The Task Force Data Analysis has almost completed data revision for RD-ASEP specifications, identifying inconsistencies and proposing corrections. Key considerations include: updating database limits to UN R51.03 phase 3, clarifying vehicle reference speed interpretation, correcting reported loads exceeding 100%, selecting correct parameter tables, defining run interdependency, strengthening tyre rolling sound specifications, resolving minimum dynamic calculation inconsistencies, improving gear shifting detection, reconsidering sound level maximum basis, increasing performance validity threshold, accepting runs outside control range with manufacturer agreement, and reviewing AVAS term application for hybrid vehicles.

The Data Analysis task force met with limited participation from Japan, Netherlands, and the pilot. The group reviewed corrections made to vehicle load issues and reference speeds. They determined that corrections to PMR and L_urban calculations would be too time-consuming without adding substantial benefit and are not currently used by the model. A proposal for generic reference acceleration determination requires further assessment, as initial analysis indicates the formula overestimates acceleration potential. The data review process should be closed, so the official work with the database can start.

Proposal to introduce new definitions for Automated Driving System (ADS), Dynamic Driving Task, bidirectional vehicles, Enhanced Exterior Sound (EES), and Vehicle Master Control Switch; amend specifications for test mass, sound levels, and measurement procedures for vehicles of categories M₁–M₃, N₁–N₃, and vehicles equipped with an ADS; add provisions for vehicles electrically propelled without internal combustion engines; establish ASEP control ranges and calculation methods; and insert Annex 10 with specific provisions for testing vehicles equipped with an ADS.

Proposal to add Annex 5 Special provisions for the testing of vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS) to UN R138. The proposal amends paragraphs 2.7 and 2.8, inserts new paragraphs 2.13 to 2.16 defining ADS, Dynamic Driving Task, bi-directional vehicles, and forward direction, renumbers former paragraph 2.13 to 2.17, amends paragraph 6.2.5 regarding available AVAS sounds, amends Annex 1 item 1.2.2, amends Annex 3 paragraph 3.3.1 regarding testing conditions for bi-directional vehicles, and adds the new Annex 5 explaining how to adapt UN R138 to vehicles equipped with an ADS.

Proposal to add a new Table of contents section 7 for special provisions testing vehicles equipped with an ADS; amend footnotes in paragraphs 1.1. and 2.2.; amend paragraph 6.1.3. on available sounds; insert new paragraphs 11.4. through 11.8. define Automated Driving System, Dynamic Driving Task, and Category X and Y vehicles; amend paragraph 14.1.5. on available sounds; amend paragraph 14.3. on pause function for manual and ADS operation; insert new item 0.13. in Annex 1B, Appendix 1 regarding ADS equipment; and insert new Annex 7 with special provisions for testing vehicles equipped with an ADS.

Proposal to amend para. 2.18. to update Standard Reference Test Tyre definitions with ASTM International standards E1136 19, F2493 24, F2872 25, F2871 25, F2870 23, F3678 25, and F3677 23 for specified tyre sizes and designations, and amend para. 12.21. to permit Contracting Parties to continue accepting existing type approval and extensions to existing type approvals of class C3 tyres first granted before 1 September 2028 using SRTT19.5 or SRTT22.5, with SRTT19.5 siped or SRTT22.5 siped required for new tests performed on different representative tyre sizes for extensions granted after 01 September 2028.

Proposal to add, modify, and amend Annex 3, Annex 4, Annex 5, Annex 6, Annex 7, Annex 8, Annex 9, and Annex 10, insert Annex 9 (Measurement method to evaluate compliance with the Real Driving Additional Sound Emission Provisions (RD-ASEP)), and add provisions concerning sound emissions, test methods, measurement instruments, vehicle specifications, conformity of production, exhaust systems, compressed air noise, indoor testing, and specific provisions for vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS).

Proposal to add, modify, and amend Annex 3, Annex 4, Annex 5, Annex 6, Annex 7, Annex 8, Annex 9, and Annex 10, insert Annex 9 (Measurement method to evaluate compliance with the Real Driving Additional Sound Emission Provisions (RD-ASEP)), and add provisions concerning sound emissions, test methods, measurement instruments, vehicle specifications, conformity of production, exhaust systems, compressed air noise, indoor testing, and specific provisions for vehicles equipped with an Automated Driving System (ADS).

The Task Force Data Analysis (Sub Group to IWG RD-ASEP) will hold its 12th meeting on Tuesday, 28th April 2026. The agenda includes a review of the meeting schedule with targeted meetings on 19th May, 3rd June, and 9th June, review of database version 3 status and input from Germany on database issues, review of analysis performed, and review of decisions and work for the next meeting.

The 21st session of the Task Force on Vehicles Sound will be held on Tuesday 9th June 2026 from 13:00 to 17:00 (CEST) as a hybrid meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden. The agenda includes adoption of the agenda and report of the 20th session, exchange of information on national and international requirements with presentations on anoise figures in vehicle certificates of conformity versus perceived noise" and on “transportation noise and cardiovascular health”, cross-matrix follow-up discussion, discussion on updating the guidelines of the task force as approved in GRBP-74-03 Rev.1, any other business, and determination of next meeting and provisional agenda.

