RR 14 – 1 General Provisions

Pursuant to the HMS Motorcycle Sporting Code, the HMS Sporting Committee hereby issues the Annual Supplement for Rally Raid discipline competitions (hereinafter referred to as RR).

The organisation and conduct of RR competitions shall be governed by the applicable provisions of the FIM and FIM Europe Regulations, the HMS Motorcycle Sporting Code, the HMS General Technical Regulations and this Supplement.

Rally Raid (official international designation: Cross-Country Rally Raid) is a form of long-distance competition that is organisationally highly demanding and lasts several days, with off-road riding (outside paved and maintained public roads) being one of the defining characteristics of this discipline.

Each competition shall consist of at least two competition days, i.e. two daily stages. The total minimum route distance shall be 300 kilometres, while the combined minimum length of the Selective Sections shall be 200 kilometres, of which at least 100 kilometres must be off-road (unpaved roads, tracks and similar terrain).

Rally Raid competitions may include demanding terrain as well as adverse weather and other conditions. Navigation skills, riding ability, adaptability and endurance are therefore essential for the successful completion of a rally.

Navigation during Rally Raid competitions shall be carried out exclusively by means of the Road Book. The organiser shall comply with the current international (FIM/FIA) standards governing Road Book design, Road Book symbols and all other applicable navigation standards.

RR 14 – 2 Event Calendar

The Event Calendar shall be published in a separate Bulletin.

RR 14 – 3 Rider Classes, Vehicle Categories and Special Awards

RR competitions may be open to the following vehicle categories:

• Motorcycles (M)
• Quads (Q)
• SSVs (SSV)

Rider classes shall be determined according to vehicle category and engine capacity and, in the Motorcycle category, additionally according to the number of cylinders.

The classes are as follows:

Motorcycles

• M1 – Motorcycles up to 299 cc
• M2 – Motorcycles 300–399 cc
• M3 – Motorcycles 400–479 cc
• M4 – Motorcycles 480–649 cc (single-cylinder)
• M5 – Motorcycles 650–850 cc (single-cylinder)
• M6 – Motorcycles 650–1300 cc (twin-cylinder)

Quads

• Q – All Quads (regardless of engine capacity)

SSV

• SSV – All Side-by-Side Vehicles (regardless of engine capacity)

In addition to the above classes, the organiser may establish special awards such as Veteran, Women, or similar classifications.

In the Quad category, a passenger is permitted; however, the passenger shall not be eligible for awards or classification.

In the SSV category, participation is permitted with or without a co-pilot. Where a co-pilot is present, both the pilot and the co-pilot shall be eligible for classification and awards.

RR 14 – 4 Conditions for Riders

Riders shall participate in events entirely at their own risk and responsibility.

Riders shall have no right to claim compensation from the organiser for any accident, damage or loss relating to their vehicle.

A Rally Raid event is open only to riders (and co-riders, where applicable) who:

1. hold a valid driving licence;
2. hold, as a minimum, a valid FMN National Competition Licence;
3. hold valid insurance as required by the applicable regulations;
4. hold a valid medical certificate issued no more than one year prior to the event;
5. hold any additional insurance required under these Regulations.

Each rider shall complete the event registration no later than the deadline specified in the Supplementary Regulations.

Where a co-rider is participating, the rider shall be responsible for registering the co-rider and for the accuracy of all information provided.

Each rider shall be solely responsible for the accuracy of all personal and vehicle information submitted during the registration process.

A rider may enter only one vehicle in the event.

A rider may change the entered vehicle only once, either:

• before Technical Inspection by updating the registration details; or

during Technical Inspection, provided that the organiser has been informed in advance and no later than one day before Technical Inspection.

Riders shall possess all protective and other equipment required under Article RR 14-9 Mandatory Rider Protective Equipment.

Every rider shall accept all regulations governing the event and the Championship and shall fully comply with them throughout the competition.

Riders shall be responsible for their co-riders (where applicable), as well as for all members of their team or accompanying persons participating in the event, including friends, family members, mechanics and any other persons present in the bivouac.

RR 14 – 5 Conditions for Organisers

The organiser(s) shall:

1. comply with this Supplement and with all applicable HMS, FIM and FIM Europe regulations;
2. ensure that riders and all participants comply with the regulations and requirements governing the Championship and/or the individual event;
3. ensure the safety of the event in accordance with Article RR 14-10 Safety;
4. provide a Road Book in accordance with Article RR 14-17 Road Book;
5. provide Tracking Devices and, where possible, Safety and Communication Devices in accordance with Article RR 14-10 Safety;
6. allow riders to change their entered vehicle in accordance with these Regulations;
7. allow riders to correct or update their personal information in accordance with these Regulations.

RR 14 – 6 Vehicle Technical Compliance

The rider shall be responsible for ensuring that the vehicle complies with all technical requirements before presenting it for Technical Inspection.

The organiser shall carry out mandatory Technical Inspection before the start of the event and may carry out additional inspections at any time during the competition.

Any vehicle failing to meet the minimum technical requirements prescribed by these Regulations and by the Supplementary Regulations of the event shall not be permitted to start.

Where a vehicle fails Technical Inspection, the rider shall be given the opportunity to rectify the identified non-compliance within the time specified by the organiser. Only the items previously found to be non-compliant shall be subject to re-inspection.

