The Working Party on Passive Safety held its 78th session in Geneva from 1-4 December 2025. GRSP adopted amendments to multiple UN Regulations affecting automated vehicles, including UN R11, R12, R14, R16, R17, R21, R29, R94, R95, R100, R127, R129, R134, R135, R137, R145, R153, R173, and R174. Additional proposals addressed hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicle safety, child restraint systems, pedestrian safety, and protective helmets. GRSP approved creation of task forces on emergency door opening and established new working groups on children left in vehicles and equitable occupant protection. Budget constraints affecting UN secretariat operations were noted.

This proposal removes rebound head contact from the head acceleration requirement for all CRS.

Proposal to introduce provisions on thermal propagation as a result of a single cell thermal runaway.

The report presented at GRSP in May referenced 3 different bus v. bus, low overlap front collisions, with fatal outcome
o Q: Did the buses involved comply with UN R 29 and/or UN R 93?
o A: None of the 6 buses involved in these accidents complied with UN R 29 or UN R 93

Proposal aims to correct and clarify the text of the regulation, and to modify the current wording which creates misunderstandings and a non-harmonized application of the regulation by technical services. proposal for supplement 1 to the 10 series of amendments, supplement 2 to the 11 series of amendments and supplement 1 to the 12 series of amendments

Proposal from the Task Force on Hydrogen Regulations.

Proposal to introduce provisions for periodic technical inspections.

Draft request prepared by the EU proposing a Phase 3 covering:

1. Expansion of protection scope of thermal propagation test;
2. Post-crash REESS safety assessment, stabilization procedures and nonoccupant and surroundings safety;
3. Maintaining the EV battery safety during the in-use phase;
4. Safety of swappable batteries;
5. Micromobility, light-category vehicles, e-trailers safety;
6. Quantitative criteria on flammability, toxicity and corrosiveness of vented gases and smoke; and
7. Bottom protection.

Proposal to establish a Task Force on Emergency Door Opening. The Task Force will develop amendments to UN R11, UN R21, and UN GTR No. 1 addressing door opening systems and window opening after vehicle submergence. A second phase will address post-crash extrication requirements for UN R94, R95, R135, R137, and UN GTR No. 14. Germany chairs the Task Force; Republic of Korea serves as Vice-Chair; OICA provides secretariat support. Draft amendments are due for submission at GRSP’s 80th session.

Proposal to clarify that the number of cycles for initial pressure cycle life in the testing procedure in Annex 3 is 11,000 cycles.

Proposal to amend UN R94 to account for vehicles of category X and extend application to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls. Amendments modify scope, definitions of vehicle width, steering wheel displacement, door locking systems, airbag requirements, dummy positioning, and seat positioning. References to vehicles of category Y are excluded. Technical Service determines least favourable test side for vehicles of category X.

Proposal to amend UN R137 concerning approval of passenger cars in the event of frontal collision with regard to restraint systems, fuel system integrity, and protection against electrical shock. Amendments include extension of application to vehicles of category X without driver and manual driving controls, and vehicles equipped with Automated Driving System. Vehicles of category Y are excluded from scope. Modifications address dummy positioning, seat specifications, door locking systems, and airbag warning requirements.

Proposal to amend UN R153. A new Introduction section is inserted to account for vehicles of category X and to extend application to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls. Vehicles of category Y are not in scope. In manual driving mode, no special provisions apply to vehicles with Automated Driving System other than category X; relevant ADS requirements apply when an ADS feature is active. Scope is amended to apply to vehicles of category M₁ and N₁ regarding fuel system integrity and electric power train safety at rear-end collision. Footnotes are updated with references to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles.

Proposal to amend UN R127 to account for vehicles of category X by inserting a new introduction addressing their scope and application. The Regulation is extended to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls. Modifications include amendments to paragraphs defining applicability, mass in running order, normal ride attitude, and provisions for Automated Driving Systems. References to relevant definitions in the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles are updated.

