Directive 94/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (repealed)Dangos y teitl llawn

ANNEX I U.K.

1. Scope U.K.

1.1. This Directive applies to the mechanical coupling devices for motor vehicles and their trailers and the attachment of these devices to the road vehicles, as described in Article 1 of this Directive. U.K.

1.2. This Directive states the requirements which mechanical coupling devices intended for use between combinations of vehicles must satisfy in order to: U.K.

• ensure compatibility when combining motor vehicles with different types of trailer,

• ensure the safe coupling together of the vehicles under all conditions of use,

• ensure safe procedures for coupling and uncoupling.

1.3. The coupling devices are classified according to type, and distinguishing between: U.K.

• standard coupling devices (see Section 2.1.11),

• non-standard coupling devices (see Section 2.1.12).

The classification is as follows:

1.3.1.	Class A:	Coupling balls and towing brackets (see Annex V, Section 1)
1.3.1.1.	Class A 50-1 to A 50-3:	Standard coupling balls 50 and flange type towing brackets
1.3.1.2.	Class A 50-X:	Non-standard coupling balls 50 and towing brackets
1.3.2.	Class B:	Coupling heads (see Annex V, Section 2)
1.3.2.1	Class B 50-X:	Non-Standard coupling heads 50
1.3.3.	Class C:	Automatic drawbar couplings
1.3.3.1.	Class C 50:	Drawbar couplings 50
	Class C 50-1 to C 50-6:	Standard drawbar couplings 50 (see Annex V, Section 3, Tables 3 and 4)
1.3.3.2.	Class C 50-X:	Non-standard drawbar couplings 50
1.3.4.	Class D:	Drawbar eyes
1.3.4.1.	Class D 50:	Drawbar eyes 50
	Class D 50-A:	Standard drawbar eyes D 50 for welding attachment (see Annex V, Figure 9, Table 5)
	Class D 50-B:	Standard drawbar eyes 50 for screwing attachment (see Annex V, Figure 10, Table 5)
	Class D 50-C:	Standard drawbar eyes D 50-C 1 for bolting attachment (see Annex V, Figures 11 and 12, Table 5)
1.3.4.2	Class D 50-X:	Non-Standard drawbar eyes 50 (see Annex V, Figure 9)
1.3.5.	Class E:	Non-standard drawbars
1.3.6.	Class F:	Non-standard drawbeams
1.3.7.	Class G:	Fifth wheel couplings
1.3.7.1.	Class G 50:	Standard fifth wheel couplings 50 (see Annex V, Figure 15, Table 7)
1.3.7.2.	Class G 50-X:	Non-standard fifth wheel couplings 50
1.3.8.	Class H:	Fifth wheel coupling pins
1.3.8.1.	Class H 50-X:	Non-standard fifth wheel coupling pins 50
1.3.9.	Class J:	Non-standard mounting plates
1.3.10.	Class S:	Non-standard miscellaneous coupling devices.

2. DEFINITIONS U.K.

2.1. Mechanical coupling devices between motor vehicles and trailers are all parts and devices on the frames, load-bearing parts of the bodywork and chassis of the vehicles by means of which towing and towed vehicles are connected together. U.K.

It also includes fixed or detachable parts for the attachment, adjustment or operation of the abovementioned coupling devices.

2.1.1. The coupling balls and towing brackets in Section 1.3.1 are mechanical coupling devices employing a spherical device and brackets on the towing vehicle for connecting to the trailer by means of a coupling head. U.K.

2.1.2. The coupling heads in Section 1.3.2 are mechanical coupling devices on the drawbar of trailers for connecting to a coupling ball on the towing vehicle. U.K.

2.1.3. The drawbar couplings in Section 1.3.3 are mechanical coupling devices with a jaw and an automatic closing and locking pin on the towing vehicle for connecting to the trailer by means of a drawbar eye. U.K.

2.1.4. The drawbar eyes in Section 1.3.4 are mechanical coupling devices on the drawbar of trailers having a parallel hole for connecting to the automatic drawbar couplings. U.K.

2.1.5. The drawbars in Section 1.3.5 comprise overrun devices and similar items of equipment mounted on the front of the towed vehicle or to the vehicle chassis, which is suitable for coupling to a towing vehicle by means of drawbar eyes, coupling heads and similar coupling devices. U.K.

Drawbars can be attached to the trailer so as to move freely in the vertical plane and therefore support no vertical load, so called hinged drawbars, or be fixed in the vertical plane so as to support a vertical load, so called rigid drawbars. Drawbars fixed in the vertical plane can be either rigid or sprung.

Drawbars may also comprise more than one component, be adjustable or cranked. This Directive concerns drawbars only of the type which forms a separate unit, which is not part of the chassis of the towed vehicle.

