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Core Purpose

Amends the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 by inserting Part X concerning radar equipment used for measuring vehicle speed, effective July 1, 2025.

Detailed Summary

This notification issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution introduces new regulations for radar equipment used to measure vehicle speed by amending the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. It inserts "PART X: RADAR EQUIPMENT FOR MEASURING SPEED OF VEHICLES" into the Eighth Schedule. The regulations detail specifications for microwave Doppler radar equipment, covering aspects like operational instructions, vehicle identification, aiming mechanisms, antenna radiation patterns, indication duration, recording systems, automatic and autonomous radar functionalities, and safeguards against inaccurate readings due to voltage fluctuations. Further sections outline construction standards, robustness, climate resilience, electronic component dependability, operational guidelines, tamper resistance, equipment identification, and model approval protocols. These rules become effective from July 1, 2025.

Full Text

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-20012025-260333 EXTRAORDINARY PART II-Section 3-Sub-section (i) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 30] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025/PAUSHA 24, 1946 MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS) NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 14th January, 2025. G.S.R. 34(E).--In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) read with clauses (c), (f), (h), (i) and (s) of sub-section (2) of section 52 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009, (1 of 2010), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, namely:- 1. Short title and commencement. (General) Amendment Rules, 2025. (2) 2. (1) These rules may be called the Legal Metrology They shall come into force on the 1st day of July, 2025. In the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, in the Eighth Schedule, after PART IX, the following PART shall be inserted, namely:- "PART X RADAR EQUIPMENT FOR MEASURING SPEED OF VEHICLES 1. Scope.- This Part shall be applicable to microwave Doppler radar equipment used for the measurement of traffic speed on roads, (hereinafter referred to as the "radar") and the radar shall conform to the conditions specified in this Part. 2. Rules of correct operation.- (1) Radars shall be installed and used in accordance with the instructions approved with the instrument at the time of model approval (hereinafter referred to as the instructions). (2) Certainty of vehicle identification,- (i) The construction of the radar, including the internal logic of the measurement process, shall ensure that when the instrument is used in accordance with the instructions, an indicated speed shall not be attributed to the wrong vehicle even where vehicles are passing or overtaking or when the radar is mounted on a moving vehicle. (ii) The radar shall have a direction discriminator (single sideband device), provided as it has limited effect and stability it does not offer a complete solution and additional device shall be used. (iii) In absence of use of any additional device, the radar shall invalidate its own result when two vehicles with different speeds pass simultaneously through the radiation beam. (3) Aiming device,- (i) The angle of incidence of the beam shall be controlled by an aiming device to ensure that relative errors of measurement attributable to misalignment are not greater than ± 0.5% and the angle shall be kept stable. (ii) The aiming device may be omitted if the radar is to be used with a beam that is parallel to the direction of traffic movement (incidence angle shall not be exceeding 10 degree). (iii)The instructions approved with the instrument shall give details for positioning and adjustments for all foreseeable installations (roadside, bridges, patrol cars, prepared semi or permanent sites, etc.). (4) Radiation model of antenna,- (i) The approval of a given angle of incidence shall be as mentioned in the instructions provided with the instrument. (ii) For beam axes not parallel to the direction of traffic movement, angles of 15 degree to 30 degree shall be maintained. (iii) When the radar is installed and used in accordance with the instructions, no measurement shall be possible in those parts of the antenna lobe where an incorrect angle of incidence may result in relative measurement errors greater than ± 2 %. (iv) Errors resulting from a tilting of the radar in relation to the surface of the road shall be considered. Note:- The requirement under clause (iv) may be satisfied by signal processing or by special shaping of the radiation model. (For example, at an angle of incidence of 22 degree, an attenuation of any side lobe to – 15 dB, or – 30 dB after reflexion, together with a total main lobe width of less than 12 degree at 10 dB, may give satisfactory result). (v) The emitted power and the receiver sensitivity shall be matched in such a way that, in normal operation, measurements across more than two lanes (i.e., from the third lane) occur rarely and if in a special situation, longer range shall be activated, the same shall be mentioned in writing near the indicating device and on any records produced. (5) Time