Date: 2018-11-28Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: Europe
Regulation No 39 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UN/ECE) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to the speedometer and odometer equipment including its installation [2018/1857]
**Executive Summary:**
This document outlines UNECE Regulation No. 39 concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to speedometer and odometer equipment, including its installation. It applies to vehicles of categories L, M, and N. The regulation incorporates all valid text up to Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments, with a date of entry into force of 10 October 2017. As of September 1, 2017, Contracting Parties applying this regulation shall grant new type approvals only if the vehicle type meets the requirements as amended by the 01 series of amendments.
**Key Points / Main Content:**
* **Scope:**
* Applies to vehicles of categories L, M, and N.
* **Definitions:**
* Defines "approval of a vehicle," "type of vehicle," "tyres normally fitted," "normal running pressure," "speedometer," "odometer," and "unladen vehicle."
* Specifies criteria for essential differences in vehicle types related to speedometer and odometer equipment.
* **Approval Process:**
* Outlines the application process for vehicle type approval, including required documentation and submission of a representative vehicle.
* Specifies that approval is granted if the vehicle type meets the Regulation's requirements.
* Details the assignment of an approval number and communication of approval or refusal.
* Describes the requirements for affixing an international approval mark to approved vehicles.
* **Specifications:**
* Mandates the fitting of an onboard speedometer and odometer complying with the Regulation.
* Specifies requirements for speedometer display, including location, legibility, range of speeds displayed, graduation, and numerical value indications.
* Details the procedure for testing speedometer accuracy, including tyre specifications, vehicle weight, reference temperature, tyre pressure, and test speeds.
* Sets the relationship requirements between displayed speed (V1) and true speed (V2): 0 ≤ (V1 - V2) ≤ 0.1 V2 + 4 km/h.
* Specifies display requirements for the odometer, including the minimum number of numerals.
* **Modifications and Conformity of Production:**
* Requires communication of vehicle type modifications to the Type Approval Authority.
* Outlines the conformity of production procedures, including checks on speedometer equipment and its installation.
* Authorizes the Type Approval Authority to verify conformity control methods.
* **Penalties:**
* Specifies that approval may be withdrawn for nonconformity of production.
* Requires notification to other Contracting Parties upon withdrawal of approval.
* **Transitional Provisions:**
* No Contracting Party shall refuse to grant or accept type approvals under this Regulation as amended by the 01 series of amendments
* Contracting Parties shall grant new type approvals only if the vehicle type meets the requirements of this Regulation as amended by the 01 series of amendments as of 1 September 2017.
* Contracting Parties shall continue to accept type approvals granted according to the preceding series of amendments to the Regulation after the date of entry into force of the 01 series of amendments to this Regulation.
**Impact Analysis:**
* **Vehicle Manufacturers:**
* *Impact:* Must ensure that vehicle speedometer and odometer equipment complies with the specifications and requirements outlined in the Regulation to obtain type approval.
* *Action Required:* Review and update vehicle designs and manufacturing processes to meet the Regulation's standards.
* **Type Approval Authorities:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for verifying compliance with the Regulation, granting approvals, and monitoring conformity of production.
* *Action Required:* Implement procedures for assessing vehicle compliance, issuing approvals, and conducting periodic checks of production facilities.
* **Technical Services:**
* *Impact:* Conduct approval tests on vehicle speedometer and odometer equipment.
* *Action Required:* Perform tests according to the specified procedures and provide test reports to Type Approval Authorities.
* **Contracting Parties to the Agreement:**
* *Impact:* Must adhere to the Regulation's provisions and accept type approvals granted under the Regulation.
* *Action Required:* Update national regulations to align with the Regulation's requirements and communicate the names and addresses of Technical Services and Type Approval Authorities to the United Nations secretariat.
Key Entities Referenced
UNECE: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the body responsible for the original texts of the regulation.
Regulation No 39 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations: This is the primary regulation discussed in the document, concerning speedometer and odometer equipment.
Agreement: Refers to the international agreement to which the Regulation is annexed.
Type Approval Authority: The authority responsible for granting type approval for vehicles.
