{"id":"F2006L01377","name":"Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/03 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2006","slug":"vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-3-03-seats-and-seat-anchorages-2006","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":58932,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006L01377-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"AGREEMENT","sectionType":"part","heading":"AGREEMENT","content":"# AGREEMENT\n\nCONCERNING THE ADOPTION OF UNIFORM TECHNICAL PRESCRIPTIONS FOR WHEELED VEHICLES, EQUIPMENT AND PARTS WHICH CAN BE FITTED AND/OR BE USED ON WHEELED VEHICLES AND THE CONDITIONS FOR RECIPROCAL RECOGNITION OF APPROVALS GRANTED ON THE BASIS OF THESE PRESCRIPTIONS [](#_ftn1)/\n\n(Revision 2, including the amendments which entered into force on 16 October 1995)\n\nAddendum 16: Regulation No. 17","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"Revision 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Revision 4","content":"## Revision 4\n\nIncorporating all valid text up to:\n\n07 series of amendments - Date of entry into force: 6 August 1998\n\nSupplement 1 to the 07 series of amendments - Date of entry into force: 17 November 1999\n\nSupplement 2 to the 07 series of amendments - Date of entry into force: 13 January 2000\n\nCorrigendum 1 to the 06 series of amendments subject of Depositary Notification C.N.655.1999.TREATIES-1 dated 19 July 1999\n\nCorrigendum 1 to the 07 series of amendments subject of Depositary Notification C.N.425.2000.TREATIES-1 dated 27 June 2000\n\nCorrigendum 1 to Supplement 1 to the 07 series of amendments subject of Depositary Notification C.N.814.2001.TREATIES-1 dated 23 August 2001\n\nand incorporating by the Department of Transport and Regional Services:\n\nCorrigendum 1 to Revision 4 of the Regulation\n\nErratum to Revision 4 of the Regulation\n\nCorrigendum 2 to Revision 4 of the Regulation\n\nUniform provisions concerning the approval of VEHICLES WITH REGARD TO THE SEATS, THEIR ANCHORAGES AND ANY HEAD RESTRAINTS\n\n![United Nations crest](image.002.png)\n\nUNITED NATIONS","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"Regulation No. 17","sectionType":"division","heading":"Regulation No. 17","content":"### Regulation No. 17\n\nUNIFORM PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF VEHICLES WITH\n\nREGARD TO THE SEATS, THEIR ANCHORAGES AND ANY HEAD RESTRAINTS\n\nCONTENTS\n\nREGULATION\n\n1. Scope\n\n2. Definitions\n\n3. Application for approval\n\n4. Approval\n\n5. Requirements\n\n6. Tests\n\n7. Conformity of production\n\n8. Penalties for non‑conformity of production\n\n9. Modifications of the vehicle type and extension of approval with respect to the seats, their anchorages and/or their head restraints\n\n10. Production definitely discontinued\n\n11. Instruction for use\n\n12. Names and addresses of technical services responsible for conducting approval tests and of administrative departments\n\n13. Transitional provisions\n\n  \nCONTENTS (continued)\n\nANNEXES\n\nAnnex 1 \\- Communication concerning the approval or refusal or extension or withdrawal of approval or production definitely discontinued of a vehicle type with regard to the strength of the seats and their anchorages, in the case either of seats fitted or capable of being fitted with head restraints or of seats not capable of being fitted with such devices and the characteristics of head restraints pursuant to Regulation No. 17\n\nAnnex 2 \\- Arrangements of approval marks\n\nAnnex 3 \\- Procedure for determining the \"H\" point and the actual torso angle for seating positions in motor vehicles\n\nAnnex 4 \\- Determination of the height and width of head restraints\n\nAnnex 5 \\- Details of lines and measurements taken during tests\n\nAnnex 6 \\- Test procedure for checking energy dissipation\n\nAnnex 7 \\- Method for testing the strength of seat anchorages and their adjustment, locking and displacement systems\n\nAnnex 8 \\- Determination of dimension \"a\" of head restraint gaps\n\nAnnex 9 \\- Test procedure for devices intended to protect the occupants against displacement of luggage","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"Annex 2","sectionType":"division","heading":"Annex 2","content":"### Annex 2\n\nARRANGEMENTS OF APPROVAL MARKS","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"Model A","sectionType":"division","heading":"Model A","content":"### Model A\n\n(see paragraphs 4.4., 4.4.1., 4.4.2. and 4.4.3. of this Regulation)\n\nVehicle with at least one seat fitted or capable of being fitted with a head restraint\n\n![Model A\nFigure is an example of an approval mark that shows a vehicle of a vehicle type that has, with regard to the strength of the seats fitted or capable of being fitted with head restraints and with regard to characteristics of the head restraints, has been approved in the Netherlands (E4) pursuant to Regulation No. 17, under the approval number 072439](image.004.png)\n\na = 8 mm min\n\nThe above approval mark when affixed to a vehicle shows that the vehicle type concerned, with regard to the strength of the seats fitted or capable of being fitted with head restraints and with regard to characteristics of the head restraints, has been approved in the Netherlands (E4) pursuant to Regulation No. 17, under the approval number 072439. The first two digits of the approval number indicate that the Regulation already contained the 07 series of amendments at the time of approval. The above approval mark also shows that the vehicle type was approved pursuant to Regulation No. 17 with regard to the strength of any seats on the vehicle which are not fitted or capable of being fitted with head restraints.