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Document 01970L0311-19990216
Council Directive of 8 June 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the steering equipment for motor vehicles and their trailers (70/311/EEC)
Consolidated text: Council Directive of 8 June 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the steering equipment for motor vehicles and their trailers (70/311/EEC)
Council Directive of 8 June 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the steering equipment for motor vehicles and their trailers (70/311/EEC)
No longer in force
1970L0311 — EN — 16.02.1999 — 003.001
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
Amended by:
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Official Journal |
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No |
page |
date |
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L 199 |
33 |
18.7.1992 |
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Commission Directive 1999/7/EC Text with EEA relevance of 26 January 1999 |
L 40 |
36 |
13.2.1999 |
Amended by:
Act of Accession of Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
L 73 |
14 |
27.3.1972 |
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 8 June 1970
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the steering equipment for motor vehicles and their trailers
(70/311/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 100 thereof;
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission;
Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament ( 1 );
Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee ( 2 );
Whereas the technical requirements which motor vehicles must satisfy pursuant to national laws relate, inter alia, to their steering equipment;
Whereas those requirements differ from one Member State to another; whereas it is therefore necessary that all Member States adopt the same requirements either in addition to or in place of their existing rules, in order, in particular, to allow the EEC type approval procedure which was the subject of the Council Directive ( 3 ) of 6 February 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the type approval of motor vehicles and their trailers to be applied in respect of each type of vehicle;
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
For the purpose of this Directive, ‘vehicle’ means any vehicle as defined in Article 2 of Directive 70/156/EEC.
Article 2
No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type approval or national type approval of a vehicle on grounds relating to its steering equipment if this equipment satisfies the requirements set out in the ►M1 Annexes ◄ .
Article 2a
No Member State may refuse or prohibit the sale or registration, entry into service or use of a vehicle on grounds relating to its steering equipment, if this equipment satisfies the requirements set out in the Annex.
Article 3
The amendments necessary for adjusting the requirements of the ►M2 Annexes ◄ so as to take account of technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 13 of the Council Directive of 6 February 1970 on the type approval of motor vehicles and their trailers.
Article 4
1. Member States shall put into force the provisions containing the requirements needed in order to comply with this Directive within eighteen months of its notification and shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.
2. Member States shall ensure that the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive are communicated to the Commission.
Article 5
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
LIST OF ANNEXES
1. |
Annex I: |
Scope, definitions, application for EC type-approval, granting of EC type-approval construction provisions, test provisions, modifications of the type and amendments to approvals, conformity of production |
Appendix 1: |
Information document |
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Appendix 2: |
Type-approval certificate |
|
2. |
Annex II: |
Braking performance for vehicles using the same energy source for steering and braking |
3. |
Annex III: |
Additional provisions for vehicles with auxiliary steering equipment (ASE) |
4. |
Annex IV: |
Provisions for trailers having purely hydraulic steering transmissions |
ANNEX I
SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, APPLICATION FOR EC TYPE-APPROVAL, GRANTING OF EC TYPE-APPROVAL CONSTRUCTION PROVISIONS, TEST PROVISIONS, MODIFICATIONS OF THE TYPE AND AMENDMENTS TO APPROVALS, CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION
0. SCOPE
0.1. |
This Directive applies to the steering equipment of vehicles of categories M, N and O as defined in Annex IIA to Directive 70/156/EEC. |
0.2. |
It does not cover steering equipment with a purely pneumatic, purely electric or purely hydraulic transmission except: 0.2.1. auxiliary steering equipment (ASE) with a purely electric or a purely hydraulic transmission for vehicles of categories M and N; 0.2.2. steering equipment with a purely hydraulic transmission for vehicles of category O. |
1. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Directive:
1.1. |
Approval of a vehicle means the approval of a vehicle type with regard to its steering equipment; |
1.2. |
