Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005

This instrument is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 , Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005 (the Standard), made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (header). Mechanically, it sets mandatory technical requirements for seats, seat-anchorage assemblies and their installation in Australian-regulated vehicles. The Standard (clause 2) states its object as specifying requirements for seats, their attachment assemblies and their installation to minimise the possibility of occupant injury from forces acting on the seat as a result of vehicle impact. The rule applies across enumerated vehicle categories listed in the Applicability Table (see clause 3 and the Applicability Table), and it also identifies which earlier or alternative standards are acceptable substitutes (see clause 3 and clause 7).

Key mechanical elements the Standard imposes are:

Positive technical specifications for loads seats and anchorages must resist: three distinct load tests (forward longitudinal, rearward longitudinal and a moment about the Seating Reference Point) and additional loads when seatbelt anchorages and child restraint anchorages are attached to the seat (clause 5.5, subclauses 5.5.1-5.5.3, and 5.5.1.1-5.5.1.2).
Requirements for seat adjusters (they need not remain operable after test loads but must not release during loading , clauses 5.6 and 5.7).
Specific requirements for hinged seats or seat backs including self‑locking restraining devices, release controls and inertial-release resistance (clause 5.8).
An energy‑dissipation test and deceleration limit for contactable rear seat surfaces (clause 5.9 and the test procedure in clause 6.4), including precise definitions of the areas to be tested (clause 6.5).
Permitted test procedures and standards references, allowing static testing per SAE J879b (clause 6.2.1) or dynamic testing consistent with EEC Directive 74/408 or the dynamic criteria in clause 6.3.3; and deeming specified ECE R17 series requirements to be equivalent in some cases (clause 7).

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Made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989

Compilation: 2 (up to and including Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No.1))

Compilation Date: 14 May 2021

Compiled by: Vehicle Safety Policy and Partnerships, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications

CONTENTS

legislative provisions.............................................3

1.1. NAME OF STANDARD..........................................3

SCOPE........................................................3
APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION........................3
DEFINITIONS..................................................5
REQUIREMENTS...............................................5
TEST PROCEDURE.............................................7
ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS...................................9

NOTES .............................................................10

legislative provisions

1.1. NAME OF STANDARD

1.1.1. This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005.

1.1.2. This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 3/02 — Seats and Seat Anchorages.

SCOPE

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 AND IMPLEMENTATION
1. This ADR applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table below.
2. Vehicles certified to the requirements of any of the "Acceptable Prior Rules" as shown below in the Applicability Table for a particular category are deemed to comply with this Rule.
  1. Vehicles certified to ADR 3/03 or a later version need not comply with this rule.
Applicability Table

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:bottom; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-weight:bold">Vehicle Category</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:bottom; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-weight:bold">ADR Category Code</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:bottom; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-weight:bold">UNECE Category Code</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:bottom; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-weight:bold">Manufactured on or After</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:bottom; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-weight:bold">Acceptable Prior Rules</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Moped 2 wheels</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">LA</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">L1</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Moped 3 wheels</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">LB</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">L2</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Motor cycle</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">LC</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">L3</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Motor cycle and sidecar</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">LD</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">L4</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Motor tricycle</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">LE</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">L5</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">   LEM</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">   LEP</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">1 Mar 1995</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Nil</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">   LEG</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">1 Mar 1995</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Nil</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Passenger car</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">MA</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">M1</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">1 Jan 1995</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Nil</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Forward-control passenger vehicle</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">MB</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">M1</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">1 Jan 1995</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Nil</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Off-road passenger vehicle</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">MC</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">M1</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">1 Jan 1995</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Nil</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Light omnibus</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">MD</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">M2</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:13.88pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:161.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">up to 3.5 tonnes ‘</span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-style:italic">GVM’</span><span class="normaltextrun"> and up to 12 seats</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">   MD1</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">1 July 1995</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Nil</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:13.88pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:161.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">up to 3.5 tonnes </span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-style:italic">‘GVM’</span><span class="normaltextrun"> and more than 12 seats</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">   MD2</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">1 Jan 2000</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Nil</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:13.88pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:161.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">over 3.5 tonnes and up to 4.5 tonnes </span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-style:italic">‘GVM’</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">   MD3</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:13.88pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:161.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">over 4.5 tonnes and up to 5 tonnes </span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-style:italic">‘GVM’</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">   MD4</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Heavy omnibus</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">ME</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">M3</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Light goods vehicle</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">NA</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N1</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">1 July 1995</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Nil</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Medium goods vehicle</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">NB</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N2</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:13.88pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:161.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">over 3.5 tonnes up to 4.5 tonnes </span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-style:italic">‘GVM’</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">   NB1</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:13.88pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:161.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">over 4.5 tonnes up to 12 tonnes </span><span class="normaltextrun" style="font-style:italic">‘GVM’</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">   NB2</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Heavy goods vehicle</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">NC</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N3</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Very light trailer</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">TA</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">O1</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Light trailer</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">TB</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">O2</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Medium trailer</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">TC</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">O3</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:175.5pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">Heavy trailer</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:61.88pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">TD</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:53.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">O4</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:77.62pt; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun">N/A</span><span class="eop"></span></p></td><td style="width:63.38pt; vertical-align:top; background-color:#ffffff"><p class="paragraph" style="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt"><span class="normaltextrun"> </span><span class="eop"></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

