Proposal to clarify the text and align the provisions of UN R9 with other vehicle sound regulations, especially UN R41, pursuant to research conducted by the European Commission.

Proposal to update and clarify the regulation. The proposal refines definitions, removes the “AWD” abbeviation for “audible warning device” to avoid confusion with its more common use for “all wheel drive”, modifies some administrative communications, and proposes three-direction acoustic measurements. The proposal also aims to structure the regulation to enable its application to additional sound warning devices not presently regulated at the international level, excluding acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) which will be subject to a separate regulation on minimum vehicle sound levels.

Based on the outcomes of a European Commission study, proposal to clarify the text and align its provisions with other vehicle sound regulations, especially UN R41, including to replace references to “two wheeled moped” with the term “L1 category vehicles” (and consequently to replace references to “moped” with “vehicle”) and to replace the term “noise” with “sound” (except for references to background noise) throughout the regulation. It proposes improved terminology and definitions, including new ones, improved sound emission testing conditions and procedures. It also introduces sound emission measurement through new testing of in use vehicles in motion.

Proposal to update the provisions of Regulation No. 92 to a level at least equivalent to the corresponding provisions in the European Union legislation. The document proposes improved terminology and definitions, including new ones, improved sound emission testing conditions and procedures. It also introduces anti-tampering provisions and an “Additional sound emission provisions” (ASEP) statement by the manufacturer.

Proposal to refine the scope by replacing the phrase “can travel” by “can be propelled”. The use of “travel” in the scope can be interpreted to include vehicles using using electrical systems for purposes other than propulsion (e.g., energy recuperation) that fall outside the test conditions of UN R138.

Proposal to refine the scope by replacing the phrase “can travel” by “can be propelled”. The use of “travel” in the scope can be interpreted to include vehicles using using electrical systems for purposes other than propulsion (e.g., energy recuperation) that fall outside the test conditions of UN R138. The proposal further amends:

1. Paragraph 2.7. to make clear the “pause function” refers to systems that allow the driver to deactivate an AVAS system;
2. Paragraph 6.2.6.: The vehicle operator shall not deactivate AVAS while driving. However, the manufacturer shall be enabled to activate or deactivate AVAS, including automatically, by regional coding according to legal provisions of various markets.
3. Paragraph 11.: the transitional provisions were added according to the rules of WP.29 for new series of amendments. Paragraph 11.6. has been added to maintain approvals that also comply with the new series of amendments, as is the case for vehicles that do not have a pause function according to the newly suggested paragraph 6.2.6.
4. Annex 1, Addendum to the communication form No …, Technical Information: technical information regarding “Pause switch (yes/no)” will be no longer necessary.

Germany reviews problems with applying UN specifications for the marking of winter tyres, covering disparities in definitions and performance requirements across the tyre regulations (UN R30, R54, R75, R106, R108, R109 and R117). Therefore, Germany proposes that GRRF work to resolve these disparities and offers two possible solutions: 1) Introduce the definition of "Snow tyre for use in severe snow conditions” and the related performance and marking requirements established under UN R109 and R117 into UN R30, R54, R75, R108, and (possibly) R106; 2) Amending UN R117 to extend the scope of its snow performance criteria to additional tyre classes and categories, such as special tyres (POR, MPT), all terrain (AT) tyres, and retreaded tyres for passenger cars.

Correction to paragraph 6.2.2. “Sound level limits” to add a reference specifically to paragraph 3.1 of Annex 3 in order to ensure interpretation of the sound limit values as application only “noise in motion” and not to “stationary noise”. This aligns the 02 and 03 series texts.

Proposal including indoor testing as an alternative to type approval tests of Annex 3 to Regulation No. 51 in accordance with ISO 26101:2012 and ISO 362-3.

Presentation on the current European Commission draft proposal for the transposition of UN R138 regarding “quiet road transport vehicles” into EU law. The draft would require the audible alert signal to be activated at vehicle start-up, but would allow for use of a pause function activated by the driver. A fuller set of documents was provided for the 64th Technical Committee-Motor Vehicles session.

Proposal to pursue harmonization of reversing alarm requirements through the establishment of a new UN Regulation in order to promote safety and address noise concerns.

