Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 23/03 – Passenger Car Tyres) 2018

This instrument is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 23/03 - Passenger Car Tyres) 2018, determined under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (front page signature and first paragraph). Mechanically, it does three things.

First, it prescribes that new pneumatic tyres designed primarily for passenger cars and other light vehicles (Class C1 tyres, intended for UN categories M1, N1, O1 and O2) must comply with either the technical text reproduced in Appendix A (which adopts UN Regulation No. 30) or the alternative standard stated at clause 7.1 (UN Regulation No. 30 incorporating specified series and supplements) (clauses 2.1, 5.1 and 7.1). The ADR therefore imports the substantive UN Regulation No. 30 technical requirements into Australian law for passenger car tyres (see Appendix A header and Regulation No. 30 text).

Second, it constrains the applicability of the standard. It does not apply to new light truck or truck/bus tyres (commercial C2 or C3 tyres for UN categories M2, N2, N3, O3 and O4), re-treaded trailer tyres, or temporary-use spare units supplied with a vehicle (clause 3.2-3.4). It also defers the detailed circumstances under which vehicles must comply to another ADR, Australian Design Rule 95/... - Installation of Tyres (clause 3.1). Those cross-references define the gatekeeping between tyre approval rules and tyre installation rules.

Third, the ADR adopts a limited domestication strategy for the UN text. It imports Appendix A (UN Regulation No. 30) but expressly disapplies several administrative and procedural parts of that Appendix in clause 6.1. The ADR says manufacturers may elect not to meet the full requirements of Appendix A - Section 3 (Markings) and Sections 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 and Annexes 1 and 2 are, subject to clause 6.2, not required for the purposes of this standard (clause 6.1). Where a manufacturer elects to depart from the full marking regime, the ADR nonetheless imposes a minimum marking floor (clause 6.2 and 6.2.1).

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Title: Australian Coat of Arms - Description: Australian Coat of Arms

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 23/03 – Passenger Car Tyres) 2018

I, ANDREW BROAD, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, determine this vehicle standard under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.

Dated 25 October 2018

[SIGNED]

Andrew Broad

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister

CONTENTS

1. Legislative provisions..........................................3

2. FUNCTION..................................................3

3. APPLICABILITY.............................................3

4. DEFINITIONS...............................................3

5. requirements.................................................3

6. exemptions AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES..................4

7. alternative standardS...........................................5

APPENDIX A.........................................................6

Legislative provisions
Name of Standard 1. This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 23/03 – Passenger Car Tyres) 2018. 2. This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 23/03 – Passenger Car Tyres.
Commencement 1. This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.
FUNCTION
The function of this vehicle standard is to specify requirements for new pneumatic tyres designed primarily for passenger cars and other light vehicles (including light trailers).
APPLICABILITY
The circumstances under which vehicles must comply with this standard are set out in the Australian Design Rule 95/… – Installation of Tyres.
This standard does not apply to new light truck or new truck/bus tyres (otherwise known as commercial vehicle tyres, or Class C2 or C3 tyres; and designed primarily for vehicles of UN categories M2, N2 , N3, O3 and O4).
This standard does not apply to re-treaded tyres fitted to trailers.
This standard does not apply to any temporary-use spare unit(s) supplied with a vehicle.
DEFINITIONS
For vehicle categories, definitions and meanings used in this standard, refer to: 1. Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005; and 2. Definitions in Appendix A of this standard or the alternative standards at clause 7.
requirements
For vehicles fitted with passenger car tyres (otherwise known as Class C1 tyres; and designed primarily for vehicles of UN categories M1, N1, O1 and O2), the tyres fitted must comply with the requirements of:

(a) Appendix A, except as varied by Section 6 Exemptions and Alternative Procedures; or

(b) the alternative standard at clause 7.

6. exemptions AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES

6.1. Subject to clause 6.2 below, compliance with the following parts, sections and annexes of Appendix A is not required for the purposes of this standard:

Section 3 Markings

Section 4 Application for approval

Section 5 Approval

Section 7 Modifications of the type of tyre and extension of approval

Section 8 Conformity of production

Section 9 Penalties for non-conformity of production

Section 10 Production definitively discontinued

Section 11 Transitional provisions

Section 12 Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests, and of Administrative Departments

Annexes

Annex 1 Communication

Annex 2 Example of the arrangement of the approval mark

6.2. In the case of a tyre type for which the manufacturer has elected, as permitted by clause 6.1 above, not to meet the full requirements of Appendix A – Section 3 – Markings, each tyre must at least bear:

(a) the markings referred to in paragraphs 3.1.1 to 3.1.11 of Appendix A, on both side walls in the case of symmetrical tyres or at least on the outer side wall in the case of asymmetrical tyres;

(b) the date of manufacture in the form of a group of four digits, the first two showing the week and the last two the year of manufacture, on at least one side wall; and

(c) where applicable, the marking referred to in paragraph 3.1.15 of Appendix A, on both side walls in the case of symmetrical tyres or at least on the outer side wall in the case of asymmetrical tyres.

6.2.1. Each required marking must be moulded onto or into the tyre. They must be clearly legible and must, except for the marking referred to in paragraph 3.1.1 of Appendix A, be situated in the lower half of at least one of its side walls.

7. alternative standardS

7.1. The technical requirements of the United Nations Regulation No. 30 – UNIFORM PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF PNEUMATIC TYRES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND THEIR TRAILERS, incorporating from the 01 series of amendments up to and including the 02 series of amendments.

APPENDIX A

Concerning the Adoption of Harmonized Technical United Nations Regulations 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 United Nations Regulations[*]

(Revision 3, including the amendments, which entered into force on 14 September 2017)

Addendum 29: UN Regulation No. 30

Incorporating by the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, all valid text up to:

Supplement 15 to the 02 series of amendments - Date of entry into force: 10 November 2007

Supplement 16 to the 02 series of amendments - Date of entry into force: 17 March 2010

Supplement 17 to the 02 series of amendments - Date of entry into force: 27 January 2013

Corrigendum 1 to Amendment 3 to the Revision 3 (Erratum by the secretariat)

Supplement 18 to the 02 series of amendments – Date of entry into force: 9 February 2017

Supplement 19 to the 02 series of amendments – Date of entry into force: 10 February 2018

Uniform provisions concerning the approval of pneumatic tyres for motor vehicles and their trailers

Regulation No. 30

Uniform provisions concerning the approval of pneumatic tyres for motor vehicles and their trailers

Contents

Page

1. Scope............................................................ 8

2. Definitions......................................................... 8

3. Markings.......................................................... 14

4. Application for approval................................................ 16

5. Approval.......................................................... 17

6. Requirements....................................................... 18

7. Modifications of the type of pneumatic tyre and extension of approval.................. 22

8. Conformity of production............................................... 22

9. Penalties for non-conformity of production.................................... 22

10. Production definitively discontinued........................................ 23

11. Transitional provisions................................................. 23

12. Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests and of Administrative Departments............................................. 23

Annexes

1 Communication..................................................... 25

2 Example of the arrangement of the approval mark............................... 27

3 Arrangement of tyre markings............................................ 28

4 Load-capacity indices.................................................. 30

5 Tyre size designation and dimensions....................................... 31

6 Method of measuring pneumatic tyres....................................... 34

7 Procedure for load/speed performance tests................................... 35

1. Scope

This Regulation covers new pneumatic tyres[*] designed primarily for vehicles of categories M1, N1, O1 and O2.[1]

It does not apply to tyres designed primarily for:

1.1. The equipment of vintage cars;

1.2. Competitions.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation:

2.1. "Type of tyre" means tyres which do not differ in such essential characteristics as:

(a) The manufacturer’s name;

(b) Tyre-size designation;

(d) Structure (diagonal (bias-ply), bias-belted, radial-ply, run flat tyre);

(e) Speed category symbol;

(f) Load-capacity index;

(g) Tyre cross-section.

2.2. "Manufacturer" means the person or body who is responsible to the Type Approval Authority (TAA) for all aspects of the type-approval and for ensuring the conformity of production.

2.3. "Brand name/trademark" means the identification of the brand or trademark as defined by the tyre manufacturer and marked on the sidewall(s) of the tyre. The brand name/trademark may be the same as that of the manufacturer.

2.4. "Trade description/commercial name" means an identification of a range of tyres as given by the tyre manufacturer. It may coincide with the brand name/trademark

2.5. "Normal tyre" means a tyre intended for normal on-road use.

2.6. "Snow tyre" means a tyre whose tread pattern, tread compound or structure is primarily designed to achieve in snow conditions a performance better than that of a normal tyre with regard to its ability to initiate or maintain vehicle motion.

2.7. "Special use tyre" means a tyre intended for mixed use both on- and off-road or for other special duty. These tyres are primarily designed to initiate and maintain the vehicle in motion in off-road conditions.

2.7.1. "Professional off-road tyre" is a special use tyre primarily used for service in severe off-road conditions.

2.8. "Structure" of a pneumatic tyre means the technical characteristics of the tyre's carcass. The following structures are distinguished in particular;

2.8.1. "Diagonal" or "bias-ply" describes a pneumatic-tyre structure in which the ply cords extend to the beads and are laid at alternate angles of substantially less than 90° to the centre line of the tread;

2.8.2. "Bias-belted" describes a pneumatic-tyre structure of diagonal (bias-ply) type in which the carcass is restricted by a belt comprising two or more layers of substantially inextensible cord material laid at alternate angles close to those of the carcass;

2.8.3. "Radial" describes a pneumatic-tyre structure in which the ply cords extend to the beads and are laid substantially at 90° to the centre line of the tread, the carcass being stabilized by an essentially inextensible circumferential belt;

2.8.4. "Reinforced" or "Extra Load" means a pneumatic-tyre structure designed to carry more load at a higher inflation pressure than the load carried by the corresponding standard version tyre at the standard inflation pressure as specified in ISO 4000-1:2010;

2.8.5. "Temporary use spare tyre" means a tyre different from a tyre intended to be fitted to any vehicle for normal driving conditions but intended only for temporary use under restricted driving conditions;

2.8.6. "T-type temporary use spare tyre" means a type of temporary use spare tyre designed for use at inflation pressures higher than those established for standard and reinforced tyres;

2.8.7. "Run flat tyre" or "Self supporting tyre" describes a pneumatic tyre structure provided with any technical solutions (for example, reinforced sidewalls, etc.) allowing the pneumatic tyre, mounted on the appropriate wheel and in the absence of any supplementary component, to supply the vehicle with the basic tyre functions, at least, at a speed of 80km/h (50mph) and a distance of 80km when operating in flat tyre running mode.

2.9. "Bead" means the part of a pneumatic tyre which is of such shape and structure as to fit the rim and hold the tyre on it;[2]/

2.10. "Cord" means the strands forming the fabric of the plies in the pneumatic tyre;2/

2.11. "Ply" means a layer of rubber-coated parallel cords;2/

2.12. "Carcass" means that part of a pneumatic tyre other than the tread and the rubber side walls which, when inflated, bears the load;2/

2.13. "Tread" means that part of a pneumatic tyre which comes into contact with the ground;2/

2.14. "Side wall" means the part of a pneumatic tyre between the tread and the bead;2/

2.15. "Lower area of tyre" means the area included between the point of maximum section width of the tyre and the area designed to be covered by the edge of the rim;2/

2.15.1. However, in case of tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see para. 3.1.13.) symbol "A" or "U", it means the area of the tyre which is seating on the rim.

