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UN R46 Supplement 1 (05 series) · UNECE Regulation No. 46 (ECE R46) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of devices for indirect vision and of motor vehicles with regard to the installation of these devices.

UN R46 — Supplement 1 to the 05 series of amendments

Base text → Supplement 1

Adopted at the WP.29 192nd sessionEntry into force 2024-09-22
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What changed
  • New paragraphs 12.7. to 12.9. define centre-steered and side-steered vehicles; separate provisions give each a Class VI field of vision and CMS magnification factors.
  • Paragraph 6.1.1.2. now covers rear-view mirrors (Classes II to VII) whose reflecting-surface edge is not enclosed by the protective housing independent from any adjustment position.
  • Paragraph 6.3.2. now says in points (a) and (b) when the impact test is not carried out, and refers to Annex 9.
Why
  • OICA proposed to introduce centre-steered vehicles and corresponding magnification factors; the Task Force amended it to also cover the M1 and N1 vehicle categories.
  • OICA proposed to introduce frameless outside mirrors; a frameless design could reduce the mirror's width and height significantly (up to 30 per cent).
  • For a Class I CMS on the vehicle's roof, the impact test is seen as unnecessary, because a contact is seen as very unlikely.

Q1What changed85 changes

Centre-steered vehicles: definitions, table of devices and mirror adjustment (paras. 12.7. to 12.9., 15.2.1.1.1. and 15.2.3.2.)

New paragraph 12.7. defines a 'Centre-steered vehicle' as a vehicle that is steered from a central driving position. Under new paragraph 12.8., a 'Central driving position' is defined when Y coordinate of the 'R' point is in Y0 position within ±60 mm. New paragraph 12.9. defines a 'Side-steered vehicle' as a vehicle which is not a centre-steered vehicle. In the table of paragraph 15.2.1.1.1., new entries say 'For centre-steered vehicles (see paragraphs 15.2.2.7. and 15.2.4.5.5.) on both sides'. In the same table, the alternative 'Class II mirrors' now reads 'Class II devices for indirect vision'. Paragraph 15.2.3.2. now adds: 'In case of a centre-steered vehicle this provision applies to mirrors on both sides.'

'Centre-steered vehicle' means a vehicle that is steered from a central driving position.
'Central driving position' is defined when Y coordinate of the 'R' point is in Y0 position within ±60 mm.
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Class VI field of vision for centre-steered vehicles (paras. 15.2.4.6.1. and 15.2.4.6.2., Figures 9.1 and 9.2)

Paragraph 15.2.4.6.1. now has points (a) to (e) for side-steered vehicles and new points (f) to (i) for centre-steered vehicles. For centre-steered vehicles, the plane of point (h) is 2,000 mm outside the outermost side of both sides of the vehicle. For centre-steered vehicles, paragraph 15.2.4.6.2. now refers to a plane '900 mm outside the outermost side of the vehicle on both sides'. Figure 9 is renumbered as Figure 9.1, 'Class VI field of vision for side-steered vehicle'. New Figure 9.2 is titled 'Class VI field of vision for centre-steered vehicle'. A vision support system must be able to detect the object within the field defined in Figure 9.1 and Figure 9.2, instead of Figure 9.

The field of vision shall be such that the driver can see at least a flat horizontal portion of the road, which is for side-steered vehicles bounded by:
A a transverse vertical plane 2,000 mm in front of the plane defined in (a);
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Magnification factors of the CMS for side-steered and centre-steered vehicles (paras. 16.1.3.1.1. to 16.1.3.1.3.)

Paragraph 16.1.3.1.1. now gives the minimum magnification factors for side-steered vehicles of classes M and N, and the average factors for side-steered vehicles. The values for side-steered vehicles are the same as before, for example 0.31 minimum and 0.33 average for Class I. New paragraph 16.1.3.1.2. covers centre-steered vehicles of classes M1 and N1, for Class I and Classes II, III and IV (driver centre). New paragraph 16.1.3.1.3. covers centre-steered vehicles of classes M2, M3, N2 and N3, for Class I and Classes II and IV (driver centre). The minimum factor for Class II (driver centre) is 0.26 for classes M1 and N1, and 0.22 for classes M2, M3, N2 and N3.

The minimum magnification factor for side-steered vehicles of classes M and N shall not be less than:
for For Class I: 0.31;
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Edge of the reflecting surface and protective housing (paras. 6.1.1.2. and 6.3.2.2.2.2.)

Point (a) of paragraph 6.1.1.2., for rear-view mirrors of Classes II to VII, now describes three cases, with new figures (i), (ii) and (iii). For an enclosed edge (i), 'c' on the housing’s perimeter must be at least 2.5 mm at all points and in all directions. A reflecting surface projecting beyond the housing in any adjustment position (ii) must meet the 2.5 mm and 50 N return requirements. New case (iii) covers an edge not enclosed by the protective housing independent from any adjustment position. In case (iii), 'c' on its perimeter must be at least 2.5 mm at all points and in all directions. For case (iii), under paragraph 6.3.2.2.2.2., the Technical Service must identify the worst case test positions for both impact directions, in consultation with the manufacturer.

