Council Directive 74/408/EEC of 22 July 1974 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the interior fittings of motor vehicles (strength of seats and of their anchorages)
Modified by
  • Council Directiveof 20 July 1981amending Council Directive 74/408/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the interior fittings of motor vehicles (strength of seats and of their anchorages)(81/577/EEC), 31981L0577, July 29, 1981
  • Commission Directive 96/37/ECof 17 June 1996adapting to technical progress Council Directive 74/408/EEC relating to the interior fittings of motor vehicles (strength of seats and of their anchorages)(Text with EEA relevance)Corrigendum to Commission Directive 96/37/EC of 17 June 1996 adapting to technical progress Council Directive 74/408/EEC relating to the interior fittings of motor vehicles (strength of seats and their anchorages)(Official Journal of the European Communities No L 186 of 27 July 1996), 31996L003731996L0037R(02), July 25, 1996
  • Actconcerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded, 12003T, September 23, 2003
  • Directive 2005/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Councilof 7 September 2005amending Council Directive 74/408/EEC relating to motor vehicles with regard to the seats, their anchorages and head restraints(Text with EEA relevance), 32005L0039, September 30, 2005
  • Council Directive 2006/96/ECof 20 November 2006adapting certain Directives in the field of free movement of goods, by reason of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, 32006L0096, December 20, 2006
  • Council Directive 2013/15/EUof 13 May 2013adapting certain directives in the field of free movement of goods, by reason of the accession of the Republic of Croatia, 32013L0015, June 10, 2013
Corrected by
  • Corrigendum to Commission Directive 96/37/EC of 17 June 1996 adapting to technical progress Council Directive 74/408/EEC relating to the interior fittings of motor vehicles (strength of seats and their anchorages), 31996L0037R(02), August 31, 1996
Council Directiveof 22 July 1974relating to motor vehicles with regard to the seats, their anchorages and head restraints(74/408/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 ParliamentOJ No C 108, 10. 12. 1973, p. 75.;Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee;Whereas the technical requirements which motor vehicles must satisfy pursuant to national laws relate, inter alia, to interior fittings for the strength of seats and their anchorages;Whereas these 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 regulations in order, in particular, to allow of the EEC type-approval procedure, which was the subject of Council Directive No 70/156/EECOJ No L 42, 23. 2. 1970, p. 1. of 6 February 1970 on the approximation of 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;Whereas common requirements for the interior fittings of the passenger compartment, the layout of the controls, the roof, the backrests and the rear part of the seats have been laid down by Council Directive No 74/60/EECOJ No L 38, 11. 2. 1974, p. 2. of 17 December 1973; whereas requirements for the internal fittings for the behaviour of the steering mechanism in the event of an impact have been laid down by Council Directive 74/297/EECOJ No L 165, 20. 6. 1974, p. 16. of 4 June 1974; whereas other requirements for the internal fittings, and in particular those relating to the head restraint, the seat belt anchorages and the layout of the controls, will be adopted at a later date;Whereas it is appropriate to utilize basically certain technical requirements adopted by the UN Economic Commission for Europe in its Regulation No 17EEC document from Geneva.
((E/ECE/324/)Rev. 1/Add. 16.
E/ECE/TRANS/505)
 (Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to the strength of the seats and of their anchorages) which is annexed to the Agreement of 20 March 1958 concerning the adoption of uniform conditions of approval and reciprocal recognition of approval for motor vehicle equipment and parts;Whereas the approximation of national laws relating to motor vehicles entails mutual recognition by Member States of inspection carried out by each of them on the basis of common provisions; whereas such a system must, if it is to function smoothly, be applied by all Member States with effect from the same date,HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 11.For the purposes of this Directive, "vehicle" means any motor vehicle designed for use on the road, with or without bodywork, having at least four wheels and a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h, with the exception of vehicles which run on rails and of agricultural and forestry tractors and all mobile machinery.Vehicles of category M2 and M3 shall be subdivided into classes as defined in section 2 of Annex I to Directive 2001/85/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2001 relating to special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seatOJ L 42, 13.2.2002, p. 1..2.This Directive shall not apply to rearward-facing seats.
Article 2No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type-approval or national type-approval of a vehicle on grounds relating to the strength of the seats or their anchorages, or to grant EEC type-approval or national type-approval of a seat on grounds relating to its strength and occupant protection capability, if these meet the requirements set out in Annexes II or III, as applicable, when the vehicle belongs to category M and is equipped with seat belts, and the requirements set out in Annex IV when the vehicle belongs to category M2 or M3 not equipped with seat belts or to category N. The vehicle categories are defined in Annex IIA to Directive 70/156/EEC.
