Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012Show full title

PART C U.K. Vehicles of category N₂ and N₃

1. Maximum authorised dimensions U.K.

1.1. The dimensions shall not exceed the following values: U.K.

1.1.1.

Length: 12,00 m.

1.1.2.

Width:

(a)

2,55 m for any vehicle;

(b)

[F1 2,60 m for vehicles fitted with a bodywork with insulated walls of at least 45 mm thick, having bodywork code 04 or 05 of Appendix 2 to Annex II to Directive 2007/46/EC.]

1.1.3.

Height: 4,00 m

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1892 of 31 October 2019 amending Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012 as regards type-approval requirements for certain motor vehicles fitted with elongated cabs and for aerodynamic devices and equipment for motor vehicles and their trailers (Text with EEA relevance).

1.2. For the purposes of measurement of the length, width and height, the vehicle shall be at its mass in running order, placed on a horizontal and flat surface with tyres inflated at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. U.K.

[F1 1.3. The devices and equipment referred to in Appendix 1 shall not be taken into account for the determination of the length, width and height.] U.K.

[F2 1.3.1. Additional requirements for aerodynamic devices referred to in Appendix 1 U.K.

Textual Amendments

F2 Inserted by Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1892 of 31 October 2019 amending Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012 as regards type-approval requirements for certain motor vehicles fitted with elongated cabs and for aerodynamic devices and equipment for motor vehicles and their trailers (Text with EEA relevance).

1.3.1.1. Aerodynamic devices and equipment not exceeding 500 mm in length in the in-use position shall not increase the usable length of the loading area. They shall be constructed in such a way as to make it possible to lock them in both the retracted or folded and the in-use positions. Such devices and equipment shall furthermore be constructed so as to be retractable or foldable when the vehicle is at stand-still in such a way that the maximum authorised width of the vehicle is not exceeded by more than 25 mm on each side of the vehicle and the maximum authorised length of the vehicle is not exceeded by more than 200 mm as permitted only from a height above the ground of at least 1 050 mm so that they do not impair the capability of the vehicle to be used for intermodal transport. In addition, the requirements set out in points 1.3.1.1.1 and 1.3.1.1.3. shall be met. U.K.

1.3.1.1.1. The devices and equipment shall be type-approved in accordance with this Regulation. U.K.

1.3.1.1.2. It shall be possible for the operator to vary the position of the aerodynamic device and equipment, and to retract or fold it, by applying a manual force not exceeding 40 daN. In addition, this may be done automatically as well. U.K.

1.3.1.1.3. It is not required for devices and equipment to be retractable or foldable if the maximum dimensional requirements are fully complied with under all conditions. U.K.

1.3.1.2. Aerodynamic devices and equipment exceeding 500 mm in length in the in-use position shall not increase the usable length of the loading area. They shall be constructed in such a way as to make it possible to lock them in both the retracted or folded and in-use positions. Such devices shall furthermore be constructed so as to be retractable or foldable when the vehicle is at stand-still in such a way that the maximum authorised width of the vehicle is not exceeded by more than 25 mm on each side of the vehicle and the maximum authorised length of the vehicle is not exceeded by more than 200 mm as permitted only from a height above the ground of at least 1 050 mm so that they do not impair the capability of the vehicle to be used for intermodal transport. In addition, the requirements set out in points 1.3.1.2.1. to 1.3.1.2.4. below shall be met. U.K.

1.3.1.2.1. The devices and equipment shall be type-approved in accordance with this Regulation. U.K.

1.3.1.2.2. It shall be possible for the operator to vary the position of the aerodynamic device and equipment, and retract or fold it, by applying a manual force not exceeding 40 daN. In addition, this may be done automatically as well. U.K.

