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UN R73 Base text (02 series) · UNECE Regulation No. 73 (ECE R73) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of: I. Vehicles with regard to their lateral protection devices (LPD) II. Lateral protection devices (LPD) III. Vehicles with regard to the installation of LPD of an approved type according to Part II of this Regulation.

UN R73 — 02 series of amendments

Changes from 01 series of amendments (supplement 2)

Adopted at the WP.29 197th sessionEntry into force 2026-06-04
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What changed
  • The lower edge limit of the LPD drops from 550 mm to 450 mm, except where the distance between adjacent axle centers exceeds 6.5 m.
  • For type approval to the 02 series of amendments, this height requirement is not compulsory until 1 September 2044 (paragraph 11.11.).
  • Paragraphs 13.1.1. and 16.1.1. on extendible trailers are deleted and now read “Reserved”.
Why
  • The expert from Japan presented the proposal, which improves the effectiveness of the LPD in preventing left- and right-turn collisions.
  • The United Kingdom expert's proposal to delete paragraphs 13.1.1. and 16.1.1. aims to remove a safety risk to vulnerable road users from fully extended trailers.
  • The European Commission expert's amendments aim to take into account the impact of the changed height requirement on Contracting Parties.

Q1What changed30 changes

Height of the lower edge of the LPD (paras 12.8., 15.6. and 11.11.)

The lower edge of the LPD must at no point be more than 450 mm above the ground. Before, the limit was 550 mm. Where the distance between the centers of adjacent axles exceeds 6.5 m, the lower edge may be up to 550 mm above the ground. For type approval to the 02 series of amendments, this height requirement is not compulsory until 1 September 2044 (paragraph 11.11.). This exemption also applies to extensions of approvals first granted before 1 September 2044.

The lower edge of LPD shall at no point be more than 450 mm above the ground. In the case of vehicles where the distance between the centers of adjacent axles exceeds 6.5m, the height of the lower edge of the LPD may be no more than 550 mm above the ground.
The lower edge of LPD shall at no point be more than 450 mm above the ground. In the case of vehicles where the distance between the centers of adjacent axles exceeds 6.5m, the lower of the bottom edge of the LPD may be no more than 550 mm above the ground.
1 more change in this group — open in Compare

Off-road use of vehicles of category N2G and N3G (paras 13.3.1. and 16.2.1.)

New paragraphs 13.3.1. and 16.2.1. are about vehicles of category N2G, N3G and their vehicle bodywork, where any LPD is incompatible with their off-road use. The Type Approval Authority may then decide that the lower edge of the LPD is at no point more than 550 mm above the ground. Each paragraph has a new footnote at “vehicle bodywork”. It covers bodywork, chassis parts or other components that, by their shape and characteristics, can be regarded as partly or fully doing the LPD function.

For vehicles of category N2G, N3G and their vehicle bodywork, where any LPD is incompatible with their off-road use, the Type Approval Authority may decide that the lower edge of LPD shall at no point be more than 550 mm above the ground.
For vehicles of category N2G, N3G and their vehicle bodywork, where any LPD is incompatible with their off-road use, the Type Approval Authority may decide that the lower edge of LPD shall at no point be more than 550mm above the ground.
2 more changes in this group — open in Compare

Extendible trailers (paras 13.1.1. and 16.1.1.)

Paragraphs 13.1.1. and 16.1.1. are deleted, and both paragraph numbers now read “Reserved”. Before, these paragraphs gave special rules for an extendible trailer. In paragraph 13.1.1., the LPD of an extended trailer needed to comply only with paragraphs 12.8., 12.9. and 12.10., and with either 12.4. or 12.5. In paragraph 16.1.1., the LPD of an extended trailer had to comply with paragraphs 15.6., 15.7. and 15.8., and with either 5.2. or 15.3.

An extendible trailer shall comply with all the requirements of paragraph 12. when closed to its minimum length; when the trailer is extended, however, the LPD need only comply with paragraphs 12.8., 12.9., and 12.10., and with either paragraph 12.4. or 12.5., but not necessarily both; extension of the trailer shall not produce gaps along the length of the LPD;
An extendible trailer shall comply with all the requirements of paragraph 15. when closed to its minimum length; when the trailer is extended, however, the LPD shall comply with paragraphs 15.6., 15.7., and 15.8., and with either paragraph 5.2. or 15.3., but not necessarily both; extension of the trailer shall not produce gaps along the length of the LPD;
2 more changes in this group — open in Compare

Transitional provisions for the 02 series of amendments (paras 11.5. to 11.10. and 11.12.)

New paragraphs 11.5. to 11.12. give the transitional provisions for the 02 series of amendments. As from 1 September 2027, Contracting Parties need not accept type approvals to any preceding series, first issued after 1 September 2027. Until 1 September 2028, they must accept type approvals to the 01 series of amendments, first issued before 1 September 2027. As from 1 September 2028, they are not obliged to accept type approvals issued to any of the preceding series of amendments. Paragraph 11.12. is about Contracting Parties whose application of this Regulation comes into force after the entry into force of the most recent series. If such a Contracting Party chooses not to accept approvals granted in accordance with paragraph 11.11., it must notify the Secretariat.