2.1.6. The drawbeams in Section 1.3.6 are all parts and devices placed between the coupling devices, such as coupling balls and drawbar couplings, and the frame (e.g. rear cross member), the load-bearing bodywork or the chassis of the towing vehicle. U.K.

2.1.7. The fifth wheel coupling in Section 1.3.7 are plate-like coupling devices used on towing vehicles having an automatic coupling lock and connecting to the fifth wheel coupling pins in Section 1.3.8. U.K.

2.1.8. The fifth wheel coupling pins in Section 1.3.8. are a coupling device in the form of a pin for mounting on a semi-trailer and connecting to the towing vehicle by means of a fifth wheel coupling. U.K.

2.1.9. The mounting plates in Section 1.3.9 are all parts and devices used for attaching fifth wheel couplings to the frame of the towing vehicle. The mounting plate may have provision to move horizontally (i.e. sliding fifth wheel). U.K.

2.1.10. Steering wedges are components mounted on semi-trailers which control positive steering of the trailer in conjunction with the fifth wheel coupling. U.K.

2.1.11. Standard coupling devices are classified in Section 1.3. and conform to standard dimensions and standard characteristic values as given in this Directive. They are interchangeable within their class, independent of type and manufacturer. U.K.

2.1.12. Non-standard coupling devices are those of Classes A to J which do not fall under the classification of standard coupling devices but which can be connected to standard coupling devices of the relevant classes. U.K.

2.1.13. The miscellaneous coupling devices for transitional or exceptional use in Section 1.3.10 are mechanical coupling devices which do not belong to any of the Classes A to J (e.g. coupling devices according to existing national standards or for heavy transport). U.K.

2.1.14. Remote control devices are devices which, in the case of an inaccessible coupling device, enable the coupling device to be operated from the side of the vehicle or from the driving cab. U.K.

2.1.15. Remote indicators are indicating devices which indicate to the vehicle driver in his cab that coupling has been effected and the safety devices have engaged. U.K.

2.1.16. A type of mechanical coupling device means a device which does not differ in such essential aspects as: U.K.

2.1.16.1. class of coupling device; U.K.

2.1.16.2. factory mark or trade name; U.K.

2.1.16.3. external shape or principal dimensions or other fundamental differences in design; U.K.

2.1.16.4. characteristic values D, S, V and U. U.K.

2.1.17. A coupling procedure is automatic if reversing the towing vehicle against the trailer is sufficient to engage the coupling completely and properly without any external intervention, to secure it automatically and to indicate proper engagement of the safety devices. An automatic coupling procedure requires the use of automatic couplings. U.K.

2.1.18. The ‘D-value’ is defined as the theoretical reference force for the horizontal force between towing vehicle and trailer. U.K.

The D-value is taken as the basis for horizontal loads in the dynamic tests.

For mechanical coupling devices unsuitable for transmitting vertical bearing loads the value is:

For mechanical coupling devices suitable for centre axle trailers the value is:

For fifth wheel couplings on towing tractors and vehicles of comparable type the value is:

where:

T

=

technically permissible maximum mass in tonnes of the towing vehicle (also towing tractors) including, if necessary, the vertical load of a centre axle trailer,

R

=

technically permissible maximum mass in tonnes of the full trailer with drawbar free to move in the vertical plane or of the semi-trailer,

C

=

sum of the axle loads of the centre axle trailer carrying maximum permissible load, in tonnes (see Section 2.1.20),

U

=

fifth wheel imposed vertical load in tonnes,

S

=

the static vertical load S in kg is the proportion of the mass of the centre axle trailer exerted under static conditions at the coupling point,

g

=

acceleration due to gravity (assumed as 9,81 m/s²).

2.1.19. The ‘V-value’ is defined as the theoretical reference force for the amplitude of the vertical force between towing vehicle and centre axle trailers having a maximum mass exceeding 3,5 tonnes (see Section 2.1.21). The V-value is taken as a basis for the vertical test loads in the dynamic tests: U.K.

where:

a

is an equivalent vertical acceleration in the coupling point, dependent on the kind of suspension on the rear axle(s) of the towing vehicle including a constant factor:

a₁

=

1,8 m/s² for vehicles with air suspension or equivalent (as defined in Directive 85/3/EEC)(1),

a₂

=

2,4 m/s² for vehicles with other suspension,

x

is the length of the loading area of the trailer, in metres (see Figure 1),

l

is the theoretical drawbar length, i.e. the distance between the centre of the drawbar eye and the centre of the axle assembly, in metres (see Figure 1),

= ≥ 1,0 (where the result is a value less than 1,0 the value used should be at least 1).