1.3.1.2.3. Each main vertical element or combination of elements and main horizontal element or combination of elements forming the devices and equipment shall, when installed on the vehicle and in the in-use position, withstand vertical and horizontal traction and push forces, applied sequentially in up, down, left and right direction, of 200 daN ± 10 % applied statically to the geometric centre of the relevant perpendicular projected surface, at a maximum pressure of 2,0 MPa. The devices and equipment may deform, but the system for adjustment and locking shall not release as a result of the applied forces. The deformation shall be limited to ensure that the maximum authorised width of the vehicle is not exceeded by more than 25 mm on each side of the vehicle, during and after the test. U.K.

1.3.1.2.4. Each main vertical element or combination of elements and main horizontal element or combination of elements forming the devices and equipment shall also, when in the retracted or folded position, withstand a horizontal traction force applied in longitudinal rearward direction, of 200 daN ± 10 % applied statically to the geometric centre of the relevant perpendicular projected surface, at a maximum pressure of 2,0 MPa. The devices and equipment may deform, but the system for adjustment and locking shall not release as a result of the applied forces. The deformation shall be limited to ensure that the maximum authorised width of the vehicle is not exceeded by more than 25 mm on each side of the vehicle and the maximum authorised length of the vehicle is not exceeded by more than 200 mm. U.K.

1.3.1.3. Aerodynamic devices and equipment of cabs, both in the retracted or folded and in-use position, where applicable, shall be constructed in such a way that the maximum authorised width of the vehicle is not exceeded by more than 25 mm on each side of the vehicle and that they do not impair the capability of the vehicle to be used for intermodal transport. In addition, the requirements set out in points 1.3.1.3.1. to 1.3.1.3.4. below shall be met. U.K.

1.3.1.3.1. Aerodynamic devices and equipment for cabs shall be type-approved in accordance with this Regulation. U.K.

1.3.1.3.2. When installed on a vehicle and both in the retracted or folded and in-use positions, where applicable, no part of the device and equipment shall be above the lower windscreen edge, unless it is not directly visible to the driver due to the instrument panel or other standard interior fittings. U.K.

1.3.1.3.3. The device and equipment shall be covered with energy absorbing material. Alternatively, the device and equipment shall consist of material having a hardness of < 60 Shore (A) in accordance with point 1.3.1.4.. U.K.

1.3.1.3.4. The device and equipment shall not be constructed of material that is prone to breakage into sharp fragments or jagged edges. U.K.

1.3.1.4. It shall be verified by the technical service, to the satisfaction of the type-approval authority that aerodynamic devices and equipment referred to in points 1.3.1.1, 1.3.1.2 and 1.3.1.3 positioned in both, the in-use and retracted or folded positions, do not impair the driver’s forward field of vision and the windscreen wash and wipe functions, as well as do not significantly impair the cooling and ventilation of the powertrain, exhaust system, braking system, occupant cabin and loading area. All other applicable requirements relating to the vehicle systems shall be fully complied with when the devices and equipment are placed in both their in-use and retracted or folded positions. U.K.

By way of derogation concerning the applicable requirements relating to front underrun protection, the horizontal distances between the foremost part of the vehicle as fitted with aerodynamic devices and equipment and its front underrun protective device as well as the rear of the rear underrun protection device and the rear extremity of the vehicle as fitted with aerodynamic devices and equipment may be measured without taking the devices and equipment into account on condition that at the rear they exceed 200 mm in length and they are in the in-use condition and that at the front and rear the fundamental sections of the elements placed at a height ≤ 2,0 m above the ground measured in unladen condition are made of material having a hardness of < 60 Shore (A). Narrow ribs, tubing and metal wire forming a frame or substrate to support the fundamental sections of the elements shall not be taken into account when determining the hardness. However, in order to eliminate the risk of injuries and penetration of other vehicles in the event of a collision, any ends of such ribs, tubing and metal wire shall not be directed forward at the front and rearward at the rear of the vehicle, with the device and equipment both in the retracted or folded and the in-use positions.