Article 3No Member State may refuse to register or prohibit the sale, entry into service or use of any vehicle on grounds relating to the strength of the seats or their anchorages, or prohibit the sale, entry into service or use of any seat on grounds relating to its strength and occupant protection capability, if these meet the requirements of the relevant Annexes depending on the category to which the vehicle belongs as set out in Article 2.
Article 3a1.The installation of side-facing seats shall be prohibited in vehicles of categories M1, N1, M2 (of class III or B) and M3 (of class III or B).2.Paragraph 1 shall not apply to ambulances or to vehicles listed in the first indent of Article 8(1) of Directive 70/156/EEC.3.Paragraph 1 shall further not apply to vehicles of category M3 (of class III or B) of a technically permissible maximum laden mass exceeding 10 tonnes in which side-facing seats are grouped together at the rear of the vehicle to form an integrated saloon of up to 10 seats. Such side-facing seats shall be fitted with, at least, a head restraint and a two-point belt with retractor type-approved in accordance with Council Directive 77/541/EECOJ L 220, 29.8.1977, p. 95. Directive as last amended by the 2003 Act of Accession.. The anchorages for their safety belts shall comply with Council Directive 76/115/EECOJ L 24, 30.1.1976, p. 6. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 96/38/EC (OJ L 187, 26.7.1996, p. 95)..This exemption shall have effect for five years from 20 October 2005. It may be extended if reliable accident statistics are available and there has been further development of restraint systems.
Article 4The Member State which has granted type-approval must take the necessary measures to ensure that it is informed of any modification of any part or characteristic referred to in Annex II, 2.2, Annex III, 2.3 or Annex III, 2.4, as applicable. The competent authorities of that State shall determine whether fresh tests should be carried out on the modified vehicle and a fresh report drawn up. Where such tests reveal failure to comply with the requirements of this Directive, the modification shall not be approved.
Article 5Modifications which are necessary to adapt the provisions of the Annexes to take account of technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 13 of Directive No 70/156/EEC.
Article 61.By 1 March 1975, the Member States shall adopt and publish the provisions necessary to comply with this Directive and shall immediately inform the Commission thereof.They shall apply these provisions from 1 October 1975.2.As soon as this Directive has been notified, the Member States shall ensure that any draft laws, regulations or administrative provisions which they intend to adopt in the field covered by this Directive are communicated to the Commission in sufficient time for the latter to submit its comments thereon.
Article 7This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
nullLIST OF ANNEXES
ANNEX I:Administrative provisions for EEC type-approval.
Appendix 1: Information document (vehicle)
Appendix 2: EEC type-approval certificate (vehicle)
Appendix 3: Information document (component)
Appendix 4: EEC type-approval certificate (component)
Appendix 5: Model for the EEC type-approval mark
ANNEX II:Scope, definitions and requirements for vehicles in category M1.
Appendix 1: Tests and instructions for use
Appendix 2Test procedure for checking energy dissipation
Appendix 3: Method for testing seat anchorages
ANNEXE III:Scope, definitions & requirements for certain vehicles in categories M2& M3.
Appendix 1: Test procedures for seats and/or anchorages
Appendix 2: Test procedure for anchorages in a vehicle
Appendix 3: Measurements to be made
Appendix 4: Determination of acceptability criteria
Appendix 5: Static test requirements
Appendix 6: Energy absorption requirements
ANNEX IV:General specifications for vehicles not covered by Annexes II and III.