2.16. "Tread pattern groove" means the space between two adjacent ribs or blocks in the tread pattern;2/

2.17. "Section width" means the linear distance between the outsides of the side walls of an inflated pneumatic tyre, excluding elevations due to labelling (marking), decoration or protective bands or ribs;2/

2.18. "Overall width" means the linear distance between the outsides of the side walls of an inflated pneumatic tyre, including labelling (marking), decoration and protective bands or ribs;2/

2.19. "Section height" means a distance equal to half the difference between the outer diameter of the tyre and the nominal rim diameter;2/

2.20. "Nominal aspect ratio (Ra)" means the centuple of the number obtained by dividing the number expressing the section height in mm by the number expressing the nominal section width in mm;

2.21. "Outer diameter" means the overall diameter of an inflated new pneumatic tyre;2/

2.22. "Tyre-size designation" is

2.22.1. a designation showing:

2.22.1.1. the nominal section width. This width must be expressed in mm, except in the case of the types of tyre for which the size designation is shown in the first column of the tables in Annex 5 to this Regulation;

2.22.1.2. the nominal aspect ratio except in the case of certain types of tyre, for which the size designation is shown in the first column of the tables in Annex 5 to this Regulation, or, depending on the tyre design type, the nominal outer diameter expressed in mm;

2.22.1.3. a conventional number denoting the nominal rim diameter and corresponding to its diameter expressed either by codes (numbers below 100) or in millimetres (numbers above 100);

2.22.1.4. the letter "T" in front of the nominal section width in case of T‑type temporary use spare tyres;

2.22.1.5. an indication of the tyre to rim fitment configuration when it differs from the standard configuration.

2.23. "Nominal rim diameter" means the diameter of the rim on which a tyre is designed to be mounted;

2.23.1. The values of the nominal rim diameters for code-designated rims expressed in millimetres are shown below:

Nominal rim diameter code ("d" symbol)	Value of the "d" symbol expressed in mm
10	254
11	279
12	305
13	330
14	356
15	381
16	406
17	432
18	457
19	483
20	508
21	533
22	559
23	584
24	610
25	635
26	660
27	686
28	711
29	737
30	762

2.24. "Rim" means the support for a tyre-and-tube assembly, or for a tubeless tyre, on which the tyre beads are seated;2/

2.24.1. "Tyre to rim fitment configuration" means the type of rim to which the tyre is designed to be fitted. In the case of non-standard rims this will be identified by a symbol applied to the tyre, for example, "CT", "TR", "TD", "A" or "U".

2.25. "Theoretical rim" means the notional rim whose width would be equal to x times the nominal section width of a tyre. The value of x shall be specified by the manufacturer of that tyre;

2.26. "Measuring rim" means the rim on which a tyre is required to be fitted for size measurements;

2.27. "Test rim" means the rim on which a tyre is required to be fitted for testing;

2.28. "Chunking" means the breaking away of pieces of rubber from the tread;

2.29. "Cord separation" means the parting of the cords from their rubber coating;

2.30. "Ply separation" means the parting of adjacent plies;

2.31. "Tread separation" means the pulling away of the tread from the carcass;

2.32. "Tread-wear indicators" means the projections within the tread grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degree of wear of the tread;

2.33. "Load-capacity index" means a number associated to the reference mass a tyre can carry when operated in conformity with requirements governing utilization specified by the manufacturer.

2.34. "Speed category" means the maximum speed which the tyre can sustain, expressed by speed category symbol (see table below).

2.34.1. The categories of speed are those indicated in the table below:

Speed-category symbol	Maximum speed (km/h)
<br>L<br>M<br>N<br>P<br>Q<br>R<br>S<br>T<br>U<br>H<br>V<br>W<br>Y<br>	<br>120<br>130<br>140<br>150<br>160<br>170<br>180<br>190<br>200<br>210<br>240<br>270<br>300

2.35. Tread pattern grooves

2.35.1. "Principal grooves" means the wide circumferential grooves positioned in the central zone of the tyre tread, which have the tread-wear indicators located in the base.

2.35.2. "Secondary grooves" means the supplementary grooves of the tread pattern which may disappear in the course of the tyre's life.

2.36. "Void to fill ratio" means the ratio between the area of voids in a reference surface and the area of this reference surface calculated from the mould drawing.

2.37. "Maximum load rating" means the maximum mass the tyre is rated to carry;

2.37.1. for speed not exceeding 210 km/h the maximum load rating shall not exceed the value associated with the load capacity index of the tyre;

2.37.2. for speed higher than 210 km/h, but not exceeding 240 km/h, (tyres classified with speed category symbol "V") the maximum load rating shall not exceed the percentage of the value associated with the load capacity index of the tyre, indicated in the table below, with reference to the speed capability of the car to which the tyre is fitted.

Maximum speed<br>(km/h)			Maximum load rating<br>(per cent)
215<br>220<br>225<br>230<br>235<br>240			98.5<br>97<br>95.5<br>94<br>92.5<br>91

For intermediate maximum speeds linear interpolations of the maximum load rating are allowed.

2.37.3. For speeds higher than 240 km/h (tyres classified with speed category symbol "W") the maximum load rating shall not exceed the percentage of the value associated with the load capacity index of the tyre, indicated in the table below, with reference to the speed capability of the car to which the tyre is fitted.

Maximum speed<br>(km/h)		Maximum load rating<br>(per cent)
240<br>250<br>260<br>270<br>		100<br> 95<br> 90<br> 85<br>

For intermediate maximum speeds linear interpolations of the maximum load rating are allowed.

2.37.4. For speeds higher than 270 km/h (tyres classified with speed-category symbol "Y") the maximum load rating shall not exceed the percentage of the value associated with the load capacity index of the tyre, indicated in the table below, with reference to the speed capability of the car to which the tyre is fitted.

Maximum speed<br>(km/h)		Maximum load rating<br>(per cent)
270<br>280<br>290<br>300<br>		100<br> 95<br> 90<br> 85<br>

For intermediate maximum speeds linear interpolations of the maximum load rating are allowed.

2.37.5. For speeds lower or equal to 60 km/h the maximum load rating must not exceed the percentage of mass, associated with the load capacity index of the tyre indicated in the table below with reference to the maximum design speed of the vehicle to which the tyre is to be fitted.

Maximum speed<br>(km/h)		Maximum load rating<br>(per cent)
25<br>30<br>40<br>50<br>60<br>		142<br>135<br>125<br>115<br>110<br>

2.37.6. For speeds in excess of 300 km/h, the maximum load rating must not exceed the mass specified by the tyre manufacturer with reference to the speed capacity of the tyre. For intermediate speeds between 300 km/h and the maximum speed permitted by the tyre manufacturer, a linear interpolation of the maximum load rating applies.

2.38. "Flat tyre running mode" describes the state of the tyre, essentially maintaining its structural integrity, while operating at an inflation pressure between 0 and 70 kPa.

2.39. "Basic tyre functions" means the normal capability of an inflated tyre in supporting a given load up to a given speed and transmitting the driving, the steering and the braking forces to the ground on which it runs.

2.41. "Run flat system" or "Extended mobility system" describes an assembly of specified functionally dependant components, including a tyre, which together provide the specified performance granting the vehicle with the basic tyre functions, at least, at a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and a distance of 80 km when operating in flat tyre running mode.

2.42. "Deflected section height" is the difference between the deflected radius, measured from the centre of the rim to the surface of the drum, and one half the nominal rim diameter as defined in ISO 4000-1.

3. Markings

3.1. Tyres submitted for approval shall bear on both side walls in the case of symmetrical tyres and at least on the outer side wall in the case of asymmetrical tyres:

3.1.1. The manufacturer's name or the Brand name/trademark;

3.1.2. The trade description/commercial name (see paragraph 2.4. of this Regulation). However, the trade description is not required when it coincides with the Brand name/trademark.

3.1.3. The trade name or mark;

3.1.4. The tyre-size designation;

3.1.5. An indication of the structure as follows:

3.1.5.1. on diagonal (bias-ply) tyres, no marking or the letter "D" placed in front of the rim diameter marking;

3.1.5.2. on radial-ply tyres, the letter "R" placed in front of the rim‑diameter marking, and, optionally, the word "RADIAL";

3.1.5.3. on bias-belted tyres, the letter "B" placed in front of the rim‑diameter marking, and in addition the words "BIAS-BELTED";

3.1.5.4. on radial ply tyres suitable for speeds in excess of 240 km/h but not exceeding 300 km/h (tyres marked with the speed symbol "W" or "Y" as part of the service description), the letter "R", placed before the rim diameter code marking, may be replaced with the inscription "ZR".

3.1.5.5. on "run flat" or "self supporting" tyres the letter "F" placed in front of the rim diameter marking.

3.1.6. The inscription M+S or M.S or M&S if the tyre is classified in the category of use "snow tyre" or if the tyre is classified in the category of use "special use tyre" when declared by the tyre manufacturer at paragraph 4.1.3. as complying also with the definition given in paragraph 2.6.

3.1.6.1. On tyres suitable for speeds in excess of 300 km/h, the letter "R" placed in front of the rim diameter code marking shall be replaced by the inscription "ZR" and the tyre shall be marked with a service description consisting of the speed symbol "Y" and the corresponding load index. The service description shall be marked within brackets, for example, "(95Y)".

3.1.7. The inscription "ET" and/or "POR" if the tyre is classified in the category of use "Special use". In addition, they may also bear the inscription M+S or M.S or M&S.

ET means Extra Tread and POR means Professional Off Road.

3.1.8. The inscription "ET" and/or "POR" if the tyre is classified in the category of use "Special use".

ET means Extra Tread and POR means Professional Off Road.

3.1.9. The load-capacity index;

3.1.10. The word "TUBELESS" if the tyre is designed for use without an inner tube;

3.1.11. The word "REINFORCED" or the words "EXTRA LOAD" if the tyre is a reinforced tyre;

3.1.12. The date of manufacture in the form of a group of four digits, the first two showing the week and the last two the year of manufacture. However, this marking which may be placed on one side wall only, shall not be mandatory, on any tyre submitted for approval, until two years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation.[3]/

3.1.13. In the case of tyres first approved after the entry into force of Supplement 13 to the 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 30, the identification referred to in paragraph 2.22.1.5. shall be placed immediately after the rim diameter marking referred to in paragraph 2.22.1.3.

3.1.14. In the case of temporary use spare tyres, the words "TEMPORARY USE ONLY" in upper case characters at least 12.7 mm high.

3.1.14.1. In addition, in the case of "T" type temporary use spare tyres, the legend "INFLATE TO 420 kPa (60 psi)", the upper case characters being at least 12.7 mm high.

3.1.15. The symbol below if the tyre is a "run flat" or "self supporting" tyre, where "h" is at least 12 mm.

Symbol for run flat or self supporting tyre

3.2. Tyres shall provide adequate space for the approval mark, as shown in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

3.3. Annex 3 to this Regulation gives an example of the arrangement of the tyre markings.

3.4. The markings referred to in paragraph 3.1. and the approval mark prescribed in paragraph 5.4. of this Regulation shall be moulded on to or into the tyres. They shall be clearly legible and situated in the lower area of the tyre on at least one of its side walls, except for the inscription mentioned in paragraphs 3.1.1. and 3.1.12. above.

3.4.1. However, for tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see para. 3.1.13.), symbol "A" or "U", the markings may be placed anywhere on the outside sidewall of the tyre.

