UN R79 Base text (05 series) · UNECE Regulation No. 79 (ECE R79) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to steering equipment.
UN R79 — 05 series of amendments
Changes from 04 series of amendments (supplement 10)
- What changed
- Paragraph 1.2.4. is deleted, so vehicles of categories M and N without manual steering controls intended for use during normal operation are no longer excluded.
- New paragraphs 5.8.4. to 5.8.6.3. and 6.2.6. to 6.2.9. add provisions for vehicles with an ADS, and steering time tests whilst the ADS is active.
- Paragraph 5.8. no longer excludes Automated Lane Keeping Systems. Until 1 September 2030, new vehicle types whose ALKS does not comply with paragraph 5.8. may be approved to the 05 series.
- Why
- The proposal extends the scope to ADS vehicles both with and without manual driving capability.
- An ADS can respond to failures immediately, so different requirements for steering controlled by an ADS are appropriate.
- The task force found no provision in paragraph 5.8. that ALKS vehicles should not already meet under UN Regulation No. 157.
Q1What changed94 changes
Scope and definitions (paras. 1.2.4., 2.3., 2.3.2., 2.3.4.)
Paragraph 1.2.4. is deleted, so vehicles of categories M and N without manual steering controls intended for use during normal operation are no longer excluded. The Introduction now says that the Regulation has been adapted to allow the approval of automated vehicles without manual steering controls. In the definition of steering equipment, “The steering control” becomes “The steering control, if any”. Steering transmission components now form a functional link between “the steering control and/or ADS (as applicable)” and the road wheels. Paragraph 2.3.4. now says “assistance to a driver” instead of “assistance to the driver”, and Annex 7, paragraph 2.1.2. now says “user manual” instead of “driver's manual”. The footnote that refers to R.E.3 now names document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.8 instead of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.7 and gives a new web address.
Vehicles of categories X and Y (paras. 5.1.1. to 5.1.1.3., 5.5.3., 5.7.1.)
The self-centring requirement moves from paragraph 5.1.1. to new paragraph 5.1.1.1., which does not apply to vehicles of categories X and Y. For vehicles of categories X and Y, the steering control, if fitted, and its transmission must meet only paragraphs 5.1.1.2.1. to 5.1.1.2.5. For vehicles of categories X and Y with a remote-control device close to the vehicle, paragraph 5.7. applies except paragraphs 5.7.1.13. and 5.7.1.16. to 5.7.1.21. Technical means must make sure that vehicles of categories X and Y cannot exceed 6 km/h whilst being manually driven. For vehicles of categories X and Y, new paragraph 5.5.3. requires suitable means, for example a test mode, for the physical checks of paragraph 5.5.1. Under paragraph 5.7.1., vehicles of categories X and Y may now also have RCM, if the system fulfils the requirements that follow.
ADS steering equipment (paras. 2.5.1.1.4., 5.8.6. to 5.8.6.3.)
New paragraph 2.5.1.1.4. defines “ADS steering equipment”: the steering is controlled by an ADS and the steering forces come solely from energy supplies. Whilst an ADS feature is active, the steering equipment is classified as ADS steering equipment and must meet all applicable requirements and additional ones. For ADS steering equipment with electrical energy transmission, an energy management system (para. 5.3.3.6.7.) is needed if any ADS feature can operate above 10 km/h. This energy management system must continuously transmit the state of the electrical storage devices to the ADS. With non-electrical energy transmission, the level of stored energy in the energy reservoirs must be continuously transmitted to the ADS. Under paragraph 5.8.6.3., the manufacturer must document and demonstrate how the system fulfils the manufacturer's specifications in case of an energy supply or transmission failure.
Warnings, steering control and assistance systems whilst an ADS feature is active (paras. 5.4., 5.8.3. to 5.8.5.)
The requirements of paragraph 5.4. on warning signals to the driver do not apply whilst an ADS feature is active, and paragraph 5.8.3. applies instead. Under paragraph 5.8.3., warning signals and other information intended for the driver must be transmitted to the ADS whilst an ADS feature is active. How faults already detected reach the ADS before an ADS feature becomes active must be documented by the manufacturer and demonstrated under Annex 6. Without prejudice to other applicable regulations, the steering control and its transmission links may be disabled or disconnected whilst an ADS feature is active. Advanced Driver Assistance Steering Systems must not be active, or able to be activated, whilst an ADS feature is active (para. 5.8.5.). In Annex 4, paragraph 2.3.1. and Annex 7, paragraph 3.5., failure warnings now go to the driver or to the ADS, as applicable.
