The Technical Regulations regarding safety are the MINIMUM required. There are no guidelines governing the maximum standard allowed and competitors are advised that they should afford themselves the best protection possible.

The event or series scrutineers will make the final decision as to which class any vehicle may compete in prior to the start of an event. The vehicle will stay in that class for the remainder of the series unless adequate modifications are
carried out to allow it to go into a different class.

ALL VEHICLES MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING:

1. CHASSIS
(a) have a protective bulkhead of non-flammable material between the engine and the driver/passenger compartment capable of preventing the passage of fluid or flame in the case of fire. Gaps must be sealed with GRP or intumescent putty. Magnesium is prohibited for bulkheads
(b) have a complete floor of adequate strength rigidly supported within the driver and passenger compartment. No gaps or holes should be visible.
(c) have a minimum permitted wheelbase of 1270mm.

2. BODY
(including aerodynamic fitments)
(a) be fitted with bodywork that includes a crew compartment effectively isolated from the engine, batteries, gearbox, transmission shafts, brakes, road wheels, operating linkages and attachments, petrol tanks, oil tanks, water header tanks, brake reservoirs, catch tanks and radiators (and be fitted with doors or bodywork giving side protection to the driver and passenger).
(b) have a bonnet or casing of metal or solid non-flammable material covering and surrounding the main engine structure that is secured by fasteners of adequate strength and have a positive locking action. All moving parts must be covered.
(c) have a fixed support, strut or strap which holds the engine covering securely in an open position.
(d) be fitted with bodywork of sufficient internal size to Sections 2(d) and 3(a) below.
(e) have bodywork providing a minimum transverse cockpit opening width of 810mm. This width may not be interrupted
(f) Be equipped with mudguards for all wheels which present no sharp edges and cover the complete wheel(flange+rim+tyre) around an arc of 120 degrees.The minimum coverage must :-

•  a) be achieved with continuous surface of rigid material within which ventilation louvres may be fitted .The tyre must not be visible when viewed from above.
•  b) extend forward ahead of the axle line
•  c) extend downward behind the wheel

3. SEATING
(a) have normal adequate seats within the driver/passenger compartment. The seat must be rigidly located within the compartment and must not tilt unless it is a production seat fitted with a suitable locking mechanism preventing independent operation, it must retain the driver within the vehicle. The seat cushion (i.e. the part on which the occupant sits) when uncompressed, must not be less than 150mm below the top edge of the adjacent body side or door. Other seats fitted must similarly comply
(b) The vehicle occupant(s) seated in their normal position,wearing normal equipment,with seat belts fastened and the steering wheel in place,must be able to evacuate the cockpit in a maximum of 7 seconds.MSA Reg (J) 5.19.2.

4. ENGINES
(a) be equipped with a positive method of throttle linkage closing in the event of linkage failure by means of an additional external spring to each throttle spindle.
(b) No vehicle may draw induction air from within the driver and passenger compartment. Air intakes must either be forward of the front bulkhead/windscreen or piped through to the rear of the vehicle to draw outside air from behind the rear bulkhead. The underbonnet air pipe is to be of non-flammable or flame retardant and fuel resistant material and must be securely located.

5. SUSPENSION
(a) be fitted with sprung suspension between the wheels and the chassis unless originally manufactured otherwise.
(b) Suspension movement must be controlled to avoid fouling of wheels and tyres on chassis or bodywork.

6. BRAKES See MSA blue book section(P)58.4.4
(a) be fitted with brakes that are operative and capable of stopping and holding the vehicle as required.
(b) A separate hand brake system must be fitted to all vehicles.

7. STEERING See MSA blue book section(P)58.4.2 and 3  
(a) have a full circumference full diameter steering wheel unless originally manufactured otherwise.
(b) have steering movement controlled to avoid fouling of wheels and tyres on chassis or bodywork.
(c) have a mechanical link between the steering wheel and the steered wheels unless the Supplementary Regulations permit otherwise.