As alternative to the derogation concerning the rear underrun protection device referred to in the previous paragraph, the horizontal distances between the rear of the rear underrun protection device and the rear extremity of the vehicle as fitted with aerodynamic devices and equipment may be measured without taking the aerodynamic devices and equipment into account provided that they exceed 200 mm in length, they are in the in-use condition and those devices or equipment comply with the test provisions set out in Appendix 4.

The horizontal distances between the rear of the rear underrun protection device and the rear extremity of the vehicle shall however be measured with the aerodynamic devices and equipment positioned in the retracted or folded position or take into account the resulting projection length in accordance with point 1.6.1 of Appendix 4, if this length exceeds that of the retracted or folded position.

1.4. Elongated cabs U.K.

1.4.1. Where the front fascia of the motor vehicle’s cab location, including all external projections of for example the chassis, bumper, wheel guards and wheels, fully conforms to parameters of the three-dimensional envelope as set out in Appendix 5 and the length of the loading area does not exceed 10,5 m, the vehicle may exceed the maximum authorised length set out in point 1.1.1. U.K.

1.4.2. In the case referred to in point 1.4.1, the manufacturer shall indicate the following additional symbol below or to the side of the mandatory inscriptions on the manufacturer’s statutory plate, outside a clearly marked rectangle which shall enclose only the mandatory information. U.K.

‘ 96/53/EC ARTICLE 9A COMPLIANT ’

The height of the symbol’s characters shall not be less than 4 mm. The text ‘ 96/53/EC ARTICLE 9A COMPLIANT ’ shall also be added to the ‘ remarks ’ in the Certificate of Conformity as to allow inclusion of this information in on-board vehicle registration papers.]

2. Mass distribution for vehicles fitted with bodywork U.K.

2.1. Calculation procedure U.K.

Notations:

‘M’

technically permissible maximum laden mass;

‘TM’

technically permissible maximum towable mass;

‘MC’

technically permissible maximum laden mass of the combination;

‘m_i’

the technically permissible maximum mass on the solo axle designated ‘i’, where i varies from 1 to the total number of axles of the vehicle;

‘m_c’

technically permissible maximum mass at the coupling point;

‘μ_j’

the technically permissible maximum mass on the group of axles designated ‘j’, where j varies from 1 to the total number of groups of axles.

2.1.1. Suitable calculations shall be carried out in order to make sure that the requirements set out in points 2.2 and 2.3 are fulfilled for each technical configuration within the type. U.K.

2.1.2. In the case of vehicles fitted with loadable axles, the calculations required under points 2.2 and 2.3 shall be carried out with the suspension of loadable axles in the normal running configuration. U.K.

2.1.3. In the case of vehicles fitted with lift axles, the calculations required under points 2.2 and 2.3 shall be carried out with the axles lowered. U.K.

[F2 2.1.4. In the case of alternatively fuelled or zero-emission motor vehicles: U.K.

2.1.4.1. The additional weight required for alternative fuel or zero-emission technology in accordance with point 2.3. of Annex I to Directive 96/53/EC shall be defined on the basis of the documentation provided by the manufacturer. The correctness of the declared information shall be verified by the Technical Service, to the satisfaction of the Type-Approval Authority. U.K.

2.1.4.2. The manufacturer shall indicate the following additional symbol as well as the value of the additional weight below or to the side of the mandatory inscriptions on the manufacturer’s statutory plate, outside a clearly marked rectangle which shall enclose only the mandatory information. U.K.

‘ 96/53/EC ARTICLE 10B COMPLIANT – XXXX KG ’

The height of the symbol’s characters and stated value shall not be less than 4 mm.

In addition, until the introduction of a dedicated entry in the Certificate of Conformity, the value of the additional weight shall be stated under ‘ remarks ’ in the Certificate of Conformity as to allow inclusion of this information in on-board vehicle registration papers.]

2.2. General requirements U.K.

2.2.1. The sum of the technically permissible maximum mass on the solo axles plus the sum of the technically permissible maximum mass on the groups of axles shall not be less than the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle. U.K.

