Approving the design of a bus for a Transport Department (e.g., JPJ in Malaysia, DOT in the US, or similar authorities) involves a structured and technical process to ensure safety, compliance with regulations, environmental standards, and passenger comfort. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
✅ 1. Submission of Design Documents
The bus manufacturer or assembler must submit:
Technical drawings: including chassis layout, seating arrangement, structural design.
Specifications: engine type, fuel type, emission level, weight, capacity.
Safety features: braking system, emergency exits, fire suppression, seat belts.
Materials used: for the frame, body, interior, insulation.
Compliance certificates: e.g., UN ECE regulations, ISO standards, MS (Malaysia Standards).
✅ 2. Compliance with National Transport Regulations
Ensure the design meets local regulatory requirements, such as:
Road Transport Act (e.g., in Malaysia, Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987).
Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) or Homologation Process.
Standards for:
Maximum vehicle dimensions (height, length, width).
Turning radius.
Emission levels (Euro 4/5/6).
Accessibility features (ramps, low-floor design for disabled access).
Lighting and signalling systems.
✅ 3. Safety Testing and Inspection
Conduct testing and obtain results from accredited labs:
Crashworthiness and rollover testing (e.g., UN R66 standard).
Brake test (UN R13).
Noise and vibration tests.
Seat anchorage and fire-retardant material certification.
Emergency evacuation test.
✅ 4. Prototype Evaluation
Submit a prototype bus for evaluation:
Physically inspected by Transport Department officers.
Verified for conformity to approved design.
Road-tested under controlled conditions.
✅ 5. Approval from Regulatory Authorities
Authorities will review all submitted documents, lab test results, and inspection findings. If everything is compliant:
Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) or Certificate of Approval (COA) is issued.
Approval is logged in national vehicle registration databases.
✅ 6. Post-Approval Actions
The manufacturer can begin serial production using the approved design.
Periodic audit may be carried out to ensure continuous compliance.
Buses are individually inspected before registration (e.g., PUSPAKOM in Malaysia).
Optional: Sustainability and Innovation Incentives
If the bus includes green technology (e.g., electric drive, hydrogen fuel), additional steps may involve:
Grants or incentives applications.
Approval from environmental and energy ministries.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Submit full design documents and specs |
| 2 | Ensure compliance with transport laws and standards |
| 3 | Conduct safety and emissions tests |
| 4 | Submit prototype for inspection |
| 5 | Obtain VTA or equivalent certification |
| 6 | Start production and perform ongoing checks |
Here’s a detailed guide tailored for approving the design of a bus in Malaysia through the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ), focusing on the Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) process — which is mandatory before any new vehicle can be registered and used on Malaysian roads.
🇲🇾 JPJ Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) Process – Bus Design Approval
✅ Step 1: Preliminary Preparation
Ensure that you:
Are a registered vehicle manufacturer, assembler, or importer (under MITI).
Have access to MyVTA system (JPJ’s online VTA platform).
Have engaged a competent engineer or homologation consultant.
✅ Step 2: Document Preparation
📄 Required Documents:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Borang B1 | VTA Application Form (basic vehicle info) |
| Borang B2 | Detailed specifications, including system/component info |
| Borang B3 | Compliance with MS, UNECE, or other recognized standards |
| Technical Drawings | Including side, front, top views, interior layout |
| Photographs | Prototype vehicle photos showing exterior and interior |
| Compliance Certificates | From MIROS, SIRIM, DOE (for emissions), etc. |
| Test Reports | Emission test, brake test, lighting, etc. |
| Component Approval Certs | For parts like seat belts, tyres, lighting (e.g., UN ECE R16, R13) |
✅ Step 3: Testing and Certification
🔬 Mandatory Tests and Certs:
| Test/Cert | Issued By |
|---|---|
| Brake System Test | SIRIM or MIROS, per UNECE R13 |
| Lighting & Signals | Per UNECE R48 |
| Seat Strength and Anchorage | UNECE R14/R17 |
| Rollover Test (for buses >8 pax) | MIROS – UNECE R66 compliance |
| Noise & Emissions | Department of Environment (DOE) |
| Fire Safety Materials | Certified lab (per MS/UN regulations) |
✅ Step 4: Submit Application via MyVTA Portal
Log in to: https://myvta.jpj.gov.my
Upload all documentation.
Submit prototype details and intended production quantity.
Pay application fees.
✅ Step 5: Physical Inspection by JPJ / MIROS
A prototype unit will be required for physical evaluation:
Verified at PUSPAKOM or designated MIROS test facility.
Inspectors check seat configuration, weight, lighting, signage, emergency exits, etc.
✅ Step 6: Approval and Issuance of VTA Certificate
Once JPJ verifies compliance:
You receive a Vehicle Type Approval Certificate (Sijil Kelulusan Jenis Kenderaan).
This cert allows the model to be mass-produced, imported, or registered in Malaysia.
✅ Step 7: Post-Approval Compliance
Each unit must undergo PUSPAKOM Individual Inspection before registration.
If design changes are made (e.g., longer chassis, added air conditioning), a VTA amendment must be filed.