4. Application for approval

4.1. The application for approval of a type of tyre with regard to this regulation shall be submitted by the tyre manufacturer or by his duly accredited representative. It shall specify:

4.1.1. The tyre-size designation;

4.1.2. The manufacturer’s name;

4.1.2.1. The Brand name(s)/trademark(s);

4.1.2.2. The trade description(s)/commercial name(s)

4.1.3. The category of use (normal tyre or snow tyre, or special use tyre, or for temporary use);

4.1.3.1. For the tyres belonging to the category of use "special use tyre" those which may bear the inscription M+S or M.S or M&S.

4.1.4. Structure: diagonal (bias ply), bias belted, radial, run flat tyre;

4.1.5. The speed category;

4.1.6. The load-capacity index of the tyre;

4.1.7. Whether the tyre is to be used with or without an inner tube;

4.1.8. Whether the tyre is "standard" or "reinforced" or "T-type temporary use spare tyre";

4.1.9. The ply-rating number of diagonal (bias-ply) tyres;

4.1.10. The overall dimensions: overall section width and outer diameter;

4.1.11. The rims on which the tyre can be mounted;

4.1.12. The measuring rim and test rim;

4.1.13. The test pressure where the manufacturer requests the application of Annex 7, paragraph 1.3. to this Regulation;

4.1.14. The factor x referred to in paragraph 2.25. above.

4.1.15. For tyres suitable for speeds in excess of 300 km/h, the maximum speed permitted by the tyre manufacturer and the load carrying capacity allowed for that maximum speed. The tyre manufacturer must also specify these values in the technical literature for the tyre type.

4.1.16. The identification of the bead retention rim contours specific for the "flat tyre running mode" of "run flat tyres".

4.2. The application for approval shall be accompanied (all in triplicate) by a sketch, or a representative photograph, which identify the tyre tread pattern and a sketch of the envelope of the inflated tyre mounted on the measuring rim, showing the relevant dimensions (see paragraphs 6.1.1. and 6.1.2.) of the type submitted for approval. It shall also be accompanied either by the test report issued by the approved Test Laboratory or by one or two samples of the tyre type, at the discretion of the Competent Authority. Drawings or photographs of the side wall and tread of the tyre shall be submitted once production has been established, no later than one year after the date of issue of the type approval.

4.3. The Competent Authority shall verify the existence of satisfactory arrangements for ensuring effective control of the conformity of production before type approval is granted.

4.4. Where a tyre manufacturer submits application for type approval for a range of tyres, it is not considered necessary to carry out a load/speed test on every type of tyre in the range. Worst case selection may be made at the discretion of the Approval Authority.

5. Approval

5.1. If the tyre submitted for approval in pursuance of this Regulation meets the requirements of paragraph 6 below, approval of that type of tyre shall be granted.

5.2. An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved. Its first two digits (at present 02) shall indicate the series of amendments incorporating the most recent major technical amendments made to the Regulation at the time of issue of the approval. The same Contracting Party shall not assign the same number to another tyre type covered by this Regulation.

5.3. Notice of approval or of extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval or production definitively discontinued of a type of tyre pursuant to this Regulation shall be communicated to the Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation, by means of a form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

5.3.1. Where type approval is granted for a tyre type suitable for speeds over 300 km/h (see paragraph 4.1.15.), the relevant maximum speed (km/h) and the load carrying capacity (kg) allowed for the maximum speed shall be notified in clear in section 10 of the communication form (see Annex 1 of this Regulation); load carrying capacities for intermediate speeds higher than 300 km/h may also be specified.

5.4. There shall be affixed conspicuously to every tyre conforming to a type of tyre approved under this Regulation, in the space referred to in paragraph 3.2. above and in addition to the markings prescribed in paragraph 3.1. above, an international approval mark consisting of:

5.4.1. A circle surrounding the letter "E" followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval;[4]/

5.4.2. An approval number.

5.5. The approval mark shall be clearly legible and be indelible.

5.6. Annex 2 to this Regulation gives an example of the arrangement of the approval mark.

6. Requirements

6.1. Dimensions of tyres

6.1.1. Section width of a tyre

6.1.1.1. The section width shall be calculated by the following formula:

S = S1 + K (A-A1),

where:

S is the "section width" rounded to the nearest millimetre and measured on the measuring rim;

S1 is the "nominal section width" (in mm) as shown on the side wall of the tyre in the designation of the tyre as prescribed;

A is the width (expressed in mm) of the measuring rim, as shown by the manufacturer in the descriptive note,[5]

A1 is the width (expressed in mm) of the theoretical rim.

A1 shall be taken to equal S1 multiplied by the factor x, as specified by the manufacturer, and K shall be taken to equal 0.4.

6.1.1.2. However, for the types of tyres for which the designation is given in the first column of the tables in Annex 5 to this Regulation, the section width shall be that given opposite the tyre designation in these tables.

6.1.1.3. However, for tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see para. 3.1.13.) symbol "A" or "U", K shall be taken equal to 0.6.

6.1.2. Outer diameter of a tyre

6.1.2.1. The outer diameter of a tyre shall be obtained by means of the following formula:

D = d + 2H

where:

D is the outer diameter expressed in millimetres;

d is the nominal rim diameter defined in paragraph 2.23. above, expressed in millimetres;

H is the nominal section height rounded to the nearest millimetre and is equal to:

H = S1 • 0.01 Ra, where

S1 is the nominal section width in millimetres (mm);

Ra is the nominal aspect ratio;

all as shown on the sidewall of the tyre in the tyre-size designation in conformity with the requirements of paragraph 3.4. above.

6.1.2.2. However, for the types of tyres for which the designation is given in the first column of the tables of Annex 5 to this Regulation the outer diameter shall be that given opposite the "size" designation in these tables.6.1.2.3.

However, for tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see para. 3.1.13.) symbol "A" or "U", the outer diameter shall be that specified in the tyre size designation as shown on the sidewall of the tyre.

6.1.3. Method of measuring pneumatic tyres.

The dimensions of tyres shall be measured by the procedure described in Annex 6 to this Regulation.

6.1.4. Tyre section width specifications.

6.1.4.1. The overall width of a tyre may be less than the section width determined pursuant to paragraph 6.1.1. above.

6.1.4.2. It may exceed that value by the following percentages, whereby the limits shall be rounded to the nearest mm:

6.1.4.2.1. in diagonal (bias-ply) tyres: 6 per cent;

6.1.4.2.2. in radial ply, run flat tyres: 4 per cent;

6.1.4.2.3. in addition, if the tyre has special protective ribs (or bands), the figure as increased by the above tolerance may be exceeded by 8 mm.

6.1.4.2.4. However, for tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see para. 3.1.13.) symbol "A" or "U", the overall width of the tyre, in the lower area of the tyre, equals the nominal width of the rim on which the tyre is mounted, as shown by the manufacturer in the descriptive note, increased by 20 mm.

6.1.5. Tyre outer diameter specifications

The outer diameter of a tyre must not be outside the values Dmin and Dmax obtained from the following formulae:

Dmin = d + 2 • Hmin

Dmax = d + 2 • Hmax

where:

Hmin = H • a rounded to the nearest mm

Hmax = H • b rounded to the nearest mm

6.1.5.1. For sizes listed in Annex 5 and for tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see paragraph 3.1.13.) symbol "A" or "U", the nominal section height H is equal to:

H = 0.5 (D-d), rounded to the nearest mm – for references see paragraph 6.1.2.1.

6.1.5.2. for other sizes, not listed in Annex 5, "H" and "d" are as defined in paragraph 6.1.2.1,

6.1.5.3. Coefficients "a" and "b" are respectively:

6.1.5.3.1. Coefficient "a" = 0.97

6.1.5.3.2. Coefficient "b" Radial, Run flat tyre Diagonal and Bias Belted for normal tyres 1.04 1.08 for special-use tyres 1.06 1.09

6.1.5.4. For snow tyres the outer diameter shall not exceed the following value

Dmax,snow = 1.01 • Dmax rounded to the nearest mm

where Dmax is the maximum outer diameter established in conformity with the above.

6.2. Load/speed performance test

6.2.1. The tyre shall undergo a load/speed performance test carried out by the procedure described in Annex 7 to this Regulation.

6.2.1.1. Where application is made for tyres identified by means of letter code "ZR" within the size designation and suitable for speeds over 300 km/h (see paragraph 4.1.15.), the above load/speed test is carried out on one tyre at conditions appropriate for the load index marked on the tyre and the speed symbol "Y". Another load/speed test must be carried out on a second sample of the same tyre type according to paragraph 2.6. of Annex 7 corresponding to the load and speed conditions specified as maximum by the tyre manufacturer (see paragraph 4.1.15. of this Regulation).

The second test may be carried out on the same tyre sample if the tyre manufacturer agrees.

6.2.1.2. Where application is made for the type approval of a "run flat system" the above load speed test is carried out on one tyre, inflated as per paragraph 1.2. of Annex 7, at the load and speed conditions marked on the tyre (see paragraph 3.1.6.1.). Another load/speed test must be carried out on a second sample of the same tyre type as specified in paragraph 3. of Annex 7. The second test may be carried out on the same sample if the manufacturer agrees.

6.2.2. A tyre which after undergoing the load/speed test as specified in paragraph 2. of Annex 7 does not exhibit any tread separation, ply separation, cord separation, chunking or broken cords shall be deemed to have passed the test.

6.2.2.1. However, a tyre marked with the speed symbol "Y" which, after undergoing the relevant test, exhibits superficial blistering of the tyre tread caused by the specific test equipment and conditions, is deemed to have passed the test.

6.2.2.2. If a "run flat system" tyre which, after undergoing the test as specified in paragraph 3. of Annex 7, does not exhibit a change in the deflected section height, compared to the deflected section height at the start of the test, higher than 20 per cent and retains the tread connected to the two sidewalls, it is deemed to have passed the test.

6.2.3. The outer diameter of the tyre, measured six hours after the load/speed performance test as specified in paragraph 2. of Annex 7, must not differ by more than ±3.5 per cent from the outer diameter as measured before the test.

6.3. Tread pattern of a tyre

6.3.1. In order to be classified as a "special use tyre" a tyre shall have a block tread pattern in which the blocks are larger and more widely spaced than for normal tyres and have the following characteristics:

(a) A tread depth ≥ 11 mm

(b) A void-to-fill ratio ≥ 35 per cent

6.3.2. In order to be classified as a "professional off-road tyre", a tyre shall have all of the following characteristics:

(a) A tread depth ≥ 11 mm;

(b) A void-to-fill ratio ≥ 35 per cent

6.3.3. Tread-wear indicators

6.3.3.1. The tyre shall include not less than six transverse rows of wear indicators, approximately equally spaced and situated in the principal grooves of the tread. The tread-wear indicators shall be such that they cannot be confused with the rubber ridges between the ribs or blocks of the tread.

6.3.3.2. However, in the case of tyres of dimensions appropriate for mounting on rims of a nominal diameter of 12 or less, four rows of tread-wear indicators shall be accepted.

6.3.3.3. The tread-wear indicators must provide a means of indicating, with a tolerance of +0.60/-0.00 mm, when the tread grooves are no longer more than 1.6 mm deep.

6.3.3.4. The height of tread-wear indicators is determined by measuring the difference between the depth, from the tread's surface, to the top of the tread-wear indicator and to the bottom of the tread groove close to the slope at the base of the tread-wear indicator.

