Rules 2026

Version 1.0

10 Sept 2025

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 1 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
GR - General Regulations....................................................................................................................5
GR.1 Formula SAE Competition Objective .................................................................................................... 5
GR.2 Organizer Authority.............................................................................................................................. 6
GR.3 Team Responsibility ............................................................................................................................. 6
GR.4 Rules Authority and Issue..................................................................................................................... 7
GR.5 Rules of Conduct .................................................................................................................................. 8
GR.6 Rules Format and Use .......................................................................................................................... 8
GR.7 Rules Questions.................................................................................................................................... 9
GR.8 Protests ................................................................................................................................................ 9
GR.9 Vehicle Eligibility ................................................................................................................................ 10
AD - Administrative Regulations ....................................................................................................... 12
AD.1 The Formula SAE Series ...................................................................................................................... 12
AD.2 Official Information Sources .............................................................................................................. 12
AD.3 Individual Participation Requirements............................................................................................... 12
AD.4 Individual Registration Requirements ................................................................................................ 13
AD.5 Team Advisors and Officers................................................................................................................ 13
AD.6 Competition Registration ................................................................................................................... 14
AD.7 Competition Site ................................................................................................................................ 15
PS - Pre-Competition Submissions .................................................................................................... 16
PS.1 Documentation .................................................................................................................................. 16
PS.2 Submission Details ............................................................................................................................. 16
PS.3 Submission Penalties.......................................................................................................................... 17
V - Vehicle Requirements ................................................................................................................. 19
V.1 Configuration ..................................................................................................................................... 19
V.2 Driver.................................................................................................................................................. 20
V.3 Suspension and Steering .................................................................................................................... 20
V.4 Wheels and Tires ................................................................................................................................ 21
F - Chassis and Structural.................................................................................................................. 23
F.1 Definitions .......................................................................................................................................... 23
F.2 Documentation .................................................................................................................................. 25
F.3 Tubing and Material ........................................................................................................................... 25
F.4 Composite and Other Materials ......................................................................................................... 28
F.5 Chassis Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 31
F.6 Tube Frames ....................................................................................................................................... 37
F.7 Monocoque ........................................................................................................................................ 40
F.8 Front Chassis Protection .................................................................................................................... 44
F.9 Fuel System (IC Only) ......................................................................................................................... 49
F.10 Tractive Battery Container (EV Only) ................................................................................................. 49
F.11 Tractive System (EV Only) .................................................................................................................. 52
T - Technical Aspects ........................................................................................................................ 55
T.1 Cockpit................................................................................................................................................ 55
T.2 Driver Accommodation ...................................................................................................................... 59
T.3 Brakes ................................................................................................................................................. 64
T.4 Electronic Throttle Components ........................................................................................................ 65
T.5 Powertrain.......................................................................................................................................... 67

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 2 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 T.6 Pressurized Systems ........................................................................................................................... 70
T.7 Bodywork and Aerodynamic Devices ................................................................................................. 70
T.8 Fasteners ............................................................................................................................................ 72
T.9 Electrical Equipment .......................................................................................................................... 74
VE - Vehicle and Driver Equipment ................................................................................................... 76
VE.1 Vehicle Identification ......................................................................................................................... 76
VE.2 Vehicle Equipment ............................................................................................................................. 76
VE.3 Driver Equipment ............................................................................................................................... 78
IC - Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles .......................................................................................... 80
IC.1 General Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 80
IC.2 Air Intake System ............................................................................................................................... 80
IC.3 Throttle .............................................................................................................................................. 81
IC.4 Electronic Throttle Control................................................................................................................. 82
IC.5 Fuel and Fuel System ......................................................................................................................... 85
IC.6 Fuel Injection ...................................................................................................................................... 87
IC.7 Exhaust and Noise Control ................................................................................................................. 88
IC.8 Electrical ............................................................................................................................................. 89
IC.9 Shutdown System............................................................................................................................... 89
EV - Electric Vehicles ........................................................................................................................ 91
EV.1 Definitions .......................................................................................................................................... 91
EV.2 Documentation .................................................................................................................................. 91
EV.3 Electrical Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 91
EV.4 Components ....................................................................................................................................... 93
EV.5 Energy Storage ................................................................................................................................... 95
EV.6 Electrical System .............................................................................................................................. 100
EV.7 Shutdown System............................................................................................................................. 103
EV.8 Charger Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 108
EV.9 Vehicle Operations ........................................................................................................................... 109
EV.10 Event Site Activities .......................................................................................................................... 110
EV.11 Work Practices ................................................................................................................................. 110
EV.12 Red Car Condition ............................................................................................................................ 111
IN - Technical Inspection ................................................................................................................ 113
IN.1 Inspection Requirements ................................................................................................................. 113
IN.2 Inspection Conduct .......................................................................................................................... 113
IN.3 Inspection Parts................................................................................................................................ 114
IN.4 Initial Inspection / Gear Check ......................................................................................................... 114
IN.5 Tractive Battery Pack and Charger Inspection (EV Only) ................................................................. 114
IN.6 Mechanical / Electrical Inspection ................................................................................................... 115
IN.7 Driver Template Inspections ............................................................................................................ 116
IN.8 Cockpit Template Inspections .......................................................................................................... 116
IN.9 Driver Cockpit Checks....................................................................................................................... 117
IN.10 Active Inspection / EV Active (EV only) ............................................................................................ 117
IN.11 Tilt Test ............................................................................................................................................. 118
IN.12 Noise and Switch Test (IC Only) ....................................................................................................... 118
IN.13 Rain Test (EV Only) ........................................................................................................................... 119
IN.14 Brake Test......................................................................................................................................... 120
IN.15 Inspection Approval ......................................................................................................................... 120
IN.16 Modifications and Repairs ............................................................................................................... 121

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 3 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 IN.17 Reinspection ..................................................................................................................................... 122
S - Static Events.............................................................................................................................. 123
S.1 General Static ................................................................................................................................... 123
S.2 Presentation Event ........................................................................................................................... 123
S.3 Cost and Manufacturing Event......................................................................................................... 124
S.4 Design Event..................................................................................................................................... 128
D - Dynamic Events ........................................................................................................................ 130
D.1 General Dynamic .............................................................................................................................. 130
D.2 Pit and Paddock................................................................................................................................ 130
D.3 Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 131
D.4 Flags ................................................................................................................................................. 132
D.5 Weather Conditions ......................................................................................................................... 132
D.6 Tires and Tire Changes ..................................................................................................................... 133
D.7 Driver Limitations ............................................................................................................................. 134
D.8 Definitions ........................................................................................................................................ 134
D.9 Acceleration Event ........................................................................................................................... 134
D.10 Skidpad Event ................................................................................................................................... 135
D.11 Autocross Event ............................................................................................................................... 137
D.12 Endurance Event .............................................................................................................................. 139
D.13 Efficiency Event ................................................................................................................................ 143
D.14 Post Endurance ................................................................................................................................ 145

Verify this is the current version of this document at the website www.fsaeonline.com

REVISION SUMMARY
Provided as a courtesy. Not a complete list. See GR.3.3 and GR.6.6

1.0 Changes in sections: AD.2, AD.6, F.4.2, F.6, F.7, F.8, F.10, F.11, T.8.2, T.8.3, EV.1, EV.3.2, IN.3,
IN.5, IN.6, IN.10, IN.14
Other Selected changes: GR.4.2.3, GR.4.3, AD.3.6, F.5.2.4, T.4.2.3, T.9.2.1, IC.4.3.2, IC.4.8.3,
EV.4.1.3, EV.5.2.3, EV.5.11.4, EV.6.7.1, EV.7.4.3

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 4 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
GR - GENERAL REGULATIONS
GR.1 FORMULA SAE COMPETITION OBJECTIVE
GR.1.1 Collegiate Design Series
SAE International's Collegiate Design Series (CDS) programs prepare undergraduate and
graduate engineering students in a variety of disciplines for future employment in mobility-
related industries by challenging them with a real world, engineering application.
Through the Engineering Design Process, experiences may include but are not limited to:
• Project management, budgeting, communication, and resource management skills
• Team collaboration
• Applying industry rules and regulations
• Design, build, and test the performance of a real vehicle
• Interact and compete with other students from around the globe
• Develop and prepare technical documentation
Students also gain valuable exposure to and engagement with industry professionals to
enhance 21st century learning skills, to build their own network and help prepare them for the
workforce after graduation.
GR.1.2 Formula SAE Concept
The Formula SAE® competitions challenge teams of university undergraduate and graduate
students to conceive, design, fabricate, develop and compete with small, formula style
vehicles.
GR.1.3 Engineering Competition
Formula SAE® is an engineering education competition that requires performance
demonstration of vehicles in a series of events, off track and on track against the clock.
Each competition gives teams the chance to demonstrate their creativity and engineering
skills in comparison to teams from other universities around the world.
GR.1.4 Vehicle Design Objectives
GR.1.4.1 Teams will act as an engineering firm that will conceive, design, fabricate, test, develop and
demonstrate a prototype vehicle
GR.1.4.2 The vehicle should have high performance and be sufficiently durable to successfully complete
all the events at the Formula SAE competitions.
GR.1.4.3 Additional design factors include: aesthetics, cost, ergonomics, maintainability, and
manufacturability.
GR.1.4.4 Each design will be judged and evaluated against other competing designs in a series of Static
and Dynamic events to determine the vehicle that best meets the design goals and may be
profitably built and marketed.
GR.1.5 Good Engineering Practices
Vehicles entered into Formula SAE competitions should be designed and fabricated in
accordance with good engineering practices.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 5 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
GR.2 ORGANIZER AUTHORITY
GR.2.1 General Authority
SAE International and the competition organizing bodies reserve the right to revise the
schedule of any competition and/or interpret or modify the competition rules at any time and
in any manner that is, in their sole judgment, required for the efficient operation of the event
or the Formula SAE series as a whole.
GR.2.2 Right to Impound
GR.2.2.1 SAE International and other competition organizing bodies may impound any onsite vehicle or
part of the vehicle at any time during a competition.
GR.2.2.2 Team access to the vehicle or impound may be restricted.
GR.2.3 Problem Resolution
Any problems that arise during the competition will be resolved through the onsite organizers
and the decision will be final.
GR.2.4 Restriction on Vehicle Use
SAE International, competition organizers and officials are not responsible for use of vehicles
designed in compliance with these Formula SAE Rules outside of the official Formula SAE
competitions.

GR.3 TEAM RESPONSIBILITY

GR.3.1 Rules Compliance
By registering for a Formula SAE competition, the team, members of the team as individuals,
faculty advisors and other personnel of the entering university agree to comply with, and be
bound by, these rules and all rule interpretations or procedures issued or announced by SAE
International, the Formula SAE Rules Committee and the other organizing bodies.
GR.3.2 Student Project
By registering for any university program, the University registered assumes liability of the
student project.
GR.3.3 Understanding the Rules
Teams, team members as individuals and faculty advisors, are responsible for reading and
understanding the rules in effect for the competition in which they are participating.
GR.3.4 Participating in the Competition
GR.3.4.1 Teams, individual team members, faculty advisors and other representatives of a registered
university who are present onsite at a competition are “participating in the competition” from
the time they arrive at the competition site until they depart the site at the conclusion of the
competition or earlier by withdrawing.
GR.3.4.2 All team members, faculty advisors and other university representatives must cooperate with,
and follow all instructions from, competition organizers, officials and judges.
GR.3.5 Forfeit for Non Appearance
GR.3.5.1 It is the responsibility of each team to be in the right location at the right time
GR.3.5.2 If a team is not present and ready to compete at the scheduled time, they forfeit that event
GR.3.5.3 There are no makeups for missed appearances

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 6 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
GR.4 RULES AUTHORITY AND ISSUE
GR.4.1 Rules Authority
The Formula SAE Rules are the responsibility of the Formula SAE Rules Committee and are
issued under the authority of the SAE International Collegiate Design Series
GR.4.2 Rules Validity
GR.4.2.1 The Formula SAE Rules posted on the website and dated for the calendar year of the
competition are the rules in effect for the competition
GR.4.2.2 Any rules, questions, or resolutions from previous years are not valid for the current
competition year
GR.4.2.3 All or part of specified documents may be Incorporated by Reference. These documents or
parts have the same validity as the Formula SAE Rules
GR.4.3 Rules Hierarchy
GR.4.3.1 The Formula SAE Rules are the top level document and have priority over other levels of
documents
GR.4.3.2 Appendices or supplements to the Formula SAE Rules may be published and Incorporated by
Reference GR.4.2.3
GR.4.3.3 Any regulations pertaining to the use of the competition site by teams or individuals and
which are posted, announced and/or otherwise publicly available are Incorporated by
Reference GR.4.2.3
As examples, all competition site waiver requirements, speed limits, parking and facility use
rules apply to Formula SAE participants
GR.4.3.4 Official specified communications from the Formula SAE Rules Committee, SAE International
or the other organizing bodies are to be considered part of, and have the same validity as the
Formula SAE Rules
GR.4.3.5 A Handbook may be published or made available to give procedures and other requirements
specific to each Formula SAE Competition
GR.4.3.6 Additional guidance or reference documents may be published or made available
GR.4.4 Rules Alterations
GR.4.4.1 The Formula SAE Rules may be revised, updated, or amended at any time
GR.4.4.2 Draft rules or proposals may be issued for comments, however they are a courtesy, are not
valid for any competitions, and may or may not be implemented in whole or in part
GR.4.5 Rules Compliance
GR.4.5.1 All participants must comply with the latest issue of the Formula SAE Rules
Refer to the Event Website to verify the current version
GR.4.5.2 Teams and team members must comply with the general rules and any specific rules for each
competition they enter
GR.4.6 Violations on Intent
The violation of the intent of a rule will be considered a violation of the rule itself

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 7 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
GR.5 RULES OF CONDUCT
GR.5.1 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
If unsportsmanlike conduct occurs, the team gets a warning from an official.
A second violation will result in expulsion of the team from the competition.
GR.5.2 Official Instructions
Failure of a team member to follow an instruction or command directed specifically to that
team or team member will result in a 25 point penalty.
GR.5.3 Arguments with Officials
Argument with, or disobedience of, any official may result in the team being eliminated from
the competition.
All members of the team may be immediately escorted from the grounds.
GR.5.4 Alcohol and Illegal Material
GR.5.4.1 Alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons or other illegal material are prohibited on the competition site
during the entire competition.
GR.5.4.2 Any violation of this rule by any team member or faculty advisor will cause immediate
disqualification and expulsion of the entire team.
GR.5.4.3 Any use of drugs, or the use of alcohol by an underage individual will be reported to the local
authorities.
GR.5.5 Smoking – Prohibited
Smoking and e-cigarette use is prohibited in all competition areas.

GR.6 RULES FORMAT AND USE

GR.6.1 Definition of Terms
• Must - designates a requirement
• Must NOT - designates a prohibition or restriction
• Should - gives an expectation
• May - gives permission, not a requirement and not a recommendation
GR.6.2 Capitalized Terms
Items or areas which have specific definitions or have specific rules are capitalized.
For example, “Rules Questions” or “Primary Structure”
GR.6.3 Headings
The article, section and paragraph headings in these rules are provided only to facilitate
reading: they do not affect the paragraph contents.
GR.6.4 Applicability
GR.6.4.1 Unless otherwise specified, all rules apply to all vehicles at all times
GR.6.4.2 Rules specific to vehicles based on their powertrain will be specified as such in the rule text:
• Internal Combustion “IC” or “IC Only”
• Electric Vehicle “EV” or “EV Only”

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 8 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
GR.6.5 Figures and Illustrations
Figures and illustrations give clarification or guidance, but are Rules only when referred to in
the text of a rule
GR.6.6 Change Identification
Any summary of changed rules and/or changed portions marked in the rules themselves are
provided for courtesy, and may or may not include all changes

GR.7 RULES QUESTIONS

GR.7.1 Question Types
Designated officials will answer questions that are not already answered in the rules or FAQs
or that require new or novel rule interpretations.
Rules Questions may also be used to request approval, as specified in these rules.
GR.7.2 Question Format
GR.7.2.1 All Rules Questions must include:
• Full name and contact information of the person submitting the question
• University name – no abbreviations
• The specific competition your team has, or is planning to, enter
• Number of the applicable rule(s)
GR.7.2.2 Response Time
• Please give a minimum of two weeks for a response
• Do not resubmit questions
GR.7.2.3 Submission Addresses
a. Teams entering Formula SAE competitions: Follow the link and instructions published on
the Event Website to "Submit a Rules Question"
b. Teams entering other competitions please visit those respective competition websites
for further instructions
GR.7.3 Question Publication
Any submitted question and the official answer may be reproduced and freely distributed, in
complete and edited versions

GR.8 PROTESTS
GR.8.1 Cause for Protest
A team may protest any rule interpretation, score or official action (unless specifically
excluded from Protest) which they feel has caused some actual, non trivial, harm to their
team, or has had a substantive effect on their score.
GR.8.2 Preliminary Review – Required
Questions about scoring, judging, policies or any official action must be brought to the
attention of the organizer or SAE International staff for an informal preliminary review before
a protest may be filed

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 9 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
GR.8.3 Protest Format
• All protests must be filed in writing
• The completed protest must be presented to the organizer or SAE International staff by
the team captain
• Team video or data acquisition will not be reviewed as part of a protest
GR.8.4 Protest Point Bond
A team must post a 25 point protest bond which will be forfeited if their protest is rejected.
GR.8.5 Protest Period
Protests concerning any aspect of the competition must be filed in the protest period
announced by the competition organizers or 30 minutes of the posting of the scores of the
event to which the protest relates.
GR.8.6 Decision
The decision regarding any protest is final

GR.9 VEHICLE ELIGIBILITY

GR.9.1 Student Developed Vehicle
GR.9.1.1 Vehicles entered into Formula SAE competitions must be conceived, designed, fabricated and
maintained by the student team members without direct involvement from professional
engineers, automotive engineers, racers, machinists or related professionals.
GR.9.1.2 Information Sources
The student team may use any literature or knowledge related to design and information from
professionals or from academics if the information is given as a discussion of alternatives with
their pros and cons.
GR.9.1.3 Professional Assistance
Professionals must not make design decisions or drawings. The Faculty Advisor may be
required to sign a statement of compliance with this restriction.
GR.9.1.4 Student Fabrication
Students should do all fabrication tasks
GR.9.2 Definitions
GR.9.2.1 Competition Year
The period beginning at the first event of the Formula SAE series where the vehicle is onsite
and begins Technical Inspection or Static events and continuing until the start of the
corresponding event held approximately 12 months later
GR.9.2.2 First Year Vehicle
A vehicle which has, at minimum, a newly built chassis and is in its initial Competition Year
GR.9.2.3 Second Year Vehicle
A vehicle which has competed in a previous Competition Year
GR.9.2.4 Third Year Vehicle
A vehicle which has competed in more than one previous Competition Year

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 10 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
GR.9.3 Formula SAE Competition Eligibility
GR.9.3.1 Only First Year Vehicles may enter the Formula SAE Competitions
a. If there is any question about the status as a First Year Vehicle, the team must provide
additional information and/or evidence.
GR.9.3.2 Second Year Vehicles must not enter Formula SAE Competitions, unless permitted by the
organizer of the specific competition.
The Formula SAE and Formula SAE Electric events do not allow Second Year Vehicles
GR.9.3.3 Third Year Vehicles must not enter any Formula SAE Competitions

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 11 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
AD - ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
AD.1 THE FORMULA SAE SERIES
AD.1.1 Rule Variations
All competitions in the Formula SAE Series may post rule variations specific to the operation of
the events in their countries. Vehicle design requirements and restrictions will remain
unchanged. Any rule variations will be posted on the websites specific to those competitions.
AD.1.2 Official Announcements and Competition Information
Teams must read the published announcements by SAE International and the other organizing
bodies and be familiar with all official announcements concerning the competitions and any
released rules interpretations.
AD.1.3 Official Languages
The official language of the Formula SAE series is English.
Document submissions, presentations and discussions in English are acceptable at all
competitions in the series.

AD.2 OFFICIAL INFORMATION SOURCES

AD.2.1 Event Website
The Event Website for Formula SAE is at: http://fsaeonline.com/
AD.2.1.1 Documents, forms, and information are accessed from the “Series Resources” link
AD.2.1.2 Each registered team must have an account on the Event Website
AD.2.1.3 Each team must have one or more persons as Team Captain. The Team Captain must accept
Team Members
AD.2.1.4 Only persons designated Team Members or Team Captains can upload documents to the
website
AD.2.2 Contact the Organizer
Refer to the Event Website for directions to contact the organizer

AD.3 INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

AD.3.1 Eligibility
AD.3.1.1 Team members must be enrolled as degree seeking undergraduate or graduate students in
the college or university of the team with which they are participating
AD.3.1.2 Team members who have graduated during the seven month period prior to the competition
remain eligible to participate
AD.3.1.3 Teams which are formed with members from two or more universities are treated as a single
team. A student at any university making up the team may compete at any competition
where the team participates. The multiple universities are treated as one university with the
same eligibility requirements.
AD.3.1.4 Each team member may participate at a competition for only one team. This includes
competitions where the University enters both IC and EV teams.
AD.3.2 Age
Team members must be minimum 18 years of age

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 12 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
AD.3.3 Driver’s License
Team members who will drive a competition vehicle at any time during a competition must
hold a valid, government issued driver’s license
AD.3.4 Society Membership
Team members must be members of SAE International
Proof of membership, such as membership card, is required at the competition.
AD.3.5 Medical Insurance
Individual medical insurance coverage is required and is the sole responsibility of the
participant.
AD.3.6 Disabled Accessibility
Team members who require accessibility for areas outside of ADA Compliance must Contact
the Organizer prior to start of competition

AD.4 INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

AD.4.1 Preliminary Registration
AD.4.1.1 All students and faculty must be affiliated to your respective school /college/university on the
Event Website before the deadline shown on the Event Website
AD.4.1.2 International student participants (or unaffiliated Faculty Advisors) who are not SAE
International members must create a free customer account profile on www.sae.org. Upon
completion, please Contact the Organizer to finish affiliation.
AD.4.2 Onsite Registration
AD.4.2.1 All team members and faculty advisors must register at the competition site
AD.4.2.2 All onsite participants, including students, faculty and volunteers, must sign a liability waiver
upon registering onsite.
AD.4.2.3 Onsite registration must be completed before the vehicle may be unloaded, uncrated or
worked upon in any manner.

AD.5 TEAM ADVISORS AND OFFICERS

AD.5.1 Faculty Advisor
AD.5.1.1 Each team must have a Faculty Advisor appointed by their university.
AD.5.1.2 The Faculty Advisor should accompany the team to the competition and will be considered by
the officials to be the official university representative.
AD.5.1.3 Faculty Advisors:
a. May advise their teams on general engineering and engineering project management
theory
b. Must not design, build or repair any part of the vehicle
c. Must not develop any documentation or presentation
AD.5.2 Electrical System Officer (EV Only)
The Electrical System Officer (ESO) is responsible for all electrical operations of the vehicle
during the event
AD.5.2.1 Each participating team must appoint one or more ESO for the event

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 13 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
AD.5.2.2 The ESO must be:
a. A valid team member, see AD.3 Individual Participation Requirements
b. One or more ESO must not be a driver
c. Certified or has received appropriate practical training whether formal or informal for
working with High Voltage systems in automotive vehicles
Give details of the training on the ESO/ESA form
AD.5.2.3 Duties of the ESO - see EV.11.1.1
AD.5.3 Electric System Advisor (EV Only)
AD.5.3.1 The Electrical System Advisor (ESA) must be a professionally competent person(s) nominated
by the team who can advise on the electrical and control systems that will be integrated into
the vehicle. The faculty advisor may also be the ESA if all the requirements below are met.
AD.5.3.2 The ESA must supply details of their experience of electrical and/or control systems
engineering as used in the vehicle on the ESO/ESA form
AD.5.3.3 The ESA must be sufficiently qualified to advise the team on their proposed electrical and
control system designs based on significant experience of the technology being developed and
its implementation into vehicles or other safety critical systems. More than one person may
be needed.
AD.5.3.4 The ESA must advise the team on the merits of any relevant engineering solutions. Solutions
should be discussed, questioned and approved before they are implemented into the final
vehicle design.
AD.5.3.5 The ESA should advise the students on any required training to work with the systems on the
vehicle.
AD.5.3.6 The ESA must review the Electrical System Form and to confirm that in principle the vehicle
has been designed using good engineering practices.
AD.5.3.7 The ESA must make sure that the team communicates any unusual aspects of the design to
reduce the risk of exclusion or significant changes being required to pass Technical Inspection.

AD.6 COMPETITION REGISTRATION

AD.6.1 Registration Details
Refer to the Event Website for specific registration requirements, deadlines and limitations
AD.6.2 Registration Fees
AD.6.2.1 Registration fees must be paid by the deadline specified on the respective competition
website
AD.6.2.2 Registration fees are not refundable and not transferrable to any other competition.
AD.6.3 Waitlist
AD.6.3.1 Waitlisted teams must submit all documents by the same deadlines as registered teams to
remain on the Waitlist
AD.6.3.2 When offered a spot on the Registered list, a Waitlist team has 24 hours to accept or reject
the position and an additional 24 hours to have the registration payment completed or in
process.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 14 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
AD.6.4 Withdrawals
Registered teams that will not attend the competition must Contact the Organizer as soon as
possible

AD.7 COMPETITION SITE

AD.7.1 Personal Vehicles
Personal cars and trailers must be parked in designated areas only. Only authorized vehicles
will be permitted in the track areas
AD.7.2 Motorcycles, Bicycles, Rollerblades, etc. - Prohibited
The use of motorcycles, quads, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades or similar person-
carrying devices by team members and spectators in any part of the competition area,
including the paddocks, is prohibited
AD.7.3 Self-propelled Pit Carts, Tool Boxes, etc. - Prohibited
The use of self-propelled pit carts, tool boxes, tire carriers or similar motorized devices in any
part of the competition site, including the paddocks, is prohibited
AD.7.4 Trash Cleanup
AD.7.4.1 Cleanup of trash and debris is the responsibility of the teams
• The team’s work area should be kept uncluttered
• At the end of the day, each team must clean all debris from their area and help with
maintaining a clean paddock
AD.7.4.2 Teams must remove all of their material and trash when leaving the site at the end of the
competition
AD.7.4.3 Teams that abandon furniture, or that leave a paddock that requires special cleaning, will be
billed for removal and/or cleanup costs

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 15 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
PS - PRE-COMPETITION SUBMISSIONS
PS.1 DOCUMENTATION
PS.1.1 Requirements
PS.1.1.1 The documents supporting each vehicle must be submitted before the deadlines posted on
the Event Website or otherwise published by the organizer.
PS.1.1.2 The procedures for submitting documents are published on the Event Website or otherwise
identified by the organizer.
PS.1.2 Definitions
PS.1.2.1 Submission Date
The date and time of upload to the website
PS.1.2.2 Submission Deadline
The date and time by which the document must be uploaded or submitted
PS.1.2.3 No Submissions Accepted After
The last date and time that documents may be uploaded or submitted
PS.1.2.4 Late Submission
• Uploaded after the Submission Deadline and prior to No Submissions Accepted After
• Submitted largely incomplete prior to or after the Submission Deadline
PS.1.2.5 Not Submitted
• Not uploaded prior to No Submissions Accepted After
• Not in the specified form or format
PS.1.2.6 Amount Late
The number of days between the Submission Deadline and the Submission Date.
Any partial day is rounded up to a full day.
Examples: submitting a few minutes late would be one day penalty; submitting 25 hours late
would be two days penalty
PS.1.2.7 Grounds for Removal
A specified document that if Not Submitted may cause Removal of Team Entry
PS.1.2.8 Reviewer
A designated event official who is assigned to review and accept a Submission

PS.2 SUBMISSION DETAILS

PS.2.1 Submission Location
Teams entering Formula SAE competitions in North America must upload the required
documents to the team account on the Event Website
PS.2.2 Submission Format Requirements
Refer to Table PS-1 Submission Information
PS.2.2.1 Template files with the required format must be used when specified in Table PS-1
PS.2.2.2 Template files are available on the Event Website

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 16 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
PS.2.2.3 Do Not alter the format of any provided template files
PS.2.2.4 Each submission must be one single file in the specified format (PDF - Portable Document File,
XLSX - Microsoft Excel Worksheet File)

PS.3 SUBMISSION PENALTIES

PS.3.1 Submissions
PS.3.1.1 Each team is responsible for confirming that their documents have been properly uploaded or
submitted and that the deadlines have been met
PS.3.1.2 Prior to the Submission Deadline:
a. Documents may be uploaded at any time
b. Uploads may be replaced with new uploads without penalty
PS.3.1.3 If a Submitted Document revision is requested by the Reviewer, a new Submission Deadline
for the revised document may apply
PS.3.1.4 Teams will not be notified if a document is submitted incorrectly
PS.3.2 Penalty Detail
PS.3.2.1 Late Submissions get a point penalty as shown in Table PS-2, subject to official discretion
PS.3.2.2 Additional penalties will apply if Not Submitted, subject to official discretion
PS.3.2.3 Penalties up to and including Removal of Team Entry may apply based on document reviews,
subject to official discretion
PS.3.3 Removal of Team Entry
PS.3.3.1 The organizer may remove the team entry when a:
a. Grounds for Removal document is Not Submitted in 24 hours or less after the deadline.
Removals will occur after each Document Submission deadline
b. Team does not respond to Reviewer requests or organizer communications
PS.3.3.2 When a team entry will be removed:
a. The team will be notified prior to cancelling registration
b. No refund of entry fees will be given
PS.3.4 Specific Penalties
PS.3.4.1 Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) (IC Only)
a. There is no point penalty for ETC documents
b. The team will not be permitted to run ETC on their vehicle and must use mechanical
throttle operation when:
• The ETC Notice of Intent is Not Submitted
• The ETC Systems Form is Not Submitted, or is not accepted
PS.3.4.2 Fuel Type IC.5.1
There is no point penalty. Once the deadline has passed, the team gets the basic fuel type.
PS.3.4.3 Program Submissions
Please submit material requested for the Event Program by the published deadlines

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 17 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
Table PS-1 Submission Information

Refer Required Submit in Penalty

Submission
to: Format: File Format: Group
Structural Equivalency Spreadsheet
(SES) F.2.1 see below XLSX Tech
as applicable to your design
ETC - Notice of Intent IC.4.2 see below PDF ETC
ETC – Systems Form (ETCSF) IC.4.2 see below XLSX ETC
EV – Electrical Systems Officer and AD.5.2,
see below PDF Tech
Electrical Systems Advisor Form AD.5.3
EV - Electrical System Form (ESF) EV.2.1 see below XLSX Tech
Presentation (if required, see S.2.4.1) S.2.4 see S.2.4 see S.2.4 Other
Cost Report S.3.4 see S.3.4.2 (1) Other
Cost Addendum S.3.7 see below see S.3.7 none
Design Briefing S.4.3 see below PDF Other
Vehicle Drawings S.4.4 see S.4.4.1 PDF Other
Design Spec Sheet S.4.5 see below XLSX Other

Format: Use the template file or form available on the Event Website

Note (1): Refer to the Event Website for submission requirements

Table PS-2 Submission Penalty Information

Penalty Points
Penalty Group Not Submitted after the Deadline
per 24 Hours
ETC none Not Approved to use ETC - see PS.3.4.1
Tech -20 Grounds for Removal - see PS.3.3
Removed from Cost/Design/Presentation
Other -20
Event and Score 0 points – see PS.3.2.2

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 18 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
V - VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
V.1 CONFIGURATION
The vehicle must be open wheeled and open cockpit (a formula style body) with four wheels
that are not in a straight line.
V.1.1 Open Wheel
Open Wheel vehicles must satisfy all of these criteria:
a. The top 180° of the wheels/tires must be unobstructed when viewed from vertically
above the wheel.
b. The wheels/tires must be unobstructed when viewed from the side.
c. No part of the vehicle may enter a keep out zone defined by two lines extending
vertically from positions 75 mm in front of and 75 mm aft of, the outer diameter of the
front and rear tires in the side view elevation of the vehicle, with tires steered straight
ahead. This keep out zone will extend laterally from the outside plane of the wheel/tire
to the inboard plane of the wheel/tire.