As from the official date of entry into force of the 02 series of amendments, no Contracting Party applying this UN Regulation shall refuse to grant or refuse to accept type approvals under this UN Regulation as amended by the 02 series of amendments.
As from 1 September 2027, Contracting Parties applying this UN Regulation shall not be obliged to accept type approvals to any of the preceding series of amendments, first issued after 1 September 2027.
5 more changes in this group — open in Compare

Approval numbers (paras 5.1.2., 5.2.2. and 5.3.2.) and the approval marks in Annex 2

In paragraphs 5.1.2., 5.2.2. and 5.3.2., an approval number must be assigned to each type approved in accordance with Schedule 4 of the Agreement. The earlier text on the first two digits of the approval number (at present 01) is removed. The earlier rule that the same Contracting Party must not assign the same number to another type is also removed. The texts that explain the approval marks in Annex 2 now refer to the 02 series of amendments of Regulation No. 73. Two of them give approval number 022439 in place of 012439.

An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved. Its first two digits (at present 01 corresponding to the 01 series of amendment) 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 vehicle type as defined in this Regulation.Agreement (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3).
An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved. Its first two digits (at present 01 corresponding to the 01 series of amendments) 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.Agreement (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3).
7 more changes in this group — open in Compare

References in the crane paragraph (para. 15.7.4.)

Paragraph 15.7.4. now refers to paragraphs 15.7.1. and 15.7.2. in place of paragraphs 12.9.1. and 12.9.2. It also says “operator's workstation” in place of “operator workstation”.

On a vehicle fitted with a crane for loading, unloading or other operations, having a permanently fitted operator operator's workstation or operating platform from which the crane may be controlled, the upper edge of the LPD may be determined in accordance with paragraphs 12.9.115.7.1. and 12.9.215.7.2., the workstation or operating platform being considered as if it was the load carrying platform.

References to R.E.3 in two footnotes

The footnote on the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3.) now gives document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.7 and a web link. Before, it gave document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.2, para. 2. The footnote on the distinguishing numbers of the Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement now refers to Annex 3 to R.E.3. Before, this footnote gave the list of numbers.

As defined in the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3.), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.2, para. 2 ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.7. - https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/wp29/resolutions
1 for Germany, 2 for France, 3 for Italy, 4 for the Netherlands, 5 for Sweden, 6 for Belgium, 7 for Hungary, 8 for the Czech Republic, 9 for Spain, 10 for Serbia, 11 for the United Kingdom, 12 for Austria, 13 for Luxembourg, 14 for Switzerland, 15 (vacant), 16 for Norway, 17 for Finland, 18 for Denmark, 19 for Romania, 20 for Poland, 21 for Portugal, 22 for the Russian Federation, 23 for Greece, 24 for Ireland, 25 for Croatia, 26 for Slovenia, 27 for Slovakia, 28 for Belarus, 29 for Estonia, 30 (vacant), 31 for Bosnia and Herzegovina, 32 for Latvia, 33 (vacant), 34 for Bulgaria, 35 (Kazakhstan), 36 for Lithuania, 37 for Turkey, 38 (vacant), 39 for Azerbaijan, 40 for The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 41 (vacant), 42 for the European Union (Approvals are granted by its Member States using their respective ECE symbol), 43 for Japan, 44 (vacant), 45 for Australia, 46 for Ukraine, 47 for South Africa, 48 for New Zealand, 49 for Cyprus, 50 for Malta, 51 for the Republic of Korea, 52 for Malaysia, 53 for Thailand, 54 and 55 (vacant), 56 for Montenegro, 57 (vacant) and 58 for Tunisia. Other numbers shall be assigned to other countries in the chronological order in which they ratify or accede to the Agreement Concerning the Adoption of Uniform Technical Prescriptions for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be Fitted and/or be Used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal Recognition of Approvals Granted on the Basis of these Prescriptions, and the numbers thus assigned shall be communicated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Contracting Parties to the Agreement.The distinguishing numbers of the Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement are reproduced in Annex 3 to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.7. - https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/wp29/resolutions
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Q2Why it changed

Proposed by
Expert from Japan
Working party
GRSG, 129th session (April 2025)

Reasons

  • The expert from Japan presented the proposal, which improves the effectiveness of the LPD in preventing left- and right-turn collisions. He used a summary of accident data to show the benefits of a low ground clearance, which makes the LPD more effective. An investigation and analysis of bicycle accidents in Japan looked at the height of the lower end of the LPD above the ground. A cyclist who falls directly under the vehicle is pulled by the wheels, and the injury increases.

    Sources (4)
    “that improves the effectiveness of Lateral Protection Device (LPD) in preventing left- and right-turn collisions”
    “He underlined the benefits of low ground clearance making LPD more effective by summarizing accidentology data.”
    “An investigation and analysis of bicycle accidents in Japan has shown that when the height of LPD at the lower end is 550 mm or less from the ground”
    “the cyclist falls directly under the vehicle, which is pulled by the wheels, increasing injury.”