Vehicle type means a category of vehicle which does not differ with respect to the manufacturer's designation of the vehicle type and/or variations which can affect its steering; |
1.3. |
Steering equipment means all the equipment the purpose of which is to determine the direction of movement of the vehicle. The steering equipment consists of: — the steering control, — the steering transmission, — the steered wheels, — the energy supply, if any;
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1.4. |
Steering parameters 1.4.1. Steering control effort means the force applied to the steering control in order to steer the vehicle; 1.4.2. Steering time means the period of time from the beginning of the movement of the steering control to the moment at which the steered wheels have reached a specific steering angle; 1.4.3. Steering angle means the angle between the projection of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the line of intersection of the wheelplane (being the central plane of the tyre, normal to the spin axis of the wheel) and the road surface; 1.4.4. Steering forces mean all the forces operating in the steering transmission; 1.4.5 Mean steering ratio means the ratio of the angular displacement of the steering control to the mean of the swept steering angle of the steered wheels for a full lock-to-lock turn; 1.4.6. Turning circle means the circle within which are located the projections onto the ground plane of all the points of the vehicle, excluding the external mirrors and the front direction indicators, when the vehicle is driven in a circle; 1.4.7. Nominal radius of steering control means in the case of a steering wheel the shortest dimension from its centre of rotation to the outer edge of the rim. In the case of any other form of control, it means the distance between its centre of rotation and the point at which the steering effort is applied. If more than one such point is provided, the one requiring the greatest effort shall be used. |
1.5. |
Types of steering equipment Depending on the way the steering forces are produced, the following types of steering equipment are distinguished: 1.5.1. For motor vehicles
1.5.2. For trailers 1.5.2.1. Self-tracking equipment see item 1.5.1.4 above.
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1.6. |
Types of steering transmission Depending on the way the steering forces are transmitted, the following types of steering transmission are distinguished:
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2. APPLICATION FOR EEC TYPE-APPROVAL
2.1. The application for EC type-approval pursuant to Article 3(4) of Directive 70/156/EEC of a vehicle type with regard to its steering equipment shall be submitted by the manufacturer.
2.2. A model for the information document is given in Appendix 1.
2.3. A vehicle representative of the vehicle type to be approved shall be submitted to the technical service responsible for conducting approval tests.
3. GRANTING OF EC TYPE-APPROVAL OF A VEHICLE TYPE
3.1. If the relevant requirements are satisfied, EC type-approval pursuant to Article 4(3) and, if applicable, 4(4) of Directive 70/156/EEC shall be granted.
3.2. A model for the EC type-approval certificate is given in Appendix 2.
3.3. A type-approval number in accordance with Annex VII to Directive 70/156/EEC shall be assigned to each type of vehicle approved. The same Member State shall not assign the same number to another type of vehicle.
4. CONSTRUCTION PROVISIONS
4.1. General provisions
4.1.1. |
The steering equipment shall ensure easy and safe handling of the vehicle up to its maximum design speed or, in the case of a trailer, up to its technically permitted maximum speed. There must be a tendency to self-centre when tested in accordance with item 5. The vehicle shall meet the requirements of item 5.2 in the case of motor vehicles and of item 5.3 in the case of trailers. If a vehicle is fitted with ASE, it shall also meet the requirements of ►M2 Annex III ◄ . Trailers equipped with purely hydraulic steering transmissions shall also comply with ►M2 Annex IV ◄ . 4.1.1.1. It must be possible to travel along a straight section of the road without unusual steering correction by the driver and without unusual vibration in the steering system at a maximum design speed of the vehicle. 4.1.1.2. There must be travel synchronization between the steering control and the steered wheels, except for the wheels steered by ASE. 4.1.1.3. There must be time synchronization between the steering control and the steered wheels except for the wheels steered by ASE. |
4.1.2. |
The steering equipment shall be designed, constructed and fitted in such a way that it is capable of withstanding the stresses arising during normal operation of the vehicle, or combination of vehicles. The maximum steering angle shall not be limited by any part of steering transmission unless specifically designed for this purpose. 4.1.2.1. Unless otherwise specified, it will be assumed that for the purposes of this Directive, not more than one failure can occur in the steering equipment at any one time and two axles on one bogie shall be considered as one axle. |
4.1.3. |
