Council Directive of 21 December 1977 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the wiper and washer systems of motor vehicles (78/318/EEC) (repealed)

ANNEX I U.K. [F1 SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, APPLICATION FOR THE EEC TYPE-APPROVAL, SPECIFICATIONS, TEST PROCEDURE, MARKINGS, AMENDMENTS TO APPROVALS, CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION]

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Directive 94/68/EC of 16 December 1994 adapting to technical progress Council Directive 78/318/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the windscreen wiper and washer systems of motor vehicles.

1. SCOPE U.K.

1.1. This Directive applies to the 180° forward field of vision of the drivers of vehicles in category M₁. U.K.

1.1.1. Its purpose is to ensure good visibility under adverse weather conditions by specifying the requirements for the windscreen-wiper and windscreen-washer systems of category M₁ vehicles. U.K.

1.1.2. The requirements of this Directive are so worded as to apply to category M₁ vehicles in which the driver is on the left. In category M₁ vehicles in which the driver is on the right, these requirements shall be applied by reversing the criteria where appropriate. U.K.

2. DEFINITIONS U.K.

F2 (2.1.)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2 Deleted by Commission Directive 94/68/EC of 16 December 1994 adapting to technical progress Council Directive 78/318/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the windscreen wiper and washer systems of motor vehicles.

[F1 2.1.] Vehicle type with regard to its windscreen-wiper and windscreen-washer systems U.K.

‘Vehicle type with regard to its windscreen-wiper and windscreen-washer systems’ means vehicles which do not differ in such essential respects as:

[F1 2.1.1.] the external and internal forms and arrangements within the area specified in Section 1 which may affect visibility; U.K.

[F1 2.1.2. the shape and dimensions of the windscreen and its mountings where these are likely to affect the vision areas covered by Annex IV;] U.K.

[F1 2.1.3.] the characteristics of the windscreen-wiper and windscreen-washer systems. U.K.

[F1 2.2.] Three-dimensional reference grid U.K.

‘Three-dimensional reference grid’ means a reference system which consists of a vertical longitudinal plane X-Z, a horizontal plane X-Y and a vertical transverse plane Y-Z (see figure 2 of Annex III). The grid is used to determine the dimensional relationships between the positions of design points on drawings and their position on the actual vehicle. The procedure for situating the vehicle relative to the grid is specified in Annex III; all coordinates referred to ground zero shall be based on a vehicle in running order (as defined in 2.6 of Annex I to Directive 70/156/EEC) plus one front-seat passenger, the mass of the passenger being 75 kg ± 1%.

[F1 2.2.1.] Vehicles fitted with suspension enabling their ground clearance to be adjusted shall be tested under the normal conditions of use specified by the manufacturer. U.K.

[F1 2.3.] Primary reference marks U.K.

‘Primary reference marks’ means holes, surfaces, marks and identification signs on the vehicle body. The type of reference mark used and the position of each mark relative to X, Y and Z coordinates of the three-dimensional reference grid and to a design ground plane shall be specified by the vehicle manufacturer. These marks may be the control points used for body assembly purposes.

F2 2.5. Seat-back angle U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F1 2.4.] Actual [F1 torso] angle U.K.

(See Annex II).

[F1 2.5.] Design [F1 torso] angle U.K.

(See Annex II).

[F1 2.6.] V points U.K.

‘V points’ means points whose position in the passenger compartment is determined by vertical longitudinal planes passing through the centres of the outermost designated seating positions on the front seat and in relation to the R point and the design angle of the seat back, which points are used for verifying compliance with the field of vision requirements (see Annex IV).

[F1 2.7.] R point or seating reference point U.K.

(See Annex II).

[F1 2.8.] H point U.K.

(See Annex II).

[F1 2.9.] Windscreen datum points U.K.

‘Windscreen datum points’ means points situated at the intersection with the windscreen of lines radiating forward from the V points to the outer surface of the windscreen.

[F1 2.10.] Transparent area of a windscreen U.K.

‘Transparent area of a windscreen’ means that area of a vehicle windscreen or other glazed surface whose light transmittance, measured at right angles to the surface, is not less than 70%.

[F1 2.11.] Horizontal seat-adjustment range U.K.

‘Horizontal seat-adjustment range’ means the range of normal driving positions designated by the vehicle manufacturer for the adjustment of the driver's seat in the direction of the X axis (see 2.3).

[F1 2.12.] Extended seat-adjustment range U.K.