\n\nModel B\n\n(see paragraphs 4.4.; 4.4.1. and 4.4.2. of this Regulation)\n\nVehicle with seats not fitted or not capable of being fitted with head restraints\n\n![Model B\nFigure is an example of an approval mark that shows a vehicle of a vehicle type that has, seats not fitted or capable of being fitted with head restraints, and has, with regard to the strength of the seats and their anchorages, been approved in the Netherlands (E4) pursuant to Regulation No. 17 under the approval number 072439](image.005.png)\n\na = 8 mm min\n\nThe above approval mark when affixed to a vehicle shows that the vehicle type has seats not fitted or capable of being fitted with head restraints, and has, with regard to the strength of the seats and their anchorages, been approved in the Netherlands (E4) pursuant to Regulation No. 17 under the approval number 072439. The first two digits of the approval number indicate that the Regulation already contained the 07 series of amendments at the time of approval.\n\nModel C\n\n(see paragraph 4.5. of this Regulation)\n\nVehicle with at least one seat fitted or capable of being fitted with a head restraint\n\n![Model C\nFigure is an example of an approval mark that shows a vehicle of a vehicle type that has, at least one seat fitted or capable of being fitted with a head restraint, and was approved in the Netherlands (E4) pursuant to Regulations Nos. 17 and 33](image.006.png)\n\na = 8 mm min.\n\nThe above approval mark when affixed to a vehicle shows that the vehicle type has at least one seat fitted or capable of being fitted with a head restraint, and was approved in the Netherlands (E4) pursuant to Regulations Nos. 17 and 33. 1/\n\nThe approval numbers indicate that, on the dates when approval was granted, Regulation No. 17 included the 07 series of amendments but Regulation No. 33 was still in its original form. The above approval mark also shows that the vehicle type was approved pursuant to Regulation No. 17 with regard to the strength of any seats on the vehicle which are not fitted or capable of being fitted with head restraints.\n\nModel D\n\n(see paragraph 4.5. of this Regulation)\n\nVehicle with seats not fitted or not capable of being fitted with head restraints\n\n![Model D\nFigure is an example of an approval mark that shows a vehicle of a vehicle type that has, seats not fitted or capable of being fitted with head restraints, and was approved in the Netherlands (E4) pursuant to Regulations Nos. 17 and 33](image.007.png)\n\na = 8 mm min\n\nThe above approval mark when affixed to a vehicle shows that the vehicle type has seats not fitted or capable of being fitted with head restraints, and was approved in the Netherlands (E4) pursuant to Regulations Nos. 17 and 33. 1/ The approval numbers indicate that, on the dates when approval was granted, Regulation No. 17 included the 07 series of amendments but Regulation No. 33 was still in its original form.\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\n1/ The second number is given merely as an example.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"Annex 3","sectionType":"division","heading":"Annex 3","content":"### Annex 3\n\nPROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING THE \"H\" POINT AND THE ACTUAL\n\nTORSO ANGLE FOR SEATING POSITIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES\n\n1. PURPOSE\n\nThe procedure described in this annex is used to establish the \"H\" point location and the actual torso angle for one or several seating positions in a motor vehicle and to verify the relationship of measured data to design specifications given by the vehicle manufacturer. [\\[5\\]](#_ftn6)/\n\n2. DEFINITIONS\n\nFor the purposes of this annex:\n\n2.1. \"Reference data\" means one or several of the following characteristics of a seating position:\n\n2.1.1. the \"H\" point and the \"R\" point and their relationship,\n\n2.1.2. the actual torso angle and the design torso angle and their relationship.\n\n2.2. \"Three‑dimensional 'H' point machine\" (3-D H machine) means the device used for the determination of \"H\" points and actual torso angles. This device is described in appendix 1 to this annex;\n\n2.3. \"'H' point\" means the pivot centre of the torso and thigh of the 3‑D H machine installed in the vehicle seat in accordance with paragraph 4. below. The \"H\" point is located in the centre of the centreline of the device which is between the \"H\" point sight buttons on either side of the 3-D H machine. The \"H\" point corresponds theoretically to the \"R\" point (for tolerances see paragraph 3.2.2. below). Once determined in accordance with the procedure described in paragraph 4., the \"H\" point is considered fixed in relation to the seat‑cushion structure and to move with it when the seat is adjusted;\n\n2.4. \"'R' point\" or \"seating reference point\" means a design point defined by the vehicle