Throughout the event, the Technical Steward may inspect any motorcycle at any time. Where such an inspection is carried out during a timed section of the event (Selective Section or Liaison Section), the time required for the inspection shall be credited to the rider.

The competitor shall remain responsible for the technical condition of the vehicle throughout the entire rally.

The Stewards or authorised officials may disqualify any vehicle at any time during the event if it is considered, or is likely to become, dangerous to the rider, other participants, third parties or the natural environment.

Any refusal to present a vehicle for inspection upon the request of a Technical Steward shall be penalised and may result in Disqualification.

RR 14 – 7 Vehicle Technical Requirements

All vehicles shall:

• be legally registered;
• carry a valid vehicle registration certificate issued in the country of registration, confirming the vehicle's roadworthiness;
• comply with all technical requirements prescribed by the applicable legislation of the Republic of Croatia and any other country in which the rally takes place, as well as with all applicable HMS, FIM and FIM Europe regulations;
• be prepared for the installation of the Tracking, Safety and Communication Devices specified and supplied by the organiser in the Supplementary Regulations;

successfully pass Technical Inspection, including, as a minimum, inspection of the following:

1. chassis/frame identification number (VIN)
2. starter system
3. chain and chain guard protection
4. exhaust system
5. handlebars
6. clutch and brake levers
7. gear lever and throttle control
8. footrests
9. braking system
10. mudguards and wheel protection
11. radiator protection
12. wheels, rims and tyres
13. lighting and signalling equipment
14. fuel, oil and lubricant systems (including leakage and fire hazards)
15. frame
16. registration plate
17. suspension
18. side stand
19. fuel range
20. Tracking and Safety Devices

Additional requirements for SSVs

SSVs shall additionally be equipped with:

1. securely mounted homologated fire extinguishers, with at least one extinguisher accessible to the pilot while seated, and at least one readily accessible to rescue personnel;
2. mandatory protective equipment for both pilot and co-pilot consisting of:

• flame-resistant suit;
• flame-resistant boots;
• flame-resistant gloves;

1. mudguards on all wheels;
2. at least two towing points, one at the front and one at the rear;
3. at least one recovery strap or recovery rope;
4. at least one spare wheel securely mounted to the vehicle;
5. two rear-view mirrors.

Tracking and Safety Devices shall be switched on, fully operational and visible in the official public tracking application no later than one hour before the scheduled start time of the first rider.

Noise Control

All vehicles shall undergo a Noise Test.

The maximum permitted noise levels shall be those prescribed by the applicable HMS, FIM and FIM Europe regulations and shall be specified in the Supplementary Regulations of each event.

If a vehicle fails the Noise Test, the competitor shall immediately rectify the non-compliance before undergoing a repeat Noise Test.

During the event and after the finish, if a vehicle exceeds the maximum permitted noise level during a Noise Test, the following penalties shall apply:

• First offence: 15-minute time penalty
• Second offence: 60-minute time penalty

Third offence: Disqualification from the event and/or additional penalties.

RR 14 – 8 Starting Numbers

Starting numbers shall be allocated by the organiser in accordance with the HMS Motorcycle Sporting Code and these Regulations.

The organiser shall produce and distribute starting number plates or stickers during Administrative Checks. These shall be designed so that they can be securely attached to all competing vehicles.

The size and design of the starting number plates or stickers shall ensure that the numbers are clearly legible and easily identifiable from a considerable distance.

The minimum height of the number itself shall be 12 cm, with a clear margin of at least 1 cm surrounding the number. The overall dimensions of the plate or sticker are not prescribed.

The organiser may include additional information on the plates or stickers (such as the event name, graphics or sponsor logos), provided that the starting number remains the dominant element and that no other information reduces its visibility.

The organiser may use different background colours for starting number plates or stickers where this improves visibility.

The organiser may also produce rider bibs displaying the starting number and require riders to wear them on the chest and/or back.

Starting number plates, stickers and rider bibs shall be supplied by the organiser during Administrative Checks.

Each vehicle shall display three starting numbers:

• one at the front;

one on each side.

The starting numbers shall remain clearly visible throughout the entire event.

The correct positioning and maintenance of the starting numbers throughout the event shall be the responsibility of the rider. All starting numbers shall be correctly fitted before Technical Inspection.

Riders shall immediately notify the organiser if a starting number plate or sticker is lost or damaged to the extent that it is no longer clearly legible.

RR 14 – 9 Mandatory Rider Protective Equipment

All riders shall wear appropriate certified protective equipment complying with applicable EN standards, including:

1. gloves;
2. boots;
3. knee protection;
4. elbow protection;
5. shoulder protection;
6. chest and back protection;
7. helmet;
8. goggles or visor.

The following standards are recommended:

• EN 1621-1:2012 Level 2 – shoulders, elbows, hips and knees;
• EN 1621-2:2014 Level 1 or 2 – back protector (CB or FB);

EN 1621-3:2018 Level 1 or 2 – chest protector.

Eye protection (goggles or visor) shall be made of shatter-resistant material. Glass lenses are prohibited.

Where a visor is used, it shall not form an integral part of the helmet.

The wearing of a helmet bearing an appropriate certification is mandatory throughout the entire event.

