UN R79 — Supplement 11 to the 03 series of amendments

New paragraphs 2.11. and 2.11.1. define 'Automated Driving System (ADS)' and 'Dynamic Driving Task (DDT)'. An ADS means the vehicle hardware and software that are collectively capable of performing the entire DDT on a sustained basis. The DDT means the real-time operational and tactical functions required to operate the vehicle. The definition of 'Steering control' (paragraph 2.3.1.) now says the part is 'directly actuated by a driver'. It may also operate without direct intervention of the driver, for example due to action by an Advanced Driver Assistance Steering System or ADS. The definition of 'Autonomous Steering System' (paragraph 2.3.3.) now says 'a system, other than an ADS'.

New paragraph 1.2.4. adds to the list of what this Regulation does not apply to. It names vehicles of Categories M and N which are not equipped with manual steering controls intended for use during normal operation. A new Introduction paragraph says advances in technology have enabled the possibility for vehicles to be operated by an ADS without any human driver. It says that, as an initial step, this Regulation has been adapted to allow the approval of vehicles with an ADS and manual driving controls. The Introduction text on steering controlled by external signals now adds 'unless these functions meet the definition of an ADS'.

New paragraph 5.8. covers any vehicle equipped with an ADS, other than Automated Lane Keeping Systems as defined in UN Regulation No. 157. Paragraph 5.8.1. lets an ADS control the vehicle's steering equipment under two conditions. One condition is that the ADS is designed to comply with relevant national and/or international technical regulations and relevant national legislation governing operation. The other is that its activation is restricted by technical means to the jurisdiction(s) where these apply. The manufacturer must declare compliance with this requirement at the time of the application for approval.

Paragraph 5.8.2.: compliance with the applicable performance requirements of this Regulation whilst the ADS is active must be demonstrated in accordance with Annex 6. The transmission links between the ADS and the steering equipment, excluding the ADS itself, are subject to the requirements of Annex 6. Whilst the ADS is active, detected faults as described in paragraph 5.4. must be transmitted to the ADS. Notwithstanding paragraph 5.4.1.1., paragraph 5.8.3.1. requires the steering system to detect certain faults and transmit them to the ADS. These faults impair the steering function, and a driver can detect them under manual driving conditions due to steering system vibration or more steering force. This does not apply if the ADS itself is capable of detecting or sensing the presence of these faults.

Paragraph 5.1.3. adds steering being controlled by an ADS to the cases where its requirements do not apply. New item 5.6. of Annex 1 asks yes/no whether the vehicle is equipped with an ADS.

Paragraph 2.4.8. now says the RCP actuation is made in close proximity to the vehicle or the vehicle combination. Paragraph 2.4.9. adds 'or of the contour of both vehicles in case of vehicle combination' to the SRCPmax definition. Under new paragraph 5.6.1.2.10., if RCP is designed to operate in combination with a trailer, the manufacturer must demonstrate four points to the Technical Service. They are how the safety of this operation is ensured and how SRCPmax is enforced for different trailer lengths. They also cover how sensing is achieved with the trailer in place and how additional sensing capabilities are implemented (if applicable).

Paragraph 1.2.3. now names ACSF of Categories B2, D or E (before: Category B2 or E), defined in paragraphs 2.3.4.1.3., 2.3.4.1.5., or 2.3.4.1.6., respectively. This Regulation does not apply to steering systems exhibiting this functionality until specific provisions are introduced in this Regulation. Paragraph 2.10. now reads '(reserved)' instead of the definition of 'Driver Control Assistance System (DCAS)'. Paragraph 1.1. now writes 'Categories' with a capital letter, and paragraph 1.2.2. now refers to 'paragraph 2.3.3' without a final full stop. A footnote on the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3) now refers to document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.7 instead of Rev.6.