Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/00 – Seat Anchorages) 2006

This instrument is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/00 , Seat Anchorages) 2006. It creates a national technical standard under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 by prescribing structural and test requirements for seats, seat backs, head restraints, and their anchorages in vehicles covered by the ADR system (Purpose and Scope). Mechanically, it:

Declares itself an ADR for the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and replaces prior ADRs with the same name that were made under s 7 of that Act and were in force at commencement (0.1.1; 0.2.1; 0.3.1-0.3.2). The compilation and amendment table at the end records the instrument registration dates and the Amendment 1 registration and commencement dates.
Applies to a defined set of vehicle categories identified in the instrument’s applicability table. That table maps ADR category codes to UNECE codes and, for many ADR categories, specifies the "manufactured on or after" date at which the ADR becomes applicable (Applicability table).
Sets substantive structural strength requirements for seats and their anchorage assemblies. For most seats the rules mandate proof that the seat structure and its attachment points can withstand specified static or dynamic loads equal to 20 times the mass of the entire seat in forward and rearward longitudinal directions and a 370 N.m moment about the Seating Reference Point for each occupant position (Clauses 3.2.1.1-3.2.1.3).
Requires that any head restraint proposed for use be included as part of the seat when testing (3.2.1).
Establishes special rules for seats with attached seat belt assemblies and for child restraint anchorages, including simultaneous loading conditions and additional rearmost-position testing when the seat belt assembly is attached to the seat (3.2.1.1.1-3.2.1.1.1.1; 3.2.1.1.2).

View image in the official source

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/003/00 – Seat AnchoragesSeat Anchorages) 20062006

Compilation: 1 (up to and including Amendment 11)

Compilation Date: 13/12/2006

Compiled by: Vehicle Safety Standards, Department of Transport and Regional Services.

CONTENTS

legislative provisions..............................................

Purpose and SCOPE.....................................................

APPLICABILITY.......................................................

3.1. DEFINITIONS...................................................

3.2. REQUIREMENTS................................................

3.3. TEST PROCEDURE..............................................

3.4. ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS.....................................

NOTES ...............................................................

legislative provisions

0.1. NAME OF STANDARD

0.1.1. This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/00 – Seat Anchorages) 2006.

0.1.2. This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 3/00 — Seat Anchorages.

0.2. COMMENCEMENT

0.2.1. This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.

0.3. REPEAL

0.3.1. This Standard repeals each vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 3/00 — Seat Anchorages that is:

(a) made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989; and

(b) in force at the commencement of this Standard.

0.3.2. This Standard also repeals each instrument made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 that creates a vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 3/00 — Seat Anchorages, if there are no other vehicle standards created by that instrument, or amendments to vehicle standards made by that instrument, that are still in force at the commencement of this Standard.

Purpose and SCOPE

This Australian Design Rule (ADR) is part of the Australian motor vehicle standards system and is a national standard for the purpose of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for `Seats’, their attachment assemblies and their installation to minimise the possibility of occupant injury due to forces acting on the 'Seat’ as a result of vehicle impact.

APPLICABILITY

This ADR applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table hereunder.

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:bottom"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Vehicle Ca</span><span style="font-weight:bold">t</span><span style="font-weight:bold">egory</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:bottom"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">ADR Category Code</span><span style="font-weight:bold"> </span><a id="_ftnref1"></a><a href="#_ftn1" style="text-decoration:none"><span class="FootnoteReference" style="font-size:6.67pt; font-weight:bold; color:#000000">[*]</span></a></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:bottom"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">UNECE Category Code</span><span style="font-weight:bold"> </span><span style="font-size:6.67pt; font-weight:bold; vertical-align:super">*</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:bottom"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Manufactured on or After</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:bottom"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Acceptable Prior Rules</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Moped 2 wheels</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>LA</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>L1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Moped 3 wheels</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>LB</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>L2</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Motor cycle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>LC</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>L3</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Motor cycle and sidecar</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>LD</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>L4</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Motor tricycle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>LE</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>L5</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Passenger car</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>MA</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>M1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 July 1988</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Nil</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Forward-control passenger vehicle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>MB</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>M</span><span>1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 July 1988</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Nil</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Off-road passenger vehicle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>MC</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>M</span><span>1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 July 1988</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Nil</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Light omnibus</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>MD</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>M</span><span>2</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>u</span><span>p to 3.5 tonnes ‘</span><span style="font-style:italic">GVM</span><span style="font-style:italic">’</span><span> and up to 12 seats</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>MD1</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 July 1988</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Nil</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>u</span><span>p to 3.5 tonnes </span><span style="font-style:italic">‘</span><span style="font-style:italic">GVM</span><span style="font-style:italic">’</span><span> and more than 12 seats</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>MD2</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 July 1988</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Nil</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes </span><span style="font-style:italic">‘</span><span style="font-style:italic">GVM</span><span style="font-style:italic">’</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>MD3</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>over 4.5 tonnes and up to 5 tonnes </span><span style="font-style:italic">‘</span><span style="font-style:italic">GVM</span><span style="font-style:italic">’</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>MD4</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Heavy omnibus</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>ME</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>M3</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Light goods vehicle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>NA</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>N1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 July 1988</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Nil</span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Medium goods vehicle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>NB</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>N2</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>over 3.5 tonnes up to 4.5 tonnes </span><span style="font-style:italic">‘</span><span style="font-style:italic">GVM</span><span style="font-style:italic">’</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>NB1</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>1 July 1988</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Nil</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:3.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:151.2pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>over 4.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes </span><span style="font-style:italic">‘</span><span style="font-style:italic">GVM</span><span style="font-style:italic">’</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span><span>NB2</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Heavy goods vehicle</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>NC</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>N3</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Very light trailer</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>TA</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>O1</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Light trailer</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>TB</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>O2</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Medium trailer</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>TC</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>O3</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:165.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Heavy trailer</span></p></td><td style="width:52.05pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>TD</span></p></td><td style="width:43.35pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>O4</span></p></td><td style="width:67.6pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span>Not Applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:53.4pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2.4pt; margin-bottom:2.4pt; font-size:10pt"><span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

3.1. DEFINITIONS

3.1.0. Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.

