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UN R140 Supplement 7 (00 series) · UNECE Regulation No. 140 (ECE R140) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of passenger cars with regard to Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Systems.

UN R140 — Supplement 7 to the 00 series of amendments

Supplement 6 → 7

Adopted at the WP.29 198th sessionEntry into force 2026-09-30
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What changed
  • Paragraphs 7.4.1.2., 7.4.1.4. and 7.5.1. now refer to the initiation of the powertrain instead of the ignition locking system position or the ignition cycle.
  • Wherever this Regulation uses “initiation of the powertrain”, an automatic new engine start or run cycle, for example by a stop/start system, is not one.
  • Except as paragraph 7.4.2. provides, the ESC malfunction tell-tale lamp check is now at each initiation of the powertrain or a manufacturer-designated check condition.
Why
  • The United Kingdom proposed to clarify the wording “run cycle” in UN Regulation No. 140, as already done for several regulations at previous GRVA sessions.
  • The United Kingdom proposal says that referring to “powertrain”, as defined in M.R.2, enables technology-neutral provisions.
  • The proposal was revised after dialogue with the industry to make the provisions suitable for manufacturers, in particular for the bulb check requirements.

Q1What changed12 changes

ESC malfunction tell-tale on and off (paras. 7.4.1.2. and 7.4.1.4.)

In paragraph 7.4.1.2., “whenever the powertrain is initiated” replaces the condition that the ignition locking system is in the “On” (“Run”) position. In paragraph 7.4.1.4., “the next initiation of the powertrain” replaces “the next ignition cycle”.

Except as provided in paragraph 7.4.1.3., the ESC malfunction tell-tale shall illuminate when a malfunction exists and shall remain continuously illuminated under the conditions specified in paragraph 7.4. for as long as the malfunction exists, whenever the ignition locking system powertrain is in the "On" ("Run") positioninitiated;
Shall extinguish at the next ignition cycle initiation of the powertrain after the malfunction has been corrected in accordance with paragraph 9.10.4.;

Lamp-function check of the tell-tales (paras. 7.4.1.3. and 7.6.2.3.)

Paragraph 7.4.1.3. has new triggers for the lamp-function check of each ESC malfunction tell-tale, except as provided in paragraph 7.4.2. The check is either at each initiation of the powertrain or in a condition that the manufacturer designates as a check condition. Before, both triggers depended on positions of the ignition locking system. Paragraph 7.6.2.3. also changes the lamp-function check of each “ESC Off” tell-tale, except as provided in paragraphs 7.6.3. and 7.6.4. That check is now either when powertrain is initiated or by whatever method that the manufacturer designates as a check position.

Except as provided in paragraph 7.4.2., each ESC malfunction tell-tale shall be activated as a check of lamp function either when at each initiation of the ignition locking system is turned to the "On" ("Run") position when the engine is not running, powertrain or when the ignition locking system is in a position between "On" ("Run") and "Start" condition that is designated by the manufacturer as a check position;condition.
Except as provided in paragraphs 7.6.3. and 7.6.4. each "ESC Off" tell-tale shall be activated as a check of lamp function either when the ignition locking system powertrain is turned to the "On" ("Run") position when the engine is not running, initiated or when the ignition locking system is in a position between "On" ("Run") and "Start" whatever method that is designated by the manufacturer as a check position.

Automatic engine starts and new footnote 6 on “powertrain”

An automatically performed new engine start/run cycle (or run cycle), for example by a stop/start system, is not an “initiation of the powertrain”. This applies wherever the Regulation uses that term. New footnote 6 on “powertrain” in paragraph 7.4.1.2. refers to the vehicle propulsion system definitions in Mutual Resolution No. 2 (M.R.2), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1121. The later footnotes have new numbers.

A new engine start/run cycle (or run cycle) which is performed automatically, e.g. by the operation of a stop/start system, shall not be considered an “initiation of the powertrain” wherever that term is used in this Regulation;
As defined in Mutual Resolution No. 2 (M.R.2) of the 1958 and the 1998 Agreements containing vehicle propulsion system definitions, see document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1121.

Return to the original default mode (para. 7.5.1.)

In paragraph 7.5.1., “each initiation of the powertrain” replaces “the initiation of each new ignition cycle” in both places.

The vehicle's ESC system shall always return to the manufacturer's original default mode that satisfies the requirements of paragraphs 6. and 7. at the each initiation of each new ignition cyclethe powertrain, regardless of what mode the driver had previously selected. However, the vehicle's ESC system need not return to a mode that satisfies the requirements of paragraphs 7. through 7.3. at the each initiation of each new ignition cycle the powertrain if:

Tell-tale bulb check and “ESC Off” control check (paras. 9.2. and 9.3.)

The tell-tale bulb check of paragraph 9.2. now starts with the vehicle stationary and the powertrain deactivated. The next step is to initiate the powertrain or, where applicable, the appropriate condition for the lamp check. Before, the ignition was switched from “Lock” or “Off” to “On” (“Run”) or, where applicable, to the appropriate position for the lamp check. For vehicles equipped with an “ESC Off” control, the check of paragraph 9.3. now uses powertrain deactivation and initiation instead of ignition locking system positions.