V.1.2 Wheelbase
The vehicle must have a minimum wheelbase of 1525 mm
V.1.3 Vehicle Track
V.1.3.1 The track and center of gravity must combine to provide sufficient rollover stability. See
IN.11.2
V.1.3.2 The smaller track of the vehicle (front or rear) must be no less than 75% of the larger track.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 19 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
V.1.4 Ground Clearance
V.1.4.1 Ground clearance must be sufficient to prevent any portion of the vehicle except the tires
from touching the ground during dynamic events
V.1.4.2 The distance to the ground below the Lower Side Impact Structure ( F.6.4.5, F.7.5.1 ) at its
lowest point must be 90 mm or less and the distance to the ground should be 75 mm or less.
a. There must be an opening for measuring the ride height at that point without removing
aerodynamic devices
V.1.4.3 Intentional or excessive ground contact of any portion of the vehicle other than the tires will
forfeit a run or an entire dynamic event
The intent is that sliding skirts or other devices that by design, fabrication or as a consequence
of moving, contact the track surface are prohibited and any unintended contact with the
ground which causes damage, or in the opinion of the Dynamic Event Officials could result in
damage to the track, will result in forfeit of a run or an entire dynamic event

V.2 DRIVER
V.2.1 Accommodation
V.2.1.1 The vehicle must be able to accommodate drivers of sizes ranging from 5th percentile female
up to 95th percentile male.
• Accommodation includes driver position, driver controls, and driver equipment
• Anthropometric data may be found on the Event Website
V.2.1.2 The driver’s head and hands must not contact the ground in any rollover attitude
V.2.2 Visibility
a. The driver must have sufficient visibility to the front and sides of the vehicle
b. When seated in a normal driving position, the driver must have a minimum field of vision
of 100° to the left and the right sides
c. If mirrors are required for this rule, they must remain in position and adjusted to enable
the required visibility throughout all Dynamic Events

V.3 SUSPENSION AND STEERING

V.3.1 Suspension
V.3.1.1 The vehicle must have a fully operational suspension system with shock absorbers, front and
rear, with usable minimum wheel travel of 50 mm, with a driver seated
V.3.1.2 Officials may disqualify vehicles which do not represent a serious attempt at an operational
suspension system, or which demonstrate handling inappropriate for an autocross circuit
V.3.1.3 All suspension mounting points must be visible at Technical Inspection by direct view or by
removing any covers
V.3.1.4 Fasteners in the Suspension system are Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2
V.3.1.5 All spherical rod ends and spherical bearings on the suspension and steering must be one of:
• Mounted in double shear
• Captured by having a screw/bolt head or washer with an outside diameter that is larger
than spherical bearing housing inside diameter.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 20 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
V.3.2 Steering
V.3.2.1 The Steering Wheel must be mechanically connected to the front wheels
V.3.2.2 Electrically operated steering of the front wheels is prohibited
V.3.2.3 Steering systems must use a rigid mechanical linkage capable of tension and compression
loads for operation
V.3.2.4 The steering system must have positive steering stops that prevent the steering linkages from
locking up (the inversion of a four bar linkage at one of the pivots). The stops:
a. Must prevent the wheels and tires from contacting suspension, bodywork, or Chassis
during the track events
b. May be put on the uprights or on the rack
V.3.2.5 Steering system free play must be less than seven degrees (7°) total measured at the steering
wheel
V.3.2.6 The steering rack must be mechanically attached to the Chassis F.5.14
V.3.2.7 Joints between all components attaching the Steering Wheel to the steering rack must be
mechanical and be visible at Technical Inspection. Bonded joints without a mechanical backup
are not permitted.
V.3.2.8 Fasteners in the steering system are Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2
V.3.2.9 Spherical rod ends and spherical bearings in the steering must meet V.3.1.5 above
V.3.2.10 Rear wheel steering may be used.
a. Rear wheel steering must incorporate mechanical stops to limit the range of angular
movement of the rear wheels to a maximum of six degrees (6°)
b. The team must provide the ability for the steering angle range to be verified at Technical
Inspection with a driver in the vehicle
c. Rear wheel steering may be electrically operated
V.3.3 Steering Wheel
V.3.3.1 In any angular position, the Steering Wheel must meet T.1.4.4
V.3.3.2 The Steering Wheel must be attached to the column with a quick disconnect.
V.3.3.3 The driver must be able to operate the quick disconnect while in the normal driving position
with gloves on.
V.3.3.4 The Steering Wheel must have a continuous perimeter that is near circular or near oval.
The outer perimeter profile may have some straight sections, but no concave sections. “H”,
“Figure 8”, or cutout wheels are not permitted.

V.4 WHEELS AND TIRES

V.4.1 Wheel Size
Wheels must be 203.2 mm (8.0 inches) or more in diameter.
V.4.2 Wheel Attachment
V.4.2.1 Any wheel mounting system that uses a single retaining nut must incorporate a device to
retain the nut and the wheel if the nut loosens.
A second nut (jam nut) does not meet this requirement

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 21 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
V.4.2.2 Teams using modified lug bolts or custom designs must provide proof that Good Engineering
Practices have been followed in their design.
V.4.2.3 If used, aluminum wheel nuts must be hard anodized and in pristine condition.
V.4.3 Tires
Vehicles may have two types of tires, Dry and Wet
V.4.3.1 Dry Tires
a. The tires on the vehicle when it is presented for Technical Inspection.
b. May be any size or type, slicks or treaded.
V.4.3.2 Wet Tires
Any size or type of treaded or grooved tire where:
• The tread pattern or grooves were molded in by the tire manufacturer, or were cut by
the tire manufacturer or appointed agent.
Any grooves that have been cut must have documented proof that this rule was met
• There is a minimum tread depth of 2.4 mm
V.4.3.3 Tire Set
a. All four Dry Tires and Wheels or all four Wet Tires and Wheels do not have to be identical
b. Once each tire set has been presented for Technical Inspection, any tire compound or
size, or wheel type or size must not be changed
V.4.3.4 Tire Pressure
a. Tire Pressure must be in the range permitted by the manufacturer at all times
b. Tire Pressure may be inspected at any time
V.4.3.5 Requirements for All Tires
a. Teams must not do any hand cutting, grooving or modification of the tires
b. Tire warmers are not permitted
c. No traction enhancers may be applied to the tires at any time onsite at the competition

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 22 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F - CHASSIS AND STRUCTURAL
F.1 DEFINITIONS
F.1.1 Chassis
The fabricated structural assembly that supports all functional vehicle systems.
This assembly may be a single fabricated structure, multiple fabricated structures or a
combination of composite and welded structures.
F.1.2 Frame Member
A minimum representative single piece of uncut, continuous tubing.
F.1.3 Monocoque
A type of Chassis where loads are supported by the external panels
F.1.4 Main Hoop
A roll bar located alongside or immediately aft of the driver’s torso.
F.1.5 Front Hoop
A roll bar located above the driver’s legs, in proximity to the steering wheel.
F.1.6 Roll Hoop(s)
Referring to the Front Hoop AND the Main Hoop
F.1.7 Roll Hoop Bracing Supports
The structure from the lower end of the Roll Hoop Bracing back to the Roll Hoop(s).
F.1.8 Front Bulkhead
A planar structure that provides protection for the driver’s feet.
F.1.9 Impact Attenuator
A deformable, energy absorbing device located forward of the Front Bulkhead.
F.1.10 Primary Structure
The combination of these components:
• Front Bulkhead and Front Bulkhead Support
• Front Hoop, Main Hoop, Roll Hoop Braces and Supports
• Side Impact Structure
• (EV Only) Tractive System Protection and Rear Impact Protection
• Any Frame Members, guides, or supports that transfer load from the Driver Restraint
System
F.1.11 Primary Structure Envelope
A volume enclosed by multiple tangent planes, each of which follows the exact outline of the
Primary Structure Frame Members
F.1.12 Major Structure
The portion of the Chassis that lies inside the Primary Structure Envelope, excluding the Main
Hoop Bracing and the portion of the Main Hoop above a horizontal plane located at the top of
the Upper Side Impact Member or top of the Side Impact Zone.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 23 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.1.13 Rollover Protection Envelope
The Primary Structure plus a plane from the top of the Main Hoop to the top of the Front
Hoop, plus a plane from the top of the Main Hoop to the rearmost Triangulated structural
tube, or monocoque equivalent.
* If there are no Triangulated Structural members aft of the Main Hoop, the Rollover
Protection Envelope ends at the rear plane of the Main Hoop

F.1.14 Tire Surface Envelope

The volume enclosed by tangent lines between the Main Hoop and the outside edge of each
of the four tires.

F.1.15 Component Envelope

The area that is inside a plane from the top of the Main Hoop to the top of the Front
Bulkhead, plus a plane from the top of the Main Hoop to the rearmost Triangulated structural
tube, or monocoque equivalent. * see note in step F.1.13 above

F.1.16 Buckling Modulus (EI)

Equal to E*I, where E = modulus of Elasticity, and I = area moment of inertia about the
weakest axis
F.1.17 Triangulation
An arrangement of Frame Members where all members and segments of members between
bends or nodes with Structural tubes form a structure composed entirely of triangles.
a. This is generally required between an upper member and a lower member, each may
have multiple segments requiring a diagonal to form multiple triangles.
b. This is also what is meant by “properly triangulated”

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 24 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.1.18 Nonflammable Material
Metal or a Non Metallic material which meets UL94-V0, FAR25 or approved equivalent

F.2 DOCUMENTATION
F.2.1 Structural Equivalency Spreadsheet - SES
F.2.1.1 The SES is a supplement to the Formula SAE Rules and may provide guidance or further details
in addition to those of the Formula SAE Rules
F.2.1.2 The SES provides the means to:
a. Document the Primary Structure and show compliance with the Formula SAE Rules
b. Determine Equivalence to Formula SAE Rules using an accepted basis
F.2.2 Structural Documentation
F.2.2.1 All teams must submit a Structural Equivalency Spreadsheet (SES) as given in section PS - Pre-
Competition Submissions
F.2.3 Equivalence
F.2.3.1 Equivalency in the structural context is determined and documented with the methods in the
SES
F.2.3.2 Any Equivalency calculations must prove Equivalency relative to Steel Tubing in the same
application
F.2.3.3 The properties of tubes and laminates may be combined to prove Equivalence
For example, in a Side Impact Structure consisting of one tube per F.3.2.1.e and a laminate
panel, the panel only needs to be Equivalent to two Side Impact Tubes.
F.2.4 Tolerance
Tolerance on dimensions given in the rules is permitted and is addressed in the SES
F.2.5 Fabrication
Vehicles must be fabricated in accordance with the design, materials, and processes described
in the SES.

F.3 TUBING AND MATERIAL

F.3.1 Dimensions
Diameter and Wall Thickness values provided in this Section F.3 are based on dimensions for
commonly available tubing.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 25 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.3.2 Tubing Requirements
F.3.2.1 Requirements by Application
Steel Tube Must
Aluminum Tubing
Application Meet Size per
Permitted per F.3.5 ?
F.3.4:
a. Front Bulkhead Size B Yes
b. Front Bulkhead Support Size C Yes
c. Front Hoop Size A Yes
d. Front Hoop Bracing Size B Yes
e. Side Impact Structure Size B Yes
f. Bent / Multi Upper Side Impact Member Size D Yes
g. Main Hoop Size A NO
h. Main Hoop Bracing Size B NO
i. Main Hoop Bracing Supports Size C Yes
j. Driver Restraint Harness Attachment Size B Yes
k. Shoulder Harness Mounting Bar Size A NO
l. Shoulder Harness Mounting Bar Bracing Size C Yes
m. Battery Pack Mounting and Protection Size B Yes
n. Component Protection Size C Yes
o. Structural Tubing Size C Yes
F.3.3 Non Structural Tubing
F.3.3.1 Definition
Any tubing which does NOT meet F.3.2.1.o Structural Tubing
F.3.3.2 Applicability
Non Structural Tubing is ignored when assessing compliance to any rule
F.3.4 Steel Tubing and Material
F.3.4.1 Minimum Requirements for Steel Tubing
A tube must have all four minimum requirements for each Size specified:
Minimum Minimum Minimum
Minimum
Area Cross Outside Example Sizes of
Tube Wall
Moment of Sectional Diameter or Round Tube
Thickness
Inertia Area Square Width
1.0” x 0.095”
a. Size A 11320 mm4 173 mm2 25.0 mm 2.0 mm
25 x 2.5 mm
1.0” x 0.065”
b. Size B 8509 mm4 114 mm2 25.0 mm 1.2 mm
25.4 x 1.6 mm
1.0” x 0.049”
c. Size C 6695 mm4 91 mm2 25.0 mm 1.2 mm
25.4 x 1.2 mm
1.375” x 0.049”
d. Size D 18015 mm4 126 mm2 35.0 mm 1.2 mm
35 x 1.2 mm

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 26 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.3.4.2 Properties for ANY steel material for calculations submitted in an SES must be:
a. Non Welded Properties for continuous material calculations:
Young’s Modulus (E) = 200 GPa (29,000 ksi)
Yield Strength (Sy) = 305 MPa (44.2 ksi)
Ultimate Strength (Su) = 365 MPa (52.9 ksi)
b. Welded Properties for discontinuous material such as joint calculations:
Yield Strength (Sy) = 180 MPa (26 ksi)
Ultimate Strength (Su) = 300 MPa (43.5 ksi)
F.3.4.3 If welded tubing reinforcements are required (such as inserts for bolt holes or material to
support suspension cutouts):
a. Equivalence of the Welded tube and reinforcement must be shown to the original Non
Welded tube in the SES
b. Welded inserts must use a wall thickness greater than the original Non Welded tube
c. Welded Inserts must use an outer diameter less than the original Non Welded tube
diameter or square side
F.3.5 Aluminum Tubing
F.3.5.1 Alumimum Tubing may be used for applications shown as permitted in F.3.2.1
F.3.5.2 If any Aluminum Tubing is used, the SES must contain:
a. Documentation of material type, (purchase receipt, shipping document or letter of
donation) and the material properties.
b. Calculations that show equivalent to or better than the minimum requirements for steel
tubing in the application as listed in F.3.4.1 for yield and ultimate strengths matching the
Non Welded Steel properties from F.3.4.2.a above in bending, buckling and tension, for
buckling modulus and for energy dissipation
c. Details of the manufacturing technique and process
F.3.5.3 Properties
a. Minimum Wall Thickness for Aluminum Tubing: Non Welded 2.0 mm
Welded 3.0 mm
b. Non Welded properties for aluminum alloy 6061-T6 for calculations in an SES must be:
Young’s Modulus (E) 69 GPa (10,000 ksi)
Yield Strength (Sy) 240 MPa (34.8 ksi)
Ultimate Strength (Su) 290 MPa (42.1 ksi)
c. Welded properties for aluminum alloy 6061-T6 for calculations in an SES must be:
Yield Strength (Sy) 115 MPa (16.7 ksi)
Ultimate Strength (Su) 175 MPa (25.4 ksi)
d. If welding is used on a regulated aluminum structure, the equivalent yield strength must
be considered in the “as welded” condition for the alloy used unless the team provides
detailed proof that the frame or component has been properly solution heat treated,
artificially aged, and not subject to heating during team manufacturing.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 27 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 e. If aluminum was solution heat treated and age hardened to increase its strength after
welding, the team must supply evidence of the process.
This includes, but is not limited to, the heat treating facility used, the process applied,
and the fixturing used.

F.4 COMPOSITE AND OTHER MATERIALS

F.4.1 Requirements
If any composite or other material is used, the SES must contain:
F.4.1.1 Documentation of material type, (purchase receipt, shipping document or letter of donation)
and the material properties.
F.4.1.2 Details of the manufacturing technique and/or composite layup technique as well as the
structural material used (examples - cloth type, weight, and resin type, number of layers, core
material, and skin material if metal).
F.4.1.3 Calculations that show equivalence of the structure to one of similar geometry made to meet
the minimum requirements for a structure made from steel tubing per F.3.2. Equivalency
calculations must be submitted for energy dissipation, yield and ultimate strengths in bending,
buckling, and tension.
F.4.1.4 Construction dates of the test panel(s) and monocoque, and approximate age(s) of the
materials used.
F.4.2 Laminate and Material Testing
F.4.2.1 Testing Requirements
a. Any tested samples must be engraved with the full date of construction and sample
name
b. The same set of test results must not be used for different monocoques in different years
c. A new Comparison Test F.4.2.3 must be done before the laminate tests F.4.2.2
The intent is for the test panel to use the same material batch, material age, material storage,
and student layup quality as the monocoque, and to make sure the calibration of the test
machine is accurate
F.4.2.2 Primary Structure Laminate Testing
Teams must build new representative test panels for each ply schedule used in the regulated
regions of the new chassis as a flat panel and do a 3 point bending test on these panels. Refer
to F.4.2.4
a. Test panels must:
• Measure one of the two options: 138 mm x 500 mm OR 275 mm x 500 mm
• Have equal surface area for the top and bottom skin
• Have bare edges, without skin material
b. The SES must include:
• Data from the 3 point bending tests
• Pictures of the test samples
• A picture of the test sample and test setup showing a measurement documenting
the supported span distance used in the SES

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 28 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 c. Test panel results must be used to derive stiffness, yield strength, ultimate strength and
absorbed energy properties by the SES formula and limits for the purpose of calculating
laminate panels equivalency corresponding to Primary Structure regions of the chassis.
d. Test panels must use the thickest core associated with each skin layup
Designs may use core thickness that is 50% - 100% of the test panel core thickness
associated with each skin layup
e. Calculation of derived properties must use the part of test data where deflection is 50
mm or less
f. Calculation of absorbed energy must use the integral of force times displacement
F.4.2.3 Comparison Test
Teams must make an equivalent test that will determine any compliance in the test rig and
establish an absorbed energy value of the baseline tubes.
a. The comparison test must use two Side Impact steel tubes (F.3.2.1.e)
b. The steel tubes must be tested to a minimum displacement of 19.0 mm
c. The calculation of absorbed energy must use the integral of force times displacement
from the initiation of load to a displacement of 19.0 mm
F.4.2.4 Test Conduct
a. The Laminate test F.4.2.2 and the Comparison test F.4.2.3 must use the same fixture
b. The load applicator used to test any panel/tubes as required in this section F.4.2 must
be:
• Metallic
• Radius 50 mm
c. Test sample supports must:
• Have a center to center span distance of 400 mm
• Be round where the supports touch the sample
d. The load applicator must overhang the test piece to prevent edge loading
e. Any other material must not be put between the load applicator and the items on test

F.4.2.5 Perimeter Shear Test

a. The Perimeter Shear Test must be completed by measuring the force required to push or
pull a 25 mm diameter flat punch through a flat laminate sample.
b. The sample must:
• Measure 100 mm x 100 mm minimum
• Have core and skin thicknesses identical to those used in the actual application

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 29 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 • Be manufactured using the same materials and processes
c. The fixture must support the entire sample, except for a 32 mm hole aligned coaxially
with the punch.
d. The sample must not be clamped to the fixture
e. The edge of the punch and hole in the fixture may include an optional fillet up to a
maximum radius of 1 mm.
f. The SES must include force and displacement data and photos of the test setup.
g. The first peak in the load-deflection curve must be used to determine the skin shear
strength; this may be less than the minimum force required by F.7.3.3 / F.7.5.5
h. The maximum force recorded must meet the requirements of F.7.3.3 / F.7.5.5
F.4.2.6 Lap Joint Test
The Lap Joint Test measures the force required to pull apart a joint of two laminate samples
that are bonded together
a. A joint design with two perpendicular bond areas may show equivalence using the shear
performance of the smaller of the two areas
b. A joint design with a single bond area must have two separate pull tests with different
orientations of the adhesive joint:
• Parallel to the pull direction, with the adhesive joint in pure shear
• T peel normal to the pull direction, with the adhesive joint in peel
c. The samples used must:
• Have skin thicknesses identical to those used in the actual monocoque
• Be manufactured using the same materials and processes
The intent is to perform a test of the actual bond overlap, and fail the skin before the bond
d. The force and displacement data and photos of the test setup must be included in the
SES.
e. The shear strength * normal area of the bond must be more than the UTS * cross
sectional area of the skin
F.4.3 Use of Laminates
F.4.3.1 Unidirectional plies must be enclosed by balanced plies. Unidirectional plies should not be the
nearest plies to core material.
F.4.3.2 The monocoque must have the tested layup direction normal to the cross sections used for
Equivalence in the SES, with allowance for taper of the monocoque normal to the cross
section.
F.4.3.3 Results from the 3 point bending test will be assigned to the 0 layup direction.
F.4.3.4 All material properties in the directions specified by the SES must be 50% or more of those in
the tested “0” direction as calculated by the SES
F.4.4 Equivalent Flat Panel Calculation
F.4.4.1 When specified, the Equivalence of the chassis must be calculated as a flat panel with the
same composition as the chassis about the neutral axis of the laminate.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 30 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.4.4.2 The curvature of the panel and geometric cross section of the chassis must be ignored for
these calculations.
F.4.4.3 Calculations of Equivalence that do not reference this section F.4.3 may use the actual
geometry of the chassis.

F.5 CHASSIS REQUIREMENTS

This section applies to all Chassis, regardless of material or construction
F.5.1 Primary Structure
F.5.1.1 The Primary Structure must be constructed from one or a combination of:
• Steel Tubing and Material F.3.2 F.3.4
• Alternative Tubing Materials F.3.2 F.3.5
• Composite Material F.4
F.5.1.2 Any chassis design that combines the Tube Frame, Monocoque, tubing and/or composite
types must:
a. Meet all relevant requirements F.5.1.1
b. Show Equivalence F.2.3, as applicable
c. Any connections must meet F.5.4, F.5.5, F.7.8 as applicable, or Equivalent
F.5.2 Bent Tubes or Multiple Tubes
F.5.2.1 The minimum radius of any bend, measured at the tube centerline, must be three or more
times the tube outside diameter (3 x OD)
F.5.2.2 Bends must be smooth and continuous with no evidence of crimping or wall failure.
F.5.2.3 If a bent tube (or member consisting of multiple tubes that are not in a line) is used anywhere
in the Primary Structure other than the Roll Hoops (see F.5.6.3 for Roll Hoop requirements),
an additional tube must be attached to support it.
a. The support tube attachment point must be at the position along the bent tube where it
deviates farthest from a straight line connecting the two ends
b. The support tube must terminate at a node of the chassis
c. The support tube for any bent tube (other than the Upper Side Impact Member or
Shoulder Harness Mounting Bar) must be:
• The same diameter and thickness as the bent tube
• Angled no more than 30° from the plane of the bent tube
F.5.2.4 If multiple tubes are used in place of a bend, the ends should be mitered together for a
continuous load path. No open tube ends are allowed in regulated load paths.
F.5.3 Holes and Openings in Regulated Tubing
F.5.3.1 Any holes in any regulated tubing (other than inspection holes) must be addressed on the SES.
F.5.3.2 Technical Inspectors may check the compliance of all tubes. This may be done by ultrasonic
testing or by the drilling of inspection holes on request.
F.5.3.3 Regulated tubing other than the open lower ends of Roll Hoops must have any open ends
closed by a welded cap or inserted metal plug

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 31 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.5.4 Fasteners in Primary Structure
F.5.4.1 Bolted connections in the Primary Structure must use a removable bolt and nut
Bonded fasteners and blind nuts and bolts do not meet this requirement
F.5.4.2 Threaded fasteners used in Primary Structure are Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2
F.5.4.3 Bolted connections in the Primary Structure using tabs or brackets must have an edge
distance ratio “e/D” of 1.5 or higher
“D” equals the hole diameter. “e” equals the distance from the edge of the hole to the nearest
free edge
Tabs attaching the Suspension to the Primary Structure are NOT “in the Primary Structure”
F.5.5 Bonding in Regulated Structure
F.5.5.1 Adhesive used and referenced bonding strength must be correct for the two substrate types
F.5.5.2 Document the adhesive choice, age and expiration date, substrate preparation, and the
equivalency of the bonded joint in the SES
F.5.5.3 The SES will reduce any referenced or tested adhesive values by 50%
F.5.6 Roll Hoops
F.5.6.1 The Chassis must include a Main Hoop and a Front Hoop
F.5.6.2 The Main Hoop and Front Hoop must be Triangulated into the Primary Structure with
Structural Tubing
F.5.6.3 Any front or side view Roll Hoop bend below the respective Roll Hoop Braces must be one of
the two:
a. Triangulated at a side view node
b. Less than 25 mm from an Attachment point F.7.8
F.5.6.4 Roll Hoop and Driver Position
When seated normally and restrained by the Driver Restraint System, the helmet of a 95th
percentile male (see V.2.1.1) and all of the team’s drivers must:
a. Be a minimum of 50 mm from the straight line drawn from the top of the Main Hoop to
the top of the Front Hoop.
b. Be a minimum of 50 mm from the straight line drawn from the top of the Main Hoop to
the lower end of the Main Hoop Bracing if the bracing extends rearwards.
c. Be no further rearwards than the rear surface of the Main Hoop if the Main Hoop Bracing
extends forwards.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 32 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.5.6.5 Driver Template
A two dimensional template used to represent the 95th percentile male is made to these
dimensions (see figure below):
• A circle of diameter 200 mm will represent the hips and buttocks.
• A circle of diameter 200 mm will represent the shoulder/cervical region.
• A circle of diameter 300 mm will represent the head (with helmet).
• A straight line measuring 490 mm will connect the centers of the two 200 mm circles.
• A straight line measuring 280 mm will connect the centers of the upper 200 mm circle
and the 300 mm head circle.
F.5.6.6 Driver Template Position
The Driver Template will be positioned as follows:
• The seat will be adjusted to the rearmost position
• The pedals will be put in the most forward position
• The bottom 200 mm circle will be put on the seat bottom where the distance between
the center of this circle and the rearmost face of the pedals is no less than 915 mm
• The middle 200 mm circle, representing the shoulders, will be positioned on the seat
back
• The upper 300 mm circle will be positioned no more than 25 mm away from the head
restraint (where the driver’s helmet would normally be located while driving)

F.5.7 Front Hoop

F.5.7.1 The Front Hoop must be constructed of closed section metal tubing meeting F.3.2.1.c
F.5.7.2 With proper Triangulation, the Front Hoop may be fabricated from more than one piece of
tubing
F.5.7.3 The Front Hoop must extend from the lowest Frame Member on one side of the Frame, up,
over and down to the lowest Frame Member on the other side of the Frame.
F.5.7.4 The top-most surface of the Front Hoop must be no lower than the top of the steering wheel
in any angular position. See figure after F.5.9.6 below
F.5.7.5 The Front Hoop must be no more than 250 mm forward of the steering wheel.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 33 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 This distance is measured horizontally, on the vehicle centerline, from the rear surface of the
Front Hoop to the forward most surface of the steering wheel rim with the steering in the
straight ahead position.
F.5.7.6 In side view, any part of the Front Hoop above the Upper Side Impact Structure must be
inclined less than 20° from the vertical.
F.5.7.7 A Front Hoop that is not steel must have a 4 mm hole drilled in a location to access during
Technical Inspection
F.5.8 Main Hoop
F.5.8.1 The Main Hoop must be a single piece of uncut, continuous, closed section steel tubing
meeting F.3.2.1.g
F.5.8.2 The Main Hoop must extend from the lowest Frame Member / bottom of Monocoque on one
side of the Frame, up, over and down to the lowest Frame Member / bottom of Monocoque
on the other side of the Frame
F.5.8.3 In the side view of the vehicle,
a. The part of the Main Hoop that lies above its attachment point to the upper Side Impact
Tube must be less than 10° from vertical
b. The part of the Main Hoop below the Upper Side Impact Member attachment:
• May be forward at any angle
• Must not be rearward more than 10° from vertical
F.5.8.4 In the front view of the vehicle, the vertical members of the Main Hoop must be minimum 380
mm apart (inside dimension) at the location where the Main Hoop is attached to the bottom
tubes of the Major Structure of the Chassis
F.5.9 Main Hoop Braces
F.5.9.1 Main Hoop Braces must be constructed of closed section steel tubing meeting F.3.2.1.h
F.5.9.2 The Main Hoop must be supported by two Braces extending in the forward or rearward
direction, one on each of the left and right sides of the Main Hoop.
F.5.9.3 In the side view of the Frame, the Main Hoop and the Main Hoop Braces must not lie on the
same side of the vertical line through the top of the Main Hoop.
(If the Main Hoop leans forward, the Braces must be forward of the Main Hoop, and if the
Main Hoop leans rearward, the Braces must be rearward of the Main Hoop)
F.5.9.4 The Main Hoop Braces must be attached 160 mm or less below the top most surface of the
Main Hoop.
The Main Hoop Braces should be attached as near as possible to the top of the Main Hoop
F.5.9.5 The included angle formed by the Main Hoop and the Main Hoop Braces must be 30° or more.
F.5.9.6 The Main Hoop Braces must be straight, without any bends.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 34 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.5.9.7 The Main Hoop Braces must be:
a. Securely integrated into the Frame
b. Capable of transmitting all loads from the Main Hoop into the Major Structure of the
Chassis without failing
F.5.10 Head Restraint Protection
An additional frame member may be added to meet T.2.8.3.b
F.5.10.1 If used, the Head Restraint Protection frame member must:
a. Attach to the nodes where the Main Hoop Braces F.5.9.2 connect to the Main Hoop
b. Be constructed of a single piece of uncut, continuous, closed section steel tubing meeting
F.3.2.1.h
c. Meet F.5.2.1 and F.5.2.2, as applicable (does not need to meet F.5.2.3)
F.5.10.2 The Head Restraint or mounting T.2.8 must not attach to the Head Restraint Protection
F.5.11 External Items
F.5.11.1 Definition - items outside the exact outline of the part of the Primary Structure Envelope
F.1.11 defined by the Main Hoop Braces and the parts of the Main Hoop tubes above other
tube nodes or composite attachments
F.5.11.2 External Items may be mounted on the outside of the Main Hoop or Main Hoop Brace tubes if
the mount is one of the two:
a. With tabs located at the Main Hoop to Main Hoop Brace node and is rotationally free
about an axis
b. Above additional bracing meeting F.3.2.1.o, with calculations that show the mount will
fail below the permitted load as calculated by the SES
F.5.11.3 If mounted between the tubes of the Main Hoop and Main Hoop Braces, these items may
attach to the Main Hoop or Main Hoop Brace tubes and do not need to meet F.5.11.2 above:
a. Crushable lightweight bodywork, intake manifolds, Head Restraint, Manual Service
Disconnect, Master Switches or Shutdown Buttons
b. Lightweight mounts for items inside the Main Hoop Braces
F.5.11.4 Mounts for engine, motor, suspension or Tractive Battery Pack must not attach to the span of
the Main Hoop Braces or Main Hoop above other tube nodes or composite attachments
F.5.11.5 Items outside the Primary Structure from the Main Hoop Braces and Main Hoop tubes must
be longitudinally offset to avoid point loading in a rollover

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 35 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.5.11.6 External Items should not point at the driver
F.5.12 Mechanically Attached Roll Hoop Bracing
F.5.12.1 When Roll Hoop Bracing is mechanically attached:
a. The threaded fasteners used to secure non permanent joints are Critical Fasteners, see
T.8.2. Additional requirements apply in F.5.12.5 and F.5.12.7
b. Spherical rod ends are not permitted
c. The attachment holes in the lugs, the attached bracing and the sleeves and tubes must
be a close fit with the pin or bolt
F.5.12.2 Any non permanent joint at the end(s) must be a Double Lug Joint or a Sleeved Butt Joint
Figure – Double Lug Joint

F.5.12.3 For Double Lug Joints, each lug must:

a. Be minimum 4.5 mm (0.177 in) thickness steel
b. Measure 25 mm minimum perpendicular to the axis of the bracing
c. Be as short as practical along the axis of the bracing.
F.5.12.4 All Double Lug Joints, whether fitted parallel or perpendicular to the axis of the tube, must
include a capping arrangement
F.5.12.5 In a Double Lug Joint the pin or bolt must be 10 mm Metric Grade 9.8 or 3/8 in SAE Grade 8
minimum diameter and grade. See F.5.12.1 above
Figure – Sleeved Butt Joint

F.5.12.6 For Sleeved Butt Joints, the sleeve must:

a. Have a minimum length of 75 mm; 37.5 mm to each side of the joint
b. Be external to the base tubes, with a close fit around the base tubes.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 36 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 c. Have a wall thickness of 2.0 mm or more
F.5.12.7 In a Sleeved Butt Joint, the bolts must be 6 mm Metric Grade 9.8 or 1/4 in SAE Grade 8
minimum diameter and grade. See F.5.12.1 above
F.5.13 Other Bracing Requirements
F.5.13.1 Where the braces are not welded to steel Frame Members, the braces must be securely
attached to the Frame using 8 mm or 5/16” minimum diameter Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2
F.5.13.2 Mounting plates welded to Roll Hoop Bracing must be 2.0 mm (0.080 in) minimum thickness
steel.
F.5.14 Steering Protection
Steering system racks or mounting components that are external (vertically above or below)
to the Primary Structure must be protected from frontal impact.
The protective structure must:
a. Be F.3.2.1.n or Equivalent
b. Extend to the vertical limit of the steering component(s)
c. Extend to the local width of the Chassis
d. Meet F.7.8 if not welded to the Chassis
F.5.15 Other Side Tube Requirements
If there is a Roll Hoop Brace or other frame tube alongside the driver, at the height of the neck
of any of the team’s drivers, a metal tube or piece of sheet metal must be attached to the
Frame
This is intended to prevent the drivers’ shoulders from passing under the Roll Hoop Brace or
frame tube, and the driver’s neck contacting this brace or tube.
F.5.16 Component Protection
When specified in the rules, components must be protected by one or two of:
a. Fully Triangulated structure with tubes meeting F.3.2.1.n
b. Structure Equivalent to the above, as determined per F.4.1.3