DEFINITIONS
1. Refer to Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Side-facing ‘Seats’ need not comply with the requirements of this rule.
2. Any ‘Head Restraint’ proposed to be used must be included in the ‘Seat’.
3. The seat-anchorage must withstand the loads specified in clause 5.5 in addition to the total load imposed by any other device attached to the seat-anchorage applied simultaneously.
4. The front ‘Seats’ of vehicles meeting the requirements of ADR 69/... are deemed to meet the requirement of clause 6.1.2 and the forward longitudinal loading requirements of clauses 5.5.1, 5.8.3 and 5.8.4.
5. Each ‘Seat’ must withstand the loads specified in clauses 5.5.1, 5.5.2, and 5.5.3 and also meet the requirements in clauses 5.6, 5.7, 5.8 and 5.9.
  1. The following loads must be applied separately:
    1. Twenty times the weight of the entire ‘Seat’ in a ‘Forward’ longitudinal direction simultaneously with, if part or all of the ‘Seatbelt Assembly’ is directly attached to the ‘Seat’, the total load imposed on the ‘Seat’ by simultaneous application of loads required for seatbelt ‘Anchorages’ specified in ADR 5/... . The ‘Seat’ must be located in the full ‘Forward’ and upward design position.
      1. When part or all of the seat belt ‘Anchorages’ are directly attached to the ‘Seat’ an additional test, with the seatbelt ‘Anchorages’ load applied, is required with the ‘Seat’ in the rearmost position to demonstrate compliance with ADR 5/... .
    2. 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’, twenty times the weight of the entire ‘Seat’ in a ‘Forward’ longitudinal direction simultaneously with a load of 3.4 kN for each ‘Child Restraint Anchorage’ must be imposed on the ‘Seat’ by simultaneous application to each ‘Child Restraint Anchorage’ by a flexible connection which passes over the top of the ‘Seat’ back to the ‘Child Restraint Anchorage’. Each load must be applied ‘Forward’ of the ‘Seat’ back not more than 5o above or below the horizontal, and not more than 5o to left or right of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
  2. A load equal to 20 times the weight of the entire ‘Seat’ must be applied in a ‘Rearward’ longitudinal direction.
  3. A load producing a moment of 530 N.m about the ‘Seating Reference Point’ for each occupant position for which the ‘Seat’ is designed must be applied to the upper cross member in a ‘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.
    1. Testing which meets the 530 N.m requirement by any one of the following 3 methods is acceptable:
      1. force applied horizontally;
      2. force applied normal to ‘Seat’ back;
      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.
      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 530 N.m is achieved.
      5. The ‘Seat’ must be located in the design position determined by the ‘Manufacturer’ to represent the worst case in relation to the loadings induced in the seat-anchorage and ‘Seat Adjuster’ mechanisms by the 530 N.m moment.
6. The ‘Seat Adjusters’ need not be operable after the application of the loads specified in clauses 5.5.1, 5.5.2 and 5.5.3.
7. No release of the ‘Seat Adjuster’ must occur during the application of the loads specified in clauses 5.5.1, 5.5.2 and 5.5.3.
8. Restraining Device for Hinged ‘Seats’ or ‘Seat’ Backs
  1. Except for a ‘Seat’ having a back that is adjustable only for the comfort of its occupants, hinged ‘Seats’ or ‘Seat’ backs must be equipped with a self-locking device for restraining the hinged ‘Seat’ or ‘Seat’ back and a release control for releasing that restraining device to preclude the possibility of impact forces acting on unrestrained hinged ‘Seats’ or ‘Seat’ backs.
  2. Where the ‘Seat’ must hinge to permit access to or egress from another seating position, the release control must be readily accessible to the occupant of that ‘Seat’ and to the occupant of any ‘Seat’ immediately behind that ‘Seat’.
  3. The restraining device (including the release control) must be constructed to preclude inertial release when loaded longitudinally in each horizontal direction to 20 times the acceleration due to gravity.
  4. The restraining device must not release or fail when a ‘Forward’ horizontal longitudinal load equal to 20 times the weight of the entire ‘Seat’ back is applied at the centre of mass of the ‘Seat’ back.
  5. If non-self-locking auxiliary latches are provided they must be unlatched during testing so that only the restraining device and hinges are taking the test loads.
  6. 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.
9. Energy Dissipation

The surfaces of the rear parts of ‘Seats’ to be checked are:

All ‘Contactable’ surfaces in Area 1 as defined in clause 6.5.1 and;
All ‘Contactable’ surfaces exhibiting radii of curvature less than 5 mm in Area 2 as defined in clause 6.5.2
These surfaces when tested as per clause 6.4 must not produce a deceleration of the moving head greater than 80 times the acceleration due to gravity continuously for more than 3 ms.
The requirements of clause 5.9 do not apply to rearmost ‘Seats’ or back-to-back ‘Seats’ or vehicles with only a single row of ‘Seats’.
TEST PROCEDURE
1. General
  1. Static or dynamic testing techniques may be used.
  2. The ‘Seat’ travel stops must not take any part of the test load.
  3. Hinged ‘Seats’, or ‘Seats’ with backs which are adjustable for passenger comfort only, must be tested with the ‘Seat’ back at the design ‘Seat Back Angle’.
  4. The requirements of clause 5.5.1 and clause 5.5.2 are considered to be met if the ‘Seat’ is tested after being adjusted in the following two positions:
    1. the longitudinal adjustment is fixed one notch or 10 mm rearwards of the most ‘Forward’ normal driving or use position (for ‘Seats’ with independent vertical adjustment the cushion must be placed in its highest position);
    2. the longitudinal adjustment is fixed one notch or 10 mm forwards of the most ‘Rearward’ normal driving or use position (for ‘Seats’ with independent vertical adjustment the cushion must be placed in its lowest position).
2. Static Test Conditions
  1. Static testing of ‘Seats’ must 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.
  2. Distributed loads may be replaced by concentrated loads at the loading centroid.
  3. Specified loads must be sustained for at least one second.
  4. Notwithstanding the requirements of the test procedure specified in clause 6.2.1, the testing of ‘Seats’ must meet the test requirements specified in clause 6.1 of this rule.
3. Dynamic Test Conditions
  1. Dynamic testing must be conducted at the vehicle ‘Manufacturer’s’ choice either to clause 6.3.2 or 6.3.3.
  2. 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 are not ‘Folding Seats’ and which do not incorporate any built-in seatbelt ‘Anchorages’.
  3. Alternatively, the following criteria must be met:
    1. The acceleration pulse applied must be such that all the parts 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
      1. any additional forces due to the loading of seatbelt ‘Anchorages’ or ‘Child Restraint Anchorages’ must be achieved simultaneously with the acceleration required in clause 6.3.3.1 above.
4. Energy Dissipation Test
  1. The ‘Seat’ must be firmly secured to the test bench, using the attachment parts provided by the ‘Manufacturer’ and in the same manner in which it is intended to be mounted in the vehicle with the ‘Seat’ back in the ‘Manufacturer’s’ design position.
  2. The dynamic testing equipment must consist of a rigid moving head having an effective mass of 6.8 + 0.1 kg. The portion of the moving head which contacts the ‘Seat’ back must be of spherical shape with a diameter of 165 mm. The direction of impact from the rear towards the front must be situated in a vertical longitudinal plane and lie along a line at 45o downwards relative to the normal level vehicle attitude.
  3. The moving head must impact the ‘Seat’ back at a velocity of not less than 6.69 m/s.
  4. A transducer must be mounted on the moving head such that a complete deceleration time curve is obtained using an oscilloscope or other recording device. The deceleration channel must have a frequency response flat to within + 5 per cent from one to 1000 Hz.
5. Contactable Areas
  1. Area 1