7. Modifications of the type of tyre and extension of approval

7.1. Every modification of the type of tyre shall be notified to the Administrative Department which approved the type of pneumatic tyre. The department may then either:

7.1.1. Consider that the modifications made are unlikely to have an appreciable adverse effect and that in any case, the tyre still complies with the requirements; or

7.1.2. Require a further test report from the Technical Service responsible for conducting the tests.

7.2. A modification of the tread pattern of the tyre shall not be considered to necessitate a repetition of the tests prescribed in paragraph 6. of this Regulation.

7.3. Confirmation or refusal of approval, specifying the alterations, shall be communicated by the procedure specified in paragraph 5.3. above to the Parties to the Agreement which apply this Regulation.7.4. The Competent Authority issuing the extension of approval shall assign a series number for such an extension and inform thereof the other Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

8. Conformity of production

The conformity of production procedures shall comply with those set out in the 1958 Agreement, Schedule 1 (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3) with the following requirements:

8.1. Tyres approved under this Regulation shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved, by meeting the requirements set forth in paragraph 6. above.

8.2. The authority which has granted type approval may at any time verify the conformity control methods applied in each production facility. For each production facility, the normal frequency of these verifications shall be at least once every two years.

9. Penalties for non-conformity of production

9.1. The approval granted in respect of a type of tyre pursuant to this Regulation may be withdrawn if the requirements laid down in paragraph 8.1. above are not complied with or if the tyres taken from the series have failed to pass the tests prescribed in that paragraph.

9.2. If a Contracting Party to the Agreement applying this Regulation withdraws an approval it has previously granted, it shall forthwith so notify the other Contracting Parties applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

10. Production definitively discontinued

If the holder of an approval completely ceases to manufacture a type of tyre approved in accordance with this Regulation, he shall so inform the authority which granted the approval. Upon receiving the relevant communication that authority shall inform thereof the other Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

11. Transitional provisions

11.1. Contracting Parties applying this Regulation shall not refuse to grant extensions of approval to preceding series of amendments, or supplement to series of amendments to this Regulation.

11.2. No Contracting Parties applying this Regulation shall refuse a tyre approved to the 01 series of amendments to this Regulation.

11.3. Tread-wear indicators:

11.3.1. As from the date of entry into force of Supplement 4 to the 02 series of amendments, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation may no longer issue approvals pursuant to Supplement 3 to the 02 series of amendments with respect to the requirements of paragraph 6.3.3.

11.3.2. All new tyres manufactured from 1 October 1995 shall conform to the requirements of paragraph 6.3.3. as amended by Supplement 4 to the 02 series of amendments.

12. Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests, and of Type Approval Authorities

12.1. The Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement which apply this Regulation shall communicate to the United Nations Secretariat the names and addresses of the technical services responsible for conducting approval tests and, where applicable, of the approved test laboratories and of the Type Approval Authorities which grant approval and to which forms certifying approval, or extension of approval, or refusal of approval or withdrawal of approval or production definitively discontinued, issued in other countries, are to be sent.

12.2. The Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement which apply this regulation may designate laboratories of tyre manufacturers as approved, test laboratories.

12.3. Where a Contracting Party to the 1958 Agreement applies paragraph 12.2. above, it may, if it so desires, be represented at the tests by one or more persons of its choice.

Explanatory figure

(See paragraph 2. of the Regulation)

View image in the official source Explanatory figure for tyre terms/definitions

Annex 1

Communication

(Maximum format: A4 (210 x 297 mm))

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View image in the official source [6]

concerning[7]: Approval granted

Approval extended

Approval refused

Approval withdrawn

Production definitively discontinued

of a type of tyre for motor vehicles pursuant to Regulation No. 30

Approval No.:..................Extension No.: ......................

1. Manufacturer's name and address:.................................

2. Tyre type designation[8]........................................

2.1. Brand name(s)/trademark(s):.....................................

2.2. Trade description(s)/ Commercial name(s):...........................

3. If applicable, name and address of manufacturer's representative:.............

........................................................

4. Summarized description:

4.1. Tyre size designation:.........................................

4.2. Category of use: normal/snow/ temporary use 2

4.3. Structure: diagonal/bias-belted/radial/run flat tyre 2

4.4. Speed category symbol:........................................

4.5. Load-capacity index:..........................................

5. Technical Service and, where applicable, test laboratory approved for purposes of approval or of verification of conformity:

6. Date of report issued by that service:................................

7. Number of report issued by that service:.............................

8. Reason(s) of extension (if applicable):...............................

9. Any remarks:...............................................

10. Place:....................................................

11. Date:....................................................

12. Signature:.................................................

13. Annexed to this communication is a list of documents in the approval file deposited at the Administrative services having delivered the approval and which can be obtained upon request.

Annex 2

Example arrangement of the approval mark

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View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official sourcea

View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source2

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a = 12 mm min.

The above approval mark affixed to a tyre shows that the type of tyre concerned has been approved in the Netherlands (E 4) under approval number 022439.

Note: The first two digits of the approval number indicate that the approval was granted in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation as amended by the 02 series of amendments.

The approval number must be placed close to the circle and either above or below the "E" or to left or right of that letter. The digits of the approval number must be on the same side of the "E" and face in the same direction. The use of Roman numerals as approval numbers should be avoided so as to prevent any confusion with other symbols.

Annex 3

Arrangement of tyre markings

1. Example of the markings to be borne by type of tyres placed on the market after the entry into force of this Regulation

View image in the official source

b = 6 mm (min.)

c = 4 mm (min.)

These markings define a tyre:

(a) having a nominal section width of 185;

(b) having a nominal aspect ratio of 70;

(d) having a nominal rim diameter of 14;

(e) having a load capacity of 580 kg, corresponding to load index 89 in Annex 4 to this Regulation;

(f) of speed category T (maximum speed 190 km/h);

(g) for fitting without an inner tube ("tubeless");

(h) of "snow" type (M+S);

(i) manufactured during the twenty-fifth week of the year 2003.

2. In the particular case of tyres having a tyre to rim fitment configuration "A" or "U", the marking shall be in the form of the following example:

185-560 R 400A, or 185-560 R 400U where:

185 is the nominal section width in mm,

560 is the outer diameter expressed in mm,

R is an indication of the structure of the tyre - see paragraph 3.1.5. of this Regulation,

400 is the nominal diameter of the rim expressed in mm,

A or U is the tyre to rim fitment configuration.

The marking of the load index, speed category, date of manufacture and other markings, shall be as given in example 1 above.

3. The positioning and order of the markings constituting the tyre designation shall be the following:

(a) the size designation as defined in paragraph 2.22. of this Regulation shall be grouped as shown in the above examples: 185/70 R 14 and 185-560 R 400A or 185-560 R 400U;

(b) the service description comprising the load index and the speed symbol shall be placed immediately after the tyre size designation as defined in paragraph 2.22. of this Regulation;

The symbols "TUBELESS", "REINFORCED", "M + S" and "ET" and "POR" may be at a distance from the size-designation.

Annex 4

Load-capacity indices

Li = Load-capacity index

kg = Corresponding mass of the vehicle which is to be carried.

<br>Li	<br>kg	<br>Li	<br>kg	<br>Li	<br>kg	<br>Li	<br>kg
0	45	31	109	61	257	91	615
1	46.2	32	112	62	265	92	630
2	47.5	33	115	63	272	93	650
3	48.7	34	118	64	280	94	670
4	50	35	121	65	290	95	690
5	51.5	36	125	66	300	96	710
6	53	37	128	67	307	97	730
7	54.5	38	132	68	315	98	750
8	56	39	136	69	325	99	775
9	58	40	140	70	335	100	800
10	60	41	145	71	345	101	825
11	61.5	42	150	72	355	102	850
12	63	43	155	73	365	103	875
13	65	44	160	74	375	104	900
14	67	45	165	75	387	105	925
15	69	46	170	76	400	106	950
16	71	47	175	77	412	107	975
17	73	48	180	78	425	108	1 000
18	75	49	185	79	437	109	1 030
19	77.5	50	190	80	450	110	1 060
20	80	51	195	81	462	111	1 090
21	82.5	52	200	82	475	112	1 120
22	85	53	206	83	487	113	1 150
23	87.5	54	212	84	500	114	1 180
24	90	55	218	85	515	115	1 215
25	92.5	56	224	86	530	116	1 250
26	95	57	230	87	545	117	1 285
27	97.5	58	236	88	560	118	1 320
28	100	59	243	89	580	119	1 360
29	103	60	250	90	600	120	1 400
30	106

Annex 5

Tyre-size designation and dimensions

Table I.

Tyres in Diagonal Construction (European tyres)

Size	Measuring<br>rim width code	Overall<br>diameter [1/]<br>mm	Tyre section width 1/<br>mm	Nominal rim diameter "d"<br>mm
Super Ballon Series
4.80-10	3.5	490	128	254
5.20-10	3.5	508	132	254
5.20-12	3.5	558	132	305
5.60-13	4	600	145	330
5.90-13	4	616	150	330
6.40-13	4.5	642	163	330
5.20-14	3.5	612	132	356
5.60-14	4	626	145	356
5.90-14	4	642	150	356
6.40-14	4.5	666	163	356
5.60-15	4	650	145	381
5.90-15	4	668	150	381
6.40-15	4.5	692	163	381
6.70-15	4.5	710	170	381
7.10-15	5	724	180	381
7.60-15	5.5	742	193	381
8.20-15	6	760	213	381
Low Section Series
5.50-12	4	552	142	305
6.00-12	4.5	574	156	305
7.00-13	5	644	178	330
7.00-14	5	668	178	356
7.50-14	5.5	688	190	356
8.00-14	6	702	203	356
6.00-15 L	4.5	650	156	381
Super Low Section Series [2/]
155-13/6.15-13	4.5	582	157	330
165-13/6.45-13	4.5	600	167	330
175-13/6.95-13	5	610	178	330
155-14/6.15-14	4.5	608	157	356
165-14/6.45-14	4.5	626	167	356
175-14/6.95-14	5	638	178	356
185-14/7.35-14	5.5	654	188	356
195-14/7.75-14	5.5	670	198	356
Ultra Low Section
5.9-10	4	483	148	254
6.5-13	4.5	586	166	330
6.9-13	4.5	600	172	330
7.3-13	5	614	184	330

Table II.

Millimetric Series - Radial (European tyres)

Size	Measuring<br>rim width code	Overall<br>diameter [1/]<br>mm	Tyre section width 1/<br>mm	Nominal rim diameter "d"<br>mm
125 R 10	3.5	459	127	254
145 R 10	4	492	147	254
125 R 12	3.5	510	127	305
135 R 12	4	522	137	305
145 R 12	4	542	147	305
155 R 12	4.5	550	157	305
125 R 13	3.5	536	127	330
135 R 13	4	548	137	330
145 R 13	4	566	147	330
155 R 13	4.5	578	157	330
165 R 13	4.5	596	167	330
175 R 13	5	608	178	330
185 R 13	5.5	624	188	330
125 R 14	3.5	562	127	356
135 R 14	4	574	137	356
145 R 14	4	590	147	356
155 R 14	4.5	604	157	356
165 R 14	4.5	622	167	356
175 R 14	5	634	178	356
185 R 14	5.5	650	188	356
195 R 14	5.5	666	198	356
205 R 14	6	686	208	356
215 R 14	6	700	218	356
225 R 14	6.5	714	228	356
125 R 15	3.5	588	127	381
135 R 15	4	600	137	381
145 R 15	4	616	147	381
155 R 15	4.5	630	157	381
165 R 15	4.5	646	167	381
175 R 15	5	660	178	381
185 R 15	5.5	674	188	381
195 R 15	5.5	690	198	381
205 R 15	6	710	208	381
215 R 15	6	724	218	381
225 R 15	6.5	738	228	381
235 R 15	6.5	752	238	381
175 R 16	5	686	178	406
185 R 16	5.5	698	188	406
205 R 16	6	736	208	406

Table III.

