UN / ECE R 61 Tests

UN ECE R61 tests cover a series of tests carried out in accordance with the relevant regulation for the evaluation of external projections of freight vehicles in categories N 1 , N 2 and N 3 , limited to the 'external surface'.

ECE regulations define cross-border technical regulations for establishing approval or uniform approval procedures for motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts. Automated commercial vehicles are already fully eligible for approval only through appropriate individual measures in the country in which they will be used. What is missing is a set of rules at the international ECE level.

Regulation No. 61 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) — Covers the uniform provisions and associated tests for the approval of the exterior projections of commercial vehicles beyond the rear panel of the cabin.

As defined in the regulation, 'Exterior' means the part of the vehicle in front of the cab rear panel, excluding the rear panel itself, and includes items such as front wings, front bumpers and front wheels.

'Cabin rear panel' means the rearmost part of the outer surface of the driver and passenger compartment. Where it is not possible to determine the position of the cab rear panel, for the purposes of this Regulation, it shall be regarded as the vertical transverse plane located 50 cm behind the 'R' point of the driver's seat.

This regulation does not apply to exterior mirrors, including their supports, or to accessories such as antennas and luggage racks. The purpose of the regulation is to reduce the risk or severity of injury to a person in contact with the exterior of the vehicle in the event of a crash.

Within the scope of the regulation, in addition to many mechanical, dynamic and environmental tests for the approval of the relevant equipment, impact tests are also carried out using a manikin. For tests to be considered successful, test results must meet regulatory requirements.