UN R171 — 02 series of amendments

Under new paragraph 1.2.2., this UN Regulation does not apply to vehicles of Categories X and Y. Under new paragraph 5.2.3., DCAS must be switched to 'OFF' mode upon activation of an ADS feature. It must not be able to be switched to 'ON' mode whilst an ADS feature is active. New paragraph 16.2. adds transitional provisions for the 02 series of amendments. From 1 September 2032, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation are not obliged to accept type approvals issued to the preceding series of amendments. For systems capable of withholding HORs on highway-like roads, this date is 1 September 2029.

New paragraph 2.28.1. defines a “highway-like road”: a section of non-highway that fulfils five characteristics for a reasonable distance. They include at least two lanes in the driving direction and a designated road speed limit of at least 80 km/h. The system may now withhold HORs on a “Highway” or a “Highway-like” road at a speed up to 130 km/h. When capable of this on highway-like roads, the system must aim to avoid frequent fluctuations between being able and not able to withhold HORs. Before withholding HORs, the system must aim to check at least 500 m or 30 seconds of qualifying road ahead, or use an equivalent strategy. In that case, the manufacturer must demonstrate safe operation with cyclists, by avoiding a collision with a longitudinally travelling cyclist ahead in lane.

Former paragraph 5.3.7.2.4.10. is deleted: it let the system initiate a manoeuvre only on a highway (including highway slip roads) and when not withholding HORs. New paragraph 5.3.7.2.6. adds special provisions for systems capable of performing system-initiated manoeuvres in non-highway environments or during phases of withholding of HORs. New paragraph 6.4. adds requirements when the system is able to perform system-initiated manoeuvres in non-highway environments. In non-highway environments, the system must only make the vehicle automatically accelerate from standstill if both conditions of paragraph 6.4.2. are fulfilled at drive off. Conditions: the driver is not deemed visually disengaged for over 2 seconds before drive off, and no collision risk is detected on the drive-off path. Under new paragraph 5.3.7.2.4.10., a system-initiated manoeuvre may be initiated when it is considered to mitigate the risk of an imminent collision, notwithstanding paragraph 5.3.7.2.1.1.

New paragraph 5.5.4.2.6.5.7. adds monitoring requirements for systems capable of performing system-initiated manoeuvres whilst withholding HORs. The system must aim to determine whether or not the driver is in an appropriate position to operate the vehicle controls. If the driver is deemed, as per the strategy, not to be in this position for 10 seconds, an HOR must be given. Before this change, the dashboard and instrument panel were not a driving task relevant area for the assessment of visual disengagement. Now they may be one, but only while manoeuvre relevant information is displayed, for a maximum duration of 3 seconds. The EOR warning time must not be extended with the time the driver’s gaze is directed towards the dashboard or instrument panel.

If the system or feature boundary is exceeded, the system or applicable feature must leave the ‘active’ mode, except for the driver unavailability response. Before, it had to transition into ‘stand-by’ mode. With a disengaged driver beyond a boundary, the system must continue lateral and longitudinal assistance where possible, or end it gradually and controllably. If the driver stays disengaged, a driver unavailability response must start at the latest 10 seconds after the system detects it is beyond a boundary. The disablement of at least 30 minutes for insufficient engagement must happen once the driver has resumed control, or the vehicle has become stationary. After such disablement, the system must only be re-enabled after the driver confirms, by a deliberate action, understanding of their responsibilities and appropriate system use.

Paragraph 3.5.1. of Annex 3 now requires a demonstration at least every three years that the safety management system continues to comply with these requirements. New paragraph 3.5.5. requires processes to manage safety during the operation phase, including monitoring of DCAS operation and remedial actions when necessary. New paragraph 5. of Annex 3 lists additional aspects to be assessed for systems capable of performing system-initiated manoeuvres. It covers evidence of the system’s ability to recognize/interpret its surroundings, of the driver’s ability to control system operation, and of system validation. Under paragraph 7.2.3.1., the information reported by the manufacturer is not intended to be shared publicly. The report must now differentiate safety-critical occurrences by the capability of the DCAS at the time, and say whether it was withholding HOR.

The Type Approval Authority or the Technical Service acting on its behalf must perform or witness all of the relevant base tests during approval. At least one extended test associated with each applicable base test must also be performed or witnessed during the approval process. Under new paragraph 4.2.2.2., the manufacturer must explain when identical initial conditions may not always give a repeatable outcome to the Type Approval Authority. They must agree on test parameter ranges that do not modify the objective of the test scenario and diverge from other requirements of this Regulation. New tests cover a longitudinally moving bicycle target ahead in lane and a cut-out of a lead vehicle with an interfering vehicle. Other new tests cover a crossing pedestrian during a drive around manoeuvre and two intersection scenarios (paras. 4.2.5.2.18. to 4.2.5.2.20.).