Tell-tale bulb check. With the vehicle stationary and powertrain deactivated, initiate the ignition locking system in the "Lock" or "Off" position, switch the ignition to the "On" ("Run") position powertrain or, where applicable, the appropriate position condition for the lamp check. The ESC malfunction tell-tale shall be illuminated as a check of lamp function, as specified in paragraph 7.4.1.3., and if equipped, the "ESC Off" tell-tale shall also be illuminated as a check of lamp function, as specified in paragraph 7.6.2.3. The tell-tale bulb check is not required for a tell-tale shown in a common space as specified in paragraphs 7.4.3. and 7.6.4.
"ESC Off" control check. For vehicles equipped with an "ESC Off" control, with the vehicle stationary and the ignition locking system in powertrain deactivated, initiate the "Lock" or "Off" position, switch the ignition locking system to the "On" ("Run") positionpowertrain. Activate the "ESC Off" control and verify that the "ESC Off" tell-tale is illuminated, as specified in paragraph 7.6.2. Turn Deactivate the ignition locking system to powertrain, then again, initiate the "Lock" or "Off" position. Again, switch the ignition locking system to the "On" ("Run") position powertrain and verify that the "ESC Off" tell-tale has extinguished indicating that the ESC system has been restored as specified in paragraph 7.5.1.

ESC malfunction detection (paras. 9.10.2. to 9.10.4.)

Paragraphs 9.10.2. to 9.10.4. now use deactivation and initiation of the powertrain instead of switching the ignition and starting the engine. In paragraph 9.10.2., “after the initiation of the powertrain” replaces “after the engine has been started”. In paragraph 9.10.3., “as long as the powertrain is initiated” replaces “as long as the engine is running”.

With the vehicle initially stationary and the ignition locking system in powertrain deactivated, initiate the "Lock" or "Off" position, switch the ignition locking system to the "Start" position and start the enginepowertrain. Drive the vehicle forward to obtain a vehicle speed of 48 ± 8 km/h. 30 Thirty seconds, at the latest, after the engine has been started initiation of the powertrain and within the next two minutes at this speed, conduct at least one left and one right smooth turning manoeuvre without losing directional stability and one brake application. Verify that the ESC malfunction indicator illuminates in accordance with paragraph 7.4. by the end of these manoeuvres.
Stop the vehicle, switch and deactivate the ignition locking system to the "Off" or "Lock" positionpowertrain. After a five-minute period, switch initiate the vehicle's ignition locking system to the "Start" position and start the enginepowertrain. Verify that the ESC malfunction indicator again illuminates to signal a malfunction and remains illuminated as long as the engine powertrain is running initiated or until the fault is corrected.
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Q2Why it changed

Proposed by
Expert from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Working party
GRVA, 23rd session (September 2025)

Reasons

  • The representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland proposed to clarify the wording “run cycle” in UN Regulation No. 140. This had already been done for several regulations at previous GRVA sessions.

    Source
    “also proposed clarifying the wording “run cycle” in UN Regulation No. 140, as already done for several regulations at previous GRVA sessions”

  • Proposer's reason (informal document GRVA-23-31)

    The changes align the text with the text already agreed in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2025/87 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2025/90. WP.29 adopted these documents at its June 2025 session.

    Submitted by the expert from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Working party adoption: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/23, para. 55.

    Sources (2)
    “The proposed modifications align the text with that already agreed”
    “ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2025/90, which were adopted at the June 2025 session of WP.29”

  • Proposer's reason (informal document GRVA-23-31)

    This follows the intention previously notified in GRVA that other Regulations would also be updated to this terminology. The approach gives consistency across UN Regulations managed by GRVA. It supports a clear and harmonised understanding across all propulsion types, including electric and alternative powertrains.

    Submitted by the expert from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Working party adoption: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/23, para. 55.

    Sources (2)
    “This aligns with the intention previously notified in GRVA that other Regulations would also be updated to reflect this terminology.”
    “The approach ensures consistency across UN Regulations managed by GRVA and supports a clear and harmonised understanding across all propulsion types, including electric and alternative powertrains.”

  • Proposer's reason (informal document GRVA-23-31)

    M.R.2 gives harmonised definitions for vehicle propulsion systems that do not depend on the fuel type or technology used. Referring to “powertrain”, as defined in M.R.2, enables technology-neutral provisions and avoids outdated terminology implying combustion engine cycles. Using this definition simplifies the text and gives consistency across current and future vehicle technologies.

    Submitted by the expert from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Working party adoption: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/23, para. 55.

    Sources (3)
    “M.R.2 provides harmonised definitions for vehicle propulsion systems that are independent of the fuel type or technology used.”
    “Referring to “powertrain”, as defined in M.R.2, enables provisions that are technology neutral and avoids outdated terminology implying combustion engine cycles.”
    “By adopting this definition, the proposal simplifies the text, improves clarity, and ensures consistency across current and future vehicle technologies.”

  • Proposer's reason (informal document GRVA-23-31)

    Further revisions were made after dialogue with the industry to make the provisions suitable for manufacturers, in particular for the bulb check requirements.

    Submitted by the expert from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Working party adoption: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/23, para. 55.

    Source
    “Further revisions have been made following dialogue with the industry to ensure that the provisions are suitable for manufacturers, in particular for the bulb check requirements.”

Document trail

  1. —ProposalGRVA-23-31Proposal by the expert from the United Kingdom
  2. —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/23Session report, para. 55
  3. 2025-12Sent to WP.29ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/20Text that GRVA sent to WP.29 and AC.1
  4. 2026-03WP.29 adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/1190Adopted at the 198th session (session report, para. 114)
  5. 2026-09-30In forceC.N.420.2026.TREATIES-XI.B.16.140UN depositary notification

Q3Who is affected

Vehicle manufacturer

  • No direct action for this role.

Component supplier

  • No direct action for this role.

Technical service / Approval authority

  • No direct action for this role.

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ⓘ This report gives advice only. It is not legal or type-approval advice.

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