Proposal to establish uniform provisions concerning approval of vehicles of category N₁ with regard to protection of fuel system integrity, protection against electrical shock, and vehicle crash compatibility in frontal, rear-end, and lateral collisions. The Regulation applies to vehicles of category N₁. Frontal impact provisions are based on UN R94 and UN R137 depending on vehicle mass. Lateral impact provisions are based on UN R95 without the side pole impact test. Rear-end impact provisions are based on UN R153. Vehicles must comply with fuel leakage limits, hydrogen storage system integrity requirements, and electrical safety standards for rechargeable energy storage systems. Post-crash hydrogen leakage shall not exceed 118 NL per minute, gas concentration shall not exceed 4.0 per cent for hydrogen, and containers shall remain attached at minimum one point. Electric power trains must meet protection against electrical shock, isolation resistance, and fire hazard requirements within 60 minutes post-impact. Conformity of production shall be verified on a statistically controlled random basis.

A new general safety regulation for vehicles of category Y is being drafted to collect relevant safety requirements. Vehicles of category Y with a maximum design speed not exceeding the impact speed specified in applicable frontal impact tests shall be exempted from frontal, lateral, and rear-end impact test procedures but must comply with applicable post-impact requirements concerning fuel leakage, hydrogen leakage, electrical safety, REESS electrolyte leakage, REESS retention, and fire or explosion hazards. The draft incorporates requirements from UN R94, UN R95, UN R137, and UN R153. Open issues include crash compatibility requirements for low-speed vehicles, applicability of partial tests, and defining front and rear structures for Y-category vehicles without occupants.

Proposal to insert a new para. 0 introducing amendments for vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System, amend para. 1 to apply the Regulation to vehicles of categories M₁ and N₁ with specified exemptions and provisions for categories X and Y, amend the footnote to para. 1, amend para. 2.8 defining bonnet rear reference line with extended procedures for vehicles of category Y, amend para. 2.22 to include automated driving sensors in front structure for categories X and Y, amend para. 2.27 regarding mass in running order, amend para. 2.29 on normal ride attitude for categories X and Y, amend para. 2.32 on side reference line for category Y, amend para. 2.44 on windscreen test area for category Y without windscreen, amend para. 2.45 on cowl monitoring area, and amend para. 5.3.1.2 on Adaptive Ride Height Suspension engagement at low speeds.

UN R127 amendment proposals include defining pedestrian protection requirements for category Y vehicles. Scope exemptions for category Y vehicles shall use front structural geometry to determine exemptions, ensuring equivalence to R-point criteria. Definitions require adjustments including Bonnet Rear Reference Line for vehicles without windscreens, Front structure definition to include automated driving sensors, Windscreen test area redefined as Upper structure test area where windscreens are non-existent, and supporting definitions for Side reference line and Cowl monitoring area. Testing shall occur at Unladen Vehicle Mass.

The 25th session of the GRSP Task Force on Automated Vehicles Regulatory Screening (AVRS) was held online on 28 April 2026. The Task Force discussed regulatory frameworks for Y-category vehicles, including mass compatibility and crash test exceptions, and reviewed UN Regulation 127 on pedestrian protection for Y-category vehicles. The Task Force also addressed UN Regulation 12 feedback and identified minor mistakes in three proposals: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/63, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/65, and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/71, which require corrections before submission to WP.29.

TF-AVRS submitted a draft new Y-category Passive Safety Regulation to GRSP-79 in June 2026. The regulation addresses fuel system integrity, electrical shock protection, and crash compatibility for frontal, rear-end, and lateral collisions. The Task Force eliminated the R point problem, passenger compartment references, and A and B pillar designations, harmonised mass definitions, and consolidated numbering and cross-references. Open items include determining additional requirements, specific vehicle measurements, and finalising Annex elements. Subsequent informal documents are planned for GRSP-79, with working documents for GRSP-80.

