ISO 20730-3:2021

Overview

ISO 20730-3:2021 - "Road vehicles - Vehicle interface for electronic Periodic Technical Inspection (ePTI) - Part 3: Data definitions" defines the standardized data vocabulary for electronic periodic technical inspection (ePTI). The document specifies ePTI system identifiers, data identifiers (DIDs), routine identifiers (RIDs), input/output control identifiers (IOIDs/IOCTs), data types, CompuMethods (computations), and units. It describes how ePTI-relevant systems and their data are named and represented for interoperable vehicle diagnostics and inspection interfaces. The standard is part of the ISO 20730 series and maps to the OSI model and UDS diagnostic framework.

Key topics and technical requirements

• ePTI-relevant system list (Annex A): a normative list mapping a defined system name to a unique ePTI system identifier and description (e.g., braking, steering, airbags, lighting).
• DID definitions (Annex B): normative definitions of data identifiers used to request or report specific vehicle data items.
• RID/routine definitions (Annex C): normative routines for diagnostic actions and checks that can be invoked during ePTI.
• Templates for identifier definitions (Annex D): standardized templates to propose or document new identifiers and names.
• Data representation: specified data types, units, and CompuMethods to ensure consistent numeric conversion, scaling and interpretation across tools.
• Reference protocols and identifiers: normative references to ISO 14229-1 (UDS), VIN structure (ISO 3779), and diagnostic annexes (SAE J1979DA).
• Scope limits: ISO 20730-3 defines data semantics and technical data requirements only - it does not prescribe test methods, pass/fail criteria, or inspection procedures. Emissions-related data requirements are covered by other standards (e.g., ISO 15031 series, ISO 27145 series, SAE J1979DA).

Practical applications

• Standardizes vehicle data exchanged for electronic periodic technical inspections, enabling:
  • Interoperable PTI diagnostic tools and inspection equipment
  • Remote or automated PTI data collection and reporting
  • Consistent fleet compliance checks and telematics integrations
  • Clear data mappings for OEMs, independent testers and tool vendors
• Helps ensure diagnostic clients interpret DIDs, RIDs, and units consistently across vehicle makes and models.

Who should use this standard

• Vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) defining ePTI data exposure
• Diagnostic tool and scan-tool vendors
• Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) authorities and testing stations
• Automotive software developers, telematics and fleet-management providers
• Regulatory bodies and standards implementers

Related standards

• ISO 20730-1 (application and communication requirements)
• ISO 14229-1 (UDS - Unified Diagnostic Services)
• ISO 3779 (VIN structure)
• Emissions/data specifics: ISO 15031 series, ISO 27145 series, SAE J1979DA

Keywords: ISO 20730-3, ePTI, vehicle interface, data definitions, DIDs, RIDs, system identifiers, CompuMethods, vehicle diagnostics.