In the case of separate ‘Seats’ without ‘Head Restraints’, this area shall include the rear part of the ‘Seat’ back between the longitudinal vertical planes situated at 100 mm on either side of the ‘Seating Reference Plane’ and above a plane perpendicular to the ‘Torso Reference Line’ 100 mm below the top of the ‘Seat’ back.

In the case of bench ‘Seats’ without ‘Head Restraints’, this area shall extend between the longitudinal vertical planes situated at 100 mm on either side of the ‘Seating Reference Plane’ of each designated outboard seating position defined by the ‘Manufacturer’ and above a plane perpendicular to the ‘Torso Reference Line’ 100 mm below the top of the ‘Seat’ back.

In the case of ‘Seats’ or bench ‘Seats’ with ‘Head Restraints’, this area shall extend between the longitudinal vertical planes situated at 70 mm on either side of the ‘Seating Reference Plane’ or of the seating position concerned and situated above the plane perpendicular to the ‘Torso Reference Line’ 635 mm from the ‘Seating Reference Point’. For the test, the ‘Head Restraint’, if adjustable, shall be placed in the most unfavourable position permitted by its adjustment system.

Area 2

In the case of ‘Seats’ or bench ‘Seats’ without ‘Head Restraints’ and ‘Seats’ or bench ‘Seats’ with detachable or separate ‘Head Restraints’, Area 2 shall extend above a plane perpendicular to the ‘Torso Reference Line’ 100 mm distant from the top of the ‘Seat’ back, other than parts of Area 1.

In the case of ‘Seats’ or bench ‘Seats’ with integrated ‘Head Restraints’, Area 2 shall extend above a plane perpendicular to the ‘Torso Reference Line’ 440 mm distant from the ‘Seating Reference Point’ of the ‘Seat’ or the seating position concerned, other than parts of Area 1.

ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS

The technical requirements of ECE R 17/03 or ECE R 17/04 "Seats and their Anchorages" together with, where applicable, the technical requirements of either clause 5.5.1.1 or ECE R 14/02 "Safety Belt Anchorages" and of clause 5.5.1.2 are deemed to be equivalent to the technical requirements of this rule for front-facing ‘Seats’ which are not ‘Folding Seats’ .

NOTES

This compilation of Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005 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 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005	12/12/05	13/12/05
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005 Amendment 1	22/01/2007	23/01/2007
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No.1)	13/05/21	14/05/21

Table of Amendments

Clause affected	How affected	Amending instrument
1.2.	del	Legislation Act 2003 – section 48D
1.3.	del	Legislation Act 2003 – section 48C
3.2.1	ad	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005 Amendment 1
3.3.	rr	Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No.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.

1 Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005

Made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989

Compilation: 2 (up to and including Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No.1))

Compilation Date: 14 May 2021

Compiled by: Vehicle Safety Policy and Partnerships, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications

CONTENTS

legislative provisions.............................................3

1.1. NAME OF STANDARD..........................................3

SCOPE........................................................3
APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION........................3
DEFINITIONS..................................................5
REQUIREMENTS...............................................5
TEST PROCEDURE.............................................7
ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS...................................9

NOTES .............................................................10

legislative provisions

1.1. NAME OF STANDARD

1.1.1. This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005.

1.1.2. This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 3/02 — Seats and Seat Anchorages.

SCOPE

APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION
1. This ADR applies to the design and construction of vehicles as set out in the table below.
2. Vehicles certified to the requirements of any of the "Acceptable Prior Rules" as shown below in the Applicability Table for a particular category are deemed to comply with this Rule.
  1. Vehicles certified to ADR 3/03 or a later version need not comply with this rule.

The document is technical. The main concepts and their operational definitions or treatment in the rule are these.

Seats and Seat Anchorages: The core subject. The Standard requires that each seat must withstand prescribed loadings (clauses 5.5.1-5.5.3) and that seat‑anchorages must withstand not only those loads but also the total load imposed by any device attached to the anchorage applied simultaneously (clause 5.3).
Head Restraint: Any head restraint proposed to be used must be included in the seat (clause 5.2). The presence or type of head restraint affects the contactable areas used in the energy‑dissipation test (clause 6.5).
Seat Adjusters: Devices that permit seat position changes. The Standard requires that seat adjusters need not be operable after load application (clause 5.6) but must not release during load application (clause 5.7). The manufacturer determines the design position relevant for certain tests (see clause 5.5.3.5).
Seatbelt and Child Restraint Anchorages: Where seatbelt anchorages are attached directly to seats the seat tests must be carried out simultaneously with the loads required for ADR 5/... (clause 5.5.1.1). When child restraint anchorages are in/on a seat back or more than 100 mm below a tangential horizontal plane relative to the seat back top, a 3.4 kN load per child restraint anchorage must be applied simultaneously with the forward 20× seat weight load in a specified geometry (clause 5.5.1.1.2).
Load magnitudes and directions: The primary numeric load parameters are in clause 5.5. They require application of:
- forward longitudinal load equal to twenty times the weight of the entire seat (clause 5.5.1);
- rearward longitudinal load equal to twenty times the seat weight (clause 5.5.2);
- a moment of 530 N·m about the Seating Reference Point for each occupant position (clause 5.5.3), with acceptable alternative ways to achieve the moment specified (clause 5.5.3.1-5.5.3.4).
Energy dissipation: Rear contactable surfaces of seats must not cause a head deceleration exceeding 80 times gravity (80 g) continuously for more than 3 ms when tested with a moving head of specified mass and geometry at a specified velocity and impact direction (clause 5.9 and clause 6.4).
Contactable Areas: The Standard defines two precise areas (Area 1 and Area 2) of the rear part of seat backs to be subjected to the energy‑dissipation tests, with different lateral and vertical limits depending on whether head restraints are present and whether they are integrated or detachable. These formulas are in clause 6.5.1 and 6.5.2.
Test methods: Static testing per SAE J879b is accepted (clause 6.2.1). Dynamic testing may follow the EEC Directive 74/408 procedure for certain front‑facing seats (clause 6.3.2) or the Standard’s dynamic criteria that require an acceleration pulse so that all seat parts have at least 20 g simultaneously (clause 6.3.3 and 6.3.3.1).
Acceptable alternatives: The Standard deems the technical requirements of ECE R17/03 or R17/04, combined where applicable with ECE R14/02 (safety belt anchorages) and certain ADR provisions, to be an equivalent route to compliance for front‑facing seats that are not folding and do not have built‑in seatbelt anchorages (clause 7).
Scope limits and exemptions: Side‑facing seats are expressly not required to comply with this rule (clause 5.1). The energy‑dissipation requirement does not apply to rearmost seats, back‑to‑back seats, or vehicles with only a single row of seats (clause 5.9.4). The front seats of vehicles meeting ADR 69/... are deemed to meet specified load requirements (clause 5.4).