F.6 TUBE FRAMES

F.6.1 Front Bulkhead
The Front Bulkhead must be constructed of closed section tubing meeting F.3.2.1.a
F.6.2 Front Bulkhead Support
F.6.2.1 Frame Members of the Front Bulkhead Support system must be constructed of closed section
tubing meeting F.3.2.1.b
F.6.2.2 The Front Bulkhead must be securely integrated into the Frame.
F.6.2.3 The Front Bulkhead must be supported back to the Upper and Lower Side Impact Structure at
the Front Hoop by a minimum of three Frame Members on each side of the vehicle; an upper
member; lower member and diagonal brace to provide Triangulation
a. The top of the upper support member must be attached 50 mm or less from the top
surface of the Front Bulkhead, and attach to the Front Hoop no more than 50 mm below
the top of the Upper Side Impact member

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 37 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 b. If the upper support member is further than 100 mm above the top of the Upper Side
Impact member, then properly Triangulated bracing is required to transfer load to the
Main Hoop by one of:
• the Upper Side Impact member
• an additional member transmitting load from the junction of the Upper Support
Member with the Front Hoop
c. The lower support member must be attached to the base of the Front Bulkhead and the
base of the Front Hoop
d. The diagonal brace must properly Triangulate the upper and lower support members
F.6.2.4 Each of the above members may be multiple or bent tubes provided the requirements of F.5.2
are met
F.6.2.5 Examples of acceptable configurations of members may be found in the SES
F.6.3 Front Hoop Bracing
F.6.3.1 Front Hoop Braces must be constructed of material meeting F.3.2.1.d
F.6.3.2 The Front Hoop must be supported by two Braces extending in the forward direction, one on
each of the left and right sides of the Front Hoop.
F.6.3.3 The Front Hoop Braces must extend to one of the two:
a. The Front Bulkhead
b. A triangulated structural node
F.6.3.4 The Front Hoop Braces must be attached as near as possible to the top of the Front Hoop but
not more than 50 mm below the top-most surface of the Front Hoop. See figure after F.5.9.6
above
F.6.3.5 If the Front Hoop above the Upper Side Impact Structure leans rearwards by more than 10°
from the vertical, it must be supported by additional rearward Front Hoop Braces to a fully
Triangulated structural node.
F.6.3.6 The Front Hoop Braces must be straight, without any bends
F.6.4 Side Impact Structure
F.6.4.1 Frame Members of the Side Impact Structure must be constructed of closed section tubing
meeting F.3.2.1.e or F.3.2.1.f, as applicable
F.6.4.2 With proper Triangulation, Side Impact Structure members may be fabricated from more than
one piece of tubing.
F.6.4.3 The Side Impact Structure must include three or more tubular members located on each side
of the driver while seated in the normal driving position

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 38 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.6.4.4 The Upper Side Impact Member must:
a. Connect the Main Hoop and the Front Hoop.
b. Have its top edge entirely in a zone that is parallel to the ground between 290 mm and
345 mm above the lowest point of the bottom of the Lower Side Impact Member
F.6.4.5 The Lower Side Impact Structure member must connect the bottom of the Main Hoop and the
bottom of the Front Hoop.
F.6.4.6 The Diagonal Side Impact Member must:
a. Connect the Upper Side Impact Member and Lower Side Impact Member forward of the
Main Hoop and rearward of the Front Hoop
b. Completely Triangulate the bays created by the Upper and Lower Side Impact Members.
F.6.5 Shoulder Harness Mounting
F.6.5.1 The Shoulder Harness Mounting Bar must:
a. Be a single piece of uncut, continuous, closed section steel tubing that meets F.3.2.1.k
b. Attach to the Main Hoop on the left and right sides of the chassis
F.6.5.2 Bent Shoulder Harness Mounting Bars must:
a. Meet F.5.2.1 and F.5.2.2
b. Have bracing members attached at the bend(s) and to the Main Hoop.
• Material for this Shoulder Harness Mounting Bar Bracing must meet F.3.2.1.l
• The included angle in side view between the Shoulder Harness Bar and the braces
must be no less than 30°.
F.6.5.3 The Shoulder Harness Mounting Bar must be loaded only by the Shoulder Harness
The Head Restraint, Firewall, driver’s seat and light bodywork may attach to the mounting bar
F.6.6 Main Hoop Bracing Supports
F.6.6.1 Frame Members of the Main Hoop Bracing Support system must be constructed of closed
section tubing meeting F.3.2.1.i
F.6.6.2 The lower end of the Main Hoop Braces must be supported back to the Main Hoop by a
minimum of two Frame Members on each side of the vehicle: an upper member and a lower
member in a properly Triangulated configuration
a. The upper support member must attach to the node where the upper Side Impact
Member attaches to the Main Hoop

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 39 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 b. The lower support member must attach to the node where the lower Side Impact
Member attaches to the Main Hoop
c. Each of the above members may be multiple or bent tubes provided the requirements of
F.5.2 are met
d. Examples of acceptable configurations of members may be found in the SES
F.6.6.3 The lower ends of the Main Hoop Brace tubes should be mitered to the Lower Main Hoop
Brace Support tubes for a continuous load path

F.7 MONOCOQUE
F.7.1 General Requirements
F.7.1.1 The Structural Equivalency Spreadsheet must show that the design is Equivalent to a welded
frame in terms of energy dissipation, yield and ultimate strengths in bending, buckling and
tension
F.7.1.2 Composite and metallic monocoques have the same requirements
F.7.1.3 Corners between panels used for structural equivalence must contain core
F.7.1.4 An inspection hole approximately 4mm in diameter must be drilled through a low stress
location of each monocoque section regulated by the Structural Equivalency Spreadsheet
This inspection hole is not required in the Vertical Side Impact Structure F.7.5.3.b
F.7.1.5 Composite monocoques must:
a. Meet the materials requirements in F.4 Composite and Other Materials
b. Use data from the laminate testing results as the basis for any strength or stiffness
calculations
F.7.1.6 Composite monocoques made in two or more pieces must use scarf joints with structural
adhesive for the length of the seam
F.7.1.7 Core splice must be used between all adjacent core sections
F.7.2 Front Bulkhead
F.7.2.1 When modeled as an “L” shaped section the EI of the Front Bulkhead about vertical and lateral
axis must be equivalent to that of the tubes specified for the Front Bulkhead per F.6.1
F.7.2.2 The length of the section perpendicular to the Front Bulkhead may be a maximum of 25 mm
measured from the rearmost face of the Front Bulkhead
F.7.2.3 Any Front Bulkhead which supports the IA plate must have a perimeter shear strength
equivalent to a 1.5 mm thick steel plate
F.7.3 Front Bulkhead Support
F.7.3.1 In addition to proving that the strength of the monocoque is sufficient, the monocoque must
have equivalent EI to the sum of the EI of the six Steel Tubes (F.3.2.1.b) that it replaces.
F.7.3.2 The EI of the vertical side of the Front Bulkhead support structure must be equivalent to or
more than the EI of one steel tube that it replaces when calculated as per F.4.3
F.7.3.3 The perimeter shear strength of the monocoque laminate in the Front Bulkhead support
structure must be 4 kN or more for a section with a diameter of 25 mm.
This must be proven by a physical test completed per F.4.2.5 and the results included in the
SES.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 40 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.7.4 Front Hoop Attachment
F.7.4.1 The Front Hoop must be mechanically attached to the monocoque
a. Front Hoop Mounting Plates must be the minimum thickness of the Front Hoop F.3.2.1.c
b. The Front Hoop tube must be mechanically connected to the Mounting Plate with
Mounting Plates parallel to the two sides of the tube, with gussets from the Front Hoop
tube along the two sides of the mounting plate
F.7.4.2 Front Hoop attachment to a monocoque must obey F.5.7.2 or F.7.8 within 25 mm of any
bends and nodes that are not at the top center of the Front Hoop
F.7.4.3 The Front Hoop may be fully laminated into the monocoque if:
a. The Front Hoop has core fit tightly around its entire circumference. Expanding foam is
not permitted
b. Equivalence to six or more mounts compliant with F.7.8 must show in the SES
c. A small gap in the laminate (approximately 25 mm) exists for inspection of the Front
Hoop F.5.7.7
F.7.4.4 Adhesive must not be the sole method of attaching the Front Hoop to the monocoque
F.7.5 Side Impact Structure
F.7.5.1 Side Impact Zone - the region longitudinally forward of the Main Hoop and aft of the Front
Hoop consisting of the combination of a vertical section minimum 290 mm in height from the
bottom surface of the floor of the monocoque and half the horizontal floor

F.7.5.2 The Side Impact Zone must have Equivalence to the three (3) Steel Tubes (F.3.2.1.e) that it
replaces
F.7.5.3 The portion of the Side Impact Zone that is vertically between the bottom surface of the floor
and 345 mm above the lowest point of the bottom surface of the floor (see figure above) must
have:
a. Equivalence to minimum two (2) Steel Tubes (F.3.2.1.e) per F.4.3
b. No openings in Side View between the Front Hoop and Main Hoop
F.7.5.4 Horizontal floor Equivalence must be calculated per F.4.3
F.7.5.5 The perimeter shear strength of the monocoque laminate must be 7.5 kN or more for a
section with a diameter of 25 mm.
This must be proven by physical test completed per F.4.2.5 and the results included in the SES.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 41 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.7.6 Main Hoop Attachment
F.7.6.1 The Main Hoop must be mechanically attached to the monocoque
a. Main Hoop mounting plates must be 2.0 mm minimum thickness steel
b. The Main Hoop tube must be mechanically connected to the mounting plate with 2.0
mm minimum thickness steel plates parallel to the two sides of the tube, with gussets
from the Main Hoop tube along the two sides of the mounting plate
F.7.6.2 Main Hoop attachment to a monocoque must obey F.7.8 within 25 mm of any bends and
nodes that are below the top of the monocoque
F.7.7 Roll Hoop Bracing Attachment
Attachment of tubular Front or Main Hoop Bracing to the monocoque must obey F.7.8.
F.7.8 Attachments
F.7.8.1 Each attachment point between the monocoque or composite panels and the other Primary
Structure must be able to carry a minimum load of 30 kN in any direction.
a. When a Roll Hoop attaches in three locations on each side, the attachments must be
located at the bottom, top, and a location near the midpoint
b. When a Roll Hoop attaches at only the bottom and a point between the top and the
midpoint on each side, each of the four attachments must show load strength of 45 kN in
all directions
F.7.8.2 If a tube frame ( F.6, F.11.2 ) meets the monocoque at the Attachments, the connection must
a. Be 25 mm or less from a node
b. Obey one of the two:
• Parallel brackets attached to the two sides of the Main Hoop and the two sides of
the Side Impact Structure
• Two mostly perpendicular brackets attached to the Main Hoop and the side and
back of the monocoque
F.7.8.3 The laminate, brackets, backing plates and inserts must have sufficient stiffness, shear area,
bearing area, weld area and strength to carry the load specified in F.7.8.1 in any direction.
Data obtained from the laminate perimeter shear strength test (F.4.2.5) must prove sufficient
shear area is provided.
F.7.8.4 Each attachment point requires no less than two 8 mm or 5/16” minimum diameter Critical
Fasteners, see T.8.2
F.7.8.5 Each attachment point requires backing plates which meet one of:
• Steel with a minimum thickness of 2 mm
• Alternate materials if Equivalency is approved
F.7.8.6 The Front Hoop Bracing, Main Hoop Bracing and Main Hoop Bracing Supports may use only
one 10 mm or 3/8” minimum diameter Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2 as an alternative to F.7.8.4
above if the bolt is on the centerline of the bracing tube to prevent loading the bolt in
bending, similar to the figure below.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 42 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.7.8.7 Each Roll Hoop or Battery Pack to Chassis attachment point must contain one of the two:
a. A solid insert that is fully enclosed by the inner and outer skin
b. Local elimination of any gap between inner and outer skin, with or without repeating
skin layups
F.7.8.8 Load paths between attachments and the monocoque Side Impact Structure F.7.5 must use
continuous laminates F.4.3 with core
F.7.9 Driver Harness Attachment
F.7.9.1 Required Loads
a. Each attachment point for the Shoulder Belts must support a minimum load of 15 kN
before failure with a required load of 30 kN distributed across the two belt attachments
b. Each attachment point for the Lap Belts must support a minimum load of 15 kN before
failure.
c. Each attachment point for the Anti-Submarine Belts must support a minimum load of 15
kN before failure.
d. If the Lap Belt and Anti-Submarine Belt mounting points are less than 125 mm apart, or
are attached to the same attachment point, then each mounting point must support a
minimum load of 30 kN before failure.
F.7.9.2 Load Testing
The strength of Lap Belt, Shoulder Belt, and Anti-Submarine Belt attachments must be proven
by physical tests where the required load is applied to a representative attachment point
where the proposed layup and attachment bracket are used.
a. Edges of the test fixture supporting the sample must be a minimum of 125 mm from the
load application point (load vector intersecting a plane)
b. Test Load application of the Lap Belt and Anti Submarine Belts must be normal (90
degrees) to the plane of the test sample
c. Shoulder Belt Test Load application must meet:
Installed Shoulder Belt Angle: Test Load Application Angle must be: should be:
Between 90° and the installed
Between 90° and 45° 90°
Shoulder Belt Angle
Between 45° and 0° Between 90° and 45° 90°
The angles are measured from the plane of the Test Sample (90° is normal to the Test
Sample and 0° is parallel to the Test Sample)
d. The Shoulder Harness test sample must not be any larger than the section of the
monocoque as built

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 43 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 e. The width of the Shoulder Harness test sample must not be any wider than the Shoulder
Harness "panel height" (see Structural Equivalency Spreadsheet) used to show
equivalency for the Shoulder Harness mounting bar
f. Designs with attachments near a free edge must not support the free edge during the
test
The intent is that the test specimen, to the best extent possible, represents the vehicle as
driven at competition. Teams are expected to test a panel that is manufactured in as close a
configuration to what is built in the vehicle as possible

F.8 FRONT CHASSIS PROTECTION

F.8.1 Requirements
F.8.1.1 Forward of the Front Bulkhead there must be an Impact Attenuator with an Anti Intrusion
Plate between the Impact Attenuator and the Front Bulkhead.
F.8.1.2 All methods of attachment of the Impact Attenuator to the Anti Intrusion Plate, and of the
Anti Intrusion Plate to the Front Bulkhead must provide sufficient load paths for transverse
and vertical loads if off-axis impacts occur.
F.8.2 Anti Intrusion Plate - AIP
F.8.2.1 The Anti Intrusion Plate must be one of the three:
a. 1.5 mm minimum thickness solid steel
b. 4.0 mm minimum thickness solid aluminum plate
c. Composite material per F.8.3
F.8.2.2 The outside profile requirement of the Anti Intrusion Plate depends on the method of
attachment to the Front Bulkhead:
a. Welded joints: the profile must align with or be more than the centerline of the Front
Bulkhead tubes on all sides
b. Bolted joints, bonding, laminating: the profile must align with or be more than the
outside dimensions of the Front Bulkhead around the entire periphery
F.8.2.3 Attachment of the Anti Intrusion Plate directly to the Front Bulkhead must be documented in
the team’s SES submission. The accepted methods of attachment are:
a. Welding
• All weld lengths must be 25 mm or longer
• If interrupted, the weld/space ratio must be 1:1 or higher
b. Bolted joints
• Using no less than eight 8 mm or 5/16” minimum diameter Critical Fasteners, T.8.2.
• The distance between any two bolt centers must be 50 mm minimum.
• Each bolt attachment must have pullout and bending capabilities of 15 kN
• Bolt tearout capability must meet one of the two:
- Each bolt attachment has tearout capability of 15 kN
- The total tearout strength of the mounting (not individual bolts) must be
more than the attachment strength of the Impact Attenuator in F.8.5.3.b

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 44 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 c. Bonding
• The Front Bulkhead must have no openings
• The entire surface of the Anti Intrusion Plate must be bonded, with shear and peel
strength higher than 120 kN
d. Laminating
• The Anti Intrusion Plate must be in front of the outer skin of the Front Bulkhead
• The lamination must fully enclose the Anti Intrusion Plate and have shear capability
higher than 120 kN
F.8.3 Composite Anti Intrusion Plate
F.8.3.1 Composite Anti Intrusion Plates:
a. Must not fail in a frontal impact
b. Must withstand a minimum static load of 120 kN distributed over the 200 mm x 100 mm
minimum Impact Attenuator area
F.8.3.2 Strength of the Composite Anti Intrusion Plate must be verified by one of the two methods:
a. Physical testing of the AIP attached to a structurally representative section of the
intended chassis
• The test fixture must have equivalent strength and stiffness to a baseline front
bulkhead or must be the same as the first 50 mm of the Chassis
• Test data is valid for only one Competition Year
b. Laminate material testing under F.4.2.2 and F.4.2.5 and calculations of 3 point bending
and perimeter shear
F.8.4 Impact Attenuator - IA
F.8.4.1 Teams must do one of:
• Use an approved Standard Impact Attenuator from the Event Website
• Build and test a Custom Impact Attenuator of their own design F.8.8
F.8.4.2 The Custom Impact Attenuator must meet these:
a. Length 200 mm or more, with its length oriented along the fore/aft axis of the Chassis.
b. Minimum height 100 mm (perpendicular to the ground) and minimum width 200 mm
(parallel to the ground) for a minimum distance of 200 mm forward of the Front
Bulkhead.
c. Segmented foam attenuators must have all segments bonded together to prevent sliding
or parallelogramming.
d. Honeycomb attenuators made of multiple segments must have a continuous panel
between each segment.
F.8.4.3 If the outside profile of the Front Bulkhead is more than 400 mm x 350 mm, or the team uses
the Standard Honeycomb Impact Attenuator, and then one of the two must be met:
a. The Front Bulkhead must include an additional support that is a diagonal or X-brace that
meets F.3.2.1.b or Equivalent (integral or attached) for Monocoque bulkheads F.2.3.1
• The structure must go across the entire Front Bulkhead opening on the diagonal
• Attachment points at each end must carry a minimum load of 30 kN in any direction

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 45 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 b. Physical testing per F.8.8.6 and F.8.8.7 must be done to prove that the Anti Intrusion
Plate does not permanently deflect more than 25 mm.
F.8.5 Impact Attenuator Attachment
F.8.5.1 The attachment of the Impact Attenuator to the Anti Intrusion Plate or Front Bulkhead must
be documented in the SES submission
F.8.5.2 The Impact Attenuator must attach with an approved method:
Impact Attenuator Type Construction Attachment Method(s):
a. Standard or Custom Foam, Honeycomb Bonding
b. Custom other Bonding, Welding, Bolting
F.8.5.3 If the Impact Attenuator is attached by bonding:
a. Bonding must meet F.5.5
b. The shear strength of the bond must be higher than:
• 95 kN for foam Impact Attenuators
• 38.5 kN for honeycomb Impact Attenuators
• The maximum compressive force for custom Impact Attenuators
c. The entire surface of a foam Impact Attenuator must be bonded
d. Only the pre-crushed area of a honeycomb Impact Attenuator may be used for bond
equivalence
F.8.5.4 If the Impact Attenuator is attached by welding:
a. Welds may be continuous or interrupted
b. If interrupted, the weld/space ratio must be 1:1 or higher
c. All weld lengths must be more than 25 mm
F.8.5.5 If the Impact Attenuator is attached by bolting:
a. Must have no less than eight 8 mm or 5/16” minimum diameter Critical Fasteners, T.8.2
b. The distance between any two bolt centers must be 50 mm minimum
c. Each bolt attachment must have pullout, tearout and bending capabilities of 15 kN
d. Must be bolted directly to the Primary Structure
F.8.5.6 Impact Attenuator Position
a. All Impact Attenuators must mount with the bottom leading edge 175 mm or less above
the lowest point on the bottom of the Lower Side Impact Structure
b. A Custom Impact Attenuator must mount with an area of 200 mm or more long and 200
mm or more wide that intersects a plane parallel to the ground that is 175 mm or less
above the lowest point on the bottom of the Lower Side Impact Structure
F.8.5.7 Impact Attenuator Orientation
a. The Impact Attenuator must be centered laterally on the Front Bulkhead
b. Standard Honeycomb must be mounted 200mm width x 100mm height
c. Standard Foam may be mounted laterally or vertically

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 46 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.8.6 Front Impact Objects
F.8.6.1 The only items permitted forward of the Anti Intrusion Plate in front view are the Impact
Attenuator, fastener heads, and light bodywork / nosecones
Fasteners should be oriented with the nuts rearwards
F.8.6.2 Front Wing and Bodywork Attachment
a. The front wing and front wing mounts must be able to move completely aft of the Anti
Intrusion Plate and not touch the front bulkhead during a frontal impact
b. The attachment points for the front wing and bodywork mounts should be aft of the Anti
Intrusion Plate
c. Tabs for wing and bodywork attachment must not extend more than 25 mm forward of
the Anti Intrusion Plate
F.8.6.3 Pedal assembly at full travel and adjustment must have a minimum 25 mm clearance to the:
a. Rear face of the Anti Intrusion Plate
b. All Front Bulkhead structure F.6.1, F.7.2, F.8.4.3
c. All Non Crushable Items inside the Primary Structure
Non Crushable Items include, but are not limited to batteries, master cylinders, hydraulic
reservoirs
F.8.7 Front Impact Verification
F.8.7.1 The combination of the Impact Attenuator assembly and the force to crush or detach all other
items forward of the Anti Intrusion plate must not exceed the peak deceleration specified in
F.8.8.2
Ignore light bodywork, light nosecones, and outboard wheel assemblies
F.8.7.2 The peak load for the type of Impact Attenuator:
• Standard Foam Impact Attenuator 95 kN
• Standard Honeycomb Impact Attenuator 60 kN
• Tested Impact Attenuator peak as measured
F.8.7.3 Use the Test Method F.8.7.4 or the Calculation Method F.8.7.5 to prove the force requirement
F.8.7.4 Test Method
Get the peak force from physical testing of the Impact Attenuator and any Non Crushable
Object(s) as one of the two:
a. Tested together with the Impact Attenuator
b. Tested with the Impact Attenuator not attached, and add the peak load from F.8.7.2
F.8.7.5 Calculation Method
a. Calculate a failure load for the mounting of the Non Crushable Object(s) from fastener
shear, tearout, and/or link buckling
b. Add the peak attenuator load from F.8.7.2
F.8.8 Impact Attenuator Data - IAD
F.8.8.1 All teams must include an Impact Attenuator Data (IAD) report as part of the SES.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 47 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.8.8.2 Impact Attenuator Functional Requirements
These are not test requirements
a. Decelerates the vehicle at a rate not exceeding 20 g average and 40 g peak
b. Energy absorbed must be more than 7350 J
When:
• Total mass of Vehicle is 300 kg
• Impact velocity is 7.0 m/s
F.8.8.3 When using the Standard Impact Attenuator, the SES must meet these:
a. Test data will not be submitted
b. All other requirements of this section must be included.
c. Photos of the actual attenuator must be included
d. Evidence that the Standard IA meets the design criteria provided in the Standard Impact
Attenuator specification must be included with the SES. This may be a receipt or packing
slip from the supplier.
F.8.8.4 The Impact Attenuator Data Report when NOT using the Standard Impact Attenuator must
include:
a. Test data that proves that the Impact Attenuator Assembly meets the Functional
Requirements F.8.8.2
b. Calculations showing how the reported absorbed energy and decelerations have been
derived.
c. A schematic of the test method.
d. Photos of the attenuator, annotated with the height of the attenuator before and after
testing.
F.8.8.5 The Impact Attenuator Test is valid for only one Competition Year
F.8.8.6 Impact Attenuator Test Setup
a. During any test, the Impact Attenuator must be attached to the Anti Intrusion Plate using
the intended vehicle attachment method.
b. The Impact Attenuator Assembly must be attached to a structurally representative
section of the intended chassis.
The test fixture must have equivalent strength and stiffness to a baseline front bulkhead.
A solid block of material in the shape of the front bulkhead is not “structurally
representative”.
c. There must be 50 mm minimum clearance rearwards of the Anti Intrusion Plate to the
test fixture.
d. No part of the Anti Intrusion Plate may permanently deflect more than 25 mm beyond
the position of the Anti Intrusion Plate before the test.
The 25 mm spacing represents the front bulkhead support and insures that the plate does not
intrude excessively into the cockpit.
F.8.8.7 Test Conduct
a. Composite Impact Attenuators must be Dynamic Tested.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 48 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 Other Impact Attenuator constructions may be Dynamic Tested or Quasi-Static Tested
b. Dynamic Testing (sled, pendulum, drop tower, etc.) of the Impact Attenuator must be
conducted at a dedicated test facility. This facility may be part of the University, but must
be supervised by professional staff or the University faculty. Teams must not construct
their own dynamic test apparatus.
c. Quasi-Static Testing may be done by teams using their University’s facilities/equipment,
but teams are advised to exercise due care
F.8.8.8 Test Analysis
a. When using acceleration data from the dynamic test, the average deceleration must be
calculated based on the raw unfiltered data.
b. If peaks above the 40 g limit are present in the data, a Channel Filter Class (CFC) 60
(100Hz) filter per SAE Recommended Practice J211 “Instrumentation for Impact Test”, or
a 100 Hz, 3rd order, low pass Butterworth (-3dB at 100 Hz) filter may be applied.

F.9 FUEL SYSTEM (IC ONLY)

Fuel System Location and Protection are subject to approval during SES review and Technical
Inspection.
F.9.1 Location
F.9.1.1 These components must be inside the Primary Structure (F.1.10):
a. Any part of the Fuel System that is below the Upper Side Impact Structure
b. Parts of the Fuel Tank other than the Fuel Filler Neck and Sight Tube above the Upper
Side Impact Structure IC.1.2
F.9.1.2 In side view, any portion of the Fuel System must not project below the lower surface of the
chassis
F.9.2 Protection
All Fuel Tanks must be shielded from side or rear impact

F.10 TRACTIVE BATTERY CONTAINER (EV ONLY)

F.10.1 General Requirements
F.10.1.1 All Tractive Battery Containers must be:
a. Designed to withstand forces from deceleration in all directions
b. Made from a Nonflammable Material ( F.1.18 )
F.10.1.2 Design of the Tractive Battery Container must be documented in the SES
Documentation includes materials used, drawings/images, fastener locations, Cell/Module
weight and Cell/Module position
F.10.1.3 The Tractive Battery Container and mounting systems are subject to approval during SES
review and Technical Inspection
F.10.1.4 If the Tractive Battery Container is not constructed from steel or aluminum, the material
properties should be established at a temperature of 60°C
F.10.1.5 If adhesives are used for credited bonding, the bond properties should be established for a
temperature of 60°C
F.10.1.6 Open ended pop rivets must not be used in the Tractive Battery Container

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 49 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.10.2 Structure
F.10.2.1 The Floor or Bottom must be made from one of the three:
a. Steel 1.25 mm minimum thickness
b. Aluminum 3.2 mm minimum thickness
c. Equivalent Alternate / Composite materials ( F.4.1, F.4.2 )
F.10.2.2 All Walls (Internal and External), Covers and Lids must be made from one of the three:
a. Steel 0.9 mm minimum thickness
b. Aluminum 2.3 mm minimum thickness
c. Equivalent Alternate / Composite materials ( F.4.1, F.4.2 )
F.10.2.3 Internal Vertical Walls:
a. Must surround and separate each Module EV.5.1.1
b. Must have minimum height of the full height of the Module
The Internal Walls should extend to the lid above any Module
c. Must surround no more than 12 kg on each side
The intent is to have each Module fully enclosed in its own six sided box
F.10.2.4 If Modules are arranged vertically above other Modules, each layer of Modules must have a
load path to the Chassis attachments that does not pass through another layer of Modules
F.10.2.5 Floors and all Wall (Internal and External) sections must be joined on each side
The accepted methods of joining Walls to Walls and Walls to Floor are:
a. Welding
• Welds may be continuous or interrupted.
• If interrupted, the weld/space ratio must be 1:1 or higher
• All weld lengths must be more than 25 mm
b. Fasteners
Combined strength of the fasteners must be Equivalent to the strength of the welded
joint ( F.10.2.5.a above )
c. Bonding
• Bonding must meet F.5.5
• Strength of the bonded joint must be Equivalent to the strength of the welded joint
( F.10.2.5.a above )
• Bonds must run the entire length of the joint
Folding or bending plate material to create flanges or to eliminate joints between walls is
recommended.
F.10.2.6 Covers and Lids must be mechanically attached and include Positive Locking Mechanisms

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 50 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.10.3 Cells and Modules
F.10.3.1 The structure of the Modules (without the structure of the Tractive Battery Container and
without the structure of the Cells) must prevent Cells from being crushed in any direction
under the following accelerations:
a. 40 g in the longitudinal direction (forward/aft)
b. 40 g in the lateral direction (left/right)
c. 20 g in the vertical direction (up/down)
F.10.3.2 Modules must be held by one of the two:
a. Mechanical attachment to the Tractive Battery Container
Attachments to the Tractive Battery Container must show they can support the
acceleration loads F.10.3.1 above in the direction of removal
b. Mechanical Cover and Lid attachments
Attachments must show equivalence to the strength of a welded joint F.10.2.5.a around
the entire perimeter
Modules should meet F.10.3.2.a. Use of cover/lid F.10.3.2.b may not be allowed past 2026
F.10.3.3 Module attachments must include Positive Locking Mechanisms
F.10.3.4 Cross sectional properties of Module structures must be used for SES loads F.10.3.1
a. A cross section must be continuous in area and continuous along its normal to be
counted toward equivalence
b. Enter the minimum principal moment of inertia for each cross section
F.10.4 Holes and Openings
F.10.4.1 The Tractive Battery Container(s) exterior or interior walls may contain holes or openings, see
EV.4.3.2
F.10.4.2 Any Holes and Openings must be the minimum area necessary
F.10.4.3 Exterior and interior walls must cover a minimum of 75% of each face of the Modules
F.10.4.4 Holes and Openings for airflow:
a. Must be round. Slots are prohibited
b. Should be maximum 10 mm diameter
c. Must not have line of sight to the driver, with the Firewall installed or removed
F.10.5 Attachment
F.10.5.1 Attachment of the Tractive Battery Container must be documented in the SES
F.10.5.2 Tractive Battery Containers must:
a. Attach to the Major Structure of the chassis
b. Use a maximum of two attachment points on a chassis tube between two triangulated
nodes
c. Not attach to the Shoulder Harness Mounting Bar or Braces, Main Hoop Braces or Main
Hoop above other tube nodes or composite attachments
F.10.5.3 Any fasteners used to attach Tractive Battery Container(s) are Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 51 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.10.5.4 Each fastened attachment point to a composite Tractive Battery Container requires backing
plates that are one of the two:
a. Steel with a thickness of 2 mm minimum
b. Alternate materials Equivalent to 2 mm thickness steel
F.10.5.5 Teams must justify the Tractive Battery Container attachment using one of the two methods:
• Corner Attachments and Analysis per F.10.5.6 and F.10.5.8
• Load Based Analysis per F.10.5.7 and F.10.5.8
F.10.5.6 Tractive Battery Pack Attachment – Corner Attachments
a. Eight or more attachments are required for any configuration
• One attachment for each corner of a rectangular structure of multiple Modules
• More than the minimum number of fasteners may be required for non rectangular
arrangements
Examples: If not filled in with additional structure, an extruded L shape would require
attachments at 10 convex corners (the corners at the inside of the L are not convex);
an extruded hexagon would require 12 attachments
b. The mechanical connections at each corner must be 50 mm or less from the corner of
the Module
c. Each attachment point must be able to withstand a Test Load equal to 1/4 of total mass
of the Tractive Battery Pack accelerating at 40 g
F.10.5.7 Tractive Battery Pack Attachment – Load Based
a. The minimum number of attachment points depends on the total mass of the Pack:
Pack Weight Minimum Attachment Points
< 20 kg 4
20 – 30 kg 6
30 – 40 kg 8
> 40 kg 10
b. Each attachment point, including any brackets, backing plates and inserts, must be able
to withstand 15 kN minimum in any direction
F.10.5.8 Tractive Battery Pack Attachment – All Types
a. Each fastener must withstand the Test Load in pure shear, using the minor diameter if
any threads are in shear
b. Each Tractive Battery Container bracket, chassis bracket, or monocoque attachment
point must withstand the Test Load in bending, in pure tearout, pure pullout, pure weld
shear if welded, and pure bond shear and pure bond tensile if bonded
c. Monocoque attachment points must meet F.7.8.7
d. Fasteners must be spaced minimum 50 mm apart to be counted as separate attachment
points