3.2. REQUIREMENTS

3.2.0. For light omnibuses (MD2), the requirements only apply to front 'Seats' and the requirements of Clause 3.2.1.1.2 shall not apply.

3.2.1. Except for side facing 'Seats'. and except for 'Seats' to the rear of the front row of `Seats' for light omnibuses (MD2), each 'Seat' shall withstand the loads specified in Clauses 3.2.1.1; 3.2.1.2; and 3.2.1.3. Any 'Head Restraint' proposed to be used shall be included in the 'Seat.

3.2.1.1. The following loads shall be applied separately:

3.2.1.1.1. Twenty times the weight of the entire seat in a ‘Forward’ longitudinal direction simultaneously with, if part or all of the `Seat Belt Assembly' is directly attached to the 'Seat', the total load imposed on the 'Seat' by simultaneous application of loads required for seat belt `Anchorage’ specified in the Australian Design Rule for 'Anchorages for Seat Belts and Child Restraints'. When the `Seat Belt Assembly' is attached to the 'Seat', the 'Seat' shall be located in the full ‘Forward’ and upward design position.

3.2.1.1.1.1. An additional test, with the seat belt ‘Anchorages’ load applied, is required with the 'Seat' in the rearmost position to demonstrate compliance with the Australian Design Rule for ‘Anchorages for Seat Belts and Child Restraints’.

3.2.1.1.2. Twenty times the weight of the entire 'Seat' in a ‘Forward’ longitudinal direction simultaneously with, where the `Child Restraint Anchorages' are located in or on the ‘Seat’ back, or are located in the vehicle body structure more than 100 mm below a horizontal plane tangential to the point on the top of the 'Seat' back longitudinally 'Forward’ of the 'Child Restraint Anchorage', a total load of 3.4 kN for each , imposed on the 'Seat' by simultaneous application to each 'Anchorage' by a flexible connection which passes over the top of the `Seat' back to the 'Child Restraint Anchorage'. Each load shall be applied 'Forward’ of the `Seat' back not more than 5o above or below the horizontal, and not more than 5o lo left or right of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

3.2.1.2. A load equal to 20 times the weight of the entire 'Seat' shall be applied in a 'Rearward' longitudinal direction.

3.2.1.3. A load equal to a 370 N.m moment about the `Seating Reference Point' for each occupant position for which the 'Seat' is designed shall be applied to the upper cross member in ’Rearward’ longitudinal direction, unless it is demonstrated that 'Seat' assemblies such as rear 'Seat' backs are supported by a vehicle body member capable of withstanding the nominated load.

3.2.1.3.1. Testing which meets the 370 N.m requirement by any one of the following 3 methods is acceptable:

3.2.1.3.1.1. force applied horizontally,

3.2.1.3.1.2. force applied normal to 'Seat' back; or

3.2.1.3.1.3. force applied longitudinally and 'Rearward' to, the upper part of the 'Seat' back frame through a component simulating the back of a 3-D manikin

3.2.1.3.1.4. If deflection of the `Seat' back causes the moment arm to change, the force should be adjusted to ensure that the moment value of 370 N.m is achieved.

3.2.2. The 'Seat Adjusters' need not be operable after the application of the loads specified in Clauses 3.2.1.1, 3.2.1.2 and 3.2.1.3.

3.2.3. Restraining Device for Folding or Hinged `Seats' or ‘Seat’ Backs

3.2.3.0. Except far a `Seat' having a back that is adjustable only for the comfort of its occupants hinged or folding `Seats' or 'Seat' backs shall be equipped with a self-locking device for restraining the hinged or folding `Seat' or 'Seat' back and a release control for releasing that restraining device to preclude the possibility of impact forces acting on unrestrained hinged or folding 'Seats' or 'Seat' backs.

3.2.3.1. Where the 'Seat' must hinge or fold to permit access to or egress from another seating position, the release control shall be readily accessible to the occupant of that `Seat' and to the occupant of any 'Seat' immediately behind that ‘Seat’.

3.2.3.2. The restraining device (including the release control) shall be constructed to preclude inertial release when loaded longitudinally in each direction to 20 times the acceleration due to gravity.

3.2.3.3. The restraining device shall not release or fail when a 'Forward' longitudinal load equal to 20 times the mass of the entire `Seat' back is applied at the centre of gravity of the 'Seat' back.

3.2.3.4. If non-self-locking auxiliary latches are provided they shall be unlatched during testing so that only the restraining device and hinges are taking the rest loads.

3.2.3.5. Where ’Seats' are mounted on hinged covers, e.g. engine covers, and the 'Seat' assembly can withstand the test loads without tilting of the hinged cover and without any latches being latched, then the latches need not be self-locking.

3.3. TEST PROCEDURE

3.3.1. General

3.3.1.0. Static or dynamic testing techniques may be used.

3.3.1.1. The 'Seat' travel stops shall not take any part of the test load.

3.3.1.2. Folding or hinged 'Seats', or ‘Seats’ with backs which are adjustable for passenger comfort only, shall be tested with the 'Seat' back at the design 'Seat Back Angle’.

3.3.2. Static Test Condition

3.3.2.1. Static testing of 'Seats' shall be conducted in accordance with SAE document J879b "Motor Vehicle Seating Systems", July 1968, using the values specified in and the procedures applicable to this Rule.

3.3.2.2. Distributed loads may be replaced by concentrated loads at the loading centroid.

3.3.2.3. Specified loads shall be sustained for at least one second.

3.3.3. Dynamic Test Conditions

3.3.3.1. Dynamic testing may be carried out in accordance with the dynamic test procedure of EEC Directive 74/408/EEC- "Strength of Seats and their Anchorages" for front-facing 'Seats' which do not tip up/fold/hinge and which do not incorporate any built-in seat belt 'Anchorages'.

3.3.3.2. Alternatively, the following criteria shall be met:

3.3.3.2.1. the acceleration pulse applied shall be such that all the part of the 'Seat' and supporting structure which anchors it to the vehicle have at least an acceleration of 20 times the acceleration due to gravity simultaneously in the same direction: and

3.3.3.2.2. any additional forces due to the loading of seat belt 'Anchorages' or 'Child Restraint Anchorages' shall be achieved simultaneously with the acceleration required in Clause 3.3.3.2.1 above.