Modifications to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2025/18

Proposal to amend UN R21 Supplement 6 to the 01 series of amendments. The Regulation is amended to account for vehicles of category X and extend application to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls. The scope applies to interior fittings of vehicles of category M1, including interior parts of passenger compartment, arrangement of controls, roof or opening roof, and seat-back and rear parts of seats. New definitions for “ADS feature of type 1” and “ADS feature of type 2” are inserted. Provisions for power-operated windows, roof panels and partition systems are amended, including requirements for auto-reversing devices and owner’s manual instructions.

Proposal to amend UN R16 to account for vehicles of category X and vehicles without drivers or manual driving controls. Modifications include extending application to Automated Driving Systems, updating definitions for front passenger seats, adding definitions for ADS feature types, amending retractor requirements, and adjusting restraint system assessment procedures for non-driver occupants and type 4N retractors.

Proposal to amend UN R100 Supplement 1 to the 05 series. The Regulation is amended to account for vehicles of category X and Y, and to extend application to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls. For vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System, provisions apply based on driving mode. New definitions for ADS feature of type 1 and type 2 are inserted. Modifications address isolation resistance monitoring, REESS warnings, and test procedures in Annexes 8 and 9E. Thermal propagation requirements do not apply to vehicles of category Y.

Proposal to correct inconsistencies following the amendment of regulation 100 by vehicles of category O

Proposal to amend UN R134 to account for vehicles of category X and Y without driver and manual driving controls. The Regulation is extended to vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System. New definitions for ADS feature of type 1 and type 2 are inserted. Modifications address hydrogen concentration warnings, tell-tale signals to driver or ADS, and test procedures in Annex 5. References to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles are updated.

Proposal to amend UN R95 regarding approval of vehicles with regard to protection of occupants, fuel system integrity and protection against electrical shock in lateral collision. The Regulation is amended to account for vehicles of category X, while vehicles of category Y are not in scope. The amendment extends application to vehicles without driver and manual driving controls and vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems. Modifications include amendments to scope, definitions, test procedures for side impact, door locking systems, and steering wheel adjustments.

Proposal to amend UN R173 to account for vehicles of category X. The Regulation applies to vehicles of categories M, N, O, L₂, L₄, L₅, L₆, L₇ and T₁ regarding safety-belts and restraint systems installation. For vehicles of category X, a seating position with steering control placed in front may be designated suitable for child restraint system installation if requirements for passenger seating positions are fulfilled. Vehicles of category Y are not in scope. Amendments address automated driving systems and extend application to vehicles without driver and manual driving controls.

Proposal to amend UN R135 supplement 4 to the 02 series of amendments. The Regulation is amended to account for vehicles of category X. The Regulation is extended to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls inside the vehicle. For vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System, in manual driving mode no special provisions or exemptions apply; in a mode where an ADS feature is active the relevant ADS requirements apply. The scope is modified to include category X vehicles and exclude category Y vehicles. Definitions are amended regarding back doors, hinges, and vehicle width. Testing procedures for side-impact pole tests are modified, including provisions for category X vehicles and vehicles with different side structures or protective systems.

Proposal to change the transitional provisions in such a way as to allow Contracting Parties to issue approvals according to the 05 series of amendments.

Proposal to amend UN R129 concerning Enhanced Child Restraint Systems. Modifications include: adjusting shoulder height dimensions in Annex 18 table 1 to align with anthropometric data for children from 40-70 cm; permitting one additional insert layer for infants below 50 cm; establishing minimum stature of 35 cm; and adding transitional provisions regarding type-approval acceptance timelines from September 2028-2029. Changes address fit concerns for premature newborns and small children.

Proposal to amend UN R174 supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments. Modifications include clarifying folding seat exemptions from safety-belt reminder requirements, deleting requirement that first level warning activation depend on transmission neutral position, harmonizing “vehicle master control switch” definition with UN R159, ensuring drivers receive initial warnings when entering vehicles with remotely activated switches, enabling clear voice communication during emergency calls, extending application to vehicles of category X, and accommodating vehicles without driver and manual driving controls and those equipped with Automated Driving Systems. Amendments specify safety-belt reminder requirements for affected seating positions and modify testing procedures accordingly.