Technical Services: Organizations responsible for conducting approval tests.
categories L, M and N: Vehicle categories to which the regulation applies.
TRANSWP.29343: UNECE status document which contains the latest version of status and date of entry into force of the Regulation
Netherlands: The country which has granted approval as described in approval mark example.
L 302/106 EN Official Journal of the European Union 28.11.2018
ACTS ADOPTED BY BODIES CREATED BY
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
Only the original UN/ECE texts have legal effect under international public law. The status and date of entry into force of this Regulation
should be checked in the latest version of the UN/ECE status document TRANS/WP.29/343, available at:
http://www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29fdocstts.html
Regulation No 39 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UN/ECE) —
Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to the speedometer and
odometer equipment including its installation [2018/1857]
Incorporating all valid text up to:
Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments – Date of entry into force: 10 October 2017
CONTENTS
REGULATION
1. Scope
2. Definitions
3. Application for approval
4. Approval
5. Specifications
6. Modifications of the vehicle type
7. Conformity of production
8. Penalties for non-conformity of production
9. Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests and of Type Approval
Authorities
10. Transitional provisions
ANNEXES
1. Communication
2. Arrangements of approval marks
3. Test of speedometer accuracy for conformity of production
1. SCOPE
This Regulation applies to the approval of vehicles of categories L, M and N. (1)
2. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Regulation:
2.1. ‘Approval of a vehicle’ means the approval of a vehicle type with regard to the speedometer and odometer
equipment including its installation.
2.2. ‘Type of vehicle in respect of its speedometer and odometer’ means vehicles which do not among themselves
display any essential differences, where those differences can apply, in particular, to the following:
2.2.1. The size designation of the tyres chosen from the range of tyres normally fitted;
(1) As defined in the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3.), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.6, para. 2. -
www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29resolutions.html28.11.2018 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 302/107
2.2.2. The overall transmission ratio, including any reduction drives, to the speedometer;
2.2.3. The type of speedometer as characterised by:
2.2.3.1. The tolerances of the speedometer's measuring mechanism;
2.2.3.2. The technical constant of the speedometer;
2.2.3.3. The range of speeds displayed.
2.2.4. The type of odometer as characterised by:
2.2.4.1. The technical constant of odometer;
2.2.4.2. The number of numerals.
2.3. ‘Tyres normally fitted’ means the type or types of tyre provided by the manufacturer on the vehicle type in
question; snow tyres shall not be regarded as tyres normally fitted;
2.4. ‘Normal running pressure’ means the cold inflation pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer increased
by 0,2 bar;
2.5. ‘Speedometer’ means that part of the speedometer equipment which indicates to the driver the speed of his
vehicle at any given moment; (1)
2.5.1. ‘Tolerances of the speedometer's measuring mechanism’ shall mean the accuracy of the speedometer
instrument itself, expressed as the upper and the lower speed indication limits for a range of speed inputs;
2.5.2. ‘Technical constant of the speedometer’ shall mean the relationship between the input revolutions or pulses
per minute and a specified displayed speed;
2.6. ‘Odometer’ means that part of the odometer equipment which indicates to the driver the total distance
recorded by the vehicle since its entry into service.
2.6.1. ‘Technical constant of the odometer’ means the relationship between the input revolutions or pulses and the
distance travelled by the vehicle.
2.7. ‘Unladen vehicle’ means the vehicle in running order, complete with fuel, coolant, lubricant, tools and a spare
wheel (if provided as standard equipment by the vehicle manufacturer), carrying a driver weighing 75 kg, but
no driver's mate, optional accessories or load.
3. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL
3.1. The application for approval of a vehicle type with regard to the speedometer and odometer equipment
including its installation shall be submitted by the vehicle manufacturer or by his duly accredited representa
tive.
3.2. It shall be accompanied by the following documents in triplicate and by the following particulars:
3.2.1. A description of the vehicle type with regard to the items mentioned in paragraphs 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6
above; the vehicle type shall be specified.
3.3. An unladen vehicle representative of the vehicle type to be approved shall be submitted to the technical
service conducting approval tests.