8. WHEELS
(a) have not less than four road wheels and tyres (excluding the spare).
(b) not be fitted with any wheel spacers exceeding 30mm in thickness.
(c) not be fitted with duplicated driving wheels unless originally manufactured otherwise

9. TYRES
(a) be fitted with wheels and tyres that are compatible and also acceptable to the organiser. The use of dumper-type or open-centered tread pattern is prohibited unless otherwise specified.
(b) a spare wheel need not be carried but, if it is, must be securely fastened.
(c) all tyres must comply with the minimum DOT requirements on depth of tread.
(d) the use of tyre chains and studded tyres by competitors is prohibited.
(e) tyres should be covered by the mudguards to cover the whole width of the treaded area(See Reg 2(f).

10. COOLING
(a) have any fluid lines or tubes or internally/externally metal braided hydraulic pressure hoses carrying coolants through the driver and passenger compartment enclosed in a solid metal cover and insulated and isolated to prevent the occupants of the vehicle touching the hot surfaces. Such lines or tubes or coverings must be painted red.
(b) all open radiators, expansion bottles whether front or rear mounted, must be covered in such a manner that nobody can burn themselves on the hot open/unprotected areas of the radiator. All hoses and expansion bottles to be covered/shielded to prevent hot water reaching driver/passenger in the event of damage to radiator, hoses or expansion bottles.

11. TRANSMISSION
(a) have the transmission outside the driver and passenger compartment, beneath the floor or secured in casings or covering of solid material.
(b) be equipped with an operable reverse gear.
(c) vehicles with automatic transmissions shall have a starter inhibiting switch allowing it to start in park and/or neutral only.

12. OIL SYSTEMS
(a) have any oil lines passing through the driver/passenger compartment protected, and if non-metallic enclosed in internally/externally metal braided hydraulic pressure hose.
(b) oil coolers, filters and cooling water expansion tanks must not be fitted in a position where, if burst, the hot fluid can come into contact with the occupants of the vehicle.

13. FUEL SYSTEMS
(a) have any fuel lines passing through the driver/ passenger compartment protected, and if non-metallic or pressure lines, enclosed in internally/externally metal braided hydraulic pressure hose.
(b) if fitted with fuel fillers in the boot, or under closure, have collector/ spill trays incorporated to enable spillage to drain outside the vehicle.
(c) use normally available pump fuel. The use of fuel additives, octane boosters, or AVGAS (aviation fuel) is prohibited.
(d) if using LPG, conform with the Construction and Use Regulations, and also the LPG Industry Technical Association Code of Practice No.11. and have a 75mm diameter 'day-glow' orange disc affixed immediately adjacent to the competition number on both sides.
(e) have tank fillers and caps which do not protrude beyond the bodywork, nor are situated within the driver/passenger compartment. The caps must have an efficient locking action to reduce the risk of accidental opening during an accident and ensure closing after refueling. Air vents must be at least 250mm to the rear of the cockpit. All fuel caps should be of the sealed type to prevent spillage.
(f). It is strongly recommended that the fuel tank is covered with an outer steel or aluminium tank cover which acts as a second line of defence in the event of a roll over.
13. FUEL SYSTEMS (cont)
(g) Vehicles which have a modified fuel system which vents straight to the atmosphere are required to have a one way valve that is manufactured for use in fuel systems fitted in the breather pipe to stop fuel spillage.

13(h) Fluid Spillage See MSA blue book section(P)57.5.3
All vehicles must carry a small spill kit complying to J5.20.13

14. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS See MSA blue book section (P)58.4.1
(a) have any batteries in driver/passenger compartment enclosed in a leak proof container and securely located. Such batteries must be duly protected to prevent leakage of acid and spillage onto the occupants of the vehicle in the event of a rollover.
(b) have battery terminals which are protected from any metal contact which could result in a short circuit.
(c) have the battery earth lead, if not readily distinguishable, identified by a yellow marker.
(d) be fitted with suppressors as required by the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations.
(e) be fitted with a working horn
(f) be fitted with circuit breaker which isolates the battery from all electrical circuits and cuts the engine at the same time and is easily operable by the driver whilst correctly seated.
(g) if equipped with an electric winch be fitted with a second circuit breaker which isolates the winch from all other electrical circuits and is easily operable from inside or outside the vehicle. In the event of a winch relay failure a marshal should be able to see it and turn itoff.
(h) All electrical cut out switches must be clearly marked and in an accessible position. It is recommended that cut out switches are easily distinguishable from other switches in use.