The Equitable Occupant Protection Informal Working Group to GRSP pursues equitable and enhanced protection of a diverse population through robust regulatory solutions addressing rear-end and frontal impacts. Strategic goals include reducing injury risk for restraint systems, assessing currently not considered injury types with high frequency and risk of Permanent Musculoskeletal Impairment, and avoiding bias in protection. The group established task forces on rear impact seat assessment focusing on soft tissue neck injuries, virtual crash testing, frontal impact and restraint system requirements, and extension of assessment towards currently not considered injury types. Upcoming workshops are scheduled for June online, September in Munich, and November in Tokyo. Next steps include prioritization and categorization of identified topics into short-term, mid-term, and long-term timeframes within respective task forces.

Proposal to delete paras. 15.1.2. and 15.1.3., renumber para. 15.1.4. as 15.1.2., and amend the renumbered para. 15.1.2. to provide that as from 36 months after the official date of entry into force of the 06 series of amendments, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation may prohibit the sale of helmets and visors which do not meet the requirements of the 06 series of amendments. The proposal is based on informal document GRSP-78-44 and permits Contracting Parties to issue approvals according to the 05 series of amendments, which aligns with Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement.

Proposal to amend para. 3.3.2. to insert structured subsections for REESS trade name, cell types, physical dimensions, description, electrical specifications, gas combination rate, installation description, thermal management and electronic control, insert new paras. 4. to 9.1. requiring information on fuel cell specifications, fuses and circuit breakers, power wiring harness, protection against electric shock, power circuit component details, and hydrogen system components located in the energy absorption zone. These modifications address insufficiently defined topics on REESS type, electrical system and hydrogen system in vehicles by introducing relevant sections from UN R100 and adding hydrogen system documentation requirements.

Proposal to amend para. 2.27. to redefine “ISOFIX position” as a position satisfying UN R145 requirements to allow installation of ISOFIX child restraint systems as defined in UN R44 and UN R129, amend para. 2.36. to redefine “i-Size seating position” as a position satisfying UN R145 requirements to allow installation of i-Size child restraint systems as defined in UN R129, insert new para. 2.48. defining “Minimum effective seat belt length” as a portion of seat belt webbing usable to restrain an occupant, insert new para. 5.1.11. specifying minimum effective seat belt lengths of at least 2040 mm for 3-point seat belts and 1200 mm for 2-point seat belts in vehicles of categories M₂ and M₃, amend para. 5.2.1. to establish seating position requirements for various child restraint system types by vehicle category, amend para. 5.2.2. to delete reference to manufacturer recommendations, amend para. 5.3.5. to limit information requirements to category M₁ vehicles, insert new para. 11.3. establishing transitional provisions with entry into force of the 02 series of amendments on the official date and mandatory non-acceptance of earlier series approvals issued after 1 September 2030, delete para. 1.2. of Annex 6 Appendix 2, and insert new Annex 8 specifying measurement procedure for minimum effective seat belt length.

The purpose of this test is to verify that door-opening systems remain fully functional following an emergency event leading to a loss of the vehicle’s power supply. After power loss, all doors providing direct occupant entry or exit must demonstrate they can be unlocked, unlatched, and opened from the interior by an occupant seated next to the door regardless of ignition status or initial latch position, and when unlocked, can be unlatched and opened from the exterior by a person standing next to the vehicle. The interior test requires disconnecting the main power supply, waiting 60 minutes, then operating interior means to unlock and unlatch the door and open it using the interior door handle within 10 minutes, repeated up to five cycles. The exterior test requires disconnecting the main power supply, waiting 60 minutes, then operating the exterior latch release control and exterior door handle within 10 minutes, repeated up to five cycles.

The operation of latch-release controls and door handles shall be considered intuitive where vehicle occupants are able to identify and operate the means of door opening or latch release immediately and without the need for prior instruction or prior experience with the specific system, by having a distinctive shape, colour or marking, not covered or hidden. This requirement is intended to ensure that occupants are able to open a door or release a latch quickly and reliably, regardless of their familiarity with the vehicle.