span for indication,- (i) If the radar is used without a suitable recording system, the visual indication of speed shall remain visible and shall inhibit any further measurement until it is freed by a positive action and no event or action during this time shall influence the result or have any effect on subsequent measurements. (ii) The requirements under clause (i) shall not apply to result below the given speed limit (specified for a particular road or area) and if the indication is of the analog type, it shall not drift by more than one kilometer per hour in five minutes. (6) Recording devices,- (i) If the radar records the results of measurement, the record shall indicate the date and time of the measurement, the measured speed and the vehicle's direction of travel. (ii) The record shall indicate the sensitivity setting of the radar. (iii) If the identity of the vehicle is not made recognisable by a photograph, the records shall provide for its immediate identification in writing. (iv) The record shall indicate that checks as stated in sub-paragraph (9) have been performed and the requirements of sub-paragraph (2) have been fulfilled. (v) If a camera is used, the correct relationship between the direction of radiation and that of the optical axis of the camera shall be ensured by positive mechanical links or by the operations described in the instructions and the correct aiming of the system shall be verified from pictures. (7) Automatic and autonomous radar,- (i) Radars designed for operations that cannot be continuously verified by an officer for satisfactory performance shall ensure a "near to certainty" level of confidence that the error of each transmitted result shall be within the permissible limits. (ii) The manufacturer shall explain in the instructions, the measures taken to satisfy the condition in clause (i). (iii) The level of confidence shall take uncertainties of measurement into account including a possible single failure in the whole instrument and it shall be confirmed by the model approval authority. (iv) The level of confidence, if estimated by statistical methods, shall be at least 99.8 %. Note:- The permanent automatic checking of the instrument's essential operations shall be done in accordance with clause (ii) of sub-paragraph (4) of paragraph 3 of this Part. As it is an unattended operation, the redundant measurement techniques such as taking two pictures of the vehicle separated by a specified time interval shall be used. (8) Automatic exclusion of inaccurate results when the power voltage varies,- Speed indications shall be inhibited when the power voltage varies beyond the limits at which the allowable errors may be surpassed. (9) Overall function test device,- (i) The radar shall incorporate some means of simulating a measurement that is independent of the measuring circuits, and by which, at switch-on and additionally at the will of the operator, the instrument shall be checked. (ii) The means specified under clause (i) shall indicate at least every non intermittent failure of the low-frequency and result-handling circuits, including circuits necessary to comply with clause (ii) of sub-paragraph (4) of paragraph 3 and the functioning and accuracy of indication. (iii) The records shall confirm that these tests have been performed. (iv) The requirements under clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) shall not apply if undetected intermittent or permanent failures may be excluded. Notes:- (i) For discontinuous digital signal handling channels, sub-clause (a) of clause (ii) of sub-paragraph (4) of paragraph 3 specifies the protective measures sufficient to ensure correct operation. (ii) Analog channels may be checked by simulated Doppler signals injected near the output of the demodulator stage or by a device modulating the microwave signal. (iii) The device under clause (ii) above to verify, among other things, that the upper and lower sensitivity limits are correct, may be omitted if model approval tests show that variations of those limits are detected in another way or cannot influence measurement results and that the signal is reliably transformed into a speed indication. 3. Construction.- (1) Indicators and speed range,- In radars without data recording, the indicators shall be readable by two operators simultaneously in lighting conditions corresponding to the conditions of use for which the instrument is suitable according to the instructions provided with the instrument and the speed range shall include at least the range (30 kilometer per hour to 150 kilometer per hour). (2) Mechanical strength,- The radar shall be solidly built and the materials shall be chosen to ensure sufficient strength and stability of the radar. (3) Resistance to extremes of climate,- (i) When out of service, radars shall be capable of withstanding ambient temperatures of -25 °C to + 70 °C. (ii) The manufacturer shall indicate the ambient temperature limits between which the radar shall operate with errors within the permitted limits and when these temperature limits are passed, radars designed for unattended operation shall automatically go out of service and the range of ambient temperature shall be between 0°C to +50°C. (iii) The radar shall be insensitive to relative humidity of the ambient air both under static conditions of storage and in service as specified in clause (i) and (ii). (iv) The parts of the