‘Extended seat-adjustment range’ means the range designated by the vehicle manufacturer for the adjustment of the seat in the direction of the X axis (see 2.3) beyond the range of normal driving positions specified in 2.13 and used for converting seats into beds or facilitating entry into the vehicle.

[F1 2.13.] Windscreen-wiper system U.K.

‘Windscreen-wiper system’ means the system consisting of a device for wiping the outer face of the windscreen, together with the accessories and controls necessary for starting and stopping the device.

[F1 2.14.] Windscreen-wiper field U.K.

‘Windscreen-wiper field’ means the area of the outer face of a wet windscreen that is swept by the windscreen wiper.

[F1 2.15.] Windscreen-washer system U.K.

‘Windscreen-washer system’ means the system consisting of a device for storing a fluid and applying it to the outer face of the windscreen, together with the controls necessary for starting and stopping the device.

[F1 2.16.] Windscreen-washer control U.K.

‘Windscreen-washer control’ means a device or accessory for starting and stopping the windscreen-washer system. Starting and stopping may be coordinated with the operation of the windscreeen wiper or be totally independent of it.

[F1 2.17.] Windscreen-washer pump U.K.

‘Windscreen-washer pump’ means a device for transferring the windscreen-washer fluid from the reservoir to the outer face of the windscreen.

[F1 2.18. Nozzle U.K.

‘ Nozzle ’ means a device which serves to direct the windscreen-washer fluid on to the windscreen.]

[F1 2.19.] Performance of a windscreen-washer system U.K.

‘Performance of a windscreen-washer system’ means the ability of a windscreen-washer system to apply fluid to the target area of the windscreen without leakage or disconnection of a tube of the washer system occurring when the system is used normally.

3. APPLICATIONS FOR EEC TYPE-APPROVAL U.K.

3.1. Application for EEC type-approval for a vehicle type in respect of its windscreen-wiper and windscreen-washer systems U.K.

[F1 3.1.1. The application for EEC type-approval pursuant to Article 3(4) of Directive 70/156/EEC of a vehicle type with regard to its windscreen-wiper and windscreen washer systems shall be submitted by the manufacturer.] U.K.

[F1 3.1.2. A model for the information document is given in Annex VI.] U.K.

3.1.2.1.

[F2 . . . . .

3.1.2.2.

. . . . .

3.1.2.3.

. . . . .]

[F1 3.1.3.] A vehicle representative of the vehicle type to be approved must be submitted to the technical service conducting the type-approval tests. U.K.

3.2. Application for EEC type-approval for a type of windscreen-washer system as a separate technical unit U.K.

[F1 3.2.1. The application for EC type-approval pursuant to Article 3 (4) of Directive 70/156/EEC for a type of windscreen-washer system as a separate technical unit shall be submitted by the manufacturer.] U.K.

[F1 3.2.2. A model for the information document is given in Annex VII.] U.K.

3.2.2.1.

[F2 . . . . .]

[F1 3.2.3. One specimen of the type of system to be approved shall be submitted to the technical service conducting the type-approval tests. The technical service may, if necessary, request a further specimen. The specimens must bear in a clearly legible and indelible manner the applicant's trade name or mark and an identification of the type.] U.K.

[F1 4. GRANTING OF EEC TYPE-APPROVAL] U.K.

[F1 4.1. If the relevant requirements are satisfied, EEC type-approval pursuant to Article 4 (3) and 4 (4) of Directive 70/156/EEC shall be granted.] U.K.

F2 (4.2.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

[F1 4.2. A model of the EEC type-approval certificate is given in: U.K.

4.2.1.

Annex VIII for applications referred to in 3.1;

4.2.2.

Annex IX for applications referred to in 3.2.]

[F1 4.3. An approval number in accordance with Annex VII to Directive 70/156/EEC shall be assigned to each type of vehicle or windscreen washer system approved. The same Member State shall not assign the same number to another type of vehicle or windscreen washer system.] U.K.

F2 (4.5.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

F2 (4.6.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

F2 (4.7.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

F2 (4.8.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

5. SPECIFICATIONS U.K.

5.1. Windscreen-wiper system U.K.

5.1.1. Every vehicle must be equipped with at least one automatic windscreen-wiper system, i.e. a system which when the vehicle's engine is running is able to function without any action by the driver other than that needed for starting and stopping the windscreen wiper. U.K.