3.3.3.3. Copies shall be kept of:

3.3.3.3.1. traces recorded for all acceleration and force measurements used during the test, with the scales shown thereon; and

3.3.3.3.2. photographs of the 'Seat' and supporting structure (including restraining devices and release controls where fitted) before and after each dynamic test

3.4. ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS

The technical requirements of ECE R 17/02 "Seats and their Anchorages" together with, where applicable, the technical requirements of either Cause 3.2.1.1.1 or ECE R 14/01 or 14/02 "Safety Belt Anchorages" and of Clause 3.2.1.1.2 shall be deemed to be equivalent to the technical requirements of this Rule for front-facing ‘Seats’ which do not tip up/fold/hinge.

NOTES

This compilation of Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/00 - Seat Anchorages) 2006 includes all the instruments set out in the Table of Instruments. The Table of Amendments provides a history of clauses that have been amended, inserted or deleted.

Table of Instruments

Name of Instrument	Registration Date	Commencement Date
Vehicle Standard( Australian Design Rule 3/00 - Seat Anchorages) 2006	16/08/2006	17/08/2006
Vehicle Standard( Australian Design Rule 3/00 - Seat Anchorages) 2006 Amendment 1	13/12/2006	14/12/2006

Table of Amendments

Clause affected	How affected	Amending instrument
Purpose and Scope	am	Vehicle Standard( Australian Design Rule 3/00 - Seat Anchorages) 2006 Amendment 1
Applicability	am	Vehicle Standard( Australian Design Rule 3/00 - Seat Anchorages) 2006 Amendment 1
3.2.1.3.	am	Vehicle Standard( Australian Design Rule 3/00 - Seat Anchorages) 2006 Amendment 1
3.2.2.	am	Vehicle Standard( Australian Design Rule 3/00 - Seat Anchorages) 2006 Amendment 1
3.2.3.	am	Vehicle Standard( Australian Design Rule 3/00 - Seat Anchorages) 2006 Amendment 1
3.2.3.0.	am	Vehicle Standard( Australian Design Rule 3/00 - Seat Anchorages) 2006 Amendment 1

ad = added or inserted

am = amended

del = deleted or removed

rr = removed and replaced

 = clause renumbered. This takes the format of old no.  new no.

[*] The category code may also be in the format L1, LA etc.

1 Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/00 – Seat Anchorages) 2006

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/003/00 – Seat AnchoragesSeat Anchorages) 20062006

Compilation: 1 (up to and including Amendment 11)

Compilation Date: 13/12/2006

Compiled by: Vehicle Safety Standards, Department of Transport and Regional Services.

CONTENTS

legislative provisions..............................................

Purpose and SCOPE.....................................................

APPLICABILITY.......................................................

3.1. DEFINITIONS...................................................

3.2. REQUIREMENTS................................................

3.3. TEST PROCEDURE..............................................

3.4. ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS.....................................

NOTES ...............................................................

legislative provisions

0.1. NAME OF STANDARD

0.1.1. This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/00 – Seat Anchorages) 2006.

0.1.2. This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 3/00 — Seat Anchorages.

0.2. COMMENCEMENT

0.2.1. This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.

0.3. REPEAL

0.3.1. This Standard repeals each vehicle standard with the name Australian Design Rule 3/00 — Seat Anchorages that is:

(a) made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989; and

(b) in force at the commencement of this Standard.

Purpose and SCOPE

This Australian Design Rule (ADR) is part of the Australian motor vehicle standards system and is a national standard for the purpose of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989

The ADR concentrates on three main technical concepts: load magnitude and direction, combined loading where anchorages are attached to seats, and testing methods and evidence.

Prescribed loads and moments

Forward and rearward longitudinal loads are fixed multiples of the entire seat mass. The ADR requires a load equal to twenty times the weight of the entire seat applied separately in a Forward longitudinal direction and a Rearward longitudinal direction (3.2.1.1; 3.2.1.2). For seats that will have seat belt anchorages attached to the seat, the forward load is applied simultaneously with the seat-belt anchorage loads required under the Australian Design Rule for Anchorages for Seat Belts and Child Restraints (3.2.1.1.1).
For seat backs the ADR requires a 370 N.m moment about the Seating Reference Point applied in a Rearward longitudinal direction for each occupant position to demonstrate sufficient resistance to overturning or bending (3.2.1.3). The ADR accepts three alternative methods to achieve that moment in testing, including force applied horizontally, normal to the seat back, or via a simulated 3-D manikin back, with adjustment for changes in moment arm due to deflection (3.2.1.3.1.1-3.2.1.3.1.4).

Combined and special loading for restraint anchorages

Where seat belt assemblies are attached to the seat, the forward test must use the seat in its full forward and upward design position and include simultaneous application of anchorage loads (3.2.1.1.1). An additional test is required in the rearmost position to satisfy the seat belt and child restraint anchorage ADR (3.2.1.1.1.1).
Child restraint anchorages that are located in or on the seat back, or that are more than 100 mm below a defined horizontal plane, require a specified 3.4 kN load for each anchorage applied via a flexible connection passing over the top of the seat back while the seat is loaded forward (3.2.1.1.2). The angle tolerances for each load around horizontal and longitudinal axes are tightly specified (within 5 degrees) (3.2.1.1.2).

Folding seat restraint and accessibility

Hinged or folding seats or seat backs, except for seats with backs adjustable only for passenger comfort, must have self-locking restraining devices and release controls prevent inertial release up to the specified longitudinal loads (3.2.3.0-3.2.3.4). Where access/egress requires hinging or folding, the release control must be readily accessible to both the occupant of the seat and the occupant immediately behind (3.2.3.1).
The restraining device must not release under a forward load equal to 20 times the mass of the entire seat back applied at the centre of gravity of the seat back (3.2.3.3).

Testing regime and evidence

The ADR permits static testing according to SAE J879b with ADR-specific values (3.3.2.1-3.3.2.3). Static loads must be sustained for at least one second and distributed loads may be replaced by concentrated loads at the centroid (3.3.2.2-3.3.2.3).
Dynamic testing is permitted in accordance with EEC Directive 74/408/EEC or by meeting an acceleration pulse criterion delivering at least 20 g to all parts of the seat and its supporting structure simultaneously, with simultaneous replication of any anchorage forces (3.3.3.1-3.3.3.2).
Dynamic tests must be documented with recorded traces (acceleration and force) and pre/post photographs (3.3.3.3.1-3.3.3.3.2).