15. TOWING POINTS
All vehicles must be equipped with towing points front and rear. The tow ball or point must be bolted using suitable nuts and bolts of adequate size.

16. RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
All vehicles must be equipped with the following:
(a) a nylon rope of a minimum 25mm diameter or equivalent strap. This must have a closed loop at each end and be of at least 4.5 metres in length.
(b) 2 shackles (stamped with safe working load of 3.25 tons and CE marked)

17. EXHAUST SYSTEM
(a) have the exhaust system isolated from the driver/passenger compartment (e.g. beneath the floor or secured in casings of solid material)

(b).Vehicles may be fitted with a front mounted exhaust.Hot surfaces must be covered or shielded with a suitable material

(c) have no part of the exhaust system protruding laterally beyond a plane through the outer track of the front and rear wheels, or to the rear of the bodywork more than 150 mm.
(d) if all enveloping body is fitted, have supplementary protection for exhaust systems that protrude outside the bodywork. .

18. SILENCING
In all AWDC events, conform to a maximum permitted noise level as laid down in the current MSA ‘Blue book’. The current requirement is a Max of 100db at 0.5m with the engine at 2/3 maximum revs. Continuous noise testing will take place during events and competitors will be advised of excessive noise. WARNING: Temporary silencers, bypass pipes and the inclusion of temporary parts to achieve silencing requirements are prohibited. Officials may refuse to carry out noise checks on vehicles utilising temporary parts in exhaust systems.

19. WINDSCREENS AND SIDESCREENS See MSA blue book section (P)58.2.4 & 5
If fitted to have windscreens of either laminated glass or plastic, of a minimum thickness of 4mm. If plastic windscreen is perforated for viewing purposes goggles or visors must be worn Plastic sidescreens, where fitted, should also have a minimum thickness of 4mm unless fitted otherwise by the original manufacturer. If a windscreen is not fitted a steel mesh screen must be fitted in its place.         

19a See MSA blue book section (P)58.2.6 
Where a windscreen and/or rear window is not fitted to 58.2.4 a full width wire mesh is mandatory of a 2in-5cm maximum square aperture and minimum 10g weld- mesh and must be securely fitted.

20. ROLL OVER PROTECTION See MSA blue book section (P)58.2 & 2.1 
(a) All vehicles must be fitted with rollover protection. A manufacturer’s correctly fitted hardtop or truck-cab is deemed the minimum requirement.
(b) Soft or open topped vehicles require minimum protection of a roll-hoop as per diagram B, for all other vehicles this is advisory.
(c) The use of roll cages is advised for all events. 
(d) General Considerations
i. The basic purpose of the roll over bar is to protect the driver/passenger if the vehicle turns
over or is involved in a serious accident. This purpose should not be forgotten, and in
consideration of this, all roll bars and roll cages should be built to the MSA specification.
ii. The roll over bar/cage must be designed to withstand compression forces resulting from the
weight of the vehicle coming down on the roll bar/cage structure, and to take fore and aft loads
resulting from the vehicle skidding along the ground on its roll structure.

21. CRASH HELMETS See AWDC Supplementary Regulations
Crash helmets are to be used if a solid roof is not fitted. The helmet must conform to the current MSA regulations listed in the ‘Blue Book’ [C(c)90]. You must use a helmet with a fire resistant lining, the label will read B.S.6658-85 A F/R  and is red in colour or Snell SA2000, these are the two most common standards for motor sports crash helmets. The full list is in the MSA Blue Book, do not accept any other.
Helmets should have an MSA compliance sticker affixed to the right hand side by an MSA National A or B scrutineer.
Please protect your helmet from external damage by using a helmet bag or similar, chips within the outer laminate of the helmet may make it unsafe and unusable..