Proposal to clarify the text of the regulation, update provisions in line with Supplement 1 to the 02 series of amendments (WP.29/2015/64), and to align its provisions with those of UN R41 and R51, including:

1. replace the term “two wheeled moped” with “L₁ category vehicle”;
2. replace the term “moped” with “vehicle”;
3. replace the term “noise” by “sound” except for its use related to background noise;
4. replace “noise made by” with “sound emitted by”;
5. specify in each use of the term “speed” whether the reference is to engine speed or vehicle speed;
6. add definition for “rated engine speed” in addition to “rated maximum net power”;
7. add definitions for “reference mass” and “test mass”;
8. add definition for “maximum vehicle speed”;
9. add the words “or electronically” and “rider selectable” to paragraph 6.3.2. to cover electronically adjustable exhaust or silencing systems;
10. allow the use of in-motion testing in addition to stationary testing in Annex 1 and add the necessary data reporting provisions in Annex 3 similar to provisions under UN R41 04 series;
11. update references to ISO standards; and
12. add sub-paragraphs to Annex 3, paragraph 5.2. to hinder tampering.

Proposal for clarifications, including the applicability of certain provisions, in Annex 3: Methods and instruments for measuring the sound made by motor vehicles.

Proposal to correct Annex 3, paragraph 1.4.1. of the French version of the regulation to align with the original English text.

Presentation for discussion of specific technical questions concerning the application of UN 51 test procedures.

Draft proposal to incorporate provisions for reverse audible warning devices for [M2], [N2], N3 and M3 vehicles.

Presentation of Turkey’s proposals for revering audible warning devices, including provisions for multiple sound levels and pause functions.

Status report on the European Commission program to investigate the potential for new sound limits of L-category vehicles at Euro 5 step and make a justified proposal.

Draft presentation on the amendments developed by the informal working group on Additional Sound Emission Provisions.

Additional materials covering task force topics and possible time frame for EC proposal on Euro 5 sound limits.

Netherlands proposal in response to the initiative from Germany and Japan to standardize and limit the sound emission from Reversing Alarms (documents 64-05, 64-06, 65-06 and 65-07) to amend the requirements, including the use a “white noise alarm” instead of a “tonal noise alarm”.

Proposal to delete category L₄ vehicles from the scope of the regulation. Motorcycles with a side car (L4 category vehicles) should be tested in a state that is designed to be operated on the road (i.e. the side car fitted to the vehicle) using the test procedures of UN Regulation No. 9. Since UN Regulation No. 41.04 does not cover motorcycles with a side car, this text should be deleted in order to avoid any potential misunderstandings.

Information on back-up accidents in Korea and proposal for scope and content of new requirements for reversing warning alarms.

Explanation of Netherlands interest in labeling of road surfaces, in particular as a means to encourage reductions in rolling resistance.

Information on work in the Netherlands to implement noise-level labeling for roads (in a format similar to that used in Europe for labeling energy efficiency of household appliances).

Paper presented at a Dutch Infra Congress 2016 held on 23 June 2016 concerning the potential benefits of a road labelling system.

Proposal to amend the wording of the transitional provisions as drafted for the 01 series to Regulation No. 138 (document WP.29/2017/7 for the March 2017 WP.29 session, prohibiting the AVAS pause function) with the guidelines for these provisions as established by Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement.

Updated version of document GRB/2017/2 pursuant to discussions during the 2nd ASEP II informal group session.

OICA proposal to provide a clearer and more precise definition for “stable acceleration”. The definition introduced in document GRB/2017/02 is specified as "when the acceleration from line AA’ to PP’ has a low variation to the acceleration from line PP’ to BB’.” The term “low variation” is imprecise and so OICA proposes the wording “when the acceleration ratio a_{(PP’-BB’)}/a_{(AA’-BB’)} is lower than 1,2.”

Presentation updated to include revisions to the working document GRB/2017/2 as agreed during the 2nd ASEP II informal group session to be presented during GRB-65 as an informal document amending the draft Supplement 2 to the 03 series of amendments to UN R51.

Discussion of current issues related to vehicle noise levels, especially given the availability of affordable electronic devices that enable car owners to artificially increase vehicle sound output.

