ISO 15638-5:2013

Overview

ISO 15638-5:2013 - "Intelligent transport systems - Framework for collaborative Telematics Applications for Regulated commercial freight Vehicles (TARV) - Part 5: Generic vehicle information" defines the generic vehicle and core application data that in-vehicle systems (IVS) must provide to application service providers for regulated commercial freight vehicles. The standard specifies how basic vehicle data are organized, named and made available over a wireless communications link to support regulated services and cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS). It also standardizes commonly expected additional data concepts so vehicles operating across jurisdictions can meet differing regulatory data requirements.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Generic vehicle data model: standardized items such as vehicle unique identifier, VIN, vehicle class, propulsion/storage type, timestamps (UTC), location, direction of travel, speed, ignition status, driver and trailer identification, and load data.
• Core application data and Local Data Trees (LDTs): definitions for TARV LDT and C-ITS LDT, naming of apps, recent data archives, and session control.
• Communications and protocols: requirements for IVS to serve data via wireless links; test scripts reference cellular (2G/3G), 5.9 GHz (802.11p/WAVE) and mesh Wi‑Fi for LDT and core data exchanges.
• Security and system requirements: TARV–ROAM security, host management centre (HMC) requirements and facilities-layer expectations to ensure trusted data exchange.
• Commands and services: GET/CREATE commands for TARV/C-ITS LDTs, retrieving core application data and archive access.
• Testing and conformance: defined test scripts and procedures for independent protocol verification, plus marking/registration provisions (see Annex A referencing ISO 14816).

Practical applications

• Fleet operators: standardized telemetry for compliance reporting, cross-border operations and regulatory adherence.
• Telematics/IVS vendors: implementation guidance for exposing vehicle data to third‑party application service providers.
• Regulators and enforcement agencies: specifying required data elements and interoperability rules for regulated freight vehicles.
• C-ITS integrators and ITS service providers: support for cooperative services that rely on consistent vehicle information across platforms.

Who should use this standard

• Automotive OEMs and IVS manufacturers
• Telematics platform and application developers
• Fleet managers and logistics providers
• Transportation authorities and policy makers
• ITS system integrators and testing houses

Related standards

• Other parts of the ISO 15638 TARV framework (the wider family covers architecture and interfaces)
• ISO 14816 (referenced in Annex A for registration provisions)
• Standards from ISO/TC 204 and C‑ITS specifications (for harmonized cooperative ITS protocols)

ISO 15638-5:2013 is essential for organizations implementing interoperable telematics for regulated commercial freight vehicles, ensuring consistent, secure, and testable vehicle data provision for regulatory and cooperative transport applications.