Should the engine stop or a part of the steering equipment fail, with the exception of those parts listed in item 4.1.4, the steering equipment shall always meet the requirements of item 5.2.6 in the case of motor vehicles and of item 5.3 in the case of trailers. |
4.1.4. |
For the purposes of this Directive the steered wheels, the steering control and all mechanical parts of the steering transmission shall not be regarded as liable to breakage if they are amply dimensioned, are readily accessible for maintenance, and exhibit safety features at least equal to those prescribed for other essential components (such as the braking system) of the vehicle. Where the failure of any such part would be likely to result in loss of control of the vehicle, that part must be made of metal or of a material with equivalent characteristics and must not be subject to significant distortion in normal operation of the steering system. |
4.1.5. |
Any failure in transmission other than purely mechanical shall clearly be brought to the attention of the vehicle driver; in the case of a motor vehicle, an increase in steering effort is considered to be a warning signal; in the case of a trailer, a mechanical indicator is permitted. When a failure occurs, a change in the average steering ratio is permissible if the steering effort given in item 5.2.6 below is not exceeded. |
▼M2 —————
4.2. Special provisions
4.2.1. Steering control
4.2.1.1. |
If the steering control is directly handled by the driver, 4.2.1.1.1. it must be manageable; 4.2.1.1.2. the direction of operation of the steering control must correspond to the intended change in direction of the vehicle; 4.2.1.1.3. except for ASE, there must be a continuous and monotonic relation between the steering control angle and the steering angle. |
4.2.2. Steering transmission
4.2.2.1. Adjustment devices for steering geometry must be such that after adjustment a positive connection can be established between the adjustable components by appropriate locking devices.
4.2.2.2. Steering transmission which can be disconnected to cover different configurations of a vehicle (e.g. on extendible trailers), must have locking devices which ensure positive relocation of components; where locking is automatic, there must be an additional safety lock which is operated manually.
4.2.3. Steered wheels
4.2.3.1. The steered wheels shall not be solely the rear wheels. This requirement does not apply to semi-trailers.
4.2.3.2. Trailers (with the exception of semi-trailers) which have more than one axle with steered wheels and semi-trailers which have at least one axle with steered wheels must fulfil the conditions given in item 5.3 below. However, for trailers with self-tracking equipment a test under item 5.3 is not necessary if the axle load ratio between the unsteered and the self-tracking axles equals or exceeds 1,6 under all loading conditions.
4.2.4. Energy supply
4.2.4.1. |
The same energy source may be used to supply the steering equipment and the braking device. However, in the case of a failure of either the energy supply or a failure in one of the two systems the following conditions must be fulfilled: 4.2.4.1.1. The steering equipment shall meet the requirements of item 5.2.6. 4.2.4.1.2. If an energy source failure occurs, the braking performance shall not drop below the prescribed service brake performance, as given in ►M2 Annex II ◄ ►M2 ( 4 ) ◄ , on the first brake application. 4.2.4.1.3. If an energy supply failure occurs, the braking performance must comply with the prescriptions of ►M2 Annex II ◄ ►M2 ( 5 ) ◄ . 4.2.4.1.4. If the fluid in the storage reservoir drops to a level liable to cause an increase in steering or braking effort an acoustic or optical warning must be given to the driver. This warning may be combined with a device provided to warn of brake failure; the satisfactory condition of the signal must be easily verifiable by the driver. |
4.2.4.2. |
The same energy source may be used to supply the steering equipment and systems other than the braking device if, when the fluid level in the storage reservoir drops to a level liable to cause an increase in steering effort, an acoustic or optical warning is given to the driver; the satisfactory condition of the signal must be easily verifiable by the driver. |
4.2.4.3. |
The warning devices must be directly and permanently connected to the circuit. When the engine is running under normal operating conditions and there are no faults in the steering equipment, the alarm device must give no signal except during the time required for charging the energy reservoir(s) after start-up of the engine. |
5. TEST PROVISIONS
5.1. General provisions
5.1.1. The test shall be conducted on a level surface affording good adhesion.
5.1.2. During the test(s), the vehicle shall be loaded to its technically permissible maximum mass and its maximum technically permissible load on the steered axle(s). In the case of axles fitted with ASE, this test shall be repeated with the vehicle loaded to its technically permissible maximum mass and the axle equipped with ASE loaded to its maximum permissible load.
5.1.3. Before the test begins, the tyre pressures shall be as prescribed by the manufacturer for the load specified in item 5.1.2 when the vehicle is stationary.