manufacturer for each seating position and established with respect to the three‑dimensional reference system;\n\n2.5. \"Torso‑line\" means the centreline of the probe of the 3-D H machine with the probe in the fully rearward position;\n\n2.6. \"Actual torso angle\" means the angle measured between a vertical line through the \"H\" point and the torso line using the back angle quadrant on the 3-D H machine. The actual torso angle corresponds theoretically to the design torso angle (for tolerances see paragraph 3.2.2. below);\n\n2.7. \"Design torso angle\" means the angle measured between a vertical line through the \"R\" point and the torso line in a position which corresponds to the design position of the seat‑back established by the vehicle manufacturer;\n\n2.8. \"Centre plane of occupant\" (C/LO) means the median plane of the 3-D H machine positioned in each designated seating position; it is represented by the co‑ordinate of the \"H\" point on the \"Y\" axis. For individual seats, the centre plane of the seat coincides with the centre plane of the occupant. For other seats, the centre plane of the occupant is specified by the manufacturer;\n\n2.9. \"Three dimensional reference system\" means a system as described in appendix 2 to this annex;\n\n2.10. \"Fiducial marks\" are physical points (holes, surfaces, marks or indentations) on the vehicle body as defined by the manufacturer;\n\n2.11. \"Vehicle measuring attitude\" means the position of the vehicle as defined by the co‑ordinates of fiducial marks in the three‑dimensional reference system.\n\n3. REQUIREMENTS\n\n3.1. Data presentation\n\nFor each seating position where reference data are required in order to demonstrate compliance with the provisions of the present Regulation, all or an appropriate selection of the following data shall be presented in the form indicated in appendix 3 to this annex:\n\n3.1.1. the co‑ordinates of the \"R\" point relative to the three‑dimensional reference system;\n\n3.1.2. the design torso angle;\n\n3.1.3. all indications necessary to adjust the seat (if it is adjustable) to the measuring position set out in paragraph 4.3. below.\n\n3.2. Relationship between measured data and design specifications\n\n3.2.1. The co‑ordinates of the \"H\" point and the value of the actual torso angle obtained by the procedure set out in paragraph 4. below shall be compared, respectively, with the co‑ordinates of the \"R\" point and the value of the design torso angle indicated by the vehicle manufacturer.\n\n3.2.2. The relative positions of the \"R\" point and the \"H\" point and the relationship between the design torso angle and the actual torso angle shall be considered satisfactory for the seating position in question if the \"H\" point, as defined by its co‑ordinates, lies within a square of 50 mm side length with horizontal and vertical sides whose diagonals intersect at the \"R\" point, and if the actual torso angle is within 5 degree of the design torso angle.\n\n3.2.3. If these conditions are met, the \"R\" point and the design torso angle, shall be used to demonstrate compliance with the provisions of this Regulation.\n\n3.2.4. If the \"H\" point or the actual torso angle does not satisfy the requirements of paragraph 3.2.2. above, the \"H\" point and the actual torso angle shall be determined twice more (three times in all). If the results of two of these three operations satisfy the requirements, the conditions of paragraph 3.2.3. above shall apply.\n\n3.2.5. If the results of at least two of the three operations described in paragraph 3.2.4. above do not satisfy the requirements of paragraph 3.2.2. above, or if the verification cannot take place because the vehicle manufacturer has failed to supply information regarding the position of the \"R\" point or regarding the design torso angle, the centroid of the three measured points or the average of the three measured angles shall be used and be regarded as applicable in all cases where the \"R\" point or the design torso angle is referred to in this Regulation.\n\n4. PROCEDURE FOR \"H\" POINT AND ACTUAL TORSO ANGLE DETERMINATION\n\n4.1. The vehicle shall be preconditioned at the manufacturer's discretion, at a temperature of 20  10 °C to ensure that the seat material reaches room temperature. If the seat to be checked has never been sat upon, a 70 to 80 kg person or device shall sit on the seat twice for one minute to flex the cushion and back. At the manufacturer's request, all seat assemblies shall remain unloaded for a minimum period of 30 minutes prior to installation of the 3‑D H machine.\n\n4.2. The vehicle shall be at the measuring attitude defined in paragraph 2.11. above.\n\n4.3. The seat, if it is adjustable, shall be adjusted first to the rearmost normal driving or riding position, as indicated by the vehicle manufacturer, taking into consideration only the longitudinal adjustment of the seat, excluding seat travel used for purposes other than normal driving or riding positions. Where other modes of seat adjustment exist (vertical, angular, seat‑back, etc.) these will be then adjusted to the position specified by the vehicle manufacturer. For suspension seats, the vertical position shall be rigidly fixed corresponding to a normal driving position as specified by the manufacturer.