{
  "url": "https://openlegislation.uk/road-vehicles-approval-regulations-2020/schedule-1/part-3",
  "json_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/road-vehicles-approval-regulations-2020/schedule-1/part-3.json",
  "legislation": "uksi/2020/818",
  "legislation_title": "The Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2020",
  "legislation_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/road-vehicles-approval-regulations-2020",
  "path": "schedule/1/part/3",
  "kind": "part",
  "number": "3",
  "heading": "Requirements for vehicles of category N1",
  "text": "Column 1Requirement\nColumn 2Definitions and supplementary provisions\nColumn 3Exemptions and modifications\n1Noise\nThe technical provisions of Annex I to Directive 70/157/EEC as last amended by Directive 1999/101/EC.\nA “Stationary Noise Test” means, in the case of a modified exhaust system, a stationary test as defined in paragraphs 5.2.3.4.2 and 5.2.3.4.3 of Annex I to Directive 70/157/EEC with a noise limit value measured on the dB(A) scale which must not exceed the equivalent stationary value recorded on the approval, certificate of conformity or test report for that vehicle by more than 2dB(A) at 0.5m.\n1 Directive 70/157/EEC, Annex I, paragraphs 5.3.1.1, 5.3.1.2 and 5.3.1.3 do not apply.\n2 If an approval or test report is issued for a vehicle in accordance with column 1 and the exhaust system is subsequently modified after the last silencer by not more than 2m in length, no further test is required. In the case of any other modification relating to the requirements of column 1 and affecting the only the exhaust system, a Stationary Noise Test must be conducted.\n3 In the case of armoured vehicles exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permissible where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.\n2Light Duty Emissions\n1 The technical provisions of Regulation (EC) 715/2007 as last amended by Regulation (EC) 692/2008, Annex I, Table 2.\n“OBD” means On-Board Diagnostic Systems.\n1 The requirements of OBD do not apply.\n2 Complete or completed vehicles manufactured after 1st December 2019: the technical provisions of Annex XXI in Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (WLTP).\n2 Does not apply to vehicles approved to item 41.\n3 Modification of exhaust system length after the last silencer is permissible without any further test.\n4 In the case of a completed vehicle, an approval issued to the most representative base vehicle remains valid irrespective of change in reference weight or aerodynamic performance.\n5 In the case of armoured vehicles exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permissible where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.\n3AFuel Tanks\n1 The technical provisions of Directive 70/221/EEC as last amended by Directive 2006/20/EC.\n2 For vehicles using gaseous fuels:\nUNECE Regulation 67.01 for LPG,\nUNECE Regulation 110 for CNG,\nUNECE Regulation 115 for LPG or CNG retro-fit, or\nthe technical provisions of Regulation (EC) No 79/2009 or UNECE Regulation 134 for hydrogen.\n3BRear Protective Devices\nThe technical provisions of paragraph 5 of Annex II to Directive 70/221/EEC as last amended by Directive 2006/20/EC.\n4Rear Registration Plate Space\nThe technical provisions of Directive 70/222/EEC,\nor\nspace must be provided for a registration plate meeting the requirements of the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001.\n5Steering Effort\nThe technical provisions of paragraphs 4 and 5 of Annex I to Directive 70/311/EEC as last amended by Directive 1999/7/EC.\nThe requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.\n6Door latches and Hinges\nThe technical provisions of paragraph 3 of Annex I to Directive 70/387/EEC as last amended by Directive 2001/31/EC.\n7Audible Warning\nComponent:\nDirective 70/388/EEC as last amended by Directive 87/354/EC.\nIn the case of an armoured vehicle exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permissible where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.\nVehicle:\nThe technical provisions of paragraph 2 of Annex I to Directive 70/388/EEC as last amended by Directive 87/354/EC.\n8Indirect Vision\nComponent:\nDirective 2003/97/EC\n1 Field of view requirements do not apply to optional mirrors.\n2 In the case of an armoured vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.\nVehicle:\nThe technical provisions of Directive 2003/97/EC, Annex III.\n9Braking\nThe technical provisions of paragraph 2 of Annex I to Directive 71/320/EEC as last amended by Directive 98/12/EC and tests as defined in associated Annexes as may be applicable.\nThe requirements according to the category of the base or incomplete vehicle based on maximum mass may apply.\n10Electro-magnetic Compatibility\nComponent:\nDirective 72/245/EEC as last amended by Directive 2006/28/EC.\nVehicle:\nThe technical provisions of Directive 72/245/EEC as last amended by Directive 2006/28/EC, section 6 of Annex I taking into consideration the exemptions in section 8 and tests specified in Annexes IV to X.