UN R125 — 02 series of amendments

New paragraph 2.19. defines “Obstruction” as “physical parts or interference in the field of vision reducing perception of light transmittance with the exception of stray light”. Examples of stray light are reflection from the vehicle interior and sunlight glare. New paragraph 2.20. defines “Field of Vision Assistant (FVA)” as “visual information displayed on the vehicle windscreen or other glazed surface to support the awareness of the driver”.

Under new paragraph 5.1.3.5., the transparent field of vision as defined in paragraph 5.1.1. may be overlaid by information of a Field of Vision Assistant. Paragraphs 5.1.3.5.1 to 5.1.3.5.5 and 5.1.3.6 apply to FVA information if it is overlaid in the transparent field of vision and outside of area S. Until the parking gear/brake is released for the first time after activation of the vehicle master control switch, FVA information may be “non-driving related, hence different to that listed in paragraph 5.1.3.5.1 and not submitted to the provisions of paragraph 5.1.3.5.1 to 5.1.3.5.5”. Paragraph 5.1.3. now begins “Except as provided in paragraph 5.1.3.3., 5.1.3.4. or 5.1.3.5 below” instead of “Except as provided in paragraph 5.1.3.3. or 5.1.3.4. below”.

When the ignition is on or the vehicle master control switch is activated (whichever is applicable), the FVA information must be driving related only. It is limited to “Warning/Highlight hazardous traffic situation”, “Warning/Highlight vulnerable road users or other road users which may be overseen”, “Information to maintain the distances to surrounding road users” and “Information to find and maintain the correct driveway”. New Annex 5 gives examples of these, such as abrupt braking situations, pedestrians, cyclists and distance to vehicle in front. In the case the FVA displays “information sourced external to the FVA subject to approval”, this display must respect the intended content as described by the manufacturer in the Type Approval documentation. The manufacturer must demonstrate “the fulfilment of the provisions of this paragraph” to the technical service during the inspection of the safety approach.

The symbols and graphics shown by the FVA must disappear when the underlying condition for their display does not exist anymore (para. 5.1.3.5.2.). The FVA must aim to minimize the masking of objects (para. 5.1.3.5.3.). It must be possible for the driver to adjust the light intensity of the FVA (para. 5.1.3.5.4.). It must also be possible for the driver to switch off the FVA by “a deliberate action consisting of at least one manual option with maximum of 2 consecutive steps” (para. 5.1.3.5.5.). Intuitive action, for example double press or swipe and press, is considered as a single step. The FVA must be deactivated automatically in case of an electrically detectable failure of the FVA “that affects the visual information as an identified risk considered in the safety approach” (para. 5.1.3.6.).

Paragraph 5.1.3.4. no longer says how to place the steering wheel, if adjustable. New paragraph 6.2.1. has the same rule: “The steering wheel, if adjustable, shall be placed in the normal position indicated by the manufacturer or, failing that, midway between the limits of its range(s) of adjustment”. Under new paragraph 6.2.2., if the FVA position is adjustable, the FVA must be placed “in the normal position indicated by the manufacturer or, failing that, midway between the limits of the range of adjustment”. Paragraph 5.1.3.4. now refers to area “S” as defined in paragraph 5.1.3.2.1. instead of paragraph 5.1.3.4.1.

Item (b) on “defrosting/demisting” in “zigzag” or sinusoidal form now begins with “Within zone A located” instead of “Any”.

New paragraphs 12.6. to 12.13. give the transitional provisions for the 02 series of amendments. From 1 September 2023, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation need not accept preceding-series type approvals first issued after that date (para. 12.7.). Until 1 September 2024, they must accept preceding-series type approvals first issued before 1 September 2023 (para. 12.8.). From 1 September 2024, they need not accept type approvals issued to the preceding series (para. 12.9.). Under paragraph 12.11., they must continue to accept preceding-series type approvals for vehicles/vehicle systems not affected by the changes introduced by the 02 series. In Annex 2, the text on the approval mark now refers to the 02 series of amendments instead of the 01 series.