The RD-ASEP Informal Working Group met April 14-16, 2026 in Berlin. The Analysis Task Force concluded data cleaning and will use data to answer questions and update the parameter table. The original aim of RD-ASEP was to address vehicles with louder partial throttle than full throttle results. The Editing Task Force reviewed draft R51.04 and was directed to provide an updated draft for the June meeting, replacing the old Annex 7 with the current Annex 9. The Chair requested the Editing Task Force prepare a summary report to GRBP for September evaluating the monitoring database, Expectation Model, and draft R51.04.

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.

The Task Force Data Analysis held its 12th session on 28 April 2026. Database version 3 requires further corrections to reflect IWG decisions on v_test, parallel and serial hybrids, and German input; version 4 will be delivered. The group reviewed German input on database issues and decided to establish an Excel list documenting observations, background information, and proposed solutions. Additional data are needed on gear shifting during pass-by measurement, ICE ON/OFF shifting, low speed measurements below 30 km/h, high performance vehicles with acceleration greater than 5 m/s² at high speeds, and EV data.

The agenda for the 74th session of the Informal Working Group on Wet Grip of Worn Tyres scheduled for May 19th, 2026, remotely via Teams. The agenda includes welcome and opening remarks, adoption of the agenda and minutes of the previous 73rd session meeting held 31 March 2026, discussion of the workplan 2025 for C1 tyres status test campaign, and determination of the next meeting date.

The IWG RD-ASEP informal group is developing a mandatory procedure for UN R51 after the monitoring phase. The Analysis Task Force determined vehicle databases and expectation models are suitable for RD-ASEP development. The Editing Task Force created a consolidated R51.04 draft submitted to GRBP-84. The revised R51.04 RD-ASEP includes manipulation and defeat device provisions, mandatory random testing for approval, revised control range, any acceleration position testing, vehicle speed range 0-100 km/hr, and vehicle performance criteria. A revised companion document GRB-68-03 is necessary.

The Worn Tyres Post-Processing task force held its 34th session on 13 May 2026. Ninety-three percent of 3PMSF tests have been completed and members agreed to start the post-processing activity for the 3PMSF cluster. Test results for Normal tyres will be delivered once the high temperature range will be achieved. Future sessions are scheduled for 28 May, 15 June, 2 July, and 15 July 2026.

The 73rd session of the Informal Working Group on Wet Grip of Worn Tyres convened remotely on 31 March 2026. The agenda and previous session minutes from 3 February 2026 were adopted. The WTPP secretary reported on testing activities status for the workplan stage 1 for C₁ tyres, with results to be presented to GRBP at its 84th session in September 2026. ETRTO stated conclusions can only be made on complete datasets. Future meetings are scheduled through July 2026.

NEFOM and S.O.S. represent over 1 million European citizens experiencing noise from light vehicles inconsistent with Certificate of Conformity figures. The LENS project conducted 2300 measurements of 2300 vehicles, finding measured noise levels in practice much higher than type approval, sometimes reaching 100 dB(A). The A-filter used in Certificates of Conformity is unsuitable for noise levels above 70 dB and does not represent human perception. Sound limits for motorcycles have not changed since 2015 and remain too high. The document requests further improvements to RD-ASEP testing, replacement of the A-filter with a C-filter, and significant reduction of sound level limits for motorcycles.

Japan comments on the draft 04 series of amendments to UN R51 (Noise of M₁–M₃ and N₁–N₃ Categories of Vehicles). Japan highlights several editorial and technical issues. Regarding para. 2.24.1, Japan suggests the table of symbols for Annex 3 should state symbols are “used for the first time” consistent with ISO standards. For para. 3.1.2.1.4.3, Japan requests deletion of “but no more than 2.0 m/s²” as unnecessary for RD-ASEP applied to electric vehicles. Japan notes para. 6.2.3.4 should reference appropriate appendices for the RD-ASEP statement of compliance requirement. Paragraphs 11.1.4 and 11.1.5 are identical and one should be deleted. Japan flags para. 3.2.3.4.2 requires tyre conditioning on outdoor test tracks for indoor testing. For Annex 6, para. 3 should clarify that compliance assessment references para. 5 of Annex 7 for expected sound pressure level limits applicable to conformity of production testing.

During the 19th session

• OICA commented on LEON-T project reports regarding tyre and powertrain noise contributions.
• The European Environment Agency presented findings on transport noise exposure affecting over 100 million Europeans.
• Norway presented a proposed 95 dB(A) noise limit for stationary vehicles under UN R51.
• France proposed amending UN R28 to introduce soft audible warning devices for M and N category vehicles.
• The task force suspended its cross-matrix activity and postponed discussion of L-category vehicles to the next session.