Braking Regulations in Europe

Important new braking regulations for motor vehicles and trailers have recently been introduced by Sweden, the Economic Commission for Europe (Geneva), and the European Economic Community (Brussels).

This paper describes the relevant rulemaking procedures and the international organizations which provide for industry participation. The technical content of these regulations is summarized and specific examples of difficult, interesting, or unusual demands are highlighted. Some comparisons with the appropriate United States federal standards have been included and the European method of type approval is explained against the background of self-certification in the United States.

Several new European proposals for tractor/trailer compatibility, brake apportioning, and antiskid systems are reviewed to illustrate the current status of legislative progress in Europe.