These concepts form the technical language by which designers, manufacturers and certifiers must demonstrate compliance in the specified vehicle categories and manufacture dates in the Applicability Table (clause 3).

This Standard allocates obligations and impacts across a defined set of actors within the vehicle supply chain and regulatory ecosystem. The affected parties, as traceable in the text, include the following.

Vehicle manufacturers and designers: The Standard imposes substantive design and testing obligations on seat designs, seat‑anchorage systems and seat installation (clauses 5 and 6). The manufacturer must determine and declare design positions used for certain moment tests (clause 5.5.3.5). Where seatbelt anchorages or child restraint anchorages are attached to seats, the manufacturer must ensure the seat and anchorage assembly will sustain simultaneous loads specified (clause 5.3 and clause 5.5.1).
Seat component suppliers and installers: Suppliers of seat assemblies, head restraints, seat adjusters and hinge mechanisms are implicated because the Standard demands that seat assemblies (including any head restraints incorporated in the seat) meet the technical requirements (clause 5.2 and clause 5.5). Hinged seats and seat backs have special requirements for restraining devices and release controls (clause 5.8).
Test laboratories and certifiers: The Standard prescribes static and dynamic testing procedures and references published standards (SAE J879b, EEC Directive 74/408, ECE R17 series). Entities providing conformity testing must apply the specific load magnitudes, geometries and recording requirements (clause 6, clauses 5.9 and 6.4).
Vehicle importers and type approval authorities: The Standard is an Australian Design Rule and so applies in the context of vehicle certification for the Australian market. The Applicability Table lists the ADR category codes and manufacture dates that determine when the Standard applies (clause 3 and the table). Vehicles certified to the Acceptable Prior Rules shown in the table are deemed compliant (clause 3.2), and vehicles certified to ADR 3/03 or a later version are explicitly not required to comply with this Standard (clause 3.2.2).
Child restraint manufacturers and suppliers: The Standard triggers additional loading when child restraint anchorages are located in or on seat backs or positioned more than 100 mm below a tangential plane above the seat back top (clause 5.5.1.1.2). That alters the design and testing interface between child restraint anchorages and seat assemblies.
Vehicle modifiers and aftermarket installers: Any modification that changes seat anchorage, seat installation, head restraints or child restraint anchorages will engage the Standard because the anchorage and seat assembly test requirements apply to the installed configuration and to loads that include devices attached to the seat anchorage (clause 5.3).
Regulatory and standards administrators: The Standard cross‑references other ADRs (ADR 5/..., ADR 69/...), the ADR Definitions instrument (clause 4) and allows alternative compliance by reference to certain ECE regulations (clause 7). Administrators who assess compliance must interpret these cross‑references and the Applicability Table dates.

The Applicability Table (clause 3) further determines which vehicle categories and production dates are in scope. Examples drawn from the table include passenger cars (ADR category MA; manufactured on or after 1 January 1995), various light omnibus and MD subcategories with specific effective dates (MD1 from 1 July 1995, MD2 from 1 January 2000), and other categories (LEP/LEG entries with manufacture dates of 1 March 1995). The table also shows that for many categories the "Acceptable Prior Rules" column is nil, meaning there is no listed prior rule deemed acceptable (see the Applicability Table).

Where the Standard refers to ADR 69/... (clause 5.4), the front seats of vehicles meeting ADR 69/... are taken as meeting certain forward loading requirements (clause 5.4). That relocates some compliance obligations to the ADR 69/... regime for those vehicles.

The Standard therefore affects parties who design, produce, test, certify, import and modify seats and associated anchorages for the vehicle categories and dates listed. It creates a set of technical tests and manufacturer‑determined positions that suppliers and certifiers must meet and document.

The Standard creates technical duties (design, testing and documentation) and limited procedural rights (deemed compliance via acceptable prior rules or alternative standards). Below are the principal duties and rights, cited to the rule.

