Results of the review of proposals for UN Regulations R28, R51, R64, R138, R141, R142, and R165 regarding autonomous vehicle readiness. Key findings include: inconsistent Mass in Running Order definitions between R51 and R138 versus RE3; unclear special testing provisions in R64, R138, and R165; need for clarification on ADS optical and logical signal transition in R64; redundant full definitions from RE3 in multiple proposals should reference RE3 via footnote instead; inconsistent ADS activity terminology across R64, R141, and R165 should be standardized; incorrect Category Y references in R51 Table 2; and definition and spelling errors in R51, R138, R141, and R165.

Corrections to proposals WP.29/2026/63, WP.29/2026/65, and WP.29/2026/71.

Proposal to amend ADS-20-12 (consolidated guidance document). The ADS shall have strategies to detect and respond to instructions from road safety agents. For ADSF-1, this allows transfer of control to the fallback user. Manufacturers may use non-ADS strategies including remote intervention or permitting the road safety agent to drive. Examples of instructions include pull over, give way, stop after collision, move out of way, avoid specific road, and not overtake. Instructions may be issued via lights, sirens, audio messages, written signs, or light bar messages.

Proposal to revise the guidance on para. 6.1.2.3 of the draft UN Regulation on ADS regarding unreasonable disruption to traffic. The revision changes “prevent normal interaction” to “allow normal interaction” and “require other road users” to “may technically require other road users” to clarify that the requirement permits normal interaction with traffic, such as using on ramps, slowing for traffic lights, and waiting at unprotected turns, where other road users must adapt their speed, without violating the requirement.

Proposal to account for vehicles of category X and to extend its application to vehicles without driver and manual driving controls. New sections introduce definitions for Automated Driving System features (ADSF-1 and ADSF-2) and establish requirements for door closure warning systems and locking devices for vehicles equipped with ADSF-2. Vehicles of category Y are excluded from scope. Various paragraphs are amended regarding door systems, locking mechanisms, and impact definitions to address automated driving scenarios.

The agenda includes discussion of DSSAD regulatory text guidance, EDR Step 2 proposals comments, and EDR for ADS. The next meeting is scheduled for September 15-17, 2026, as a hybrid event in Europe.

Systems with ACSF B2, D and E functionality cannot be approved to UN R79 unless incorporated within a DCAS complying with UN R171. However, these functionalities may exist independently of DCAS, requiring clear distinction. Where not part of DCAS, this must be specified in the EDR regulation. A new EDR data element, “DCAS status”, could encompass ACSF B2, D and E functionalities. These functionalities are now treated either as individual functions or as components of DCAS.

Extended recording from NTSB investigation. The collision sequence involved three alert stages: first alert lasting 5 seconds with visual only or bimodal presentation, second alert lasting 8 seconds with bimodal presentation, and third alert with bimodal presentation and instruction to put hands on the wheel.

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 establish provisions for periodical technical inspections of automated/autonomous vehicles. The document, based on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2, addresses vehicle safety of in-use vehicles through maintenance and inspection measures. Inspection requirements should verify proper condition and functionality of vehicles and Automated Driving System according to UN Regulations. Provisions should include test procedures for safety-relevant functions, status and fault information, harmonized access protocols, functional test procedures with threshold limits, and result data specifications. Test methods shall be carried out by qualified persons without dismantling using standard equipment.

The 32nd EDR-DSSAD IWG session convened virtually on May 7, 2026. The previous session report and agenda were approved without objection. Discussion addressed the group’s future structure, with consensus that EDR work continue under GRSG direction while DSSAD work be directed by the ADS IWG. EDR/DSSAD-31-02 on DSSAD regulatory text would be submitted to GRVA in May. A Guidance and Interpretation Document addressing “readily accessible” and access provisions is planned for July submission. EDR Step 2 discussions covered ADDW, DDAW, and DCAS data elements with resolutions agreed at +/-1%, recording intervals for collision scenarios, and outstanding items for June 11 finalization. Future meetings scheduled for June 11, September 8, and October 6-8, 2026.

The meeting will address coordination of work, pollution emission control in PTI including PN measurement, NOx measurement, and Euro 7, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Automated Driving Systems including PTI using diagnostic devices and inspections of automated vehicles, PTI provisions for brakes, lighting devices coordination and inspection, and 1997 Agreement updates.

The IWG on PTI Provisions for PTI works on whole-life compliance, testing ADAS/ADS at Periodic Technical Inspection, ePTI provisions, driverless vehicle inspection, and anti-tampering measures across 2025–2027. Provisions for PTI exist in at least 20 UN Regulations as of 8 April 2026, though PTI experts deem some insufficient and additional provisions may be needed. The proposed update procedure requires the IWG to generate a current provisions list, present needs to WP.29, develop proposals for the first 2–3 UN Regulations, defend each proposal in relevant GRs, and transmit outcomes to WP.29 for decision.

The 26th meeting of GRSP TF on AVRS is scheduled for Tuesday 22nd of May 2026 as an online meeting from 09:00 to 11:00 CEST. The agenda includes approval of the agenda and minutes, feedback from other meetings, consistency check of GRSP ADS fitness work, Y-category regulatory framework for N₁, Y-category pedestrian protection under UN R127, feedback on passive safety requirements for new steering equipment types, any other business, and dates for next meetings.

GRBP, GRE, GRPE, GRSG, GRSP, and GRVA are ready with working documents on non-ADS regulation amendments. TF AVRS is working on ADS marker lamps. UNECE published 93 amendment proposals regarding ADS fitness and ADS UNR and GTR for the 199th session of WP.29 in June 2026. UN R168.00 is tabled for the 200th session of WP.29. UN R154 former series is postponed to GRPE-95 in October 2026. Y category passive safety regulation is planned for GRSP-80 in December 2026.