Presentation of concerns and possible responses through GRB regarding vehicle noise, especially related to system tampering and vehicle modifications.

Explanation of the proposals contained in documents GRB/2017/2 and GRB-65-26.

ASEP II informal group amendments to document GRB/2017/2. See document GRB-65-25 for additional explanations.

Presentation on legal requirements (push) and public education/incentivization (pull) strategies to decrease road noise levels. The presentation especially addresses the Dutch interest in a road labeling system for rating road surface noise levels.

Presentation concerning vehicle noise relationship to speed and acceleration and other factors

Proposal of extensive clarifications to UN R51 by the Informal Group on Additional Sound Emission Provisions (ASEP) in order to provide more consistent and unambiguous specifications for test procedures. Explanations of the proposed changes are provided in document GRB-65-25.

Proposal to delete a description of the L₄ vehicle category (motorcycles with a side car) from Annex 3 to Regulation No. 41. These vehicles fall under the scope of UN R9, having been removed from the scope of UN R41 as of the 04 series of amendments.

Proposal to

1. amend the scope to be design-neutral and reflect the driving situations covered by the Regulation;
2. highlight that ASEP apply to vehicles and their electric sound enhancement systems such as the Audible Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) and silencers equipped with an active cancelling system
3. update the “backfire” assessment procedure; and
4. clarify the gear ratio anchor point in Annex 7 as defined via Annex 3

Modification of the proposal to enable indoor testing under UN R51 on vehicle noise.

1. Paragraph 1: The scope was originally drafted for the Annex 3 test which refers to normal urban driving. A proposed additional sentence covers the intention of Annex 7.
2. Paragraph 2.8.1.: Adopt the wording from standard ISO 362-1:2015 for clarity. If an electric motor is not operational during the type approval tests, then its power must not contribute to the calculation of the power to mass ratio (PMR).

3. Paragraph 2.24., table: Amendments regarding paragraph 2.2.7.4. of Annex 3 because paragraph 2.2.7.4. is new. Amendments also for line BB’ to reflect that the measurement will not end after line BB’. For the speeds vAA’, vBB’ and vPP’, a wrong reference coming from ISO was corrected.