For motorcycles and quads, the following rule shall apply:

Whenever the engine is running, the rider shall be wearing a helmet.

This requirement shall not apply while a vehicle is undergoing servicing or repairs within an official Service Zone.

The following helmet certifications are recommended:

• Europe
• ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06 (P type only)
• Japan
• JIS T 8133:2015 (Type 2 Full Face only)
• United States
• SNELL M2015
• SNELL M2020D
• SNELL M2020R

RR 14 – 10 Safety

Participation in a Rally Raid event constitutes participation in motorcycle sport in which speed and adventure are fundamental elements.

Rally Raid competitions involve long and demanding routes, frequently crossing remote and difficult terrain. Participation therefore carries an increased risk of exhaustion, injury or death.

Exhaustion is a common occurrence in Rally Raid events, and fatal accidents have occurred in the past.

Competitors shall, at all times, be personally responsible for:

• their own safety;
• the safety of other competitors;
• road traffic safety;
• the safety of local residents;
• the safety of all living beings;

the protection of the natural environment.

The organiser shall ensure that the event is conducted safely in accordance with the applicable HMS, FIM and FIM Europe regulations and these Regulations.

The organiser shall clearly and unambiguously inform all competitors and participants that participation in a Rally Raid event involves significant risks and that they accept responsibility for any consequences arising from their participation.

The organiser shall inform competitors of all relevant risks and shall ensure that they formally accept these conditions and assume responsibility before participating.

The organiser shall:

• prepare a Safety and Rescue Plan and submit it to the Rally Raid Discipline Director no later than one month before the event;

provide adequate medical support, taking into account the terrain and the possibility of on-site medical intervention, including:

• official rescue teams;
• doctors;
• paramedics;
• transportation or evacuation of injured competitors to an ambulance or hospital;

provide rescue teams comprising at least:

1. an off-road ambulance or 4×4 rescue vehicle capable of reaching accident locations in difficult terrain, providing first aid and transporting injured persons in a lying position;
2. one qualified medical professional authorised to administer oxygen, pain medication and intravenous fluids;
3. one rescue specialist experienced in remote-area rescue operations under difficult terrain and weather conditions;
4. one experienced off-road driver.

One individual may simultaneously perform more than one of the above functions (for example doctor, rescuer and driver); however, each rescue team shall consist of at least two persons.

1. reliable communications appropriate to the available network coverage, together with clearly defined communication procedures between rescue teams;
2. one Chief Rescue Coordinator experienced in managing rescue operations at comparable events;
3. rescue team members familiar with the terrain and capable of navigating using a Road Book.

provide recovery teams for damaged or immobilised vehicles, comprising at least:

1. off-road recovery vehicles equipped to reach, recover and transport disabled vehicles;
2. an experienced off-road driver;
3. personnel familiar with the terrain and capable of navigating using the Road Book.

provide, as a minimum:

1. GPS Tracking Devices for all competitors and an application enabling public tracking of competitors throughout the event.

where possible, provide Safety Devices complying with the following requirements:

1. the devices shall:
2. be compatible with the Road Book;
3. provide additional audio and visual warnings of hazards along the route;
4. enable two-way communication with the rider;
5. not distract the rider from the Road Book or otherwise compromise safety.

provide a Road Book that has been thoroughly checked and in which all significant hazards (Danger !, !! and !!!) are clearly and unambiguously indicated.

Competitors and other participants shall bear full responsibility for any activities undertaken before the official start of the rally (including travel to the event location, training or any other activities not forming part of the official event programme).

Interruption of the Event

The Race Director may interrupt, suspend or cancel the event at any time if justified by safety considerations, force majeure or any other valid reason.

Competitors shall have no right of appeal against a decision of the Race Director to interrupt, suspend or cancel the event.

RR 14 – 11 Route (also Stage)

A route shall consist of Selective Sections (SS) and Liaison Sections (LS).

A daily stage may consist of one or more Selective Sections and one or more Liaison Sections.

The length of each daily stage shall be appropriate to the terrain and designed so that, under normal conditions, competitors are able to complete the stage safely before nightfall.

However, difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances may significantly affect both competitors and their vehicles. Competitors shall be informed of such circumstances as early as possible, and the organiser shall be prepared to make substantial modifications to the schedule where necessary.

The organiser reserves the right to modify any planned stage or route at any time, provided that competitors are informed no later than two hours before the scheduled start of the daily stage.

The Rally Raid Discipline Director shall be informed of any such modification no later than seven days after the conclusion of the event.

A Rally Raid event shall consist of a minimum of two daily stages held on two separate days.

The combined minimum route distance shall be 300 kilometres.

The combined minimum length of the Selective Sections shall be 200 kilometres, of which at least 100 kilometres shall be off-road (unpaved roads, tracks or similar terrain).

In cases of force majeure or exceptional circumstances, such as severe weather, the organiser may, with the approval of both the Jury and the Race Director, depart from the above requirements, provided that the total length of the Selective Sections is not reduced below 150 kilometres.

If these minimum requirements cannot be met, the event shall be postponed or cancelled.

No maximum duration of a Rally Raid event is prescribed.

No maximum length of a Selective Section is prescribed.

The maximum length of a daily stage, including both Selective Sections and Liaison Sections, shall normally be 500 kilometres.