🧾 Example Compliance Reference
| Regulation | Standard |
|---|---|
| Seat belts | UNECE R16 |
| Rollover | UNECE R66 |
| Emergency exits | MS ISO 19072 |
| Lighting | UNECE R48 |
| Emission | Euro 4 or higher (verified by DOE) |
| Brakes | UNECE R13 |
🛠 Agencies Involved
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| JPJ (Road Transport Department) | Main approval and certification body |
| MIROS | Crash testing, rollover testing |
| SIRIM | Component and material certification |
| PUSPAKOM | Final inspection and testing |
| DOE | Emission test clearance |
| MITI | Manufacturer licensing |
📌 Tips for a Smooth Process
Engage an automotive consultant experienced in VTA.
Use approved and tested components (ECE-marked).
Make sure your bus meets disabled access requirements if used for public transport.
Keep all certification up to date — renewal and surveillance audits may apply.
Here’s a sample checklist and template to help you prepare the Borang B1 and B2 submission for JPJ’s Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) process — specifically for a bus design.
| No | Item | Description | ✔️ Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Borang B1 | Application Form for Vehicle Type Approval | |
| 2 | Borang B2 | Detailed Vehicle Specifications | |
| 3 | Technical Drawings | Exterior and interior layout, including dimensions | |
| 4 | Photographs of Prototype | Front, rear, side views, interior, dashboard | |
| 5 | Compliance Certificates | UN/ECE, MS, ISO – e.g., brake, seat belts, lighting | |
| 6 | Emission Test Report | Euro 4 or higher – from DOE-recognized lab | |
| 7 | Noise Test Report | Fulfilling local dB limits – from SIRIM/MIROS | |
| 8 | Braking Test Certificate | UNECE R13 standard | |
| 9 | Lighting System Certificate | UNECE R48 compliant | |
| 10 | Seat Anchorage Test Report | UNECE R14 / R17 standard | |
| 11 | Emergency Exit Layout | Location, size, compliance with MS ISO 19072 | |
| 12 | Fire Retardant Certificate | For materials used in bus interior | |
| 13 | Roll-Over Protection Test Report | UNECE R66 (required for buses >8 pax) | |
| 14 | Accessibility Design | For disabled users – ramp, wheelchair space | |
| 15 | Manufacturer License from MITI | Compulsory for all manufacturers | |
| 16 | PUSPAKOM Initial Inspection Slip | For prototype evaluation |
📝 Sample Template: Borang B1 – Vehicle Type Approval Application
BORANG B1
Permohonan Kelulusan Jenis Kenderaan (VTA)
1. Nama Pemohon: [Nama syarikat pengeluar / pengimport]
2. Alamat Syarikat: [Alamat penuh]
3. No Telefon: [Telefon pejabat]
4. Nama Model: [Contoh: Bus XZ-2025]
5. Jenis Kenderaan: [Bas Awam / Bas Sekolah / Bas Kilang]
6. Jenis Badan: [Contoh: High Deck, Low Floor, Articulated]
7. Buatan: [Contoh: Buatan Tempatan / Import]
8. Tahun Pengeluaran: [Contoh: 2025]
9. Kapasiti Tempat Duduk: [Contoh: 44 tempat duduk + 1 pemandu]
10. Berat Kenderaan: [Contoh: 16,000 kg GVM]
11. Panjang x Lebar x Tinggi: [Contoh: 12,000mm x 2,500mm x 3,200mm]
12. Jenis Enjin: [Contoh: Diesel Euro 5 / Elektrik]
13. Sistem Brek: [Contoh: Air Brakes with ABS – UNECE R13]
14. Sistem Lampu: [Contoh: LED – UNECE R48 compliant]
15. Lain-lain Ciri: [Contoh: Sistem GPS, CCTV, Rampa OKU]
📝 Sample Template: Borang B2 – Technical Specifications Summary
BORANG B2
Spesifikasi Teknikal – Bas
1. Chassis Manufacturer: [Contoh: Hino / Scania / MAN]
2. Bodybuilder: [Contoh: Gemilang Coachworks]
3. Engine Model: [Contoh: XYZ123 – 6.7L Turbo Diesel]
4. Transmission Type: [Contoh: 6-Speed Auto]
5. Emission Standard: [Contoh: Euro 5]
6. Brake System: [Full air brakes with ABS, ECE R13 compliant]
7. Suspension Type: [Air suspension – front and rear]
8. Tyre Size: [295/80R22.5]
9. Seating Layout: [2+2 with rear aisle, reclining seats]
10. Accessibility: [Low-floor design, wheelchair ramp, OKU signage]
11. Lighting System: [LED headlamps, side markers, R48 compliant]
12. Safety Features: [Fire extinguisher, emergency exit signs, hammer]
13. Electrical System: [24V, battery cutoff switch, reverse buzzer]
14. Material Specs: [Fire-retardant interior, aluminum body panels]
15. Additional Tech: [Passenger counter, GPS, CCTV, infotainment]
📤 Submission Platform
All documents must be uploaded via:
📍 https://myvta.jpj.gov.my
(Login is required with company credentials and MITI registration)