4. Paragraph 2.27.: A new definition of “kickdown” was introduced since this term is used in this Regulation. With a large variety of products, it is unclear what “kickdown” exactly means. This definition is a design neutral approach and reflects the intention of Annex 3 and Annex 7.
5. Paragraph 2.28.: Prevention of downshift is a legal measure to ensure that the vehicle can be tested within the test conditions as specified by this Regulation.
6. Paragraph 3.3.: Deletion of meaningless sentence given the requirement that the vehicles have to be loaded in order to be able to achieve the urban driving conditions as described in paragraph 3.1.2.2. of Annex 3. The sentence has similarly already been deleted in Regulation (EU) No. 540/2014.
7. Paragraph 6.2.3.: The current specification requires a hybrid vehicle to be assessed according to the additional sound emission provisions (ASEP), even though such a vehicle does not have the internal combustion engine running within the control range of Annex 7. There will be no valid test result. Such vehicles should be exempted from ASEP.
8. Annex 1, Appendix 1: For the test method according to 3.1.2.1 the pre-acceleration length may differ per gear ratio. In this case, it is necessary to report the pre-acceleration length per gear ratio.
10. Annex 1, Appendix 2 : Missing elements of the information document have been added, namely “0.2. type” and “3.2.6. pressure charger(s)”.
11. Annex 3, paragraph 2.1.: Lower temperatures will lead to slightly higher test results due to an increased tyre rolling sound. Thus, testing at lower temperatures will be a disadvantage for the manufacturer. If for practical reasons the manufacturer wishes to carry out tests at lower temperatures, this shall be accepted by the type approval authority.
12. Annex 3, paragraph 2.2.1.: For M1 and N1, the current provision has led to ambiguities about its meaning. The proposed new sentence clarifies the meaning. Further, the tolerances are broadened, as research shows, that the impact of the test mass can be neglected in a wide range. For M2, M3, N2 and N3, the current provision has led to ambiguities about its meaning. The proposed new sentence clarifies the meaning. If the test mass of the vehicle is equal to the target mass, the target mass shall be achieved with a tolerance of ±5 per cent according to equation (2) in paragraph 2.2.7.1. of Annex 3. Consequently this has to be valid also for the test mass mt. If the test mass of the vehicle is lower than the target mass according to equation (12) and (13) in paragraph 2.2.7.1. of Annex 3, the test mass shall be achieved with a tolerance of ±5 per cent. Concerning M2 and M3, for clarification and to avoid misunderstanding, the loading conditions for complete vehicles of category M2 (M > 3,500 kg) and M3 were aligned with the requirements for incomplete vehicles of category M2 (M > 3,500 kg) and M3. As a consequence, vehicles of category M2 (M ≤ 3,500 kg) have to be added to the table and their test mass requirement has to be aligned with those of vehicles of category M1 and N1.
13. Annex 3, paragraph 2.2.7.1.: See the above justification for M2, M3, N2 and N3 in paragraph 2.2.1.
14. Annex 3, paragraph 2.2.7.4.: If a manufacturer does not produce vehicles with two axles only, he is not able to calculate the right test mass for his vehicles with more than two axles. For calculating the test mass, a vehicle with two axles has to be put on a scale to measure the unladen front axle load, mfa load unladen, and the unladen rear axle load, mra load unladen, for being able to calculate munladen as given in formula (3) of paragraph 2.2.7.1. of Annex 3. In addition, a new paragraph provides a procedure for calculating the test mass of a virtual vehicles with two axles, based on an existing vehicle with more than two axles, when a vehicle with two axles is physically not available to be put on a scale.
15. Annex 3, paragraph 3.1.2.1.: Proposal to extend the measurement to a position where misfiring is detectable. A redundant sentence is deleted per paragraph 2.2.4.
16. Annex 3, paragraph 1.1.2.1.4.1.(d): Clarify gear usage where one gear ratio is above 2 m/s² and the other below a_urban.
17. Annex 3, paragraph 1.1.2.1.4.1. (e): The suggested changes clarify the proper setup for testing for vehicles with very short gear ratios.
18. Annex 3, paragraph 3.1.2.1.4.3.: Introduction of specifications for vehicles with only one gear ratio.
19. Annex 3, paragraph 3.1.2.1.5. : Simplify testing. With a fixed vehicle length, it is not necessary to adjust the test equipment (light barriers, pylons) for each vehicle.
20. Annex 3, paragraph 3.2.3.: Reference correction
21. Annex 3, paragraph 3.2.5.3.: Reference correction
22. Annex 4, paragraph 1.: The performance of the fibrous material can be checked by completely removing the fibrous material. This reintroduces an option removed when Annex 5 of the 02 series of amendments was revised.


23. Annex 6, paragraph 2.1.: Proposal to simplify and clarify CoP. During the conformity of production procedures, neither the vehicle nor tyres will have a proper preconditioning. In many cases, the vehicles are foiled and parts may be missing as theft protection. It is very unlikely that the vehicles will have already the same performance as the type approval vehicle. This provision adopts the specifications from the revised ASEP provisions (Informal document GRB-65-26, Annex 7, para. 1). In addition, the range of masses was broadened in the same way as proposed for type approval.
24. Annex 6, paragraph 3.: Reference correction.

Proposal to align the transitional provisions in the 01 series of amendments with the format introduced following Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement.

Proposal including indoor testing as an alternative to type approval tests of Annex 3 to Regulation No. 51 including ISO 362-3.

Measurement Setup Scheme for Stationary Sound Emission Test – Engine Proximity: Stationary Run-Up Measurement (SLOW run-up) from IDLE to Govern Engine Speed

Password-protected file from ISO. Please contact the GRB secretariat for access.

ASEP data file for 5-1-2 noise limits as of 13 June 2017.

ASEP data file for L_urban noise limits as of 13 July 2017.

Proposal to increase the stringency of tyre noise limits starting from 1 November 2020.

Proposal to increase the precision of the lane of travel measurements by extending to two digits after the decimal point and to designate the line DD’ for the end of the measurements. The introduction of the line DD’ would impact the minimum length of the section after the line BB’ to be coated per ISO 10844.

