Proposal to insert provisions on software identification and software updates into UN R13, UN R13-H, UN R79, UN R89, UN R130, UN R131, UN R152, UN R155, UN R156, UN R157, UN R171, UN R175, and UN R178 by adding definitions referencing Consolidated Resolution R.E.3 Annex 7, requiring manufacturers to provide Technical Services with information on hardware and software influencing performance, permitting vehicle manufacturers to apply for new approvals differentiating software versions for registered versus new vehicles, clarifying that production discontinuation does not apply when manufacturers seek approval extensions for software updates of registered vehicles, and amending communication forms to include software identification numbers and related information.

Proposal to amend Annex 8, para. 3.4.1. to require the vehicle manufacturer to supplement its statement with an explanation of how the chosen strategy ensures system objectives do not prejudice safe operation of systems referred to and a description of the validation plan, and to require the designated technical service to perform an assessment of the manufacturer’s explanation and validation plan suitability and may perform or require tests as specified in para. 4., and amend Annex 8, para. 3.4.4. to require documentation supported by analysis showing system behaviour on fault occurrence including faults with other systems involved in achieving system function, to establish and maintain analytical approaches open for inspection by the designated technical service at type approval, and to require the designated technical service to perform assessment including inspection of safety approach at concept and system levels and validation plans and results.

Single N₁ and N₂ vehicles with fluted brake drums for parking brakes cannot be inspected on roller and plate test benches or in test drives. Electric parking brake systems cannot be tested on roller and plate test benches or test drives, and wheels cannot be turned on lifts to inspect for damages or bearing wear. Some vehicles have hydraulic braking systems with brake fluid reservoirs not accessible without dismantling or special tools, requiring removal of covers, fasteners, and screws to access brake fluid for inspection. PTI inspection provisions require updating to address these vehicle design variations.

UN R13 and UN R78 establish different brake system requirements for 4-wheel vehicles. R13H requires split service brake systems with front/rear proportioning; R78 permits split service brake systems, combined brake systems, or two separate service brake systems without proportioning requirements. Type-O dry braking tests differ: R13H requires engine disconnected at 100 km/h with stopping distance 0.1v + 0.0060 v² and MFDD 6.43 m/s²; R78 specifies multiple tests at 40, 60, and 100 km/h with varying requirements. Type-I brake fade tests use different snub protocols and performance thresholds. Secondary braking failure criteria differ at specified speeds. R78 requires wet brake testing, a 30 km/h dynamic park brake test with 18% gradient and 5 minutes hold time; R13H specifies static gradient tests. R78 includes detailed ABS, functional safety, and regenerative braking requirements; R13H does not.

Proposal to amend UN R13, 13-H, 79, 89, 130, 131, 139, 140, 152, 155, 156, 157, 171, 175, and 178 by introducing provisions on software identification and software updates. Amendments add new paragraphs referring to Software Identification Number definitions in Consolidated Resolution R.E.3, require manufacturers to provide Technical Services with information on hardware and software influencing performance, permit vehicle manufacturers to apply for new approvals differentiating software versions for registered versus new vehicles while avoiding test duplication, and modify production discontinuation provisions to exclude cases where manufacturers seek approval extensions for software updates of registered vehicles.

The Informal Working Group on EV/HFCV Retrofit Systems held its seventh meeting on 5th March 2026. The group adopted the provisional agenda, approved minutes of the previous meeting, and acknowledged ongoing activities under GRPE, GRSP and GRVA. Electrical safety review will continue once clarification regarding UN R100 is available. Cybersecurity discussions covered very old vehicles, older vehicles without cybersecurity provisions, and modern vehicles compliant with UN R155. Braking aspects and the structure of the draft UN Regulation were discussed, including vehicle versus system approval approaches and minimum and maximum vehicle age within the regulation’s scope.