ANNEX I U.K. GENERAL DEFINITIONS, CRITERIA FOR VEHICLE CATEGORISATION, TYPES OF VEHICLE AND TYPES OF BODYWORK

Appendix 1 Procedure for checking whether a vehicle can be categorised as off-road vehicle

1. General U.K.

1.1. For the purposes of classification of a vehicle as off-road vehicle, the procedure described in this Appendix shall apply. U.K.

2. Test conditions for geometric measurements U.K.

2.1. Vehicles belonging to category M₁ or N₁ shall be in unloaded conditions with a manikin of the 50th percentile male installed on the driver's seat and fitted with coolant fluid, lubricants, fuel, tools, spare-wheel (if fitted as OEM equipment). U.K.

The manikin may be replaced by a similar device having the same mass.

2.2. Vehicles other than those referred to in point 2.1 shall be loaded to their technically permissible maximum laden mass. U.K.

The distribution of the mass on the axles shall be the one that represents the worst case with respect to compliance with the respective criteria.

2.3. A vehicle representative of the type shall be submitted to the technical service in the conditions specified in point 2.1 or 2.2. The vehicle shall be in a stationary position with its wheels set straight ahead. U.K.

The ground on which measurements are made shall be as flat and horizontal (maximum of inclination 0,5 %) as possible.

3. Measurement of approach, departure and ramp angles U.K.

3.1. The approach angle shall be measured in accordance with paragraph 6.10 of international standard ISO 612:1978. U.K.

3.2. The departure angle shall be measured in accordance with paragraph 6.11 of international standard ISO 612:1978. U.K.

3.3. The ramp angle shall be measured in accordance with paragraph 6.9 of international standard ISO 612:1978. U.K.

3.4. When measuring the departure angle rear underrun protection devices which are adjustable in height may be set in the upper position. U.K.

3.5. The prescription in point 3.4 shall not be construed as an obligation for the base vehicle to be fitted with a rear underrun protection as original equipment. However, the base vehicle manufacturer shall inform the next stage manufacturer that the vehicle has to comply with the requirements on departure angle when fitted with a rear underrun protection. U.K.

4. Measurement of ground clearance U.K.

4.1. Ground clearance between the axles U.K.

4.1.1. ‘Ground clearance between the axles’ means the shortest distance between the ground plane and the lowest fixed point of the vehicle. U.K.

For the application of the definition, the distance between the last axle of a front group of axle and the first axle of a rear group of axle shall be considered.

4.1.2. No rigid part of the vehicle may project into the shaded area shown on the figure. U.K.

4.2. Ground clearance beneath one axle U.K.

4.2.1. ‘Ground clearance beneath one axle’ means the distance beneath the highest point of the arc of a circle passing through the centre of the tyre footprint of the wheels on one axle (the inner wheels in the case of twin tyres) and touching the lowest fixed point of the vehicle between the wheels. U.K.

4.2.2. Where appropriate, the measurement of ground clearance shall be conducted on each of the several axles of a group of axles. U.K.

5. Gradeability U.K.

5.1. ‘Gradeability’ means the ability of a vehicle to negotiate a gradient. U.K.

5.2. To the effect of checking the gradeability of an incomplete and a complete vehicle of category M₂, M₃, N₂ and N₃, a test shall be performed. U.K.

5.3. The test shall be conducted by the technical service on a vehicle representative of the type to be tested. U.K.

5.4. At the request of the manufacturer and under the conditions specified in Annex VIII, the gradeability of a type of vehicle may be demonstrated by virtual testing. U.K.

6. Test conditions and pass-fail criterion U.K.

6.1. The conditions set out in Annex II to Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012(1) shall apply. U.K.

6.2. The vehicle shall climb the gradient at a steady speed without any wheel slipping, longitudinally or laterally. U.K.

(1)

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012 of 12 December 2012 implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to type-approval requirements for masses and dimensions of motor vehicles and their trailers and amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 353, 21.12.2012, p. 31).