Equivalence route

The ADR expressly allows alternative compliance where an item meets the technical requirements of ECE R17/02 plus, where applicable, ECE R14/01 or R14/02 or Clause 3.2.1.1.1 of this ADR, for front-facing seats which do not tip up, fold, or hinge and which do not incorporate built-in seat belt anchorages (3.4). This creates a formal route to accept international test standards for many front-facing seats.

Other structural or administrative concepts

The ADR defines that any head restraint proposed to be used must be included in the seat assembly when testing (3.2.1). Seat adjusters need not remain operable after load application, relieving one design constraint (3.2.2). Seat travel stops must not take any part of the test load (3.3.1.1). For folding or comfort-adjustable backs the design 'Seat Back Angle' is to be used in testing (3.3.1.2).

Collectively these concepts set mechanical targets, provide precise conditions for combined loading, specify test techniques and documentary evidence, and allow equivalence with specified ECE standards for many seat types. The ADR is technical and prescriptive in specification, but it also builds in limited flexibility via dynamic/static test choice and by accepting specific international standards as equivalent.

The ADR’s immediate regulatory targets are vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers (seat assemblies, seat belts, child restraint anchorages, head restraints), testing laboratories, and vehicle-type approval or vehicle import certification processes that rely on ADR compliance to register and place vehicles in service in Australia.

Manufacturers and vehicle integrators: For any vehicle categories listed in the applicability table, manufacturers that build or modify vehicles must ensure seat assemblies and installations meet the ADR load and testing requirements for each seat type and occupant position (Applicability; Clauses 3.2.1-3.2.3). Where seat belt anchorages or child restraint anchorages are attached to seats the manufacturer must account for the combined-loading test regimes required (3.2.1.1-3.2.1.1.2). The instrument explicitly covers a broad range of ADR categories including passenger cars (MA), light goods vehicles (NA), omnibuses (MD variants), heavy goods vehicles (NC), trailers (TA-TD), motorcycles and mopeds (LA-LE), and more as set out in the table (Applicability table).
Seat suppliers and component designers: Designers of seat frames, seat adjusters and restraint hardware must engineer to resist 20 g-equivalent static or dynamic loads and to meet the 370 N.m moment requirement for seat backs where applicable (3.2.1.1-3.2.1.3). Suppliers of folding/hinged seat mechanisms must provide self-locking restraining devices and release controls that are compliant with the inertial-release provisions and accessibility rules (3.2.3.0-3.2.3.3).
Testing and certification bodies: Bodies that perform static or dynamic testing must be able to conduct SAE J879b-derived static tests, EEC dynamic tests, or the ADR-defined 20 g acceleration pulse dynamic test and retain the required traces and photographic evidence for dynamic tests (3.3.2.1; 3.3.3.1-3.3.3.3). The ADR requires that records of acceleration and force traces and photographs before and after dynamic tests be kept with scales shown, which enables audit by regulators or type approval authorities (3.3.3.3.1-3.3.3.3.2).
Importers and type approval authorities: Because the ADR is stated to be a national standard for the purpose of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Purpose and Scope), organisations responsible for ensuring vehicles meet ADRs before first supply in Australia (such as type approval or import certification authorities) must apply the ADR’s substantive requirements in their compliance checks. The ADR also repeals earlier vehicle standards with the same name that were made under s 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and still in force at commencement, so importers must confirm which version applied at a given manufacture date (0.3.1-0.3.2).
Operators and end users: Operators of vehicles will be affected indirectly through design outcomes. For example, the ADR allows seat adjusters to be non-operable after tests (3.2.2), which affects post-crash condition of seat adjusters and potentially repair decisions. Requirements for self-locking folding seat restraints and release control accessibility (3.2.3.0-3.2.3.3) affect user interaction with seats used to access alternate seating positions.

Who pays, who decides, and who bears recordkeeping duties

Who pays: The immediate costs fall to manufacturers and suppliers who must design to withstand the ADR-specified loads, perform the required static and/or dynamic tests, and retain dynamic test evidence (3.3.3.3). If alternative ECE standards are used, there may be savings, but the manufacturer still must demonstrate equivalence per Clause 3.4.
Who decides: Technical compliance decisions sit primarily with manufacturers and their testing laboratories; regulators and type approval authorities exercise the formal decision to accept compliance evidence, and they will apply the ADR as a national standard under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Purpose and Scope). The ADR itself does not set out the administrative acceptance process, but the text of the ADR and its equivalence clause frame the technical tests and evidence necessary.
Recordkeeping duties: The ADR explicitly requires retention of dynamic test traces and photographs (3.3.3.3.1-3.3.3.3.2), so laboratories and manufacturers conducting dynamic testing must maintain that evidence.

The ADR therefore concentrates compliance activity and cost on manufacturers, seat and restraint suppliers, and testing bodies. It reduces duplication for manufacturers using specified ECE standards by permitting equivalence in many cases (3.4), while imposing documentary requirements and precise test positions and orientations that influence product design, assembly location of anchorages, and testing protocols.

The ADR prescribes technical duties for design, testing, and documentation and grants the right to use specified alternative international standards as an equivalent route to compliance.

