From 1 January 2026, NCR Chapter 7 Appendix 3 Article 3.6 has been introduced to clarify requirements around the routing of components within the cockpit.
Battery cables, fluid lines (with the exception of windscreen washer fluid) and fire extinguisher system lines must not pass between the bodyshell side members and the ROPS. This reflects established best practice and provides clearer, more consistent guidance following feedback from scrutineers.
Further details can be found in the National Competition Rule here.
Where a ROPS is optional, such as in standard and road cars used in Sprint and Hillclimb events, full compliance with Chapter 7 Appendix 3 is not automatically required. In these cases, the key consideration is that the installation must not introduce any hazard to occupants.
Article 3.6 should be used to inform a scrutineer’s judgement, rather than as a strict basis for non-compliance where original cable or fluid routing remains unchanged. Scrutineers are encouraged to apply a pragmatic, safety-led approach and to share photographic examples of any cases that raise questions beyond this guidance to support consistency and ongoing feedback.
ROPS guidance for single-seater racing cars
Comprehensive guidance for ROPS in single-seater racing cars remains available via the Motorsport UK Resource Centre.
This guidance applies to vehicles competing in circuit racing and speed events, including sprints and hill climbs. The principles outlined in the 2018 document remain valid and can continue to support both vehicle passport inspections and event scrutineering.
Safety cage homologations list
The Safety Cage Homologations list has been updated and is now available in both PDF and Excel formats via the Resource Centre.
This provides an up-to-date reference for approved safety cage specifications and should be used by scrutineers and competitors where relevant.