Today’s Workshop panel discussion centres on the questions of how self- certification systems influence the formulation of lighting and light-signalling technical provisions, what aspects of the UN technical provisions make them unacceptable to non-adopters, and how we should move forward to synchronise these provisions.
A panel consisting of eight highly respected North American experts representing regulators, researchers, vehicle and equipment manufacturers, and standardisation groups will assemble to discuss these topics.
To help attendees following this important discussion, DVN presents below a status of the worldwide regulations and asks two questions to GTB President Geoff Draper who will lead the panel.
Vehicle Lighting devices and systems, because of their crucial roles in traffic safety, are regulated in terms of its design, construction, performance, installation, connection, and durability. Various regulatory structures have existed over the years and around the world.
UN Regulations
UN regulations are managed under “1958 agreement” by the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP29) and its Working Party on Lighting and Light-Signalling (GRE).
GTB
GTB, “Groupe de Travail de Bruxelles”, a joint ISO–CIE–IEC Working Party, has been responsible for preparing the technical provisions for all subsequent Regulations of lighting. Geoff Draper is GTB President. In 2011 GTB was re-launched with a new legal status as “The International Automotive Lighting Expert Group” and has special consultative status with the UN ECOSOC as an official non-governmental organisation supporting the work of GRE and WP29.
With the contribution of experts from automakers, set makers, light source suppliers, laboratories, and regulatory groups coming from its 19 member delegations from Europe, USA, Japan, China and Taiwan, GTB is committed to assure traffic safety. GTB proposals to amend the regulations are submitted to GRE then to WP29 for formal incorporation into the UN Regulations.
Main challenges for GRE
– Simplification of the UN Lighting Regulations
– Automatic headlamp levelling mandatory-installation threshold
– Development of performance based requirements: WP29 has the objective of making the UN regulations more attractive to new contracting parties and providing opportunities for innovation without the need for regular update of the regulations.