ANNEX IADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS FOR EEC TYPE-APPROVAL1.Application for EEC vehicle type-approval1.1.The application for EEC type-approval of a vehicle of category M or N with regard to the seats, their seat anchorages and their head restraints, or of a vehicle of category M2 or M3 with regard to the anchorages, pursuant to Article 3 (4) of Directive 70/156/EEC shall be submitted by the vehicle manufacturer.1.2.A model for the information document is given in Appendix 1 to this Annex.1.3.The following must be submitted to the technical service responsible for conducting the type-approval tests:1.3.1.A vehicle representative of the type of vehicle to be approved and, if required, a relevant part of the vehicle structure;1.3.2.for vehicles covered by Annex II or III, an additional set of the seats of the type with which the vehicle is equipped, together with their anchorages;1.3.3.for vehicles in category M1, in category M2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 3500 kg and in category N1, with seats fitted or capable of being fitted with head restraints, in addition to the requirements set out in Paragraphs 1.3.1 and 1.3.2:1.3.3.1.in the case of detachable head restraints: an additional set of seats, fitted with head restraints, of the type with which the vehicle is equipped, together with their anchorages;1.3.3.2.in the case of separate head restraints: an additional set of the seats of the type with which the vehicle is equipped, with their anchorages, an additional set of the corresponding head restraints and the part of the vehicle structure to which the head restraint is fitted, or a complete structure.2.Application for EEC component type-approval of a seat2.1.The application for EEC component type-approval of a seat type pursuant to Article 3 (4) of Directive 70/156/EEC shall be submitted by the seat manufacturer.2.2.A model for the information document is given in Appendix 3 to this Annex.2.3.The following must be submitted to the Technical Service responsible for conducting the type-approval tests:2.3.1.three samples of the seat of the type to be approved. Each seat must be clearly and indelibly marked with the manufacturers trade name or mark and the type-designation.3.Granting of EEC type-approval3.1.If the relevant requirements are satisfied EEC type-approval pursuant to Article 4 (3) and, if applicable, Article 4 (4) of Directive 70/156/EEC shall be granted.3.2.A model for the EEC-type approval certificate is given in:3.2.1.Appendix 2 for applications referred to in Paragraph 1;3.2.2.Appendix 4 for applications referred to in Paragraph 2.3.3.An approval number in accordance with Annex VII to Directive 70/156/EEC shall be assigned to each type of vehicle or each type of seat approved. The same Member State shall not assign the same number to another type of vehicle or to another type of seat.4.Modifications of the type and amendments to approvals4.1.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.5.Conformity of production5.1.As a general rule, 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.6.Markings6.1.Every seat conforming to the type approved under this Directive as a component shall bear an EEC type-approval mark.6.2.This mark shall consist of:6.2.1.a rectangle surrounding the letter "e" followed by the distinguishing number or letters of the Member State which has granted type-approval:1for Germany2for France3for Italy4for the Netherlands5for Sweden6for Belgium7for Hungary8for the Czech Republic9for Spain11for the United Kingdom12for Austria13for Luxembourg17for Finland18for Denmark19for Romania20for Poland21for Portugal23for Greece25for Croatia26for Slovenia27for Slovakia29for Estonia32for Latvia34for Bulgaria36for LithuaniaCYfor CyprusIRLfor Ireland.MTfor Malta.6.2.2.in the vicinity of the rectangle the "base approval number" contained in Section 4 of the type-approval number referred to in Annex VII of Directive 70/156/EEC, preceded by the two figures indicating the sequence number assigned to the most recent major technical amendment to Directive 74/408/EEC on the date EEC type-approval was granted. In this Directive the sequence number is 00;6.2.3.the additional symbol "D" located above the rectangle indicating that the dynamic test(s) according to Appendix 1 of Annex III has (have) been carried out for the approval of the seat.6.3.The EEC type-approval mark must be affixed to the seat or seats in such a way as to be indelible and clearly legible.6.4.An example of the EEC type-approval mark is shown in Appendix 5.ANNEX IISCOPE, DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLES IN CATEGORY M11.Scope1.0.The requirements in this Annex apply to vehicles in categories M1.1.1.The requirements of this Annex do not apply to rearward-facing seats or to any head restraint fitted to such seats.1.2.Head restraints approved according to the requirements of Directive 78/392/EEC shall be deemed to conform with the applicable requirements of this Directive.1.3.The rear parts of seats situated in Area 1, or the rear parts of head restraints which conform to the requirements of Paragraph 5.7 of Annex I to Directive 74/60/EEC (which relates to interior fittings), shall be deemed to conform to the corresponding requirements of this Directive.2.DefinitionsFor the purposes of this Annex2.1."Approval of a vehicle" means the approval of a vehicle type with regard to the strength of the seats and their anchorages, the design of the rear parts of the seat backs and the characteristics of the head restraints;2.2."Vehicle type" means motor vehicles which do not differ essentially with respect to:2.2.1.the