The When the edge of the reflecting surface shall be is enclosed in a protective housing (holder, etc.) which, the radius of curvature 'c' on its the housing’s perimeter, shall have a value "c" greater be not less than or equal to 2.5 mm at all points and in all directions. If the reflecting surface projects beyond the protective housing, the radius of curvature "c" on the edge of the projecting part shall be not less than 2.5 mm and the reflecting surface shall return into the protective housing under a force of 50 N applied to the point of greatest projection, relative to the protective housing, in a horizontal direction, approximately parallel to the longitudinal median plane of the vehicle.figure below (i).
When the reflecting surface projects beyond the protective housing in any adjustment position (figure below (ii)), the radius of curvature 'c' on the edge of the projecting part shall be not less than 2.5 mm and the reflecting surface shall return into the protective housing under a force of 50 N applied to the point of greatest projection, relative to the protective housing, in a horizontal direction, approximately parallel to the longitudinal median plane of the vehicle.
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External original surface, impact point and impact test (paras. 2.7., 2.8., 6.1.1.6., 6.3.2. and Annex 9)

Paragraph 6.1.1.6. now uses 'the external original surface where the device is protruding from' instead of 'the surface to which the device is attached'. Point (a) of paragraph 6.3.2. now exempts from the impact test exterior devices that meet both of the following conditions. They do not project beyond the overall width and length of the vehicle. They provide a frontal deflecting area of an angle not more than 45° measured in relation to the longitudinal median plane of the vehicle. For point (b), the 100 mm is now measured at the attachment point, beyond the circumscribing external original surface instead of the bodywork. Paragraph 6.3.2. now refers to Annex 9, which was '(Reserved)' and now contains Figure 1 for the pendulum impact test.

'external original surface' means the outside of the vehicle including the bonnet, the lid of the luggage compartment, the doors, the wings, the roof, the lighting and light-signalling devices, the visible strengthening components and additional external original design surfaces defined by the manufacturer excluding protruding supports for devices of indirect vision.
'impact point' is the position of the hammer, described in paragraphs 6.3.2.2.3. and 6.3.2.2.4., independent of where first contact occurs.
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Camera-monitor system available (para. 15.2.1.1.2.)

Paragraph 15.2.1.1.2. adds the condition 'if the camera-monitor system is available (see paragraph 16.1.2.)' for permanent visibility to the driver. The other conditions stay: the ignition is on or the vehicle master control switch is activated (whichever is applicable).

In the case a camera-monitor system is used for rendering (the) field(s) of vision, the relevant field(s) of vision shall be permanently visible to the driver when the ignition is on or the vehicle master control switch is activated (whichever is applicable) and if the camera-monitor system is available (see paragraph 16.1.2.), and not used for other information. However, when the vehicle is moving forward at a speed above 10 km/h or backwards, the monitor or the part of the monitor intended for rendering the Class VI field of vision may be used for other information. Multiple images may be used or displayed provided that the monitor has been approved in this mode.

Approval number (paras. 5.2. and 14.2.) and the term “device for indirect vision”

Paragraphs 5.2. and 14.2. now say an approval number must be assigned to each approved type in accordance with Schedule 4 of the Agreement (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3). The sentences on the first two digits (at present 04), and on a Contracting Party not assigning the same number to another type, are removed. In paragraphs 6.3.1.1., 6.3.2.2.2.1., 15.2.2.6., 15.2.4.5.12. and 15.2.4.9.2., 'mirror' now reads 'device for indirect vision' or 'device'. In paragraph 16.1.4., 'individual mirror classes' now reads 'individual classes'.

An approval number shall be assigned to each approved type approved. Its first two digits (at present 04) shall indicate the series of amendments incorporating the most recent major technical amendments made to the Regulation at the time of issue in accordance with Schedule 4 of the approval. The same Contracting Party shall not assign the same number to another type of device for indirect vision. Agreement (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3).
An approval number shall be assigned to each approved type approved. Its first two digits (at present 04) shall indicate the series of amendments incorporating the most recent or technical amendments made to the Regulation at the time of issue in accordance with Schedule 4 of the approval. The same Contracting Party shall not assign the same number to another vehicle type.Agreement (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3).
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Q2Why it changed

Proposed by
Expert from Germany on behalf of the Task Force on UN Regulation No. 46
Working party
GRSG, 126th session (October 2023)

Reasons

  • OICA proposed to introduce centre-steered vehicles and corresponding magnification factors. The Task Force amended this proposal to also cover the M1 and N1 vehicle categories. The new definition for centre-steered vehicles is based on paragraph 2.38. of UN Regulation No. 43. On centre-steered vehicles, the driver cannot see straight down to the road on either side. Therefore, the indirect vision requirement class V is necessary on both sides of the vehicle to provide adequate vision.

    Sources (3)
    “Proposal by OICA to introduce centre-steered vehicles and corresponding magnification factors, document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/9. This proposal was amended by the Task Force to also cover M1 and N1 vehicle categories.”
    “Creation of a new definition for centre steer vehicles, which is based on UN Regulation No. 43 paragraph 2.38.”
    “The driver cannot see straight down to the road on either side on centre-steered vehicles. Therefore, the indirect vision requirement class V is necessary on both sides of the vehicle to provide adequate vision.”

