The Federal Department of Infrastructure has advised that they wish to bring ADR 08 (Safety Glazing Material) into alignment with the UNECE Regulation 43 on glazing.

The tinting requirements of the UNECE Regulation have changed from 75% light transmission to 70%. The USA has produced vehicles with a transmission level of 70% for some time now and Europe has aligned with this standard.

The submission sent to the Department pointed out that while ADR 08 already used the UNECE Regulation as an alternate standard it also contained a number of alternate standards based on other countries legislation.

Having the UNECE standard as the only available method of compliance would have resulted in cost increases for some manufacturers. The Department has now advised that there will be no change to the other alternate standards.

American based manufacturers will now be able to bring in trucks fitted with American specification tinted windscreens and not have to change them to Australian spec to achieve compliance.

Manufacturers using other approved Australasian, Asian and British standards will be able to continue without change.

For further information contact John Samson j.samson@cviaq.asn.au