5.1.2. The windscreen wiper field must cover not less than 80% of vision area B as defined in 2.3 of Annex IV. U.K.

5.1.2.1. In addition the windscreen wiper field must cover not less than 98% of vision area A as defined in 2.2 of Annex IV. U.K.

5.1.3. The windscreen wiper must have at least two sweep frequencies: U.K.

5.1.3.1. one of not less than 45 cycles/minute (a cycle being the forward and return movement of the windscreen wiper); U.K.

5.1.3.2. one of not less than 10 and not more than 55 cycles/minute. U.K.

5.1.3.3. The difference between the highest and at least one of the lower sweep frequencies must be at least 15 cycles/minute. U.K.

[F1 5.1.4. the frequencies referred to in point 5.1.3 shall be achieved as set out in items 6.1.1 to 6.1.6 and 6.1.8.] U.K.

5.1.5. Intermittent operation windscreen-wiper systems may be used for the purposes of complying with the requirements of 5.1.3, provided that one of the frequencies complies with the requirements of 5.1.3.1 and that one of the other frequencies obtained when the main frequency is interrupted is not less than 10 cycles/minute. U.K.

5.1.6. When the windscreen-wiper system is stopped by the use of the windscreen-wiper control, the blades must return automatically to their position of rest. U.K.

[F1 5.1.7. The system shall be capable of withstanding stalling for 15 seconds. The use of automatic circuit protection devices is allowed, provided that for possible resetting no action is required on controls other than the windscreen-wiper control. The test procedure and conditions are described in item 6.1.7.] U.K.

5.1.8. The windscreen wiper field must meet the minimum requirements of 5.1.2 when the wipers are tested at a sweep frequency conforming to the provisions of 5.1.3.2 under the conditions set out in 6.1.10. U.K.

5.1.9. The aerodynamic effects associated with the windscreen's size and shape, and the efficiency of the windscreen-wiper system, must be determined under the following conditions: U.K.

[F1 5.1.9.1. When subjected to a relative air speed equal to 80% of the vehicle's maximum speed, but not exceeding 160 km/h, the windscreen wiper systems, operating at maximum frequency, shall continue to sweep a field as specified in item 5.1.2.1 with the same efficiency and under the same conditions as set out in item 6.1.10.2.] U.K.

5.1.10. The wiper-arm mounting must enable the wiper arm to be displaced from its position on the windscreen so as to allow the windscreen to be manually cleaned. [F3 This requirement does not apply to devices which, when parked, are in an area of the windscreen which is hidden from view by parts of the vehicle (such as the bonnet, instrument panel, etc. …).] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F3 Inserted by Commission Directive 94/68/EC of 16 December 1994 adapting to technical progress Council Directive 78/318/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the windscreen wiper and washer systems of motor vehicles.

5.1.11. The windscreen-wiper system must be capable of operating for two minutes on a dry windscreen with the outside temperature at -18 ± 3 °C under the conditions specified in 6.1.11. U.K.

5.2. Windscreen-washer system U.K.

5.2.1. Every vehicle must be fitted with a windscreen-washer system which is capable of withstanding the loads produced when the nozzles are plugged and the system is actuated in accordance with the procedure set out in 6.2.1 and 6.2.2. U.K.

[F1 5.2.2. The performance of the windscreen washer system shall not be adversely affected by exposure to the temperature cycles laid down in points 6.2.3 and 6.2.4.] U.K.

5.2.3. The windscreen-washer system must be capable of delivering sufficient liquid to clear 60% of the area defined in 2.2 of Annex IV under the conditions described in 6.2.5 of this Annex. U.K.

5.2.4. The capacity of the reservoir containing the liquid must not be less than one litre. U.K.

6. TEST PROCEDURE U.K.

6.1. Windscreen-wiper system U.K.

6.1.1. The tests described below must be carried out under the following conditions, unless otherwise specified: U.K.

6.1.2. the ambient temperature must not be less than 10 °C or more than 40 °C; U.K.

6.1.3. the windscreen must be kept constantly wet; U.K.

6.1.4. in the case of an electric windscreen-wiper system the following additional conditions must be met: U.K.

6.1.4.1.

the battery must be fully charged;

6.1.4.2.

the engine must be running at 30% of the speed at which it develops maximum power;

6.1.4.3.

the dipped-beam headlamps must be switched on;

6.1.4.4.

the heating and/or ventilation systems, if fitted, must be operating at maximum electrical consumption;

6.1.4.5.

the defrosting and demisting systems, if fitted, must be operating at maximum electrical consumption.