45 Series - Radial on TR Metric 5° Rims

Size	Measuring rim width	Overall diameter	Tyre section width
280/45 R 415	240	661	281

Annex 6

Method of measuring pneumatic tyres

1.1. Mount the tyre on the measuring rim specified by the manufacturer pursuant to paragraph 4.1.12. of this Regulation and inflate it to a pressure of 3 to 3.5 bar.

1.2. Adjust the pressure as follows:

1.2.1. in standard bias-belted tyres: to 1.7 bar;

1.2.2. in diagonal (bias-ply) tyres: to:

Ply-rating Pressure (bar)
L, M, N Speed category P, Q, R, S T, U, H, V
468 1.72.12.5 2.02.42.8 -2.63.0

1.2.3. in standard radial tyres: to 1.8 bar;

1.2.4. In reinforced tyres: to 2.2 bar;

1.2.5. in T-tyre temporary use spare tyres: to 4.2. bar.

2. Condition the tyre, mounted on its rim, at the ambient room temperature for not less than 24 hours, save as otherwise prescribed in paragraph 6.2.3. of this Regulation.

3. Readjust the pressure to the level specified in paragraph 1.2. above.

4. Measure the overall width by calliper at six equally-spaced points, taking the thickness of the protective ribs or bands into account. The highest measurement so obtained is taken as the overall width.

5. Determine the outer diameter by measuring the maximum circumference and dividing the figure so obtained by π (3.1416).

Annex 7

Procedure for load/speed performance tests

1. Preparing the tyre

1.1. Mount a new tyre on the test rim specified by the manufacturer pursuant to paragraph 4.1.12. of this Regulation.

1.2. Inflate it to the appropriate pressure as given (in bar) in the table below:

T-type temporary use spare tyres: to 4.2 bar.

Speed category Diagonal (bias-ply) tyres Radial/Run flat system Bias-belted tyres
Ply rating Standard Reinforced Standard
4 6 8
L, M, N 2.3 2.7 3.0 2.4 2.8 -
P, Q, R, S 2.6 3.0 3.3 2.6 3.0 2.6
T, U, H 2.8 3.2 3.5 2.8 3.2 2.8
VWY 3.0-- 3.4-- 3.7-- 3.03.2 3.2 [1/] 3.43.63.6 ---

1.3. The manufacturer may request, giving reasons, the use of a test‑inflation pressure differing from those given under paragraph 1.2. above. In such a case the tyre shall be inflated to that pressure.

1.4. Condition the tyre-and-wheel assembly at test-room temperature for not less than three hours.

1.5. Readjust the tyre pressure to that specified in paragraph 1.2. or 1.3. above.

2. Carrying out the test

2.1. Mount the tyre-and-wheel assembly on a test axle and press it against the outer face of a smooth wheel 1.70 m + 1 per cent or 2 m + 1 per cent in diameter.

2.2. Apply to the test axle a load equal to eighty per cent of:

2.2.1. The maximum load rating equated to the Load Capacity Index for tyres with Speed Symbols L to H inclusive,

2.2.2. The maximum load rating associated with a maximum speed of 240 km/h for tyres Speed Symbol "V" (see para. 2.37.2. of this Regulation).

2.2.3. The maximum load rating associated with a maximum speed of 270 km/h for tyres with speed symbol "W" (see paragraph 2.37.3. of this Regulation).

2.2.4. The maximum load rating associated with a maximum speed of 300 km/h for tyres with speed symbol "Y" (see paragraph 2.37.4. of this Regulation).

2.3. Throughout the test the tyre pressure must not be corrected and the test load must be kept constant.

2.4. During the test the temperature in the test-room must be maintained at between 20° and 30° or at a higher temperature if the manufacturer agrees.

2.5. Carry the test through, without interruption in conformity with the following particulars:

2.5.1. time taken to pass from zero speed to initial test speed: 10 minutes;

2.5.2. Initial test speed: prescribed maximum speed for the type of tyre (see paragraph 2.37.1. of this Regulation), less 40 km/h in the case of the smooth wheel having 1.70 m ± 1 per cent in diameter or less 30 km/h in the case of the smooth wheel having 2 m ± 1 per cent in diameter;

2.5.3. successive speed increments: 10 km/h;

2.5.4. duration of test at each speed step except the last: 10 minutes;

2.5.5. duration of test at last speed step: 20 minutes;

2.5.6. maximum test speed: prescribed maximum speed for the type of tyre, less 10 km/h in the case of the smooth wheel having 1.7 m + 1 per cent in diameter or equal to the prescribed maximum speed in the case of the smooth wheel having 2 m + 1 per cent in diameter.

2.5.7. however, for tyres suitable for maximum speed of 300 km/h (speed symbol "Y"), the duration of the test is 20 minutes at the initial test speed step and 10 minutes at the last speed step.

2.6. The procedure for the second test (see paragraph 6.2.1.1.), to assess the performance of a tyre suitable for speeds in excess of 300 km/h, shall be as follows:

2.6.1. Apply to the test axle a load equal to 80 per cent of the maximum load rating associated with the maximum speed specified by the tyre manufacturer (see paragraph 4.1.15. of this Regulation).

2.6.2. The test shall be run without interruptions in accordance with the following:

2.6.2.1. Ten minutes to build up from zero to the maximum test speed for the second test.

2.6.2.2. Five minutes at the maximum test speed for the second test.

2.6.2.3. Maximum test speed for the second test: maximum speed specified by the tyre manufacturer (see paragraph 4.1.15. of this Regulation), less 10 km/h in the case of the smooth wheel having 1.7 m ± 1 per cent in diameter or equal to the maximum speed specified by the tyre manufacturer in the case of the smooth wheel having 2 m ± 1 per cent in diameter.

3. Procedure to assess the "flat tyre running mode" of "run flat system".

3.1. Mount a new tyre on the test rim specified by the manufacturer pursuant to paragraphs 4.1.12. and 4.1.15. of this Regulation.

3.2. Carry out the procedure as detailed in paragraphs 1.2. to 1.5. above with a test room temperature at 38 ºC + 3 ºC in relation to conditioning the tyre-and-wheel assembly as detailed in paragraph 1.4.

3.3. Remove the valve insert and wait until the tyre deflates completely.

3.4. Mount the tyre-and-wheel assembly to a test axle and press it against the outer surface of a smooth wheel 1.70 m ± 1 per cent or 2.0 m ± 1 per cent in diameter.

3.5. Apply to the test axle a load equal to 65 per cent of the maximum load rating corresponding to the load capacity index of the tyre.

3.6. At the start of the test, measure the deflected section height (Z1).

3.7. During the test the temperature of the test room must be maintained at 38°C ± 3°C.

3.8. Carry the test through, without interruption in conformity with the following particulars:

3.8.1. time taken to pass from zero speed to constant test speed: 5 minutes

3.8.2. test speed: 80 km/h

3.8.3. duration of test at the test speed: 60 minutes

3.9. At the end of the test, measure the deflected section height (Z2).

3.9.1. Calculate the change in per cent of the deflected section height compared to the deflected section height at the start of the test as ((Z1 – Z2) / Z1) x 100.

4. Equivalent test methods

If a method other than that described in paragraphs 2. and/or 3. above is used, its equivalence must be demonstrated.

[*] *Former titles of the Agreement:

Agreement Concerning the Adoption of Uniform Conditions of Approval and Reciprocal Recognition of Approval for Motor Vehicle Equipment and Parts, done at Geneva on 20 March 1958 (original version);

Agreement concerning 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, done at Geneva on 5 October 1995 (Revision 2).

[*] For the purpose of this regulation "tyres" means "pneumatic tyres".

[1] As defined in Annex 7 to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), (document TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.1/Amend.2 as last amended by Amend.4).

[2]/ See explanatory figure.

[3]/ Before 1 January 2000, the date of manufacture may be indicated by a group of three digits, the first two showing the week and the last one the year of manufacture.

[4]/ The distinguishing numbers of the Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement are reproduced in Annex 3 to the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3), document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.6 - www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29resolutions.html.

[5] When the conventional number is given by codes, the value in mm is obtained by multiplying such number by 25.4.

[6] Distinguishing number of the country which has granted/extended/refused/withdrawn approval (see approval provisions in the Regulation).

[7] Strike out what does not apply.

[8] A list of brand name(s)/trademark(s) or Trade description(s)/ Commercial name(s) may be annexed to this communication

[1/] Tolerance: see paragraphs 6.1.4. and 6.1.5.

[2/] The following size designations are accepted: 185-14/7.35-14 or 185-14 or 7.35-14 or 7.35-14/185-14.

[1/] Tolerance: see paragraphs 6.1.4. and 6.1.5.

[1/] The value of "3.2" in respect of Speed Category "Y" tyres was inadvertently omitted from Supplement 5 to the 02 series of amendments which entered into force on 8 January 1995 and may be considered as a Corrigendum to this Supplement and to have been effective from that same date.

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Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 23/03 – Passenger Car Tyres) 2018

I, ANDREW BROAD, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, determine this vehicle standard under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.

Dated 25 October 2018

[SIGNED]

Andrew Broad

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister

CONTENTS

1. Legislative provisions..........................................3

2. FUNCTION..................................................3

3. APPLICABILITY.............................................3

4. DEFINITIONS...............................................3

5. requirements.................................................3

6. exemptions AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES..................4

7. alternative standardS...........................................5

APPENDIX A.........................................................6

Legislative provisions
Name of Standard 1. This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 23/03 – Passenger Car Tyres) 2018. 2. This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 23/03 – Passenger Car Tyres.
Commencement 1. This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.
FUNCTION
The function of this vehicle standard is to specify requirements for new pneumatic tyres designed primarily for passenger cars and other light vehicles (including light trailers).
APPLICABILITY

The central legal and technical concepts in the ADR are defined and sourced within the instrument. The ADR expressly refers to vehicle categories, definitions and meanings in Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005 and to Appendix A for further definitions (clause 4.1). Appendix A itself contains an extensive definitional section (Regulation No. 30, Part 2) that the ADR incorporates for technical terms including "type of tyre", "manufacturer", "brand name/trademark", "normal tyre", "special use tyre", "run flat tyre", "temporary use spare tyre", structure definitions (diagonal, radial, bias-belted), and dimensional terms (section width, outer diameter, nominal aspect ratio, nominal rim diameter) (Appendix A, Regulation No. 30, Part 2, paras 2.1-2.28, 2.30-2.39, 2.22-2.23).

Type approval and conformity are core regulatory mechanisms. Appendix A sets out an approval architecture: application procedures (Section 4), approval grant and marking (Section 5), substantive technical requirements including dimensions, load/speed performance tests and tread pattern rules (Section 6), modification and extension rules (Section 7), conformity of production obligations and verification frequency (Section 8), and penalties for non-conformity including withdrawal of approvals (Section 9). The ADR, however, exempts several of the administrative parts of Appendix A (clause 6.1), while preserving substantive technical requirements and a minimum marking regime (clause 6.2 and 6.2.1).