F.11 TRACTIVE SYSTEM (EV ONLY)

Tractive System Location and Protection are subject to approval during SES review and
Technical Inspection

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 52 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
F.11.1 Location
F.11.1.1 All Tractive Battery Packs must lie inside the Primary Structure (F.1.10)
F.11.1.2 Motors mounted to a suspension upright and their connections must meet EV.4.1.3
F.11.1.3 Tractive System (EV.1.1) components including Motors, cables and wiring other than those in
F.11.1.2 above must be contained inside one or two of:
• The Rollover Protection Envelope F.1.13
• Structure meeting F.5.16 Component Protection
F.11.2 Side Impact Protection
F.11.2.1 All Tractive Battery Packs must be protected from side impact by structure Equivalent to Side
Impact Structure (F.6.4, F.7.5)
F.11.2.2 The Tractive Battery Container must not be part of the Equivalent structure
F.11.2.3 Tractive Battery Pack side impact protection must go to a minimum height that is the lower of
the two:
• The height of the Upper Side Impact Structure F.6.4.4 / F.7.5.1
• The top of the Tractive Battery Container at that point
F.11.2.4 Tractive System components other than Tractive Battery Pack in a position below 350 mm
from the ground must be protected from side impact by structure that meets F.5.16
Component Protection
F.11.3 Rear Impact Protection
F.11.3.1 All Tractive System components must be protected from rear impact by a Rear Bulkhead
a. When the Rear Bulkhead is 100 mm or less from a Tractive Battery Pack, the structure
must be Equivalent to Side Impact Structure (F.6.4, F.7.5)
b. When the Rear Bulkhead is more than 100 mm from a Tractive Battery Pack, the
structure must meet F.5.16 Component Protection
c. The Tractive Battery Container must not be part of the Equivalent structure
F.11.3.2 The entire top edge of the upper Rear Bulkhead tube or monocoque equivalent must be in the
Upper Side Impact Structure zone F.6.4.4 / F.7.5.1
F.11.3.3 The top of the Rear Bulkhead must be vertically above the bottom of the Rear Bulkhead.
Vertically above is defined as the upper and lower cross sections partially or fully overlapping
in top view.
F.11.3.4 The Rear Bulkhead Support must have:
a. A structural and triangulated load path from the top of the Rear Impact Protection to the
Upper Side Impact Structure F.6.4, F.7.5 at the Main Hoop
b. A structural and triangulated load path from the bottom of the Rear Impact Protection to
the Lower Side Impact Structure F.6.4, F.7.5 at the Main Hoop
F.11.3.5 In rear view, the Rear Bulkhead must protect the Tractive System components with a diagonal
structure or X brace that meets F.11.3.1 above
a. Differential mounts, two vertical tubes with similar spacing, a metal plate, or an
Equivalent composite panel may replace a diagonal
If used, the mounts, plate, or panel must:
• Be aft of the upper and lower Rear Bulkhead structures

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 53 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 • Go to the top and bottom edges of the Rear Bulkhead structures
b. A metal plate or composite Equivalent may replace upper, lower, and diagonal tubes
If used, the plate must:
• Fully overlap the Rear Bulkhead Support F.11.3.3 above
• Attach by one of the two, as determined by the SES:
- Fully laminated to the Rear Bulkhead or Rear Bulkhead Support
- Attachment strength greater than 120 kN
F.11.3.6 Tractive System components and mounts must be forward of the rear plane of the Rear
Bulkhead
F.11.4 Clearance and Non Crushable Items
F.11.4.1 Non Crushable Items include, but are not limited to motors, differentials, and the chassis itself
Tractive Battery Pack mounts do not require clearance
F.11.4.2 The Tractive Battery Pack should have a minimum 25 mm total clearance to each of the front,
side, and rear impact structures
The clearance may be put together on either side of any Non Crushable items around the
Tractive Battery Pack
F.11.4.3 Non Crushable Items mounted behind the Rear Bulkhead must not be able to come through
the Rear Bulkhead

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 54 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T - TECHNICAL ASPECTS
T.1 COCKPIT
T.1.1 Cockpit Opening
T.1.1.1 The template shown below must pass through the cockpit opening

T.1.1.2 The template will be held horizontally, parallel to the ground, and inserted vertically from a
height above any Primary Structure or bodywork that is between the Front Hoop and the
Main Hoop until it meets the two of: ( refer to F.6.4 and F.7.5.1 )
a. Has passed 25 mm below the lowest point of the top of the Side Impact Structure
b. Is less than or equal to 320 mm above the lowest point inside the cockpit
T.1.1.3 Fore and aft translation of the template is permitted during insertion.
T.1.1.4 During this test:
a. The steering wheel, steering column, seat and all padding may be removed
b. The shifter, shift mechanism, or clutch mechanism must not be removed unless it is
integral with the steering wheel and is removed with the steering wheel
c. The firewall must not be moved or removed
d. Cables, wires, hoses, tubes, etc. must not block movement of the template
During inspection, the steering column, for practical purposes, will not be removed. The
template may be maneuvered around the steering column, but not any fixed supports.
For ease of use, the template may contain a slot at the front center that the steering column
may pass through.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 55 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.1.2 Internal Cross Section
T.1.2.1 Requirement:
a. The cockpit must have a free internal cross section
b. The template shown below must pass through the cockpit

Template maximum thickness: 7 mm

T.1.2.2 Conduct of the test. The template:

a. Will be held vertically and inserted into the cockpit opening rearward of the rearmost
portion of the steering column.
b. Will then be passed horizontally through the cockpit to a point 100 mm rearwards of the
face of the rearmost pedal when in the inoperative position
c. May be moved vertically inside the cockpit
T.1.2.3 During this test:
a. If the pedals are adjustable, they must be in their most forward position.
b. The steering wheel may be removed
c. Padding may be removed if it can be easily removed without the use of tools with the
driver in the seat
d. The seat and any seat insert(s) that may be used must stay in the cockpit
e. Cables, wires, hoses, tubes, etc. must not block movement of the template
f. The steering column and associated components may pass through the 50 mm wide
center band of the template.
For ease of use, the template may contain a full or partial slot in the shaded area shown on the
figure
T.1.3 Driver Protection
T.1.3.1 The driver’s hips must be completely contained inside the Major Structure of the Chassis

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 56 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.1.3.2 While the driver’s feet are touching the pedals, in side and front views, any part of the driver’s
feet and legs ahead of the Front Hoop must not extend above or outside Structural Tubing or
Equivalent
T.1.3.3 All moving suspension and steering components and other sharp edges inside the cockpit
between the Front Hoop and a vertical plane 100 mm rearward of the pedals must be covered
by a shield made of a solid material.
Moving components include, but are not limited to springs, shock absorbers, rocker arms, anti-
roll/sway bars, steering racks and steering column CV joints.
T.1.3.4 Covers over suspension and steering components must be removable to inspect the mounting
points
T.1.4 Vehicle Controls
T.1.4.1 Accelerator Pedal
a. An Accelerator Pedal must control the Powertrain output
b. Pedal Travel is the percent of travel from a fully released position to a fully applied
position. 0% is fully released and 100% is fully applied.
c. The Accelerator Pedal must:
• Return to 0% Pedal Travel when not pushed
• Have a positive stop to prevent any cable, actuation system or sensor from damage
or overstress
T.1.4.2 Any mechanism in the throttle system that could become jammed must be covered.
This is to prevent debris or interference and includes but is not limited to a gear mechanism
T.1.4.3 All Vehicle Controls (steering, gear change, Cockpit Main Switch / Cockpit Shutdown Button)
must be operated from inside the cockpit without any part of the driver, including hands, arms
or elbows, being outside of:
a. The Side Impact Structure defined in F.6.4 / F.7.5
b. Two longitudinal vertical planes parallel to the centerline of the chassis touching the
uppermost member of the Side Impact Structure
T.1.4.4 All Vehicle Controls must stay below the top-most point of the Front Hoop in any operational
position
T.1.5 Driver’s Seat
T.1.5.1 The Driver’s Seat must be protected by one of the two:
a. In side view, the lowest point of any Driver’s Seat must be no lower than the upper
surface of the lowest structural tube or equivalent
b. A longitudinal tube (or tubes) that meets the requirements for Side Impact tubing
(F.3.2.1.e), passing underneath the lowest point of the Driver Seat.
T.1.6 Thermal Protection
T.1.6.1 When seated in the normal driving position, sufficient heat insulation must be provided to
make sure that the driver will not contact any metal or other materials which may become
heated to a surface temperature above 60°C.
T.1.6.2 Insulation may be external to the cockpit or incorporated with the Driver’s Seat or Firewall.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 57 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.1.6.3 The design must address all three types of heat transfer between the heat source (examples
include but are not limited to: exhaust pipe, coolant hose/tube, Tractive Battery Pack) and a
place that the driver could contact (including seat or floor):
a. Conduction Isolation by one of the two:
• No direct contact between the heat source and the panel
• A heat resistant, conduction isolation material with a minimum thickness of 8 mm
between the heat source and the panel
b. Convection Isolation by a minimum air gap of 25 mm between the heat source and the
panel
c. Radiation Isolation by one of the two:
• A solid metal heat shield with a minimum thickness of 0.4 mm
• Reflective foil or tape when combined with conduction insulation
T.1.7 Floor Closeout
T.1.7.1 All vehicles must have a Floor Closeout to prevent track debris from entering
T.1.7.2 The Floor Closeout must extend from the foot area to the firewall
T.1.7.3 The panel(s) must be made of a solid, non brittle material
T.1.7.4 If multiple panels are used, gaps between panels must not exceed 3 mm
T.1.8 Firewall
T.1.8.1 A Firewall(s) must separate the driver compartment and any portion of the Driver Harness
from:
a. All components of the Fuel System, the engine oil, the liquid cooling systems, any lithium
batteries
b. (EV only) All Tractive System components other than Outboard Wheel Motors EV.4.1.3
and cable to those Motors where mounted at the wheels or on the front control arms
T.1.8.2 The Firewall must extend sufficiently far upwards and/or rearwards and/or sideways where
any point on the drivers body less than 100 mm above the bottom of the helmet of the tallest
driver must not be in direct line of sight with any part given in T.1.8.1 above
T.1.8.3 Any Firewall must be:
a. A non permeable surface made from a rigid, Nonflammable Material
b. Mounted tightly
T.1.8.4 (EV only) The Firewall or the part of the Firewall on the Tractive System side must be:
a. Made of aluminum. The Firewall layer itself must not be aluminum tape.
b. Grounded, refer to EV.6.7 Grounding
T.1.8.5 (EV only) The Tractive Battery Container must not be part of the Firewall
T.1.8.6 Sealing
a. Any Firewall must seal completely against the passage of fluids (the Firewall itself, joints,
edges, any pass throughs and Floor Closeout)
b. Firewalls that have multiple panels must overlap and be sealed at the joints
c. Sealing between Firewalls must not be a stressed part of the Firewall
d. Grommets must be used to seal any pass through for wiring, cables, etc

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 58 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 e. Any seals or adhesives used with the Firewall must be rated for the application
environment

T.2 DRIVER ACCOMMODATION

T.2.1 Harness Definitions
a. 5 Point Harness – consists of two Lap Belts, two Shoulder Belts and one Anti-Submarine
Belt.
b. 6 Point Harness – consists of two Lap Belts, two Shoulder Belts and two leg or Anti-
Submarine Belts.
c. 7 Point Harness – consists of two Lap Belts, two Shoulder Belts, two leg or Anti-
Submarine Belts and a negative g or Z Belt.
d. Upright Driving Position - with a seat back angled at 30° or less from the vertical as
measured along the line joining the two 200 mm circles of the template of the 95th
percentile male as defined in F.5.6.5 and positioned per F.5.6.6
e. Reclined Driving Position - with a seat back angled at more than 30° from the vertical as
measured along the line joining the two 200 mm circles of the template of the 95th
percentile male as defined in F.5.6.5 and positioned per F.5.6.6
f. Chest to Groin Line - the straight line that in side view follows the line of the Shoulder
Belts from the chest to the release buckle.
T.2.2 Harness Specification
T.2.2.1 The vehicle must use a 5, 6 or 7 Point Harness meeting one or more of the three:
a. SFI Specification 16.1
b. SFI Specification 16.5
c. FIA specification 8853/2016
T.2.2.2 The belts must have the original manufacturers labels showing the specification and
expiration date
T.2.2.3 The Harness must be in or before the year of expiration shown on the labels. Harnesses
expiring on or before Dec 31 of the calendar year of the competition are permitted.
T.2.2.4 The Harness must be in new or like new condition, with no signs of wear, cuts, chaffing or
other issues
T.2.2.5 All Harness hardware must be installed and threaded in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions
T.2.2.6 All Harness hardware must be used as received from the manufacturer. No modification
(including drilling, cutting, grinding, etc) is permitted.
T.2.3 Harness Requirements
T.2.3.1 Vehicles with a Reclined Driving Position must have:
a. A 6 Point Harness or a 7 Point Harness
b. Anti-Submarine Belts with tilt lock adjusters (“quick adjusters”) OR two sets of Anti-
Submarine Belts installed.
T.2.3.2 All Lap Belts must incorporate a tilt lock adjuster (“quick adjuster”).
Lap Belts with “pull-up” adjusters are recommended over “pull-down” adjusters.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 59 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.2.3.3 The Shoulder Belts must be the over the shoulder type. Only separate shoulder straps are
permitted. “Y” type shoulder straps are not permitted. The “H” type configuration is
permitted.
T.2.4 Belt, Strap and Harness Installation - General
T.2.4.1 The Lap Belt, Shoulder Belts and Anti-Submarine Belt(s) must be securely mounted to the
Primary Structure.
T.2.4.2 Any guide or support for the belts must be material meeting F.3.2.1.j
T.2.4.3 Each tab, bracket or eye to which any part of the Harness is attached must:
a. Support a minimum load in pullout and tearout before failure of:
• If one belt is attached to the tab, bracket or eye 15 kN
• If two belts are attached to the tab, bracket or eye 30 kN
b. Be 1.6 mm minimum thickness
c. Not cause abrasion to the belt webbing
Bolt tabs are checked in double tearout
T.2.4.4 Attachment of tabs or brackets must meet these:
a. Where brackets are fastened to the chassis, no less than two 6 mm or 1/4” minimum
diameter Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2 or stronger must be used to attach the bracket to
the chassis
b. Welded tabs or eyes must have a minimum base dimension of the outer diameter of the
tab or eye
c. Where a single shear tab is welded to the chassis, the tab to tube welding must be on the
two sides of the base of the tab
Double shear attachments are preferred. Tabs and brackets for double shear mounts should
be welded on the two sides.
T.2.4.5 Eyebolts or Weld Eyes must:
a. Be one piece. No eyenuts or swivels.
b. Be harness manufacturer supplied
Threads should be 7/16-20 or greater
c. Be aligned to let the harness clip-on bracket pivot freely, and not touch other harness
brackets (lap and anti sub) or other vehicle parts
d. Have a positive locking feature on threads or by the belt itself
e. Weld Eyes must have a shank inserted through a Welded Insert F.3.4.3
T.2.4.6 For the belt itself to be considered a positive locking feature, the eyebolt must:
a. Have minimum 10 threads engaged in a threaded insert
b. Be shimmed to fully tight
c. Be properly aligned with the clip-on harness bracket (not twisted) to prevent the belt
creating a torque on the eyebolt.
T.2.4.7 Harness installation must meet T.1.8.1

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 60 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.2.5 Lap Belt Mounting
T.2.5.1 The Lap Belts must pass around the pelvic area below the Anterior Superior Iliac Spines (the
hip bones)
T.2.5.2 Installation of the Lap Belts must go in a straight line from the mounting point until they reach
the driver's body without touching any hole in the seat or any other intermediate structure
T.2.5.3 The seat must be rolled or grommeted where the Belts or Harness pass through a hole in the
seat
T.2.5.4 With an Upright Driving Position:
a. The Lap Belt Side View Angle must be between 45° and 65° to the horizontal.
b. The centerline of the Lap Belt at the seat bottom should be between 0 – 75 mm forward
of the seat back to seat bottom junction.
T.2.5.5 With a Reclined Driving Position, the Lap Belt Side View Angle must be between 60° and 80° to
the horizontal.

T.2.5.6 The Lap Belts must attach by one of the two:

a. Bolt or eyebolt through a welded tube insert or tested monocoque attachment F.7.8.8
b. Bolt to a tab or bracket, or clip to an eye ( T.2.4.3 ) on a tube frame
T.2.5.7 In side view, the Lap Belt must be capable of pivoting freely by using a shouldered bolt or an
eye bolt attachment
T.2.5.8 Any bolt used to attach a Lap Belt, directly to the chassis or to an intermediate bracket, is a
Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2, with a minimum diameter that is the smaller of:
• The bolt diameter specified by the manufacturer
• 10 mm or 3/8”
T.2.6 Shoulder Harness
T.2.6.1 From the driver’s shoulders rearwards to the mounting point or structural guide, the Shoulder
Belt Side View Angle must be between 10° above the horizontal and 20° below the horizontal.
T.2.6.2 The Shoulder Belt Mount Spacing must be between 175 mm and 235 mm, center to center
T.2.6.3 The Shoulder Belts must attach by one of the four:
a. Wrap around the Shoulder Harness Mounting bar
b. Bolt through a welded tube insert or tested monocoque attachment F.7.8.8
c. Bolt to a well gusseted tab behind the Shoulder Harness Mounting Bar or clip to an eye (
T.2.4.3 ) loaded in tension on the Shoulder Harness Mounting bar
d. Wrap around physically tested hardware attached to a monocoque

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 61 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.2.6.4 Any bolt used to attach a Shoulder Belt, directly to the chassis or to an intermediate bracket, is
a Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2, with a minimum diameter that is the smaller of:
• The bolt diameter specified by the manufacturer
• 10 mm or 3/8”
T.2.7 Anti-Submarine Belt Mounting
T.2.7.1 The Anti-Submarine Belt of a 5 point harness must be mounted with the mounting point in
line with or slightly forward of the driver’s Chest to Groin Line with an Anti-Submarine Belt
Side View Angle no more than 20°

T.2.7.2 The Anti-Submarine Belts of a 6 point harness must mount in one of the two:
a. With the belts going vertically down from the groin, or with an Anti-Submarine Belt Side
View Angle up to 20° rearwards.
The Anti-Submarine Belt Mount Spacing should be approximately 100 mm apart.

b. With the Anti-Submarine Belt Mounting Points on the Primary Structure at or near the
Lap Belt anchorages, the driver sitting on the Anti-Submarine Belts, and the belts coming
up around the groin to the release buckle.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 62 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.2.7.3 Installation of all Anti-Submarine Belts must go in a straight line from the Anti-Submarine Belt
Mounting Point(s) without touching any hole in the seat or any other intermediate structure
until they reach:
a. The release buckle for the 5 Point Harness mounting per T.2.7.1
b. The first point where the belt touches the driver’s body for the 6 Point Harness mounting
per T.2.7.2
T.2.7.4 The Anti Submarine Belts must attach by one of the three:
a. Bolt or eyebolt through a welded tube insert or tested monocoque attachment F.7.8.8
b. Bolt to a tab or bracket, or clip to an eye ( T.2.4.3 ) on a tube frame
c. Wrap around a tube meeting F.3.2.1.j that connects the Lower Side Impact tubes F.6.4.5.
The belt must not be able to touch the ground.
T.2.7.5 Any bolt used to attach an Anti-Submarine Belt, directly to the chassis or to an intermediate
bracket, is a Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2, with a minimum diameter that is the smaller of:
• The bolt diameter specified by the manufacturer
• 8 mm or 5/16”
T.2.8 Head Restraint
T.2.8.1 A Head Restraint must be provided to limit the rearward motion of the driver’s head
T.2.8.2 The Head Restraint must be vertical or near vertical in side view
T.2.8.3 All material and structure of the Head Restraint must be inside one or the two of:
a. Rollover Protection Envelope F.1.13
b. Head Restraint Protection (if used) F.5.10
T.2.8.4 Items must not:
a. Attach to the material or structure of the Head Restraint
b. Be 25 mm or less to the Head Restraint
T.2.8.5 The Head Restraint, attachment and mounting must be strong enough to withstand a
minimum force of:
a. 900 N applied in a rearward direction
b. 300 N applied in a lateral or vertical direction
T.2.8.6 For all drivers, the Head Restraint must be located and adjusted where:
a. The Head Restraint is no more than 25 mm away from the back of the driver’s helmet,
with the driver in their normal driving position.
b. The contact point of the back of the driver’s helmet on the Head Restraint is no less than
50 mm from any edge of the Head Restraint.
Approximately 100 mm of longitudinal adjustment should accommodate range of specified
drivers. Several Head Restraints with different thicknesses may be used
T.2.8.7 The Head Restraint padding must:
a. Be an energy absorbing material that is one of the two:
• Meets SFI Spec 45.2
• CONFOR CF45 (Blue) or CONFOR CF45M (Blue) FIA Technical List No 17

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 63 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 b. Have a minimum thickness of 38 mm
c. Have a minimum width of 15 cm
d. Meet one of the two:
• minimum area of 235 cm2 AND minimum total height adjustment of 17.5 cm
• minimum height of 28 cm
e. Be covered with a thin, flexible material that contains a ~20 mm diameter inspection
hole in a surface other than the front surface
T.2.9 Roll Bar Padding
Any portion of the roll bar, roll bar bracing or Chassis which might be contacted by the driver’s
helmet must be covered with a minimum thickness of 12 mm of padding which meets SFI Spec
45.1 or FIA 8857-2001.

T.3 BRAKES
T.3.1 Brake System
T.3.1.1 The vehicle must have a Brake System
T.3.1.2 The Brake System must:
a. Act on all four wheels
b. Be operated by a single control
c. Be capable of locking all four wheels
T.3.1.3 The Brake System must have two independent hydraulic circuits
A leak or failure at any point in the Brake System must maintain effective brake power on
minimum two wheels
T.3.1.4 Each hydraulic circuit must have its own fluid reserve using separate reservoirs or an OEM
style reservoir
T.3.1.5 A single brake acting on a limited slip differential may be used
T.3.1.6 “Brake by Wire” systems are prohibited
T.3.1.7 Unarmored plastic brake lines are prohibited
T.3.1.8 The Brake System must be protected with scatter shields from failure of the drive train (see
T.5.2) or from minor collisions.
T.3.1.9 In side view any portion of the Brake System that is mounted on the sprung part of the vehicle
must not project below the lower surface of the chassis
T.3.1.10 Fasteners in the Brake System are Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2
T.3.2 Brake Pedal, Pedal Box and Mounting
T.3.2.1 The Brake Pedal must be one of:
• Fabricated from steel or aluminum
• Machined from steel, aluminum or titanium
T.3.2.2 The Brake Pedal and associated components design must withstand a minimum force of 2000
N without any failure of the Brake System, pedal box, chassis mounting, or pedal adjustment
This is not a design criteria. The Brake Pedal and Brake System may be tested by pressing the
pedal with the maximum force that can be exerted by any official when seated normally

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 64 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.3.2.3 Failure of non-loadbearing components in the Brake System or pedal box must not interfere
with Brake Pedal operation or Brake System function
T.3.2.4 (EV only) Additional requirements for Electric Vehicles:
a. The first 90% of the Brake Pedal travel may be used to regenerate energy without
actuating the hydraulic brake system
b. The remaining Brake Pedal travel must directly operate the hydraulic brake system.
Brake energy regeneration may stay active
T.3.3 Brake Over Travel Switch - BOTS
T.3.3.1 The vehicle must have a Brake Over Travel Switch (BOTS). Brake pedal travel exceeding the
normal range will operate the switch
T.3.3.2 The BOTS must:
a. Be a mechanical single pole, single throw (two position) switch (push-pull, push-rotate or
flip type)
b. Hold if operated to the OFF position
T.3.3.3 Operation of the BOTS to the OFF position must Open the Shutdown Circuit IC.9.2.2 / EV.7.2.2
T.3.3.4 The driver must not be able to reset the BOTS
T.3.3.5 The BOTS circuit must be implemented with analog components, not using programmable
logic controllers, engine control units, or similar functioning digital controllers
T.3.4 Brake Light
T.3.4.1 The vehicle must have a Brake Light that is clearly visible from the rear in very bright sunlight.
T.3.4.2 The Brake Light must be:
a. Red in color on a Black background
b. Rectangular, triangular or near round shape with a minimum shining surface of 15 cm2
c. Mounted between the wheel centerline and driver’s shoulder level vertically and
approximately on vehicle centerline laterally.
T.3.4.3 When LED lights are used without a diffuser, they must not be more than 20 mm apart.
T.3.4.4 If a single line of LEDs is used, the minimum length is 150 mm.

T.4 ELECTRONIC THROTTLE COMPONENTS

T.4.1 Applicability
This section T.4 applies only for:
• IC vehicles using Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) IC.4
• EV vehicles
T.4.2 Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor - APPS
T.4.2.1 The Accelerator Pedal must operate the APPS T.1.4.1
a. Two springs must be used to return the foot pedal to 0% Pedal Travel
b. Each spring must be capable of returning the pedal to 0% Pedal Travel with the other
disconnected. The springs in the APPS are not acceptable pedal return springs.
T.4.2.2 Two or more electrically separate sensors must be used as APPSs. A single OEM type APPS
with two completely separate sensors in a single housing is acceptable.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 65 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.4.2.3 The APPS sensors must meet the three:
• Have different transfer functions which have different gradients and/or offsets to the
other(s)
• Have a pull-up or pull-down resistor in circuit to bring an open circuit input to 0% pedal
travel
• At any pedal position above 10%, the pedal travel output of a single sensor must differ by
minimum 10% from any other sensor
Opposite slope sensors that do not meet this requirement will not be permitted
T.4.2.4 Implausibility is defined as a deviation of more than 10% Pedal Travel between the sensors or
other failure as defined in this Section T.4.2. Use of values larger than 10% Pedal Travel
require justification in the ETC Systems Form and may not be approved
T.4.2.5 If an Implausibility occurs between the values of the APPSs and persists for more than 100
msec, the power to the (IC) Electronic Throttle / (EV) Motor(s) must be immediately stopped
completely.
(EV only) It is not necessary to Open the Shutdown Circuit, the motor controller(s) stopping
the power to the Motor(s) is sufficient.
T.4.2.6 If three sensors are used, then if one APPS failure, any two sensors that agree within 10%
Pedal Travel may be used to define the (IC) throttle position / (EV) torque target and the 3rd
APPS may be ignored.
T.4.2.7 Each APPS must be able to be checked during Technical Inspection by having one of the two:
• A separate detachable connector that enables a check of functions by unplugging it
• An inline switchable breakout box available that may disconnect each APPS signal
T.4.2.8 The APPS signals must be sent directly to a controller using an analogue signal or via a digital
data transmission bus such as CAN or FlexRay.
T.4.2.9 Any failure of the APPS or APPS wiring must be detectable by the controller and must be
treated like an Implausibility, see T.4.2.4 above
T.4.2.10 When an analogue signal is used, the APPS will be considered to have failed when they
achieve an open circuit or short circuit condition which generates a signal outside of the
normal operating range, for example <0.5 V or >4.5 V
The circuitry used to evaluate the sensor must use pull down or pull up resistors to make sure
that open circuit signals result in a failure being detected
T.4.2.11 When any kind of digital data transmission is used to transmit the APPS signal:
a. (IC Only) The ETC Systems Form must contain a detailed description of all the potential
failure modes that can occur, the strategy that is used to detect these failures and the
tests that have been conducted to prove that the detection strategy works
b. The failures to be considered must include but are not limited to the failure of the APPS,
APPS signals being out of range, corruption of the message and loss of messages and the
associated time outs
T.4.2.12 The current rules are written to only apply to the APPS (pedal), but the integrity of the torque
command signal is important in all stages

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 66 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.4.3 Brake System Encoder - BSE
T.4.3.1 The vehicle must have a sensor or switch to measure brake pedal position or brake system
pressure
T.4.3.2 The BSE must be able to be checked during Technical Inspection by having one of:
• A separate detachable connector(s) for any BSE signal(s) to the main ECU without
affecting any other connections
• An inline switchable breakout box available that may disconnect each BSE signal(s) to the
main ECU without affecting any other connections
T.4.3.3 The BSE or switch signals must be sent directly to a controller using an analogue signal or via a
digital data transmission bus such as CAN or FlexRay
Any failure of the BSE or BSE wiring that persists more than 100 msec must be detectable by
the controller and treated like an implausibility and power to the (IC) electronic throttle / (EV)
Motor(s) must be immediately stopped completely.
(EV only) It is not necessary to completely deactivate the Tractive System, the motor
controller(s) stopping power to the motor(s) is sufficient.
T.4.3.4 When an analogue signal is used, the BSE sensors will be considered to have failed when they
achieve an open circuit or short circuit condition which generates a signal outside of the
normal operating range, for example <0.5 V or >4.5 V.
The circuitry used to evaluate the sensor must use pull down or pull up resistors to make sure
that open circuit signals result in a failure being detected.
T.4.3.5 When any kind of digital data transmission is used to transmit the BSE signal:
a. The ETC Systems Form must contain a detailed description of all the potential failure
modes that can occur, the strategy that is used to detect these failures and the tests that
have been conducted to prove that the detection strategy works.
b. The failures modes must include but are not limited to the failure of the sensor, sensor
signals being out of range, corruption of the message and loss of messages and the
associated time outs.
c. In all cases a sensor failure must immediately shutdown power to the motor(s)

T.5 POWERTRAIN
T.5.1 Transmission and Drive
Any transmission and drivetrain may be used.
T.5.2 Drivetrain Shields and Guards
T.5.2.1 Exposed high speed final drivetrain equipment such as Continuously Variable Transmissions
(CVTs), sprockets, gears, pulleys, torque converters, clutches, belt drives, clutch drives and
electric motors, must be fitted with scatter shields to contain drivetrain parts during radial
failure
T.5.2.2 The final drivetrain shield must:
a. Be made with solid material (not perforated)
b. Cover the chain or belt from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket/chain wheel/belt
or pulley
c. Start and end no higher than parallel to the lowest point of the chain wheel/belt/pulley:

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 67 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 d. Cover the bottom of the chain or belt or rotating component when fuel, brake lines
T.3.1.8, control, pressurized, electrical components are located below
T.5.2.3 Body panels or other existing covers are acceptable when constructed per T.5.2.7 / T.5.2.8
T.5.2.4 Frame Members or existing components that exceed the scatter shield material requirements
may be used as part of the shield.
T.5.2.5 Scatter shields may have multiple pieces. Any gaps must be small (< 3 mm)
T.5.2.6 If equipped, the engine drive sprocket cover may be used as part of the scatter shield system.
T.5.2.7 Chain Drive - Scatter shields for chains must:
a. Be made of 2.66 mm (0.105 inch) minimum thickness steel (no alternatives are
permitted)
b. Have a minimum width equal to three times the width of the chain
c. Be centered on the center line of the chain
d. Stay aligned with the chain under all conditions
T.5.2.8 Non-metallic Belt Drive - Scatter shields for belts must:
a. Be made from 3.0 mm minimum thickness aluminum alloy
b. Have a minimum width that is equal to 1.7 times the width of the belt.
c. Be centered on the center line of the belt
d. Stay aligned with the belt under all conditions
T.5.2.9 Attachment Fasteners - All fasteners attaching scatter shields and guards must be 6 mm or
1/4” minimum diameter Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2
T.5.2.10 Finger Guards
a. Must cover any drivetrain parts that spin while the vehicle is stationary with the engine
running.
b. Must be made of material sufficient to resist finger forces.
c. Mesh or perforated material may be used but must prevent the passage of a 12 mm
diameter object through the guard.
T.5.3 Motor Protection (EV Only)
T.5.3.1 The rotating part of the Motor(s) EV.4.1 must be contained in a structural casing.
The motor casing may be the original motor casing, a team built motor casing or the original
casing with additional material added to achieve the minimum required thickness.
• Minimum thickness for aluminum alloy: 3.0 mm
If lower grade aluminum alloy is used, then the material must be thicker to provide an
equivalent strength.
• Minimum thickness for steel: 2.0 mm
T.5.3.2 A Scatter Shield must be included around the Motor(s) when one or the two:
• The motor casing rotates around the stator

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 68 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 • The motor case is perforated
T.5.3.3 The Motor Scatter Shield must be:
• Made from aluminum alloy or steel
• Minimum thickness: 1.0 mm
T.5.4 Coolant Fluid
T.5.4.1 Water cooled engines must use only plain water with no additives of any kind
T.5.4.2 Liquid coolant for electric motors, Tractive Battery(s) or HV electronics must be one of:
• plain water with no additives
• oil
T.5.4.3 (EV only) Liquid coolant must not directly touch the cells in the Tractive Battery
T.5.5 System Sealing
T.5.5.1 Any cooling or lubrication system must be sealed to prevent leakage
T.5.5.2 The vehicle must be capable of being tilted to a 45° angle without leaking fluid of any type.
T.5.5.3 Flammable liquid and vapors or other leaks must not collect or contact the driver
T.5.5.4 Two holes of minimum diameter 25 mm each must be provided in the structure or belly pan at
the locations:
a. The lowest point of the chassis
b. Rearward of the driver position, forward of a fuel tank or other liquid source
c. If the lowest point of the chassis obeys T.5.5.4.b, then only one set of holes T.5.5.4.a is
necessary
T.5.5.5 Absorbent material and open collection devices (regardless of material) are prohibited in
compartments containing engine, drivetrain, exhaust and fuel systems below the highest
point on the exhaust system.
T.5.6 Catch Cans
T.5.6.1 The vehicle must have separate containers (catch cans) to retain fluids from any vents from
the powertrain systems.
T.5.6.2 Catch cans must be:
a. Able to hold boiling water without deformation
b. Located rearwards of the Firewall below the driver’s shoulder level
c. Positively retained, using no tie wraps or tape
T.5.6.3 Catch cans for the engine coolant system and engine lubrication system must have a minimum
capacity of 10% of the fluid being contained or 0.9 liter, whichever is higher
T.5.6.4 Catch cans for any vent on other systems containing liquid lubricant or coolant, including a
differential, gearbox, or electric motor, must have a minimum capacity of 10% of the fluid
being contained or 0.5 liter, whichever is higher
T.5.6.5 Any catch can on the cooling system must vent through a hose with a minimum internal
diameter of 3 mm down to the bottom levels of the Chassis.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 69 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.6 PRESSURIZED SYSTEMS
T.6.1 Compressed Gas Cylinders and Lines
Any system on the vehicle that uses a compressed gas as an actuating medium must meet:
T.6.1.1 Working Gas - The working gas must be non flammable
T.6.1.2 Cylinder Certification - The gas cylinder/tank must be commercially manufactured, designed
and built for the pressure being used, certified by an accredited testing laboratory in the
country of its origin, and labeled or stamped appropriately.
T.6.1.3 Pressure Regulation - The pressure regulator must be mounted directly onto the gas
cylinder/tank
T.6.1.4 Lines and Fittings - The gas lines and fittings must be appropriate for the maximum possible
operating pressure of the system.
T.6.1.5 Insulation - The gas cylinder/tank must be insulated from any heat sources
T.6.1.6 Cylinder Material – gas cylinders/tanks in a position 150 mm or less from an exhaust system
must meet one of the two:
• Made from metal
• Meet the thermal protection requirements of T.1.6.3
T.6.1.7 Cylinder Location - The gas cylinder/tank and the pressure regulator must be:
a. Securely mounted inside the Chassis
b. Located outside of the Cockpit
c. In a position below the height of the Shoulder Belt Mount T.2.6
d. Aligned so the axis of the gas cylinder/tank does not point at the driver
T.6.1.8 Protection – The gas cylinder/tank and lines must be protected from rollover, collision from
any direction, or damage resulting from the failure of rotating equipment
T.6.1.9 The driver must be protected from failure of the cylinder/tank and regulator
T.6.2 High Pressure Hydraulic Pumps and Lines
This section T.6.2 does not apply to Brake lines or hydraulic clutch lines
T.6.2.1 The driver and anyone standing outside the vehicle must be shielded from any hydraulic
pumps and lines with line pressures of 2100 kPa or higher.
T.6.2.2 The shields must be steel or aluminum with a minimum thickness of 1 mm.