structure, shape, dimensions, materials and the mass of the seats, although the seats may differ in covering and colour; differences not exceeding 5 % in the mass of the approved seat type shall not be considered significant;2.2.2.the type and dimensions of the adjustment, displacement and locking systems of the seat back and seats and their parts;2.2.3.the type and dimensions of the seat anchorages;2.2.4.the dimensions, frame, materials and padding of head restraints, although they may differ in colour and covering;2.2.5.the type and dimensions of the attachments of the head restraint and the characteristics of the part of the vehicle to which the head restraint is attached, in the case of a separate head restraint;2.3."Seat" means a structure which may or may not be integral with the vehicle structure, complete with trim, intended to seat one adult person. The term covers both an individual seat or part of a bench seat intended to seat one person.Depending on its orientation, a seat is defined as follows:2.3.1."Forward-facing seat" means a seat which can be used whilst the vehicle is in motion and which faces towards the front of the vehicle in such a manner that the vertical plane of symmetry of the seat forms an angle of less than + 10o or - 10o with the vertical plane of symmetry of the vehicle;2.3.2."Rearward-facing seat" means a seat which can be used whilst the vehicle is in motion and which faces towards the rear of the vehicle in such a manner that the vertical plane of symmetry of the seat forms an angle of less than + 10o or - 10o with the vertical plane of symmetry of the vehicle;2.3.3."Side-facing seat" means a seat which, with regard to its alignment with the vertical plane of symmetry of the vehicle, does not meet either of the definitions given in 2.3.1 or 2.3.2 above;2.4."Bench seat" means a structure complete with trim, intended to seat more than one adult person;2.5."Anchorage" means the system by which the seat assembly is secured to the vehicle structure, including the affected parts of the vehicle structure;2.6."Adjustment system" means the device by which the seat or its parts can be adjusted to a position suited to the morphology of the seated occupant. This device may, in particular, permit:2.6.1.longitudinal adjustment;2.6.2.vertical adjustment;2.6.3.angular adjustment;2.7."Displacement system" means a device by which the seat or one of its parts can be displaced or rotated, without a fixed intermediate position, to permit easy access to the space behind the seat concerned;2.8."Locking system" means a device ensuring that the seat and its parts are maintained in the position of use;2.9."Folding seat" means an auxiliary seat intended for occasional use and normally folded;2.10."Transverse plane" mans a vertical plane perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle;2.1."Longitudinal plane" means a plane parallel to the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle;2.12."Head restraint" means a device whose function is to limit the rearward displacement of an adult occupant's head in relation to his torso in order to reduce the danger of injury to the cervical vertebrae of that occupant in the event of an accident;2.12.1."Integrated head restraint" means a head restraint formed by the upper part of the seat back. Head restraints meeting the definitions in paragraphs 2.12.2 and 2.12.3 below, but which can only be detached from the seat or the vehicle structure by the use of tools or by the partial or complete removal of the seat covering, meet the present definition;2.12.2."Detachable head restraint" means a head restraint consisting of a component separable from the seat, designed for insertion and positive retention in the seat back structure;2.12.3."Separate head restraint" means a head restraint consisting of a component separate from the seat, designed for insertion and/or positive retention in the structure of the vehicle;2.13."R point" means the seating reference point as defined in Annex III to Directive 77/649/EEC;2.14."Reference line" means the line on the manikin reproduced in Figure 1.3.Requirements3.1.A head restraint shall be mounted on every outboard front seat in every vehicle of category M1. (Seats fitted with head restraints, intended for fitment in other seating positions and in other categories of vehicle, may also be approved to this Annex).3.2.General requirements applicable to all seats3.2.1.Every adjustment and displacement system provided shall incorporate a locking system, which shall operate automatically. Locking systems for armrests or other comfort devices are not necessary unless the presence of such devices will cause additional risk of injury to the occupants of a vehicle in the event of a collision.3.2.2.The unlocking control for a device as referred to in Paragraph 2.7 shall be placed on the outside of the seat close to the door. It shall be easily accessible, even to the occupant of the seat immediately behind the seat concerned.3.2.3.The rear parts of seats situated in Area 1, defined in Paragraph 8.1.1 of Appendix 1, shall pass the energy dissipation test in accordance with the requirements of Appendix 2Vehicles of category M1 are considered to comply with the provisions of paragraphs 3.2.3 and 3.2.4 of this Annex provided that they comply with the provisions of Directive 74/60/EEC..3.2.3.1.This requirement is deemed to be met if, in the tests carried out by the procedure specified in Appendix 2, the deceleration of the headform does not exceed 80g continuously for more than 3 ms. Moreover, no dangerous edge shall occur during or remain after the test.3.2.3.2.This requirements of paragraph 