Steering time tests and other tests with an ADS (paras. 6.1.4., 6.2., 6.2.6. to 6.2.9., Annex 3)
Whilst an ADS feature is active, paragraphs 6.2.2. to 6.2.5. do not apply, and new paragraphs 6.2.6. and 6.2.7. apply. With intact steering equipment and the ADS active, the steered wheels must reach a turning radius of 12 m within 4 seconds at 10 km/h. With a steering failure and the ADS active, the limit is 4 s to a 20 m radius, or 6 s for M3 and N3. The test method is subject to agreement with the Technical Service, and a formula adjusts the time limit if a radius is not attainable. For systems that use electrical energy, automated driving systems, where fitted, now count as essential systems for the electrical load in performance tests. In Annex 3, brake tests of vehicles of categories X and Y must use a method agreed between the manufacturer and the Technical Service.
ALKS in paragraph 5.8. and transitional provisions (para. 12.4.)
Paragraph 5.8. no longer excludes Automated Lane Keeping Systems as defined in UN Regulation No. 157, so it covers any vehicle with an ADS. Until 1 September 2030, 05 series approvals may be granted to new vehicle types with an ALKS that does not comply with paragraph 5.8. Contracting Parties must continue to accept approvals for vehicle types whose ALKS does not comply with paragraph 5.8., if first issued before 1 September 2030. From 1 September 2027, Contracting Parties are not obliged to accept approvals to the preceding series first issued after 1 September 2027. From 1 September 2029, Contracting Parties are not obliged to accept approvals to the preceding series (para. 12.4.4.). Approvals to any preceding series must continue to be accepted for vehicles not affected by the 05 series, if their transitional provisions allow it.
ACSF of Category A and DCAS (paras. 4.4.3., 5.6.1., 5.6.1.2.9.)
In paragraph 4.4.3., the letter “X” before the approval number now also applies when ACSF of Category A is exempted under paragraph 5.6.1. Paragraph 5.6.1. now adds an exception: the Category A requirements that follow do not apply if the vehicle has a DCAS that meets three conditions. The DCAS conditions: it incorporates this function, allows its activation only during operation and as part of DCAS, and complies with UN Regulation No. 171. Paragraph 5.6.1.2.9. corrects “trough” to “through”. A new RegVault Note explains the text of paragraph 5.6.1.
Q2Why it changed
- Proposed by
- Task force on regulatory fitness for Automated Driving System
- Working party
- GRVA, 24th session (January 2026)
Reasons
The scope text added in an earlier amendment for ADS vehicles with full manual driving capability is no longer needed. The proposal extends the scope to ADS vehicles both with and without manual driving capability.
Sources (2)
“The amendment introduced into the scope when UN Regulation No. 79 was previously amended to cover ADS vehicle with full manual driving capability is no longer needed”
“this proposal expands the scope to include ADS vehicles both with and without manual driving capability”
The proposal exempts steering controls of vehicles of categories X and Y from most requirements of UN Regulation No. 79. These controls can only be used below 6 km/h, where requirements such as steering effort and safe handling are not justified. The relaxations depend on low speeds, so for safety a requirement to keep the speed low is appropriate.
Sources (4)
“Allowance for steering controls in vehicles of categories X and Y (i.e. controls that can only be used below 6 km/h) to be exempted from the majority of requirements of R79”
“requirements of R79 (e.g. those related to steering effort and safe handling), since these requirements are not justified when operating at such low speeds”
“the relaxations to the steering requirements given for vehicles of categories X and Y are on the basis that the vehicle can only be driven at low speeds”
“so to ensure safety it is appropriate to have a requirement to ensure this is the case”
Steering equipment under the control of an ADS has no muscular energy from a driver, so it is similar to full power steering. But full power steering requirements give a human driver the time and performance to react. Vehicles with an ADS have a defined ODD, and an ADS can respond to failures immediately. For this reason, the proposal allows different requirements for steering controlled by an ADS, in a new class of “ADS Steering Equipment”.
Sources (3)
“When an ADS is performing the DDT, there is no muscular energy available from a driver. Therefore, steering equipment under the control of an ADS is similar to ‘Full Power Steering’ (FPS) as regulated in UN Regulation No. 79.”
“However, FPS requirements have been drafted to allow the necessary time and performance for a human driver to react to the situation and respond accordingly”
“ADS vehicles have a defined ODD (which may restrict, for example, the types of roads that can be used and the maximum vehicle speed), and ADS can also be relied upon to respond to failures immediately.”
Conventional vehicles must let a human driver turn the steering wheel to a given position within 4 seconds and with a maximum force. It is appropriate to require the same performance from a vehicle controlled by an ADS: the same turning radius within the same time limits. The maximum force requirement does not apply under ADS control. A reduced maximum turning radius must be allowed where the ODD limits the steering angle that the ADS can request.
Sources (4)
“Conventional vehicles are required to be designed in a way that a human driver can turn the steering wheel to a given position within 4 seconds and with a maximum force.”
“It is appropriate to require a vehicle being controlled by an ADS to achieve the same performance (i.e. be able to achieve the respective turning radius within the same time limits).”
“The maximum force requirement is omitted whilst under ADS control.”