T.7 BODYWORK AND AERODYNAMIC DEVICES

T.7.1 Aerodynamic Devices
T.7.1.1 Aerodynamic Device
A part on the vehicle which guides airflow for purposes including generation of downforce
and/or change of drag.
Examples include but are not limited to: wings, undertray, splitter, endplates, vanes
T.7.1.2 No power device may be used to move or remove air from under the vehicle. Power ground
effects are strictly prohibited.
T.7.1.3 All Aerodynamic Devices must meet:
a. The mounting system provides sufficient rigidity in the static condition

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 70 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 b. The Aerodynamic Devices do not oscillate or move excessively when the vehicle is
moving. Refer to IN.6.2
T.7.1.4 All forward facing edges that could contact a pedestrian (wings, end plates, and undertrays)
must have a minimum radius of 5 mm for all horizontal edges and 3 mm for vertical edges.
This may be the radius of the edges themselves, or additional permanently attached pieces
designed to meet this requirement.
T.7.1.5 Other edges that a person may touch must not be sharp
T.7.2 Bodywork
T.7.2.1 Conventionally designed Bodywork or a nose cone is not considered an Aerodynamic Device
T.7.2.2 Bodywork, a nose cone, or another component mounted to the vehicle is an Aerodynamic
Device if is designed to, or may possibly, produce force due to aerodynamic effects
T.7.2.3 Bodywork must not contain openings into the cockpit from the front of the vehicle back to the
Main Hoop or Firewall. The cockpit opening and minimal openings around the front
suspension components are permitted.
T.7.2.4 All forward facing edges on the Bodywork that could contact people, including the nose, must
have forward facing radii minimum 38 mm. This minimum radius must extend 45° or more
relative to the forward direction, along the top, sides and bottom of all affected edges.
T.7.3 Measurement
T.7.3.1 All Aerodynamic Device limitations are measured:
a. With the wheels pointing in the straight ahead position
b. Without a driver in the vehicle
The intent is to standardize the measurement, see GR.6.4.1
T.7.3.2 Head Restraint Plane
A transverse vertical plane through the rearmost portion of the front face of the driver head
restraint support, excluding any padding, set (if adjustable) in its fully rearward position
T.7.3.3 Rear Aerodynamic Zone
The volume that is:
• Rearward of the Head Restraint Plane
• Inboard of two vertical planes parallel to the centerline of the chassis touching the inside
of the rear tires at the height of the hub centerline
T.7.4 Location
Any part of any Aerodynamic Device or Bodywork must meet V.1.1 and V.1.4.1
T.7.5 Length
In plan view, any part of any Aerodynamic Device must be:
a. No more than 700 mm forward of the fronts of the front tires
b. No more than 250 mm rearward of the rear of the rear tires
T.7.6 Width
In plan view, any part of any Aerodynamic Device must be:

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 71 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.7.6.1 When forward of the centerline of the front wheel axles:
Inboard of two vertical planes parallel to the centerline of the chassis touching the outside of
the front tires at the height of the hubs.
T.7.6.2 When between the centerlines of the front and rear wheel axles:
Inboard of a line drawn connecting the outer surfaces of the front and rear tires at the height
of the wheel centers
T.7.6.3 When rearward of the centerline of the rear wheel axles:
In the Rear Aerodynamic Zone
T.7.7 Height
T.7.7.1 Any part of any Aerodynamic Device that is located:
a. In the Rear Aerodynamic Zone must be no higher than 1200 mm above the ground
b. Outside of the Rear Aerodynamic Zone must be no higher than 500 mm above the
ground
c. Forward of the centerline of the front wheel axles and outboard of two vertical planes
parallel to the centerline of the chassis touching the inside of the front tires at the height
of the hubs must be no higher than 250 mm above the ground
T.7.7.2 Bodywork height is not restricted when the Bodywork is located:
• Between the transverse vertical planes positioned at the front and rear axle centerlines
• Inside two vertical fore and aft planes 400 mm outboard from the centerline on each
side of the vehicle

T.8 FASTENERS
T.8.1 Critical Fasteners
A fastener (bolt, screw, pin, etc) used in a location specified in the applicable rule

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 72 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.8.2 Critical Fastener Requirements
T.8.2.1 Any Critical Fastener must meet, at minimum, one of these:
a. SAE Grade 5
b. Metric Class 8.8
c. AN/MS Specifications
d. Equivalent to or better than above, as approved by a Rules Question or at Technical
Inspection
T.8.2.2 All threaded Critical Fasteners must be one of the two:
• Hex head
• Hexagonal recessed drive with cap head (Socket Head Cap Screws or Allen screws/bolts)
T.8.2.3 Critical Fasteners must not be countersunk types
T.8.2.4 All Critical Fasteners must be secured from unintentional loosening with Positive Locking
Mechanisms see T.8.3
T.8.2.5 A minimum of two full threads must project from any lock nut
T.8.2.6 Some Critical Fastener applications have additional requirements that are provided in the
applicable section
T.8.3 Positive Locking Mechanisms
T.8.3.1 Positive Locking Mechanisms are defined as those which:
a. Technical Inspectors / team members can see that the device/system is in place (visible)
b. Do not rely on the clamping force to apply the locking or anti vibration feature
Meaning If the fastener begins to loosen, the locking device still prevents the fastener coming
completely loose
T.8.3.2 Examples of acceptable Positive Locking Mechanisms include, but are not limited to:
a. Correctly installed safety wiring
b. Cotter pins
c. Nylon lock nuts (where temperature does not exceed 80°C)
d. Prevailing torque lock nuts
Lock washers, bolts with nylon patches and thread locking compounds (Loctite®), DO NOT
meet the positive locking requirement. A latch requires an additional Positive Locking
Mechanism
T.8.3.3 If the Positive Locking Mechanism is by prevailing torque lock nuts:
a. Locking fasteners must be in as new condition
b. A supply of replacement fasteners must be presented in Technical Inspection, including
any attachment method
T.8.4 Requirements for All Fasteners
Adjustable tie rod ends must be constrained with a jam nut to prevent loosening

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 73 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.9 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
T.9.1 Definitions
T.9.1.1 High Voltage – HV
Any voltage more than 60 V DC or 25 V AC RMS
T.9.1.2 Low Voltage - LV
Any voltage less than and including 60 V DC or 25 V AC RMS
T.9.1.3 Normally Open
A type of electrical relay or contactor that lets current flow only in the energized state
T.9.2 Low Voltage Batteries
T.9.2.1 All Low Voltage Batteries and onboard power supplies must be fully and securely mounted
inside chassis structure below the height of the Shoulder Belt Mount T.2.6
This chassis structure must be sufficient for suspension mounting
T.9.2.2 All Low Voltage batteries must have Overcurrent Protection that trips at or below the
maximum specified discharge current of the cells
T.9.2.3 The hot (ungrounded) terminal must be insulated
T.9.2.4 Any wet cell battery located in the driver compartment must be enclosed in a nonconductive
marine type container or equivalent
T.9.2.5 Batteries or battery packs based on lithium chemistry must meet one of the two:
a. Have a rigid, sturdy casing made from Nonflammable Material
b. A commercially available battery designed as an OEM style replacement
T.9.2.6 All batteries using chemistries other than lead acid must be presented at Technical Inspection
with markings identifying it for comparison to a datasheet or other documentation proving
the pack and supporting electronics meet all rules requirements
T.9.3 Master Switches
Each Master Switch ( IC.9.3 / EV.7.9 ) must meet:
T.9.3.1 Location
a. On the driver’s right hand side of the vehicle
b. In proximity to the Main Hoop
c. At the driver's shoulder height
d. Able to be easily operated from outside the vehicle
T.9.3.2 Characteristics
a. Be of the rotary mechanical type
b. Be rigidly mounted to the vehicle and must not be removed during maintenance
c. Mounted where the rotary axis of the key is near horizontal and across the vehicle
d. The ON position must be in the horizontal position and must be marked accordingly
e. The OFF position must be clearly marked
f. (EV Only) Operated with a red removable key that must only be removable in the
electrically open position

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 74 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
T.9.4 Inertia Switch
T.9.4.1 Inertia Switch Requirement
• (EV) Must have an Inertia Switch
• (IC) Should have an Inertia Switch
T.9.4.2 The Inertia Switch must be:
a. A resettable automotive crash sensor
b. Mechanically and rigidly attached to the vehicle
c. Removable to test functionality
T.9.4.3 Inertia Switch operation:
a. Must trigger due to a longitudinal impact load which decelerates the vehicle at between
8 g and 11 g depending on the duration of the deceleration
b. Must Open the Shutdown Circuit IC.9.2.2 / EV.7.2.2 if triggered
c. Must latch until manually reset
d. May be reset by the driver from inside the driver's cell

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 75 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
VE - VEHICLE AND DRIVER EQUIPMENT
VE.1 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
VE.1.1 Vehicle Number
VE.1.1.1 The assigned vehicle number must appear on the vehicle as follows:
a. Locations: in three places, on the front of the chassis and the left and right sides
b. Height: 150 mm minimum
c. Font: Block numbers (sans serif characters without italic, outline, shadow, or cursive
numbers)
d. Stroke Width and Spacing between numbers: 18 mm minimum
e. Color: White numbers on a black background OR black numbers on a white background
f. Background: round, oval, square or rectangular
g. Spacing: 25 mm minimum between the edge of the numbers and the edge of the
background
h. The numbers must not be obscured by parts of the vehicle
VE.1.1.2 Additional letters or numerals must not show before or after the vehicle number
VE.1.2 School Name
Each vehicle must clearly display the school name.
a. Abbreviations are permitted if unique and generally recognized
b. The name must be in Roman characters minimum 50 mm high on the left and right sides
of the vehicle.
c. The characters must be put on a high contrast background in an easily visible location
d. The school name may also appear in non Roman characters, but the Roman character
version must be uppermost on the sides.
VE.1.3 SAE Logo
The SAE International Logo must be displayed on the front and/or the left and right sides of
the vehicle in a prominent location.
VE.1.4 Inspection Sticker
The vehicle must have space for the Inspection Sticker(s) IN.15.2 that is:
• A clear and unobstructed area, minimum 25 cm wide x 20 cm high
• Located on the upper front surface of the nose along the vehicle centerline
VE.1.5 Transponder / RFID Tag
VE.1.5.1 Each vehicle must have a functional, properly mounted transponder and/or RFID tag of the
specified type(s)
VE.1.5.2 Refer to the Rules FAQ on the Event Website for transponder and RFID tag information and
mounting details

VE.2 VEHICLE EQUIPMENT

VE.2.1 Jacking Point
VE.2.1.1 A Jacking Point must be provided at the rear of the vehicle

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 76 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
VE.2.1.2 The Jacking Point must be:
a. Capable of supporting the vehicle weight and of engaging the Quick Jacks shown on the
Event Website
b. Visible to a person standing 1 m behind the vehicle
c. Color: Orange
d. Oriented laterally and perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle
e. Made from round, 25 - 30 mm OD aluminum or steel tube
f. Exposed around the lower 180° of its circumference over a minimum length of 280 mm
g. Access from the rear of the tube must be unobstructed for 300 mm or more of its length
h. The height of the tube must give 75 mm minimum clearance from the bottom of the
tube to the ground
i. When the vehicle is raised to where the bottom of the tube is 200 mm above ground, the
wheels do not touch the ground when they are in full rebound
VE.2.2 Push Bar
Each vehicle must have a removable device which attaches to the rear of the vehicle that:
a. Lets two people, standing erect behind the vehicle, to push the vehicle around the
competition site
b. Is capable of slowing and stopping the forward motion of the vehicle and pulling it
rearwards
VE.2.3 Fire Extinguisher
VE.2.3.1 Each team must have two or more fire extinguishers.
a. One extinguisher must readily be available in the team’s paddock area
b. One extinguisher must accompany the vehicle when moved using the Push Bar
A commercially available on board fire system may be used instead of the fire
extinguisher that accompanies the vehicle
VE.2.3.2 Hand held fire extinguishers must NOT be mounted on or in the vehicle
VE.2.3.3 Each fire extinguisher must meet these:
a. Capacity: 0.9 kg (2 lbs)
b. Working Medium: Dry chemical/dry powder. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and
Halon extinguishers and systems are prohibited.
c. Equipped with a manufacturer installed pressure/charge gauge.
d. Minimum acceptable ratings:
• USA, Canada & Brazil: 10BC or 1A 10BC
• Europe: 34B or 5A 34B
• Australia: 20BE or 1A 10BE
e. Extinguishers of larger capacity (higher numerical ratings) are acceptable.
VE.2.4 Electrical Equipment (EV Only)
These items must accompany the vehicle at all times:
• Two pairs of High Voltage insulating gloves

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 77 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 • A multimeter
VE.2.5 Camera Mounts
VE.2.5.1 The mounts for video/photographic cameras must be of a safe and secure design.
VE.2.5.2 All camera installations must be approved at Technical Inspection.
VE.2.5.3 Helmet mounted cameras and helmet camera mounts are prohibited.
VE.2.5.4 The body of a camera or recording unit that weighs more than 0.25 kg must be secured at a
minimum of two points on different sides of the camera body.
VE.2.5.5 If a tether is used to restrain the camera, the tether length must be limited to prevent contact
with the driver.

VE.3 DRIVER EQUIPMENT

VE.3.1 General
VE.3.1.1 Any Driver Equipment:
a. Must be in good condition with no tears, rips, open seams, areas of significant wear,
abrasions or stains which might compromise performance.
b. Must fit properly
c. May be inspected at any time
VE.3.1.2 Flame Resistant Material
For this section some, but not all, of the approved materials are: Carbon X, Indura, Nomex,
Polybenzimidazole (common name PBI) and Proban.
VE.3.1.3 Synthetic Material – Prohibited
Shirts, socks or other undergarments (not to be confused with flame resistant underwear)
made from nylon or any other synthetic material which could melt when exposed to high heat
are prohibited.
VE.3.1.4 Officials may impound any non approved Driver Equipment until the end of the competition.
VE.3.2 Helmet
VE.3.2.1 The driver must wear a helmet which:
a. Is closed face with an integral, immovable chin guard
b. Contains an integrated visor/face shield supplied with the helmet
c. Meets an approved standard
d. Is properly labeled for that standard
VE.3.2.2 Acceptable helmet standards are listed below. Any additional approved standards are shown
on the Technical Inspection Form or the FAQ on the Event Website
a. Snell K2015, K2020, M2015, M2020D, M2020R, M2025D, M2025R, SA2015, SA2020,
SA2025
b. SFI Specs 31.1/2015, 41.1/2015
c. FIA Standards FIA 8860-2010 (or newer), FIA 8859-2015 (or newer)

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 78 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
VE.3.3 Driver Gear
The driver must wear:
VE.3.3.1 Driver Suit
A one piece suit, made from a minimum of two layers of Flame Resistant Material that covers
the body from the neck to the ankles and the wrists.
Each suit must meet one or more of these standards and be labeled as such:
• SFI 3.2A/5 (or higher ex: /10, /15, /20)
• SFI 3.4/5 (or higher ex: /10, /15, /20)
• FIA Standard 1986
• FIA Standard 8856-2000
• FIA Standard 8856-2018
VE.3.3.2 Underclothing
All competitors should wear fire retardant underwear (long pants and long sleeve shirt) under
their approved Driver Suit.
VE.3.3.3 Balaclava
A Balaclava (head sock) which covers the driver’s head, hair and neck, made from Flame
Resistant Material
VE.3.3.4 Socks
Socks made from Flame Resistant Material that cover the bare skin between the driver’s suit
and the Shoes.
VE.3.3.5 Shoes
Shoes or boots made from Flame Resistant Material that meet an approved standard and
labeled as such:
• SFI Spec 3.3
• FIA Standard 8856-2000
• FIA Standard 8856-2018
VE.3.3.6 Gloves
Gloves made from Flame Resistant Material.
Gloves of all leather construction or fire retardant gloves constructed using leather palms with
no insulating Flame Resistant Material underneath are not acceptable.
VE.3.3.7 Arm Restraints
a. Arm restraints must be worn in a way that the driver can release them and exit the
vehicle unassisted regardless of the vehicle’s position.
b. Arm restraints must be commercially manufactured. Arm restraints certified to SFI Spec
3.3 and labeled as such meet this requirement.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 79 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IC - INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE VEHICLES
IC.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
IC.1.1 Engine Limitations
IC.1.1.1 The engine(s) used to power the vehicle must:
a. Be a piston engine(s) using a four stroke primary heat cycle
b. Have a total combined displacement less than or equal to 710 cc per cycle.
IC.1.1.2 Hybrid powertrains, such as those using electric motors running off stored energy, are
prohibited.
IC.1.1.3 All waste/rejected heat from the primary heat cycle may be used. The method of conversion is
not limited to the four stroke cycle.
IC.1.1.4 The engine may be modified within the restrictions of the rules.
IC.1.2 Air Intake and Fuel System Location
All parts of the engine air system and fuel control, delivery and storage systems (including the
throttle or carburetor, and the complete air intake system, including the air cleaner and any
air boxes) must lie inside the Tire Surface Envelope F.1.14

IC.2 AIR INTAKE SYSTEM

IC.2.1 General
IC.2.2 Intake System Location
IC.2.2.1 The Intake System must meet IC.1.2
IC.2.2.2 Any portion of the air intake system that is less than 350 mm above the ground must be
shielded from side or rear impacts by structure built per F.6.4 / F.7.5 as applicable.
IC.2.3 Intake System Mounting
IC.2.3.1 The intake manifold must be securely attached to the engine block or cylinder head with
brackets and mechanical fasteners.
• Hose clamps, plastic ties, or safety wires do not meet this requirement.
• The use of rubber bushings or hose is acceptable for creating and sealing air passages,
but is not a structural attachment.
IC.2.3.2 Threaded fasteners used to secure and/or seal the intake manifold must have a Positive
Locking Mechanism, see T.8.3.
IC.2.3.3 Intake systems with significant mass or cantilever from the cylinder head must be supported
to prevent stress to the intake system.
a. Supports to the engine must be rigid
b. Supports to the Chassis must incorporate some isolation for engine movement and
chassis flex
IC.2.4 Intake System Restrictor
IC.2.4.1 All airflow to the engine(s) must pass through a single circular restrictor in the intake system.
IC.2.4.2 The only permitted sequence of components is:
a. For naturally aspirated engines, the sequence must be: throttle body, restrictor, and
engine.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 80 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 b. For turbocharged or supercharged engines, the sequence must be: restrictor,
compressor, throttle body, engine.

IC.2.4.3 The maximum restrictor diameters at any time during the competition are:
a. Gasoline fueled vehicles 20.0 mm
b. E85 fueled vehicles 19.0 mm
IC.2.4.4 The restrictor must be located to facilitate measurement during Technical Inspection
IC.2.4.5 The circular restricting cross section must NOT be movable or flexible in any way
IC.2.4.6 The restrictor must not be part of the movable portion of a barrel throttle body.
IC.2.5 Turbochargers & Superchargers
IC.2.5.1 The intake air may be cooled with an intercooler (a charge air cooler).
a. It must be located downstream of the throttle body
b. Only ambient air may be used to remove heat from the intercooler system
c. Air to air and water to air intercoolers are permitted
d. The coolant of a water to air intercooler system must meet T.5.4.1
IC.2.5.2 If pop-off valves, recirculation valves, or heat exchangers (intercoolers) are used, they must be
positioned in the intake system as shown in IC.2.4.2.b
IC.2.5.3 Plenums must not be located anywhere upstream of the throttle body
For the purpose of definition, a plenum is any tank or volume that is a significant enlargement
of the normal intake runner system. Teams may submit their designs via a Rules Question for
review prior to competition if the legality of their proposed system is in doubt.
IC.2.5.4 The maximum permitted area of the inner diameter of the intake runner system between the
restrictor and throttle body is 2825 mm2
IC.2.6 Connections to Intake
Any crankcase or engine lubrication vent lines routed to the intake system must be connected
upstream of the intake system restrictor.

IC.3 THROTTLE
IC.3.1 General
IC.3.1.1 The vehicle must have a carburetor or throttle body.
a. The carburetor or throttle body may be of any size or design.
b. Boosted applications must not use carburetors.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 81 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IC.3.2 Throttle Actuation Method
The throttle may be operated:
a. Mechanically by a cable or rod system IC.3.3
b. By Electronic Throttle Control IC.4
IC.3.3 Throttle Actuation – Mechanical
IC.3.3.1 The throttle cable or rod must:
a. Have smooth operation
b. Have no possibility of binding or sticking
c. Be minimum 50 mm from any exhaust system component and out of the exhaust stream
d. Be protected from being bent or kinked by the driver’s foot when it is operated by the
driver or when the driver enters or exits the vehicle
IC.3.3.2 The throttle actuation system must use two or more return springs located at the throttle
body.
Throttle Position Sensors (TPS) are NOT acceptable as return springs
IC.3.3.3 Failure of any component of the throttle system must not prevent the throttle returning to
the closed position.

IC.4 ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL

This section IC.4 applies only when Electronic Throttle Control is used
An Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system may be used. This is a device or system which
may change the engine throttle setting based on various inputs.
IC.4.1 General Design
IC.4.1.1 The electronic throttle must automatically close (return to idle) when power is removed.
IC.4.1.2 The electronic throttle must use minimum two sources of energy capable of returning the
throttle to the idle position.
a. One of the sources may be the device (such as a DC motor) that normally operates the
throttle
b. The other device(s) must be a throttle return spring that can return the throttle to the
idle position if loss of actuator power occurs.
c. Springs in the TPS are not acceptable throttle return springs
IC.4.1.3 The ETC system may blip the throttle during downshifts when proven that unintended
acceleration can be prevented. Document the functional analysis in the ETC Systems Form
IC.4.2 Documentation
IC.4.2.1 The ETC Notice of Intent:
• Must be submitted to give the intent to run ETC
• May be used to screen which teams are permitted to use ETC
IC.4.2.2 The ETC Systems Form must be submitted to use ETC
IC.4.2.3 Submit the ETC Notice of Intent and ETC Systems Form as given in section PS - Pre-
Competition Submissions
IC.4.2.4 Late or non submission will prevent use of ETC, see PS.3.4.1

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 82 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IC.4.3 Commercial ETC System
IC.4.3.1 An ETC system that is commercially available, but does not comply with the regulations, may
be used, if approved prior to the event.
IC.4.3.2 To obtain approval, include on the ETC Systems Form:
• Which ETC system the team is seeking approval to use
• The specific ETC rule(s) that the commercial system deviates from
• Sufficient technical details of these deviations including how the system meets the intent
of the FSAE rules to determine the acceptability of the commercial system
IC.4.4 Throttle Position Sensor - TPS
IC.4.4.1 The TPS must measure the position of the throttle or the throttle actuator.
Throttle position is defined as percent of travel from fully closed to wide open where 0% is
fully closed and 100% is fully open.
IC.4.4.2 Two or more separate sensors must be used as TPSs. The TPSs may share the same supply and
reference lines only if effects of supply and/or reference line voltage offsets can be detected.
IC.4.4.3 Implausibility is defined as a deviation of more than 10% throttle position between the
sensors or other failure as defined in Section IC.4. Use of values larger than 10% may be
considered on a case by case basis and require justification in the ETC Systems Form
IC.4.4.4 If an Implausibility occurs between the values of the two TPSs and persists for more than 100
msec, the power to the electronic throttle must be immediately shut down.
IC.4.4.5 If three sensors are used, then if one TPS failure, any two TPSs that agree within 10% throttle
position may be used to define the throttle position target and the 3rd TPS may be ignored
IC.4.4.6 Each TPS must be able to be checked during Technical Inspection by having one of:
a. A separate detachable connector(s) for any TPS signal(s) to the main ECU without
affecting any other connections
b. An inline switchable breakout box available that may disconnect each TPS signal(s) to the
main ECU without affecting any other connections
IC.4.4.7 The TPS signals must be sent directly to the throttle controller using an analogue signal or via
a digital data transmission bus such as CAN or FlexRay. Any failure of the TPSs or TPS wiring
must be detectable by the controller and must be treated like Implausibility.
IC.4.4.8 When an analogue signal is used, the TPSs will be considered to have failed when they achieve
an open circuit or short circuit condition which generates a signal outside of the normal
operating range, for example <0.5 V or >4.5 V.
The circuitry used to evaluate the sensor must use pull down or pull up resistors to make sure
that open circuit signals result in a failure being detected.
IC.4.4.9 When any kind of digital data transmission is used to transmit the TPS signal,
a. The ETC Systems Form must contain a detailed description of all the potential failure
modes that can occur, the strategy that is used to detect these failures and the tests that
have been conducted to prove that the detection strategy works.
b. The failures to be considered must include but are not limited to the failure of the TPS,
TPS signals being out of range, corruption of the message and loss of messages and the
associated time outs.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 83 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IC.4.5 Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor - APPS
Refer to T.4.2 for specific requirements of the APPS
IC.4.6 Brake System Encoder - BSE
Refer to T.4.3 for specific requirements of the BSE
IC.4.7 Throttle Plausibility Checks
IC.4.7.1 Brakes and Throttle Position
a. The power to the electronic throttle must be shut down if the mechanical brakes are
operated and the TPS signals that the throttle is open by more than a permitted amount
for more than one second.
b. An interval of one second is permitted for the throttle to close (return to idle). Failure to
achieve this in the required interval must result in immediate shut down of fuel flow and
the ignition system.
c. The permitted relationship between BSE and TPS may be defined by the team using a
table. This functionality must be demonstrated at Technical Inspection.
IC.4.7.2 Throttle Position vs Target
a. The power to the electronic throttle must be immediately shut down, if throttle position
differs by more than 10% from the expected target TPS position for more than one
second.
b. An interval of one second is permitted for the difference to reduce to less than 10%,
failure to achieve this in the required interval must result in immediate shut down of fuel
flow and the ignition system.
c. An error in TPS position and the resultant system shutdown must be demonstrated at
Technical Inspection.
Teams must have a method to demonstrate that the actions in IC.4.7.2.b above are met.
System states displayed using calibration software must be accompanied by a detailed
explanation of the control system.
IC.4.7.3 The electronic throttle and fuel injector/ignition system shutdown must stay active until the
TPS signals indicate the throttle is at or below the unpowered default position for one second
or longer.
IC.4.8 Brake System Plausibility Device - BSPD
IC.4.8.1 A standalone circuit (the “BSPD Circuit”) must monitor the electronic throttle control
The BSPD must be provided in addition to the Throttle Plausibility Checks IC.4.7
IC.4.8.2 The BSPD Circuit must not contain programmable elements or programmable components
IC.4.8.3 Signals from any sensors must be sent directly to the BSPD. Outputs from other modules may
not be used in place of the raw sensor signals.
IC.4.8.4 The BSPD must monitor for these conditions:
a. The two of these for more than one second:
• Demand for Hard Braking from BSE IC.4.6
• Throttle more than 10% open from TPS IC.4.4
b. Loss of signal from a braking sensor for more than 100 msec
c. Loss of signal from a throttle sensor for more than 100 msec

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 84 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IC.4.8.5 When any of the above conditions exist, the BSPD must Open the Shutdown Circuit IC.9.2.2
IC.4.8.6 The BSPD must only be reset by cycling the Primary Master Switch IC.9.3 OFF and ON
IC.4.8.7 The BSPD must not reset when the Cockpit Main Switch IC.9.4 is turned OFF
IC.4.8.8 Removal of power from the BSPD Circuit must open the Shutdown Circuit IC.9.2.2. The
Shutdown Circuit may close when power to the BSPD circuit returns (IC.4.8.6 does not apply)
IC.4.8.9 The BSPD signals and function must be able to be checked during Technical Inspection by
having one of:
a. A separate set of detachable connectors for any signals from the braking sensor(s),
throttle sensor(s) and removal of power to only the BSPD device
b. An inline switchable breakout box available that may disconnect the brake sensor(s),
throttle sensor(s) individually and power to only the BSPD device

IC.5 FUEL AND FUEL SYSTEM

IC.5.1 Fuel
IC.5.1.1 Vehicles must be operated with the fuels provided at the competition
IC.5.1.2 Fuels provided are expected to be Gasoline and E85. Consult the individual competition
websites for fuel specifics and other information.
IC.5.1.3 No agents other than the provided fuel and air may go into the combustion chamber.
IC.5.2 Fuel System
IC.5.2.1 The Fuel System must meet these design criteria:
a. The Fuel Tank is capable of being filled to capacity without manipulating the tank or the
vehicle in any manner.
b. During refueling on a level surface, the formation of air cavities or other effects that
cause the fuel level observed at the sight tube to drop after movement or operation of
the vehicle (other than due to consumption) are prevented.
c. Spillage during refueling cannot contact the driver position, exhaust system, hot engine
parts, or the ignition system.
IC.5.2.2 The Fuel System location must meet IC.1.2 and F.9
IC.5.2.3 A Firewall must separate the Fuel Tank from the driver, per T.1.8
IC.5.3 Fuel Tank
The part(s) of the fuel containment device that is in contact with the fuel.
IC.5.3.1 Fuel Tanks made of a rigid material must:
a. Be securely attached to the vehicle structure. The mounting method must not let chassis
flex to load the Fuel Tank.
b. Not carry any structural loads; from Roll Hoops, suspension, engine or gearbox mounts
IC.5.3.2 Any Fuel Tank that is made from a flexible material, for example a bladder fuel cell or a bag
tank:
a. Must be enclosed inside a rigid fuel tank container which is securely attached to the
vehicle structure.
b. The Fuel Tank container may be load carrying
IC.5.3.3 Any size Fuel Tank may be used

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 85 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IC.5.3.4 The Fuel Tank, by design, must not have a variable capacity.
IC.5.3.5 The Fuel System must have a provision for emptying the Fuel Tank if required.
IC.5.4 Fuel Filler Neck & Sight Tube
IC.5.4.1 All Fuel Tanks must have a Fuel Filler Neck which must be:
a. Minimum 35 mm inner diameter at any point between the Fuel Tank and the Fuel Filler
cap
IC.5.4.2 The portion of the Fuel Filler Neck nearest to the Fuel Filler cap must be:
a. Minimum 125 mm vertical height above the top level of the Fuel Tank
b. Angled no more than 30° from the vertical
IC.5.4.3 The Fuel Filler Neck must be accompanied by a clear fuel resistant sight tube for reading the
fuel level which must be:
a. Visible vertical height: 125 mm minimum
b. Inside diameter: 6 mm minimum
c. Above the top surface of the Fuel Tank
IC.5.4.4 A clear Fuel Filler Neck tube may be used as a sight tube, subject to approval by a Rules
Question or technical inspectors at the event.