5.2. Provisions for motor vehicles
5.2.1. |
It must be possible to leave a curve with a radius of 50 m at a tangent without unusual vibration in the steering equipment at the following speed: — category M1 vehicles: 50 km/h, — categories M2, M3, N1, N2 and N3 vehicles: 40 km/h, or the maximum design speed if this is below the speeds given above. |
5.2.2. |
The requirements of items 4.1.1.1, 4.1.1.2 and 5.2.1 shall also be satisfied with a failure in the steering equipment. |
5.2.3. |
When the vehicle is driven in a circle with its steered wheels at approximately half lock and at a constant speed of at least 10 km/h, the turning circle must remain the same or become larger if the steering control is released. |
5.2.4. |
During the measurement of the control effort, forces with a duration of less than 0,2 seconds shall not be taken into account. |
5.2.5. |
The measurement of steering efforts on motor vehicles with intact steering equipment 5.2.5.1. The vehicle shall be driven from straight ahead into a spiral at a speed of 10 km/h. The steering effort shall be measured at the nominal radius of the steering control until the position of the steering control corresponds to turning radius given in the table below for the particular category of vehicle with intact steering. One steering movement shall be made to the right and one to the left. 5.2.5.2. The maximum permitted steering time and the maximum permitted steering control effort with intact steering equipment are given in the table below for each category of vehicle. |
5.2.6. |
The measurement of steering efforts on motor vehicles with a failure in the steering equipment
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5.3. Provisions for trailers
5.3.1. The trailer must travel without excessive deviation or unusual vibration in its steering equipment when the towing vehicle is travelling in a straight line on a flat and horizontal road at a speed of 80 km/h or the technically permissible maximum speed indicated by the trailer manufacturer if this is less than 80 km/h.
5.3.2. With the towing vehicle and trailer having adopted a steady state turn so that the front outside edge of the towing vehicle is turning alongside a circle of radius 25 m in accordance with item 1.4.6, at a constant speed of 5 km/h, the circle described by the rearmost outer edge of the trailer shall be measured. This manoeuvre shall be repeated under the same conditions but a speed of 25 km/h ± 1 km/h. During these manoeuvres, the rearmost outer edge of the trailer travelling at a speed of 25 km/h ± 1 km/h shall not move outside the circle described at a constant speed of 5 km/h by more than 0,7 m.
5.3.3. No part of the trailer must move more than 0,5 m beyond the tangent to a circle with a radius of 25 m when towed by a vehicle leaving the circular path described in item 5.3.2 along the tangent and travelling at a speed of 25 km/h. This requirement must be met from the point the tangent meets the circle to a point 40 m along the tangent. After that point, the trailer must fulfil the condition specified in item 5.3.1.
5.3.4. The tests described in items 53.2 and 5.3.3 shall be conducted with one steering movement to the left and one to the right.
6. MODIFICATIONS OF THE TYPE AND AMENDMENTS TO APPROVALS
6.1. In the case of modifications of the type approved pursuant to this Directive, the provisions of Article 5 of Directive 70/156/EEC shall apply.
7. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION
7.1. Measures to ensure the conformity of production shall be taken in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 10 of Directive 70/156/EEC.
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
▼M2 —————
ANNEX ►M2 II ◄
BRAKING PERFORMANCE FOR VEHICLES USING THE SAME ENERGY SOURCE TO SUPPLY STEERING EQUIPMENT AND BRAKING DEVICE
1. |
If an energy source failure occurs, service braking performance on the first brake application shall achieve the values given in the table below.
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2. |
After any failure in the steering equipment, or the energy supply, it shall be possible after eight full stroke actuations of the service brake control, to achieve at the ninth application, at least the performance prescribed for the secondary (emergency) braking system (see table below). In the case where secondary performance requiring the use of stored energy is achieved by a separate control, it shall still be possible after eight full stroke actuations of the service brake control to achieve at the ninth application, the residual performance (see table below).
Secondary and residual efficiency
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▼M2 —————
ANNEX ►M2 III ◄
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ASE
1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
This Annex does not require vehicles to be fitted with ASE. However, if vehicles are fitted with such a device, they shall comply with the provisions of this Annex.
2. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS
2.1. Transmission
2.1.1. Mechanical steering transmissions
Item 4.1.4 of Annex I to this Directive applies.
