSG that his country had implemented UN Regulation No. 160 into its national legislation in September 2021 and was ready to incorporate the 01 series of amendments. However, he concluded that further harmonization would need time. The Chair of GRSG recapped that the expert from China might propose his National Standard in the Compendium of the 1998 Agreement. Conversely, other contracting parties to the 1998 Agreement considered this action premature.

GRSG-123-20 | Status report of the EDR/DSSAD informal working group

GRSG-123-21/Rev.1 | EDR: Review of existing national / regional activities and a proposed way forward

54. GRSG noted that proposals had not been submitted for consideration under this agenda item.

55. The expert from the Netherlands reminded GRSG of his past presentation (GRSG-122-03) which had proposed an extension of DETA to improve the use of the Unique Identifier (UI) for UN Regulations. The expert from CLEPA announced his intention to verify the impact of UI on each UN Regulation to be discussed at the next GRSG session. GRSG agreed in principle that all UN Regulations under its responsibility may use UI as an option to the E markings. It was further agreed that these UN Regulations would need further information implemented in the summary document or on the component itself (e.g. safety glazing).

GRSG-122-03 | Proposal for extension of DETA to improve the use of the Unique Identifier for UN Regulations

56. The expert from CLCCR introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/17 to amend the consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3) by clarifying the definition of a trailer/semi-trailer in case one or more trailer axles may be driven by a propulsion type integrated into the trailer (e.g. electric engine) in combination with the motor vehicle. The expert from United Kingdom remarked on an inconsistency in the text of the proposal between the contribution to the propelling forces of the vehicle combination at all speeds and the speed limit of 15 km/h. The expert from the Netherlands added that amending R.E.3. and Special Resolution No. 1 (S.R.1) would be just a first step because a number of UN Regulations also need amendment (e.g. UN Regulations Nos. 13, 55 and 100) to allow for the introduction of such semi-trailers and full-trailers.

57. Finally, GRSG agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its October 2022 session on the basis of a revised proposal superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/17.

GRSG/2022/17 | RE3: Proposal for amendments Proposal to amend definitions in RE.3 taking into account new technical developments for heavy duty vehicles and battery electric cars.

58. The expert from CLCCR introduced a parallel proposal (see paragraph 55 above) ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/17 to amend S.R.1., in the framework of the 1998 Agreement.

59. GRSG agreed to resume discussion on the amendment to S.R.1 based on a revised proposal superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2022/18. In the meantime, it was agreed that the revised proposal would need to be sponsored by a contracting party to the 1998 Agreement.

GRSG/2022/18 | SR1: Proposal for Amendments to amend the Special Resolution No. 1 concerning the common definitions of vehicle categories, masses and dimensions (S.R.1).

60. The Chair of GRSG reminded the experts of the group about request of WP.29 to all GRs to perform a screening of the UN Regulations and UN GTRs of relevance which were linked to drivers, to accommodate for automated/autonomous driving (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1164 paragraphs 27. to 30.). The secretary of GRVA informed GRSG about the current activities of Automated Driving Systems and he indicated the main reference documents for the request of WP.29:

1. WP.29-186-08;
2. WP.29-186-09;
3. The consolidated framework document published as a web brochure;
4. A brochure describing past technological developments and the corresponding activities of WP.29.

61. Moreover, the expert from OICA introduced GRSG-123-35 showing a state of play on autonomous driving deliberations of GRVA into the work of GRSG.

62. GRSG noted that the expert from the Netherlands would contact interested parties to seek cooperation in the activities of a task force to revise UN Regulations and UN GTRs in the responsibility of GRSG, vis-vis vehicle automation.

63. The representatives of Denmark, European Commission, Japan, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America each read statements on their country’s position in the Ukraine/Russian Federation crisis. The statements are reproduced in annex IX of the session report. Norway supported the statements of Denmark, the European Commission and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, via chat.

64. The intervention of the representative of the Russian Federation highlighted that the use of WP.29, the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, for political statements is not in line with the terms of reference of WP.29. The statement of the Russian Federation is reproduced in annex IX of the session report.

65. GRSG noted that Mr. P. Broertjes, would no longer attend the sessions. GRSG commended the commitment of Mr. Broertjes and his continued contributions during his years of participation in the sessions. GRSG wished Mr. Broertjes all the best in his future activities and recognized his commitment with a long applause.

66. GRSG commented on the Whole Life Compliance document (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/148) by suggesting removal of those elements that are not covered by the 1958 and 1998 Agreements: Market Surveillance, Registration and Un-registration. GRSG also noted the withdrawal of GRSG-123-07 on this subject.

67. The expert from the Russian Federation introduced GRSG-123-12, proposing a new rule, devised by the IWG on Periodical Technical Inspections (PTI) to introduce periodical technical inspections of Emergency Call Systems (AECS), intended to be fitted to vehicles of categories M1 and N1 covered by UN Regulation No. 144. The expert from Germany informed GRSG that the current Directive (EU) 2021/1717 excluded AECS from PTI. The expert from OICA made several comments on the proposal (GRSG-123-36).

68. GRSG agreed to resume consideration at its October 2022 session on this subject based on a revised document with the comments from experts.

GRSG-123-07 | Presentation of the proposal for a Framework Document on Vehicle Whole-Life Compliance

GRSG-123-12 | Proposal for Rule 5 for PTI of Accident Emergency Call Systems (AECS) Proposal by the IWG on PTI for a new Rule devoted to PTI of AECS.

GRSG-123-36 | Draft proposal and comments on the text for PTI and AECS

WP.29/2021/148 | Proposal for a Framework Document on Vehicle Whole-Life Compliance Proposal submitted by the Co-Chairs of the Informal Working Group on Periodical Technical Inspections.

69. The Secretary reported on the highlights (GRSG-123-16) of the 185th (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1161) and 186th (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1164) sessions.

GRSG-123-16 | Highlights relevant to GRSG from the November 2021 and March 2022 WP.29 session

70. GRSG agreed on the list of main decisions GRSG-123-34-Rev.1, as reproduced in annex X to the session report that were taken during the session for approval by the silence procedure of 72 hours, by the participating delegations to the session as part of the special procedures established for the COVID-19 pandemic period (ECE/EX/2020/L.12).

GRSG-123-34/Rev.1 | List of decisions taken during the 123rd (March 2022) GRSG session This is a list of decisions subject to the special silence procedure to allow Contracting Parties who could not be present for the session due to health-related travel restrictions to formally express any disagreement.