A longer daily stage may be authorised by the Rally Raid Discipline Director.

A request for such authorisation shall be submitted to HMS by electronic mail as soon as the proposed event programme is available.

Where authorisation has been granted, the extended stage distance shall be clearly stated in the Supplementary Regulations.

Where a Rally Raid event lasts more than four days, one rest day may be scheduled after the second competition day.

In such case, the event shall be deemed to have a total duration of five days.

Whenever a route passes through populated areas, an appropriate speed limit shall be imposed.

Such speed limits shall be explained during the riders' briefing and clearly indicated in the Road Book.

A maximum permitted speed shall be established for every route, taking into account terrain conditions and the safety of competitors, event personnel, third parties, wildlife, the natural environment and public or private property.

A minimum rest period of four hours shall be provided between the completion of one stage and the start of the next.

The Race Director may permit a competitor to start the following stage without completing the mandatory four-hour rest period only once during the event and only with the approval of the Chief Medical Officer.

Before the event begins, every route shall be inspected, taking into account the different characteristics of motorcycles, quads and SSVs.

Any information provided by the Route Opening Team ("0 Riders") shall be communicated to competitors during the briefing and through the official communication channels.

The event shall, in part, take place on roads and tracks open to public traffic.

Whenever competitors are using public roads, they shall strictly comply with all applicable traffic laws.

Regardless of the organiser's efforts, public roads can never be completely closed to traffic.

It is impossible to eliminate or fully control the behaviour of third parties, and there is always the possibility that other road users may unexpectedly enter the route, travel in the opposite direction or otherwise create hazardous situations.

Throughout the event, competitors shall strictly comply with the traffic legislation of every country through which the event passes.

The following penalties shall apply for traffic offences:

• First offence: 30-minute time penalty
• Second offence: 60-minute time penalty

Third offence: Disqualification.

Traffic offences may be established on the basis of reports from the police or from members of the public, provided that the reported offence is supported by evidence clearly demonstrating the infringement.

Where an offence occurs within a particularly sensitive area or where the competitor has caused a traffic accident, the Race Director may impose a different penalty than those specified above.

The organiser shall expressly disclaim all liability for traffic accidents, other accidents or any resulting damage and shall communicate this clearly and unambiguously to all competitors and participants.

RR 14 – 12 Prologue (Qualifying Stage)

The Prologue is optional.

The Prologue is a separate stage, generally shorter than the regular rally stages.

Where the event consists of only two competition days, the Prologue shall not count as one of those days. In such cases, it shall be organised on a separate day before the first rally stage.

The Prologue may include Liaison Sections. However, the Selective Section of the Prologue shall be at least 20 kilometres in length.

The total time recorded on the Prologue shall not be included in the overall classification.

The minimum starting interval for the Prologue shall be one minute.

The Prologue results shall be used to determine the starting order for the first stage of the rally.

RR 14 – 13 Selective Sections

Selective Sections (also referred to as Special Stages or Special Sections) are the timed sections of each daily stage.

Selective Sections are conducted on roads and tracks open to public traffic.

Competitors shall use public roads with the utmost care and shall respect all other road users.

The objective of each competitor is to complete the Selective Section in the shortest possible time while complying with all speed limits and all applicable laws and regulations.

The exact starting time of each Selective Section shall be assigned individually to every competitor.

Late arrival at the start of a Selective Section shall be penalised.

The entrance/start (DSS – Departure of Selective Section) and the finish (ASS – Arrival of Selective Section) of every Selective Section shall be clearly indicated in the Road Book and marked on the ground using internationally recognised FIM/FIA symbols.

The entrance to and exit from every Selective Section, as well as the competitor's speed throughout the stage, shall be monitored by the official timing and tracking system.

Driving in the opposite direction within a Selective Section is prohibited and may result in Disqualification from the event.

RR 14 – 14 DSS (Start of the Selective Section)

At the start of a Selective Section, once the motorcycle has stopped at the start control, the timekeeper shall announce the final five seconds of the countdown, counting each second individually.

Immediately after the countdown reaches zero, the starting signal shall be given and the competitor shall start without delay.

It is recommended that a clearly visible official clock or countdown timer be installed at the start.

Any competitor who fails to start within 30 seconds of the starting signal shall receive a 2-minute time penalty.

Any competitor refusing to start a Selective Section at the assigned time and from the assigned starting position shall be penalised and may be Disqualified from the event.

The timekeeper may postpone the start of a Selective Section.

Any competitor starting before the official starting signal shall receive a 5-minute time penalty.

This penalty shall not preclude the Jury from imposing a more severe sanction, particularly in the event of repeated offences.

RR 14 – 15 ASS (Finish of the Selective Section)

The finish of each Selective Section shall consist of a Flying Finish marked by ground signs arranged as follows:

1. a yellow panel displaying a black-and-white chequered flag, indicating the beginning of the finish zone;
2. approximately 100 metres later, a red panel displaying a black-and-white chequered flag, indicating the Flying Finish line;
3. approximately 150 to 300 metres beyond the Flying Finish, two red panels ("Clock" and STOP) followed by a beige End of Zone panel marked with three diagonal stripes.

Stopping between the beginning and the end of the finish zone is prohibited and may result in Disqualification.