2.2.2. For each group of axles designated ‘j’, the sum of the technically permissible maximum mass on its axles shall not be less than the technically permissible maximum mass on the group of axles. U.K.

In addition, each of the masses m_i shall not be less than the part of μ_j applying on the axle ‘i’ as determined by the mass distribution for that group of axles.

2.3. Specific requirements U.K.

2.3.1. The mass of the vehicle in running order, plus the mass of the optional equipment plus the mass of the passengers, plus the mass of the coupling if not included in the mass in running order plus the technically permissible maximum mass at the coupling point shall not exceed the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle. U.K.

2.3.2. Where the vehicle is laden to its technically permissible maximum laden mass, the mass distributed on an axle ‘i’ shall not exceed the mass m_i on that axle, and the mass on the group of axles ‘j’ shall not exceed the mass μ_j. U.K.

2.3.3. The requirements of point 2.3.2 shall be complied with in the following load configurations: U.K.

2.3.3.1.

Uniform distribution of the pay-mass:

the vehicle shall be at its mass in running order plus the mass of the optional equipment plus the mass of the passengers located at the seating reference points, plus the mass of the coupling (if not included in the mass in running order), plus the maximum permissible mass at the coupling point, plus the pay-mass being distributed uniformly on the cargo area.

2.3.3.2.

Non-uniform distribution of pay-mass:

the vehicle shall be at its mass in running order plus the mass of the optional equipment plus the mass of the passengers located at the seating reference points, plus the mass of the coupling (if not included in the mass in running order), plus the maximum permissible mass at the coupling point, plus the pay-mass located in accordance with the manufacturers specifications.

For such purposes the manufacturer shall state the extreme permissible possible positions of the centre of gravity of the pay-mass and/or body and/or equipment or interior fittings (for instance: from 0,50 m to 1,30 m in front of the first rear axle).

2.3.3.3.

Combination of uniform and non-uniform distribution:

The requirements of points 2.3.3.1 and 2.3.3.2 shall be fulfilled simultaneously.

Example, a tipper lorry (distributed load) equipped with an additional crane (localised load).

2.3.3.4.

Mass transferred by the fifth wheel coupling (tractor unit for semi-trailer):

the vehicle shall be at its mass in running order plus the mass of the optional equipment plus the mass of the passengers located at the seating reference points, plus the mass of the coupling if not included in the mass in running order, plus the maximum permissible mass at the fifth wheel coupling point located in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications (minimum and maximum fifth-wheel lead).

2.3.3.5.

The requirements of points 2.3.3.1 shall always be fulfilled where the vehicle is fitted with a flat cargo area.

2.3.4. Where the vehicle is laden to its technically permissible maximum laden mass, plus the mass of the coupling if not included in the mass in running order, plus the maximum permissible mass at the coupling point in such a way that the maximum permissible maximum mass on the rear group of axle (μ) or the maximum permissible maximum on the rear axle (m) is reached, the mass on the front steering axle(s) shall not be less than 20 % of the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle. U.K.

2.3.5. As regards special purposes vehicles of category N₂ and N₃, the technical service shall check compliance with the requirements of Section 2 in agreement with the manufacturer, taking into account the specific design of the vehicle (for example, mobile cranes). U.K.

3. Towing capacity U.K.

3.1. The technically permissible maximum laden mass of the combination shall not exceed the sum of the technically permissible maximum laden mass plus the technically permissible maximum towable mass. U.K.

4. Hill-starting ability and gradeability U.K.

4.1. Vehicles designed to tow a trailer and laden to their technically permissible maximum laden mass of the combination shall be capable of starting five times within five minutes at an up-hill gradient of at least 12 %. U.K.