\n13Anti-Theft and, if fitted, Alarm system and Immobiliser\n1 The technical provisions of: Directive 74/61/EEC as last amended by Directive 95/56/EC.\nImmobilisers, if fitted, must be approved as part of the base vehicle or as a separate technical unit.\n2 Optional panic alarm not forming part of an alarm system under paragraph 1 must comply with the following—\n(a) the alarm signal must be audible and in addition may include optical alarm devices, or be a radio alarm, or any combination of the above;\n(b) the technical requirements of Directive 74/61/EEC as last amended by Directive 95/56/EC, Annex VI, Part II, paragraphs 8.2 to 8.8, 9.1.2 to 9.2.1, 9.2.3 to 9.4, 9.6, 9.9 to 9.10, and 9.11.2 to 11 inclusive;\n(c) unsetting the panic alarm must immediately cut the alarm signal.\nAlarms, except those mentioned in column 1 paragraph 2, must be approved as part of the base vehicle or as a separate technical unit.\n14Protective Steering\nThe technical provisions of: Directive 74/297/EEC as last amended by Directive 91/662/EEC, Annex I, paragraph 5.\nThis item does not apply to—\n(a) vehicles with a maximum permissible mass exceeding 1500kg;\n(b) armoured vehicles.\n15Seat Strength\nThe technical provisions of: Directive 74/408/EEC as last amended by Directive 2005/39/EC.\n1 In the case of a special purpose vehicle the requirements in column 1 do not apply to seats intended for use solely while the vehicle is stationary and any such seats must be clearly identified to users by means of a pictogram or a sign with appropriate text.\n2 The provisions of paragraph 2 of Article 1 to Directive 2005/39/EC do not apply.\n17Speedometer and Reverse Gear\nThe technical provisions of Directive 75/443/EEC as last amended by Directive 97/39/EC, Annex I and Annex II, paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2,\nOr—\n(a) for all true speeds up to the design speed of the vehicle, the true speed must not exceed the indicated speed;\n(b) for all true speeds of between 25 mph and 70 mph (or the maximum speed if lower), the difference between the indicated speed and the true speed must not exceed (V/10 + 6.25) mph where V = the true speed.\n18Plates (statutory)\nThe technical provisions of: Directive 76/114/EEC as last amended by Directive 78/507/EEC,\nand\nwhere the vehicle is the subject of a multi stage build a plate is required on completion of each stage as appropriate.\n19Seat Belt Anchorages\nThe technical provisions of: Directive 76/115/EEC as last amended by Directive 2005/41/EC.\n1 In the case of a special purpose vehicle—\n(a) the requirements in column 1 do not apply to seats intended for use solely while the vehicle is stationary, and\n(b) any seats which are not for use when travelling on a road must be clearly identified to users by means of a pictogram or a sign with appropriate text.\n2 In the case of an armoured vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.\n20Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices\nThe technical provisions of UNECE Regulation 48.03,\nand\ndipped beam headlamps must be designed for left hand rule of the road traffic.\nIn the case of an armoured vehicle or special purpose vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply provided that all mandatory lighting devices are fitted and that the geometric visibility is not affected.\n21Retro Reflectors\nUNECE Regulation 3 or UNECE Regulation 150.\n22End-outline, Front-Position (side), Rear-Position (side), Stop, Side Marker, Daytime Running Lamps\nUNECE Regulation 7 or UNECE Regulation 148.\n23Direction Indicators\nUNECE Regulation 6 or UNECE Regulation 148.\n24Rear registration Plate Lamps\nUNECE Regulation 4 or UNECE Regulation 148.\n25Headlamps (including bulbs)\nUNECE Regulation 8, UNECE Regulation 20, UNECE Regulation 31, UNECE Regulation 98, UNECE Regulation 112, UNECE Regulation 123 or UNECE Regulation 149.\n25ACornering Lamps (where fitted)\nUNECE Regulation 119 or UNECE Regulation 149.\n26Front Fog Lamps (where fitted)\nUNECE Regulation 19 or UNECE Regulation 149.\n27Towing Hooks\nThe technical provisions of: Annex II to Directive 77/389/EEC as last amended by Directive 96/64/EC .\nIn the case of an armoured vehicle or special purpose vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.\n28Rear fog Lamps\nUNECE Regulation 38 or UNECE Regulation 148.\n29Reversing Lamps\nUNECE Regulation 23 or UNECE Regulation 148.\n30Parking Lamps (where fitted)\nUNECE Regulation 7 or UNECE Regulation 148.\n31Seat Belts\nThe technical provisions of Directive 77/541/EEC as last amended by Directive 2005/40/EC.\n1 In the case of a special purpose vehicle—\n(a) the requirements in column 1 do not apply to seats intended for use solely while the vehicle is stationary, and\n(b) any seats which are not for use when travelling on a road must be clearly identified to users by means of a pictogram or a sign with appropriate text.\n2 In the case of an armoured vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.