ISO 3833-1977 (1978) PDF

Full title and description

ISO 3833:1977 — Road vehicles — Types — Terms and definitions. An international vocabulary that defines and classifies types of road vehicles (passenger cars, buses, commercial vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, combinations, etc.) according to design and technical characteristics; intended for use where a harmonized set of vehicle-type terms is required.

Abstract

This standard establishes terms and definitions for certain types of road vehicles designated by design or technical characteristics and applies to vehicles intended for road circulation (agricultural tractors are excluded if used only incidentally for carriage by road). The 1977 second edition cancels and replaces the first (1976) edition.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard — confirmed).
• Publication date: December 1977 (Edition 2, 1977‑12).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 43.020 (Road vehicles in general); 01.040.43 (Road vehicle engineering — vocabularies).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (second edition, cancels ISO 3833:1976).
• Number of pages: 12 pages.

Scope

Defines terms for classification and naming of road‑vehicle types (motor vehicles, passenger cars, buses, commercial vehicles, trailers and semi‑trailers, roadtrains, motorcycles, mopeds, etc.) based on constructional and technical characteristics; intended to provide a harmonized nomenclature for international technical work, regulatory texts, type‑approval documentation and statistical reporting. Agricultural tractors used only incidentally for carriage of persons or goods by road are excluded.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized definitions for major vehicle categories (motor vehicle, passenger car, bus, commercial vehicle, trailer, semi‑trailer, roadtrain, motorcycle, moped).
• Sub‑classifications of passenger cars (e.g., saloon/sedan, estate/station wagon, coupe, convertible, multi‑purpose passenger car) and seating‑based distinctions (passenger cars: up to nine seats including driver; buses: more than nine seats).
• Clear distinction between trailers and semi‑trailers (degree to which load is supported by towing vehicle) and definitions for towed‑vehicle subtypes (caravan, bus trailer, specialised trailers).
• Definitions for articulated vehicles, combinations (roadtrains, articulated roadtrains, double road trains) and guidance on reference points used for dimensional/ergonomic notation.

Typical use and users

Used by vehicle manufacturers, type‑approval and certification bodies, national standards organizations, regulators, testing laboratories, fleet managers, insurers, statisticians and researchers who require a consistent, internationally recognized vocabulary for vehicle classification in specifications, regulations, safety testing, reporting and technical documentation.

Related standards

The 1977 second edition replaces ISO 3833:1976. Several national adoptions and translations (for example national adoptions and later national publications) exist; ISO’s records show systematic reviews and confirmations (the 1977 edition has been confirmed in subsequent systematic reviews). Various national bodies have produced adopted versions (e.g., SRPS/BDS/SIST adoptions) and regional projects have referenced the ISO vocabulary (some bodies list project activity or newer reference documents). Consult the ISO bibliographic record and national standards bodies for a complete listing of adoptions and any later revisions or replacement work.

Keywords

vehicle classification, vehicle types, passenger car, bus, commercial vehicle, trailer, semi‑trailer, motorcycle, moped, roadtrain, terminology, ISO/TC 22.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 3833:1977 is an international standard that defines terms and classification rules for types of road vehicles to provide a harmonized vocabulary for technical, regulatory and statistical purposes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions and sub‑classifications of road vehicles (passenger cars, buses, goods vehicles, trailers/semi‑trailers, motorcycles, combinations and related terms) and sets out the scope and exclusions (e.g., agricultural tractors only incidentally used for carriage by road).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Vehicle manufacturers, approval and testing agencies, regulators, standards bodies, insurers, researchers and anyone needing a consistent international nomenclature for vehicle type descriptions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: According to ISO’s bibliographic record, the 1977 (second) edition remains the published edition and was last reviewed/confirmed in ISO’s systematic reviews (ISO shows the publication as confirmed in recent reviews). Users should check the ISO catalogue or their national standards body for any later formal replacements or new editions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ISO/TC 22’s vocabulary and vehicle‑engineering vocabulary work (ICS classes 01.040.43 and 43.020); related ISO vocabulary and vehicle‑engineering standards may be referenced for measurement practices or related definitions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Vehicle classification; vehicle types; passenger car; bus; commercial vehicle; trailer; semi‑trailer; motorcycle; moped; roadtrain; terminology.