\n\n4.4. The area of the seating position contacted by the 3-D H machine shall be covered by a muslin cotton, of sufficient size and appropriate texture, described as a plain cotton fabric having 18.9 threads per cm2 and weighing 0.228 kg m2 or knitted or non‑woven fabric having equivalent characteristics.\n\nIf the test is run on a seat outside the vehicle, the floor on which the seat is placed shall have the same essential characteristics [\\[6\\]](#_ftn7)/ as the floor of the vehicle in which the seat is intended to be used.\n\n4.5. Place the seat and back assembly of the 3-D H machine so that the centre plane of the occupant (C/LO) coincides with the centre plane of the 3-D H machine. At the manufacturer's request, the 3-D H machine may be moved inboard with respect to the C/LO if the 3-D H machine is located so far outboard that the seat edge will not permit levelling of the 3-D H machine.\n\n4.6. Attach the foot and lower leg assemblies to the seat pan assembly, either individually or by using the T‑bar and lower leg assembly. A line through the \"H\" point sight buttons shall be parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the longitudinal centre plane of the seat.\n\n4.7. Adjust the feet and leg positions of the 3-D H machine as follows:\n\n4.7.1. Designated seating position: driver and outside front passenger.\n\n4.7.1.1. Both feet and leg assemblies shall be moved forward in such a way that the feet take up natural positions on the floor, between the operating pedals if necessary. Where possible the left foot shall be located approximately the same distance to the left of the centre plane of the 3-D H machine as the right foot is to the right. The spirit level verifying the transverse orientation of the 3-D H machine is brought to the horizontal by readjustment of the seat pan if necessary, or by adjusting the leg and foot assemblies towards the rear. The line passing through the \"H\" point sight buttons shall be maintained perpendicular to the longitudinal centre plane of the seat.\n\n4.7.1.2. If the left leg cannot be kept parallel to the right leg and the left foot cannot be supported by the structure, move the left foot until it is supported. The alignment of the sight buttons shall be maintained.\n\n4.7.2. Designated seating position: outboard rear\n\nFor rear seats or auxiliary seats, the legs are located as specified by the manufacturer. If the feet then rest on parts of the floor which are at different levels, the foot which first comes into contact with the front seat shall serve as a reference and the other foot shall be so arranged that the spirit level giving the transverse orientation of the seat of the device indicates the horizontal\n\n4.7.3. Other designated seating positions:\n\nThe general procedure indicated in paragraph 4.7.1. above shall be followed except that the feet shall be placed as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.\n\n4.8. Apply lower leg and thigh weights and level the 3-D H machine.\n\n4.9. Tilt the back pan forward against the forward stop and draw the 3‑D H machine away from the seat‑back using the T‑bar. Reposition the 3‑D H machine on the seat by one of the following methods:\n\n4.9.1. If the 3-D H machine tends to slide rearward, use the following procedure. Allow the 3-D H machine to slide rearward until a forward horizontal restraining load on the T‑bar is no longer required i.e. until the seat pan contacts the seat‑back. If necessary, reposition the lower leg.\n\n4.9.2. If the 3-D H machine does not tend to slide rearward, use the following procedure. Slide the 3-D H machine rearwards by applying a horizontal rearward load to the T‑bar until the seat pan contacts the seat‑back (see figure 2 of appendix 1 to this annex).\n\n4.10. Apply a 100  10 N load to the back and pan assembly of the 3-D H machine at the intersection of the hip angle quadrant and the T‑bar housing. The direction of load application shall be maintained along a line passing by the above intersection to a point just above the thigh bar housing (see figure 2 of appendix 1 to this annex). Then carefully return the back pan to the seat‑back. Care must be exercised throughout the remainder of the procedure to prevent the 3‑D H machine from sliding forward.\n\n4.11. Install the right and left buttock weights and then, alternately, the eight torso weights. Maintain the 3-D H machine level.\n\n4.12. Tilt the back pan forward to release the tension on the seat‑back. Rock the 3-D H machine from side to side through 10 degrees arc (5 degrees to each side of the vertical centre plane) for three complete cycles to release any accumulated friction between the 3‑D H machine and the seat.\n\nDuring the rocking action, the T‑bar of the 3-D H machine may tend to diverge from the specified horizontal and vertical alignment. The T‑bar must therefore be restrained by applying an appropriate lateral load during the rocking motions. Care shall be exercised in holding the T‑bar and rocking the 3-D H machine to ensure that no inadvertent exterior loads are applied in a vertical or fore and aft direction.\n\nThe feet of the 3-D H machine are not to be restrained or held during this step. If the feet change position, they should be allowed to remain in that attitude for the moment.