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EU 2021/1958 regulation outlines the technical and procedural requirements for the type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to their Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems.
Scope of the Regulation (EU) 2021/1958
This regulation outlines the technical and procedural requirements for the type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to their Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems. The regulation also includes specifications for the approval of ISA systems as separate technical units (STU). It is an extension of Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 and primarily aims to enhance road safety by regulating speed compliance technologies.
Key Aspects of the Scope:
- Vehicle Categories Covered:
- M category vehicles: Designed for passenger transport.
- N category vehicles: Designed for goods transport.
- Application Area:
- Ensures compliance of vehicles equipped with ISA systems to perform in line with EU road traffic standards.
- Covers ISA systems integrated into vehicles as well as standalone ISA units assessed independently.
- Purpose:
- Reduce speed-related accidents by ensuring vehicles adhere to applicable speed limits.
- Establish reliability and accuracy benchmarks for ISA systems across the European Union.
- Legal Framework:
- Implements specific provisions under Regulation (EU) 2019/2144.
- Harmonizes technical requirements with European Economic Area (EEA) standards.
- Inclusions:
- Detailed test procedures and technical specifications for ISA systems (outlined in Annex I).
- A comprehensive catalogue of road signs specific to each EU Member State to guide ISA system operation (included in Annex II).
- Operational Coverage:
- Mandates the real-time detection and processing of speed limits using infrastructure-based inputs like road signs and electronic map data.
- Provides guidance for ensuring systems function under varying operational and environmental conditions.
Download the latest version of the EU 2021/1958 Regulation.
Technical Requirements for Regulation (EU) 2021/1958
The regulation sets forth detailed technical requirements for the type-approval of motor vehicles equipped with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems. These requirements also extend to ISA systems assessed as Separate Technical Units (STU), ensuring their compliance with EU road safety standards.
1. General Requirements
1.1. System Composition:
- An ISA system must include:
- Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF): Communicates perceived speed limits to the driver.
- Either:
- Speed Limit Warning Function (SLWF): Alerts the driver when exceeding speed limits.
- Speed Control Function (SCF): Actively limits the vehicle’s speed.
1.2. Error Minimization:
- ISA systems must minimize error rates under real driving conditions.
1.3. Privacy Protection:
- Systems must operate without using or storing biometric data, including facial recognition.
- Data recording must be limited to information essential for ISA functionality or compliance with other EU acts (e.g., event data recorders).
1.4. Compatibility:
- ISA systems with positioning capabilities must be compatible with Galileo and EGNOS navigation systems, with optional support for other satellite systems.
2. Specific Requirements
2.1. System Functionality:
- The system must reliably determine the perceived speed limit using:
- Observation of Road Signs: Explicit numerical signs and implicit non-numerical signs.
- Electronic Map Data Integration: Synchronization with digital road infrastructure.
- SLIF must display speed limits clearly within the driver’s field of view.
- Systems must issue warnings or limit vehicle speed within 1.5 seconds of detecting a speed limit breach.
2.2. Driver Control and Override:
- Drivers must be able to:
- Fully or partially deactivate the ISA system.
- Override SCF by applying additional force to the accelerator control.
- ISA systems must automatically reactivate upon restarting the vehicle, with clear visual indicators for deactivation states.
2.3. SLWF and SCF Requirements:
- SLWF:
- Must provide cascaded warnings (visual, acoustic, or haptic) when speed exceeds the limit.
- Warning duration must align with thresholds based on the extent of speed limit violation.
- SCF:
- Must restrict propulsion power to maintain speed at or below the perceived limit.
- Braking must not be used except for certain vehicle categories (e.g., M1, N1).
3. Environmental and Operational Performance:
- Systems must operate effectively under diverse environmental conditions, including:
- Daylight and nighttime visibility.
- Varying weather scenarios (excluding extreme conditions like fog or heavy rain).
- ISA performance must be verified through real-world driving tests, ensuring 90% accuracy over total test distance and 80% accuracy per road type (urban, non-urban, motorway).
