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 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 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 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.

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 insert a new para. 0 introducing supplements 4 and 5 to the 04 series of amendments extending the Regulation to vehicles of categories X and Y, amend para. 1 to modify scope provisions and add R-point clarifications for category X vehicles, amend para. 2.8 to revise the bonnet rear reference line definition including provisions for category Y vehicles without windscreens, amend para. 2.22 to clarify front structure definition for categories X and Y, amend para. 2.29 to specify occupant mass placement for categories X and Y, amend para. 2.32 to define side reference line for category Y vehicles, amend para. 2.44 to redefine windscreen test area for category Y vehicles, and amend para. 2.45 to adjust cowl monitoring area for category Y vehicles.

Proposal to amend para. 2.1. to specify that appropriate adaptors are test components designated by the CHSS manufacturer substituting for the container valve, additional TPRD, and end plug, modify paras. 5.1.1., 5.1.2., 5.2., 9.2.1., and 9.2.3.2. to clarify that connections between supply lines for additional TPRDs and appropriate adaptors shall meet test requirements and are within the scope of the test, amend para. 9.2.1. to delete references to hydraulic mating connections, and modify Annex 3 para. 5.1. to include supply lines for additional TPRDs in the CHSS test article.

Proposal to amend the definition of ‘appropriate adaptor’ to specify that it is a test component specified by the manufacturer that substitutes for the container valve, additional TPRD, and/or end plug, modify para. 5.1.1. to require that three containers as well as supply lines for additional TPRDs through appropriate adaptors be hydraulically pressurized until burst, modify para. 5.1.2. to require that three containers as well as supply lines for additional TPRDs through appropriate adaptors be hydraulically pressure cycled without rupture for 22,000 cycles, and modify para. 5.2. to require that one container equipped with container attachments and supply lines for additional TPRDs through appropriate adaptors be tested, with connections between supply line and adaptor meeting requirements and worst-case approach applicable at discretion of Technical Service and Type Approval Authority.

Proposal to amend para. 2.1. to specify that an appropriate adaptor means a test component specified by the CHSS manufacturer that substitutes for the container valve, additional TPRD, and end plug, and includes an outlet with the proper fitting size and geometry to connect the supply line to the additional TPRD if applicable, with a note defining container valve and end plug, amend para. 5.1.1. to require that connections between the supply line for additional TPRDs and appropriate adaptor(s) shall meet the requirements and are within the scope of the test, amend para. 5.1.2. to require that connections between the supply line for additional TPRDs and appropriate adaptor(s) shall meet the requirements and are within the scope of the test, amend para. 5.2. to require that connections between the supply line for additional TPRDs and appropriate adaptor(s) shall meet the requirements and are within the scope of the test, and amend Annex 3 para. 5.1. to delete “through appropriate adaptors” from the requirement regarding supply lines for additional TPRDs.

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.

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.

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.

Proposal to streamline the Regulation by eliminating redundant requirements and their test procedures as well as to clarify the possible alternative methods to improve the efficiency of the tests: Delete paragraphs 6.2. and 6.3., delete paragraph 6.5., delete paragraph 6.10., reserve paragraphs 9A, 9B, and 9E, delete paragraph 6.14., amend paragraph 6.15. to add comprehensive thermal propagation verification procedures including risk management analysis alternatives, add paragraph 6.16. for REESS and vehicle communication compatibility, add new Part III (para. 7.) for approved REESS installation requirements, renumber existing paragraphs 8.–13. as paragraphs 8.–13. and add corresponding section numbering, amend scope provisions to clarify application to vehicles of categories M, N, and O with specified e-axle battery provisions, add vehicle category O definitions including “e-axle” and “trailer load compartment,” amend various paragraphs to reference vehicles of categories O₃ and O₄, amend protection requirements to include trailer load compartments, amend over-discharge and overcharge test procedures to permit sequential execution, amend isolation resistance measurement requirements to exempt measurement when isolation resistance monitoring systems are installed and confirmed functional, clarify SOC adjustment procedures to permit alternative ambient temperatures when highest SOC is achievable independently, add labelling requirements for vehicles of categories M₂/N₂ and M₃/N₃ in accordance with ISO 17840-4:2018, add provisions for Automated Driving System (ADS) features and warnings, add provisions for vehicles of category Y regarding mechanical integrity validation at component level, amend Annex 1 Part 2 to revise installation restriction references, add Annex 9K describing four thermal propagation trigger methods with four appendices, and add Annex 10 specifying label provisions for electric power train vehicles.

Proposal to provide guidance for interpretation of “Type of REESS” (Rechargeable Electrical Energy Storage System) as defined in UN R100 para. 2.48. The document establishes that differences in REESS should be evaluated from the perspective of substantial impact on safety performance. It describes key elements for assessing impact on safety within each essential aspect: manufacturer responsibility, cell chemistry/capacity/physical dimensions, cell number/connection/support, casing construction/materials/dimensions, and ancillary devices. The guidance provides examples of changes not causing or potentially causing significant differences, including production location changes, multi-sourcing of cells, and process improvements.