radar that are exposed to the weather shall be dust proof and splash proof when all accessories are fixed. (4) Reliability of electronic and logical components,- (i) Reaction to disturbance,- The Radars shall undergo tests showing their reactions to: (a) power line variations; (b) electrical bursts on the power line; and (c) external electromagnetic fields. Note:- For conducting the tests, the level of severities and criteria for acceptance as specified in Annexure A shall be followed. (ii) Protection against electronic failure,- (a) Discontinuous (digital) signals,- (I) The results conveyed by digital signals (transfer operations, logic operations, storage, indications, etc. shall be secured by additional logic-checking operations, individually (step by step) or collectively (overall), and any discrepancy shall block the measurement in process. (II) Elements and components used in operations such as program memories, transfer memories, processors, cabling, indicators, etc. shall be implicitly checked at least every time the equipment is switched on by special checking operations unless they are checked automatically by the logical measures as specified in (I) above. Note:- Errors of function that are evident as logical signals shall inhibit further measurement. Other errors such as indicator errors shall be clearly indicated in the instructions along with the measures to be taken in such case. (III) Instructions (programs) and permanently stored data (e.g., scale factors, decision criteria, etc.) shall be checked every time the instrument is switched on by methods that indicate that they are complete. Note:- The Methods referred to in (III) applicable to digital signals shall have the following provisions, namely:- (A) All relevant measurement data shall be checked for correct value whenever they are stored internally or transmitted to peripherals via an interface, by such means as parity bit, check sum, double storage, or handshake-routine with re- transmission. (B) Upon switch-on (in the case of instruments permanently connected to the mains), a special procedure shall be performed which indicates all relevant signs of the indicator in their active and non-active state sufficiently long to be checked by the operator. (C) Upon switch-on (in the case of instruments permanently connected to the mains), all data storage components shall be checked automatically to verify that,- (i) all procedures of internal transfer and storage of data relevant to the measurement result are performed correctly, by means such as write-read routines, conversion and reconversion of codes, use of "safe coding" (check sum, parity bit) and double storage; (ii) the values of all permanently memorised instructions and data are correct by means such as summing of all instruction and data codes and comparing the sum with a fixed value, line and column parity bits (LRC and VRC), the use of cyclic redundancy check (CRC), double storage of data, both in same code, double storage of data, second in inverse or shifted coding and storage of data in safe coding. Note:- (1) Storage of data in safe coding, for example protected by check sum, line and column parity bits, when verified by the type approval tests shall be considered as compliance of this requirement. (2) The use of parity bit alone is not sufficient where data is stored or read and is relevant to the metrological characteristics of the instrument. (b) Continuous signals (analogue signals),- (I) Micro-wave circuits shall ensure a long-term stability of tuning (two years) of approximately ± 0.2% in frequency. (II) The gain of analogue channels shall have no influence on results, or its effects shall be periodically checked. 4. Operation of the instrument.- The manufacturer shall provide each radar with the working instructions of instrument at the time of model approval and these instructions shall contain the following informations, namely: - (a) the theory of operation of the equipment; (b) an explanation of the general operating schematic; (c) an accurate specification of normal operating conditions; (d) the modes of operation; (e) the information on the principal causes of errors; (f) a review of the influence quantities affecting the measurements and of the partial errors they may induce; and (g) for radars designed to work without an operator the information required in sub- paragraph (7) of paragraph 2. 5. Protection against tampering.- All parts of the instrument which on tampering may lead to errors in measurement or to metrologically unreliable operation shall be sealed or otherwise protected. 6. Identification of the equipment.- The instrument, or each separately housed sub-unit shall specify in indelible lettering, the following indications, namely:- (i) the name (or trade mark) and address of the manufacturer or his representative; (ii) the type indication and serial number of the instrument; and (iii) an indication of necessary connecting units by type number and if not interchangeable by serial number. 7. Model approval.