6.1.5. Compressed air operated or vacuum operated windscreen-wiper systems must be able to function continuously at the prescribed sweep frequencies whatever the engine speed or engine load. U.K.

6.1.6. The sweep frequencies of windscreen-wiper systems must comply with the requirements of 5.1.3 after a preliminary operating time of 20 minutes on a wet surface. U.K.

6.1.7. The requirements of 5.1.7 shall be satisfied when the wiper arms are restrained in their vertical position for a period of 15 seconds with the windscreen-wiper control set at the maximum sweep frequency. U.K.

6.1.8. The outer face of the windscreen shall be thoroughly degreased by means of methylated spirit or an equivalent degreasing agent. After drying, a solution of ammonia of not less than 3% and not more than 10% shall be applied. The surface shall be allowed to dry again and shall then be wiped with a dry cotton cloth. U.K.

6.1.9. A coating of the test mixture (see Annex V) shall be applied uniformly to the outer surface of the windscreen and allowed to dry. U.K.

6.1.10. For the purpose of measuring the field of the windscreen-wiper system, prescribed in 5.1.2 and 5.1.2.1, the outer face of the windscreen shall be treated as indicated in 6.1.8 and 6.1.9 or by some other equivalent method. U.K.

6.1.10.1. A trace of the windscreen-wiper field shall be made and compared with a trace of the vision areas specified in 5.1.2 and 5.1.2.1 in order to verify that the requirements are met. U.K.

[F3 6.1.10.2. Where the outer face of the windscreen has been prepared as described in items 6.1.8 and 6.1.9 the windscreen washer may be used in all of the tests.] U.K.

6.1.11. The requirements of 5.1.11 shall be met after the vehicle has been in an ambient temperature of -18 ± 3 °C for a minimum of four hours. The windscreen-wiper system is to be set to operate under the conditions set out in 6.1.4 with the control at the position of maximum frequency. There are no requirements regarding the field swept. U.K.

6.2. Windscreen-washer system U.K.

Test conditions

6.2.1. Test No 1 U.K.

6.2.1.1. The windscreen-washer system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of 20 ± 2 °C for a minimum of four hours. All the nozzles shall be plugged and the windscreen-washer control actuated six times in one minute, each time for at least three seconds. If the system is powered by the muscular energy of the driver, the force applied shall be that shown in the following table: U.K.

Type of pump	Force to be applied
hand	11 to 13·5 daN
foot	40 to 44·5 daN

6.2.1.2. For electric pumps, the test voltage must be no less than the rated voltage without exceeding it by more than two volts. U.K.

6.2.1.3. The performance of the windscreen-washer system at the end of the test must be as defined in 2.21. U.K.

6.2.2. Test No 2 U.K.

The windscreen-washer system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of -18 ± 3 °C for a minimum of four hours. The windscreen-washer control shall be actuated six times in one minute, each time for at least three seconds, using the force prescribed in 6.2.1. The system shall than be placed in an ambient temperature of 20 ± 2 °C until the ice has completely thawed. The performance of the windscreen-washer system shall then be verified by actuating it as prescribed in 6.2.1.

6.2.3. Test No 3 (Low-temperature exposure test) U.K.

6.2.3.1. The windscreen-washer system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of -18 ± 3 °C for a minimum of four hours so that the total mass of the water in the washer system is frozen. [F1 The system shall then be placed in an ambient temperature of 20 ± 2 C until the ice has completely thawed, but in any case no longer than four hours.] This freeze/thaw cycle shall be repeated six times. The performance of the windscreen-washer system shall then be verified by actuating it as prescribed in 6.2.1. U.K.

6.2.3.2. The windscreen-washer system shall be filled and fully primed with a low-temperature windscreen-washer fluid consisting of a 50% solution of methanol, or alternatively isopropyl alcohol, in water of a hardness not greater than 205 g/tonne. U.K.

6.2.3.2.1. The system shall be placed in an ambient temperature of -18 ± 3 °C for a minimum of four hours. The performance of the windscreen-washer system shall be verified by actuating it as prescribed in 6.2.1. U.K.

6.2.4. Test No 4 (High-temperature exposure test) U.K.

6.2.4.1. The windscreen-washer system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of 80 ± 3 °C for a minimum of eight hours and then in an ambient temperature of 20 ± 2 °C. When the temperature has stabilized, the performance of the windscreen-washer system shall be verified by actuating it as prescribed in 6.2.1. U.K.