Duties (technical and procedural)

Duty to design seats and anchorages to resist specified loads: Each seat must withstand the loads in clauses 5.5.1 (forward 20× seat weight), 5.5.2 (rearward 20× seat weight) and 5.5.3 (moment of 530 N·m about the Seating Reference Point) and meet related requirements in clauses 5.6-5.9 (clause 5.5.1-5.5.3; clause 5.6-5.9).
Duty to include head restraint if proposed to be used: Any head restraint proposed to be used must be included within the seat assembly (clause 5.2). This is a design‑integration duty, affecting how seats and head restraints are supplied and tested.
Duty on seat‑anchorages to withstand loads plus device loads: The seat‑anchorage must withstand the loads specified in clause 5.5 in addition to the total load imposed by any other device attached to the seat‑anchorage applied simultaneously (clause 5.3). This requires concurrent‑load design when anchorages carry seatbelts, child restraints or other attachments.
Duty to test with seatbelt anchorage loads where applicable: When any part of the seat belt anchorage is directly attached to the seat, the forward 20× seat weight must be applied simultaneously with the total load imposed by seatbelt anchorage tests required in ADR 5/... (clause 5.5.1.1). Additionally a further test is required with the seat in the rearmost position when part or all of the seat belt anchorages are attached to the seat (clause 5.5.1.1.1).
Duty to apply child restraint anchorage loads when relevant: Where child restraint anchorages are located in or on the seat back, or are positioned in the vehicle body structure more than 100 mm below the tangential horizontal plane relative to the top of the seat back forward of the anchorage, a load of 3.4 kN per child restraint anchorage must be applied simultaneously with the forward 20× seat weight, via a flexible connection passing over the top of the seat back, with specified angular tolerances for load direction (clause 5.5.1.1.2).
Duty for hinged seats: Hinged seats or seat backs require a self‑locking restraining device and release control (clause 5.8.1), accessibility of the release control where hinging permits access/egress (clause 5.8.2), construction to preclude inertial release under longitudinal load to 20 g (clause 5.8.3), and resistance to release/failure under a forward horizontal longitudinal load equal to 20× the seat back weight (clause 5.8.4). Non‑self‑locking auxiliary latches must be unlatched during testing (clause 5.8.5).
Duty on energy dissipation: Surfaces in defined contactable areas must not produce head decelerations greater than 80 g continuously for more than 3 ms when tested per clause 6.4. The areas are defined in clause 6.5 and the test apparatus, mass, velocity and recording requirements are in clause 6.4 (clause 5.9 and clause 6.4-6.5). The energy dissipation requirement does not apply to rearmost seats or back‑to‑back seats or vehicles with only a single row of seats (clause 5.9.4).
Duty to carry out tests under prescribed conditions: Static testing must follow SAE J879b where applicable (clause 6.2.1). Dynamic testing must be done either by EEC Directive 74/408 procedures or the dynamic criteria specified (clause 6.3.2-6.3.3). Seat travel stops must not take any of the test load (clause 6.1.2).

Rights and procedural mechanisms

Deemed compliance via Acceptable Prior Rules: Vehicles certified to the requirements of any "Acceptable Prior Rules" shown in the Applicability Table are deemed to comply with the Standard (clause 3.2). The table lists, by vehicle category, which prior rules are acceptable and the "Manufactured on or After" effective dates.
Deemed compliance for ADR 69/... front seats: The front seats of vehicles meeting ADR 69/... are deemed to meet the requirement of clause 6.1.2 and the forward longitudinal loading requirements of clauses 5.5.1, 5.8.3 and 5.8.4 (clause 5.4). That is a limited right to avoid re‑testing where ADR 69/... compliance is already established.
Alternative equivalent standards: For front‑facing seats that are not folding and which do not incorporate built‑in seatbelt anchorages, compliance with ECE R17/03 or ECE R17/04, together where applicable with ECE R14/02 and specified ADR clauses, is deemed equivalent to this rule (clause 7). That provides a route for manufacturers using accepted international standards.

Observations on duties/rights interplay drawn from the text

The duties place the onus on manufacturer design choices and on testing to demonstrate resistance to simultaneous loads (clause 5.3 and 5.5). Where anchorages and belts are attached to seats, manufacturers must run combined tests and, in some cases, repeat tests in different adjustment positions (clause 6.1.4 and clause 5.5.1.1.1).
The Standard allows a manufacturer to choose the seat "design position" for certain tests but requires that the design position represent the worst case with regard to loads on seat‑anchorage and adjuster mechanisms (clause 5.5.3.5). This gives manufacturers control over the declared test configuration but creates a documentary obligation to defend that choice if challenged.
Some exemptions are categorical (side‑facing seats) or situational (rearmost seats for energy dissipation), so manufacturers and certifiers must map seat types and vehicle seating layouts to the relevant clauses before determining test scopes (clause 5.1 and clause 5.9.4).

The Standard does not itself set fines, criminal offences or enforcement procedures; it is a technical rule made under a primary Act (header). Enforcement, penalties and administrative regimes that follow from non‑compliance would be found in the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and related regulatory instruments rather than within the ADR text itself.

The Standard as presented is a technical design rule and does not contain an internal penalty schedule or explicit enforcement procedures. The instrument’s header states it was made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, which identifies the enabling Act (header). The ADR itself specifies technical and testing requirements (clauses 5 and 6) but it does not prescribe sanctions, compliance notices or enforcement mechanisms.

Consequences and enforcement mechanisms therefore sit outside the text of this Standard and will be administered under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and associated administrative processes. The document makes several cross‑references to other ADRs and to external standards (for example ADR 5/... and ADR 69/..., and the ADR Definitions instrument at clause 4), which shifts some compliance determination and practical enforcement to the agencies and statutory processes that apply ADRs in the Australian vehicle certification and importation system. The Standard’s Table of Instruments records the instruments and amendment dates (notes section), which indicates the administrative chain that maintains and updates ADRs.

What the Standard does set that has enforcement implications:

Measurable, testable criteria: The rule specifies precise loads, dimensions, test apparatus (for example moving head mass 6.8 ± 0.1 kg, spherical diameter 165 mm, impact velocity not less than 6.69 m/s, deceleration recording bandwidth requirements) and pass/fail thresholds (for example not greater than 80 g continuously for more than 3 ms) (clause 6.4 and clause 5.9). Because these are specific, compliance or non‑compliance is objectively determinable by a competent testing authority or laboratory.
Mapped applicability: The Applicability Table defines which vehicle categories and manufacture dates are subject to the Standard and which prior rules are acceptable (clause 3 and the table). That allows regulatory authorities to determine at the point of certification or import whether the ADR applies.
Alternative compliance pathways: The Standard permits equivalence with certain ECE rules for specified seat types (clause 7). This provides an administrative route that regulators can accept when checking compliance documentation.