IC.5.4.5 Fuel Level Line - A permanent, non movable fuel level line must be located between 12 mm
and 25 mm below the top of the visible portion of the sight tube.
This line will be used as the fill line for the Tilt Test, and before and after Endurance to measure
the amount of fuel used during the Endurance Event.
IC.5.4.6 The sight tube and fuel level line must be clearly visible to two individuals (one to fill the tank,
the other to visually verify fill) without the need of assistance (artificial lighting, magnifiers,
etc) or the need to remove any parts (body panels, etc).
IC.5.4.7 The individual filling the tank must have complete direct access to the filler neck opening with
a standard two gallon gas can assembly.
The gas can is minimum 25 cm wide x 25 cm deep x 35 cm high, with a 25 cm spout at the top
IC.5.4.8 The filler neck must have a fuel cap that can withstand severe vibrations or high pressures
such as could occur during a vehicle rollover event

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 86 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IC.5.5 Fuel Tank Filling
IC.5.5.1 Fueling / Refueling policies and procedures are at the discretion of the fuel crew and officials.
IC.5.5.2 The tank will be filled to the fill line, or if a filling system is used, to the automatic stop point.
IC.5.5.3 If, for any reason, the fuel level changes after the team have moved the vehicle, then no
additional fuel will be added, unless fueling after Endurance, see D.13.2.5
IC.5.6 Venting Systems
IC.5.6.1 Venting systems for the fuel tank and fuel delivery system must not let fuel spill during hard
cornering or acceleration
IC.5.6.2 All fuel vent lines must have a check valve to prevent fuel leakage when the tank is inverted
IC.5.6.3 All fuel vent lines must exit outside the bodywork
IC.5.7 Fuel Lines
IC.5.7.1 Fuel lines must be securely attached to the vehicle and/or engine.
IC.5.7.2 All fuel lines must be shielded from possible rotating equipment failure or collision damage.
IC.5.7.3 Plastic fuel lines between the fuel tank and the engine (supply and return) are prohibited.
IC.5.7.4 Any rubber fuel line or hose used must meet the two:
a. The components over which the hose is clamped must have annular bulb or barbed
fittings to retain the hose
b. Clamps specifically designed for fuel lines must be used.
These clamps have three features: a full 360° wrap, a nut and bolt system for tightening,
and rolled edges to prevent the clamp cutting into the hose
IC.5.7.5 Worm gear type hose clamps must not be used on any fuel line.

IC.6 FUEL INJECTION

IC.6.1 Low Pressure Injection (LPI)
Low Pressure fuel injection systems are those functioning at a pressure below 10 Bar. Most
Port Fuel Injected (PFI) fuel systems are low pressure.
IC.6.1.1 Any Low Pressure flexible fuel lines must be one of:
• Metal braided hose with threaded fittings (crimped on or reusable)
• Reinforced rubber hose with some form of abrasion resistant protection
IC.6.1.2 Fuel rail and mounting requirements:
a. Unmodified OEM Fuel Rails are acceptable, regardless of material.
b. Non OEM fuel rails made from plastic, carbon fiber or rapid prototyping flammable
materials are prohibited.
c. The fuel rail must be securely attached to the manifold, engine block or cylinder head
with brackets and mechanical fasteners.
Hose clamps, plastic ties, or safety wires do not meet this requirement.
d. Threaded fasteners used to secure the fuel rail are Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 87 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IC.6.2 High Pressure Injection (HPI) / Direct Injection (DI)
IC.6.2.1 Definitions
a. High Pressure fuel systems - those functioning at 10 Bar pressure or above
b. Direct Injection fuel systems - where the injection occurs directly into the combustion
system
Direct Injection systems often utilize a low pressure electric fuel pump and high pressure
mechanical “boost” pump driven off the engine.
c. High Pressure Fuel Lines - those between the boost pump and injectors
d. Low Pressure Fuel Lines - from the electric supply pump to the boost pump
IC.6.2.2 All High Pressure Fuel Lines must:
a. Be stainless steel rigid line or Aeroquip FC807 smooth bore PTFE hose with stainless steel
reinforcement and visible Nomex tracer yarn. Equivalent products may be used with
prior approval.
b. Not incorporate elastomeric seals
c. Be rigidly connected every 100 mm by mechanical fasteners to structural engine
components such as cylinder heads or block
IC.6.2.3 Any Low Pressure flexible Fuel Lines must be one of:
• Metal braided hose with threaded fittings (crimped on or reusable)
• Reinforced rubber hose with some form of abrasion resistant protection
IC.6.2.4 Fuel rail mounting requirements:
a. The fuel rail must be securely attached to the engine block or cylinder head with brackets
and mechanical fasteners. Hose clamps, plastic ties, or safety wires do not meet this
requirement.
b. The fastening method must be sufficient to hold the fuel rail in place with the maximum
regulated pressure acting on the injector internals and neglecting any assistance from
cylinder pressure acting on the injector tip.
c. Threaded fasteners used to secure the fuel rail are Critical Fasteners, see T.8.2
IC.6.2.5 High Pressure Fuel Pump – must be rigidly mounted to structural engine components such as
the cylinder head or engine block.
IC.6.2.6 Pressure Regulator – must be fitted between the High Pressure and Low Pressure sides of the
fuel system in parallel with the DI boost pump. The external regulator must be used even if
the DI boost pump comes equipped with an internal regulator.

IC.7 EXHAUST AND NOISE CONTROL

IC.7.1 Exhaust Protection
IC.7.1.1 The exhaust system must be separated from any of these components by means given in
T.1.6.3:
a. Flammable materials, including the fuel and fuel system, the oil and oil system
b. Thermally sensitive components, including brake lines, composite materials, and
batteries

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 88 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IC.7.2 Exhaust Outlet
IC.7.2.1 The exhaust must be routed to prevent the driver from fumes at any speed considering the
draft of the vehicle
IC.7.2.2 The Exhaust Outlet(s) must be:
a. No more than 45 cm aft of the centerline of the rear axle
b. No more than 60 cm above the ground.
IC.7.2.3 Any exhaust components (headers, mufflers, etc.) that protrude from the side of the body in
front of the Main Hoop must be shielded to prevent contact by persons approaching the
vehicle or a driver exiting the vehicle
IC.7.2.4 Fibrous/absorbent material, (such as header wrap), must not be used on the outside of an
exhaust manifold or exhaust system.
IC.7.3 Variable Exhaust
IC.7.3.1 Adjustable tuning or throttling devices are permitted.
IC.7.3.2 Manually adjustable tuning devices must require tools to change
IC.7.3.3 Refer to IN.12.2 for additional requirements during the Noise Test
IC.7.4 Connections to Exhaust
Crankcase breathers that pass through the oil catch tank(s) to exhaust systems, or vacuum
devices that connect directly to the exhaust system, are prohibited.
IC.7.5 Noise Level and Testing
IC.7.5.1 The vehicle must stay below the permitted sound level at all times IN.12.5
IC.7.5.2 Sound level will be verified during Technical Inspection, refer to IN.12

IC.8 ELECTRICAL
IC.8.1 Starter
Each vehicle must start the engine using an onboard starter at all times
IC.8.2 Batteries
Refer to T.9.2 for specific requirements of Low Voltage batteries
IC.8.3 Voltage Limit
IC.8.3.1 Voltage between any two electrical connections must be Low Voltage T.9.1.2
IC.8.3.2 This voltage limit does not apply to these systems:
• High Voltage systems for ignition
• High Voltage systems for injectors
• Voltages internal to OEM charging systems designed for <60 V DC output.

IC.9 SHUTDOWN SYSTEM

IC.9.1 Shutdown Circuit
IC.9.1.1 The Shutdown Circuit consists of these components:
a. Primary Master Switch IC.9.3
b. Cockpit Main Switch IC.9.4

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 89 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 c. (ETC Only) Brake System Plausibility Device (BSPD) IC.4.8
d. Brake Overtravel Switch (BOTS) T.3.3
e. Inertia Switch (if used) T.9.4
IC.9.1.2 The team must be able to demonstrate all features and functions of the Shutdown Circuit and
components at Technical Inspection
IC.9.1.3 The international electrical symbol (a red spark on a white edged blue triangle) must be near
the Primary Master Switch and the Cockpit Main Switch.
IC.9.2 Shutdown Circuit Operation
IC.9.2.1 The Shutdown Circuit must Open upon operation of, or detection from any of the components
listed in IC.9.1.1
IC.9.2.2 When the Shutdown Circuit Opens, it must:
a. Stop the engine
b. Disconnect power to the:
• Fuel Pump(s)
• Ignition
• (ETC only) Electronic Throttle IC.4.1.1
IC.9.3 Primary Master Switch
IC.9.3.1 Configuration and Location - The Primary Master Switch must meet T.9.3
IC.9.3.2 Function - the Primary Master Switch must:
a. Disconnect power to ALL electrical circuits, including the battery, alternator, lights, fuel
pump(s), ignition and electrical controls.
All battery current must flow through this switch
b. Be direct acting, not act through a relay or logic.
IC.9.4 Cockpit Main Switch
IC.9.4.1 Configuration - The Cockpit Main Switch must:
a. Be a push-pull or push-rotate emergency stop switch (pushing the button is the OFF
position)
b. Have a diameter of 24 mm minimum
IC.9.4.2 Location – The Cockpit Main Switch must be:
a. In easy reach of the driver when in a normal driving position wearing Harness
b. Adjacent to the Steering Wheel
c. Unobstructed by the Steering Wheel or any other part of the vehicle
IC.9.4.3 Function - the Cockpit Main Switch may act through a relay

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 90 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV - ELECTRIC VEHICLES
EV.1 DEFINITIONS
EV.1.1 Cell
Electrochemical energy storage unit consisting of a positive electrode, negative electrode, and
an electrolyte
EV.1.2 Module
A single unit containing a set of electrically connected and mechanically assembled Cells
EV.1.3 Tractive Battery
A group of electrically connected Modules that is the storage device of electrical energy for
the Tractive System
EV.1.4 Tractive Battery Container
The enclosure and mechanical supports used to contain, mount and protect the Tractive
Battery and components in the Container
EV.1.5 Tractive Battery Pack
The assembly of the Tractive Battery Container and components in the Container (Tractive
Battery, Isolation Relays, Precharge and Discharge Circuits, and Fuses)
EV.1.6 Tractive System – TS
Every part electrically connected to the Motor(s) and/or Tractive Battery(s). The Tractive
System is always High Voltage
EV.1.7 Grounded Low Voltage - GLV
Every electrical part that is not part of the Tractive System

EV.2 DOCUMENTATION
EV.2.1 Electrical System Form - ESF
EV.2.1.1 Each team must submit an Electrical System Form (ESF) with a clearly structured
documentation of the entire vehicle electrical system (including control and Tractive System)
Submission and approval of the ESF does not mean that the vehicle will automatically pass
Electrical Technical Inspection with the described items / parts
EV.2.1.2 The ESF may provide guidance or more details than the Formula SAE Rules
EV.2.1.3 Use the format provided and submit the ESF as given in section PS - Pre-Competition
Submissions
EV.2.2 Submission Penalties
Penalties for the ESF are added as given in section PS - Pre-Competition Submissions

EV.3 ELECTRICAL LIMITATIONS

EV.3.1 Operation
EV.3.1.1 Supplying power to the motor to drive the vehicle in reverse is prohibited
EV.3.1.2 Drive by wire control of wheel torque is permitted

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 91 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.3.1.3 Any algorithm or electronic control unit that can adjust the requested wheel torque may only
decrease the total driver requested torque and must not increase it
EV.3.2 Energy Meter
EV.3.2.1 All Electric Vehicles must run with the Energy Meter provided at the event
EV.3.2.2 Refer to the Energy Meter User Manual on the Event Website for information and additional
rules for the Energy Meter and installation GR.4.2.3
EV.3.2.3 The Energy Meter, connections and sensors must be installed per the Energy Meter User
Manual
EV.3.2.4 All Tractive System power must flow through the Energy Meter
EV.3.2.5 Each team must download their Energy Meter data in a manner and timeframe specified by
the organizer
EV.3.2.6 Power and Voltage and temperature limits will be checked by the Energy Meter data
Energy is calculated as the time integrated value of the measured voltage multiplied by the
measured current logged by the Energy Meter
EV.3.3 Power and Voltage
EV.3.3.1 The maximum power measured by the Energy Meter must not exceed 80 kW
EV.3.3.2 The maximum permitted voltage that may occur between any two points must not exceed
600 V DC
EV.3.3.3 The powertrain must not regenerate energy when vehicle speed is between 0 and 5 km/hr
EV.3.4 Violations
EV.3.4.1 A Violation occurs when one or two of these exist:
a. Use of more than the specified maximum power EV.3.3.1
b. Exceed the maximum voltage EV.3.3.2
for one or the two conditions:
• Continuously for 100 ms or more
• After a moving average over 500 ms is applied
EV.3.4.2 Missing Energy Meter data may be treated as a Violation, subject to official discretion
EV.3.4.3 Tampering, or trying to tamper with the Energy Meter or its data may result in Disqualification
(DQ)
EV.3.5 Penalties
EV.3.5.1 Violations during the Acceleration, Skidpad, Autocross Events:
a. Each run with one or more Violations will Disqualify (DQ) the best run of the team
b. Multiple runs with Violations will DQ multiple runs, ex two runs with Violations DQ the
two best runs
EV.3.5.2 Violations during the Endurance event:
• Each Violation: 60 second penalty D.14.2.1
EV.3.5.3 Repeated Violations may void Inspection Approval or receive additional penalties up to and
including Disqualification, subject to official discretion
EV.3.5.4 The respective data of each run in which a team has a Violation and the resulting decision may
be made public

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 92 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.4 COMPONENTS
EV.4.1 Motors
EV.4.1.1 Only electrical motors are permitted. The number of motors is not limited
EV.4.1.2 Motors must meet T.5.3
EV.4.1.3 If Motors are mounted to the suspension uprights, their cables and wiring must:
a. Include an Interlock EV.7.8
This Interlock(s) must Open the Shutdown Circuit EV.7.2.2 before failure of the Tractive
System wiring when the wiring is damaged or the Wheel/Motor assembly is damaged or
knocked off the vehicle
b. Stay in the Primary Structure Envelope F.1.11 between the Front Hoop and the Main
Hoop
c. Reduce the length of the parts of wiring and other connections that do not meet F.11.1.3
to the extent possible (no dangling cables, loops, coils, etc)
EV.4.2 Motor Controller
The Tractive System Motor(s) must be connected to the Tractive Battery through a Motor
Controller. No direct connections between Motor(s) and Tractive Battery.
EV.4.3 Tractive Battery Container
EV.4.3.1 Tractive Battery Container(s) must:
a. Meet F.10
b. Be removable from the vehicle while still remaining rules compliant
c. Be completely closed at all times (when mounted to the vehicle and when removed from
the vehicle) without the need to install extra protective covers
EV.4.3.2 The Tractive Battery Container(s) may contain Holes or Openings
a. Only the wiring harness, ventilation, cooling and fasteners may pass through the holes
b. Holes and Openings in the Tractive Battery Container must meet F.10.4
c. External holes must meet EV.6.1
EV.4.3.3 Any Tractive Battery Container that may vent an explosive gas must have a ventilation system
or pressure relief valve to release the vented gas
EV.4.3.4 Modules sealed in Tractive Battery Containers must have a path to a pressure relief valve
EV.4.3.5 Pressure relief valves must not have line of sight to the driver, with the Firewall installed or
removed
EV.4.3.6 Each Tractive Battery Container must be labelled with the:
a. School Name and Vehicle Number
b. Symbol specified in ISO 7010-W012 (triangle with black lightning bolt on yellow
background) with:
• Triangle side length of 100 mm minimum
• Visibility from all angles, including when the lid is removed
c. Text “Always Energized”
d. Text “High Voltage” if the voltage meets T.9.1.1

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 93 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.4.4 Grounded Low Voltage System
EV.4.4.1 The GLV System must be:
a. A Low Voltage system that is Grounded to the Chassis
b. Able to operate with the Tractive Battery Pack removed from the vehicle
EV.4.4.2 The GLV System must include a Master Switch, see EV.7.9.1
EV.4.4.3 A GLV Measuring Point (GLVMP) must be installed which is:
a. Connected to GLV System Ground
b. Next to the TSMP EV.5.8
c. 4 mm shrouded banana jack
d. Color: Black
e. Marked “GND”
EV.4.4.4 Low Voltage Batteries must meet T.9.2
EV.4.5 Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor - APPS
Refer to T.4.2 for specific requirements of the APPS
EV.4.6 Brake System Encoder - BSE
Refer to T.4.3 for specific requirements of the BSE
EV.4.7 APPS / Brake Pedal Plausibility Check
EV.4.7.1 Must monitor for the two conditions:
• The mechanical brakes are engaged EV.4.6, T.3.2.4
• The APPS signals more than 25% Pedal Travel EV.4.5
EV.4.7.2 If the two conditions in EV.4.7.1 occur at the same time:
a. Power to the Motor(s) must be immediately and completely shut down
b. The Motor shut down must stay active until the APPS signals less than 5% Pedal Travel,
with or without brake operation
The team must be able to demonstrate these actions at Technical Inspection
EV.4.8 Tractive System Part Positioning
All parts belonging to the Tractive System must meet F.11
EV.4.9 Housings and Enclosures
EV.4.9.1 Each housing or enclosure containing parts of the Tractive System other than Motor housings,
must be labelled with the:
a. Symbol specified in ISO 7010-W012 (triangle with black lightning bolt on yellow
background)
b. Text “High Voltage” if the voltage meets T.9.1.1
EV.4.9.2 If the material of the housing containing parts of the Tractive System is electrically conductive,
it must have a low resistance connection to GLV System Ground, see EV.6.7
EV.4.10 Hand Cart
EV.4.10.1 Teams must have a Hand Cart to transport their Tractive Battery Pack(s)

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 94 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.4.10.2 The Hand Cart must be used when the Tractive Battery Pack(s) are transported on the
competition site EV.11.4.2 EV.11.5.1
EV.4.10.3 The Hand Cart must:
a. Be able to carry the load of the Tractive Battery Pack(s) without tipping over
b. Contain a minimum of two wheels
c. Have a brake that must be:
• Released only using a dead man type switch (where the brake is always on until
released by pushing and holding a handle) or by manually lifting part of the cart off
the ground
• Able to stop the Hand Cart with a fully loaded Tractive Battery Pack
EV.4.10.4 Tractive Battery Pack(s) must be securely attached to the Hand Cart

EV.5 ENERGY STORAGE

EV.5.1 Tractive Battery
EV.5.1.1 Each Module must contain:
• Static voltage of 120 V DC maximum
• Energy of 6 MJ maximum
The contained energy of a stack is calculated by multiplying the maximum stack voltage
with the nominal capacity of the used cell(s)
• Mass of 12 kg maximum
EV.5.1.2 No further energy storage except for reasonably sized intermediate circuit capacitors are
permitted after the Energy Meter EV.3.1

EV.5.1.3 All Tractive Battery components and/or Tractive Battery Containers (including spares and
replacement parts) must be identical to the design documented in the ESF and SES
EV.5.2 Electrical Configuration
EV.5.2.1 All Tractive System components must be rated for the maximum Tractive System voltage
EV.5.2.2 If the Tractive Battery Container is made from an electrically conductive material:
a. The poles of the Modules(s) and/or Cells must be isolated from the inner wall of the
Tractive Battery Container with an insulating material that is rated for the maximum
Tractive System voltage
b. All conductive surfaces on the outside of the Tractive Battery Container must have a low
resistance connection to the GLV System Ground, see EV.6.7
c. Any conductive penetrations, such as mounting hardware, must be protected against
puncturing the insulating barrier

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 95 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.5.2.3 Each Module must be electrically insulated with suitable Nonflammable Material (F.1.18) (not
air) for the two:
a. Between the Modules in the Tractive Battery Container
b. On top of the Module
The intent is to prevent arc flashes caused by inter Module or intra Module contact or by
parts/tools accidentally falling into the Container during maintenance for example
EV.5.2.4 Soldering electrical connections in the high current path is prohibited
Soldering wires to cells for the voltage monitoring input of the BMS is permitted, these wires
are not part of the high current path
EV.5.2.5 Each wire used in a Tractive Battery Container, whether it is part of the GLV or Tractive
System, must be rated to the maximum Tractive System voltage
EV.5.3 Maintenance Plugs
EV.5.3.1 Maintenance Plugs must let electrical separation of the Modules meet the two:
a. The separated Modules meet voltage and energy limits of EV.5.1.1
b. The separation must affect the two poles of the Module
EV.5.3.2 Maintenance Plugs must:
a. Require the physical removal or separation of a component. Contactors or switches are
not acceptable Maintenance Plugs
b. Have access after opening the Tractive Battery Container and not necessary to move or
remove any other components
c. Not be physically possible to make electrical connection in any configuration other than
the design intended configuration
d. Not require tools to install or remove
e. Include a positive locking feature which prevents the plug from unintentionally becoming
loose
f. Be nonconductive on surfaces that do not provide any electrical connection
EV.5.3.3 When the Tractive Battery Containers are opened or Modules are removed, the Modules must
be separated by using the Maintenance Plugs. See EV.11.4.1
EV.5.4 Isolation Relays - IR
EV.5.4.1 All Tractive Battery Packs must contain minimum one fuse (EV.6.6) and two or more Isolation
Relays (IR)
EV.5.4.2 The Isolation Relays must:
a. Be a Normally Open type
b. Open the two poles of the Tractive Battery Pack
EV.5.4.3 When the Isolation Relays are open, High Voltage T.9.1.1 must not be external of the Tractive
Battery Container
EV.5.4.4 The Isolation Relays and any fuses must be separated from the rest of the Tractive Battery
with an electrically insulated and Nonflammable Material (F.1.18)
EV.5.4.5 A capacitor may be used to hold the Isolation Relays closed for up to 250 ms after the
Shutdown Circuit Opens EV.7.2.2

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 96 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.5.5 Manual Service Disconnect - MSD
A Manual Service Disconnect (MSD) must be included to quickly disconnect one or the two
poles of the Tractive Battery Pack EV.11.3.2
EV.5.5.1 The Manual Service Disconnect (MSD) must be:
a. A directly accessible element, fuse or connector that will visually show disconnected
b. More than 350 mm from the ground
c. Easily visible when standing behind the vehicle
d. Operable in 10 seconds or less by an untrained person
e. Operable without removing any bodywork or obstruction or using tools
f. Directly operated. Remote operation through a long handle, rope or wire is not
acceptable.
g. Clearly marked with "MSD"
EV.5.5.2 The Energy Meter must not be used as the Manual Service Disconnect (MSD)
EV.5.5.3 An Interlock EV.7.8 must Open the Shutdown Circuit EV.7.2.2 when the MSD is removed
EV.5.5.4 A dummy connector or similar may be used to restore isolation to meet EV.6.1.2
EV.5.6 Precharge and Discharge Circuits
EV.5.6.1 The Tractive Battery Pack must contain a Precharge Circuit. The Precharge Circuit must:
a. Be able to charge the Intermediate Circuit to minimum 90% of the Tractive System
voltage before closing the second IR
b. Be supplied from the Shutdown Circuit EV.7.1
EV.5.6.2 The Intermediate Circuit must precharge before closing the second IR
a. The end of precharge must be controlled by feedback by monitoring the voltage in the
Intermediate Circuit
EV.5.6.3 The Tractive System must contain a Discharge Circuit. The Discharge Circuit must be:
a. Wired in a way that it is always active when the Shutdown Circuit is open
b. Able to discharge the Intermediate Circuit capacitors if the MSD has been opened
c. Not be fused
d. Designed to handle the maximum Tractive System voltage for minimum 15 seconds
EV.5.6.4 Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) devices must not be used to limit current for the
Precharge Circuit or Discharge Circuit
EV.5.6.5 The precharge relay must be a mechanical type relay
EV.5.7 Voltage Indicator
Each Tractive Battery Pack must have a prominent indicator when High Voltage T.9.1.1 is
present at the vehicle side of the IRs
EV.5.7.1 The Voltage Indicator must always function, including when the Tractive Battery Pack is
disconnected or removed
EV.5.7.2 The voltage present at the vehicle side of the Isolation Relays must directly control and power
the Voltage Indicator using hard wired electronics with no software control
EV.5.7.3 The control signal which closes the IRs must not control the Voltage Indicator

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 97 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.5.7.4 The Voltage Indicator must:
a. Be located where it is clearly visible when connecting/disconnecting the Tractive Battery
Pack connections
b. Be labeled “High Voltage Present”
EV.5.8 Tractive System Measuring Points - TSMP
EV.5.8.1 Two Tractive System Measuring Points (TSMP) must be installed in the vehicle which are:
a. Connected to the positive and negative motor controller/inverter supply lines
b. Next to the Master Switches EV.7.9
c. Protected by a nonconductive housing that can be opened without tools
d. Protected from being touched with bare hands / fingers once the housing is opened
EV.5.8.2 Two TSMPs must be installed in the Charger EV.8.2 which are:
a. Connected to the positive and negative Charger output lines
b. Available during charging of any Tractive Battery Pack(s)
EV.5.8.3 The TSMPs must be:
a. 4 mm shrouded banana jacks rated to an appropriate voltage level
b. Color: Red
c. Marked “HV+” and “HV-“
EV.5.8.4 Each TSMP must be secured with a current limiting resistor
a. The resistor must be sized for the voltage:
Maximum TS Voltage (Vmax) Resistor Value
Vmax <= 200 V DC 5 kOhm
200 V DC < Vmax <= 400 V DC 10 kOhm
400 V DC < Vmax <= 600 V DC 15 kOhm
b. Resistor continuous power rating must be more than the power dissipated across the
TSMPs if they are shorted together
c. Direct measurement of the value of the resistor must be possible during Electrical
Technical Inspection
EV.5.8.5 Any TSMP must not contain additional Overcurrent Protection
EV.5.9 Connectors
Tractive System connectors outside of a housing must contain an Interlock EV.7.8
EV.5.10 Ready to Move Light
EV.5.10.1 The vehicle must have two Ready to Move Lights:
a. One pointed forward
b. One pointed aft
Refer to the Rules FAQ on the Event Website for additional information
EV.5.10.2 Each Ready to Move Light must be:
a. A Marker Light that complies with DOT FMVSS 108
b. Color: Amber

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 98 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 c. Luminous area: minimum 1800 mm2
EV.5.10.3 Mounting location of each Ready to Move Light must:
a. Be near the Main Hoop near the highest point of the vehicle
b. Be inside the Rollover Protection Envelope F.1.13
c. Be no lower than 150 mm from the highest point of the Main Hoop
d. Not let the driver’s helmet touch it
e. Be visible from 1300 mm vertically from ground level, inside a 2000 mm horizontal radius
from the light
Visibility is checked with Bodywork and Aerodynamic Devices in place
EV.5.10.4 The Ready to Move Light must:
a. Be powered by the GLV system
b. Be directly controlled by the voltage present in the Tractive System using hard wired
electronics. EV.6.5.4 Software control is not permitted.
c. Flash with a frequency between 2 Hz and 5 Hz with 50% duty cycle when the voltage
outside the Tractive Battery Container(s) exceeds T.9.1.1
d. Not do any other functions
EV.5.11 Tractive System Status Indicator
EV.5.11.1 The vehicle must have a Tractive System Status Indicator
Refer to the Rules FAQ on the Event Website for additional information
EV.5.11.2 The Tractive System Status Indicator must have two different lights:
a. One Green light
b. One Red light
EV.5.11.3 Each of the Tractive System Status Indicator Lights:
a. Must have a minimum luminous area of 130 mm2
b. Must be visible in direct sunlight
c. May have one or more of the same elements
EV.5.11.4 Mounting location of the Tractive System Status Indicator must be:
a. Near the Main Hoop at the highest point of the vehicle
b. Above the Ready to Move Light
c. In the Rollover Protection Envelope F.1.13
d. No lower than 150 mm from the highest point of the Main Hoop
e. Not able to let the driver’s helmet touch it
f. Easily visible from the front of the vehicle
EV.5.11.5 The Tractive System Status Indicator must show when the GLV System is energized:
Condition Green Light Red Light
a. No Faults Always ON OFF
b. Fault in one or the two: Flash
OFF
BMS EV.7.3.5 or IMD EV.7.6.5 2 Hz to 5 Hz, 50% duty cycle

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 99 of 145

Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.6 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EV.6.1 Covers
EV.6.1.1 Nonconductive material or covers must prevent inadvertent human contact with any Tractive
System voltage
Covers must be secure and sufficiently rigid
Removable Bodywork is not suitable to enclose Tractive System connections
EV.6.1.2 Contact with any Tractive System connections with a 100 mm long, 6 mm diameter insulated
test probe must not be possible when the Tractive System enclosures are in place
EV.6.1.3 Tractive System components and Tractive Battery(s) must be protected from moisture, rain or
puddles
A rating of IP65 is recommended
EV.6.2 Insulation
EV.6.2.1 Insulation material must:
a. Be appropriate for the expected surrounding temperatures
b. Have a minimum temperature rating of 90°C
EV.6.2.2 Insulating tape or paint may be part of the insulation, but must not be the only insulation
EV.6.3 Wiring
EV.6.3.1 All wires and terminals and other conductors used in the Tractive System must be sized for the
continuous current they will conduct
EV.6.3.2 All Tractive System wiring must:
a. Be marked with wire gauge, temperature rating and insulation voltage rating
A serial number or a norm printed on the wire is sufficient if this serial number or norm is
clearly bound to the wire characteristics for example by a data sheet.
b. Have temperature rating more than or equal to 90°C
EV.6.3.3 Tractive System wiring must be:
a. Done to professional standards with sufficient strain relief
b. Protected from loosening due to vibration
c. Protected against damage by rotating and / or moving parts
d. Located out of the way of possible snagging or damage
EV.6.3.4 Any Tractive System wiring that runs outside of electrical enclosures:
a. Must meet one of the two:
• Enclosed in separate orange nonconductive conduit
• Use an orange shielded cable
b. The conduit or shielded cable must be securely anchored at each end to let it withstand a
force of 200 N without straining the cable end crimp
c. Any shielded cable must have the shield grounded
EV.6.3.5 Wiring that is not part of the Tractive System must not use orange wiring or conduit