During vehicle submergence, at least 1 window per row of seats shall be able to be opened to allow occupant escape, and shall remain openable for at least 2 minutes from water entry. The vehicle shall be lowered into a water-filled container within a 10-degree horizontal angle in X longitudinal and lateral directions. T0 is counted from when lowering straps slacken and the vehicle floats. After 2 minutes of floating, the window must be opened to its lowest position, or automatically lowered if equipped with automatic window lowering system. Alternative sub-system tests demonstrating window opening functionality under water, in agreement with the approval authority and its designated technical service, are acceptable. The test is fulfilled if the window is open to its lowest position after the test.

Proposal to transpose GTR-9 Amendment 3 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2024/77) on technical requirements for Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems, amend Chapter 0 Introduction, amend para. 2. to add provisions for vehicles equipped with DPPS and measurements taken with system undeployed, delete footnotes 2 and 3 from para. 2.1., replace reference to 2.27. by 2.29. in para. 2.31., delete footnotes 5 and 6 from paras. 2.43. and 2.45., insert new paras. 2.50. to 2.61. defining DPPS-related terms including Deployment Time, Detection test area, Head Impact Time, Sensors and Testing of DPPS, amend para. 4.2. to delete approval number supplementation provisions, delete para. 4.4.3., amend paras. 5.2. to 5.2.2. to reference Annex 7 requirements when tested with DPPS activated, replace paras. 11.1. to 11.25. with transitional provisions and insert paras. 11.26. to 11.29. establishing that as from entry into force Contracting Parties shall not refuse type-approvals under 05 series amendments, as from 1 September 2031 shall not accept prior series approvals first issued after that date, shall continue accepting prior approvals first issued before 1 September 2031, and shall continue granting approvals using atypical windscreen fracture procedures until 1 September 2033, amend Annex 1 para. 9.23.1., amend text under Annex 2 heading, amend Annex 3 para. 3.2., and insert new Annexes 7 and 8 establishing test procedures for DPPS including prerequisites, HIT verification methods, headform test procedures, HBM qualification, and documentation requirements.

Proposal to amend para. 2.9. to define “ISOFIX position” as one that satisfies requirements of this Regulation to allow installation of ISOFIX child restraint systems as defined in UN R44 and UN R129, amend para. 2.24. to define “i-Size seating position” as one that satisfies requirements of this Regulation to allow installation of i-Size child restraint systems as defined in UN Regulation No. 129, amend para. 5.2.2.7. to exclude low ISOFIX anchorages installed in vehicles of category M₂ or M₃ from certain requirements, amend para. 5.2.4.1. to exclude vehicles of category M₂ and M₃ from marking requirements, and amend para. 6.2.5.1. to establish differentiated seat inertia forces for vehicles of categories M₂, N₂, M₃, and N₃. The justification clarifies that the definitions are based on tests fulfilled in this Regulation regarding strength rather than CRS category, addresses that the prior ISOFIX position definition incorrectly allowed i-Size CRS installation in non-i-Size positions, and harmonizes inertia loads for M₂ and M₃ vehicles with UN R14.

Proposal to modify door latch and door retention component requirements to include door closure warning systems and additional locking provisions, add power loss provisions for latch release controls and door handles, insert definition of retractable door handle, and incorporate test procedures for sliding side doors, with transition period allowing approvals under preceding series until 1 September 2016, after which Contracting Parties shall grant approvals only in accordance with amended requirements, based on WP.29/2014/71.

Clarifications to definitions: “Child-Safety Lock System” to clarify that it prevents unlatching when engaged, regardless of unlock state; amending “Unlock” to specify that child safety lock systems remain effective; amending “Unlatch” to define it as the transition where latch and striker no longer withstand separation forces; adding definitions for “Door Opening”, “Latch release control”, “Door handle”, and “Retractable door handle”.