Proposal to introduce additional requirements for CRS in buses equipped with two-point safety belt to address child safety in rollovers and frontal impacts.

Proposal to enable the application of UN R11 to ADS vehicles.

Proposal to enable application of UN R12 to ADS vehicles.

Proposal to enable application of UN R14 to ADS vehicles.

Proposal to amend UN R16 (Safety-belts) Supplement 3 to the 10 series of amendments to extend application to vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems (ADS). Modifications include scope amendments for vehicle categories X and Y, new definitions for ADS feature types 1 and 2, and adjustments to retractor requirements, occupant contact provisions, and restraint system evaluation procedures for ADS-equipped vehicles.

Proposals to enable application of the regulation to vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS).

Proposal to enable the application of the regulation to vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS).

Proposal to enable application of the regulation to vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS).

Proposal to amend UN R94 to account for vehicles of category X1 without driver and without manual driving controls inside the vehicle. The Regulation is amended to extend its application to vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS). Modifications address vehicle width definition, steering wheel displacement requirements, door locking systems, airbag compliance, seat positioning, and test dummy placement for vehicles without a driver’s seat.

Proposal to enable the application of the regulation to vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS).

Proposal to supplement UN R114 (Airbag module for a replacement airbag system). The Regulation is amended to account for vehicles of category X. The amendment extends application to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls. In manual driving mode, no special provisions apply. In a mode where an Automated Driving System feature is active, relevant ADS requirements apply. Amendments clarify airbag module intended use, add footnote defining terms, revise device category descriptions, and add “(if applicable)” to driver references.

Proposal to amend UN R134 to account for vehicles of category X and Y equipped with an Automated Driving System. The Regulation, originally drafted for vehicles with driver and manual driving controls, is extended to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls inside the vehicle. Provisions related to driver and manual driving controls shall not apply if not already covered by the amendment. New definitions for ADS feature of type 1 and type 2 are inserted. Modifications are made to hydrogen concentration warning requirements, tell-tale signal provisions, and test procedures in Annex 5.

Proposal to amend UN R137 to enable application to vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System. The regulation applies to vehicles of category M₁ with maximum permissible mass not exceeding 3,500 kg and vehicles of category N₁. For vehicles of category X without driver and manual driving controls, provisions related to driver controls shall not apply unless already covered. For vehicles equipped with ADS in manual driving mode, no special provisions apply; in modes where ADS features are active, relevant ADS requirements apply. Amendments modify specifications for restraint systems, airbags, door locking systems, and dummy placement in frontal impact testing.

Proposal to enable application of the regulation to vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS).

Proposal to amend UN R173 to enable application to vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System and vehicles of category X. The Regulation applies to vehicles of categories M, N, O, L₂, L₄, L₅, L₆, L₇ and T₁ regarding safety-belt installation, and vehicles of categories M₁ and N₁ regarding child restraint systems. For vehicles of category X, a seating position with steering control placed in front may be designated suitable for Child Restraint System installation if passenger seating requirements are fulfilled. The Regulation does not apply to vehicles of category Y.

Proposal to amend UN R174 to apply the Regulation to vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System. The amendments modify provisions for vehicles of category X and vehicles without driver and manual driving controls. Changes include clarifying folding seat exemptions, removing the neutral transmission requirement for first-level warnings, harmonizing “vehicle master control switch” terminology, ensuring drivers receive initial warnings when entering vehicles with remotely activated switches, clarifying voice communication during emergency calls, defining ADS feature types, and modifying testing procedures and requirements for safety-belt reminders in vehicles with ADS.

Proposal to clarify the text and correct inconsistencies introduced in the 09 and 10 series of amendments, including with regard to assessment of energy dissipation on the head restraint, the test procedures for minimum width measurement, displacement and strength, gap measurement, backset measurement, seat back and its design angle, and the “10° Change in Actual Torso Angle”.

