Proposal to ensure that coupling balls do not block rear lighting and/or registration plates. In line with the EU General Safety Rule, Annex IV specification for application of UN R55, couplings that might block lighting or plates must be removable, repositionable, and unlockable in order to make it easier for users to remove them or reposition them when not in use (e.g., towing a trailer.) Coupling balls that are so designed as to be unable to block lighting or plates may still incorporate locks and/or require tools to remove or reposition.

Revised proposal to ensure that coupling balls do not block rear lighting and/or registration plates. In line with the EU General Safety Rule, Annex IV specification for application of UN R55, couplings that might block lighting or plates must be removable, repositionable, and unlockable in order to make it easier for users to remove them or reposition them when not in use (e.g., towing a trailer.) Coupling balls that are so designed as to be unable to block lighting or plates may still incorporate locks and/or require tools to remove or reposition.

Proposal to add the text, “In such a case, the motor-vehicle’s user instructions (e.g. owner’s manual, vehicle handbook) shall clearly specify that the removable or repositionable mechanical coupling device shall always be removed or repositioned when it is not in use.”

Proposal to add the text, “In such a case, the motor-vehicle’s user instructions (e.g. owner’s manual, vehicle handbook) shall clearly specify that the removable or repositionable mechanical coupling device shall always be removed or repositioned when it is not in use.”

Revised text with transitional provisions for the proposal (GRSG/2019/6) to specify that "the motor-vehicle’s user instructions (e.g. owner’s manual, vehicle handbook) shall clearly specify that the removable or repositionable mechanical coupling device shall always be removed or repositioned when it is not in use.” The purpose is to comply with an EU General Safety Regulation provision that prohibits couplings from obscuring rear lighting components or registration plates.