Because the Standard contains no penalty provisions, an assessor must look to the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and the administrative rules under that Act to determine the legal consequences of non‑compliance (the instrument’s header and statutory basis). The ADR itself therefore creates technical grounds for refusal of certification or non‑acceptance at the compliance stage, but the mechanics of revocation, infringement notices or prosecution are handled by the primary statute and regulatory agencies.

Practically, affected parties (manufacturers, importers, testing houses) need to be aware that the Standard supplies objective technical criteria that will be applied at the point of certification; failure to meet those criteria will result in non‑acceptance of the seat/vehicle configuration under the ADR regime, with administrative follow‑on under the enabling Act.

The Standard explicitly cross‑references and interacts with other standards and instruments; it also functions within the legal architecture established by the enabling Act. The interaction points in the text are the following.

Enabling statute: The Standard is made under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (header). That indicates it is part of the ADR framework implemented under the Act. The Standard therefore operates as a subordinate instrument in a statutory regulatory regime.
ADR Definitions instrument: Clause 4 directs readers to the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005 for definitions and category rules. That instrument supplies the defined terms used in this Standard (for example Seating Reference Point, Seating Reference Plane, etc.) and is necessary for interpreting many of the test geometries and references in clauses 5 and 6.
Inter‑ADR dependencies: Clause 5.5.1.1 requires simultaneous application of loads specified for seatbelts per ADR 5/... when any part of the seatbelt anchorage is directly attached to the seat. Clause 5.4 states front seats of vehicles meeting ADR 69/... are deemed to meet some requirements of this Standard. These cross‑references mean compliance with ADR 3/02 cannot be considered in isolation; compliance with ADR 5/... or ADR 69/... may alter the scope or reduce duplication of testing.
International standards and EU directives: The Standard accepts certain international test procedures or deems equivalence with foreign standards. Static testing may be conducted in accordance with SAE J879b (clause 6.2.1). Dynamic testing may be carried out in accordance with EEC Directive 74/408/EEC for specific types of front‑facing seats (clause 6.3.2). Clause 7 deems ECE R17/03 or ECE R17/04 together, where applicable, with ECE R14/02 and certain ADR provisions, to be equivalent to the technical requirements of this rule for front‑facing seats that are not folding and do not incorporate built‑in seatbelt anchorages. These cross‑references permit harmonisation with international practice but are limited in scope.
Acceptable Prior Rules and phasing: The Applicability Table lists vehicle categories, applicable ADR codes, UNECE category codes and effective "Manufactured on or After" dates and indicates where prior rules are acceptable. Clause 3.2 also states vehicles certified to "Acceptable Prior Rules" in the Applicability Table for a particular category are deemed to comply, while vehicles certified to ADR 3/03 or later need not comply with this rule. That creates a temporal and category‑specific interaction between ADRs.
Administrative amendments and Legislation Act changes: The Table of Amendments records that clauses 1.2 and 1.3 were deleted by the Legislation Act 2003 (sections 48D and 48C respectively), and that specific clauses were added or replaced by later ADR amendment instruments (see Table of Amendments and Table of Instruments). Those administrative law changes reflect how the ADRs are maintained and interact with general legislative housekeeping obligations.

The Standard therefore operates in a matrix of ADR instruments, international technical standards and the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. Practically, certifiers and manufacturers need to coordinate compliance across multiple ADRs (notably ADR 5/... and ADR 69/...) and may rely on international standards where the Standard permits. The Standard’s cross‑references define which tests must be run in combination (for example seat plus seatbelt anchorage loads), and which external test protocols are the acceptable method for performing those tests.

The Standard’s compilation details and amendment history are recorded in the instrument’s Notes and its Table of Instruments and Table of Amendments. The specific historical entries recorded in the compiled text are:

Original instrument: Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 , Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005. Registration date 12 December 2005, commencement date 13 December 2005 (Table of Instruments).
Amendment 1: Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 , Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005 Amendment 1. Registered 22 January 2007, commenced 23 January 2007. The Table of Amendments records that clause 3.2.1 was added by this instrument (Table of Amendments: "3.2.1 ad Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 - Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005 Amendment 1").
2021 Amendment Instrument: Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No.1). Registered 13 May 2021 and commenced 14 May 2021 (Table of Instruments). The Table of Amendments records that clause 3.3 was removed and replaced ("3.3 rr Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No.1)").
Legislative housekeeping deletions: The Table of Amendments records that clauses 1.2 and 1.3 were deleted as a result of the Legislation Act 2003: clause 1.2 deleted by section 48D; clause 1.3 deleted by section 48C ("1.2. del Legislation Act 2003 - section 48D; 1.3. del Legislation Act 2003 - section 48C"). Those deletions are administrative and reflect broader legislative formatting and publishing rules applied to subordinate instruments.
Compilation status: The top matter states this is Compilation 2, up to and including Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule) Amendment Instrument 2021 (No.1), with a Compilation Date of 14 May 2021 (header and notes). The compilation was prepared by Vehicle Safety Policy and Partnerships, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

Operational implications of the amendments as shown in the text

The addition of clause 3.2.1 in 2007 indicates a change to the Applicability and Implementation provisions, though the compiled text includes the current Applicability Table. The 2021 "removed and replaced" entry for clause 3.3 suggests the Applicability and Implementation section has been revised in a substantive way in that instrument. The compilation notes do not reproduce earlier versions, so detailed text changes would require consultation of the prior instruments themselves.
Deletions due to the Legislation Act 2003 are editorial: they reflect automatic removals of transitional provisions or formal clauses under that Act and are not substantive changes to the technical content. The Table of Amendments lists which clauses were added, amended, deleted or replaced and cites the instrument effecting that change.

To track changes over time or to verify which test requirements applied on a particular prior date, a practitioner must consult the original 2005 instrument and the subsequent amending instruments listed in the Table of Instruments. The compilation note indicates that those instruments are included in the consolidated text up to the 2021 instrument.

The Standard itself, as compiled, contains no litigation history, case references or court decisions. The text names no judicial decisions. The Notes and Tables at the end record administrative amendments and instruments but do not cite any court matters or legal disputes.