\n\nCarefully return the back pan to the seat‑back and check the two spirit levels for zero position. If any movement of the feet has occurred during the rocking operation of the 3-D H machine, they must be repositioned as follows:\n\nAlternately, lift each foot off the floor the minimum necessary amount until no additional foot movement is obtained. During this lifting, the feet are to be free to rotate; and no forward or lateral loads are to be applied. When each foot is placed back in the down position, the heel is to be in contact with the structure designed for this.\n\nCheck the lateral spirit level for zero position; if necessary, apply a lateral load to the top of the back pan sufficient to level the 3‑D H machine's seat pan on the seat.\n\n4.13. Holding the T‑bar to prevent the 3-D H machine from sliding forward on the seat cushion, proceed as follows:\n\n(a) return the back pan to the seat‑back;\n\n(b) alternately apply and release a horizontal rearward load, not to exceed 25 N, to the back angle bar at a height approximately at the centre of the torso weights until the hip angle quadrant indicates that a stable position has been reached after load release. Care shall be exercised to ensure that no exterior downward or lateral loads are applied to the 3-D H machine. If another level adjustment of the 3-D H machine is necessary, rotate the back pan forward, re‑level, and repeat the procedure from paragraph 4.12.\n\n4.14. Take all measurements:\n\n4.14.1. The co‑ordinates of the \"H\" point are measured with respect to the three‑dimensional reference system.\n\n4.14.2. The actual torso angle is read at the back angle quadrant of the 3-D H machine with the probe in its fully rearward position.\n\n4.15. If a re‑run of the installation of the 3-D H machine is desired, the seat assembly should remain unloaded for a minimum period of 30 minutes prior to the re‑run. The 3-D H machine should not be left loaded on the seat assembly longer than the time required to perform the test.\n\n4.16. If the seats in the same row can be regarded as similar (bench seat, identical seats, etc.) only one \"H\" point and one \"actual torso angle\" shall be determined for each row of seats, the 3-D H machine described in appendix 1 to this annex being seated in a place regarded as representative for the row. This place shall be:\n\n4.16.1. in the case of the front row, the driver's seat;\n\n4.16.2. in the case of the rear row or rows, an outer seat.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"Annex 4","sectionType":"division","heading":"Annex 4","content":"### Annex 4\n\nDETERMINATION OF THE HEIGHT AND WIDTH OF HEAD RESTRAINTS\n\n![Figure 1\nFigure shows a side view of a seat and head restraint, showing how the combined height is measured](image.011.png)\n\nFigure 1  \n\n![Figure 2\nFigure shows how the width of a head restraint is measured and the positioning to do so](image.012.png)\n\nFigure 2","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"Annex 5","sectionType":"division","heading":"Annex 5","content":"### Annex 5\n\nDetails of lines and measurements taken during tests\n\n![Step 1\nFigure shows a sideways view of a seat and headrest showing the reference line pre-test and the displaced reference line during test](image.013.png)\n\n1. Original unloaded position.\n\n2a. Displaced position by applying to the manikin’s back a moment of 373 Nm about the R point, defining the position of the displaced reference line r1.\n\n2b. Displaced position by applying to the 165 mm sphere a force F producing a moment of 373 Nm about the R point, keeping the displaced reference line r1 in place.\n\n3. Position after displacement by the force F increased to 890 N.\n\n  \n\n.![Step 2\nFigure shows the measurement points, angles and distances (in mm) before and during the test](image.014.png)","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"Annex 6","sectionType":"division","heading":"Annex 6","content":"### Annex 6\n\nTEST PROCEDURE FOR CHECKING ENERGY DISSIPATION\n\n1. Installation, test apparatus, recording instruments and procedure\n\n1.1. Setting up\n\nThe seat, as mounted in the vehicle, shall be firmly secured to the test bench with the attachment parts provided by the manufacturer, so as to remain stationary when the impact is applied.\n\nThe seat‑back, if adjustable, shall be locked in the position specified in paragraph 6.1.1. of this Regulation.\n\nIf the seat is fitted with a head restraint, the head restraint shall be mounted on the seat‑back as in the vehicle. Where the head restraint is separate, it shall be secured to the part of the vehicle structure to which it is normally attached.\n\nIf the head restraint is adjustable, it shall be placed in the most unfavourable position allowed by its adjusting systems.\n\n1.2. Test apparatus\n\n1.2.1. This apparatus consists of a pendulum whose pivot is supported by ball‑bearings and whose reduced mass [](#_ftn11)/ at its centre of percussion is 6.8 kg. The lower extremity of the pendulum consists of a rigid headform 165 mm in diameter whose centre is identical with the centre of percussion of the pendulum.\n\n1.2.2. The headform shall be fitted with two accelerometers and a speed‑measuring device, all capable of measuring values in the direction of impact.