3.2.3 shall not apply to rearmost seats or to back-to-back seats.3.2.4.The surface of the rear parts of seats shall exhibit no dangerous roughness or sharp edges likely to increase the risk of severity of injury to the occupantsVehicles of category M1 are considered to comply with the provisions of paragraphs 3.2.3 and 3.2.4 of this Annex provided that they comply with the provisions of Directive 74/60/EEC.. This requirement is considered as satisfied if the surface of the rear parts of seats tested in the conditions specified in Appendix 1 exhibit radii of curvature of not less than:2,5 mm in area 1,5,0 mm in area 2,3,2 mm in area 3.These areas are defined in Paragraph 8.1 of Appendix 1.3.2.4.1.This requirement does not apply to:the parts of the different areas exhibiting a projection of less than 3.2 mm from the surrounding surface, which shall exhibit blunted edges, provided that the height of the projection is not more than half its width,rearmost seats and back-to-back seats,rear parts of seats situated below a horizontal plane passing through the lowest R point in each row of seats. (Where rows of seats have different heights, starting from the rear, the plane shall be turned up or down forming a vertical step passing through the R point of the row of seats immediately in front),parts such as "flexible wire mesh".3.2.4.2.In Area 2, defined in Paragraph 8.1.2 of Appendix 1, surfaces may exhibit radii less than 5 mm, but not less than 2.5 mm provided that they pass the energy-dissipation test prescribed in Appendix 2. Moreover, these surfaces must be padded to avoid direct contact of the head with the seat frame structure.3.2.4.3.If the areas above contain parts covered with material softer than Shore 50 hardness, the above requirements, with the exception of those relating to the energy-dissipation test in accordance with the requirements of Appendix 2, shall apply only to the rigid parts.3.2.5.No failure shall be shown in the seat frame or in the seat anchorage, the adjustment and displacement systems or their locking devices during or after the test prescribed in Paragraphs 2 and 3 of Appendix 1. Permanent deformations, including ruptures, may be accepted provided that these do not increase the risk of injury in the event of a collision and the prescribed loads were sustained.3.2.6.No release of the locking systems shall occur during the tests described in Paragraph 3 of Appendix 1.3.2.7.After the tests, the displacement systems intended for permitting or facilitating the access of occupants must be in working order; they must be capable, at least once, of being unlocked and must permit the displacement of the seat or the part of the seat for which they are intended.3.2.8.Any other displacement systems, as well as adjustment systems and their locking systems are not required to be in working order.3.2.9.In the case of seats provided with head restraints, the strength of the seat back and of its locking devices is deemed to meet the requirements set out in Paragraph 2 when, after testing in accordance with Paragraph 4.3.6, no breakage of the seat or seat back has occurred; otherwise, it must be shown that the seat is capable of meeting the requirements set out in Paragraph 2.3.2.10.In the case of seats (benches) with more places to sit than head restraints, the test described in Paragraph 2 shall be carried out.3.3.Special requirements for seats fitted or capable of being fitted with head restraints.3.3.1.The presence of the head restraint must not be an additional cause of danger to the occupants of the vehicle. In particular, it shall not in any position of use exhibit any dangerous roughness or sharp edge liable to increase the risk or seriousness of injury to the occupants.3.3.2.Parts of the front and rear faces of the head restraints situated in Area 1, as defined in Paragraph 8.1.1.3 of Appendix 1, shall pass the energy absorption test.3.3.2.1.This requirement is deemed to be met if in the tests carried out by the procedure specified in Appendix 2 the deceleration of the headform does not exceed 80g continuously for more than 3 ms. Moreover, no dangerous edge shall occur during or remain after the test.3.3.3.Parts of the front and rear faces of head restraints situated in Area 2, as defined in Paragraph 8.1.2 of Appendix 1, shall be so padded as to prevent any direct contact of the head with the components of the structure and shall meet the requirements of Paragraph 3.2.4 applicable to the rear parts of seats situated in Area 2.3.3.4.The requirements of Paragraphs 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 shall not apply to parts of rear faces of head restraints designed to be fitted to seats behind which no seat is provided.3.3.5.The head restraint shall be secured to the seat or to the vehicle structure in such a way that no rigid and dangerous parts project from the padding of the head restraint or from its attachment to the seat back as a result of the pressure exerted by the head form during the test.3.3.6.In the case of a seat fitted with a head restraint, the provisions of Paragraph 3.2.3 may, after agreement of the technical service, be considered to be met if the seat fitted with its head restraint complies with the provisions of Paragraph 3.3.2.3.4.Height of head restraints3.4.1.The height of head restraints shall be measured as described in Paragraph 5 of Appendix 1.3.4.2.For head restraints not adjustable for height, the height shall be not less than 800 mmUntil 1. 10. 1999 for new vehicle types and 1. 10. 2001 for all vehicles, the value of 750 mm shall apply. for front seats and not less than 750 mmUntil 1. 10. 