ISO 11154-2023 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 11154-2023 — Road vehicles — Roof load carriers. This international standard specifies safety-related requirements and test methods for roof load carriers (roof racks) intended for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (up to 3.5 t permissible total weight) and for roof racks mounted on trailers.

Abstract

The standard applies to roof racks for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles up to a permissible total weight of 3.5 t (as defined in ISO 1176). It defines requirements and test methods addressing structural strength, load handling (weight and centre of gravity), aerodynamic effects (air resistance) and other safety-relevant properties. Roof racks that rely solely on magnetic or suction attachments are excluded. In specific cases, test requirements may be extended beyond those listed in the document.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: March 2023
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 43.040.60
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2023)
• Number of pages: 49.

Scope

ISO 11154:2023 specifies requirements and test methods for roof load carriers intended for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles up to a permissible total weight of 3.5 t and for roof racks mounted on trailers. The document excludes racks whose attachment to the vehicle is only by magnetic forces or vacuum (magnetic or suction-foot racks). It is intended to provide safety-related criteria where no other technical or statutory regulations apply; in individual cases additional tests can be required.

Key topics and requirements

• Applicability to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 t (ISO 1176 reference).
• Defined test methods and performance requirements for structural strength and durability of roof load carriers.
• Requirements addressing load handling: maximum loads, centre-of-gravity considerations and load distribution.
• Evaluation of effects on vehicle behaviour including aerodynamic (air resistance) and safety-relevant properties.
• Exclusion of purely magnetic or suction-based attachment systems from the standard’s scope.
• Allowance for additional or extended tests in individual cases beyond the baseline requirements.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers and designers of roof load carriers and accessories, automotive component test laboratories, OEM engineering and safety teams, certification and conformity assessment bodies, regulators and product compliance specialists, and major retailers/distributors of vehicle roof systems use this standard to develop, test and verify roof-rack products against internationally recognized safety and performance criteria.

Related standards

ISO 11154:2023 replaces earlier guidance (ISO/PAS 11154:2006) and is related to vehicle classification and mass definitions in standards such as ISO 1176. ISO 11154:2023 has also been issued with amendments (for example ISO 11154:2023/Amd 1:2025).

Keywords

roof load carrier, roof rack, crossbars, roof box, load carrier, passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, test methods, structural strength, load distribution, aerodynamic effects, ISO 11154, ISO 1176.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 11154:2023 is an international standard titled "Road vehicles — Roof load carriers" that specifies safety-related requirements and test methods for roof racks for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (up to 3.5 t).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers performance and testing criteria for roof load carriers including structural strength, load-handling (weight and centre of gravity), aerodynamic considerations and other safety-relevant properties; it excludes purely magnetic or suction-foot attachment systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Product designers and manufacturers of roof racks and accessories, automotive test laboratories, OEM safety and compliance teams, certification bodies, regulators and retailers use the standard to design, test and certify roof load carriers.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 11154:2023 is the current published edition (published March 2023). It supersedes ISO/PAS 11154:2006 and has at least one formal amendment published (ISO 11154:2023/Amd 1:2025).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 11154:2023 is a standalone international standard concerning roof load carriers but is related to other road-vehicle and component standards (for example ISO 1176 for vehicle mass classification) that are commonly referenced when applying the standard.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Roof load carrier, roof rack, crossbars, load capacity, centre of gravity, test methods, structural strength, aerodynamic effects, passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, product safety.