Key duties

Design strength duty: For each seat (except side-facing seats and some rear seats in light omnibuses MD2 as noted), the seat assembly must be capable of withstanding the loads specified in Clauses 3.2.1.1, 3.2.1.2 and 3.2.1.3. Those are 20 times the seat mass forward (3.2.1.1), 20 times rearward (3.2.1.2), and a 370 N.m rearward moment about the Seating Reference Point for each occupant position (3.2.1.3). The inclusion of head restraints in the seat assembly for testing is mandatory where a head restraint is proposed (3.2.1).
Combined-loading duty where seat belt or child restraint anchorages are attached to the seat: If part or all of the seat belt assembly is directly attached to the seat, the forward load must be applied simultaneously with the anchorage loads required by the Australian Design Rule for Anchorages for Seat Belts and Child Restraints (3.2.1.1.1). Additional testing in the rearmost position is required (3.2.1.1.1.1). Similarly, where child restraint anchorages are located in or on the seat back, or are located in the vehicle body more than 100 mm below a certain plane, a 3.4 kN load must be applied to each anchorage simultaneously with the forward seat load (3.2.1.1.2).
Folding/hinged seat duty: Folding or hinged seats or seat backs, other than those whose back is adjustable only for comfort, must be equipped with a self-locking restraining device plus a release control, and the device must resist inertial release when loaded longitudinally in each direction to 20 times gravity (3.2.3.0-3.2.3.2). Where access requires hinging/folding, the release control must be readily accessible both to the occupant of the seat and the occupant immediately behind (3.2.3.1).
Testing and documentation duty: Where dynamic testing is performed, traces for acceleration and force measurements and photographs of the seat and supporting structure before and after each dynamic test must be kept with scales shown (3.3.3.3.1-3.3.3.3.2). Static tests must be conducted in accordance with SAE J879b as adapted by ADR values and procedures (3.3.2.1).
Test-condition duty: Seat travel stops must not take part of the test load (3.3.1.1). Folding or hinged seats with backs adjustable only for comfort, and seats in certain positions, have prescribed test positions and angles, such as the design Seat Back Angle for some tests (3.3.1.2).

Rights and permitted flexibilities

Right to alternative standards: The ADR permits use of ECE R17/02 "Seats and their Anchorages" (and where applicable the technical requirements of ECE R14 versions or Clause 3.2.1.1.1) as an equivalent compliance route for front-facing seats that do not tip up, fold or hinge and which do not incorporate built-in seat belt anchorages (3.4). This right allows manufacturers to rely on internationally recognised test programmes where they align with the ADR criteria.
Right to choose dynamic or static testing: Manufacturers may elect to perform static tests according to SAE J879b or dynamic tests that meet EEC Directive 74/408/EEC or the ADR’s dynamic-acceleration pulse criteria (3.3.2.1; 3.3.3.1-3.3.3.2). This provides a degree of choice in testing methodology, though documentary evidence requirements differ depending on the chosen route.
Limited design tolerance: The ADR expressly permits seat adjusters to be inoperable after test loads have been applied (3.2.2). That reduces a durability requirement on adjusters relative to other possible design requirements.

Legal framing and caveats

The ADR is enacted as a national standard for the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, so its duties are intended to operate within the broader MVSA compliance and type approval framework (Purpose and Scope). The ADR itself specifies technical duties but does not include administrative enforcement mechanics or sanctions within its text. It also repeals previous rules with the same name made under s 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 if those rules were in force at commencement (0.3.1-0.3.2).

In short, the ADR imposes precise technical duties on seat strength, combined loading for anchorages, folding-seat restraint performance, and testing and recordkeeping, while granting limited procedural flexibility through alternative standards and test-mode choice.

The ADR text itself focuses on technical prescription and testing. It does not contain express penalty clauses, infringement schedules or administrative enforcement mechanisms in the instrument text provided. The instrument frames itself as a national standard for the purpose of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Purpose and Scope), and it repeals earlier instruments made under s 7 of that Act that created ADRs with the same name (0.3.1-0.3.2). From the document alone the following points about enforcement and penalties can be stated as claims grounded in the instrument:

No internal penalty schedule: The ADR does not include civil or criminal penalty provisions, infringement notices or specified monetary sanctions within its clauses. There are no fine provisions recorded in the ADR text supplied.
Enforcement is located in the MVSA framework: The ADR is expressed to be a national standard for the purpose of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Purpose and Scope). The practical enforcement, including administrative sanctions, recall obligations, or denial of type approval, therefore arises under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and any subordinate administrative arrangements implementing ADR compliance. The ADR text does not itself define those MVSA enforcement steps.
Obligations to produce and retain evidence: The ADR creates documentary duties that are enforceable via whatever administrative or legal mechanisms the MVSA or implementing agencies use. For example, dynamic tests require retention of acceleration and force traces and pre/post photographs with scales indicated (3.3.3.3.1-3.3.3.3.2). Failure to produce such evidence during an audit or type-approval process would be addressed under the MVSA or administrative procedures, not by self-contained ADR penalty clauses.
Repeal and transition: The ADR repeals prior ADRs with the same name made under s 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and in force at the ADR’s commencement (0.3.1). The instrument does not itself specify transitional enforcement measures for vehicles manufactured before or after specified dates beyond the "Manufactured on or After" dates in the applicability table, which indicate when the standard becomes applicable to new production for each category.

Implementation and enforcement risks identifiable from the ADR text

Enforcement depends on external administrative mechanisms: Because the ADR does not itself create statutory penalties, the effectiveness of enforcement turns on the administrative and statutory mechanisms under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and the resources and practices of the responsible regulator. The ADR sets the technical bar; the MVSA or regulators must apply administrative steps to enforce it.
Evidence and auditability: The ADR increases the regulator’s ability to audit compliance by requiring documentary traces and photographs for dynamic testing (3.3.3.3). However, where static-only testing is used or equivalence to ECE standards is invoked, the precise documentary standard for equivalence is left to implementing practices rather than the ADR text itself, which could affect the regulator’s practical enforcement choices.

In sum, penalties and enforcement procedures are not set out inside the ADR text supplied. The ADR establishes technical duties and evidentiary requirements, but enforcement,sanctions, audits, recalls and administrative actions,is situated in the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 framework and accompanying administrative practices outside the text of this ADR.

The ADR explicitly situates itself within the Australian vehicle standards system and contains multiple cross-references to other ADRs and international standards, creating direct technical and procedural interactions.

Primary statutory anchor

Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989: The instrument declares it is an Australian Design Rule and a national standard for the purpose of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Purpose and Scope). The ADR also repeals earlier vehicle standards and instruments that were made under s 7 of that Act and in force at commencement (0.3.1-0.3.2). That establishes the ADR as a technical standard to be applied under the MVSA compliance and type-approval regime.