3.4. The Type Approval Authority shall verify the existence of satisfactory arrangements for ensuring effective
control of the conformity of production before type approval is granted.
4. APPROVAL
4.1. If the vehicle type submitted for approval pursuant to this Regulation meets the requirements of the
Regulation in respect of the speedometer and odometer equipment including its installation, approval of that
vehicle type shall be granted.
4.2. An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved. The first two digits shall be the highest number
of the series of amendments incorporated in the Regulation at the time of issue of the approval. The same
Contracting Party may not assign the same number to another vehicle type subject to the provisions of
paragraph 6 of this Regulation.
(1) This does not include the speed-indicating part of a tachograph if this complies with type approval specifications which do not permit an
absolute difference between true and indicated speed which is higher than the values resulting from the requirements in paragraph 5.4
below.L 302/108 EN Official Journal of the European Union 28.11.2018
4.3. Notice of approval or of refusal of approval of a vehicle type pursuant to this Regulation shall be
communicated to the Parties to the Agreement which apply this Regulation by means of a form conforming
to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation and of diagrams, supplied by the applicant for approval, of the
installation in a format not larger than A4 (210 × 297 mm) or folded to that format, and on an appropriate
scale.
4.4. To every vehicle conforming to a vehicle type approved under this Regulation there shall be affixed in
a conspicuous and easily accessible position, specified on the approval form, an international approval mark
consisting of:
4.4.1. A circle surrounding the letter ‘E’ followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted
approval (1);
4.4.2. The number of this Regulation, followed by the letter ‘R’, a dash and the approval number to the right of the
circle described in paragraph 4.4.1.
4.5. If the vehicle conforms to a vehicle type approved under one or more other Regulations annexed to the
Agreement in the country which has granted approval under this Regulation, the symbol prescribed in
paragraph 4.4.1 need not be repeated; in such a case the additional numbers and symbols of all the
Regulations under which approval has been granted in the country which has granted approval under this
Regulation shall be placed in vertical columns to the right of the symbol prescribed in paragraph 4.4.1.
4.6. The approval mark shall be clearly legible and shall be indelible.
4.7. The approval mark shall be placed close to or on the vehicle data plate affixed by the manufacturer.
4.8. Annex 2 to this Regulation gives examples of arrangements of approval marks.
5. SPECIFICATIONS
5.1. An onboard speedometer and odometer complying with the requirements of this Regulation shall be fitted to
the vehicle to be approved.
5.2. The display of the speedometer shall be located within the direct field of view of the driver and shall be clearly
legible both day and night. The range of speeds displayed shall be sufficiently wide to include the maximum
speed of this type of vehicle as stated by the manufacturer.
5.2.1. In the case of speedometers intended for vehicles of categories M, N, and L , L , L , and L , the graduation
3 4 5 7
shall be 1, 2, 5 or 10 km/h. The numerical values of the speed shall be indicated on the display as follows:
when the highest value on the display does not exceed 200 km/h, speed values shall be indicated at intervals
not exceeding 20 km/h. When the maximum value on the display exceeds 200 km/h, then the speed values
shall be indicated at intervals not exceeding 30 km/h. The indicated numerical speed value intervals need not
be uniform.
If a setting makes it possible for the driver to choose between the speed in km/h and mph (miles per hour),
then the speed may be displayed only in either km/h or mph at any one time. The corresponding unit shall
permanently be displayed.
5.2.2. In the case of vehicles of categories M, N, and L , L , L , and L manufactured for sale in any country where
3 4 5 7
imperial units are used, the speedometer shall also be marked in miles per hour (mph); the graduations shall
be of 1, 2, 5 or 10 mph.
The speed may be displayed either in km/h or mph at any one time provided that a setting makes it possible
for the driver to choose between the speed in km/h and mph, in that case the corresponding unit shall
permanently be displayed.
The numerical values of the speed shall be indicated on the display at intervals not exceeding 20 mph and
commencing at 10 or 20 mph. The indicated numerical speed value intervals need not be uniform.