Marking and information content are a key concept because they affect inspection, traceability and later enforcement. Appendix A Section 3 sets out detailed marking obligations: manufacturer name, trade description, tyre-size designation, structure, speed and load ratings, M+S marking for snow/special use, tubeless/reinforced wording, date of manufacture, run-flat symbols and minimum character sizes for temporary tyres (Appendix A, Regulation No. 30, para 3.1 and sub-paragraphs). The ADR allows a limited derogation from full Section 3, but requires a subset of those markings on both side walls for symmetrical tyres or the outer side wall for asymmetrical tyres, and requires the date of manufacture in the four-digit week/year format on at least one side wall (clause 6.2(a)-(c) and 6.2.1).

Testing methodology is another anchor concept. Appendix A Annex 6 provides the method for measuring tyres and Annex 7 sets out detailed, resource-intensive load/speed performance tests, including inflation pressures, conditioning, stepwise speed increases, duration at each speed step, temperature controls, test wheel diameters and criteria for pass/fail (Annex 7 paras 1-3; Regulation No. 30, Section 6.2). These specify the laboratory and test rig requirements that producers or test labs must satisfy if they pursue approval via the reproduced UN text or the alternative standard.

Reciprocal recognition and harmonisation appear in the Appendix A heading and the adoption of UN Regulation No. 30. Appendix A is titled "Concerning the Adoption of Harmonized Technical United Nations Regulations … and the Conditions for Reciprocal Recognition of Approvals Granted on the Basis of these United Nations Regulations". The ADR therefore sits on the UN framework that facilitates cross-border acceptance of type approvals where the Contracting Parties apply the Regulation (Appendix A header and Regulation No. 30, paras 5.3 and 5.4 concerning communication of approvals and the international approval mark).

Finally, the ADR’s applicability and exceptions are important operational concepts. Clause 3 sets out that the ADR applies to Class C1 passenger car tyres, excludes commercial tyres (C2/C3), excludes re-treaded trailer tyres and temporary spare units, and defers vehicle-level installation rules to AD R95/… The instrument therefore separates: tyre technical approval and marking requirements versus installation and fitment requirements which are handled by ADR 95/… (clause 3.1-3.4).

Together these concepts define the compliance universe: definitions that determine what counts as the regulated product; an approval and conformity process (partly adopted, partly disapplied); minimum marking obligations; detailed technical testing requirements where approval is pursued; and an international harmonisation framework intended to facilitate reciprocal recognition, subject to the limited procedural choices in clause 6.

Directly affected parties are spelled out or implicit in the instrument.

Manufacturers: The ADR repeatedly addresses the tyre manufacturer as the principal actor. Appendix A defines "manufacturer" as the person or body responsible to the Type Approval Authority for all aspects of the type-approval and for ensuring conformity of production (Appendix A, Regulation No. 30, para 2.2). The application procedures (Section 4) require the manufacturer or an accredited representative to submit detailed specifications when seeking approval (Appendix A, Section 4.1-4.2). Clause 6.1 allows manufacturers to elect not to meet full administrative parts of Appendix A (for example Section 3 on markings), but if they do so they remain subject to the ADR’s minimum marking obligations (clause 6.2). That choice is available only to the manufacturer and will change labelling and traceability practices.

Importers and distributors: Entities that import tyres into Australia or fit imported tyres to Australian vehicles will be affected by the ADR because the ADR determines the technical standard tyres must meet to be used on applicable categories of vehicles in Australia; Australian Design Rule 95/... governs installation (clause 3.1). Where tyres carry an approval mark under Appendix A (E mark) or comply with the alternative standard adopted in clause 7.1, importers and vehicle assemblers will be able to rely on those approvals subject to any installation rules in ADR 95/….

Type Approval Authorities and Competent Authorities: Appendix A describes a Type Approval Authority and Competent Authority role (Section 4 and 5). Although the ADR in clause 6 disapplies certain administrative parts of Appendix A, it relies on type-approval infrastructure in relation to approvals, communications and the technical services that conduct testing (Appendix A, Sections 4-5, 12). The ADR therefore affects those administrative bodies by defining the legal text they must apply and the instances where they are not required to operate the full suite of UN administrative procedures domestically.

Test laboratories and technical services: Annex 7 and Annex 6 proscribe detailed laboratory procedures, conditioning, speeds, temperatures, rim specifications and pass/fail criteria (Appendix A, Annexes 6 and 7). Any body that performs load/speed testing, run-flat assessments, or the measuring methods must meet those technical procedures or demonstrate equivalence (Annex 7, para 4). Appendix A allows Contracting Parties to designate approved test laboratories and to accept manufacturer laboratories where designated (Appendix A, Section 12). The ADR therefore affects where and how producers can source approval testing.

Vehicle manufacturers, assemblers and repairers: Although the ADR governs tyre technical requirements rather than installation, vehicle manufacturers and fitters are indirectly affected because ADR 95/... (installation) will determine which tyres can be mounted on Australian vehicles. The ADR’s classification of tyre types, load indices and speed categories (Appendix A Section 2 and Annexes) feed into vehicle specifications and supply contracts.

Consumers and fleet operators: Consumers are an indirect affected group. The ADR determines the labelling and minimum marking (including date-of-manufacture in week/year format, clause 6.2(b)) that will be visible on tyres. It also sets performance and safety testing requirements that affect quality, lifespan and potentially price. Fleet operators and businesses that purchase tyres at scale will face the compliance-affected supply landscape: either tyres will comply under the UN-type approval route or be subjected to domestic approval/inspection, and the cost of testing and conformity oversight will be embedded in pricing.

Regulatory enforcers: The ADR references the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 as the source of power to determine the standard. Enforcement of vehicle standards in Australia interacts with that Act and with ADR 95/... for installation. Appendix A contains mechanisms for withdrawing approvals and for verifying conformity of production (Appendix A, Sections 8 and 9). Enforcement actors will therefore have the capacity to require conformity verifications of production facilities and to withdraw approvals in case of non-conformity.

Secondary parties: Brand owners, retailers, insurers and warranty providers will be indirectly affected because labelling, approval marks and conformity obligations influence traceability, warranty claims and product liability queries. The ADR sets out minimum markings (clause 6.2) and prescribes the international approval mark for tyres approved under Regulation No. 30 (Appendix A, para 5.4), both of which are material to downstream verification and commercial disputes.

Geographic and product scope limits: The ADR explicitly excludes commercial tyres (C2/C3), re-treaded trailer tyres and temporary-use spare units (clause 3.2-3.4). Those exclusions mean affected parties for those product categories will not be governed by this ADR, but instead by other ADRs or domestic mechanisms.

In short, the ADR primarily imposes obligations on tyre manufacturers and their technical services, and secondarily alters the compliance obligations of importers, assemblers, test laboratories and vehicle fitters. Consumers are affected through labelling and the expected performance that the technical tests aim to secure. Type Approval Authorities and Competent Authorities are affected because the ADR imports UN technical requirements while retaining a constrained set of domestic administrative options.

Key duties are allocated mainly to manufacturers and to the authorities responsible for approvals and conformity checks. These duties are set out across the ADR clauses and Appendix A (Regulation No. 30).

Duty to meet an applicable standard: For tyres fitted to the covered vehicle categories (M1, N1, O1, O2), the tyre must comply with Appendix A (as varied by the ADR) or the alternative standard at clause 7.1 (clause 5.1(a)-(b)). That is a central duty: compliance with the specified technical text is mandatory for tyres used on applicable vehicles.

Marking duties: If a manufacturer elects not to comply with the full Section 3 marking regime of Appendix A (per clause 6.1), the ADR nevertheless requires the tyre to bear at least: the markings referred to in Appendix A paragraphs 3.1.1 to 3.1.11, on both side walls for symmetrical tyres or at least on the outer side wall for asymmetrical tyres; the date of manufacture in the four-digit week/year form on at least one side wall; and where applicable the run-flat marking of Appendix A paragraph 3.1.15 (clause 6.2(a)-(c)). Each required marking must be moulded onto or into the tyre, be clearly legible and be located in the lower half of at least one side wall except for the manufacturer's name (clause 6.2.1, citing Appendix A 3.4 and 3.1.1).

Duty to apply for approval and supply test material: Where the Appendix A approval system is used, the manufacturer or accredited representative must submit an application specifying a detailed set of technical particulars (Appendix A, Section 4.1). The application must be accompanied by sketches, photos and either a test laboratory report or tyre samples (Appendix A, Section 4.2). The Competent Authority must verify the existence of satisfactory arrangements for conformity of production before granting approval (Appendix A, Section 4.3).

Testing duties: If seeking approval, tyres must pass the load/speed performance test procedure in Annex 7 and meet dimensional requirements in Section 6 and Annex 6 (Appendix A, Section 6 and Annexes 6-7). The ADR thereby binds manufacturers to specific laboratory methods, inflation pressures, conditioning times, stepwise speed regimes and pass/fail criteria (Annex 7 paras 1-3, Section 6.2).

Conformity of production and verification duties: Appendix A requires that tyres approved under the Regulation be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved and permits the approving authority to verify conformity control methods at production facilities, normally at least once every two years (Appendix A, Section 8.1-8.2). The approving authority therefore has a duty to undertake or oversee ongoing verification, and manufacturers have a continuing duty to maintain conformity.

Penalty powers and withdrawal rights: The approving authority may withdraw an approval if production does not conform to the approved type or if tyres taken from the series fail to pass verification tests; where approval is withdrawn, the authority shall notify other contracting parties under the 1958 Agreement (Appendix A, Section 9.1-9.2). Withdrawal is thus the primary sanction available under the imported UN text.

Rights of manufacturers and applicants: Manufacturers have the right to submit applications, to request use of alternative test-inflation pressures by giving reasons (Annex 7, para 1.3), and to ask for extension and modification of approvals under the procedures set out in Appendix A (Section 7). Manufacturers may also request the use of alternative test methods provided their equivalence is demonstrated (Annex 7, para 4). Where a manufacturer applies for approval across a range of tyres, the Approval Authority may use worst‑case selection and need not test every tyre in the range (Appendix A, Section 4.4). These provisions allocate procedural rights to applicants to shape tests and limit duplication.

Choice right regarding mark compliance: Clause 6.1 grants a practical right to manufacturers to elect not to meet the full suite of Appendix A’s marking and administrative parts, subject to minimum marking and moulding requirements in clause 6.2 and 6.2.1. That is a targeted departure from the full UN administrative regime but does not eliminate substantive technical obligations.

Alternative standard right: Clause 5.1(b) and clause 7.1 establish a formal alternative compliance route , the technical requirements of UN Regulation No. 30 incorporating the 01 series of amendments up to and including the 02 series of amendments. Manufacturers therefore have a right to comply with the ADR by following the specified UN amendment series rather than the possibly varying text in Appendix A.

Communication and procedural rights of Competent Authorities: Appendix A requires communication of approvals, extensions, refusals, withdrawals and production discontinuations among the Parties to the 1958 Agreement by a standard form (Annex 1 and Section 5.3). The Competent Authority has the duty and the procedural right to select technical services, require further test reports upon modifications, and assign approval and extension numbers (Section 5 and 7).

Limitations and exclusions as entitlements: The ADR explicitly excludes certain product categories from its scope (clause 3.2-3.4). Parties dealing exclusively in excluded tyres do not have duties under ADR 23/03.

In summary, the ADR imposes substantive technical duties (tests, dimensions, tread requirements), marking duties (minimum moldings and date-of-manufacture), continuing production conformity duties (verification, at least biennial checks), and exposes manufacturers to withdrawal of approval on non-conformity. It also grants procedural rights to applicants around testing methods, alternative pressures, and option to comply with a specified UN amendment series.

