EUROPA

SUMMARY

The Regulation defines the requirements for EC-approval of spray-suppression systems * for motor vehicles in categories N and O, which include motor vehicles designed and constructed for transporting goods, and which have at least four wheels and a trailer. It implements the Regulation relating to the general safety of motor vehicles.

Requirements of the spray-suppression system

The spray-suppression device must be able to operate properly when used normally on wet roads.

In order to ensure that the spray-suppression devices operate properly, manufacturers must first organise:

• tests on spray-suppression devices of the energy-absorber type;
• tests on spray-suppression devices of the air/water separator type.

Spray-suppression devices are generally situated above the wheels of the vehicle and may comprise a mudguard, outer valances and rain flaps.

Provisions of EC-approval

The manufacturer of the vehicle is required to submit an application for EC-approval to the competent authority. This application must contain certain information, specifically:

• the make and type of the vehicle;
• the number of axles and wheels;
• the description of the spray-suppression system and the constituent parts.

The manufacturer is also required to provide administrative documents relating to the EC-type approval of spray-suppression systems as separate technical units, as well as an EC-type approval certificate.

If the competent authority considers that the vehicle satisfies all the requirements concerning spray-suppression systems, it shall grant EC-type approval and issue a type-approval number in accordance with Directive 2007/46/EC.