  • The expert from the United Kingdom proposed to remove paragraphs 13.1.1. and 16.1.1., which gave some exemptions when an extendible trailer is extended. Extendible trailers are used on public roads in the fully extended position when they transport goods. They may also be used empty without being reduced back to their minimum length. This creates a risk to vulnerable road users that could be avoided. Without these paragraphs, the manufacturer would have to justify a case where the use of an LPD is incompatible with the use of the vehicle. The justification would go to the Type Approval Authority under paragraph 13.3. or 16.2.

    Sources (4)
    “This is achieved by the removal of section 13.1.1. and 16.1.1. that specify some exemptions to requirements when the trailer is extended.”
    “Extendible trailers are used on public roads in the fully extended position when transporting goods and may also be used empty without being reduced back to their minimum length.”
    “This creates a risk to vulnerable road user that could be avoided.”
    “The removal of paragraphs 13.1.1. and 16.1.1. means that where the use of an LPD is incompatible with the use of the vehicle, the manufacturer would have to justify this to the Type Approval Authority under paragraph 13.3. or 16.2.”

  • The expert from Italy proposed text to make sure that the Type Approval Authorities interpret the exemptions on the height of the LPD correctly.

    Source
    “The expert from Italy introduced GRSG-129-47-Rev.2, to ensure the correct interpretation of the exemptions on the height of LPD by the Type Approval Authorities.”

  • Proposer's reason (informal document GRSG-129-21-Rev.5)

    The proposal takes into account the risk of contact with road facilities. For this reason, for vehicles with a longer distance between axles, the LPD height can stay the same as the current requirement.

    Submitted by Experts from Japan and France. Working party adoption: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/108, para. 15.

    Source
    “Taking into accounts the risk of contact with road facilities, for the vehicle with longer distance of axile, minimum hight of LPD can be same as current requirement.”

  • Proposer's reason (informal document GRSG-130-36)

    The amendments aim to take into account the impact of the changed height requirement for the lower edge of the LPD on the Contracting Parties. This includes the need to adapt the infrastructure. The amendments also aim to make sure that all Contracting Parties signatories to this UN Regulation have equal treatment.

    Submitted by Expert from the European Commission. Working party adoption: ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/109, para. 48.

    Sources (2)
    “to further take into account the impact of the modified requirement for the height of the lower edge of LPD on the Contracting Parties, including the need to adapt the infrastructure”
    “to ensure equal treatment of all Contracting Parties signatories to this UN Regulation.”

Document trail

  1. 2024-07ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2024/38Proposal by the expert from Japan
  2. 2025-01ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2025/3Proposal by the expert from the United Kingdom
  3. —RevisedGRSG-129-21-Rev.5Changed proposal by the experts from Japan and France
  4. —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/108Session report, para. 15
  5. 2025-07Amended in sessionECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2025/12Proposal by the expert from Japan to amend ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2025/104
  6. 2025-08Sent to WP.29ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2025/104Text that GRSG sent to WP.29 and AC.1
  7. —Amended in sessionGRSG-130-36Amendments by the expert from the European Commission, endorsed by most GRSG experts
  8. —Amended in sessionWP.29-197-09GRSG-130-36 submitted to WP.29 as an informal document
  9. 2025-11WP.29 adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/1188Adopted at the 197th session (session report, para. 110)
  10. 2026-06-04In forceC.N.210.2026.TREATIES-XI.B.16.73UN depositary notification

Q3Who is affected

Vehicle manufacturer

  • Keep the LPD lower edge at no point over 450 mm above the ground, unless adjacent axle centers exceed 6.5m.
  • If the distance between adjacent axle centers exceeds 6.5 m, keep the lower edge at or below 550 mm.
  • Plan the new height limit: paragraph 11.11. makes it not compulsory for 02 series approvals until 1 September 2044.
  • For an extendible trailer, check the LPD with the trailer extended, because paragraphs 13.1.1. and 16.1.1. are deleted.
  • Identify N2G and N3G vehicles where any LPD is incompatible with their off-road use (paragraphs 13.3.1. and 16.2.1.).

Component supplier

  • Check your LPD lower edge is at no point over 450 mm above ground, unless adjacent axle centers exceed 6.5m.
  • If you supply LPDs for extendible trailers, check how the LPD covers the trailer when it is extended.
  • Check the approval marks on your LPDs against the updated examples in Annex 2.

Technical service / Approval authority

  • Measure the lower edge of the LPD against the 450 mm limit in paragraphs 12.8. and 15.6.
  • Where the distance between the centers of adjacent axles exceeds 6.5 m, check the lower edge against 550 mm.
  • Test extendible trailers in the extended position too, because paragraphs 13.1.1. and 16.1.1. are deleted.
  • Be ready for decisions of the Type Approval Authority on the 550 mm limit in paragraphs 13.3.1. and 16.2.1.
  • Update your checklists: paragraph 15.7.4. now refers to paragraphs 15.7.1. and 15.7.2.

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

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