Proposal to renumber paragraph 5.8.4.2. as paragraph 5.8.4.3., insert new paragraph 5.8.4.2. requiring controls of electric side windows adjacent to the front seat row be within reach and directly accessible without multiple actions, and insert new paragraphs 5.8.8., 5.8.8.1., 5.8.8.1.1., 5.8.8.2., and 5.8.8.3. requiring electric side windows of the front seat row to still function when command is operated for at least 2 minutes in a replication of a vehicle entering water (demonstrated in accordance with a new annex). The amendment introduces provisions for ease of operation of electric side windows and guarantees front side windows operate after submergence. Laminated side windows and difficulty breaking window glass in panic situations make life hammers inappropriate alternatives to functioning windows. Research shows leaving the vehicle within one minute of water contact is important; the 2-minute requirement allows healthy margin. Paragraph 5.8.4.2. guarantees window controls operate in single action rather than requiring submenu selection.

International vehicle regulations do not include safety requirements for power-operated components such as doors, tailgates, and seats, with the exception of power-operated windows, sunroofs, and partitions covered by UN R21. Recent incidents involving entrapment hazards demonstrate the need for WP.29 to pay attention to this issue and discuss the enhancement of vehicle regulations from a long-term perspective, including which GRs should amend which regulations.

The CLIV IWG held its 16th online session on 23 April 2026. The group discussed amending the SOS Morse code definition to clarify it as a continuous sequence of three dots, three dashes, and three dots. Delegates agreed the scope for M₂ and M₃ category vehicles requires clearer definition to exclude camper vans and caravans and limit application to vehicles designed or equipped primarily for child carriage. Homework tasks include reviewing UN Regulation definitions for vehicle master control switches, proposing wording for operational isolation of physical inspection systems, and researching paragraph 5.4.4.6.2. The September in-person meeting location remains under consideration, with Paris confirmed as a possible option pending final decision by end of July.

TF-AVRS submitted its status report to GRSP-79, advancing work on draft new Y-category Passive Safety Regulation and amendments to UN R127 for Y-category vehicles. The draft regulation addresses fuel system integrity, electrical shock protection, and crash compatibility based on UN R94, R95, R137, and R153. Horizontal items included eliminating R point problems, passenger compartment references, and A and B pillar designations, with harmonised mass definitions and consolidated numbering. Targets for 2026 included reviewing AVRS-adopted documents, correcting three regulations, and consistency checks across ADS amendments for WP.29-199.

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. This Regulation applies to vehicles of category N₁Y and prescribes requirements for frontal impact based on UN R94 for vehicles not exceeding 2,500 kg and UN R137 for vehicles exceeding 2,500 kg but not exceeding 3,500 kg, lateral impact based on UN R95 without the side pole impact test, and rear impact based on UN R153. Vehicles must demonstrate fuel system integrity with no more than slight leakage or continuous leakage not exceeding 30 g/min, hydrogen leakage not exceeding 118 NL per minute, and protection against electrical shock from high-voltage systems. REESS must remain attached and exhibit no fire or explosion within 60 minutes post-crash.

The task force completed working documents for transposition of the optional part of GTR 13 on liquefied hydrogen (GRSP/2025/41, GRSP-78-15/Rev.1, GRSP-78-16/Rev.2), updating ISO 17268-1:2025 references for receptacle geometry, and incorporating ISO 19887-1:2024 and periodic inspection requirements into UN Regulation No. 134 (WP.29/2026/56, WP.29/2026/136, WP.29/2026/57). The task force recommended deferring discussions on supply line standards to IWG GTR 13 Phase 3 and provided recommendations for hydrogen storage and fuel system requirements.

Regarding seat belt and airbag use, simulations show steering column intrusion leaves little survival space even at low speeds, so focus should first address energy absorption and compatibility issues before restraint systems. Impact data from six countries (Denmark, France, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Serbia, and the UK) suggest that in 963 bus driver fatalities and severe injuries, severity could potentially have been reduced with improved frontal protection. Cost-benefit analysis should include injuries to small vehicles in collisions with buses. UN R29 and UN R93 should be considered; UN R93 could be amended to include M₃ buses. A real-life demonstration test with a bus is proposed to validate studies conducted.