Proposal for a new working group to develop harmonized technical specifications, test procedures and performance requirements for audible warning systems that signal when a category M₃, N₂, or N₃ vehicle is moving in reverse gear.

Review of UN R41-04 limit-value application.

Proposal to exclude pure electric vehicles, including vehicles with auxiliary electric propulsion, from the scope of the regulation. This proposal has been submitted to complement WP.29/2017/4.

Proposal to align ASEP for high powered L4 and L5 vehicles, used for passenger transport, is proposed in line with UN Regulation No 41.04 due to comparable sound emissions levels of L4 and L5 vehicles with the ones of L3 vehicles and the possibility of applying similar measurement methods for sound emissions for those vehicle categories. This is also supported by the Commission study on enhanced sound requirements for mopeds, quads and replacement silencers of L-category vehicles which resulted in amendments to UN Regulation Nos 9, 63 and 92 (ref. document WP.29/2017/2).

Proposal to increase the measurement precision by requiring measurement to the second decimal and to designate the line DD’ as the end point for measurements. The proposal also suggests editorial improvements and corrections.

Discussion of motorcycle and related vehicle noise issues, especially related to aftermarket modification (non-original replacement exhaust silencer systems (NORESS)).

Proposal to delete the proposed amendment to paragraph 6.2.3. of UN R51 which would limit the scope of the additional sound emissions provisions (ASEP) to M₁ and N₁ vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine operational within the control range of Annex 7. Switzerland submits that the limitation would release manufacturers from responsibility for vehicle sound behavior outside of ASEP in contradiction to the historical interpretation that manufacturers are responsible for ensuring reasonable vehicle sound levels under all conditions, not only within ASEP.

Presentation on the status of the European Commission-sponsored study to investigate the potential of and develop a proposal for new sound limits of L-category vehicles under Euro 5.

Presentation on the status of the transposition of UN R138 on Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) requirements for quiet (e.g., electric) vehicles into EU law. The European Commission expects publication of the new requirements in the October 2017 Official Journal. The Commission is working on the transposition of the 01 series of amendments (prohibiting driver-activated pause functions).

German authorities have carried out a study to assess the possibility for measuring UN R41.04-approved L category vehicles using typical “roadside check” equipment. The study found that such equipment provides a “lite” version of the UN 41.04 procedures that is useful in evaluating real-world performance. Germany intends to pursue a national “pass-by lite” test directive for UN R41-approved motorbikes and for non-original replacement exhaust silencer systems (NORESS) roadside and periodic technical inspections.

Proposal to

1. harmonize the definitions of v_BB’ in UN R51
2. clarify the scope of Annex 1, Appendix 2, paragraph 5 by substituting “Running” for “Suspension” to describe the system addressed
3. clarify the procedures for particular cases under Annex 3.

Consolidation of draft amendments collected by OICA from various sources, including remarks of contracting parties during expert group meetings and meetings, and from discussions within the informal working group on ASEP. The document has been prepared to encourage discussion.

UN R51 allows the use mechanical or electronic devices to control the gear shifting and measures to avoid accelerations greater than 2.0 m/s². However, the measures are not defined and the manufacturer or technical service is not obliged to document the methodology in the test report. This proposal would introduce a table with examples for devices and measures for reference and would require documentation of methodology used.

Japan presentation on tests conducted and questions raised.

French ASEP test validation results and questions/difficulties encountered.

UN R51 allows the use mechanical or electronic devices to control the gear shifting and measures to avoid accelerations greater than 2.0 m/s². However, the measures are not defined and the manufacturer or technical service is not obliged to document the methodology in the test report. This proposal would introduce a table with examples for devices and measures for reference and would require documentation of methodology used.

Proposal including indoor testing as an alternative to type approval tests of Annex 3 to Regulation No. 51 including ISO 362-3.

Proposal to exclude pure electric vehicles, including vehicles with auxiliary electric propulsion, from the scope of the regulation, to include sound-level measurement conditions for powered cycles equipped with compressed air engine and to introduce sound-level limits for powered cycles.

OICA presentation on modeling, including tire rolling noise and power train noise, of vehicle sound emissions and compliance with UN R51 requirements.