Proposal to clarify the scope of data from tests to the windscreen that must be provided for the purpose of type approval.

Proposal to clarify the scope of data from tests to the windscreen that must be provided for the purpose of type approval.

Proposal to introduce provisions on Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (DPPS) pursuant to Amendment 3 to GTR 9.

Proposal to clarify that the removal of an insert may also trigger additional tests with alternative dummy statures.

Proposal to improve the shoulder height requirements to properly take the dimensions of premature newborns into account.

Proposal to amend UN R100 to account for vehicles of categories X and Y equipped with an Automated Driving System. The Regulation, originally drafted for vehicles with driver and manual driving controls, is extended to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls. Modifications include new definitions for ADS feature types, amended provisions for active driving possible mode, warning requirements for REESS failures and low energy content when ADSF-2 is active, and adjusted test procedures in Annexes 8 and 9E.

Proposal to amend UN R135 Supplement 4 to the 02 series of amendments. The Regulation is amended to account for vehicles of category X. The Regulation is extended to apply to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls inside the vehicle. In case of vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System other than vehicles of categories X and Y, in manual driving mode no special provisions apply; in a mode where an ADS feature is active the relevant ADS requirements apply. Amendments address scope, definitions, and approval test procedures for pole side impact testing.

Proposal to amend UN R153 to account for vehicles of category X and Y equipped with an Automated Driving System. The Regulation, originally drafted for vehicles with driver and manual driving controls, is extended to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls inside the vehicle. Provisions related to driver and manual driving controls shall not apply if not already covered by this amendment. In manual driving mode, no special provisions apply. In a mode where an ADS feature is active, relevant ADS requirements apply.

Proposal to amend UN R127 to account for vehicles of category X equipped with an Automated Driving System. The Regulation, originally drafted for vehicles with driver and manual driving controls, is extended to vehicles without driver and without manual driving controls. For vehicles equipped with ADS, provisions related to driver/manual driving controls shall not apply if not already covered by this amendment. Amendments modify definitions of “Mass in running order” and “Normal ride attitude” and update ARHSS engagement provisions.

Proposal to correct inconsistencies pursuant to the introduction of provisions for trailers (Category O vehicles) into the regulation.

Proposal to correct inconsistencies pursuant to the introduction of provisions for trailers (Category O vehicles) into the regulation.

Proposal to facilitate a target-orientated quasi-static certification of the upper legform impactor for the upper legform to bumper test, as described in Chapter 7 of UN Global Technical Regulation No. 9

Proposal to facilitate a target-orientated quasi-static certification of the upper legform impactor for the upper legform to bumper test, as described in Annex 5 of UN Regulation No. 127.

Proposal to establish a new UN Regulation for type approval of motor vehicles and components using liquefied hydrogen fuel systems. The regulation applies to heavy-duty vehicles (categories M2, M3, N2, N3) and specifies requirements for liquefied hydrogen storage systems, pressure relief and shut-off devices, and vehicle fuel systems. Testing procedures include proof pressure verification, boil-off control, vacuum loss tolerance, and bonfire tests. Vehicle systems must prevent hydrogen accumulation in passenger compartments, limit exhaust hydrogen concentration, and include warning systems. Approval marks and periodic technical inspections are required.

Proposal to clarify that, pursuant to testing, the vehicle shall be put back on its wheels if necessary to complete the assessment.

Proposal (assuming the approval of the proposal in document GRSP/2025/26) to add “other audible audible safety warnings” as a criteria for discontinuing a second-level SBR warning signal.

Proposal to clarify the text for consistency, including replacement of the wording “torso line” by “median longitudinal plane of the seat” and to align the text with GTR 7 concerning the determination of whether a seat includes a head restraint that must comply with the requirements of this regulation.

Proposal to clarify that, pursuant to testing, the vehicle shall be put back on its wheels if necessary to perform the assessment.

Proposal to clarify the test procedure by specifying that the vehicle shall be put back on its wheels if necessary for the assessment.