22. SEAT BELTS See MSA blue book section (P)58.2.3 (minimum) 
All seat safety belts must be complete units sourced from a recognised manufacturer and fitted in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and MSA recommendations. See drawings 253-42, 253-43, 253-44 and 253-45.
Seat belts in the following configurations must be worn and be correctly adjusted at all times during events.
(a) Three Point (minimum requirement). One diagonal shoulder strap and one lap strap, with three anchorage points on the chassis/body shell or roll over bar of the vehicle on either side and to the rear of the seat.
(b) Four Point (if fitted - not mandatory). Two shoulder straps and one lap strap, with four anchorage points on the chassis/body shell or roll over bar of the vehicle. One either side and two to the rear of the seat.

23. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS See MSA blue book section (P)58.2.2.  
All vehicles must have a handheld extinguisher in the driver/passenger compartment, The minimum requirement for this is as follows: AFFF (manufactured to a standard of 34b) minimum Capacity 1.75 litres or Zero 2000 Minimum capacity 2.25 litres.

24.Challenge Winching and Recovery Equipment ALL VEHICLES  :- See MSA blue book ref (P)58.5 The following equipment safety ratings are minma based upon single line load .Multiple line rigging and actual mass of vehicle may require equipment with a higher safety rating.The following minimum equipment must be carried:

• 24/ 58.5.1 A polyester towing rope or tow strap rated at 2 tonnes minimum swl.
•  24/58.5.2 Two shackles stamped with a minimum SWL of 3.25 tones and CE marked
•  24/58.5.3 Two tree protecting strops labelled with a minimum SWL of 2 tonnes and be CE marked
•  24/58.5.4 Winch cable/rope must be rated in excess of the maximum rating of the winch.
•  24/58.5.5 Any loop at the end of a steel cable must be swaged. Any loop at the end of a synthetic rope must be spliced 

24a. WINCHING EQUIPMENT Note now classed as AWDC Supplementary regs as new minimum MSA reg issued as from 2011 ref (P)58.5
If vehicles are fitted with one of more winches the following regulations apply:
(a) Winches must be securely fitted to the vehicle.
(b) If an electrical winch, it must be fitted with a battery isolator switch.
(c) Cable/rope must be in good condition.
(d) Loop at end of wire cable must be swaged, synthetic to be spliced.
(e) Vehicles equipped with winches must carry the following equipment:
i) winching blanket of minimum 1kg weight, which must not be permanently attached to
the cable or hook.
ii) 2 pairs of appropriate gloves (not woollen).
iii) 2 tree protector strops (labelled with a SWL of at least 2000kg and CE marked)
iv) 1 snatch block (stamped with safe working load of at least 3.25 tons and CE marked)
v) 2 shackles (stamped with safe working load of at least 3.25 tons and CE marked)
(f) The following equipment is advisable but not mandatory
i) ground anchor/plough

25. WARNING TRIANGLE
(a) A reflective warning triangle must be carried in each vehicle which is equipped with a winch. This must be used to warn oncoming vehicles if a winching manouvre takes place across a driveable track.

26. SCRUTINEERING
(a) Driver and co-driver must present their vehicle in a clean condition to the scrutineer for inspection before the notified start time of the event.
(b) All equipment which will be carried or used during the competition must be presented at scrutineering.
(c) Drivers will be issued with a Vehicle Scrutineering Logbook which must be presented with the vehicle at each event. Failure to present an issued logbook could result in penalties.
(d) All vehicles must have a tamperproof eyebolt affixed to the nearside dashboard to which the CyberKey or Punch Card will be attached. This should be no more than 25mm above the top of the dashboard and no closer than 25mm to the nearside window. This must be suitable to attach the security seal shown 60% of actual size in Diagram C.

27 Road Legal Vehicles. See MSA blue book (P) 58.3 to 58.3.3 Road Legal Challenge Vehicles must fully comply with C&E Regulations in all respects SR's may not relax this requirment.

• 27/58.3.1 Vehicles must comply with (J)5.2.6
•  27/58.3.2 Vehicles must not be fitted with "Tree Wires" nor carry equipment on front bumper nor front bodywork.
•  27/58.3.3 Any vehicle not complying with the above shall be deemed to a Challenge Special