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 100 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.6.4 Connections
EV.6.4.1 All Tractive System connections must:
a. Be designed to use intentional current paths through conductors designed for electrical
current
b. Not rely on steel bolts to be the primary conductor
c. Not include compressible material such as plastic in the stack-up
EV.6.4.2 If external, uninsulated heat sinks are used, they must be properly grounded to the GLV
System Ground, see EV.6.7
EV.6.4.3 Bolted electrical connections in the high current path of the Tractive System must include a
positive locking feature to prevent unintentional loosening
Lock washers or thread locking compounds (Loctite®) or adhesives are not acceptable
Bolts with nylon patches are permitted for blind connections into OEM components
EV.6.4.4 Information about the electrical connections supporting the high current path must be
available at Electrical Technical Inspection
EV.6.5 Voltage Separation
EV.6.5.1 Separation of Tractive System and GLV System:
a. The entire Tractive System and GLV System must be completely galvanically separated
IN.10.2.2
b. The border between Tractive System and GLV System is the galvanic isolation between
the two systems.
Some components, such as the Motor Controller, may be part of both systems.
EV.6.5.2 There must be no connection between the Chassis of the vehicle (or any other conductive
surface that might be inadvertently touched by a person), and any part of any Tractive System
circuits.
EV.6.5.3 Tractive System and GLV circuits must not be in the same conduit or connector except as
permitted in in EV.7.8.4
EV.6.5.4 GLV Systems other than the IRs EV.5.4, parts of the Precharge and Discharge Circuits EV.5.6,
HV DC/DC converters, the BMS EV.7.3, the IMD EV.7.6, parts of the Ready to Move Light
EV.5.10 the Energy Meter EV.3.1 and cooling fans must not be inside the Tractive Battery
Container
EV.6.5.5 Where Tractive System and GLV are included inside the same enclosure, they must meet one
of the two:
a. Be separated by insulating barriers (in addition to the insulation on the wire) made of
moisture resistant, UL recognized or equivalent insulating materials rated for 90° C or
higher (such as Nomex based electrical insulation)
b. Maintain spacing through air, or over a surface (similar to those defined in UL1741) of:
U < 100 V DC 10 mm
100 V DC < U < 200 V DC 20 mm
U > 200 V DC 30 mm
EV.6.5.6 Spacing must be clearly defined. Components and cables capable of movement must be
positively restrained to maintain spacing.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 101 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.6.5.7 If Tractive System and GLV are on the same circuit board:
a. They must be on separate, clearly defined and clearly marked areas of the board
b. Required spacing related to the spacing between traces / board areas are as follows:
Voltage Over Surface Thru Air (cut in board) Under Conformal Coating
0-50 V DC 1.6 mm 1.6 mm 1 mm
50-150 V DC 6.4 mm 3.2 mm 2 mm
150-300 V DC 9.5 mm 6.4 mm 3 mm
300-600 V DC 12.7 mm 9.5 mm 4 mm
EV.6.5.8 Teams must be prepared to show spacing on team built equipment
For inaccessible circuitry, spare boards or appropriate photographs must be available for
inspection
EV.6.5.9 All connections to external devices such as laptops from a Tractive System component must
include galvanic isolation
EV.6.6 Overcurrent Protection
EV.6.6.1 All electrical systems (Low Voltage and High Voltage) must have appropriate Overcurrent
Protection/Fusing.
EV.6.6.2 Unless otherwise permitted in the Rules, all Overcurrent Protection devices must:
a. Be rated for the highest voltage in the systems they protect
Overcurrent Protection devices used for DC must be rated for DC and must carry a DC
rating equal to or more than the system voltage
b. Have a continuous current rating less than or equal to the continuous current rating of
any electrical component that it protects
c. Have an interrupt current rating higher than the theoretical short circuit current of the
system that it protects
EV.6.6.3 Each parallel element of multiple parallel battery cells, capacitors, strings of battery cells,
strings of capacitors, or conductors must have individual Overcurrent Protection.
EV.6.6.4 Any conductors (wires, busbars, etc) conducting the entire pack current must meet one of:
a. Be appropriately sized for the total current that the individual Overcurrent Protection
devices could transmit
b. Contain additional Overcurrent Protection to protect the conductors
EV.6.6.5 Battery packs with Low Voltage or non voltage rated fusible links for cell connections may be
used when all three conditions are met:
• An Overcurrent Protection device rated at less than or equal to one third the sum of the
parallel fusible links and complying with EV.6.6.2.b above is connected in series.
• The BMS can detect an open fusible link and will Open the Shutdown Circuit EV.7.2.2 if a
fault is detected.
• Fusible link current rating is specified in manufacturer’s data or suitable test data is
provided.
EV.6.6.6 If conductor ampacity is reduced below the ampacity of the upstream Overcurrent Protection,
the reduced conductor longer than 150 mm must have additional Overcurrent Protection.
This additional Overcurrent Protection must be:

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 102 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 a. 150 mm or less from the source end of the reduced conductor
b. On the positive and the negative conductors in the Tractive System
c. On the positive conductor in the Grounded Low Voltage System
EV.6.6.7 Cells with internal Overcurrent Protection may be used without external Overcurrent
Protection if suitably rated.
Most cell internal Overcurrent Protection devices are Low Voltage or non voltage rated and
conditions of EV.6.6.5 above will apply.
EV.6.7 Grounding
EV.6.7.1 Grounding is required for:
a. Parts of the vehicle which are 100 mm or less from any Tractive System component that
are not separated from the Tractive System component by a Firewall T.1.8.4
b. Any Firewall T.1.8.4
The part itself must meet the grounding requirement if conductive tape is applied
EV.6.7.2 Grounded parts of the vehicle must have a resistance to GLV System Ground less than the
values specified below.
a. Electrically conductive parts 300 mOhms (measured with a current of 1 A)
Examples: parts made of steel, (anodized) aluminum, any other metal parts
b. Parts which may become electrically conductive 5 Ohm
Example: carbon fiber parts
Carbon fiber parts may need special measures such as using copper mesh or similar to
keep the ground resistance below 5 Ohms.
EV.6.7.3 Electrical conductivity of any part may be tested by checking any point which is likely to be
conductive.
Where no convenient conductive point is available, an area of coating may be removed.

EV.7 SHUTDOWN SYSTEM

EV.7.1 Shutdown Circuit
EV.7.1.1 The Shutdown Circuit consists of these components, connected in series:
a. Battery Management System (BMS) EV.7.3
b. Insulation Monitoring Device (IMD) EV.7.6
c. Brake System Plausibility Device (BSPD) EV.7.7
d. Interlocks (as required) EV.7.8
e. Master Switches (GLVMS, TSMS) EV.7.9
f. Shutdown Buttons EV.7.10
g. Brake Over Travel Switch (BOTS) T.3.3
h. Inertia Switch T.9.4
EV.7.1.2 The Shutdown Circuit must directly carry the current driving the Isolation Relays (IRs) and the
Precharge Circuit Relay.
EV.7.1.3 The BMS, IMD, and BSPD parts of the Shutdown Circuit must be Normally Open

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 103 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.7.1.4 The BMS, IMD and BSPD must have completely independent circuits to Open the Shutdown
Circuit.
The design of the respective circuits must make sure that a failure cannot result in electrical
power being fed back into the Shutdown Circuit.
EV.7.1.5 The Shutdown Buttons, BOTS, TSMS, GLVMS and Interlocks must directly carry the Shutdown
Circuit current
EV.7.1.6 The team must be able to demonstrate all features and functions of the Shutdown Circuit and
components at Electrical Technical Inspection.
Shutdown Bu ons
Brake
Insula on
GLV System System Iner a
Monitoring
Plausibility Switch cockpit le right
Device
Device
Master Switch
GLV System

LV Brake
Ba ery MSD
Over TS Interlock(s)
Management Interlock
Travel
System le right
Switch
Trac ve System
GLV Fuse Master Switch

Trac ve Ba ery Container

GLV
Ba ery

Precharge
GLV System Control

Chassis
TSMP TSMP
GLVMP
G D HV HV+
IR IR
Fuse(s)

Trac ve Trac ve
System System
Precharge

Trac ve System
Trac ve System

GLV System
EV.7.2 Shutdown Circuit Operation
EV.7.2.1 The Shutdown Circuit must Open when any of these exist:
a. Operation of, or detection from any of the components listed in EV.7.1.1
b. Any shutdown of the GLV System
EV.7.2.2 When the Shutdown Circuit Opens:
a. The Tractive System must Shutdown
b. All Tractive Battery current flow must stop immediately EV.5.4.3
c. The voltage in the Tractive System must be Low Voltage T.9.1.2 in five seconds or less
d. The Motor(s) must spin free. Torque must not be applied to the Motor(s)
EV.7.2.3 When the BMS, IMD or BSPD Open the Shutdown Circuit:
a. The Tractive System must stay disabled until manually reset
b. The Tractive System must be reset only by manual action of a person directly at the
vehicle
c. The driver must not be able to reactivate the Tractive System from inside the vehicle
d. Operation of the Shutdown Buttons or TSMS must not let the Shutdown Circuit Close

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 104 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.7.3 Battery Management System - BMS
EV.7.3.1 A Battery Management System must monitor the Tractive Battery Voltage EV.7.4 and
Temperature EV.7.5 when the:
a. Tractive System is Active EV.11.5
b. Tractive Battery is connected to a Charger EV.8.3
EV.7.3.2 The BMS must have galvanic isolation at each Module to Module boundary, as approved in
the ESF
EV.7.3.3 Cell balancing is not permitted when the Shutdown Circuit is Open ( EV.7.2, EV.8.4 )
EV.7.3.4 The BMS must monitor for:
a. Voltage values outside the permitted range EV.7.4.2
b. Voltage sense Overcurrent Protection device(s) blown or tripped
c. Temperature values outside the permitted range EV.7.5.2
d. Missing or interrupted voltage or temperature measurements
e. A fault in the BMS
EV.7.3.5 If the BMS detects one or more of the conditions of EV.7.3.4 above, the BMS must:
a. Open the Shutdown Circuit EV.7.2.2
b. Turn on the BMS Indicator Light and the Tractive System Status Indicator EV.5.11.5
The two lights must stay on until the BMS is manually reset EV.7.2.3
EV.7.3.6 The BMS Indicator Light must be:
a. Color: Red
b. Clearly visible to the seated driver in bright sunlight
c. Clearly marked with the lettering “BMS”
EV.7.4 Tractive Battery Voltage
EV.7.4.1 The BMS must measure the voltage of each Cell
When single Cells are directly connected in parallel, only one voltage measurement is needed
EV.7.4.2 Cell Voltage levels must stay inside the permitted minimum and maximum cell voltage levels
stated in the cell data sheet. Measurement accuracy must be considered.
EV.7.4.3 All voltage sense wires to the BMS must have Overcurrent Protection that must meet the two:
a. The Overcurrent Protection must occur in the conductor, wire or PCB trace which is
directly connected to the cell tab.
b. The voltage rating of the Overcurrent Protection must be equal to or higher than the
maximum Module voltage
EV.7.5 Tractive Battery Temperature
EV.7.5.1 The BMS must measure the temperatures of critical points of the Tractive Battery
EV.7.5.2 Temperatures (considering measurement accuracy) must stay below the lower of the two:
• The maximum cell temperature limit stated in the cell data sheet
• 60°C
EV.7.5.3 Cell temperatures must be measured at the negative terminal of the respective cell

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 105 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.7.5.4 The temperature sensor used must be in direct contact with one of:
• The negative terminal itself
• The negative terminal busbar less than 10 mm away from the spot weld or clamping
source on the negative cell terminal
EV.7.5.5 For lithium based cells,
a. The temperature of a minimum of 20% of the cells must be monitored by the BMS
b. The monitored cells must be equally distributed inside the Tractive Battery Container(s)
The temperature of each cell should be monitored
EV.7.5.6 Multiple cells may be monitored with one temperature sensor, if EV.7.5 is met for all cells
sensed by the sensor.
EV.7.5.7 Temperature sensors must have appropriate electrical isolation that meets one of the two:
• Between the sensor and cell
• In the sensing circuit
The isolation must consider GLV/TS isolation as well as common mode voltages between
sense locations.
EV.7.6 Insulation Monitoring Device - IMD
EV.7.6.1 The vehicle must have an Insulation Monitoring Device (IMD) installed in the Tractive System
EV.7.6.2 The IMD must be a Bender ISOMETER® IR155-3203 or IR155-3204 (website) or an approved
alternate equivalent IMD
Refer to the Rules FAQ on the Event Website for approved equivalent IMD
EV.7.6.3 The response value of the IMD must be set to 500 Ohm / Volt or higher, related to the
maximum Tractive System operation voltage.
EV.7.6.4 The IMD must monitor the Tractive System for:
a. An isolation failure
b. A failure in the IMD operation
This must be done without the influence of any programmable logic.
EV.7.6.5 If the IMD detects one or more of the conditions of EV.7.6.4 above the IMD must:
a. Open the Shutdown Circuit EV.7.2.2
b. Turn on the IMD Indicator Light and the Tractive System Status Indicator EV.5.11.5
The two lights must stay on until the IMD is manually reset EV.7.2.3
EV.7.6.6 The IMD Indicator Light must be:
a. Color: Red
b. Clearly visible to the seated driver in bright sunlight
c. Clearly marked with the lettering “IMD”
EV.7.7 Brake System Plausibility Device - BSPD
EV.7.7.1 The vehicle must have a standalone nonprogrammable circuit to check for simultaneous
braking and high power output
The BSPD must be provided in addition to the APPS / Brake Pedal Plausibility Check (EV.4.7)
EV.7.7.2 The BSPD must Open the Shutdown Circuit EV.7.2.2 when the two of these exist:

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 106 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 • Demand for Hard Braking EV.4.6
• Tractive System current is at a level where 5 kW of electrical power in the DC circuit is
delivered to the Motor(s) at the nominal battery voltage
The BSPD may delay opening the shutdown circuit up to 0.5 sec to prevent false trips
EV.7.7.3 The BSPD must Open the Shutdown Circuit EV.7.2.2 when there is an open or short circuit in
any sensor input
EV.7.7.4 The team must have a test to demonstrate BSPD operation at Electrical Technical Inspection.
a. Power must not be sent to the Motor(s) of the vehicle during the test
b. The test must prove the function of the complete BSPD in the vehicle, including the
current sensor
The suggested test would introduce a current by a separate wire from an external power
supply simulating the Tractive System current while pressing the brake pedal
EV.7.8 Interlocks
EV.7.8.1 Interlocks must be incorporated where specified (refer to EV.4.1.3, EV.5.5.2, EV.5.9 )
EV.7.8.2 Additional Interlocks may be included in the Tractive System or components
EV.7.8.3 The Interlock is a wire or connection that must:
a. Open the Shutdown Circuit EV.7.2.2 if the Interlock connection is broken or interrupted
b. Not be in the low (ground) connection to the IR coils of the Shutdown Circuit
EV.7.8.4 Interlock circuits or connections do not require physical separation (EV.6.5) from Tractive
System wiring or components when the Interlock circuit is:
a. In the same wiring harness as Tractive System wiring
b. Part of a Tractive System Connector EV.5.9
c. Inside the Tractive Battery Container or Tractive System Enclosure less than 75 mm from
the connection to a Tractive System connector
EV.7.9 Master Switches
EV.7.9.1 Each vehicle must have two Master Switches that must:
a. Meet T.9.3 for Configuration and Location
b. Be direct acting, not act through a relay or logic
EV.7.9.2 The Grounded Low Voltage Master Switch (GLVMS) must:
a. Completely stop all power to the GLV System EV.4.4
b. Be in the center of a completely red circular area of > 50 mm in diameter
c. Be labeled “LV”
EV.7.9.3 The Tractive System Master Switch (TSMS) must:
a. Open the Shutdown Circuit in the OFF position EV.7.2.2
b. Be the last switch before the IRs except for Precharge circuitry and Interlocks.
c. Be in the center of a completely orange circular area of > 50 mm in diameter
d. Be labeled “TS” and the symbol specified in ISO 7010-W012 (triangle with black
lightning bolt on yellow background).
e. Be fitted with a "lockout/tagout" capability in the OFF position EV.11.3.1

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 107 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.7.10 Shutdown Buttons
EV.7.10.1 Three Shutdown Buttons must be installed on the vehicle
EV.7.10.2 Each Shutdown Button must:
a. Be a push-pull or push-rotate emergency stop switch
b. Open the Shutdown Circuit EV.7.2.2 when operated to the OFF position
c. Hold when operated to the OFF position
d. Let the Shutdown Circuit Close when operated to the ON position
EV.7.10.3 One Shutdown Button must be on each side of the vehicle which:
a. Is located aft of the Main Hoop near the junction of the Main Hoop and Main Hoop
Bracing F.5.9
b. Has a diameter of 40 mm minimum
c. Must not be easily removable or mounted onto removable body work
EV.7.10.4 One Shutdown Button must be mounted in the cockpit which:
a. Is located in easy reach of the belted in driver, adjacent to the steering wheel, and
unobstructed by the steering wheel or any other part of the vehicle
b. Has diameter of 24 mm minimum
EV.7.10.5 The international electrical symbol (a red spark on a white edged blue triangle) must be near
each Shutdown Button.

EV.8 CHARGER REQUIREMENTS

EV.8.1 Charger Requirements
EV.8.1.1 All features and functions of the Charger and Charging Shutdown Circuit must be
demonstrated at Electrical Technical Inspection. IN.5.1
EV.8.1.2 Chargers will be sealed after approval. IN.5.2.2
EV.8.2 Charger Features
EV.8.2.1 The Charger must be galvanically isolated (AC) input to (DC) output.
EV.8.2.2 If the Charger housing is conductive it must be connected to the earth ground of the AC input.
EV.8.2.3 All connections of the Charger(s) must be isolated and covered.
EV.8.2.4 The Charger connector(s) must incorporate a feature to let the connector become live only
when correctly connected to the Tractive Battery Pack
EV.8.2.5 High Voltage charging leads must be orange
EV.8.2.6 The Charger must have two TSMPs installed, see EV.5.8.2
EV.8.2.7 The Charger must include a Charger Shutdown Button which must:
a. Be a push-pull or push-rotate emergency stop switch
b. Have a minimum diameter of 25 mm
c. Open the Charging Shutdown Circuit EV.8.4.2 when operated to the OFF position
d. Hold when operated to the OFF position
e. Be labelled with the international electrical symbol (a red spark on a white edged blue
triangle)

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 108 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.8.3 Charging Shutdown Circuit
EV.8.3.1 The Charging Shutdown Circuit consists of:
a. Charger Shutdown Button EV.8.2.7
b. Battery Management System (BMS) EV.7.3
c. Insulation Monitoring Device (IMD) EV.7.6
EV.8.3.2 The BMS and IMD parts of the Charging Shutdown Circuit must:
a. Be designed as Normally Open contacts
b. Have completely independent circuits to Open the Charging Shutdown Circuit.
Design of the respective circuits must make sure that a failure cannot result in electrical
power being fed back into the Charging Shutdown Circuit.
EV.8.4 Charging Shutdown Circuit Operation
EV.8.4.1 When Charging, the BMS and IMD must:
a. Monitor the Tractive Battery
b. Open the Charging Shutdown Circuit if a fault is detected
EV.8.4.2 When the Charging Shutdown Circuit Opens:
a. All current flow to the Tractive Battery must stop immediately
b. The voltage in the Tractive System must be Low Voltage T.9.1.2 in five seconds or less
c. The Charger must be turned off
d. The Charger must stay disabled until manually reset

EV.9 VEHICLE OPERATIONS

EV.9.1 Activation Requirement
The driver must complete the Activation Sequence without external assistance after the
Master Switches EV.7.9 are ON
EV.9.2 Activation Sequence
The vehicle systems must energize in this sequence:
a. Low Voltage (GLV) System EV.9.3
b. Tractive System Active EV.9.4
c. Ready to Drive EV.9.5
EV.9.3 Low Voltage (GLV) System
The Shutdown Circuit may be Closed when or after the GLV System is energized
EV.9.4 Tractive System Active
EV.9.4.1 Definition – High Voltage is present outside of the Tractive Battery Container
EV.9.4.2 Tractive System Active must not be possible until the two:
• GLV System is Energized
• Shutdown Circuit is Closed

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 109 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.9.5 OK to Energize
EV.9.5.1 Definition - Vehicle may be Tractive System Active in the Paddock D.2.3 or in the Dynamic
Area D.1.2.1
EV.9.6 Ready to Drive
EV.9.6.1 Definition – the Motor(s) will respond to the input of the APPS
EV.9.6.2 Ready to Drive must not be possible until the three at the same time:
• Tractive System Active EV.9.4
• The Brake Pedal is pressed and held to engage the mechanical brakes T.3.2
• The driver does a manual action to start Ready to Drive
Such as pressing a specific button in the cockpit
EV.9.7 Ready to Drive Sound
EV.9.7.1 The vehicle must make a characteristic sound when it is Ready to Drive
EV.9.7.2 The Ready to Drive Sound must be:
a. Sounded continuously for minimum 1 second and maximum 3 seconds
b. A minimum sound level of 80 dBA, fast weighting IN.10.3
c. Easily recognizable. No animal voices, song parts or sounds that could be interpreted as
offensive will be accepted
EV.9.7.3 The vehicle must not make other sounds similar to the Ready to Drive Sound.

EV.10 EVENT SITE ACTIVITIES

EV.10.1 Onsite Registration
EV.10.1.1 The Tractive Battery Pack must be onsite at the time the team registers to be eligible for
Tractive Battery Pack Inspection and Dynamic Events
EV.10.1.2 Teams who register without the Tractive Battery Pack:
a. Must not bring their Tractive Battery Pack onsite for the duration of the competition
b. May participate in Technical Inspection and Static Events
EV.10.2 Tractive Battery Pack Removal
EV.10.2.1 After the team registers onsite, the Tractive Battery Pack must remain on the competition site
until the end of the competition, or the team withdraws and leaves the site
EV.10.2.2 Violators will be disqualified from the competition and must leave immediately

EV.11 WORK PRACTICES

EV.11.1 Personnel
EV.11.1.1 The Electrical System Officer (ESO): AD.5.2
a. Is the only person on the team that may declare the vehicle electrically safe to allow
work on any system
b. Must accompany the vehicle when operated or moved at the competition site
c. Must be immediately available by phone at all times during the event

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 110 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
EV.11.2 Maintenance
EV.11.2.1 All participating team members must wear safety glasses with side shields at any time when:
a. Parts of the Tractive System are exposed while energized
b. Work is done on the Tractive Battery Pack
EV.11.2.2 Appropriate insulated tools must be used when working on the Tractive Battery Pack or
Tractive System
EV.11.3 Lockout
EV.11.3.1 The TSMS EV.7.9.3 must be locked in the OFF position when any work is done on the vehicle.
EV.11.3.2 The MSD EV.5.5 must be disconnected when vehicles are:
a. Moved around the competition site
b. Participating in Static Events
EV.11.4 Tractive System
EV.11.4.1 These work activities at competition are permitted only in the designated area and during
Electrical Technical Inspection IN.5 See EV.5.3.3
a. Opening Tractive Battery Containers
b. Any work on Tractive Battery(s), Cells, or Modules
c. Energized electrical work
EV.11.4.2 Cells and/or Modules must be moved at the competition site inside one of the two:
a. Completely closed Tractive Battery Container EV.4.3 See EV.4.10.2
b. Module/Cell Transport Container EV.11.4.3
EV.11.4.3 The Module/Cell Transport Container(s) must be:
a. Electrically insulated
b. Protected from shock hazards and arc flash
EV.11.4.4 Modules/Cells inside the Transport Container must agree with the voltage and energy limits of
EV.5.1.1
EV.11.5 Charging
EV.11.5.1 The Tractive Battery Pack must be removed from the vehicle and put onto the Hand Cart
EV.4.10 for Charging
EV.11.5.2 Tractive Battery charging must occur only inside the designated area
EV.11.5.3 A team member(s) who has knowledge of the Charging process must stay with the Tractive
Battery Pack during Charging
EV.11.5.4 Each Tractive Battery Pack must have a label with this data during Charging:
• Team Name
• Electrical System Officer phone number(s)
EV.11.5.5 Additional site specific rules or policies may apply

EV.12 RED CAR CONDITION

EV.12.1 Definition
A vehicle will be a Red Car if any of the following:

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 111 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 a. Actual or possible damage to the vehicle affecting the Tractive System
b. Vehicle fault indication (EV.5.11 or equivalent)
c. Other conditions, at the discretion of the officials
EV.12.2 Actions
a. Isolate the vehicle
b. No contact with the vehicle unless the officials give permission
Contact with the vehicle may require trained personnel with proper Personal Protective
Equipment
c. Call out Red Car responders

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 112 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IN - TECHNICAL INSPECTION
The objective of Technical Inspection is to determine if the vehicle meets the Formula SAE
Rules requirements and restrictions and if, considered as a whole, it satisfies the intent of the
Rules.

IN.1 INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

IN.1.1 Inspection Required
Each vehicle must pass all applicable parts of Technical Inspection, receive Inspection
Approval IN.15.1 and show the Inspection Sticker IN.15.2 before it may participate in any
Dynamic event.
IN.1.2 Technical Inspection Authority
IN.1.2.1 The exact procedures and instruments used for inspection and testing are entirely at the
discretion of the Chief Technical Inspector
IN.1.2.2 Decisions of the Chief Technical Inspector and the Organizer concerning vehicle compliance
are final
IN.1.3 Team Responsibility
Teams must make sure that their vehicle, and the required equipment, obeys the Formula SAE
Rules before Technical Inspection.
IN.1.4 Reinspection
Officials may Reinspect any vehicle at any time during the competition IN.17

IN.2 INSPECTION CONDUCT

IN.2.1 Vehicle Condition
IN.2.1.1 Vehicles must be presented for Technical Inspection in finished condition, fully assembled,
complete and ready to run.
IN.2.1.2 Technical inspectors will not inspect any vehicle presented for inspection in an unfinished
state.
IN.2.2 Measurement
IN.2.2.1 Given dimensions are absolute, and do not have any tolerance unless specifically stated
IN.2.2.2 Measurement tools and methods may vary
IN.2.2.3 No allowance is given for measurement accuracy or error
IN.2.3 Visible Access
All items on the Technical Inspection Form must be clearly visible to the technical inspectors
without using instruments such as endoscopes or mirrors
Methods to provide visible access include but are not limited to removable body panels, access
panels, and other components
IN.2.4 Inspection Items
IN.2.4.1 Technical Inspection will examine all items included on the Technical Inspection Form to make
sure the vehicle and other equipment obeys the Rules.
IN.2.4.2 Technical Inspectors may examine any other items at their discretion

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 113 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IN.2.5 Correction
If any part of a vehicle does not comply with the rules, or is otherwise a concern, the team
must:
• Correct the problem
• Continue Inspection or have the vehicle Reinspected
IN.2.6 Marked Items
IN.2.6.1 Officials may mark, seal, or designate items or areas which have been inspected to document
the inspection and reduce the chance of tampering
IN.2.6.2 Damaged or lost marks or seals require Reinspection IN.17

IN.3 INSPECTION PARTS

IN.3.1 Inspection Steps
Technical Inspection includes the following steps:
• Initial Inspection / Gear Check
• Tractive Battery Pack and Charger Inspection (EV only)
• Mechanical / Electrical Inspection
• Active Inspection / EV Active (EV only)
• Tilt Check
• Noise Check (IC only)
• Rain Test (EV only)
• Brake Test
IN.3.2 Step Details
The specific items for each step and sequence for inspection are on the Technical Inspection
Sheets published before the competition

IN.4 INITIAL INSPECTION / GEAR CHECK

Bring these to Initial Inspection / Gear Check:
• Technical Inspection Form
• All Driver Equipment per VE.3 to be used by each driver
• Fire Extinguishers (for paddock and vehicle) VE.2.3
• Wet Tires V.4.3.2

IN.5 TRACTIVE BATTERY PACK AND CHARGER INSPECTION (EV ONLY)

IN.5.1 Inspection Items
Bring these to Tractive Battery Pack and Charger Inspection:
• Tractive Battery Pack mounted on the Hand Cart EV.4.10
• Spare Battery Pack(s) and Tractive Battery components (if applicable) EV.5.1.3
• Charger(s) for the Tractive Battery EV.8.1
• Tractive Battery Container samples (if applicable) F.10.2.1.c, F.10.2.2.c

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 114 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 • Electrical Systems Form (ESF) and Component Data Sheets EV.2
• Electronic copies of any submitted Rules Questions with the received answer GR.7
These basic tools in good condition:
• Insulated cable shears
• Insulated screw drivers
• Multimeter with protected probe tips
• Insulated tools, if screwed connections are used in the Tractive System
• Face Shield
• HV insulating gloves which are 12 months or less from their test date
• Two HV insulating blankets of minimum 0.83 m² each
• Safety glasses with side shields for all team members that might work on the Tractive
System or Battery Pack
IN.5.2 Inspection Conduct
IN.5.2.1 Tech inspectors may require access to check any parts of the Tractive Battery Pack for Rules
compliance
IN.5.2.2 All or portions of the Tractive Battery Pack, Tractive System, Charger and other components
may be marked or sealed IN.2.6
IN.5.2.3 Additional monitoring may be installed
IN.5.3 Inspection Completion
The Tractive Battery Pack must not be at any Static Event (installed in the vehicle or not
installed) before Tractive Battery Pack Inspection is fully completed

IN.6 MECHANICAL / ELECTRICAL INSPECTION

IN.6.1 Inspection Items
Bring these to Mechanical / Electrical Inspection:
• Vehicle on the Dry Tires to be used for Dynamic events V.4.3.1
• Technical Inspection Form
• Push Bar VE.2.2
• Structural Equivalency Spreadsheet (SES) – electronic copy F.2.1
• Monocoque Laminate Test Specimens (if applicable) F.4.2
• The Impact Attenuator that was tested (if applicable) F.8.8.7
• Electronic copies of any submitted Rules Questions with the received answer GR.7
IN.6.2 Aerodynamic Devices Stability and Strength
IN.6.2.1 Any Aerodynamic Devices may be checked by pushing on the device in any direction and at
any point
This is guidance, but actual conformance will be up to technical inspectors at the respective
competitions. The intent is to reduce the likelihood of wings detaching

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 115 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IN.6.2.2 If any deflection is significant, then a force of approximately 200 N may be applied
a. Loaded deflection should not be more than 25 mm
b. Any permanent deflection less than 5 mm
IN.6.2.3 If any vehicle on track is observed to have large, uncontrolled movements of Aerodynamic
Devices, then officials may Black Flag the vehicle for IN.17 Reinspection.
IN.6.3 Monocoque Inspections
IN.6.3.1 Dimensions of the Monocoque will be confirmed F.7.1.4
IN.6.3.2 When the Front Hoop is integrally bonded or laminated to the monocoque F.7.4.3, provide:
a. Documentation that shows dimensions on the tubes
b. Pictures of the dimensioned tube being included in the layup
IN.6.3.3 For items which cannot be verified by an inspector, the team must provide documentation,
visual and/or written, that the requirements have been met
IN.6.3.4 A team found to be improperly presenting any evidence of the manufacturing process may be
barred from competing with a monocoque or require additional documentation or inspection
IN.6.4 Engine Inspection (IC Only)
The organizer may measure or tear down engines to confirm conformance to the rules
IN.6.5 Mechanical / Electrical Inspection Completion
IN.6.5.1 All vehicles must pass Mechanical / Electrical Inspection before a vehicle may try any further
inspections
IN.6.5.2 (EV only) Electric Vehicles must pass Tractive Battery Pack Inspection and Mechanical /
Electrical Inspection before the vehicle may try any further Inspections. See EV.11.3.2

IN.7 DRIVER TEMPLATE INSPECTIONS

The Driver Template Inspection is part of Mechanical Inspection
IN.7.1 Conduct
The Driver Template shown in F.5.6.5 will be positioned as given in F.5.6.6
IN.7.2 Driver Template Clearance Criteria
To pass Mechanical Technical Inspection, the Driver Template must meet the clearance
specified in F.5.6.4

IN.8 COCKPIT TEMPLATE INSPECTIONS

The Cockpit Template Inspections is part of Mechanical Inspection
IN.8.1 Conduct
IN.8.1.1 The Cockpit Opening will be checked using the template and procedure given in T.1.1
IN.8.1.2 The Internal Cross Section will be checked using the template and procedure given in T.1.2
IN.8.2 Cockpit Template Criteria
To pass Mechanical Technical Inspection, the two Cockpit Templates must fit as described

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 116 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IN.9 DRIVER COCKPIT CHECKS
The Clearance Checks and Egress Test may be done separately or in conjunction with other
parts of Technical Inspection
IN.9.1 Driver Clearance
Each driver in the normal driving position is checked for the three:
• Helmet clearance F.5.6.4
• Head Restraint positioning T.2.8.6
• Harness fit and adjustment T.2.5, T.2.6, T.2.7
IN.9.2 Egress Test
IN.9.2.1 Each driver must be able to exit to the side of the vehicle in no more than 5 seconds
IN.9.2.2 The Egress Test will be conducted for each driver as follows:
a. The driver must wear the specified Driver Equipment VE.3.2, VE.3.3
b. Egress time begins with the driver in the fully seated position, with hands in driving
position on the connected steering wheel
c. Egress test may have the driver touch the (IC) Cockpit Main Switch IC.9.4 (EV) Shutdown
Button EV.7.10.4
d. Egress time will stop when the driver has two feet on the pavement
IN.9.3 Driver Clearance and Egress Test Completion
IN.9.3.1 To drive the vehicle, each team driver must:
a. Meet the Driver Clearance requirements IN.9.1
b. Successfully complete the Egress Test IN.9.2
IN.9.3.2 A driver(s) must complete the Driver Cockpit Checks to pass Mechanical Inspection