1999 for new vehicle types and 1. 10. 2001 for all vehicles, the value of 700 mm shall apply. for other seating positions.3.4.3.For head restraints adjustable for height:3.4.3.1.the height shall be not less than 800 mmUntil 1. 10. 1999 for new vehicle types and 1. 10. 2001 for all vehicles, the value of 750 mm shall apply. for front seats and not less than 750 mmUntil 1. 10. 1999 for new vehicle types and 1. 10. 2001 for all vehicles, the value of 700 mm shall apply. for other seating positions; this value shall be obtained in a position between the highest and lowest positions to which adjustment is possible;3.4.3.2.there shall be no use position resulting in a height of less than 750 mmUntil 1. 10. 1999 for new vehicle types and 1. 10. 2001 for all vehicles, the value of 700 mm shall apply.;3.4.3.3.in the case of seats other than the front seats the head restraints may be such that they can be displaced to a position resulting in a height of less than 750 mmUntil 1. 10. 1999 for new vehicle types and 1. 10. 2001 for all vehicles, the value of 700 mm shall apply., provided that such position is clearly recognisable to the occupant as not being intended for the use of the head restraint;3.4.3.4.in the case of front seats head restraints may be such that they can be automatically displaced when the seat is not occupied, to a position resulting in a height of less than 750 mmUntil 1. 10. 1999 for new vehicle types and 1. 10. 2001 for all vehicles, the value of 700 mm shall apply., provided that they automatically return to the position of use when the seat is occupied.3.4.4.The dimensions mentioned in paragraphs 3.4.2 and 3.4.3.1 above may be reduced to leave adequate clearance between the head restraint and the interior surface of the roof, the windows or any part of the vehicle structure; however, the clearance shall not exceed 25 mm. In the case of seats fitted with displacement and/or adjustment systems, this shall apply to all seat positions. Furthermore, by way of derogation from paragraph 3.4.3.2, there shall not be any use position resulting in a height lower than 700 mm.3.4.5.By derogation to the height requirements mentioned in Paragraphs 3.4.2, 3.4.3.1 and 3.4.3.2, the height of any head restraint designed to be provided in rear centre seats or seating positions shall be not less than 700 mm.3.5.In the case of a seat capable of being fitted with a head restraint, the provisions of Paragraphs 3.2.3 and 3.3.2 shall be verified.3.5.1.The height of the part of the device on which the head rests, measured as described in Paragraph 5 of Appendix 1, shall in the case of a head restraint adjustable for height be not less than 100 mm.3.6.There shall be no gap of more than 60 mm between the seat back and the head restraint in the case of a device not adjustable for height. If the head restraint is adjustable for height it shall, in its lowest position, be not more than 25 mm from the top of the seat back. In the case of seats or bench seats adjustable in height provided with separate head restraints, this requirement shall be verified for all the positions of the seat or bench seat.3.7.In the case of head restraints integral with the seat back, the area to be considered is:above a plane perpendicular to the reference line at 540 mm from the R point;between two vertical longitudinal planes passing at 85 mm on either side of the reference line. In this area, one or more gaps which regardless of their shape can show a distance "a" of more than 60 mm when measured as described in Paragraph 7 of Appendix 1, are permitted, provided that, after the additional test under Paragraph 4.3.3.2 of Appendix 1, the requirements of Paragraph 3.10 are still met.3.8.In the case of head restraints adjustable for height one or more gaps, which regardless of their shape can show a distance "a" of more than 60 mm when measured as described in Paragraph 7 of Appendix 1, are permitted on the part of the device serving as a head restraint provided that, after the additional test under Paragraph 4.3.3.2 of Appendix 1, the requirements of Paragraph 3.10 are still met.3.9.The width of the head restraint shall be such as to provide appropriate support for the head of a person normally seated. As determined according to the procedure described in Paragraph 6 of Appendix 1, the head restraint shall cover an area extending not less than 85 mm to each side of the vertical median plane of the seat for which the head restraint is intended.3.10.The head restraint and its anchorage shall be such that the maximum backward displacement X of the head permitted by the head restraint and measured in conformity with the static procedure laid down in Paragraph 4.3 of Appendix 1, is less than 102 mm.3.11.The head restraint and its anchorage shall be strong enough to bear without breakage the load specified in Paragraph 4.3.6 of Appendix 1. In the case of head restraints integral with the seatback, the requirements of this paragraph shall apply to the parts of the seat back structure situated above a plane perpendicular to the reference line at 540 mm from the R point.3.12.If the head restraint is adjustable, it shall not be possible to raise it beyond the maximum operational height except by deliberate action on the part of the user distinct from any act necessary for its adjustment.3.13.The strength of the seat back and of its locking devices is deemed to meet the requirements set out in Paragraph 2 of Appendix 1 when, after testing in accordance with Paragraph 4.3.6 of Appendix 1 no breakage of the seat or seat back has occurred; otherwise, it shall be shown that the seat is capable of meeting the test requirements set