UN R48 — Supplement 9 to the 08 series of amendments

New paragraph 2.3.12.1. applies the R.E.3, Revision 8 definitions of “Dynamic Driving Task (DDT)” and “Automated Driving System (ADS)” to this Regulation. New paragraphs 2.3.12.2. to 2.3.12.4. define “Driver”, “Operational Design Domain (ODD)” and “ADS feature”. The definitions of “Switch ON”, “Switch OFF”, “Activate” and “Deactivate” now include operation through the action of an ADS (paras. 2.7.6.1. to 2.7.6.4.). A direction-indicator lamp now tells other road users that the driver or the ADS intends to change direction (para. 2.5.3.). The definition of “Adaptive main-beam” now refers to long-range illumination ahead of the vehicle instead of long-range visibility for the driver (para. 2.7.4.7.). One footnote now refers to R.E.3 document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.8 instead of Rev.3, and a new footnote gives the same reference.

An ADS may control the lighting and light-signalling functions if it complies with the UN Regulation on ADS or UN Regulation No. 157 (para. 5.38.1.). While an ADS feature is active, the vehicle must let the ADS control all lighting and light-signalling functions of this Regulation (para. 5.38.5.). Requirements on the “driver” or on “manual operation” assume that no ADS feature is active, if not otherwise specified (para. 5.38.4.). For categories X and Y, requirements on driver presence, tell-tales or warnings, and manual controls do not apply, if not otherwise specified (para. 5.38.6.). Vehicles of categories X and Y are tested with a dedicated activation method, for example a test mode (para. 5.38.7.). Driver Assistance Projections, which are intended to support the driver only, must not be activated while an ADS feature is active (para. 5.35.14.).

While an ADS feature is active, the ADS must control the main-beam operation, if applicable (paras. 6.1.7.2.1. and 6.22.7.1.2.1.). The ADS may now switch the direction-indicator lamps, and may operate the signal that makes all of them flash in phase (paras. 6.5.7. and 6.6.7.1.). With the exception of an active ADS feature, it must always be possible to switch the dipped-beam headlamps ON manually (para. 6.2.7.6.). The driver or the ADS must at all times be able to engage the automatic operation (para. 6.2.7.7.). In paragraphs 6.19.7.2.(c) and 6.26.7., “each manual activation” becomes “each activation”. Paragraphs 5.2.1. and 5.14.4. now also name the ADS, and several paragraphs say “a driver” instead of “the driver”.

The main-beam headlamp is now optional for categories X and Y, mandatory on all other motor vehicles and prohibited on trailers (para. 6.1.1.). For vehicles equipped with an ADS, paragraphs 6.1.4.3., 6.2.4.3., 6.3.4.3. and 6.22.4.2. add a condition to the “at the front” requirement. The condition is that the light does not influence negatively the performance of the ADS feature. Paragraph 6.13.4.2. adds a front height rule for vehicles equipped with an ADS and not fitted with a windscreen. For such vehicles, the height is the maximum compatible with the width, design and operational requirements of the vehicle and the symmetry of the lamps.

New text in Annex 5 names the front seat nearest to the opposing traffic, formerly known as the “driver's seat”, “seating position 1”. If, for design or operational reasons, seating position 1 is not on the front seat nearest to the opposing traffic, the manufacturer must specify it. Added loading conditions cover category X with seating position 1 unoccupied and no other occupants, and category Y without occupants. Several loading cases in Annex 5 now say “one person in seating position 1” instead of the driver or “one person in the driver's seat”. In paragraphs 6.2.6.1.1., 6.3.6.1.1., 6.3.6.1.2.2.2. and 6.22.6.1.1., the unladen vehicle state now has one person in the front seat nearest to the opposing traffic. If a driver's seat is fitted but is not the front seat nearest to the opposing traffic, the applicant must specify it (para. 3.2.11.).

A “direction indicator projection” is a light signal projected on the ground to give other road users enhanced recognition of the direction indication (para. 2.7.13.). The colour of direction indicator projections is amber, and they must be flashing lamps (paras. 5.15. and 5.9.1.). The patterns may use only the basic elements of new Annex 18, a chevron, in a straight line (paras. 5.37.2.1. and 5.37.2.2.). The number, size, ratio and spacing of the basic elements are not restricted if the requirements of paragraph 6.28.5. are met (para. 5.37.2.3.). After two minutes of continuous wiper operation, a projection above the intensity limit must switch OFF or reduce to the limit or less (para. 5.37.4.). If projections are provided, the manufacturer must give the list of patterns, and the owner's handbook must explain them (paras. 3.2.10. and 5.37.1.).

Under new paragraph 6.28., the direction indicator projection is optional. Categories M and N may have one front and/or one rear projection per side; categories O3 and O4 may have one rear projection per side. The projectors must be type approved to the 01 or later series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 148. A front projection may extend at most 5,000 mm ahead of the vehicle front and 1,500 mm beyond its outer edge (para. 6.28.5.1.). A rear projection may extend at most 2,000 mm behind the vehicle rear and 1,500 mm beyond its outer edge (para. 6.28.5.2.). A visual test from the zone boundary shown in Annex 14 checks that no projector apparent surface is directly visible (para. 6.28.9.1.).