“It is necessary to allow a reduced maximum turning radius where the ADS is limited in its ability to request steering angle due to its Operational Design Domain (ODD)”
In the first phase of the work, ALKS vehicles were left out of the special requirements for vehicles with an ADS. The aim was that the amendments would not affect existing vehicles. The task force found no provision in paragraph 5.8. that ALKS vehicles should not already meet under UN Regulation No. 157. So the proposal treats ALKS vehicles like any other ADS vehicles.
Sources (3)
“ALKS vehicles were omitted from the ‘special requirements for vehicles equipped with an ADS’ in order to be sure that the amendments to UN Regulation No. 79 would not impact existing vehicles.”
“the Task Force has not been able to identify any provision within paragraph 5.8 that ALKS vehicles should not already have to meet according to the requirements of UN Regulation No. 157.”
“Therefore, it is proposed to remove this reference and treat ALKS vehicles like any other ADS vehicles”
Document trail
- 2025-07ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2025/41Proposal by the task force on regulatory fitness for Automated Driving System
- —Amended in sessionGRVA-23-16Task force change to paragraph 6.2.8.
- —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/23GRVA session report, para. 23
- —Amended in sessionGRVA-24-40Changes by the United Kingdom to paragraphs 4.4.3. and 5.6.1.
- —Amended in sessionGRVA-24-25Correction by Japan to paragraph 5.6.1.2.9.
- —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/24GRVA session report, paras. 60 and 63
- 2026-04Sent to WP.29ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/9/Rev.1Revised text that GRVA sent to WP.29 and AC.1
- —Amended in sessionWP.29-199-10Amendment to footnote 1, reproduced in Annex VI of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1192
- 2026-06-24WP.29 adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/1192Adopted at the 199th session (session report, para. 103)
- PendingIn forceDate not yet known
Q3Who is affected
Vehicle manufacturer
- Check whether the provisions of the 05 series affect your vehicle types (para. 12.4.5.).
- Plan for 1 September 2027 and 1 September 2029, the dates of paragraphs 12.4.2. to 12.4.4.
- For new vehicle types with an ALKS, check that the ALKS meets paragraph 5.8.
- For vehicles with an ADS, prepare an overview of the transmission links between the ADS and steering equipment (para. 3.2.4.).
- Document and demonstrate under Annex 6 how the system fulfils your specifications in case of energy supply or transmission failures.
- Make sure that driver warnings and information go to the ADS whilst an ADS feature is active (para. 5.8.3.).
- Document how faults already detected reach the ADS before an ADS feature becomes active (Annex 6).
- Make sure that Advanced Driver Assistance Steering Systems cannot be active or activated whilst an ADS feature is active.
- For vehicles of categories X and Y, make sure that technical means limit the manual driving speed to 6 km/h.
- For vehicles with an ADS, apply the 07 series of amendments to Regulation No. 10, or later (para. 5.1.5.).
Component supplier
- For ADS steering equipment with electrical energy transmission, check the need for an energy management system (para. 5.8.6.1.1.).
- Make sure that the energy management system of paragraph 5.8.6.1.1. continuously transmits the storage device state to the ADS.
- Design the warning signal to the ADS for the ageing of electrical storage devices to paragraph 5.8.6.1.1.1.
- For ADS steering equipment with non-electrical energy transmission, make sure the reservoir energy level goes to the ADS continuously.
- Make sure the failure warnings of Annex 4, paragraph 2.3.1. go to the driver or to the ADS, as applicable.
- Make sure Annex 7 electric control transmission failures are shown to the driver or sent to the ADS, as applicable.
- Give the vehicle manufacturer steering actuator data for the steering time tests of paragraphs 6.2.6. and 6.2.7.
Technical service / Approval authority
- Whilst an ADS feature is active, apply paragraphs 6.2.6. and 6.2.7., not paragraphs 6.2.2. to 6.2.5.
- Agree the steering time test method with the manufacturer (para. 6.2.9.).
- Check that the steering time test report describes the method and records the steering demand for each test.
- Use the formula of paragraph 6.2.8. if a turning radius of 12 m or 20 m is not attainable.
- Assess the failure performance of paragraph 5.8.6.3. at the time of type approval.
- Under paragraph 5.8.6.3., check that the intact-system requirements of paragraph 6 are met until the speed is below 10 km/h.
- For vehicles of categories X and Y, agree the Annex 3 test method with the manufacturer.
- For ADS vehicles outside categories X and Y, check that Annex 3 tests use at least the manual brake control.
- For ADS vehicles outside categories X and Y, waive ADS-mode tests only if the manufacturer shows the same brake performance.
- For vehicles of categories X and Y, check that suitable means allow the physical checks of paragraph 5.5.1.
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ⓘ This report gives advice only. It is not legal or type-approval advice.
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- 04 series — Base text
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- 03 series — Supplement 16
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- 03 series — Supplement 7
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