  • OICA proposed to introduce frameless outside mirrors. Mirrors where the reflecting surface is assembled onto the housing (frameless) cannot meet the requirement to return into the protective housing under 50 N. A frameless design of the mirror could reduce the width and height of the mirror significantly (up to 30 per cent). The two major benefits would be a reduction of collision probability with bicyclists and pedestrians, and a reduction of the aerodynamic resistance. The test procedure was also clarified in paragraph 6.3.2.2.2.2.: the Technical Service must identify the test positions for both directions, in consultation with the manufacturer.

    Sources (5)
    “Proposal by OICA to introduce frameless outside mirrors, document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/16 as amended by GRSG-125-03-Rev.1.”
    “In this case, the reflecting surface must return into the protective housing if a force of 50 N is applied. This requirement cannot be met by mirrors where the reflecting surface is assembled onto the housing (frameless).”
    “A frameless design of the mirror could reduce the width and height of the mirror significantly (up to 30 per cent).”
    “This would then have two major benefits: a reduction of collision probability with bicyclists/pedestrians and a reduction of the aerodynamic resistance (cw).”
    “Additionally, the test procedure was clarified by amending paragraph 6.3.2.2.2.2. The Technical Service shall identify in consultation with the manufacturer the test positions for both directions.”

  • OICA proposed to clarify the possibility of having foldable camera wings.

    Source
    “Proposal by OICA to clarify the possibility of having foldable camera wings, document GRSG-125-30.”

  • For a Class I CMS on the vehicle's roof, the impact test is seen as unnecessary, because a contact is seen as very unlikely. Paragraph 6.3.2. was amended accordingly.

    Source
    “Impact Test for Class I Camera Monitoring system (CMS) on the vehicle’s roof. The test is seen as unnecessary because a contact is seen as very unlikely. Paragraph 6.3.2. was amended accordingly.”

  • Proposer's reason (informal document GRSG-126-25-Rev.1)

    The text of paragraph 6.1.1.6. is ambiguous. Mirrors have evolved, and today the surface to which the device is attached often does not follow the outer contour of the vehicle. The attachment point is in a recess, which could lead to very different positions of the cylinder. The group's interpretation was that the 'external original surface' should be the basis for evaluation. The text was modified accordingly, and a definition for 'external original surface' was included.

    Submitted by Expert of Germany (leader of the Task Force on UN-R 46), on behalf of the Task Force on UN-R 46. Working party adoption: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/105, para. 9.

    Sources (3)
    “The text of paragraph 6.1.1.6. is ambiguous. Mirrors have evolved since the original text was drafted and nowadays the surface to which the device is attached to is often not following the outer contour”
    “The attachment point is in a recess (red line in the figure below), which could lead to very different positions of the cylinder.”
    “Interpretation of the group was that the “external original surface” (green line) should be the basis for evaluation and the text was modified accordingly and a definition for “external original surface” was included.”

Document trail

  1. 2023-01ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/9Proposal by the expert from OICA on centre-steered vehicles of categories M2, M3, N2 and N3
  2. 2023-02ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/16Proposal by the expert from OICA on exterior rear-view mirrors fixed to the protective housing
  3. 2023-07ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2023/23Proposal by the expert from Germany on behalf of the Task Force on UN Regulation No. 46
  4. —Amended in sessionGRSG-126-25-Rev.1Draft Supplement 1 to the 05 series, on which the WP.29 text is based
  5. —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/105GRSG session report, para. 9
  6. 2023-12Sent to WP.29ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2024/11Text that GRSG sent to WP.29 and AC.1
  7. 2024-03WP.29 adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/1177Adopted at the 192nd session (session report, para. 140)
  8. 2024-09-22In forceC.N.402.2024.TREATIES-XI.B.16.46UN depositary notification

Q3Who is affected

Vehicle manufacturer

  • For centre-steered vehicles, check the Class VI field of vision against points (f) to (i) and Figure 9.2 (para. 15.2.4.6.1.).
  • In case of a centre-steered vehicle, apply the paragraph 15.2.3.2. inside-adjustment requirement to mirrors on both sides.
  • For centre-steered vehicles, check the table entries that now say 'on both sides' (see paragraphs 15.2.2.7. and 15.2.4.5.5.).

Component supplier

  • Check mirrors whose edge 'is not enclosed by the protective housing independent from any adjustment position' against paragraph 6.1.1.2.
  • Make sure the paragraph 6.1.1.6. cylinder passes through at least part of the external original surface where the device protrudes.
  • Check whether impact test exemption (a) or (b) now applies to your device (see Annex 9).

Technical service / Approval authority

  • For case (iii) of paragraph 6.1.1.2., identify worst case test positions for both impact directions, in consultation with the manufacturer.
  • Test centre-steered CMS magnification against 16.1.3.1.2. for classes M1 and N1, or 16.1.3.1.3. for M2, M3, N2 and N3.
  • Before you omit the impact test, check the device against exemptions (a) and (b) and Annex 9.

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

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