out in Paragraph 2 of Appendix 1.ANNEX IIISCOPE, DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES M2 AND M31.Scope1.1.This Annex applies to seats in vehicles in categories M2 and M3, except vehicles in these categories which are designed for both urban use and standing passengers, in respect of:1.1.1.Every passenger seat intended to be installed facing forwards;1.1.2.The seat anchorages provided in the vehicle and intended to be fitted with the seats indicated in Paragraph 1.1 or any other type of seat likely to be fitted on these anchorages.1.2.M2 vehicles may be approved to Annex II as an alternative to this Annex.1.3.Vehicles where some seats benefit from the derogation provided in Item 5.5.4 of Annex I to Directive 76/115/EEC shall be approved to this Annex.1.4.The tests described in this Annex may also be applied to other vehicle parts (including rear facing seats), as referred to in Paragraph 3.1.10 of Annex I to Directive 77/541/EEC and Paragraph 4.3.7 of Annex I to Directive 76/115/EEC.2.DefinitionsFor the purposes of this Annex:2.1."Approval of a seat" means an approval of a seat type as a component in relation to the protection of the occupants of forward-facing seats with regard to their strength and the design of the seat backs;2.2."Approval of a vehicle" means an approval of a vehicle type with regard to the strength of the parts of the vehicle structure to which seats are to be secured, and with regard to the installation of seats;2.3."Seat type" means seats which do not differ essentially with respect to the following characteristics likely to affect their strength and their aggressiveness:2.3.1.Structure, shape, dimensions and materials of the load bearing parts;2.3.2.Types and dimensions of the seat back adjustment and locking system;2.3.3.Dimensions, structure and materials of the attachments and supports (e. g. legs);2.4."Vehicle type" means vehicles which do not differ essentially in respect of:the constructional features relevant to this Directive; and,the type or types of EC component type approved seat(s) fitted to the vehicle, if any.2.5."Seat" means a structure likely to be anchored to the vehicle structure, including its trim and attachment fittings, intended to be used in a vehicle and to seat one or more adult persons.Depending on its orientation, a seat is defined as follows:2.5.1."Forward-facing seat" means a seat which can be used whilst the vehicle is in motion and which faces towards the front of the vehicle in such a manner that the vertical plane of symmetry of the seat forms an angle of less than + 10o or - 10o with the vertical plane of symmetry of the vehicle;2.5.2."Rearward-facing seat" means a seat which can be used whilst the vehicle is in motion and which faces towards the rear of the vehicle in such a manner that the vertical plane of symmetry of the seat forms an angle of less than + 10o or - 10o with the vertical plane of symmetry of the vehicle;2.5.3."Side-facing seat" means a seat which, with regard to its alignment with the vertical plane of symmetry of the vehicle, does not meet either of the definitions given in 2.5.1 or 2.5.2 above;2.6."Individual seat" means a seat designed and constructed for the accommodation of one seated passenger;2.7."Double seat" means a seat designed and constructed for the accommodation of two seated passengers side by side; two seats side by side and having no interconnection shall be regarded as two individual seats;2.8."Row of seats" means a seat designed and constructed for the accommodation of three or more seated passengers side by side; several individual or double seats arranged side by side shall not be regarded as a row of seats;2.9."Seat cushion" means the part of the seat which is arranged almost horizontally and designed to support a seated passenger;2.10."Seat-back" means the part of the seat that is almost vertical, designed to support the passenger's back, shoulders and, possibly, his head;2.11."Adjustment system" means the device by which the seat or its parts can be adjusted to a position suited to the seated occupant;2.12."Displacement system" means a device enabling the angle of the seat or one of its parts to be displaced laterally or longitudinally without a fixed intermediate position of the seat or one of its parts, to facilitate access by passengers;2.13."Locking system" means a device ensuring that the seat and its parts are maintained in the position of use;2.14."Anchorage" means a part of the floor or of the body of a vehicle to which a seat may be fixed;2.15."Attachment fittings" means bolts or other components used to attach the seat to the vehicle;2.16."Trolley" means the test equipment made and used for dynamic reproduction of road accidents involving frontal collision;2.17."Auxiliary seat" means a seat for the manikin mounted on the trolley to the rear of the seat to be tested. This seat shall be representative of the seat to be used in the vehicle behind the seat to be tested;2.18."Reference plane" means the plane passing through the points of contact of the heels of the manikin, used for the determination of the H-point and the actual angle of torso for the seating position of motor vehicles;2.19."Reference height" means the height of the top of the seat above the reference plane;2.20."Manikin", a manikin corresponding to the specifications for Hybrid II or IIIThe technical specifications and detailed drawings of Hybrid II and III, corresponding to the principal dimensions of a fiftieth percentile male of the United States of America, and the specifications for its adjustment for this test are deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and