2.1.2. Hydraulic steering transmissions
The hydraulic steering transmission must be protected from exceeding the maximum permitted service pressure T.
2.1.3. Electric steering transmissions
The electric steering transmission must be protected from excess energy supply.
2.1.4. Combination of steering transmissions
A combination of mechanical, hydraulic and electric transmissions shall comply with the requirements specified in items 2.1.1, 2.1.2 and 2.1.3 above.
2.2. Testing requirements for failure
2.2.1. |
Malfunction or failure of any part of the ASE (except for parts not considered to be susceptible to breakdown as specified in item 4.1.4 of Annex I to this Directive) shall not result in sudden significant change in vehicle behaviour and the requirements of items 5.2.1 to 5.2.4 and 5.2.6 of Annex I to this Directive shall still be met. Furthermore, it must be possible to control the vehicle without abnormal steering correction. This shall be verified by the following tests: 2.2.1.1. Circular test
The failure shall be introduced when the specified speed has been reached. The test shall include driving in a clockwise direction and in a counter-clockwise direction. 2.2.1.2. Transient test Until uniform test procedures have been agreed, the vehicle manufacturer shall provide the technical services with their test procedures and results for transient behaviour of the vehicle in the case of a failure. |
2.3. Warning signals in case of failure
2.3.1. |
Except for parts of ASE not considered susceptible to breakdown as specified in item 4.1.4 of Annex I of this Directive, the following failure of ASE shall be clearly brought to the attention of the driver: 2.3.1.1. A general cut-off of the ASE electrical or hydraulic control; 2.3.1.2. Failure of the ASE energy supply; 2.3.1.3. A break in the external wiring of the electrical control if fitted. |
2.4. Electromagnetic interference
2.4.1. The operation of the ASE must not be adversely affected by electromagnetic fields. Until uniform test procedures have been agreed, the vehicle manufacturer shall provide the technical services with their test procedures and results.
ANNEX ►M2 IV ◄
PROVISIONS FOR TRAILERS HAVING PURELY HYDRAULIC STEERING TRANSMISSIONS
1. |
If vehicles are fitted with purely hydraulic steering transmissions, they shall comply with the provisions of this Annex. |
2. |
SPECIFIC PROVISIONS 2.1. Performance of hydraulic lines and hose assemblies 2.1.1. The hydraulic lines of purely hydraulic transmissions must be capable of withstanding a pressure of at least four times the maximum normal service pressure (T) specified by the manufacturer. Hose assemblies shall comply with the following ISO Standards: 1402 (1984), 6605 (1986) and 7751 (1983). 2.2. In systems dependent on an energy supply 2.2.1. The energy supply must be protected from excess pressure by a pressure limiting valve which operates at the pressure T. 2.3. Protection of steering transmission 2.3.1. The steering transmission must be protected from excess pressure by a pressure limiting valve which operates between 1,5T and 2,2T. 2.4. Tractor/trailer alignment 2.4.1. With the tractor of a tractor/trailer combination travelling in a straight line, the trailer must remain in alignment with the tractor; 2.4.2. In order to maintain steering alignment in accordance with item 2.4.1 above, trailers shall be provided with a means of readjustment, which may be either automatic or manual. 2.5. Steerability with a failure in the steering transmission 2.5.1. The steerability of vehicles with purely hydraulic steering transmissions shall be maintained with a failure in any part of the transmission. Vehicles shall be tested in this (failed) condition and satisfy the requirements of item 5.3 of Annex I to this Directive. In particular the 5 km/h and 25 km/h tests specified at item 5.3.2 shall be conducted with the steering transmission in the intact and failed conditions respectively. 2.6. Electromagnetic interference 2.6.1. The operation of steering equipment must not be adversely affected by electromagnetic fields. Until uniform test procedures have been agreed, the vehicle manufacturer shall provide the technical services with his test procedures and results. |
( 1 ) OJ No C 160, 18.12.1969, p. 7.
( 2 ) OJ No C 10, 27.1.1970, p. 18.
( 3 ) OJ No L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1.
( 4 ) The requirements set out in Annex II may also be checked during approval tests according to Directive 71/320/EEC.
( 5 ) The requirements set out in Annex II may also be checked during approval tests according to Directive 71/320/EEC.