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

PART D U.K. Vehicles of category O

1. Maximum authorised dimensions U.K.

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

1.1.1.

Length

(a)

Trailer: 12,00 m including drawbar;

(b)

Semi-trailer: 12,00 m plus the front overhang.

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 [F2 Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2018/858].]

1.1.3.

F3 ...

1.1.4.

Front fitting radius of semi-trailer: 2,04 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).

F2 Words in Annex 1 Pt. D point 1.1.2 substituted (31.12.2022 at 11.00 p.m.) by The Road Vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Type-Approval) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1273), regs. 1(2), 72(2)(d)(i)

F3 Annex 1 Pt. D point 1.1.3 omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2022 at 11.00 p.m.) by virtue of The Road Vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Type-Approval) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1273), regs. 1(2), 72(2)(d)(ii)

1.2. For the purposes of measurement of the [F4 length and width], 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.

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in Annex 1 Pt. D point 1.2 substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2022 at 11.00 p.m.) by The Road Vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Type-Approval) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1273), regs. 1(2), 72(2)(d)(iii)

1.3. The measurement of the lengthF5 ... and front fitting radius shall be conducted where the loading surface or the reference surface referred to in point 1.2.1 second subparagraph of Annex 7 to UNECE Regulation No 55 is horizontal. U.K.

Adjustable drawbars shall be horizontal and aligned with the centre-line of the vehicle. They shall be set at their horizontal most elongated position.

Textual Amendments

F5 Word in Annex 1 Pt. D point 1.1.3 omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2022 at 11.00 p.m.) by virtue of The Road Vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Type-Approval) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1273), regs. 1(2), 72(2)(d)(iv)

[F1 1.4. The devices and equipment referred to in Appendix 1 shall not be taken into account for the determination of the [F6 length and width].] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in Annex 1 Pt. D point 1.4 substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2022 at 11.00 p.m.) by The Road Vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Type-Approval) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1273), regs. 1(2), 72(2)(d)(iii)

[F7 1.4.1. Additional requirements for aerodynamic devices referred to in Appendix 1 U.K.

Textual Amendments

F7 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).

1.4.1.1. 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 1.4.1.1.1 to 1.4.1.1.3. shall be met. U.K.

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

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

1.4.1.1.3. 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.

1.4.1.2. 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 to make it possible to lock them in both the retracted or folded and the 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 1.4.1.2.1. to 1.4.1.2.4. shall be met. U.K.

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

1.4.1.2.2. 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.

1.4.1.2.3. 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.

1.4.1.2.4. 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.

1.4.1.3. It shall be verified by the technical service, to the satisfaction of the type-approval authority that aerodynamic devices and equipment positioned in both, the in-use and the retracted or folded positions, do not completely block the ventilation of the 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 rear underrun protection, 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 devices and equipment into account on condition that they exceed 200 mm in length, they are in the in-use condition and 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 rearward at the rear of the vehicle, with the device and equipment both in the retractable or folded and the in-use positions.

As alternative to the derogation 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.]

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

2.1. Calculation procedure U.K.

Notations:

‘M’

technically permissible maximum laden mass;

‘m₀’

technically permissible maximum mass at the front coupling point;

‘m_i’

the technically permissible maximum mass on the 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 rear 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.

2.2. General requirements U.K.

[F1 2.2.1. The sum of the technically permissible maximum mass at the front coupling point plus the technically permissible maximum mass on the solo axles and/or group(s) of axles plus the technically permissible maximum mass at the rear coupling point shall be not less than the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle. U.K.

M ≤ Σ [m ₀ + m _i + m _c ] or M ≤ Σ [m ₀ + μ _j + m _c ].]

2.2.2. For each group of axles designated ‘j’, the sum of the masses m_i on its axles shall not be less than the mass μ_j. 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 technically permissible maximum mass at the coupling point(s) 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 a solo axle ‘i’ shall neither exceed the mass m_i on that axle, nor the mass μ_j on the group of axles, nor the technically permissible maximum mass at the coupling point m₀. 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 U.K.

The vehicle shall be at its mass in running order plus the mass of the optional equipment plus the pay-mass being distributed uniformly on the cargo area;

2.3.3.2. Non-uniform distribution of the pay-mass U.K.

The vehicle shall be at its mass in running order plus the mass of the optional equipment plus the pay-mass located in accordance with the manufacturer’s 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: U.K.

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

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

2.3.4. Specific requirements for trailer caravans U.K.

2.3.4.1. The minimum pay-mass (PM) shall meet the following requirement: U.K.

Where

‘n’

is the maximum number of berths and

‘L’

is the overall length of the body length as defined in point 6.1.2 of Standard ISO 7237:1981.

3. Manoeuvrability requirements U.K.

3.1. Trailers and semi-trailers shall be so designed that, when coupled to a towing vehicle, the combination is capable of manoeuvring on either side of a complete trajectory of 360° made up of two concentric circles, the outer circle having a radius of 12,50 m and the inner circle having a radius of 5,30 m without any of the vehicle’s outermost points of the towing vehicle protruding beyond the outer circle or any of the outermost points of the trailer or semi-trailer intruding inside the inner circle. [F7 If the trailer or semi-trailer is equipped with aerodynamic devices or equipment referred to in points 1.4.1.1 or 1.4.1.2, the devices and equipment shall be in the in-use and deployed position.] U.K.

[F1 3.2. A semi-trailer not equipped with aerodynamic devices or equipment referred to in points 1.4.1.1 or 1.4.1.2 shall be deemed to comply with the requirement set out in point 3.1. if its reference wheelbase ‘RWB’ meets the following requirement: U.K.

RWB ≤ [(12,50 – 2,04) ² - (5,30 + ½ W) ² ] ^1/2

where:

‘ RWB ’

is the distance between the king-pin axis and the centre line of the non-steering axles.

‘ W ’

is the semi-trailer’s width.]

3.3. Where one or more of the non-steering axles has an axle lift device the reference wheelbase with the axle lowered or the axle lifted — whichever is the longest — shall be taken into account. U.K.