4.2. As regard gradeability, off road vehicles shall be tested against the technical requirements of Annex II. U.K.

4.2.1. The requirements of Section 5 of Appendix 1 to Annex II to Directive 2007/46/EC shall also apply. U.K.

5. Engine power U.K.

5.1. Vehicles shall provide an engine power output of at least 5 kW per tonne of the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the combination. U.K.

5.1.1. In the case of a road tractor, or a tractor unit for semi-trailer intended for the transport of indivisible loads, the engine power shall be at least 2 kW per tonne of the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the combination. U.K.

[F2 5.1.2. The requirements in points 5.1 and 5.1.1 shall not apply to the electric-only driving mode of hybrid electric vehicles.] U.K.

[F1 5.2. The engine power shall be measured in accordance with UNECE Regulation No 85.] U.K.

6. Manoeuvrability U.K.

6.1. The vehicle shall be capable of manoeuvring on either side of a complete trajectory of 360° as shown in Figure 1 of Appendix 3 to this Annex without any of the vehicle’s outermost points protruding beyond the outer circle or intruding inside the inner circle as the case may be. U.K.

6.1.1. The test shall be conducted with the vehicle in both the unladen conditions (i.e. at its mass in running order) and loaded to its technically maximum permissible laden mass. [F2 If the vehicle is equipped with aerodynamic devices or equipment referred to in points 1.3.1.1, 1.3.1.2 and 1.3.1.3, the devices and equipment shall be in the deployed and in-use position or in the fixed in-use position where applicable for devices and equipment covered by point 1.3.1.3.] U.K.

6.1.2. For the purposes of point 6.1, the parts permitted to protrude beyond the vehicle width referred to in Appendix 1 to this Annex shall not be taken into account. U.K.

6.2. For vehicles fitted with axle-lift devices, the requirement of point 6.1 shall also apply with the lift axle(s) in the lifted position and where the loadable axle(s) is in service. U.K.

6.3. The requirements of point 6.1 shall be verified as follows U.K.

6.3.1.

The vehicle shall manoeuvre inside an area defined by two concentric circles, the outer circle having a radius of 12,50 m and the inner circle having a radius of 5,30 m

6.3.2.

The outermost front point of the motor vehicle shall be guided along the contour of the outer circle (see Figure 1 of Appendix 3 to this Annex)

[F2 6.4 With the agreement of the Technical Service and the Type-Approval Authority, the manoeuvrability requirements may be proved by numerical simulation in accordance with Annex XVI to Directive 2007/46/EC. In case of doubt, the Technical Service or Type-Approval Authority may require a physical full-scale test to be carried out.] U.K.

7. Maximum rear swing-out U.K.

7.1. The vehicle shall be tested in accordance with the steady-state test method described in point 7.1.1. [F2 If the vehicle is equipped with aerodynamic devices or equipment referred to in points 1.3.1.1, 1.3.1.2 and 1.3.1.3, the devices and equipment shall be in the deployed and in-use position.] U.K.

7.1.1. Steady-state test method U.K.

7.1.1.2. The vehicle shall be stationary and shall have its front steered wheels so directed that if the vehicle moves, its outermost point would describe a circle of 12,50 m radius. U.K.

A vertical plane tangential to the side of the vehicle and facing outwards from the circle shall be established by marking a line on the ground.

The vehicle shall move forward such as the front outermost point follows the contour of the outer circle of 12,50 m radius.

7.2. The maximum rear swing-out shall not exceed: (see Figure 3 of Appendix 3 to this Annex) U.K.

(a)

0,80 m;

(b)

1,00 m where the vehicle if fitted with an axle-lift device and the axle is cleared off the ground;

(c)

1,00 m where the rearmost axle is a steered axle.

[F2 7.3. With the agreement of the Technical Service and the Type-Approval Authority, the maximum rear swing-out requirements may be proved by numerical simulation in accordance with Annex XVI to Directive 2007/46/EC. In case of doubt, the Technical Service or Type-Approval Authority may require a physical full-scale test to be carried out.] U.K.