- (1) Metrological tests in the laboratory,- (i) Test conditions,- Reference value Range Ambient temperature + 20 °C -20 °C, + 60 °C (1) Ambient humidity 60% either value, non- condensing Power voltage nominal - 10%, + 20% of nominal at least (2) Frequency (if applicable) nominal nominal ± 3% Length of time since switched on any (a) Radars shall be tested at + 20 °C and at minimum and maximum applicable temperatures with different power voltages and humidity and power frequency shall be varied only if they have a noticeable influence. (b) For each factor mentioned above, its variation throughout the whole defined range shall not induce a change of indication greater than 50 percent of the moduli of the maximum permissible errors specified in clause (ii) and (iii) of this sub-paragraph. (ii) Testing of micro-wave section,- (I) Radiation model and power limitation: The requirements of sub-paragraph (4) of paragraph 2 shall apply. (II) Aiming device: The requirements of sub-paragraph (3) of paragraph 2 shall apply. Frequency range and oscillator stability shall be as specified with the instructions approved with the instrument. Note:- Model approval shall be dependent on certification by the authority for communications equipment. (iii) Testing of the low-frequency section,- From the frequency fa of the simulated Doppler signal, the theorical speed indication shall be computed thus: Va = 0.5× fa × λ/cos a where: λ = the emitted wavelength a = the average effective angle of incidence (3) (1) This range is for parts installed outdoors; for parts installed in cars or shelters, the range is specified by the manufacturer and shall include at least the range 0°C, + 50°C. (2) The lower limit shall be the switch-off point as specified in sub-paragraph (8) of paragraph 2. (3) This angle may be different from the geometric angle between beam axis and street direction, as a vehicle's speed may sometimes be measured shortly after the vehicle enters the beam, or due to delaying actions of discriminating circuits, for instance (i) After its passing the beam axis, the resulting average is different for traffic entering the beam from behind or from the front. (ii) If the manufacturer wishes such differences to be considered, he shall indicate the appropriate average values to be used in the computation. (a) All errors of indication (referred to va) under reference conditions shall be less than ± 1 kilometer per hour, or ± 1 % at speeds above 100 kilometer per hour. (b) For instruments with digital indication, fa shall be varied until the average switching (rounding) point is found, which shall be presumed to be halfway in value between the two neighboring indications and if the fractions of the least significant digit are discounted (rounding down), the same shall be considered as an average scale shift. (iv) Neither attenuation to the limit of reception of the signal specified in clause (iii) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 nor limitations of its duration shall give errors more than those specified in clause (iii) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7. (v) Discriminating circuits, preliminary tests,- Functions specified in sub-paragraphs (2), (5) and (8) of paragraph 2 and (if applicable) sub-paragraph (4) and sub-paragraph (7) of paragraph 2 shall be tested using the following procedures, namely:- (a) lowering the power voltage below the limit of ninety per cent. nominal to the point of automatic cut-off; (b) sweeping the frequency fa, mixing of two such frequencies, feeding them to the circuits with interruptions or in bursts. (c) specific values of frequency shall not be given, due to differences in emitter frequencies and beam widths and frequency step corresponding to the arrival of a second vehicle with a speed difference of 3.5 km/h or more (3.5 percent or more at speeds above 100 km/h) shall inhibit the output of a result, or the lower speed shall be output. (d) brief frequency variations, simulating measurement instabilities shall inhibit the output when their influence on the result shall be more than 2 km/h (or more than 2 per cent. at speeds above 100 km/h). (e) further tests shall result from the tests of electronic and logical components [(sub- paragraphs (2) and (4) of paragraph 3] which shall be affected in the following stage. (2) Tests of effects of influence factors and disturbances,- The tests that shall be performed and the criteria of acceptance are specified in the Annexure 'A'. (3) Metrological field tests (to be performed after the tests of effects of influence factors),- (a) The metrological tests shall be completed by an operating test in actual traffic to avoid the complexity of factors affecting the result of a measurement (shape of antenna lobe, lateral distance between radar and passing vehicle, reflection characteristics of the latter, change of lane during passage through beam, braking, delays in measurement due to the presence of more than one vehicle, etc). (b) The error distribution shall be determined under conditions of variable speed and traffic density, and if possible, at various temperatures. (c) The average error of all results shall be within ± 1 kilometer per hour. (d) For model approval, five hundred measurements shall be made, of which none shall give a positive error larger than + 3 kilometers per hour (or + 3 percent at speeds above 100 kilometers per hour) and results that are recognisable as faulty by any user familiar with the instructions approved with the instrument shall be discounted. (e) If fewer measurements are made, they shall be considered as a sample which, by its result, shall validate the same error limits as five hundred measurements. (f) For autonomous radars, the results shall conform to the level of confidence required [as per