\n3 Seat belts which have been specially designed or adapted for use by an adult or young person suffering from some physical or mental impairment and intended for use solely by such person are exempt.\n(Note: Seat belt anchorages for such belts must satisfy the requirements of item 19.)\n4 A seat belt bearing an approval mark in accordance with column 1 may be fitted, whether or not the seat belt has been type approved for the anchorages to which it is fitted, provided that the seat belt complies with the installation requirements of column 1.\n33Identification of Controls, Tell-tales and Indicators\nThe technical provisions of paragraph 5 of Annex I to Directive 78/316/EEC as last amended by Directive 93/91/EC .\n34Defrost/Demist\nVehicles must be fitted with adequate defrosting and demisting devices.\n“Adequate” means sufficiently effective to ensure adequate visibility through the windscreen under all conditions.\n35Wash/Wipe\nVehicles must be fitted with adequate washing and wiping devices.\n“Adequate” means sufficiently effective to ensure adequate visibility through the windscreen under all conditions.\n36Heating Systems (if fitted)\nThe technical provisions of: Directive 2001/56/EC as last amended by 2006/119/EC, paragraph 3 of Annex II, and Annexes III, VII and VIII.\n41Heavy Duty Emissions\n1 Directive 2005/55/EC as last amended by Directive 2006/51/EC, Annex I, and Row B2 limit values.\n1 Does not apply to vehicles approved under item 2.\n2 Complete or completed vehicles manufactured on or after 1st September 2018: Regulation (EC) No 595/2009 Annex I limit values.\n2 Modification of exhaust system length after the last silencer is permissible without any further test.\n45Safety glass\nComponent:\nDirective 92/22/EEC as last amended by Directive 2001/92/EC.\n1 Exclusions defined in paragraph 1 of Annex II to Directive 92/22/EEC as amended.\n2 Directive 92/22/EEC, Annex III, paragraphs 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 do not apply provided that driver's forward vision is not distorted and that light transmission of at least 70% is maintained.\nVehicle:\nThe technical provisions of: Directive 92/22/EEC as last amended by Directive 2001/92/EC.\n3 In the case of a special purpose vehicle, the requirements for all window glazing, other than the driver's cab glazing (windshield and side glazing), the material may be either safety glass or rigid plastic glazing.\n4 This item does not apply to armoured vehicles.\n46Tyres\nDirective 92/23/EEC as last amended by Directive 2005/11/EC,\nand\nUNECE Regulation 64.01 in the case of a temporary use spare tyre (if fitted).\nIn the case of an armoured vehicle exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.\n48Masses and Dimensions\nThe technical provisions of: Directive 97/27/EC as last amended by Directive 2003/19/EC , paragraph 7 of Annex I.\nDirective 97/27/EC, Annex I, paragraphs 7.3.3, 7.5, 7.9, 7.10 and 7.11 do not apply.\n49External Projection of Cabs\nThe technical provisions of sections 3 and 4 of Annex I to Directive 92/114/EEC .\nIn the case of an armoured vehicle, exemption from one or more of the provisions in column 1 is permitted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that the special purpose of the vehicle makes it impossible to fully comply.\n50Couplings where fitted\nComponent:\nDirective 94/20/EC.\nVehicle:\nThe technical provisions of Annex VII to Directive 94/20/EC.\n60 Frontal Protection Systems (“Bull-bars”) (where fitted)\nThe technical provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3 of Annex I to Directive 2005/66/EC and Commission Decision 2006/368/EC.\n69Electrical Safety\nVehicle: The technical provisions of UNECE Regulation 100.01.",
  "extent": "E+W+S+N.I.",
  "status": null,
  "version": "current",
  "annotations": [
    {
      "type": "M",
      "label": "M1",
      "text": "OJ No. L 145, 13.6.1977, p. 41."
    },
    {
      "type": "M",
      "label": "M2",
      "text": "OJ No. L 258, 11.10.1996, p. 26."
    },
    {
      "type": "M",
      "label": "M3",
      "text": "OJ No. L 284, 19.11.1993, p. 25."
    },
    {
      "type": "M",
      "label": "M4",
      "text": "OJ No. L 233, 25.8.1997, p. 1."
    },
    {
      "type": "M",
      "label": "M5",
      "text": "OJ No. L 79, 26.3.2003, p. 6."
    },
    {
      "type": "M",
      "label": "M6",
      "text": "OJ No. L 409, 31.12.1992, p. 17."
    },
    {
      "type": "I",
      "label": "I1",
      "text": "Sch. 1 Pt. 3 in force at 1.9.2020, see reg. 1(b)"
    }
  ],
  "outstanding_effects": [],
  "provenance": {
    "source": "legislation.gov.uk",
    "source_url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/818/schedule/1/part/3",
    "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28T22:27:15.937710+00:00"
  },
  "licence": "Open Government Licence v3.0",
  "licence_url": "https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/",
  "attribution": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives."
}