ISO 17386:2023

Overview

ISO 17386:2023 - Intelligent transport systems - Manoeuvring aids for low-speed operation (MALSO) - Performance requirements and test procedures defines minimum functional and test requirements for vehicle-mounted MALSO systems on light‑duty vehicles (passenger cars, pick‑up trucks, light vans, SUVs). It covers expected system behaviour at very low speeds (< 0.5 m/s), defines monitoring ranges around the vehicle, and specifies performance test procedures (Clause 7) and failure/diagnostic indication requirements. The standard focuses on obstacle detection and driver information, not on specific sensing technologies or camera-only visibility enhancements. Test objects and procedures currently reflect ultrasonic‑based systems; provisions note that test objects may be revised for new sensing technologies.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and vehicle class: Applicable to light‑duty vehicles; excludes motorcycles, heavy commercial vehicles, reversing aids for heavy trucks and visibility‑only camera systems without distance ranging/warning.
• Functional expectations: Minimum functionality drivers can expect-detection of and information about relevant obstacles within a defined short detection range.
• Monitoring ranges: Defines three‑dimensional monitoring ranges (front, front corner, rear‑1, rear‑2, rear corner) and minimum coverage/coverage ratios for horizontal and vertical areas of relevance.
• Detection performance: Requirements for dynamic object detection including relative velocity, start‑up detection delay and detection latency (a test added in this edition).
• Information strategy & human factors: Rules for driver interface-audible and visual information, combinations, signalling duration and progressive warning levels (does not mandate a specific display type). References ergonomic standards for in‑vehicle presentation.
• Self‑test and failure indication: Minimum requirements for system monitoring, self‑test capabilities and how failures are signalled to the driver.
• Trailer operation: Rules for trailer‑hitch handling and MALSO behaviour when a trailer is connected.
• Test procedures: Operational test methods, standard test object definitions (ultrasonic‑based and notes for radar), ambient conditions and stepwise test setups for coverage and vertical/horizontal detection.

Practical applications and users

• Vehicle OEMs and system integrators - to design and validate MALSO functionality and driver interfaces.
• Sensor and ADAS suppliers - to align sensor coverage, test‑object response and latency performance with ISO requirements.
• Test laboratories and regulatory bodies - to perform conformance testing and certification using the standard test procedures (Clause 7).
• Aftermarket system developers - for product specification and safety claims.

Benefits include consistent performance expectations, harmonized test methods, improved parking/manoeuvring safety, and clearer failure‑indication requirements for end users.

Related standards

• ISO 2575 - road vehicle symbols for controls/indicators
• ISO 15006 - in‑vehicle auditory presentation (ergonomics)
• ISO 15008 - in‑vehicle visual presentation (ergonomics)

Keywords: ISO 17386:2023, MALSO, manoeuvring aids, intelligent transport systems, low‑speed operation, obstacle detection, ultrasonic sensors, performance requirements, test procedures, detection latency.