Because the ADR is a subordinate instrument providing technical requirements, any litigation or administrative appeal concerning its application, interpretation or enforcement would be recorded in external case law or administrative records which are not part of this instrument. The instrument does not purport to summarise judicial interpretations or appeals and provides no guidance on dispute resolution or judicial review.

If a researcher requires litigation history or authoritative judicial interpretation of clauses, the Standard must be cross‑checked against decisions under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 or administrative determinations from the agencies that apply ADRs; none of that material is provided within the text of the Standard itself.

The text contains several technical and procedural details that commonly cause non‑compliance surprises if overlooked. These are concrete "gotchas" drawn from the clause language.

Side‑facing seats are excluded: Clause 5.1 states side‑facing seats need not comply with the requirements of this rule. Practically, that avoids the rule applying to many bus or trailer layouts with transverse seats, but it also means manufacturers must correctly classify seating orientation before determining test obligations.
Head restraints must be part of the seat if proposed for use: Clause 5.2 requires any head restraint proposed to be used to be included in the seat. If a seat is supplied with separate detachable head restraints, the seat must be tested with the head restraint in the most unfavourable permitted position for Area 1/Area 2 measurement (clause 6.5.1). This affects both design and test set‑up.
Combined loading requirements when anchorages are attached to seats: Clause 5.3 requires seat‑anchorages to withstand clause 5.5 loads in addition to the total load imposed by any device attached to the seat‑anchorage when applied simultaneously. Clause 5.5.1.1 requires the forward 20× seat weight to be applied simultaneously with seatbelt anchorage loads from ADR 5/... when the seatbelt anchorage is attached to the seat. The additional requirement to repeat a test in the rearmost position (clause 5.5.1.1.1) is also easy to miss if the seat has adjustable tracks.
Child restraint anchorages increase loads and impose geometric constraints: Clause 5.5.1.1.2 requires a 3.4 kN load per child restraint anchorage applied via a flexible connection that passes over the top of the seat back if the anchorage is in/on the seat back or is more than 100 mm below a specified plane. The load direction must be within ±5° of horizontal and within ±5° laterally of the vehicle longitudinal axis. Failure to replicate the flexible over‑top path or to apply the lateral/angular tolerances correctly will invalidate the test.
Seat adjusters: Clause 5.6 permits seat adjusters to be inoperable after test loads, but clause 5.7 prohibits release of the adjuster during load application. This means designs that allow jamming but not inertial release will pass the ADR, while designs that allow adjuster unwinding or movement during loading will fail. Test protocols must ensure adjusters are secured against release during loading even if they no longer have to be operable afterwards.
Hinged seats and release mechanisms: Clause 5.8 requires self‑locking restraining devices on hinged seats or seat backs, with specific inertial resistance (up to 20 g longitudinally both directions) and a 20× forward seat back weight resistance requirement. Where auxiliary latches exist they must be unlatched during testing (clause 5.8.5). If seats are mounted on hinged engine covers or other hinged covers, and the assembly can withstand loads without tilting and without latches latched, self‑locking latches need not be used (clause 5.8.6). The interplay between latches, hinge loads and mounting points is a frequent test failure point.
Energy dissipation test geometry and exceptions: Clause 5.9 defines the energy dissipation limit (≤80 g continuously for no more than 3 ms). Clause 6.4 specifies the moving head mass (6.8 ± 0.1 kg), spherical contact diameter (165 mm), impact velocity (≥6.69 m/s) and direction (45° downwards from rear to front in a vertical longitudinal plane). Area 1 and Area 2 definitions (clause 6.5) vary with head restraint type; integrated head restraints change the vertical limits for Area 2 (440 mm from the Seating Reference Point instead of 100 mm below top of seat back). The test excludes rearmost seats, back‑to‑back arrangements and single‑row vehicles (clause 5.9.4). Misidentifying the applicable area or head restraint configuration will lead to an incorrect test plan.
Seat travel stops must not take any part of the test load: Clause 6.1.2 requires that seat travel stops do not take the applied load. If a seat is tested while travel stops engage and carry load, the test is invalid.
Manufacturer’s choice of design position but with worst‑case requirement: Clause 5.5.3.5 allows the manufacturer to pick the design position used to locate the seat for the 530 N·m moment test, but that position must represent the worst case for induced loads on seat anchorages and adjusters. The manufacturer’s determination can shift test scope, but must be defensible.
Limited scope for alternative standards: Clause 7 permits equivalence with ECE R17 series only for a defined set of seat types (front‑facing, non‑folding, no built‑in seatbelt anchorages), so reliance on foreign certification is limited and must be checked carefully against the seat design.
Temporal and category applicability: The Applicability Table assigns differing "Manufactured on or After" dates and Acceptable Prior Rules by category. For example, passenger cars (MA) are listed with a 1 January 1995 manufacture date; certain LEP/LEG categories reference 1 March 1995. Controls on whether a vehicle must comply thus depend on vehicle category and production date; misclassifying a vehicle can cause incorrect compliance assessments.
Absence of penalties in the Standard itself: There is no penalty provision in the ADR text. Enforcement and penalties will be governed by the enabling statute and administrative rules (header). Practitioners must not assume the ADR contains sanctions and instead must consult the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 for enforcement mechanics.

These are concrete, testable traps or compliance‑risk points embedded in the Standard’s technical wording. Ensuring correct seat classification, anchorages mapping, geometric set‑up, simultaneous application of loads and attention to head restraint type are routinely decisive for passing or failing ADR tests.

Compliance under this ADR requires mapping the vehicle and seat configuration against the Applicability Table, selecting the right test methods, and performing combined and repeat tests where specified. The steps below follow the Standard’s clauses and set out the actions a manufacturer, seat supplier or certifier needs to document and execute.