The ADR itself is determined under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (front matter) and does not, within its text, create a separate catalogue of criminal penalties. Enforcement mechanisms and sanctions are instead embedded in the imported Appendix A (UN Regulation No. 30) provisions and in the broader statutory framework under which the ADR is made.

Approval withdrawal is the primary explicit sanction in Appendix A. If tyres approved under the Regulation do not conform to the approved type or if series samples fail verification tests, the approval may be withdrawn (Appendix A, Section 9.1). Where an approval is withdrawn the withdrawing Contracting Party must notify other Contracting Parties applying the Regulation via the communication form in Annex 1 (Appendix A, Section 9.2). This is an administrative sanction targeted at the approval status rather than an immediate civil or criminal penalty against a manufacturer, although withdrawal may have substantial commercial consequences including loss of market access.

Conformity verification and production checks: Appendix A gives the approving authority the right to verify conformity control methods at production facilities and requires a normal frequency of at least once every two years (Appendix A, Section 8.2). The effect is that regulators may require on-site verification, testing of series samples, and if non‑conformity is found, proceed to administrative remedial measures up to withdrawal. The ADR disapplies certain administrative parts of Appendix A (clause 6.1) but does not remove the substantive conformity and withdrawal powers embedded in Appendix A Sections 8 and 9 that the ADR retains.

Technical failure consequences: A tyre which fails to meet the load/speed performance tests or which manifests tread separation, ply separation, cord separation, chunking or broken cords would be deemed to have failed the UN test standard (Appendix A Section 6.2). A failed test in an approval context will feed into withdrawal decisions under Section 9. The tests therefore operate as de facto gatekeeping enforcement: failure removes the pathway to approval and therefore to legal acceptance for the regulated vehicle categories.

Communications and international consequences: Appendix A requires that approvals, withdrawals and refusals be communicated among Parties to the 1958 Agreement (Appendix A, Section 5.3 and Annex 1). This means withdrawal of an approval in one Contracting Party has a cross‑border administrative signalling effect. For manufacturers reliant on international approvals, withdrawal may produce market access impacts beyond Australia.

Omitted pecuniary or criminal penalties: The ADR text does not itself specify civil fines or criminal sanctions. Any pecuniary or other statutory sanctions that apply for non-compliance with an ADR are located in the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and associated enforcement instruments. The ADR does not reproduce those sanctions; it provides the technical obligations which, if breached, will typically trigger administrative actions (for example, refusal to allow installation or importation under ADR 95/… or withdrawal of approval) and any statutory enforcement in the Motor Vehicle Standards Act.

Administrative discretion and verification burden: Appendix A gives the approving authority discretion to require further test reports upon modification of the tyre type (Appendix A, Section 7) and discretion to select worst-case tyres for testing where a range is submitted (Appendix A, Section 4.4). That discretion is a de facto enforcement and compliance design: authorities can escalate testing where they suspect non-conformity.

Operational enforcement mechanics: Practically, enforcement will proceed through approval and type-approval processes, marking inspections at ports and during vehicle inspection, and conformity verifications at production facilities. The ADR’s minimum marking requirements (clause 6.2) make post-market identification and inspection more feasible. Where conformity is not demonstrated, administrative remedies under Appendix A and any applicable processes under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act will apply.

In sum, the ADR does not create a separate penalty schedule within its text. It relies on the approval-withdrawal power in Appendix A and on the statutory enforcement architecture under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act and related ADRs. Withdrawal of approval and loss of type-approval acceptance are the principal explicit enforcement tools in the imported UN text.

The ADR explicitly cross‑references and interacts with other vehicle standards and with the international regulatory framework.

Relation to the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989: The ADR is determined under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (front page). That Act is the statutory base that empowers the Minister or delegate to determine vehicle standards. The ADR therefore operates within the enforcement, importation and compliance architecture created by that Act. The ADR does not replicate the Act’s enforcement provisions; it sets technical obligations which the Act enforces through its broader compliance tools.

Interaction with ADR 95/... - Installation of Tyres: Clause 3.1 states that the circumstances under which vehicles must comply with this standard are set out in Australian Design Rule 95/... - Installation of Tyres. That means that whether a particular tyre must meet ADR 23/03 to lawfully be fitted or used on a vehicle is a matter determined by ADR 95/…. The ADR therefore separates tyre construction/approval rules from vehicle installation rules. Practically, vehicle assemblers and repairers must consult both ADRs: ADR 23/03 governs tyre design and approval for passenger tyres; ADR 95 governs permitted tyres on particular vehicle types.

Relation to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005: Clause 4.1 refers users to the Definitions and Vehicle Categories ADR 2005 for vehicle categories, definitions and meanings used in this standard. The ADR therefore depends on that instrument for key definitional boundaries, including the classification of M1, N1, O1 and O2 vehicles. Any change in the definitions ADR could alter the set of vehicles to which ADR 23/03 applies.

Adoption of UN Regulation No. 30 and the 1958 Agreement framework: Appendix A is titled to reflect adoption of harmonised UN Regulations and reciprocal recognition of approvals. The ADR reproduces or adopts the UN Regulation No. 30 text (Revision 3) and specifies the incorporation of specified supplements to the 02 series of amendments as the alternative standard (clause 7.1 and Appendix A). Appendix A contains provisions requiring communication of approvals, assignments of approval numbers and an international approval mark (Appendix A, Sections 5.3-5.4 and Annex 2). These provisions link Australian approvals to the international system under the 1958 Agreement and its administrative processes (Appendix A, Sections 11 and 12).

Overlap with international approvals and mutual recognition: Because Appendix A contemplates international approval marks and communications, tyres approved under compliant UN rules may obtain reciprocal recognition in jurisdictions party to the 1958 Agreement that apply Regulation No. 30 (Appendix A, Section 5.4 and Annex 1). Clause 7.1’s adoption of UN Regulation No. 30 incorporating certain amendments is a mechanism to align domestic technical rules with international approvals, thereby reducing duplicative testing for manufacturers who already hold UN approvals.

Exclusions and other ADRs: The ADR expressly excludes commercial tyres (C2/C3) and certain trailer and spare tyres (clause 3.2-3.4). Those excluded categories will be governed by other ADRs or domestic rules. Users must therefore map multiple ADRs to determine which rules apply to a given tyre and vehicle combination.

Administrative law and procedural interactions: Appendix A requires that approving authorities assign approval numbers, communicate approvals and maintain lists of technical services and type approval authorities (Appendix A, Sections 5 and 12). These administrative steps interact with general administrative law principles and any domestic procedural obligations under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act, including record keeping, openness to technical services and notification duties.

Standard adoption and amendment interaction: The ADR imports an external technical text (UN Regulation No. 30) and specifies the series of amendments adopted (clause 7.1; Appendix A preface lists the supplements up to Supplement 19 with entry into force dates). Any future international amendments may require domestic action either to adopt further supplements or to continue to rely on the specific series adopted in clause 7.1. The ADR therefore interacts with international law-making processes and requires administrative attention when international technical standards evolve.

In short, ADR 23/03 operates within a web of ADRs (definitions, installation), the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, and the international UN 1958 Agreement regulatory framework. Its domestic scope is shaped by those cross-references and by an explicit choice to align technical requirements with UN Regulation No. 30 while limiting the domestic administrative burden by disapplying some UN administrative sections, subject to minimum marking and conformity requirements.

The ADR document itself is dated and the Appendix A metadata records the international amendment history that has been incorporated or reproduced.

Instrument date and commencement: The ADR is dated 25 October 2018 and is determined by the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister (front matter). Clause 1.2 provides that the Standard commences on the day after it is registered. The text thus establishes the domestic commencement mechanism and a concrete determination date.

Appendix A provenance: Appendix A reproduces UN Regulation No. 30 as part of the Adoption of Harmonized Technical United Nations Regulations and indicates it is Revision 3, "including the amendments, which entered into force on 14 September 2017" (Appendix A header). The Addendum referenced is Addendum 29: UN Regulation No. 30. The Department has incorporated valid text up to certain supplementary amendments.

Listed UN supplements and entry‑into‑force dates recorded in Appendix A: The Appendix lists specific supplements to the 02 series of amendments that have been incorporated. Those are:

Supplement 15 to the 02 series, date of entry into force: 10 November 2007.
Supplement 16 to the 02 series, date of entry into force: 17 March 2010.
Supplement 17 to the 02 series, date of entry into force: 27 January 2013.
Corrigendum 1 to Amendment 3 to Revision 3 (Erratum by the secretariat).
Supplement 18 to the 02 series, date of entry into force: 9 February 2017.
Supplement 19 to the 02 series, date of entry into force: 10 February 2018.

Appendix A also notes the UN Revision 3 amendments entered into force on 14 September 2017, which the Australian Department states it incorporated in Revision 3 reproduction.

Transitional provisions and dates in the UN text: Regulation No. 30 contains transitional provisions (Appendix A, Section 11), including specific temporal rules about tread-wear indicators and the date of manufacture marking. Paragraph 3.1.12 of Appendix A provides that the date-of-manufacture marking was not mandatory on any tyre submitted for approval until two years after the entry into force of this Regulation, with a separate footnote about a prior three-digit date format before 1 January 2000. The ADR, however, requires the date of manufacture in four-digit week/year format on at least one side wall if a manufacturer elects not to comply with Appendix A Section 3 (clause 6.2(b)). That demonstrates the ADR exercising domestic choice over the timetable for certain marking obligations.

Domestic amendment context: The ADR itself does not list earlier Australian amendments or previous ADR numbers for the same subject matter. It sets out the 2018 determination and anchors its technical content in the reproduced UN text as at Revision 3 and selected supplements. Any subsequent Australian amendment would be effected by another determination under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and by amending the ADR text or the incorporated appendix.

Administrative updates and international alignment: Appendix A Section 11.1 requires Contracting Parties applying the Regulation not to refuse extensions of approval to preceding series or supplements, and Section 11.2 requires that no Contracting Parties refuse a tyre approved to the 01 series. These transitional rules form part of the international amendment history that the ADR inherits.

In short, the ADR was determined on 25 October 2018 and commences the day after registration. Its technical text reproduces UN Regulation No. 30 Revision 3, with the Australian Department indicating incorporation of UN supplements up to Supplement 19 (02 series) with entry into force dates listed in Appendix A. Domestic choices in clause 6.2 mean the ADR sets particular marking requirements irrespective of certain UN transitional allowances.

The instrument itself contains no record of litigation. The ADR text and its Appendix A reproduction do not cite judicial decisions, administrative appeals or litigation outcomes. Appendix A is drawn from the UN Regulation No. 30 text, which likewise is a technical regulatory instrument and does not include judicial history.

Absent any cases in the instrument, there are a few points for practitioners to note based on the instrument’s procedural architecture:

Administrative decision points that could generate disputes. Appendix A gives Competent Authorities discretion to require further tests on modification (Section 7) and to verify conformity of production with on-site inspections at least biennially (Section 8.2). Those administrative actions are typical candidates for internal review or judicial review in the relevant domestic forum, but the ADR does not set out administrative review procedures itself. Any challenge to a decision by a Competent Authority would therefore proceed under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and general administrative law principles rather than the ADR text (front matter references s 7 of Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989).
Approval withdrawal consequences. Appendix A provides that approvals may be withdrawn under Section 9.1 and requires communication to other Parties under Section 9.2. Withdrawal of approvals has commercial effects and could be the subject of disputes over procedural fairness, adequacy of testing, or conformity verification methods. Again, the ADR contains no litigation examples or prescribed appeal mechanisms in its text, so procedural challenge pathways will be those established under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act and relevant administrative law regimes.
Technical standards and test equivalence. Annex 7 allows for "equivalent test methods" where equivalence is demonstrated (Annex 7, para 4). Disputes can arise over whether a non-standard method is truly equivalent. Such technical disputes in other regulatory contexts have often required expert evidence. The ADR provides for the possibility of alternative methods but does not specify the equivalence assessment process. Any judicial or administrative review of an equivalence decision would therefore turn on the material records and the governing statutory review framework.