The use of photo-finish cameras (on-board cameras such as GoPro or equivalent) is recommended to assist in resolving any ties.

RR 14 – 16 Neutralisations

Neutralisation Zones may be established within Selective Sections.

These zones are normally used as Service Zones and/or Refuelling Zones.

Each Neutralisation shall last for a fixed period of time.

It shall be the sole responsibility of the competitor to leave the Neutralisation Zone at the correct time.

Any competitor leaving a Neutralisation Zone before the permitted time shall be penalised in accordance with the Supplementary Regulations.

The location of the Neutralisation entry, the duration of the Neutralisation and the exit point shall be clearly indicated in the Road Book in accordance with FIM/FIA standards.

Additional electronic devices may assist competitors by displaying the remaining Neutralisation time and other relevant information.

RR 14 – 17 Road Book (Official Route Plan)

The official route (Selective Sections and Liaison Sections) shall be recorded in the Road Book.

The Road Book shall comply with all applicable FIM/FIA graphical and technical standards.

The Road Book shall clearly indicate the route to be followed and all significant hazards.

It shall be designed so that the Road Book itself, without the assistance of additional safety devices, provides sufficient information for the safe navigation of competitors and contributes to the protection of people, wildlife and the natural environment.

Competitors shall be monitored throughout every stage by means of GPS tracking or another approved monitoring system.

Deviation from the prescribed route, speeding or any other breach of these Regulations shall be recorded and penalised by adding time penalties to the competitor's total elapsed time. Such penalties may extend to Disqualification.

Validation of the Waypoints published in the Road Book shall confirm compliance with the official route.

The organiser may provide Safety and Tracking Devices capable of assisting competitors in locating and validating Waypoints.

Where a competitor wishes to return to validate a missed Waypoint, they shall not, under any circumstances, ride in the opposite direction along the official route where doing so would increase the risk of collision with other competitors.

Where the route consists of a single narrow track, riding in the opposite direction is prohibited and shall result in Disqualification.

For safety reasons, a competitor may leave the route in order to return to a previous location without riding against the direction of the rally and without incurring any penalty.

The rally route shall remain confidential until the Road Book has been distributed to all competitors.

The Road Book shall be available in both printed and digital formats.

The printed Road Book shall be produced:

• in the standard A5 format for SSVs; and

as a 145 mm wide scroll for motorcycles and quads.

Both printed formats shall include the total distance, partial distances and navigation notes indicating the distance to the next Track Point (Tulip).

The digital Road Book shall, as a minimum, be provided in PDF format, although additional digital formats may also be made available.

The organiser shall inform competitors in due time of the Road Book formats that will be available and/or recommended for the event.

The Road Book shall be distributed sufficiently in advance of the start of each stage, allowing competitors enough time to install or load it into their Road Book holders or readers.

Throughout the event, competitors shall follow the Road Book, as only the route described therein will have been inspected, officially opened immediately before the event and swept after the passage of the final competitor.

Only this route shall be validated by the Route Opening Team.

The Road Book shall indicate all mandatory control points (WPV, WPM, WPS, WPC, DZ, FZ and CP) which competitors are required to pass.

Failure to validate any mandatory control point shall result in a time penalty.

Where GPS-based Safety, Tracking or Navigation Devices equipped with a graphical display and appropriate audio-visual warnings (including speeding alerts) are used, the following is recommended:

• competitors should be monitored throughout the entire event;
• Intermediate Waypoints should be used;
• Virtual Gates should be implemented;
• Neutralisation Zones, where applicable, should be indicated together with countdown information showing the remaining Neutralisation time;
• Hazard warnings should be provided;

every Danger !!! (Danger 3) shall be designated as a WPS (Waypoint Safety) and automatically announced to competitors by means of both visual and audible alarms.

The Supplementary Regulations shall contain an explanation of all Road Book symbols used during the event.

The Road Book may include a general route description at the beginning.

Road Book Lexicon

The Rally Raid Road Book shall be prepared in accordance with the current FIM/FIA Cross-Country Rally Regulations and shall use the official FIM/FIA Road Book symbols.

Before the start of the event, the organiser shall publish a complete list of all Road Book symbols, including any additional event-specific symbols, in the Supplementary Regulations.

The current Road Book symbols for the competition year, in accordance with the FIM/FIA standard, are shown below.

Road Book Design

The organiser shall comply with the applicable FIM/FIA Road Book design guidelines.

Examples of Road Book design are shown below.

RR 14 – 18 Starting Order

The Race Director shall decide whether competitors will start each day according to the Overall Classification or separately by classes and/or categories.

When determining the interval between the starts of two competitors, the Race Director shall take into account all relevant safety and operational factors, including but not limited to:

• terrain conditions;
• dust;
• visibility of wheel tracks;
• overtaking possibilities on narrow sections;
• competitor safety;
• the Daily Time Limit;

the season of the year, ensuring that the last competitors have sufficient daylight to complete the stage.

Stages

Where a stage begins with a Liaison Section, the Race Director shall establish a separate starting order and individual starting times for the beginning of the Liaison Section.

The Race Director shall ensure that competitors have sufficient time to reach the start of the first Selective Section while complying with all traffic regulations.

Prologue

Where a Prologue is held, its results shall be used to determine the starting order for the first rally stage.

The Race Director shall determine the starting procedure for the first stage.