sub- paragraph (7) of paragraph 2]. (g) The measuring system used for comparison shall have an uncertainty better than one third of that of the radar under test and 99.8 % of its results shall have errors that are within ± 1 km/h (or ± 1 percent at speeds above 100 kilometer per hour). (4) Conformity to approved model,- (i) The approved model shall be described in accordance with the instrument's characteristics determining its metrological integrity. (ii) The following compliances shall be ensured, namely:- (a) the manufacturer shall submit details of the instrument's logic; (b) the manufacturer shall disclose and seek approval from Director (Legal Metrology) for all changes in the approved model in this regard; and (c) the Director (Legal Metrology) shall develop and maintain a safe storage system for such information including signing of the documents submitted and placing them in the custody of the manufacturer or his representative. ANNEXURE A TESTS OF EFFECTS OF INFLUENCE FACTORS AND DISTURBANCES These tests are listed in the order of the requirements of this part.- 1. Mechanical strength test [sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 3].- (i) Mechanical shock: (ii) The radar shall be tilted about one bottom edge with a height of the opposite edge of 50 mm and then allowed to fall freely and the test requires one fall about each bottom edge. (iii) After the test, a check in accordance with clause (ii) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 shall be performed (frequency and variation in radiated power). 2. Climatic resistance test (sub-paragraph (3) of paragraph 3).- (1) Dry heat - cold,- (i) The test simulates storage conditions with the exception that the radar shall be mounted on a tripod to provide maximum exposure. (ii) The dry heat test shall have a duration of two hours at 70 °C, the cold test two hours at -25 °C, the radar being out of service. (iii) After each test a check of the oscillator frequency [clause (ii) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7] and a check of the conversion factor of the indication [clause (iii) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7] shall be performed. (2) Damp heat, condensing immediately following the cold test and those parts of the radar which in normal use may be exposed to cold (other parts may be protected by closed plastic bags) shall be placed in a room at + 20 °C, with a humidity of about 80 % and the radar shall be put into the operating state and switched on for one hour after leaving the cold chamber. Partial checks in accordance with clause (ii) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 (radiation power), clause (iii) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 (accuracy) and clause (iv) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 (sensitivity), shall show that no incorrect indications result from condensation. (3)(i) Water splash test for parts exposed to water: One bucket of about ten litres of water shall be thrown from a distance of three meter against each side of the radar, once from above and once from below, with the instrument in operation. (ii) Checks according to clause (ii) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 (power) and clause (iii) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 (accuracy) shall show that the water splashes have no effect and the radar shall be inspected to check that no water has entered it. 3. Tests of reliability of electronic and logical components (sub-paragraph (4) of paragraph 3).- (1) Power variations for battery-powered radar [clause (i) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7]. (2) Bursts,- (i) Bursts of voltage spikes are superimposed on the mains voltage, with an amplitude of 1 kV, throughout the time necessary to simulate five speed measurements. (ii) Checks according to clause (iii) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 (accuracy), shall show either that the result corresponds to fa or that the indication disappears. (3) Electromagnetic susceptibility,- (i) The radar is exposed to an electromagnetic field strength of 10 V/m at frequencies between 27 MHz and 500 MHz and of 3 V/m at frequencies between 500 MHz and 1000 MHz, the amplitude modulation being at a frequency which corresponds to the Doppler frequency for a speed of 60 km/h. (ii) Checks shall be performed according to clause (iii) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 (accuracy), clause (iv) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 (sensitivity) and clause (v) of sub- paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 (discrimination of speed variations and of the presence of more than one vehicle). (iii) After completion of all the tests relating to the effects of influence factors and disturbances, all the tests of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 7 shall be repeated with a suitable subset of characteristics to determine deviations from the initial intrinsic error.". [F. No. WM-9(24)/2024] ANUPAM MISHRA, Jt. Secy. Note:-- The principal rules were published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, sub-section (i), vide notification number G.S.R.71(E), dated the 7th February, 2011 and was last amended, vide notification G.S.R 763(E), dated the 4th October, 2022. Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054. GORAKHA NATH YADAVA

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