\n\n1.3. Recording instruments\n\nThe recording instruments used shall be such that measurements can be made with the following degrees of accuracy:\n\n1.3.1. Acceleration\n\naccuracy = + 5 % of the actual value;\n\nfrequency class of data channel: class 600 corresponding to ISO Standard 6487 (1980);\n\ncross‑axis sensitivity = < 5 % of the lowest point on the scale.\n\n1.3.2. Speed:\n\naccuracy: + 2.5 % of the actual value;\n\nsensitivity: 0.5 km/h.\n\n1.3.3. Time recording:\n\nthe instrumentation shall enable the action to be recorded throughout its duration and readings to be made to within one one‑thousandth of a second;\n\nthe beginning of the impact at the moment of first contact between the headform and the item being tested shall be detected on the recordings used for analysing the test.\n\n1.4. Test procedure\n\n1.4.1. Tests on the seat‑back\n\nWith the seat installed as indicated in paragraph 1.1. of this annex, the direction of impact from the rear towards the front shall be situated in a longitudinal plane at an angle of 45° from the vertical.\n\nThe impact points shall be selected by the test laboratory in area 1 as defined in paragraph 6.8.1.1. of this Regulation, or if necessary in area 2 as defined in paragraph 6.8.1.2. of this Regulation, on surfaces exhibiting radii of curvature less than 5 mm.\n\n1.4.2. Tests on the head restraint\n\nThe head restraint shall be fitted and adjusted as indicated in paragraph 1.1. of this annex. Impacts shall be performed on points selected by the test laboratory in area 1 as defined in paragraph 6.8.1.1. of this Regulation, and possibly in area 2 as defined in paragraph 6.8.1.2. of this Regulation, on surfaces exhibiting radii of curvature less than 5 mm.\n\n1.4.2.1. For the rear face, the direction of impact from the rear towards the front shall be in a longitudinal plane at an angle of 45° from the vertical.\n\n1.4.2.2. For the front face, the direction of impact from the front towards the rear shall be horizontal in a longitudinal plane.\n\n1.4.2.3. The front and rear zones are respectively bounded by the horizontal plane tangential to the top of the head restraint as determined in paragraph 6.5. of this Regulation.\n\n1.4.3. The headform shall strike the test item at a speed of 24.1 km/h: this speed shall be achieved either by the mere energy of propulsion or by using an additional impelling device.\n\n2. Results\n\nThe deceleration rate shall be taken as the average of the readings on the two decelerometers.\n\n3. Equivalent procedures (see paragraph 6.9. of this Regulation).","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"Annex 8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Annex 8","content":"##### Annex 8\n\nDETERMINATION OF DIMENSION \"a\" OF HEAD RESTRAINT GAPS\n\n![Figure 1: Example of horizontal gaps\nFigure shows how the dimension of \"a\" gap in head restraint is measured](image.015.png)\n\nFigure 1: Example of horizontal gaps\n\nNote: Section A-A is to be made in a point of the gap area which allows the maximum sphere intrusion, without exerting any load.\n\n  \n\n![Figure 2. Example of vertical gaps\nShows example of vertical gaps in a headrest and how the test sphere may impact one of them](image.016.png)\n\nFigure 2. Example of vertical gaps\n\nNote: Section A-A is to be made in a point of the gap area which allows the maximum sphere intrusion, without exerting any load.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"Annex 9","sectionType":"division","heading":"Annex 9","content":"### Annex 9\n\nTEST PROCEDURE FOR DEVICES INTENDED TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS  \nAGAINST DISPLACEMENT OF LUGGAGE\n\n1. Test blocks\n\nRigid blocks, with the centre of inertia in the geometric centre.\n\nType 1\n\nDimensions: 300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm\n\nall edges and corners rounded to 20 mm\n\nMass: 18 kg\n\nType 2\n\nDimensions: 500 mm x 350 mm x 125 mm\n\nall edges and corners rounded to 20 mm\n\nMass: 10 kg\n\n2. Test preparation\n\n2.1. Test of seat-backs (see figure 1)\n\n2.1.1. General requirement\n\n2.1.1.1. At the option of the car manufacturer, parts whose hardness is lower than 50 Shore A can be removed from the tested seat and head restraint for the tests\n\n2.1.1.2. Two type 1 test blocks shall be placed on the floor of the luggage compartment. In order to determine the location of the test blocks in the longitudinal direction, they shall first be positioned such that their front side contacts that part of the vehicle which constitutes the forward boundary of the luggage compartment and that their lower side rests on the floor of the luggage compartment. They shall then be moved backwards and parallel to the longitudinal median plane of the vehicle until their geometrical centre has traversed a horizontal distance of 200 mm. If the dimensions of the luggage compartment do not allow a distance of 200 mm and if the rear seats are horizontally adjustable, these seats shall be moved forward to the limit of the adjustment range intended for normal occupant use, or to the position resulting in a distance of 200 mm, whichever is less. In other cases, the test blocks shall be placed as far as possible behind the rear seats. The distance between the longitudinal median plane of the vehicle and the inward facing side of each test block shall be 25 mm to obtain a distance of 50 mm between both blocks.