Cross-references to other ADRs and Australian requirements

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005: The ADR instructs readers to refer to that ADR for definitions and vehicle category meanings (3.1.0). That external ADR therefore supplies the definitional infrastructure (e.g., "Seat", "Seating Reference Point", ADR category codes) which this instrument uses.
Australian Design Rule for Anchorages for Seat Belts and Child Restraints: The ADR requires simultaneous application of anchorage loads where the seat belt assembly is attached to the seat in accordance with the Australian Design Rule for Anchorages for Seat Belts and Child Restraints (3.2.1.1.1). It also requires additional testing to demonstrate compliance with that ADR when the seat belt assembly is attached (3.2.1.1.1.1). Hence, compliance with ADR 3/00 will frequently require cross-compliance with the separate seat-belt anchorage ADR.

Interaction with international standards and ECE/EEC rules

EEC Directive 74/408/EEC: The ADR permits dynamic testing in accordance with the dynamic test procedure of EEC Directive 74/408/EEC "Strength of Seats and their Anchorages" for front-facing seats without certain features (3.3.3.1). Where dynamic testing follows that EEC directive, the ADR’s dynamic acceleration criteria are satisfied.
ECE R17/02 and ECE R14/01 or R14/02: The ADR expressly recognises ECE R17/02 (Seats and their Anchorages) and, where applicable, ECE R14/01 or 14/02 (Safety Belt Anchorages) as equivalent to the ADR’s technical requirements for front-facing seats which do not tip up/fold/hinge (3.4). Clause 3.4 therefore creates an automatic equivalence route for many seats compliant with these international regulations.
SAE J879b "Motor Vehicle Seating Systems", July 1968: Static testing is to be conducted in accordance with SAE J879b using ADR values and procedures (3.3.2.1). Designers and testing authorities therefore must be conversant with SAE J879b as modified by the ADR.

Applicability dates and prior rules

The applicability table cross-references vehicle categories, ADR category codes and UNECE category codes, and for many categories sets a "Manufactured on or After" date (e.g., passenger car category MA has "1 July 1988") (Applicability table). For several ADR categories, the "Acceptable Prior Rules" column indicates where earlier rules are acceptable or nil, which affects transitional compliance for vehicles manufactured earlier or subject to different ADR versions.

Operational interactions

Combined compliance: Where seat belt or child restraint anchorages are fitted to seats, compliance will involve applying the load and testing procedures called for in this ADR together with the anchorage ADR’s technical loads and requirements (3.2.1.1.1-3.2.1.1.2). This creates operational interaction in test setups, load sequencing and evidence retention.
Documentation and audit: The ADR sets documentary requirements for dynamic testing (3.3.3.3). Regulators implementing the MVSA will use such documentary evidence when deciding to accept type approval or conformity to ADR standards. The ADR therefore shapes record retention policies for testing laboratories and manufacturers.

Limits of interaction

No administrative enforcement details: The ADR itself does not set out the administrative procedures, sanctions or enforcement processes; these are left to the MVSA framework and implementing agency rules. Thus legal and administrative interactions with consumer protection, roadworthiness or recall regimes depend on the broader statutory and regulatory environment, not on this ADR alone.

In summary, ADR 3/00 operates as a technical node that integrates with the MVSA legal framework, definitional ADRs, the Australian anchorage ADR, SAE and ECE/EEC technical standards, and the practical administrative application of ADRs in type approval and import processes.

The compilation provided records the initial 2006 ADR instrument and a single Amendment 1. The instrument includes a Table of Instruments and a Table of Amendments that identify what was changed and when.

Instruments and dates

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/00 , Seat Anchorages) 2006: Registered 16 August 2006; commencement 17 August 2006 (Table of Instruments).
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/00 , Seat Anchorages) 2006 Amendment 1: Registered 13 December 2006; commencement 14 December 2006 (Table of Instruments).

Clauses amended by Amendment 1 The Table of Amendments identifies the clauses affected by Amendment 1 and indicates the nature of the change as "am" (amended). The listed affected clauses are:

Purpose and Scope (amended) , the Purpose and SCOPE entry was amended by Amendment 1 (Table of Amendments).
Applicability (amended) , the applicability provisions or table were amended by Amendment 1.
3.2.1.3 (amended) , the clause regarding the 370 N.m moment requirement or its subparts was amended.
3.2.2 (amended) , the clause concerning seat adjusters and their operability after loading was amended.
3.2.3 (amended) , the clause concerning restraining devices for folding or hinged seats or seat backs was amended.
3.2.3.0 (amended) , the subclause defining the restraining device requirement and release control was amended.

Annotations used

The Table of Amendments uses "am" to mark clauses that were amended. The compilation notes that "ad = added or inserted", "am = amended", "del = deleted or removed", "rr = removed and replaced", and that arrows mark renumbering formats. The compilation also states that it includes all instruments set out in the Table of Instruments and that the Table of Amendments provides a history of clauses changed, inserted or deleted.

Implications of the recorded amendment activity

Rapid amendment within the same year: The ADR was registered and commenced in August 2006 and then had an amendment registered and commenced in December 2006. The amendment affected core substantive clauses dealing with seat back moment requirements, seat adjusters, folding-seat restraints, applicability and the purpose statement. That suggests that early post-adoption adjustments were required to refine technical or applicability settings, though the ADR text does not provide an explanatory memorandum within the supplied document.
Repeal mechanics: The ADR includes repeal provisions that remove earlier ADRs of the same name that were made under s 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and in force at commencement (0.3.1; 0.3.2). The amendment record does not list repeals beyond the initial repeal statements.

Record completeness and limitations

The compilation lists two instrument entries and enumerates clauses amended by Amendment 1, but it does not include the text of Amendment 1's explanatory material in the supplied file. The Table of Amendments indicates which clauses changed but does not present the prior text or annotate the precise changes.
For a full amendment history beyond Amendment 1 or to understand the drafting intent behind the amendments, one must consult the amending instrument itself and any explanatory memorandum or regulatory impact statement that accompanied Amendment 1, which are not part of the supplied instrument text.

Overall, the ADR and its single listed amendment illustrate the formal instrument history up to Amendment 1, with core technical clauses adjusted in the first few months after the ADR’s initial commencement.