6.2.4.2. If part of the windscreen-washer system is situated in the engine compartment, the system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of 80 ± 3 °C for a minimum of eight hours. The performance of the windscreen-washer system shall be verified by actuating it as prescribed in 6.2.1. U.K.

6.2.4.3. If no part of the windscreen-washer system is situated in the engine compartment, the system shall be filled with water, fully primed, and placed in an ambient temperature of 60 ± 3 °C for a minimum of eight hours. The performance of the windscreen-washer system shall be verified by actuating it as prescribed in 6.2.1. U.K.

6.2.5. Test No 5 (Windscreen-washer system capability test prescribed in 5.2.3) U.K.

6.2.5.1. The windscreen-washer system shall be filled with water and fully primed. [F1 With the vehicle stationary and no significant wind effect, the washer nozzle or nozzles, if adjustable, shall be pointed towards the target area on the outer face of the windscreen.] If the system is powered by the muscular energy of the driver the force required to do this shall not exceed that specified in 6.2.1.1. If the system is powered by an electric pump the requirements of 6.1.4 shall apply. U.K.

6.2.5.2. The outer face of the windscreen shall be treated as prescribed in 6.1.8 and 6.1.9. U.K.

6.2.5.3. The windscreen-washer system shall then be actuated in the manner indicated by the manufacturer for 10 cycles of automatic operation of the windscreen-wiper system at maximum frequency and the proportion of the vision area defined in 2.2 of Annex IV that is cleaned shall then be measured. U.K.

6.3. All the windscreen-washer tests described in 6.2.1 to 6.2.4 shall be carried out on one and the same windscreen-washer system, either attached to a vehicle of a type for which EEC type-approval has been sought, or not attached to a vehicle, in the case of a system for which EEC type-approval as a separate technical unit has been requested. U.K.

[F1 7. MARKINGS U.K.

7.1. Every windscreen washer system conforming to the type approved under this Directive as a separate technical unit shall bear an EEC type-approval mark. U.K.

7.2. This mark shall consist of a rectangle surrounding the letter ‘ e ’ followed by the distinguishing number or letters of the Member State which has granted type-approval: U.K.

1

for Germany,

2

for France,

3

for Italy,

4

for the Netherlands,

6

for Belgium,

[F4 7

for Hungary,

8

for the Czech Republic,]

9

for Spain,

11

for the United Kingdom,

13

for Luxemburg,

18

for Denmark,

[F5 19

for Romania,]

[F4 20

for Poland,]

21

for Portugal,

23

for Greece,

[F6 25

for Croatia,]

[F4 26

for Slovenia,

27

for Slovakia,

29

for Estonia,

32

for Latvia,

[F5 34

for Bulgaria,]

36

for Lithuania,]

IRL

for Ireland [F7 ,]

[F4 CY

for Cyprus,

MT

for Malta.]

Textual Amendments

F4 Inserted by Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded.

F5 Inserted by Council Directive 2006/96/EC of 20 November 2006 adapting certain Directives in the field of free movement of goods, by reason of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania.

F6 Inserted by Council Directive 2013/15/EU of 13 May 2013 adapting certain directives in the field of free movement of goods, by reason of the accession of the Republic of Croatia.

F7 Substituted by Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded.

It must also include in the vicinity of the rectangle the ‘ base approval number ’ contained in section 4 of the type-approval number referred to in Annex VII of Directive 70/156/EEC, preceded by the two figures indicating the sequence number assigned to the most recent major technical amendment to Directive 78/318/EEC on the date EEC type-approval was granted. In this Directive the sequence number is 00.

7.3. The EEC type-approval mark must be affixed to the container for the windscreen washer fluid in such a way as to be indelible and clearly legible even if the device is fitted to a vehicle. U.K.

7.4. An example of the EEC type-approval mark is shown in the Appendix. U.K.

8. MODIFICATIONS OF THE TYPE AND AMENDMENTS TO APPROVALS U.K.

8.1. In the case of modifications of the type approved pursuant to this Directive, the provisions of Article 5 of Directive 70/156/EEC shall apply. U.K.

9. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION U.K.

9.1. Measures to ensure the conformity of production shall be taken in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 10 of Directive 70/156/EEC.] U.K.

F2 (10.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

F2 (11.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

F2 (12.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

[F3 Appendix

Model for the EEC type-approval mark U.K.

The windscreen washer system bearing the above EEC type-approval mark is a device which has been approved in Spain (e 9) under the base approval number 0148 on the basis of this Directive. The figures used are only indicative.]