2.1.20. ‘Centre-axle trailer’ means a towed vehicle equipped with a towing device which cannot move vertically (in relation to the trailer), and in which the axle(s) is (are) positioned close to the centre of gravity of the vehicle (when uniformly loaded) such that only a small vertical load, not exceeding 10 % of the maximum mass of the trailer of 1 000 kg (whichever is the lesser) is transmitted to the drawing vehicle. U.K.

The maximum mass of a centre-axle trailer to be taken into consideration shall be the mass transmitted to the ground by the axle(s) of the centre-axle trailer when coupled to the drawing vehicle and laden with a maximum load.

2.1.2.1. For vehicles not falling clearly in any of the above categories they shall be treated in the same way as the type they most closely resemble. U.K.

2.1.22. ‘Vehicle type’ means vehicles which do not differ with respect to the following main characteristics: the structure, dimensions, shape and materials of the relevant parts concerning the fixing of the coupling device of the towing vehicle, or the front part in the case of a trailer, in so far as they have a bearing on the requirements of Annex VII. U.K.

3. EEC TYPE-APPROVAL FOR A COMPONENT U.K.

3.1. Application for EEC type-approval U.K.

3.1.1. The application for EEC type-approval pursuant to Article 3 (4) of Directive 70/156/EEC of a type of a mechanical coupling device shall be submitted by the manufacturer. U.K.

3.1.2. A model for the information document is given in Annex III. U.K.

3.1.3. The following must be submitted to the technical service responsible for conducting the type-approval tests: U.K.

3.1.3.1. a mechanical coupling device, representative for this type, which should be normally unpainted. The technical service or approval authorities may also request additional coupling devices; U.K.

3.1.3.2. the technical service which performs type-approval testing may also request specific parts, such as mounting plates or towing brackets, additional drawings or samples of materials used; U.K.

31.3.3. in the case of a mechanical coupling device designed for a specific vehicle type, the manufacturer of the coupling device shall also submit the installation data supplied by the vehicle manufacturer in accordance with Directive 92/21/EEC(2); the technical service may request that a vehicle, representative of that type, also be submitted. U.K.

3.2. Marking of specimen U.K.

3.2.1. Each of the specimens of the particular type of coupling device in Section 3.1.1 for which an application for EEC component type approval has been submitted must be marked as follows: U.K.

3.2.2. factory mark, trade name or manufacturer's name (and trade mark if appropriate); U.K.

3.2.3. type and, if applicable, version; U.K.

3.2.4. a sufficiently large space for the EEC approval mark and the additional information according to Section 3.3.4. U.K.

3.3. Granting of EEC type-approval U.K.

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

3.3.2. A model for the EEC type-approval certificate is given in Annex IV. U.K.

3.3.3. An approval number in accordance with Annex VII to Directive 70/156/EEC shall be assigned to each type of mechanical coupling device approved. The same Member State may not assign the same number to another type of a mechanical coupling device. U.K.

3.3.4. There shall be affixed, conspicuously and in a readily accessible place specified on the approval form, to every mechanical coupling device conforming to a type of mechanical coupling device approved under this Directive an international approval mark consisting of: U.K.

1	for the Federal Republic of Germany
2	for France
3	for Italy
4	for The Netherlands
6	for Belgium
[F1 7	for Hungary
8	for the Czech]
9	for Spain
11	for the United Kingdom
13	for Luxembourg
18	for Denmark
[F2 19	for Romania]
[F1 20	for Poland]
21	for Portugal
[F1 26	for Slovenia
27	for Slovakia
29	for Estonia
32	for Latvia
[F2 34	for Bulgaria]
36	for Lithuania
CY	for Cyprus
MT	for Malta]
IRL	for Ireland
EL	for Greece

3.3.4.1. A rectangle surrounding the letter ‘e’ followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval. U.K.

3.3.4.2. A two-digit number, indicating the number of the latest amendment of the Directive (for this Directive the number is 00), and Section 4 of the type-aproval number, as given on the EEC type-approval certificate (see Annex IV), near to the rectangle of the approval mark. U.K.

3.3.4.3. The following supplementary marks placed anywhere close to the rectangle: U.K.

• class of coupling device,

• permissible values for D, S, V and U where applicable.

3.3.5. The approval mark shall be indelible and clearly legible even when the coupling device is attached to the vehicle. U.K.

3.3.6. Annex II to this Directive gives examples of the arrangement of the approval mark. U.K.

3.4. Modification of the type of mechanical coupling device and extension of EEC component type-approval U.K.

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

4. EEC TYPE-APPROVAL FOR A VEHICLE U.K.

4.1. Application for EEC type-approval U.K.

4.1.1. The application for EEC type-approval pursuant to Article 3 (4) of Directive 70/156/EEC of a vehicle type with regard to its type of a mechanical coupling device shall be submitted by the manufacturer. U.K.