Determine applicability
- Identify the vehicle category and date of manufacture against the Applicability Table in clause 3. If the vehicle was certified to any Acceptable Prior Rule listed in the table, it is deemed to comply (clause 3.2). If the vehicle is certified to ADR 3/03 or later, ADR 3/02 is not required (clause 3.2.2). Record the category code (e.g. MA, MB, MD1) and the "manufactured on or after" date.
Identify seat types and exclusions
- Confirm whether seats are front‑facing, side‑facing, hinged, folding, back‑to‑back, rearmost, or single‑row. Clause 5.1 excludes side‑facing seats from this rule. Clause 5.9.4 excludes rearmost seats, back‑to‑back seats and single‑row vehicles from the energy dissipation requirement.
Incorporate head restraints into seat assembly if proposed
- If a head restraint is proposed to be used, ensure it is included as part of the seat assembly for testing (clause 5.2). For testing Area 1/Area 2, adjust the head restraint to its most unfavourable permitted position (clause 6.5.1).
Prepare seat and anchorage assemblies for combined loads
- Where any part of the seatbelt anchorage is attached to the seat, plan to apply the seatbelt anchorage loads alongside the forward 20× seat mass load (clause 5.5.1.1). If seatbelt anchorages are attached to the seat, an additional test must be performed with the seat in the rearmost position to demonstrate compliance with ADR 5/... (clause 5.5.1.1.1). Document the anchorage attachment configuration and ADR 5/... loads.
Account for child restraint anchorages
- If child restraint anchorages are located in/on the seat back or are positioned in the vehicle body structure more than 100 mm below the defined tangential plane, apply simultaneous loads of 3.4 kN per anchorage via a flexible connection passing over the top of the seat back when applying the forward 20× seat weight load. Ensure the load direction is within the ±5° angular tolerances (clause 5.5.1.1.2).
Conduct the mechanical load tests
- Forward longitudinal test: apply a forward load equal to 20× the weight of the entire seat in the full forward and upward design position (clause 5.5.1).
- Rearward longitudinal test: apply a rearward load equal to 20× the weight of the entire seat (clause 5.5.2).
- Moment test: apply a load producing a moment of 530 N·m about the Seating Reference Point for each occupant position (clause 5.5.3). Use one of the acceptable methods to produce the moment (force horizontal, force normal to seat back, or force through a 3‑D manikin back simulation) and adjust force values if deflection changes the moment arm (clause 5.5.3.1-5.5.3.4). Locate the seat in the manufacturer’s determined design position that represents the worst case for anchorage/adjuster loads (clause 5.5.3.5).
Ensure adjusters do not release during loading
- Secure seat adjusters such that they do not release during application of the test loads (clause 5.7). Note that adjusters need not be operable after load application (clause 5.6), but they must remain latched during loading.
Test hinged seats and seat backs
- Fit self‑locking restraining devices and release controls, accessible as required (clause 5.8.1-5.8.2). Verify no inertial release under longitudinal loading to 20 g and no release/failure under a forward load equal to 20× the seat back weight (clause 5.8.3-5.8.4). If auxiliary non‑self‑locking latches are present, leave them unlatched during testing so only the restraining device and hinges take the load (clause 5.8.5).
Perform energy dissipation testing where applicable
- Secure the seat to the test bench using the manufacturer’s attachment parts and mount the seat back at the declared design angle (clause 6.4.1 and clause 6.1.3).
- Use a moving head mass of 6.8 ± 0.1 kg with a spherical contact diameter of 165 mm, impacting the seat back from the rear towards the front along a line at 45° downwards relative to the vehicle attitude, at velocity ≥6.69 m/s (clause 6.4.2-6.4.3).
- Record deceleration with a transducer and an oscilloscope or equivalent; ensure the deceleration channel frequency response is flat to within ±5% from 1-1000 Hz (clause 6.4.4). The deceleration must not exceed 80 g for more than 3 ms continuously (clause 5.9.3).
- Identify Area 1 and Area 2 per clause 6.5 and apply tests accordingly, minding different definitions for seats with integrated or detachable head restraints (clause 6.5.1-6.5.2).
Use acceptable test standards where permitted
- Static testing may follow SAE J879b (clause 6.2.1); dynamic testing may follow EEC Directive 74/408 for certain front‑facing seats (clause 6.3.2) or meet the Standard’s dynamic acceleration requirement of at least 20 g simultaneously for all relevant seat parts (clause 6.3.3.1).
- For permitted front‑facing, non‑folding seats without built‑in seatbelt anchorages, consider demonstrating equivalence via ECE R17/03 or R17/04 together with ECE R14/02 as applicable (clause 7).
Document manufacturer decisions and test set‑ups
- Record the declared design position used for moment tests (clause 5.5.3.5), head restraint positions used for Area determinations (clause 6.5.1), seat back angle for hinged or adjustable seats (clause 6.1.3), and the exact configuration of any seatbelt or child restraint anchorages attached to the seat (clause 5.3 and 5.5.1.1-5.5.1.2). Retain test reports showing simultaneous loading conditions where required.
Map exemptions and alternative compliance routes
- If relying on an Acceptable Prior Rule listed in the Applicability Table or on ADR 69/... for front seats (clause 5.4), ensure documentary evidence of prior certification accompanies the ADR submission.
- If pursuing equivalence to ECE R17 series under clause 7, ensure the seat is front‑facing, not folding, and does not incorporate built‑in seatbelt anchorages before using that route.
Pre‑submission audit
- Before submission for ADR certification or import clearance, cross‑check the seat and anchorage test results against the precise clause language (clauses 5 and 6) and the Applicability Table to ensure the right tests and areas were used.

Practical compliance burden and cost drivers (text‑grounded)

The Standard’s requirements for simultaneous application of loads (seat + seatbelt anchorages + child restraint anchorages) and repeat testing in different seat adjustment positions (clause 5.5.1.1.1 and clause 6.1.4) create additional testing time and apparatus complexity compared with separate component testing.
The energy dissipation test requires dynamic test equipment with specified mass, geometry, velocity and recording bandwidth (clause 6.4). Accredited dynamic test facilities or specialised rigs are therefore necessary.
When invoking alternative standards (clause 7), manufacturers must ensure the seat falls within the limited classes permitted, otherwise full ADR tests will be required.

In short, compliance requires accurate mapping of seating geometry and use cases to the technical provisions, combined multi‑load testing where anchorages are attached to seats, and adherence to the specified static/dynamic test apparatus and recording standards. Documented justification of manufacturer‑selected design positions and test set‑ups is essential for certification.

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005

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Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005

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1 Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 3/02 – Seats and Seat Anchorages) 2005

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