It is recommended that this procedure be described in the Supplementary Regulations.

Following completion of the first stage, a new starting order shall be established, either Overall or separately for each category and/or class:

• M1
• M2
• M3
• M4
• M5
• M6
• Q

SSV

If the Prologue cannot be held due to force majeure, the Race Director shall determine the starting order and starting procedure.

Procedure Where a Prologue Is Organised

The ten competitors recording the fastest times in the Prologue or, where applicable, the first stage, shall select their starting positions for the following stage according to the procedure below:

• if one or more eligible competitors are absent, they shall be assigned the remaining vacant positions in reverse order of the Prologue classification;
• the eligible competitors shall occupy the first ten starting positions;
• competitors shall choose their positions in reverse order of classification, with the competitor classified tenth choosing first and the fastest competitor choosing last;
• a competitor may choose any available or already occupied starting position;

where an occupied position is selected, the competitor previously occupying that position shall move down one place, and all following competitors shall each move down accordingly.

Second Stage

The starting order for the second stage shall be determined according to the classification of the first Selective Section.

Third and Subsequent Stages

The starting order for the third and all subsequent stages shall be determined according to the classification of the preceding stage.

The order in which categories (Motorcycles, Quads and SSVs) start shall be determined by the Race Director, taking into account safety considerations and the conditions of the route.

Individual starting times for each competitor, both on Selective Sections and Liaison Sections, shall be strictly observed.

A competitor arriving late at the start shall be placed at the end of their respective starting group (category, class or other grouping determined by the organiser).

Marathon Stage

A Marathon Stage shall consist of two consecutive daily stages.

During a Marathon Stage, competitors shall not receive any external assistance.

Detailed regulations governing the Marathon Stage, where applicable, shall be specified in the Supplementary Regulations.

The starting order for the first day of the Marathon Stage shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.

The starting order for the second day of the Marathon Stage shall be determined according to the classification of the first Marathon Stage day.

RR 14 – 19 Route Opening

Every route shall be officially opened before the start of the first competitor.

Depending on terrain characteristics, weather conditions and the length of the route, the opening may be carried out one or more days before the start of the rally.

The organiser shall take into account that significant changes to the route may occur between the opening of the route and the passage of the first competitor.

Any such significant changes shall be communicated by the Race Director during the mandatory briefing and through the official communication channels.

The organiser shall appoint one or more Route Opening Riders who shall ride every route using the official Road Book.

Any observations or changes identified during the route opening, particularly those involving additional or increased hazards, shall immediately be reported to the organiser.

The organiser shall modify the route and/or the Road Book where necessary to reflect the actual conditions encountered.

RR 14 – 20 Opening Riders ("0 Riders") and Route Sweeping

Taking into account terrain characteristics, weather conditions and other relevant circumstances, the organiser may appoint Opening Riders ("0 Riders") who shall start several hours before the first competitor and ride the entire route or designated sections of it.

The Opening Riders shall remove any obstacles encountered where reasonably possible or otherwise ensure that approaching competitors are adequately warned.

Where necessary, and in coordination with the Race Director and the Chief Rescue Coordinator, the Opening Riders may recommend that the event be neutralised or stopped.

Any significant changes identified along the route shall immediately be reported to the organiser.

Where necessary, the organiser shall communicate such information to all competitors through the official communication channels.

RR 14 – 21 Route Closing

The organiser shall ensure that all competitors who started the route are safely accounted for and have left the competition route.

For this purpose, the organiser shall use the available tracking technologies and, where necessary, deploy Closing Marshals who shall be the final official vehicles to traverse the route and thereby officially close it.

Once the route has been officially closed, the organiser shall no longer bear any responsibility for the condition or safety of the route.

RR 14 – 22 Daily Time Limit

The organiser may prescribe the maximum amount of time that a competitor is permitted to spend on:

• an entire stage; and/or

an individual Selective Section.

The applicable Daily Time Limit shall be specified in the Supplementary Regulations.

A competitor exceeding the prescribed Daily Time Limit shall receive the penalties specified in the Supplementary Regulations.

Where exceptional circumstances arise, the Race Director may modify or extend the Daily Time Limit.

The Race Director may also exceptionally authorise a competitor to continue the event where such continuation does not compromise the safety of the event or other competitors.

Where a competitor exceeds the Daily Time Limit due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control (including providing mandatory assistance to another competitor following an accident), the Jury may decide to reduce or cancel the applicable penalty.

RR 14 – 23 Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance during the event shall be regulated by the Supplementary Regulations.

Unless otherwise provided in the Supplementary Regulations, competitors may receive Technical Assistance only within the designated Service Zones.

Outside the designated Service Zones, competitors may carry out repairs using only the tools, spare parts and equipment carried on their own vehicle.

External Technical Assistance outside the designated Service Zones is prohibited unless expressly authorised by these Regulations or by the Race Director for safety reasons.

Any infringement of the Technical Assistance rules shall be penalised in accordance with the Supplementary Regulations.

RR 14 – 24 Environmental Mat

Every competitor shall use an Environmental Mat whenever servicing or refuelling a vehicle.

The Environmental Mat shall be of sufficient size and quality to prevent fuel, oil, coolant or any other hazardous substances from contaminating the ground.