4. Periodic Testing and Maintenance:
4.1. Roadworthiness Checks:
- Testing must verify:
- ISA functionality using visible warning signals and diagnostic tools.
- System integrity through electronic vehicle interfaces.
4.2. Updates and Lifecycle Management:
- Systems must maintain reliable performance for at least 14 years post-manufacture.
- Manufacturers must provide regular data updates, free for the first 7 years, to ensure map and system alignment with regulatory updates.
5. Failure and Warning Signals:
- A constant optical signal must indicate system failure or limitations (e.g., sensor obstruction).
- Failure signals must persist until resolved, even after vehicle restarts.
6. Testing Procedures:
6.1. Component Testing:
- SLIF and SCF components must undergo specific tests for:
- Observing speed limits in real-world and controlled conditions.
- Adhering to tolerances in determining speed limits (e.g., ±1 km/h).
6.2. Real-World Tests:
- Manufacturers must collaborate with approval authorities to design realistic test routes encompassing diverse road types and conditions.
7. Data Protection and Logging:
- ISA systems must ensure:
- Limited data retention for compliance purposes.
- Transparency regarding system limitations in vehicle user manuals.
This robust technical framework ensures that Intelligent Speed Assistance systems integrate seamlessly into vehicles while promoting safety, reliability, and compliance with evolving EU standards.
- 6 July 2022:
- The regulation entered into force, mandating compliance for type-approval of vehicles with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems.
- 7 July 2024:
- ISA systems became mandatory for all new motor vehicles placed on the market in the EU, ensuring widespread adoption.
- Ongoing Reporting (Every 6 Months Starting from 7 July 2024):
- Approval authorities must aggregate and submit ISA performance data to the European Commission for a period of two years.
These milestones emphasize the progressive implementation of ISA systems to enhance road safety across the EU.
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What are the environmental and vehicle conditions required for ISA system testing?
Environmental Conditions:
Tests must be conducted on flat surfaces, free of obstructions like snow, ice, or standing water.
Weather conditions must allow clear visibility, avoiding fog or heavy rain.
Testing includes both daylight and nighttime scenarios.
Vehicle Conditions:
Vehicle mass must align with its running order.
Tyres must be properly conditioned and inflated.
ISA systems must be fully operational, with pre-test calibration of sensors allowed up to 100 km. -
What tests are required for vehicles equipped with STU-approved ISA systems?
SLIF Tests:
Verify the detection and display of explicit and implicit speed limit signs.
Ensure the system responds within 2 seconds of passing a sign.
SLWF Tests:
Assess cascaded warnings when exceeding speed limits.
Confirm proper deactivation and reactivation behavior.
Real-World Driving Tests:
Test across urban, non-urban, and motorway conditions with 90% accuracy over total distance.
Integration and Updates:
Confirm seamless communication between the STU and vehicle systems.
Validate versioning and update processes for electronic map data. -
What tests are required for vehicles and STUs to comply with this regulation?
Vehicle Tests:
SLIF, SLWF, and SCF functionalities are tested for accuracy and responsiveness.
Real-world performance is assessed on diverse road types and conditions.
STU-Specific Tests:
Validate standalone SLIF and optional SCF-like functions for speed detection and control.
Integration tests ensure proper communication between the STU and vehicle systems.
Common Tests:
Evaluate data accuracy, override capabilities, and failure warnings.
Conduct periodic roadworthiness tests using diagnostic tools to ensure long-term compliance. -
Which organizations are authorized to conduct tests under Regulation (EU) 2021/1958?
Tests and certification processes for ISA systems must be conducted by technical services authorized by EU type-approval authorities. These organizations are equipped to perform the required evaluations and issue certifications ensuring compliance with the regulation.
Looking for Expert Guidance?
Navigating the complexities of type-approval and certification can be challenging. Our team of experienced consultants is here to assist you at every step, ensuring seamless compliance and approval. Contact us today to learn how we can streamline your certification journey and deliver tailored solutions for your needs.
