This document regulates the testing for acceptance of the running characteristics of railway vehicles (hereafter called vehicles). The testing of the running characteristics applies principally to all vehicles used in public transport which operate without restriction on standard gauge tracks (1435 mm). NOTE 1 The testing of the running characteristics of:- railways with different track layout, e. g. tramways, metros and underground railways; - railways with non-standard gauge tracks can be conducted by analogy with this document. The testing of running characteristics is part of the type testing of vehicles which are newly developed, have had relevant design modifications, or have changes in their operating regimes. The testing and acceptance of running characteristics refers to the complete vehicle including the running gear. If a running gear, which has already been tested and accepted, is to be used under a vehicle body of another design, this is considered to be a design modification. The procedure as described in 5.2 is used. NOTE 2 In addition to the testing of running characteristics for the acceptance of vehicles, the regulations can be generally applied in other technical tasks, e. g.; - the checking for compliance against development contracts; - the optimisation of components, vehicles or running gear; - the testing of influences, influencing parameters and relationships of dependence; - the monitoring of track or vehicles in operational use. Testing of running characteristics consists of preliminary approval tests (mainly stationary tests) and tests of running behaviour (on-track tests). The application of the full method and the stated limit values reflect (unrestricted) international operation. Variations from the conditions specified in this document are allowed as specified by the article 7.1 of directive 91/440 of EC. Testing for acceptance of vehicles is based on some reference conditions of track. If these are not respected on certain lines, appropriate measures will be taken (speed modifications, additional tests, etc.). For national or multinational operations the infrastructure managers concerned may authorize variations to the defined conditions. Permissible deviations are indicated in this document. It is allowed to deviate from the rules laid down if evidence can be furnished that safety is at least the equivalent to that ensured by complying with these rules.