4.1.2. A model for the information document is given in Annex VIII. U.K.

4.1.3. The following must be submitted to the technical service responsible for conducting the type-approval tests: U.K.

4.1.3.1. a vehicle representative for this type which may be equipped with an EEC type-approved coupling device; U.K.

4.1.3.2. when the vehicle type is provided with a mechanical coupling device as first equipment by the vehicle manufacturer, type(s) of mechanical coupling device(s) including its (their) mounting plate(s) or towing bracket(s), if any; furthermore the EEC type-approval for the coupling device(s) shall be made available. U.K.

4.2. Granting of EEC type-approval U.K.

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

4.2.2. A model for the EEC type-approval certificate is given in Annex IX. U.K.

4.2.3. An approval number in accordance with Annex VII to Directive 70/156/EEC shall be assigned to each type of vehicle approved. The same Member State shall not assign the same number to another type of vehicle. U.K.

4.3. Modification of the type of vehicle and extension of EEC vehicle type-approval U.K.

4.3.1. In the case of modification of a type-approval pursuant to this Directive, the provisions of Article 5 of Directive 70/156/EEC shall apply. U.K.

4.3.2. The holder of an EEC vehicle type-approval can apply for it to be extended to other types or classes of coupling devices. U.K.

The competent authorities will grant such an extension on the following conditions:

4.3.2.1. EEC component type-approval has already been granted for the other type of coupling device; U.K.

4.3.2.2. it is suitable for the type of vehicle for which the extension of the EEC vehicle type-approval has been applied for. U.K.

4.3.2.3. the attachment of the coupling device to the vehicle corresponds to that proposed for the granting of EEC component type-approval. U.K.

4.3.3. In the case of standard coupling devices in classes A, C, D and G, EEC vehicle type-approval is also valid for other coupling devices of the same class without the need for a further mounting check and extension of EEC vehicle type-approval. U.K.

5. REQUIREMENTS U.K.

5.1. The mechanical coupling devices between motor vehicles and trailers must be manufactured and attached in accordance with good engineering practice, and must be safe to operate. U.K.

5.2. Safe coupling and uncoupling of the vehicles must be possible by a single person without the use of tools. Only automatic coupling devices which allow an automatic coupling procedure shall be employed for the coupling of trailers having a maximum mass of more than 3,5 tonnes. U.K.

5.3. The mechanical coupling devices shall be so designed and manufactured that in normal use, with proper maintenance and the timely replacement of wearing parts, they will continue to function satisfactorily. U.K.

5.4. Every coupling device must be accompanied by installation and operating instructions giving sufficient information for a competent person to install it on the vehicle and operate it properly. The instructions must be in the language or languages of the Member State in which the coupling device will be offered for sale. In the case of coupling devices supplied for assembly-line use by vehicle builders or bodybuilders, the provisions of installation and operating instructions for each coupling device can be dispensed with. It is then the responsibility of the vehicle builder or bodybuilder to ensure that the vehicle operator is provided with the information necessary for operating the coupling device. U.K.

5.5. The materials that may be used are those for which the properties relevant to the application are laid down in a standard or those for which the properties are given in the documentation according to Section 3.1.2 of this Annex. U.K.

5.6. All parts of the mechanical coupling devices whose failure could result in separation of the two vehicles must be made of steel. Other materials may be used provided equivalence has been demonstrated by the manufacturer to the satisfaction of the Technical Service. U.K.

5.7. All couplings must be designed for positive mechanical engagement, and the closed position must be secured at least once by positive mechanical engagement, unless further requirements are stated in Annex V. U.K.

5.8. The mechanical coupling devices must satisfy the requirements of Annex V. U.K.

5.9. Loading requirements U.K.

5.9.1. Mechanical coupling devices are subject to the tests described in Annex VI. U.K.

5.9.2. These tests must not cause any cracks, fractures or other visible external damage, or any excessive permanent distortion which would be detrimental to the satisfactory operation of the device. U.K.

5.10. The installation of the mechanical coupling devices to the vehicle must be checked according to the requirements given in Annex VII. This requirement should apply to both EEC type-approval of a vehicle, when the vehicle type is provided with a mechanical coupling device as first equipment by the vehicle manufacturer, and EEC type-approval of a mechanical coupling device designed for a specific vehicle type. U.K.

5.11. The abovementioned requirements and those of Annexes V, VI and VII are also applicable, as relevant, to miscellaneous coupling devices (Class S). U.K.

6. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION U.K.

6.1. As a general rule, 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.

6.2. The normal frequency of inspections to be carried out by the competent authority shall be one per year. U.K.

(1)

OJ No L 2, 3. 1. 1985, p. 14.

(2)

OJ No L 129, 14. 5. 1992, p. 1.