may be consulted on request at the secretariat of the Economic Commission for Europe, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland..2.21."Reference zone" means the space between two vertical longitudinal planes, 400 mm apart and symmetrical with respect to the H-point, and defined by rotation of the apparatus, described in Annex II of Directive 74/60/EEC, from vertical to horizontal. The apparatus shall be positioned as described in that Annex and set to the maximum length of 840 mm.2.22."Three-point belt" for the purposes of this Directive also includes belts with more than three anchorage points.2.23."Seat pitch" means the horizontal distance between successive seats measured from the front of the seat back on one to the rear of the seat back of the seat in front, at a height of 620 mm above the floor.3.Requirements for seats3.1.Each type of seat shall be subject to the test requirements of either Appendix 1 (dynamic test) or Appendices 5 and 6 (static test) at the request of the manufacturer.3.2.The tests which the seat type has passed shall be recorded in the Addendum to the Approval Certificate (Appendix 4 of Annex 1).3.3.Every adjustment and displacement system provided shall incorporate a locking system, which shall operate automatically.3.4.The adjustment and locking systems shall not be required to be in full working order after the test.3.5.A head restraint shall be mounted on every outboard front seat in every vehicle of category M2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 3500 kg; head restraints mounted in such vehicles shall comply with the requirements of this Annex or Directive 78/932/EEC.4.Requirements for seat anchorages of a vehicle type4.1.The anchorages for the seats on the vehicle shall be capable of withstanding:4.1.1.either the test described in Appendix 2;4.1.2.or, if a seat is mounted on the part of the vehicle structure being tested, the tests prescribed in Appendix 1. The seat need not be an approved seat provided that it satisfies the requirements of Paragraph 3.2.1 of the above mentioned Appendix.4.2.Permanent deformation, including breakage, of an anchorage or the surrounding area shall be permissible provided the prescribed force has been sustained throughout the prescribed period.4.3.When there is more than one type of anchorage on a vehicle, each variant shall be tested in order to obtain approval for the vehicle.4.4.One test may be used to approve simultaneously a seat and a vehicle.4.5.In the case of vehicles of category M3, seat anchorages shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 if the safety belt anchorages of the corresponding seating positions are fitted directly to the seats to be installed and these belt anchorages comply with the requirements of Directive 76/115/EEC, if necessary with the derogation provided in Item 5.5.4 of Annex I thereof.5.Requirements for installation of seats in a vehicle type5.1.All forward-facing seats installed shall be approved to the requirements of Paragraph 3 of this Annex and subject to the following conditions:5.1.1.the seat shall have a reference height of at least 1 m; and5.1.2.the H-point of the seat immediately behind shall be less than 72 mm higher than the H-point of the seat in question or, if the seat behind is more than 72 mm higher, the seat shall be tested and approved for installation in such a position.5.2.When approved to Appendix 1, Tests 1 and 2 shall apply except as follows:5.2.1.Test 1 shall not apply where the rear of the seat cannot be struck by an unrestrained passenger (i.e. there is no forward-facing seat directly behind the seat to be tested).5.2.2.Test 2 shall not apply5.2.2.1.if the rear of the seat cannot be struck by a restrained passenger; or5.2.2.2.if the seat behind is fitted with a three-point belt with anchorages that comply fully with Directive 76/115/EEC (without derogation); or5.2.2.3.if the seat fulfils the requirements of Appendix 6 of this Annex.5.3.When approved to Appendices 5 and 6, all tests shall apply except as follows:5.3.1.The test of Appendix 5 shall not apply if the rear of the seat cannot be struck by an unrestrained passenger (i. e. there is no forward-facing seat directly behind the seat to be tested).5.3.2.The test of Appendix 6 shall not apply5.3.2.1.if the rear of the seat cannot be struck by a restrained passenger; or5.3.2.2.if the seat behind is fitted with a three-point belt with anchorages that comply fully with Directive 76/115/EEC (without derogation).ANNEX IVGENERAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY ANNEXES II AND III1.General1.1.The requirements set out in this Annex apply to vehicles of categories N1, N2 and N3 and to those of categories M2 and M3 not covered by the scope of Annex III. With the exception of the provisions of point 2.5, the requirements also apply to side-facing seats of all categories of vehicles.2.General specifications2.1.Seats and bench seats must be firmly attached to the vehicle.2.2.Sliding seats and bench seats must be automatically lockable in all the positions provided.2.3.Adjustable seat backs must be lockable in all the positions provided.2.4.All seats which can be tipped forward or have fold-on backs must lock automatically in the normal position. This requirement does not apply to seats fitted in the wheelchair spaces of vehicles of category M2 or M3 of class I, II or A.2.5.A head restraint shall be mounted on every outboard front seat in every vehicle of category M2 with a maximum mass not exceeding 3500 kg and of category N1; head restraints mounted in such vehicles shall comply with the requirements of Annex II or of Directive 78/932/EEC.