The ADR text supplied contains no case law citations, no references to litigation, and lists no court decisions. The instrument itself names no cases and does not record judicial interpretation or disputes. From the supplied document the following statements can be made:

No litigation recorded in the instrument: The ADR’s compilation and the Tables included do not include references to any legal proceedings, court decisions, or tribunal findings related to the ADR’s provisions.
No named precedent: The ADR text does not name any judicial decisions or administrative rulings that interpret or apply the ADR’s clauses.
Enforcement and disputes likely sit under MVSA: Any litigation that might arise concerning compliance, type approvals, or the interpretation of this ADR would logically be pursued under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 framework or in connection with administrative decisions about type approval, certification or market entry. The ADR itself, however, does not include a litigation history or judicial gloss in the supplied text.

Practical note for practitioners

If you require litigation history or administrative decisions interpreting ADR 3/00, the ADR text as supplied does not provide these materials. To identify cases or administrative decisions, one must search court databases, tribunal records or administrative determinations that address the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and how regulators have assessed compliance with ADR 3/00 or its equivalence routes (e.g., acceptance of ECE R17/R14 evidence). That exercise lies outside the ADR text and would require separate legal research.

In short, the supplied ADR compilation contains no litigation history. Any litigation or contested enforcement that exists will be recorded in judicial or administrative decision databases and not in the ADR instrument text itself.

This ADR contains several specific technical and procedural details that commonly cause compliance errors, surprise costs, or misinterpretation. The following are concrete "gotchas" drawn from the text.

Seat-belt and child-restraint anchorage simultaneous-loading complexities

If the seat belt assembly is attached to the seat, the ADR requires the forward seat load to be applied simultaneously with the anchorage loads required in the anchorage ADR (3.2.1.1.1). That means test setups must be capable of delivering seat loads and the separate anchorage loads at the same time in the correct directions and magnitudes. In practice this complicates test fixturing and load sequencing and may require bespoke test rigs.
An additional test is required in the rearmost seat position when the seat belt assembly is attached to the seat to demonstrate compliance with the anchorage ADR (3.2.1.1.1.1). Some manufacturers who test only in a nominal seat position may fail to include this rearmost test.

Child restraint anchorage geometry and load path

The 3.4 kN load for child restraint anchorages applies where anchorages are located in or on the seat back or are located in the vehicle structure more than 100 mm below a specified horizontal plane relative to the seat top (3.2.1.1.2). The load must be applied via a flexible connection passing over the top of the seat back, and the loading angle tolerances are tight (within 5 degrees of horizontal and within 5 degrees left or right of the longitudinal axis) (3.2.1.1.2). Misunderstanding the plane, the mounting location or the way loads must be routed over the seat back leads to incorrect tests.
Where manufacturers rely on integrated child restraint anchorages, they must ensure the anchorages’ location relative to the seat top meets the ADR’s geometry tests; otherwise additional vehicle-structure testing may be required.

Moment testing for seat backs can be done three ways, but with caveats

Clause 3.2.1.3 permits three alternative force-application methods to meet the 370 N.m requirement, including application normal to the seat back or via a 3-D manikin back (3.2.1.3.1.1-3.2.1.3.1.3). However, if seat back deflection changes the moment arm, the force must be adjusted to ensure the moment value of 370 N.m is achieved (3.2.1.3.1.4). Test laboratories that apply a fixed force without calculating post-deflection moment may report incorrect compliance.

Folding seats: accessibility and inertial-release test demands

Folding seats that hinge to permit access or egress require the release control to be accessible to both the occupant and the occupant immediately behind (3.2.3.1). Failure to consider the ergonomics and placement of release controls may lead to non-compliance even if the restraining mechanism is mechanically adequate.
Restraining devices must be constructed to preclude inertial release when loaded longitudinally in each direction to 20 times gravity (3.2.3.2). That is a stringent functional test; some non-self-locking auxiliary latches, if present, must be unlatched during testing so the restraining device and hinges alone take the test loads (3.2.3.4). Misinterpretation of "auxiliary" may result in the wrong test configuration.

Seat adjusters need not be operable after tests

Clause 3.2.2 explicitly says seat adjusters need not be operable after the application of the loads. That reduces a durability expectation for adjusters but creates a post-crash condition where adjuster failure is permissible for compliance purposes. This may be surprising to purchasers expecting adjuster survivability or to fleet owners focused on repair costs.

Test equipment and recordkeeping obligations for dynamic tests

Dynamic testing requires either adherence to the specified EEC dynamic procedure or meeting a 20 g acceleration pulse across the entire seat and support structure, and simultaneous replication of additional anchorage forces where required (3.3.3.1-3.3.3.2). Achieving a uniform 20 g pulse across all parts of the seat anchorage and belt anchorage points is technically demanding and requires adequately instrumented sleds or rigs.
Dynamic tests must be documented with acceleration and force traces with scales shown plus photographs before and after each test (3.3.3.3.1-3.3.3.3.2). Failure to produce scaled traces or pre/post photographs can defeat a compliance claim.

Seat travel stops exclusion from load path

The ADR requires that seat travel stops shall not take any part of the test load (3.3.1.1). If test set-ups inadvertently channel load through travel stops, that invalidates the test and can lead to design rework.

Equivalence is limited to front-facing seats without folding or built-in belt anchorages

Clause 3.4 provides equivalence for ECE R17/02 plus, where applicable, ECE R14/01 or R14/02, but only for front-facing seats that do not tip up, fold, hinge, or incorporate built-in seat belt anchorages. Relying on equivalence for seats outside this scope is not authorised by the ADR and may be rejected at type-approval.

Definitions live elsewhere

The ADR refers to the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005 for definitions (3.1.0). Practitioners who do not consult that ADR risk misapplying seat mass, seating reference points or vehicle category definitions.

Applicability table detail

The applicability table lists many vehicle categories and some "Manufactured on or After" dates (e.g., passenger cars manufactured on or after 1 July 1988) and "Acceptable Prior Rules" entries (Applicability table). Misreading the table or failing to check the date applicable to the vehicle being certified can cause incorrect conclusions on whether the ADR applies to a particular build date.

Each of these items is directly anchored to clauses cited above. Common implementation failures stem from underestimating the rigour of combined-loading scenarios, test-fixture complexity, documentary requirements for dynamic testing, and the narrow scope of allowed equivalence.

To comply with ADR 3/00, manufacturers, testing labs, and certifiers should adopt a programmatic approach that maps vehicle categories to technical obligations, establishes test plans, captures documentary evidence, and manages equivalence routes where available. The steps below are grounded in the ADR clauses.