5.2.3. In the case of speedometers intended for vehicles of categories L (mopeds), L , and L , the display readings
1 2 6
shall not exceed 80 km/h. The graduation shall be 1, 2, 5 or 10 km/h and the marked numerical values of the
speed indicated shall not exceed 10 km/h. The indicated numerical speed value intervals need not be uniform.
(1) 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. 6, Annex 3 - www.unece.
org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29resolutions.html28.11.2018 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 302/109
5.2.4. In the case of vehicles of categories L , L and L manufactured for sale in any country where imperial units
1 2 6
are used, the speedometer shall also be marked in mph; the graduation shall be of 1, 2, 5 or 10 mph. The
numerical values of the speed shall be indicated on the display at intervals not exceeding 10 mph and starting
at 10 or 20 mph. The indicated numerical speed value intervals need not be uniform. If a setting makes it
possible for the driver to choose between the speed in km/h and mph, then the speed may be displayed only
in km/h or mph at one time at any one time. The corresponding unit shall permanently be displayed.
5.3. The accuracy of the speedometer equipment shall be tested in accordance with the following procedure:
5.3.1. The tyres shall be one of the types normally fitted to the vehicle as defined in paragraph 2.3 of this
Regulation. A test shall be carried out for each type of speedometer intended to be fitted by the manufacturer.
5.3.2. The test shall be carried out with the vehicle at its unladen weight. An additional weight can be carried for
purposes of measurement. The weight of the vehicle and its distribution between the axles shall be indicated
in the approval communication (see Annex 1, item 7);
5.3.3. The reference temperature at the speedometer shall be 23 ± 5 °C;
5.3.4. During each test the pressure of the tyres shall be the normal running pressure as defined in paragraph 2.4;
5.3.5. The vehicle is tested at the following speeds:
Maximum design speed (V ) of the vehicle specified Test speed (V)
max 1
by the vehicle manufacturer (km/h) (km/h)
V ≤ 45 80 % of V
max max
45 < V ≤ 100 40 km/h and 80 % V
max max
(if the resulting speed is ≥ 55 km/h)
100 < V ≤ 150 40 km/h, 80 km/h and 80 % V
max max
(if the resulting speed is ≥ 100 km/h)
150 < V 40 km/h, 80 km/h and 120 km/h
max
5.3.6. The test instrumentation used for measuring the true vehicle speed shall be accurate to ± 0,5 per cent;
5.3.6.1. The surface of a test track when used shall be flat and dry, and provide sufficient adhesion;
5.3.6.2. If a roller dynamometer is used for the test, the diameter of the roller should be at least 0,4 m;
5.4. The speed indicated shall not be less than the true speed of the vehicle. At the test speeds specified in
paragraph 5.3.5 above, there shall be the following relationship between the speed displayed (V ) and the true
1
speed (V ).
2
0 ≤ (V – V ) ≤ 0,1 V + 4 km/h
1 2 2
5.5. The display of the odometer shall be visible or accessible to the driver. The odometer shall display at least an
integer number composed of a minimum of 6 numerals for the vehicles of categories M and N, and at least an
integer number composed of a minimum of 5 numerals for the vehicles of category L. Nevertheless, the Type
Approval Authorities may also accept an integer number composed of at least 5 numerals for the vehicles of
categories M and N if the intended use of the vehicle justifies it.
5.5.1. In the case of vehicles manufactured for sale in any country where imperial units are used, the odometer shall
be marked in miles.
6. MODIFICATIONS OF THE VEHICLE TYPE
6.1. Every modification of the vehicle type shall be communicated to the Type Approval Authority which
approved the vehicle type. The Authority may then either:
6.1.1. Consider that the modifications made are unlikely to have an appreciable adverse effect and that in any case
the vehicle still meets the requirements; or
6.1.2. Require a further test report from the Technical Service responsible for conducting the tests.L 302/110 EN Official Journal of the European Union 28.11.2018
6.2. Notice of confirmation or refusal of approval, accompanied by particulars of the modifications, shall be
communicated by the procedure specified in paragraph 4.3 above to the Parties to the Agreement applying
this Regulation.
7. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION
7.1. The conformity of production procedures shall comply with those set out in the Agreement, Schedule 1
(E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3), with the following requirements:
7.2. Every vehicle approved under this Regulation shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved by
meeting the requirements of the relevant part(s) of this Regulation.
