This European Standard specifies the requirements for the various elements of carrying vehicles to ensure interchangeability between a vehicle and different equipments that are frontally mounted. It specifies certain interchangeability dimensions of the front mounting plate, including its height above the ground, as well as the locations of coupling devices for electrical and hydraulic connections and for mechanical power take off (PTO).

This European Standard specifies two different classes of mounting plates in order to cover road vehicles, having a maximum design total mass higher than 3,5 t, of the greatest possible variety (commercial vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, communal vehicles, …), which are capable of carrying front-mounted equipments for winter maintenance and for road service area maintenance.

This European Standard specifies, with regard to electrical and hydraulic connections and to PTO, only location areas, clearance spaces and preferred layout in order to ensure interchangeability. Requirements applying to connectors, coupling devices and PTO splines are given in EN 15431.

Normative Annex A specifies provisions for an advanced front coupling system that is able to allow for mounting and demounting equipments without the use of tools. Users having to address specific needs (e.g. extreme weather conditions) may require the vehicle be fitted with such automatic coupling system.

Normative Annex B gives provisions for a compact and light front mounting plate intended for combined road and off-road applications.