Any competitor failing to use an Environmental Mat or causing environmental contamination may be penalised.

RR 14 – 25 Fuel and Service Zones

The organiser shall designate all Refuelling Zones and Service Zones.

Their locations shall be indicated in the Road Book and, where applicable, in the Supplementary Regulations.

Refuelling shall only be permitted in the designated Refuelling Zones, unless otherwise authorised by the organiser.

Competitors shall comply with all fire safety and environmental protection requirements while refuelling or servicing their vehicles.

Smoking and the use of open flames are prohibited within Refuelling Zones.

The organiser may prescribe additional operational and safety requirements for Refuelling and Service Zones in the Supplementary Regulations.

RR 14 – 26 Results

The final result of each competitor shall be determined by the total elapsed time recorded during the event together with all applicable time penalties.

The competitor with the lowest total elapsed time shall be declared the winner.

Result Calculation Formula

The overall result shall be calculated by adding:

• the total time recorded on all Selective Sections;
• any time recorded on Liaison Sections where such timing is prescribed;

all applicable time penalties.

Time on Selective Sections

The time recorded on each Selective Section shall be measured from the official start (DSS) to the official finish (ASS).

Timing shall be accurate to one second.

Time on Liaison Sections

Liaison Sections shall normally not be timed.

However, competitors shall comply with all prescribed time controls and any maximum permitted travelling times specified by the organiser.

Late arrival at a Time Control may be penalised in accordance with the Supplementary Regulations.

Penalties

Time penalties may be imposed for any breach of these Regulations or of the Supplementary Regulations.

All penalties shall be added to the competitor's total elapsed time.

Speeding Penalties

Penalties for exceeding the prescribed speed limits shall be specified in the Supplementary Regulations and shall form part of the competitor's overall result.

Provisional Results

Provisional Results shall be published as soon as reasonably practicable following the completion of each stage or of the event.

Official Results

Official Results shall become final after the expiry of the protest period and following the resolution of all protests and appeals.

RR 14 – 27 Championship Points

Championship points shall be awarded in accordance with the HMS Motorcycle Sporting Code.

Where applicable, separate classifications may be established for individual categories and classes.

RR 14 – 28 Awards

The organiser shall present awards to the competitors achieving the highest classifications in accordance with the Supplementary Regulations.

Additional awards may be presented for special classifications established by the organiser.

RR 14 – 29 Timing Service

The organiser shall provide an official Timing Service.

Electronic timing systems, GPS-based timing systems or other approved timing technologies may be used.

During the event, the time of each competitor shall be measured with an accuracy of one second.

RR 14 – 30 Protests

Competitors may lodge a protest against any alleged irregularity in accordance with the Supplementary Regulations of the event and the applicable HMS regulations.

RR 14 – 31 Disqualification and/or Exclusion from the Event

A competitor may be Disqualified and/or Excluded from the event for any of the following reasons:

Failure to appear at the start of a stage and/or a Selective Section, or significant late arrival, on more than two occasions.

Repeated loss of the Tracking Device (or Time Card, where applicable).

Moving, removing or damaging route markings.

Failure to leave the competition route after reaching the applicable Daily Time Limit.

Any violent, abusive or otherwise inappropriate behaviour towards competitors, officials, organisers, third parties or animals.

Damage caused to the equipment or property of the organiser, other competitors or any third party.

Obstructing Judges, Timekeepers or any other event officials.

Causing damage to the natural environment, including but not limited to:

1. spilling or disposing of oil anywhere other than the designated disposal area;
2. spilling or disposing of fuel anywhere other than the designated disposal area;
3. discarding tyres, worn components or any other waste anywhere other than the designated disposal area;
4. riding outside the officially prescribed route, particularly within natural or environmentally sensitive areas;
5. creating excessive noise (horn, exhaust system or otherwise), particularly within environmentally sensitive areas.

Any other act of unsportsmanlike conduct, as determined by the Jury and/or the Race Director.

RR 14 – 32 Time Card

Considering the availability of modern IT solutions, and particularly GPS technology, the use of GPS Tracking Systems instead of Time Cards is recommended.

Where GPS tracking cannot be used due to force majeure or another justified reason, the organiser may use Time Cards, subject to the following requirements:

Time Cards shall be distributed during Administrative Checks, before the start of the first stage.

Every Time Card shall clearly indicate:

• the name of the event;
• the competitor's full name;
• the competitor's starting number;

spaces for validation at every Control Point, including the Finish.

The Time Card shall be manufactured from durable, water-resistant material suitable for use in adverse conditions.

The Time Card shall be of such dimensions that it does not interfere with riding and shall be small enough to be conveniently carried in a pocket or similar location.

RR 14 – 33 Supplementary Regulations

The organiser shall prepare Supplementary Regulations in accordance with the HMS Motorcycle Sporting Code.

The Supplementary Regulations shall be submitted to HMS no later than 45 days before the event.

The Rally Raid Sporting Director shall approve the Supplementary Regulations, after which they shall be distributed to the clubs no later than 30 days before the event.

RR 14 – 34 Event Schedule

The Supplementary Regulations shall include the Event Schedule.

As a minimum, the Event Schedule shall specify:

• Administrative Checks;
• Documentation Verification;
• Technical Inspection;
• the start of the Prologue or Qualifying Stage (where applicable);
• the start of every competition stage;

the official finish of the event.