7.3. For each type of vehicle sufficient checks are carried out regarding the speedometer equipment and its
installation; in particular, for each type of vehicle at least the test prescribed in Annex 3 to this Regulation
shall be carried out.
7.4. The Authority, which has granted type approval, may at any time verify the conformity control methods
applied in each production facility. The normal frequency of these verifications shall be once every two years.
7.5. Where unsatisfactory results are found during verifications and checks pursuant to paragraph 7.4 above, the
competent authority shall ensure that all necessary steps are taken to restore conformity of production as
rapidly as possible.
8. PENALTIES FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION
8.1. The approval granted for a vehicle type pursuant to this Regulation may be withdrawn if the requirement laid
down in paragraph 7.1 above is not met or if the vehicles have failed to pass the checks prescribed in
paragraph 7 above.
8.2. If a Party to the Agreement which applies this Regulation withdraws an approval it has previously granted, it
shall forthwith so notify the other Contracting Parties applying this Regulation, by means of a communication
form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.
9. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF TECHNICAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING APPROVAL TESTS AND OF
TYPE APPROVAL AUTHORITIES
The Contracting Parties to the Agreement applying this Regulation shall communicate to the secretariat of the
United Nations the names and addresses of the Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests
and of the Type Approval Authorities which grant approval and to which forms certifying approval or
extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval, issued in other countries, are to be sent.
10. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
10.1. As from the official date of entry into force of the 01 series of amendments, no Contracting Party applying
this Regulation shall refuse to grant or refuse to accept type approvals under this Regulation as amended by
the 01 series of amendments.
10.2. As from 1 September 2017, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation shall grant new type approvals only
if the vehicle type to be approved meets the requirements of this Regulation as amended by the 01 series of
amendments.
10.3. Contracting Parties applying this Regulation shall not refuse to grant extensions of type approvals for existing
types which have been granted according to the preceding series of amendments to this Regulation.
10.4. After the date of entry into force of the 01 series of amendments to this Regulation, Contracting Parties
applying this Regulation shall continue to accept type approvals granted according to the preceding series of
amendments to the Regulation.28.11.2018 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 302/111
ANNEX 1L 302/112 EN Official Journal of the European Union 28.11.2018
ANNEX 2
ARRANGEMENTS OF APPROVAL MARKS
MODEL A
(see paragraph 4.4 of this Regulation)
a = 8 mm min.
The above approval mark affixed to a vehicle shows that the vehicle type concerned has been approved in the
Netherlands (E 4), pursuant to Regulation No 39. The approval number indicates that the approval was granted in
accordance with the requirements of UN Regulation No 39 incorporating the 01 series of amendments.
MODEL B
(see paragraph 4.5 of this Regulation)
a = 8 mm min.
The above approval mark affixed to a vehicle shows that the vehicle type concerned has been approved in the
Netherlands (E 4) pursuant to Regulations Nos 39 and 33 (1) The approval numbers indicate that, at the dates when the
respective approvals were granted, UN Regulation No 39 incorporated the 01 series of amendments and Regulation
No 33 was still in its original form.
(1) The second number is given merely as an example.28.11.2018 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 302/113
ANNEX 3
TEST OF SPEEDOMETER ACCURACY FOR CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION
1. TEST CONDITIONS
The test conditions shall be as set out in paragraphs 5.3.1 to 5.3.6 of this Regulation.
2. REQUIREMENTS
The production shall be deemed to conform to this Regulation if the following relationship between the speed
indicated on the display of the speedometer (V ) and the actual speed (V ) is observed:
1 2
In the case of vehicles of categories M and N:
0 ≤ (V – V ) ≤ 0,1 V + 6 km/h;
1 2 2
In the case of vehicles of categories L , L and L :
3 4 5
0 ≤ (V – V ) ≤ 0,1 V + 8 km/h;
1 2 2
In the case of vehicles of categories L and L :
1 2
0 ≤ (V – V ) ≤ 0,1 V + 4 km/h.
1 2 2