\n\n2.1.1.3. During the test, the seats must be adjusted to ensure that the locking system cannot be released by external factors. If applicable, the seats shall be adjusted as follows:\n\nThe longitudinal adjustment shall be secured one notch or 10 mm in front of the rearmost possible position of use specified by the manufacturer (for seats with independent vertical adjustment, the cushion shall be placed to its lowest possible position). The test shall be carried out with the seat-backs in their normal position of use.\n\n2.1.1.4. If the seat-back is fitted with a head restraint, the test must be carried out with the head restraint placed in the highest position, if adjustable.\n\n2.1.1.5. If the back(s) of the rear seat(s) can be folded down, they shall be secured in their upright normal position by the standard locking mechanism.\n\n2.1.1.6. Seats behind which the type 1 blocks cannot be installed are exempted from this test\n\n![Figure 1: Positions of test blocks before test of rear seat-backs](image.017.png)\n\nFigure 1: Positions of test blocks before test of rear seat-backs\n\n2.1.2. Vehicles with more than two rows of seats\n\n2.1.2.1. If the rearmost row of seats is removable and/or can be folded down by the user according to the manufacturer's instructions in order to increase the luggage compartment area, then the seat row immediately in front of this rearmost row shall also be tested\n\n2.1.2.2. However, in this case, the Technical Service, after consultation with the manufacturer, may decide not to test one of the two rearmost rows of seats if the seats and their attachments are of similar design and if the test requirement of 200 mm is respected.\n\n2.1.3. When there is a gap, allowing sliding of one type 1 block past the seats, then the test loads (two type 1 blocks) shall be installed behind the seats after agreement between the Technical Service and the manufacturer.\n\n2.1.4. The exact test configuration shall be noted in the test report.\n\n2.2. Test of partitioning systems\n\nFor the test of the partitioning systems above the seat-backs, the vehicle shall be fitted with a fixed raised test floor having a load surface that locates the centre of gravity of the test block centrally between the top edge of the bordering seat-back (without taking into account the head restraints) and the bottom edge of the roof lining. A type 2 test block is placed on the raised test floor with its largest surface 500 x 350 mm, centrally in relation to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and with its surface 500 x 125 mm to the front. Partitioning systems behind which the type 2 test block cannot be installed are exempted from this test. The test block is placed directly in contact with the partitioning system. In addition, two type 1 test blocks are positioned in accordance with paragraph 2.1. in order to perform a simultaneous test on the seat-backs (see figure 2).\n\n![Figure 2: Testing of a partitioning system above the backrest\nFigure shows how a vehicle shall be fitted for testing of a partitioning system above the backrest](image.018.png)\n\nFigure 2: Testing of a partitioning system above the backrest\n\n2.2.1. If the seat-back is fitted with a head restraint, the test must be carried out with the head restraint placed in the highest position, if adjustable.\n\n3. Dynamic testing of seat-backs and partitioning systems used as luggage restraint systems\n\n3.1. The body of the passenger car shall be anchored securely to a test sled, and this anchorage shall not act as reinforcement for seat-backs and the partitioning system. After the installation of the test blocks as described in paragraph 2.1. or 2.2., the passenger car body shall be accelerated as shown in annex 9, appendix, so that at the moment of impact, its free running speed is 50 +0/-2 km/h. With the agreement of the manufacturer, the above described test pulse corridor can be used alternatively to fulfil the test of the seat strength according to paragraph 6.3.1.","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"Annex 9 - Appendix","sectionType":"division","heading":"Annex 9 - Appendix","content":"### Annex 9 - Appendix\n\nSLED DECELERATION CORRIDOR AS A FUNCTION OF TIME\n\n(Frontal impact)\n\n![Simulation of frontal impact\nGraph showing acceptable corridor of sled’s deceleration or acceleration as a function of time](image.019.png)","sortOrder":11}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument incorporates UN Regulation No.17 (Revision 4 and the 07 series of amendments and supplements listed in the preamble) and confines its subject matter to approval of vehicles with regard to seats, their anchorages and head restraints. The text shows incorporation of amendments but does not expand the Regulation's substantive scope beyond those topics (see Preamble and Regulation title and contents)."