Competitors shall comply with the Event Schedule.

Failure to comply may result in penalty points, refusal of entry, Exclusion from the event and/or a financial penalty.

RR 14 – 35 Entries

Entries shall be submitted in accordance with the HMS regulations and by the procedure specified by the organiser in the Supplementary Regulations.

The right to start the event shall be granted only to competitors who:

• have correctly completed the entry procedure before the start of the event;

have successfully completed Administrative Checks and Technical Inspection.

RR 14 – 36 Entry Fees

The Entry Fee, together with the payment procedure, shall be determined by the organiser.

The amount of the Entry Fee shall be published in the Supplementary Regulations.

RR 14 – 37 Bivouac

The organiser shall:

• provide a Bivouac of sufficient size to accommodate the expected number of competitors, officials, accompanying persons, mechanics and their vehicles;
• ensure that the Bivouac and all persons within it are appropriately secured;

provide for the proper collection and disposal of waste, used vehicle parts, oils and similar materials.

Where reasonably practicable, the organiser should provide:

• toilet facilities;
• drinking water;
• showers;

and facilitate access to food for competitors and other participants throughout the duration of the rally.

RR 14 – 38 Parc Fermé

Where a Parc Fermé is established, access shall be permitted only to authorised officials and competitors, in accordance with the Supplementary Regulations.

No repairs, servicing, refuelling or any other work on a vehicle shall be permitted within the Parc Fermé unless expressly authorised by these Regulations or by the Race Director.

Competitors shall comply with all Parc Fermé procedures and instructions issued by the organiser.

RR 14 – 39 Information

The organiser shall ensure that competitors receive all information necessary for the proper conduct of the event.

Official information shall be communicated through the Official Notice Board and/or any other official communication channels specified in the Supplementary Regulations.

Competitors shall be responsible for regularly checking the Official Notice Board and all official communication channels throughout the event.

Official Notice Board

The organiser shall establish an Official Notice Board, either in physical or electronic form.

All official decisions, Bulletins, Starting Orders, Results, penalties and any other official documents shall be published on the Official Notice Board.

Publication on the Official Notice Board shall constitute official notification to all competitors.

RR 14 – 40 Organisation of Stage Starts and Finishes

The organiser shall ensure that the start and finish areas of every stage are clearly organised, properly marked and adequately secured.

The layout of the start and finish areas shall enable the safe and efficient movement of competitors, officials and authorised vehicles.

Access to the start and finish areas may be restricted to authorised persons only.

The organiser shall ensure that the official timing procedures are carried out correctly at both the start and the finish of every stage.

RR 14 – 41 Organisation of Selective Section Starts and Finishes

The organiser shall ensure that the start and finish of every Selective Section comply with the applicable FIM/FIA standards and these Regulations.

The locations of the DSS (Departure of Selective Section) and ASS (Arrival of Selective Section) shall be clearly indicated in the Road Book and physically marked on the terrain.

The organiser shall ensure adequate safety for competitors, officials and spectators at every DSS and ASS.

Mass Start

Where a Mass Start is organised, the detailed procedure shall be specified in the Supplementary Regulations.

The organiser shall ensure that the starting procedure provides an adequate level of safety for all competitors.

The Race Director may modify or cancel a Mass Start at any time if safety so requires.

RR 14 – 42 Route Markings

The organiser shall ensure that all mandatory route markings are installed correctly before the passage of the first competitor.

Route markings shall be clearly visible and positioned so as to minimise the possibility of navigation errors.

Competitors shall not remove, move, damage or interfere with any official route marking.

Any competitor damaging or deliberately altering route markings may be Disqualified from the event.

RR 14 – 43 Costs to be Covered by the Organiser

The organiser shall bear all costs prescribed by the applicable HMS regulations relating to the organisation and conduct of the event.

Such costs may include, but are not limited to:

• officials;
• timing services;
• medical services;
• rescue services;
• route opening and closing;
• route marking;
• administrative costs;

any other costs required for the safe and proper conduct of the event.

RR 14 – 44 Final Provisions

Any matters not specifically regulated by these Regulations shall be governed by:

• the HMS Motorcycle Sporting Code;
• the HMS General Technical Regulations;
• the applicable FIM Regulations;

the applicable FIM Europe Regulations.

These Regulations shall enter into force on the date of their adoption by the competent bodies of HMS and shall remain valid until replaced by a new Annual Supplement.

Appendix A – Abbreviations

• FIA – Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
• FIM – Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
• FIM Europe – Continental Union of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
• FMN – National Motorcycle Federation recognised by the FIM
• GPS – Global Positioning System
• HMS – Croatian Motorcycle Federation (Hrvatski motociklistički savez)
• LS – Liaison Section
• RR – Rally Raid
• SS – Selective Section
• SSV – Side-by-Side Vehicle

Definitions

• Bivouac – The official rally camp designated by the organiser.
• Co-pilot – The navigator of an SSV.
• Parc Fermé – A secured area in which access to competing vehicles is restricted under these Regulations.
• Pilot – The driver of an SSV.
• Road Book – The official navigation document issued by the organiser.
• Supplementary Regulations – Event-specific regulations issued by the organiser.
• Technical Inspection – The official inspection of competing vehicles.