Confirm applicability and definitions

Consult the ADR’s applicability table to confirm the ADR category code that applies to the vehicle and the relevant "manufactured on or after" date for that category (Applicability table). Use the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005 for definitions such as "Seat," "Seating Reference Point," and vehicle category classifications (3.1.0).
Identify seat types: front-facing, side-facing, folding/hinged, adjustable for comfort only, seats with built-in seat belt anchorages, and seats intended to carry child restraint anchorages. The ADR exempts side-facing seats and rear seats in light omnibuses MD2 from certain requirements (3.2.0; 3.2.1).

Design to the load requirements

For applicable seats, ensure structures, anchorage attachments and seat backs are designed to resist:
- 20 times the mass of the entire seat in the Forward longitudinal direction applied separately (3.2.1.1).
- 20 times the mass of the entire seat in the Rearward longitudinal direction applied separately (3.2.1.2).
- A 370 N.m moment about the Seating Reference Point in the Rearward longitudinal direction for each occupant position (3.2.1.3).
Include any proposed head restraint as part of the seat during design verification and testing (3.2.1).
For seats with seat belt anchorages attached to the seat, design anchorages to meet the anchorage ADR’s load requirements and ensure the seat structure can carry the combined loading (3.2.1.1.1).

Prepare combined-loading strategies

When seat belt assemblies are attached to seats, prepare test fixtures and load application plans able to apply the seat load and anchorage loads simultaneously, with the seat in full Forward and upward design position (3.2.1.1.1).
Plan to run an additional test in the seat’s rearmost position to demonstrate compliance with the anchorage ADR when seat belts are attached (3.2.1.1.1.1).
For child restraint anchorages in or on seat backs, or located more than 100 mm below the defined plane, plan to apply a 3.4 kN load to each anchorage via a flexible connection that passes over the top of the seat back and meets the angle tolerances set by the ADR (3.2.1.1.2). Ensure the load application point is no more than 5 degrees above/below horizontal and no more than 5 degrees left/right of the longitudinal axis.

Folding and hinged-seat compliance

If seats hinge or fold, equip them with a self-locking restraining device and a release control that is readily accessible to the occupant and to the occupant immediately behind where hinging permits access or egress (3.2.3.0-3.2.3.1).
Ensure the restraining device and its release control are constructed to preclude inertial release under longitudinal loads up to 20 times gravity (3.2.3.2-3.2.3.3).
If auxiliary, non-self-locking latches exist, arrange tests with those latches unlatched so the restraining device and hinges solely bear the test loads (3.2.3.4).

Select and execute appropriate tests

Static testing route: Conduct static testing in accordance with SAE J879b "Motor Vehicle Seating Systems" July 1968, using the ADR-specified values and applicable procedures. Use concentrated loads at the loading centroid where distributed loads are permitted to be replaced, and hold specified loads for at least one second (3.3.2.1-3.3.2.3).
Dynamic testing route: Either follow the dynamic procedures of EEC Directive 74/408/EEC for front-facing seats that meet the ADR’s restrictions, or meet the ADR’s dynamic criteria:
- Apply an acceleration pulse such that all parts of the seat and the supporting structure that anchor it have at least 20 times gravity simultaneously in the same direction (3.3.3.2.1).
- Apply any additional seat-belt or child-restraint anchorage forces simultaneously with the acceleration pulse (3.3.3.2.2).
Ensure seat travel stops do not take any part of the test load in any test (3.3.1.1).
For folding/comfort-adjustable backs, test with the seat back at the design Seat Back Angle (3.3.1.2).

Instrumentation and documentation

For dynamic tests keep traces recorded for all acceleration and force measurements used during the test, with scales shown on the traces (3.3.3.3.1).
Capture photographs of the seat and supporting structure, including restraining devices and release controls where fitted, before and after each dynamic test (3.3.3.3.2).
Retain all testing evidence as part of the compliance dossier for audit by type approval authorities or regulators under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. Ensure that recorded traces are scaled and that photographs are annotated to demonstrate compliance.

Use of alternative standards where appropriate

Where the seat is a front-facing type that does not tip up, fold or hinge and does not incorporate built-in seat belt anchorages, consider proving equivalence by compliance with ECE R17/02 Seats and their Anchorages and, where applicable, ECE R14/01 or R14/02 for seat-belt anchorages (3.4). Ensure the ECE test reports include the same or equivalent data required by the ADR (forces, moments, angles, and documentary evidence).
If relying on an equivalence route, document how the ECE tests map to each ADR requirement and ensure the specific limitations allowing equivalence are satisfied.

Prepare for audits and type approval

Compile a compliance dossier including design calculations showing the seat mass used, structural analyses demonstrating loads are resisted, static and/or dynamic test reports with scaled traces and photographs, and records showing that the full set of ADR-required tests have been carried out, including rearmost-seat tests where anchorage loads are applied to seats (3.2.1.1.1-3.3.3.3).
Ensure testing laboratories can show chain-of-custody and calibration of measuring instruments used to record acceleration and forces.

Address post-test obligations and product information

Note that seat adjusters need not be operable after load application (3.2.2). If this is material to product safety communications or warranty, prepare customer-facing repair, warranty and service instructions accordingly.
For folding seats, ensure user instructions indicate how to operate release controls and any maintenance or inspection points required to maintain the self-locking device.

Continuous compliance and design changes

Track design or supplier changes that affect seat mass, anchorage locations, or seat back geometry. Any change that materially alters the seat assembly should trigger re-testing or additional analysis to ensure continuing compliance with the ADR load and documentation requirements.

Following these steps aligned to the ADR clauses will create a defensible compliance package for type approval or certification under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 framework. Where doubt exists about the scope of equivalence or the precise interpretation of a clause, seek direct confirmation from the responsible type-approval authority or regulator, and retain written acceptance of any alternative testing protocols used.

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/00 – Seat Anchorages) 2006

Plain English Summary

Deep Dive

What it does

Current sections

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/00 – Seat Anchorages) 2006

Source text: opening excerpt

1 Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/00 – Seat Anchorages) 2006

Main concepts

Who it affects

Key duties and rights

Penalties and enforcement

How it interacts with other laws

Amendment history

Litigation history

Gotchas

How to comply