},"complexity_factors":["High technical specificity and tight tolerances for seating geometry (H‑point and torso angle requirements) — Annex 3, paras 3.2.2 and 4.14","Long, multi‑step installation and measurement protocol for the 3‑D H machine with conditioning rules — Annex 3, paras 4.1–4.16","Detailed dynamic impact and energy dissipation tests with specified headform mass, speed and instrumentation accuracy requirements — Annex 6, paras 1.2–1.4 and 1.4.3","Sled deceleration corridor and dynamic luggage‑restraint test pulse specifications requiring specialised test sled setups — Annex 9 and Annex 9 Appendix","Multiple test configurations (seat‑back, head restraint, partitioning systems) and block placement procedures adding setup permutations — Annex 9, paras 2–3","Prescriptive marking and approval number formats that cross‑reference amendment series and other regulations (Regulation Nos.17 and 33) — Annex 2","Conformity of production, penalties and administrative approval steps referenced in the Regulation contents (Regulations 7–8 and 4–5) increase ongoing compliance burdens","Numerous figures, appendices and cross‑references to manufacturer‑supplied design data create documentation and verification obligations — Annex 3, paras 3.1 and 3.2","Discretionary technical determinations (e.g. Technical Service choices, manufacturer options for test setup or component removal) create implementation variability — Annex 9, para 2.1.1.1–1.3","Incorporation of multiple amendment series and corrigenda increases interpretive complexity for which version applies to approvals — Preamble (Revision 4 and 07 series supplements)"],"plain_english_summary":"Adopts UN Regulation No.17 technical rules for vehicle seats, their anchorages and head restraints. It sets approval procedures, approval marks, and detailed laboratory test methods (H‑point and torso angle measurement, headform impact/energy dissipation, luggage‑restraint sled tests), plus production conformity and penalties.\n\nVehicle manufacturers fund design, testing and certification; technical services and regulators decide approvals and enforce conformity. Compliance requires following precise measurement, equipment and reporting procedures (see Annexes 3, 6 and 9), creating engineering, testing and administrative costs for market access."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears consistent with its original intent as a vehicle safety standard. It adopts the UN Regulation No. 17 framework, which has always been comprehensive regarding seats, anchorages, and head restraints. The inclusion of luggage retention testing (Annex 9) and energy dissipation (Annex 6) represents the natural evolution of seat safety standards rather than scope creep. The document maintains its focus on occupant protection through seating systems without expanding into unrelated vehicle systems."},"complexity_factors":["Adoption of international treaty text: The legislation incorporates UN Regulation No. 17 with multiple revision series, supplements, and corrigenda, creating a layered document structure.","Extensive cross-referencing: The main regulation text is not fully reproduced; instead, the document relies on incorporated annexes (9 annexes plus appendices) that contain the actual technical requirements.","Highly technical testing procedures: Detailed mechanical specifications for the '3-D H machine' (a dummy device for measuring seating position), pendulum impact tests with specific mass/speed parameters (6.8kg mass, 24.1 km/h impact speed), and deceleration corridors.","Precise geometric definitions: Complex spatial definitions including 'H point', 'R point', 'torso angle', and specific measurement tolerances (e.g., 50mm square tolerance zones, 5-degree angle tolerances).","Conditional testing scenarios: Multiple test configurations depending on seat adjustability (rearmost position, lowest position), presence of head restraints, and different seating positions (driver vs. rear passenger).","Nested annex structure: Main regulation refers to Annexes 1-9, with Annex 3 containing appendices 1-3, and Annex 9 containing a separate appendix for sled deceleration data.","Dual metric and procedural requirements: Mix of physical testing standards (Shore A hardness, Newton forces) and administrative procedures (approval marks, conformity of production).","Fragmentary presentation: The provided text appears to be an excerpt focusing on annexes rather than the complete regulation, missing the core definitions and scope sections that would normally appear in the main body."],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument adopts UN Regulation No. 17 to set minimum safety standards for vehicle seats, seat anchorages and head restraints in Australia, requiring they withstand crash forces, restrain occupants, block luggage and reduce whiplash. It applies to vehicle manufacturers and importers who must design and test seating systems for compliance, and benefits consumers by raising baseline protection and aligning Australia with international crash-safety practice."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-3-03-seats-and-seat-anchorages-2006","history":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-3-03-seats-and-seat-anchorages-2006/history","analysis":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-3-03-seats-and-seat-anchorages-2006/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-3-03-seats-and-seat-anchorages-2006/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-3-03-seats-and-seat-anchorages-2006/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/vehicle-standard-australian-design-rule-3-03-seats-and-seat-anchorages-2006/documents"}}