Because the instrument reproduces and adopts an international regulatory text, litigation or dispute pathways may also involve communications under the 1958 Agreement framework. However, the ADR does not make any such procedure directly justiciable domestically; those are administrative communication channels among Contracting Parties (Appendix A, Sections 5 and 12).

In summary, the ADR contains no litigation history, reported cases, or administrative appeal examples. Practitioners should therefore expect that any enforcement or approval disputes will be navigated through domestic administrative review channels and, where relevant, technical expert evidence as the ADR delegates technical decision-making to Competent Authorities and Technical Services under the UN text.

The ADR contains several provisions and drafting choices that create practical compliance traps and non‑obvious effects. These are technical items with legal and commercial significance.

Exemption-plus-minimum-marking combination: Clause 6.1 disapplies a wide range of administrative parts of Appendix A, including Section 3 (Markings), Section 4 (Application for approval) and Sections 5, 7-12 and Annexes 1 and 2. At first glance that suggests a light administrative burden. However clause 6.2 then imposes a mandatory minimum marking package: the markings in Appendix A paragraphs 3.1.1-3.1.11, date of manufacture in the four-digit week/year form on at least one side wall, and, where applicable, the run-flat symbol in Appendix A paragraph 3.1.15 (clause 6.2(a)-(c)). Each required marking must be moulded and legible and be situated in the lower half of at least one side wall, except for the manufacturer's name (clause 6.2.1). Practically, this means manufacturers may be able to avoid some administrative UN approval mechanics but cannot avoid core labelling and traceability duties. Failure to read clause 6.2 carefully could cause non-conformity.

Date-of-manufacture timing inconsistency: Appendix A paragraph 3.1.12 contains a transitional allowance that the date-of-manufacture marking was not mandatory until two years after the entry into force of the Regulation. The ADR, however, requires the date in four-digit form on at least one side wall if the manufacturer elects not to meet full Appendix A Section 3 (clause 6.2(b)). Practitioners should not assume the UN transitional timing applies domestically; the ADR imposes a concrete format and placement requirement.

Choice of compliance path requires attention to adopted amendment series: Clause 7.1 permits the alternative standard of UN Regulation No. 30 "incorporating from the 01 series of amendments up to and including the 02 series of amendments." The Appendix A text reproduced in the ADR identifies specific supplements through Supplement 19 to the 02 series and dates. Manufacturers must confirm which UN amendment series their approvals rely on and whether their test data aligns with the particular version adopted by the ADR. Mismatches in the amendment series could lead to rejection or the need for additional testing.

Scope exclusions create installation interplay: The ADR excludes commercial tyres (C2/C3), re-treaded trailer tyres and temporary-use spare units (clause 3.2-3.4). For tyre suppliers this means that a tyre that is classed as a commercial tyre for a given vehicle cannot be reviewed under ADR 23/03 even if it is physically similar to a passenger tyre. Installers and vehicle manufacturers must cross-check definitions in the Vehicle Categories ADR to ensure the correct ADR applies to a given tyre fitment and vehicle category (clause 4.1 cross-reference).

Laboratory and procedural complexity: Annex 7 sets out resource‑intensive testing steps including conditioning, specified inflation pressures by tyre type and speed category, stepwise increases in speed with durations and temperature controls, tests for run-flat performance and a second test for certain high-speed tyres (Appendix A, Annex 7). These are time-consuming and require specific test rigs (1.70 m or 2.0 m smooth wheel diameters) and controlled environments. The cost and time for achieving approvals can be substantial. The ADR preserves these test detail requirements through Appendix A Section 6 and Annexes 6-7.

Conformity verification frequency and production implications: Appendix A requires verifying conformity control methods at production facilities normally at least once every two years (Appendix A Section 8.2). For manufacturers with dispersed or foreign production the ADR therefore contemplates on-site verification or approved test laboratories, creating logistical and cost burdens.

Approval withdrawal is an immediate commercial risk: Appendix A Section 9 allows withdrawal of approvals for non-conformity. Because the ADR links tyre acceptance to these approvals, withdrawal will remove market acceptance for affected tyre types. The communication obligations under Section 9.2 also mean withdrawal will be visible internationally to other Contracting Parties, potentially amplifying commercial damage.

Ambiguity about which administrative parts are optional: Clause 6.1 lists administrative parts of Appendix A that are "not required for the purposes of this standard", but the ADR preserves many substantive technical provisions. Practitioners should not treat clause 6.1 as a waiver of substantive technical obligations; it is a waiver of certain UN administrative procedures. The practical effect is that manufacturers may still need to maintain documentation and technical files for approvals required under ADR 95/... or for import checks.

Equivalence and engineering judgement: Annex 7 para 4 allows equivalent test methods if equivalence can be demonstrated. That gives applicants flexibility but creates uncertainty about what will be accepted. Demonstrating equivalence in advance with the Competent Authority or an approved Technical Service is advisable to avoid failed submissions.

International approvals and numbering: Appendix A Section 5 requires an approval number format where the first two digits indicate the series of amendments (for example 02) and the approval mark (E‑mark) described in Section 5.4. Where a manufacturer relies on an international approval, they must ensure the approval number and marking conform to the examples in Annex 2. Non-compliance of marking arrangement can lead to rejection during import or roadside inspection.

In short, the main gotchas are the interplay between the ADR’s disapplication of certain UN administrative parts and its imposition of minimum marking requirements, the need to align with the correct UN amendment series, the operational burden of Annex 7 tests and biennial conformity verifications, and the immediate commercial effect of approval withdrawal plus international communication duties.

Compliance is a practical sequence linking legal choices in the ADR to technical and administrative actions. Below are actionable steps grounded in the standard and Appendix A.

Determine whether the ADR applies to your tyre and vehicle combination. Check vehicle category definitions in Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005 as called up by clause 4.1. Confirm tyre class: ADR 23/03 applies to Class C1 passenger car tyres designed primarily for UN categories M1, N1, O1 and O2 (clause 5.1 and Appendix A Regulation No. 30, Section 1). If your tyre is a commercial tyre (C2/C3), a re-treaded trailer tyre or a temporary-use spare unit, ADR 23/03 does not apply (clause 3.2-3.4).
Choose the compliance route. You must comply with either Appendix A as reproduced (subject to ADR variations) or the alternative standard at clause 7.1 (UN Regulation No. 30 incorporating the 01 series up to the 02 series supplements listed). Confirm which UN amendment series your technical evidence relies upon and ensure consistency with clause 7.1 and the Appendix A addendum list.
Confirm marking obligations. If you elect to avoid the full Appendix A Section 3 marking regime (clause 6.1), you must at a minimum mould onto or into the tyre the markings referred to in Appendix A paragraphs 3.1.1-3.1.11 (manufacturer name, trade description, tyre-size designation, structure, speed and load ratings, tubeless/reinforced words etc.), include the date of manufacture in four-digit week/year format on at least one side wall, and include the run-flat symbol where applicable (clause 6.2(a)-(c) and 6.2.1). Markings must be clearly legible and located in the lower half of at least one side wall (clause 6.2.1 and Appendix A para 3.4).
If pursuing approval under the Appendix A procedures, prepare and submit the application dossier. Appendix A Section 4 lists required elements: tyre-size designation, manufacturer name, brand names/trade descriptions, category of use, structure, speed category, load index, tube/not tube, reinforced status, ply-rating, dimensions, rims, measuring and test rims, test pressure if Annex 7 paragraph 1.3 is requested, factor x for theoretical rim, and for very high-speed tyres the maximum speed and load capacity (Appendix A, Section 4.1). Submit sketches/phots, test reports or samples per Section 4.2.
Arrange for testing consistent with Annexes 6 and 7 if required. Annex 6 sets measurement procedure obligations including mounting on measuring rim and inflation pressures. Annex 7 prescribes load/speed performance tests, inflation pressures by tyre category, conditioning times, stepwise speed increments and durations, test temperatures, and pass criteria (no tread separation, no ply separation, etc.) (Appendix A, Section 6.2 and Annex 7). For run-flat systems there are specific flat tyre running mode tests (Annex 7, para 3). If you intend to use an alternative testing method you must demonstrate equivalence (Annex 7, para 4).
Maintain conformity of production. If approval is granted, ensure production conforms to the approved type and set up conformity control mechanisms. The approving authority can verify conformity methods and will normally do so at least once every two years for each production facility (Appendix A Section 8.1-8.2). Keep records and be prepared for on-site verification.
Prepare for potential modification procedures. Notify the approving Administrative Department of any modification to the tyre type (Appendix A Section 7). The Department may treat the changes as non-appreciable or require further test reports.
Mark approved tyres appropriately. Where tyres conform to a type approved under Appendix A, they must bear the international approval mark: a circle surrounding letter E followed by the distinguishing number of the country and an approval number (Appendix A Section 5.4). Ensure the approval number format follows Section 5.2 (first two digits indicate amendment series).
Engage with Type Approval Authorities and Technical Services. Appendix A Section 12 requires communication of the names and addresses of technical services and type approval authorities. Use approved test laboratories or designated manufacturer laboratories where permitted. If relying on manufacturer test labs, ensure they are designated and accepted by the Competent Authority.
Monitor amendments and transitional rules. The ADR adopts specific UN supplements and lists their entry into force dates (Appendix A preface). Keep an eye on international amendments as the ADR’s alternative standard is tied to concrete amendment series and further international changes may require additional domestic actions for continued alignment.
Consider record management and traceability. Minimum moulded markings and date-of-manufacture requirements are designed to support post-market traceability and enforcement. Keep technical files and approval documentation available for inspection in accordance with Appendix A Section 12 and Annex 1 lists.
Plan for commercial contingencies. Approval withdrawal under Appendix A Section 9 is the principal enforcement sanction. Prepare contingency plans for supply substitution, recall logistics and customer communications if conformity issues arise.

Operational tips:

Validate which ADR covers both the tyre type and the vehicle to be fitted; do not assume passenger tyres are always covered if the vehicle class or use differs.
For high-speed tyres or run-flat systems, note there are additional testing steps and a possible second load/speed test with higher conditions (Appendix A, Section 6.2.1.1-6.2.1.2 and Annex 7 para 2.6).
If you plan to rely on equivalent test methods, engage the Competent Authority early to agree the equivalence demonstration before incurring major testing costs (Annex 7, para 4).
Ensure markings are moulded (not stickered) and legible and that at least one side wall bears the date of manufacture in the required format if you use clause 6.1 elections (clause 6.2 and 6.2.1).

By following the choice between Appendix A (with the ADR’s listed exemptions) or the alternative standard at clause 7.1, conducting any required Annex 7 testing, maintaining conformity of production, and meeting the ADR’s minimum marking and moulding obligations, manufacturers and importers can align operational practice with the standard’s requirements.

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 23/03 – Passenger Car Tyres) 2018

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