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This content provides an in-depth analysis of UN ECE R142 and its interaction with EU Regulations 2019/2144 and 2018/858, highlighting their scope, technical requirements, key dates, and the application framework for vehicle categories.
Scope of the ECE R142
This regulation applies to vehicles of categories M, N, and O, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2018/858. It establishes uniform provisions concerning the type-approval requirements for the installation of tyres on motor vehicles and their trailers. These requirements are aligned with the broader objectives of Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, which mandates general safety measures across the European Union.
Key Aspects of the Scope:
- Applicable Vehicle Categories:
- M category: Vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers.
- N category: Vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of goods.
- O category: Trailers.
- Main Applications:
- This regulation ensures that tyres meet safety and environmental performance standards.
- It applies to the installation and compatibility of tyres, including their dimensions, load capacity, and speed performance.
- Exemptions:
- Vehicles specifically designed for incompatible conditions with C1 or C2 class tyres.
- Temporary-use spare units, run-flat tyres, or tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) when operating in specific conditions.
- Legal Basis:
- Regulation (EU) 2018/858 establishes the administrative framework and technical provisions for type-approval.
- Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 expands the applicability of R142 to include all vehicles in categories M, N, and O, ensuring uniform safety standards.
General Requirements
- Tyre Compliance:
- Tyres must meet the technical requirements of UN Regulations Nos. 30, 54, and 117.
- Tyres must conform to the vehicle’s maximum permissible axle loads and design speeds.
- Tyre Compatibility:
- All tyres on a single axle must be of the same type and structure.
- The space around the wheel must allow unrestricted movement for maximum permissible tyre sizes.
- Load and Speed Criteria:
- Tyres must be capable of bearing the maximum axle loads declared by the manufacturer.
- Tyres must have a speed category symbol compatible with the vehicle’s maximum design speed.
Special Provisions:
Additional load due to trailers must not exceed the maximum permissible rear axle load.
Spare Tyres:
Vehicles with temporary-use spare units must comply with Regulation No. 64.
Towing Conditions:
- Entry into Force:
- The R142 regulation became effective as an annex to the 1958 Agreement on 22 January 2017.
- Its mandatory application across the EU was reinforced by Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, effective from 6 July 2022.
- Transitional Provisions:
- Member States must ensure compliance with R142 for new type-approvals granted after the above dates.
- Existing type-approvals remain valid unless they conflict with the updated requirements.
- Conformity of Production:
- Manufacturers must ensure continuous compliance with the approved type through regular inspections and audits.
- Approval Process:
- Applications for type-approval must include detailed documentation on tyre specifications, including:
- Tyre class and size designation.
- Load and speed indices.
- Dimensional tolerances.
- Applications for type-approval must include detailed documentation on tyre specifications, including:
- Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Non-compliance with the conformity of production requirements may result in withdrawal of type-approval.
- Environmental Considerations:
- Tyres must meet noise, rolling resistance, and wet grip performance criteria to minimize environmental impact, as outlined in UN Regulation No. 117.
1. What are the mandatory requirements for tyre installation under R142?
Tyres must conform to UN Regulations Nos. 30, 54, and 117.
They must meet standards for load capacity, speed compatibility, and dimensional tolerances.
2. Which vehicles are required to comply with R142?
Regulation R142 applies to all M (passenger vehicles), N (goods vehicles), and O (trailers) categories defined under Regulation (EU) 2018/858.
3. How are trailers affected by the requirements of R142?
Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 mandated the application of R142 to all M, N, and O category vehicles across the EU, effective from 6 July 2022, ensuring a uniform safety standard.
4. What changes were introduced by Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 regarding R142?
Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 mandated the application of R142 to all M, N, and O category vehicles across the EU, effective from 6 July 2022, ensuring a uniform safety standard.
5. What is the penalty for non-compliance with R142 standards?
Non-compliance can result in the withdrawal of type-approval, banning vehicle registration, or sale within EU member states.
6. Does R142 address environmental factors in tyre selection?
Yes, tyres must meet criteria for noise levels, rolling resistance, and wet grip performance, aligning with environmental protection goals under UN Regulation No. 117.
7. Are specific exemptions allowed under R142?
Vehicles operating under conditions incompatible with C1 or C2 tyres, or using temporary-use spare tyres, run-flat tyres, or TPMS under special conditions, are exempt.