IN.10 ACTIVE INSPECTION / EV ACTIVE (EV ONLY)

IN.10.1 Insulation Monitoring Device Test
IN.10.1.1 The Insulation Monitoring Device will be tested by connecting a resistor between the Tractive
System Measuring Points (EV.5.8), and several electrically conductive vehicle parts while the
Tractive System is active
IN.10.1.2 The test passes if the IMD shuts down the Tractive System in 30 seconds or less at a fault
resistance of 50% below the response value corresponding to 250 Ohm / Volt
IN.10.2 Insulation Measurement Test
IN.10.2.1 The insulation resistance between the Tractive System and GLV System Ground will be
measured.
a. The available measurement voltages are 250 V and 500 V
b. All vehicles with a maximum nominal operation voltage below 500 V will be measured
with the next available voltage level
c. All vehicles with a system voltage of 500 V or more will be measured with 500 V
IN.10.2.2 To pass the Insulation Measurement Test the measured insulation resistance must be
minimum 500 Ohm/Volt related to the maximum nominal Tractive System operation voltage

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 117 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IN.10.3 Ready to Drive Sound
The sound level may be measured with a free field microphone placed free from obstructions
in a radius of 2 m around the vehicle against the criteria in EV.9.7
IN.10.4 Active Inspection / EV Active Completion
IN.10.4.1 A separate OK to Energize Inspection Sticker IN.15.2 may be given to show that the vehicle
may be Tractive System Active EV.9.5
IN.10.4.2 Electric Vehicles must pass Active Inspection / EV Active before the vehicle may try any further
Inspections

IN.11 TILT TEST

IN.11.1 Tilt Test Requirements
a. The vehicle must contain the maximum amount of fluids it may carry
b. The tallest driver must be seated in the normal driving position
c. Tilt tests may be conducted in one, the other, or the two directions to pass
d. (IC only) Engines fitted with mechanically operated fuel pumps must be run to fill and
pressure the system downstream of the High Pressure pump. See IC.6.2
IN.11.2 Tilt Test Criteria
IN.11.2.1 No fluid leakage of any type when the vehicle is tilted to a 45° angle to the horizontal
IN.11.2.2 Vehicle does not roll when tilted at an angle of 60° to the horizontal, corresponding to 1.7 g
IN.11.3 Tilt Test Completion
Tilt Tests must be passed before a vehicle may try any further inspections

IN.12 NOISE AND SWITCH TEST (IC ONLY)

IN.12.1 Sound Level Measurement
IN.12.1.1 The sound level will be measured during a stationary test, with the vehicle gearbox in neutral
at the defined Test Speed
IN.12.1.2 Measurements will be made with a free field microphone placed:
• free from obstructions
• at the Exhaust Outlet vertical level IC.7.2.2
• 0.5 m from the end of the Exhaust Outlet IC.7.2.2
• at an angle of 45° with the outlet in the horizontal plane (see IN.12.2.2 below)
IN.12.2 Special Configurations
IN.12.2.1 Where the Exhaust has more than one Exhaust Outlet:
a. The noise test is repeated for each outlet
b. The highest sound level is used
IN.12.2.2 Exhaust Outlets that are not parallel to the ground may be tested outside of the horizontal
plane.
IN.12.2.3 If the exhaust has any form of active tuning or throttling device or system, the exhaust must
meet all requirements with the device or system in all positions.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 118 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IN.12.2.4 When the exhaust has a manually adjustable tuning device(s):
a. The position of the device must be visible to the officials for the noise test
b. The device must be manually operable by the officials during the noise test
c. The device must not be moved or modified after the noise test is passed
IN.12.3 Industrial Engine
An engine which, according to the manufacturers’ specifications and without the required
restrictor, is capable of producing 5 hp per 100 cc or less.
Submit a Rules Question to request approval of an Industrial Engine.
IN.12.4 Test Speeds
IN.12.4.1 Maximum Test Speed
The engine speed that corresponds to an average piston speed of:
a. Automotive / Motorcycle engines 914.4 m/min (3,000 ft/min)
b. Industrial Engines 731.5 m/min (2,400 ft/min)
The calculated speed will be rounded to the nearest 500 rpm.
Test Speeds for typical engines are published on the Event Website
IN.12.4.2 Idle Test Speed
a. Determined by the vehicle’s calibrated idle speed
b. If the idle speed varies then the vehicle will be tested across the range of idle speeds
determined by the team
IN.12.4.3 The vehicle must be compliant at all engine speeds up to the maximum defined Test Speed.
IN.12.5 Maximum Permitted Sound Level
a. At idle 103 dBC, fast weighting
b. At all other speeds 110 dBC, fast weighting
IN.12.6 Noise Level Retesting
IN.12.6.1 Noise levels may be monitored at any time
IN.12.6.2 The Noise Test may be repeated at any time
IN.12.7 Switch Function
The function of one or more of the Primary Master Switch IC.9.3, Cockpit Main Switch IC.9.4,
and/or BOTS T.3.3 will be verified during the Noise Test
IN.12.8 Noise Test Completion
Noise Tests must be passed before a vehicle may try any further inspections

IN.13 RAIN TEST (EV ONLY)

IN.13.1 Rain Test Requirements
• Tractive System must be Active
• The vehicle must not be in Ready to Drive mode (EV.7)
• Any driven wheels must not touch the ground
• A driver must not be seated in the vehicle

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 119 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IN.13.2 Rain Test Conduct
The water spray will be rain like, not a direct high pressure water jet
a. Spray water at the vehicle from any possible direction for 120 seconds
b. Stop the water spray
c. Observe the vehicle for 120 seconds
IN.13.3 Rain Test Completion
IN.13.3.1 The test is passed if the:
a. Insulation Monitoring Device (EV.7.6) does not react during the entire 240 seconds
duration
b. Insulation Monitoring Device functionality is verified after the 240 seconds test
IN.13.3.2 The Rain Test must be passed before a vehicle may try any further inspections

IN.14 BRAKE TEST

IN.14.1 Objective
The Brake System will be dynamically tested and must demonstrate the capability to lock all
four wheels when stopping the vehicle in a straight line at the end of an acceleration run
specified by the brake inspectors
IN.14.2 Brake Test Conduct (IC Only)
IN.14.2.1 Brake Test procedure:
a. Accelerate to speed (typically getting into 2nd gear) into the designated braking zone
b. Apply the brakes with force sufficient to demonstrate full lockup of all four wheels
IN.14.2.2 The Brake Test passes if:
• All four wheels lock up
• The engine stays running during the complete test
IN.14.3 Brake Test Conduct (EV Only)
IN.14.3.1 The Brake Test must use only the mechanical Brakes with no aid from the powertrain EV.3.3.3
IN.14.3.2 Brake Test procedure:
a. Accelerate to speed into the designated braking zone
b. Switch off the Tractive System EV.7.10.4
c. Apply the brakes with force sufficient to demonstrate full lockup of all four wheels
IN.14.3.3 The Brake Test passes if all four wheels lock IN.14.3.1
IN.14.3.4 The Ready to Move Light may switch a short time after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop as the reduction of the system voltage is not immediate. See EV.7.2.2.c

IN.15 INSPECTION APPROVAL

IN.15.1 Inspection Approval
IN.15.1.1 When all parts of Technical Inspection are complete as shown on the Technical Inspection
sheet, the vehicle receives Inspection Approval
IN.15.1.2 The completed Inspection Sticker shows the Inspection Approval

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 120 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
IN.15.1.3 The Inspection Approval is contingent on the vehicle remaining in the required condition
throughout the competition.
IN.15.1.4 The Organizer, Chief Technical Inspector, or a designee may void Inspection Approval at any
time for any reason
IN.15.2 Inspection Sticker
IN.15.2.1 Inspection Sticker(s) are given after completion of all or part of Technical Inspection
IN.15.2.2 Inspection Sticker(s) must show in the location given in VE.1.4 unless told differently
IN.15.3 Inspection Validity
IN.15.3.1 Inspection Stickers may be removed from vehicles that are not in compliance with the Rules or
are required to be Reinspected
IN.15.3.2 Inspection Approval is valid only for the duration of the specific Formula SAE competition
during which the inspection is conducted

IN.16 MODIFICATIONS AND REPAIRS

IN.16.1 Prior to Inspection Approval
Once the vehicle has been presented for judging in the Cost or Design Events, or submitted for
Technical Inspection, and until the vehicle has the full Inspection Approval, the only
modifications permitted to the vehicle are those directed by the Inspector(s) and noted on the
Inspection Form.
IN.16.2 After Inspection Approval
IN.16.2.1 The vehicle must maintain all required specifications (including but not limited to ride height,
suspension travel, braking capacity (pad material/composition), sound level and wing location)
throughout the competition.
IN.16.2.2 Changes to fit the vehicle to different drivers are permitted:
• Adjustment of the driver restraint system, Head Restraint, seat and pedal assembly
• Substitution of the Head Restraint or seat insert
• Adjustment of mirrors
IN.16.2.3 Once the vehicle receives Inspection Approval, the ONLY modifications permitted to the
vehicle are:
• Adjustment of belts, chains and clutches
• Adjustment of brake bias
• Adjustment to engine / powertrain operating parameters, including fuel mixture and
ignition timing, and any software calibration changes
• Adjustment of the suspension
• Changing springs, sway bars and shims in the suspension
• Adjustment of Tire Pressure, subject to V.4.3.4
• Adjustment of wing or wing element(s) angle, but not the location T.7.1
• Replenishment of fluids

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 121 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 • Replacement of worn tires or brake pads. Replacement tires and brake pads must be
identical in material/composition/size to those presented and approved at Technical
Inspection.
• Changing of wheels and tires for weather conditions D.6
• Recharging Low Voltage Batteries
• Recharging Tractive Battery Pack(s)
IN.16.3 Repairs or Changes After Inspection Approval
The Inspection Approval may be voided for any reason including, but not limited to:
a. Damage to the vehicle IN.15.1.3
b. Changes beyond those permitted per IN.16.2 above

IN.17 REINSPECTION
IN.17.1 Requirement
IN.17.1.1 Any vehicle may be Reinspected at any time for any reason
IN.17.1.2 Reinspection must be completed to restore Inspection Approval, if voided
IN.17.2 Conduct
IN.17.2.1 The Technical Inspection process may be repeated in entirety or in part
IN.17.2.2 Specific areas or items to be inspected are at the discretion of the Chief Technical Inspector
IN.17.3 Result
IN.17.3.1 With Voided Inspection Approval
Successful completion of Reinspection will restore Inspection Approval IN.15.1
IN.17.3.2 During Dynamic Events
a. Issues found during Reinspection will void Inspection Approval
b. Penalties may be applied to the Dynamic Events the vehicle has competed in
Applied penalties may include additional time added to event(s), loss of one or more
fastest runs, up to Disqualification, subject to official discretion

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 122 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
S - STATIC EVENTS
S.1 GENERAL STATIC
Presentation 75 points
Cost 100 points
Design 150 points
Total 325 points

S.2 PRESENTATION EVENT

S.2.1 Presentation Event Objective
The Presentation Event evaluates the team’s ability to develop and deliver a comprehensive
business, logistical, production, or technical case that will convince outside interests to invest
in the team’s concept
S.2.2 Presentation Concept
S.2.2.1 The concept for the Presentation Event will be provided on the Event Website
S.2.2.2 The concept for the Presentation Event may change for each competition
S.2.2.3 The team presentation must meet the concept
S.2.2.4 The team presentation must relate specifically to the vehicle as entered in the competition
S.2.2.5 Teams should assume that the judges represent different areas, including engineering,
production, marketing and finance, and may not all be engineers
S.2.2.6 The presentation may be given in different settings, such as a conference room, a group
meeting, virtually, or in conjunction with other Static Events
Specific details will be included in the Presentation Concept or communicated separately
S.2.3 Presentation Schedule
Teams that fail to make their presentation during their assigned time period get zero points
for the Presentation Event
S.2.4 Presentation Submissions
S.2.4.1 The Presentation Concept may require information to be submitted prior to the event.
Specific details will be included in the Presentation Concept
S.2.4.2 Submissions may be graded as part of the Presentation Event score
S.2.4.3 Pre event submissions will be subject to penalties as given in section PS - Pre-Competition
Submissions or the Presentation Concept
S.2.5 Presentation Format
S.2.5.1 One or more team members will give the presentation to the judges
S.2.5.2 All team members who will give any part of the presentation, or who will respond to judges’
questions must be:
• In the presentation area when the presentation starts
• Introduced and identified to the judges
S.2.5.3 Presentations will be time limited. The judges will stop any presentation exceeding the time
limit.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 123 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
S.2.5.4 The presentation itself will not be interrupted by questions. Immediately after the
presentation there may be a question and answer session.
S.2.5.5 Only judges may ask questions. Only team members who meet S.2.5.2 may answer questions.
S.2.6 Presentation Equipment
Refer to the Presentation Concept for additional information
S.2.7 Evaluation Criteria
S.2.7.1 Presentations will be evaluated on content, organization, visual aids, delivery and the team’s
response to the judges questions.
S.2.7.2 The actual quality of the prototype itself will not be considered as part of the presentation
judging
S.2.7.3 Presentation Judging Score Sheet – available at the Event Website
S.2.8 Judging Sequence
Presentation judging may be conducted in one or more phases.
S.2.9 Presentation Event Scoring
S.2.9.1 The Presentation raw score is based on the average of the scores of each judge.
S.2.9.2 Presentation Event scores may range from 0 to 75 points, using a method at the discretion of
the judges
S.2.9.3 Presentation Event scoring may include normalizing the scores of different judging teams and
scaling the overall results

S.3 COST AND MANUFACTURING EVENT

S.3.1 Cost Event Objective
The Cost and Manufacturing Event evaluates the ability of the team to consider budget and
incorporate production considerations for production and efficiency
Making tradeoff decisions between content and cost based on the performance of each part
and assembly and accounting for each part and process to meet a budget is part of Project
Management
S.3.2 Cost Event Supplement
a. Additional specific information on the Cost and Manufacturing Event, including
explanation and requirements, is provided in the Formula SAE Cost Event Supplement
document
b. Use the Formula SAE Cost Event Supplement to properly complete the requirements of
the Cost and Manufacturing Event
c. The Formula SAE Cost Event Supplement is available on the Event Website
S.3.3 Cost Event Areas
S.3.3.1 Cost Report
Preparation and submission of a report (the “Cost Report”)
S.3.3.2 Event Day Discussion
Discussion at the Competition with the Cost Judges around the team’s vehicle.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 124 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
S.3.3.3 Cost Scenario
Teams will respond to a challenge related to cost or manufacturing of the vehicle.
S.3.4 Cost Report
S.3.4.1 The Cost Report must:
a. List and cost each part on the vehicle using the standardized Cost Tables
b. Base the cost on the actual manufacturing technique used on the prototype
Cast parts on the prototype must be cost as cast, and fabricated parts as fabricated, etc.
c. Include Tooling Cost (welding jigs, molds, patterns and dies) for processes requiring it.
d. Exclude R & D and capital expenditures (plant, machinery, hand tools and power tools).
e. Include supporting documentation to let officials verify part costing
S.3.4.2 Generate and submit the Cost Report using the Event Website, see PS - Pre-Competition
Submissions
S.3.5 Bill of Materials - BOM
S.3.5.1 The BOM is a list of all vehicle parts, showing the relationships between the items.
a. The overall vehicle is broken down into separate Systems
b. Systems are made up of Assemblies
c. Assemblies are made up of Parts
d. Parts consist of Materials, Processes and Fasteners
e. Tooling is associated with each Process that requires production tooling
S.3.6 Late Submission
Penalties for Late Submission of Cost Report will be added as given in section PS - Pre-
Competition Submissions
S.3.7 Cost Addendum
S.3.7.1 A supplement to the Cost Report that reflects any changes or corrections made after the
submission of the Cost Report may be submitted.
S.3.7.2 The Cost Addendum must be submitted during Onsite Registration at the Event.
S.3.7.3 The Cost Addendum must follow the format as given in section PS - Pre-Competition
Submissions
S.3.7.4 Addenda apply only to the competition at which they are submitted.
S.3.7.5 A separate Cost Addendum may be submitted at each competition a vehicle attends.
S.3.7.6 Changes to the Cost Report in the Cost Addendum will incur additional cost:
a. Added items will be cost at 125% of the table cost: + (1.25 x Cost)
b. Removed items will be credited 75% of the table cost: - (0.75 x Cost)
S.3.8 Cost Tables
S.3.8.1 All costs in the Cost Report must come from the standardized Cost Tables.
S.3.8.2 If a team wishes to use any Parts, Processes or Materials not included in the tables, an Add
Item Request must be submitted. See S.3.10

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 125 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
S.3.9 Make versus Buy
S.3.9.1 Each part may be classified as Made or Bought
Refer to the Formula SAE Cost Event Supplement for additional information
S.3.9.2 If a team genuinely Makes a part listed on the table as a Bought part, they may alternatively
cost it as a Made part only if a place holder entry is listed in the tables enabling them to do so.
S.3.9.3 Any part which is normally purchased that is optionally shown as a Made part must have
supporting documentation submitted to prove team manufacture.
S.3.9.4 Teams costing Bought parts as Made parts will be penalized.
S.3.10 Add Item Request
S.3.10.1 An Add Item Request must be submitted on the Event Website to add items to the Cost Tables
for individual team requirements
S.3.10.2 After review, the item may be added to the Cost Table with an appropriate cost. It will then
be available to all teams
S.3.11 Public Cost Reports
S.3.11.1 The competition organizers may publish all or part of the submitted Cost Reports.
S.3.11.2 Cost Reports for a given competition season will not be published before the end of the
calendar year. Support materials, such as technical drawings, will not be released.
S.3.12 Cost Report Penalties Process
S.3.12.1 This procedure will be used in determining penalties:
a. Penalty A will be calculated using procedure Penalty Method A - Fixed Point Deductions
b. Penalty B will be calculated using procedure Penalty Method B – Adjusted Cost
Additions
c. The higher of the two penalties will be applied against the Cost Event score
• Penalty A expressed in points will be deducted from the Cost Event score
• Penalty B expressed in dollars will be added to the Adjusted Cost of the vehicle
S.3.12.2 Any error that results in a team over reporting a cost in their Cost Report will not be further
penalized.
S.3.12.3 Any instance where a team’s score benefits by an intentional or unintentional error on the
part of the students will be corrected on a case by case basis.
S.3.12.4 Penalty Method A - Fixed Point Deductions
a. From the Bill of Material, the Cost Judges will determine if all Parts and Processes have
been included in the analysis.
b. If any omission or error, a penalty proportional to the BOM level of the error is added:
• Missing/inaccurate Material, Process, Fastener 1 point
• Missing/inaccurate Part 3 point
• Missing/inaccurate Assembly 5 point
c. Each of the penalties listed above supersedes the previous penalty.
Example - if a point deduction is given for a missing Assembly, the missing Parts are ignored.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 126 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 d. Differences other than those listed above will be deducted at the discretion of the Cost
Judges.
S.3.12.5 Penalty Method B – Adjusted Cost Additions
a. The table cost for the missing or incomplete items will be calculated from the standard
Cost Tables.
b. The penalty will be a value equal to twice the difference between the team cost and the
correct cost for all items in error.
Penalty = 2 x (Table Cost – Team Reported Cost)
The table costs of all items in error are included in the calculation. A missing Assembly would
include the price of all Parts, Materials, Processes and Fasteners making up the Assembly.
S.3.13 Event Day and Discussion
S.3.13.1 The team must present their vehicle at the designated time IN.5.3
S.3.13.2 The vehicle must have the tires and wheels declared as Dry Tires per V.4.3.1 installed during
Cost Event judging
S.3.13.3 Teams may be required to bring a copy of the Cost Report and Cost Addendum to Cost Judging
S.3.13.4 The Cost Judges will:
a. Review whether the Cost Report accurately reflects the vehicle as presented
b. Review the manufacturing feasibility of the vehicle
c. Assess supporting documentation based on its quality, accuracy and thoroughness
d. Apply penalties for missing or incorrect information in the Cost Report compared to the
vehicle presented at inspection
S.3.14 Cost Audit
S.3.14.1 Teams may be selected for additional review to verify all processes and materials on their
vehicle are in the Cost Report
S.3.14.2 Adjustments from the Cost Audit will be included in the final scores
S.3.15 Cost Scenario
The Cost Scenario will be provided prior to the competition on the Event Website
The Cost Scenario will include detailed information about the conduct, scope, and conditions
of the Cost Scenario
S.3.16 Cost Event Scoring
S.3.16.1 Cost Event scoring will be provided on the Event Website or with the Cost Scenario
S.3.16.2 The Cost Event is worth 100 points
S.3.16.3 Cost Event Scores may be awarded in areas including, but not limited to:
• Price Score
• Discussion Score
• Scenario Score
S.3.16.4 Penalty points may be subtracted from the Cost Score, with no limit.
S.3.16.5 Cost Event scoring may include normalizing the scores of different judging teams and scaling
the results.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 127 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
S.4 DESIGN EVENT
S.4.1 Design Event Objective
S.4.1.1 The Design Event evaluates the engineering effort that went into the vehicle and how the
engineering meets the intent of the market in terms of vehicle performance and overall value.
S.4.1.2 The team and vehicle that illustrate the best use of engineering to meet the design goals, a
cost effective high performance vehicle, and the best understanding of the design by the team
members will win the Design Event.
S.4.1.3 Components and systems that are incorporated into the design as finished items are not
evaluated as a student designed unit, but are assessed on the team’s selection and application
of that unit.
S.4.2 Design Documents
S.4.2.1 Teams must submit the Design Briefing, Design Spec Sheet and Vehicle Drawings
S.4.2.2 These Design Documents will be used for:
• Design Judge reviews prior to the Design Event
• Sorting teams into appropriate design groups based on the quality of their review.
S.4.2.3 Penalties for Late Submission of all or any one of the Design Documents will be added as given
in section PS - Pre-Competition Submissions
S.4.2.4 Teams that submit one or more Design Documents which do not represent a serious effort to
comply with the requirements may be excluded from the Design Event or be awarded a lower
score
S.4.3 Design Briefing
S.4.3.1 The Design Briefing must use the template from the Event Website
S.4.3.2 Refer to the Design Briefing template for:
a. Specific content requirements, areas and details
b. Maximum slides that may be used per topic
S.4.3.3 Submit the Design Briefing as given in section PS - Pre-Competition Submissions
S.4.4 Vehicle Drawings
S.4.4.1 The Vehicle Drawings must meet:
a. Three view line drawings showing the vehicle, from the front, top, and side
b. Each drawing must appear on a separate page
c. May be manually or computer generated
S.4.4.2 Submit the Vehicle Drawings as given in section PS - Pre-Competition Submissions
S.4.5 Design Spec Sheet
Use the format provided and submit the Design Spec Sheet as given in section PS - Pre-
Competition Submissions
The Design Judges realize that final design refinements and vehicle development may cause
the submitted values to differ from those of the completed vehicle. For specifications that are
subject to tuning, an anticipated range of values may be appropriate.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 128 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
S.4.6 Vehicle Condition
S.4.6.1 Inspection Approval IN.15.1.1 is not required prior to Design judging
S.4.6.2 Vehicles must be presented for Design judging in finished condition, fully assembled, complete
and ready to run
a. (EV only) The Tractive Battery Pack must pass Inspection to be at the Design Event IN.5.3
b. The judges will not evaluate any vehicle that is presented at the Design event in what
they consider to be an unfinished state
c. Point penalties may be assessed for vehicles with obvious preparation issues
S.4.7 Support Material
S.4.7.1 Teams may bring to Design Judging any photographs, drawings, plans, charts, example
components or other materials that they believe are needed to support the presentation of
the vehicle and the discussion of their development process
S.4.7.2 The available space in the Design Event judging area may be limited
S.4.8 Judging Sequence
Design judging may be conducted in one or more phases
Typical Design judging includes a first round review of all teams, then additional review of
selected teams.
S.4.9 Judging Criteria
S.4.9.1 The Design Judges will:
a. Evaluate the engineering effort based upon the team’s Design Documents, discussion
with the team, and an inspection of the vehicle
b. Inspect the vehicle to determine if the design concepts are adequate and appropriate for
the application (relative to the objectives stated in the rules)
c. Deduct points if the team cannot adequately explain the engineering and construction of
the vehicle
S.4.9.2 The Design Judges may assign a portion of the Design Event points to the Design Documents
S.4.9.3 Design Judging Score Sheets are available at the Event Website
S.4.10 Design Event Scoring
S.4.10.1 Scoring may range from 0 to 150 points, at the discretion of the Chief Design Judge
S.4.10.2 Penalty points may be subtracted from the Design score
S.4.10.3 Vehicles that are excluded from Design judging or refused judging get zero points for Design,
and may receive penalty points.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 129 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
D - DYNAMIC EVENTS
D.1 GENERAL DYNAMIC
D.1.1 Dynamic Events and Maximum Scores
Acceleration 100 points
Skid Pad 75 points
Autocross 125 points
Efficiency 100 points
Endurance 275 points
Total 675 points
D.1.2 Definitions
D.1.2.1 Dynamic Area – Any designated portion(s) of the competition site where the vehicles may
move under their own power. This includes competition, inspection and practice areas.
D.1.2.2 Staging Area – Any area(s) inside the Dynamic Area prior to the entry to an event for the
purpose of gathering those vehicles that are about to start.

D.2 PIT AND PADDOCK

D.2.1 Vehicle Movement
D.2.1.1 Outside of the Dynamic Area(s), vehicles must be pushed at a normal walking pace using the
Push Bar (VE.2.2), with a driver in the cockpit and with another team member walking beside
D.2.1.2 The team may move the vehicle with
a. All four wheels on the ground
b. The rear wheels supported on dollies, by push bar mounted wheels
The external wheels supporting the rear of the vehicle must be non pivoting so the
vehicle travels only where the front wheels are steered. The driver must always be able
to steer and brake the vehicle normally.
D.2.1.3 When the Push Bar is attached, the engine must stay off, unless authorized by the officials
D.2.1.4 Vehicles must be Shutdown when being moved around the paddock
D.2.1.5 Vehicles with wings must have two team members, one walking on each side of the vehicle
when the vehicle is being pushed
D.2.1.6 A 25 point penalty may be assessed for each violation
D.2.2 Fueling and Charging
(IC only) Officials must conduct all fueling activities in the designated location.
(EV only) Charging must be done in the designated location EV.11.5
D.2.3 Powertrain Operation
In the paddock, (IC) Engines may be run or (EV) Tractive System may be Active if all three:
a. (IC Only) The vehicle has passed Technical Inspection up to and including the Tilt Test OR
a Technical Inspector gives permission
(EV only) The vehicle shows the OK to Energize sticker IN.10.4
b. The vehicle is supported on a stand

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 130 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 c. The drive wheels are minimum 10 cm off the ground, OR the drive wheels are removed

D.3 DRIVING
D.3.1 Drivers Meetings – Attendance Required
All drivers for an event must attend the drivers meeting(s). The driver for an event will be
disqualified if he/she does not attend the driver meeting for the event.
D.3.2 Dynamic Area Limitations
Refer to the Event Website for specific information
D.3.2.1 The organizer may specify restrictions for the Dynamic Area. These could include limiting the
number of team members and what may be brought into the area.
D.3.2.2 The organizer may specify additional restrictions for the Staging Area. These could include
limiting the number of team members and what may be brought into the area.
D.3.2.3 The organizer may establish requirements for persons in the Dynamic Area, such as closed toe
shoes or long pants.
D.3.3 Driving Under Power
D.3.3.1 Vehicles must move under their own power only when inside the designated Dynamic Area(s),
unless otherwise directed by the officials
D.3.3.2 Driving a vehicle outside of scheduled events or scheduled practice is a 200 point penalty for
the first violation and disqualification for a second violation
D.3.4 Driving Offsite - Prohibited
Teams found to have driven their vehicle at an offsite location during the period of the
competition will be excluded from the competition.
D.3.5 Driver Equipment
D.3.5.1 All Driver Equipment and Harness must be worn by the driver anytime in the cockpit with:
a. (IC) Engine running or (EV) Tractive System Active
b. Anytime between starting a Dynamic run and finishing or abandoning that Dynamic run
D.3.5.2 Removal of any Driver Equipment during a Dynamic event will result in Disqualification.
D.3.6 Starting
Auxiliary batteries must not be used once a vehicle has moved to the starting line of any
event. See IC.8.1
D.3.7 Practice Area
D.3.7.1 A practice area for testing and tuning may be available
D.3.7.2 The practice area will be controlled and may only be used during the scheduled times
D.3.7.3 Vehicles using the practice area must have a complete Inspection Sticker
D.3.8 Instructions from Officials
Obey flags and hand signals from course marshals and officials immediately

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 131 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
D.3.9 Vehicle Integrity
Officials may revoke the Inspection Approval for any vehicle condition that could compromise
vehicle integrity, compromise the track surface, or pose a potential hazard.
This could result in DNF or DQ of any Dynamic event.
D.3.10 Stalled & Disabled Vehicles
D.3.10.1 If a vehicle stalls and cannot restart without external assistance, or is damaged and not able to
complete the run, it will be scored DNF for that run
D.3.10.2 Disabled vehicles will be cleared from the track by the track workers.

D.4 FLAGS
Any specific variations will be addressed at the drivers meeting.
D.4.1 Command Flags
D.4.1.1 Any Command Flag must be obeyed immediately and without question.
D.4.1.2 Black Flag - Pull into the Driver Change Area for discussion with the track officials. A time
penalty may be assessed.
D.4.1.3 Black Flag with Orange Dot - Pull into the Driver Change Area for a mechanical inspection,
something has been observed that needs closer inspection.
D.4.1.4 Blue Flag - Pull into the designated passing zone to be passed by a faster competitor. Obey the
corner workers signals at the end of the passing zone to merge into competition.
D.4.1.5 Checkered Flag - Run has been completed. Exit the course at the designated point.
D.4.1.6 Green Flag – Approval to begin your run, enter the course under direction of the starter. If
you stall the vehicle, please restart and await another Green Flag
D.4.1.7 Red Flag - Come to an immediate safe controlled stop on the course. Pull to the side of the
course as much as possible to keep the course open. Follow corner worker directions.
D.4.1.8 Yellow Flag (Stationary) - Danger, SLOW DOWN, be prepared to take evasive action,
something has happened beyond the flag station. NO PASSING unless directed by the corner
workers.
D.4.1.9 Yellow Flag (Waved) - Great Danger, SLOW DOWN, evasive action is most likely required, BE
PREPARED TO STOP, something has happened beyond the flag station, NO PASSING unless
directed by the corner workers.
D.4.2 Informational Flags
D.4.2.1 An Information Flag communicates to the driver, but requires no specific action.
D.4.2.2 Red and Yellow Striped Flag - Something is on the racing surface that should not be there. Be
prepared for evasive maneuvers.
D.4.2.3 White Flag - There is a slow moving vehicle on the course. Be prepared to approach it at a
cautious rate.

D.5 WEATHER CONDITIONS

D.5.1 Operating Adjustments
D.5.1.1 The organizer may alter the conduct and scoring of the competition based on weather
conditions.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 132 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
D.5.1.2 No adjustments will be made to times for running in differing Operating Conditions.
D.5.1.3 The minimum performance levels to score points may be adjusted by the Officials.
D.5.2 Operating Conditions
D.5.2.1 These operating conditions will be recognized:
• Dry
• Damp
• Wet
D.5.2.2 The current operating condition will be decided by the Officials and may change at any time.
D.5.2.3 The current operating condition will be prominently displayed at the Dynamic Area, and may
be communicated by other means.

D.6 TIRES AND TIRE CHANGES

D.6.1 Tire Requirements
D.6.1.1 Teams must run the tires permitted for each Operating Condition:
Operating Condition Tires Permitted
Dry Dry ( V.4.3.1 )
Damp Dry or Wet
Wet Wet ( V.4.3.2 )
D.6.1.2 When the operating condition is Damp, teams may change between Dry Tires and Wet Tires:
a. Any time during the Acceleration, Skidpad, and Autocross Events
b. Any time before starting their Endurance Event
D.6.2 Tire Changes during Endurance
D.6.2.1 All tire changes after a vehicle has received the Green flag to start the Endurance Event must
occur in the Driver Change Area
D.6.2.2 If the Operating Condition changes to Wet during Endurance, the track will be Red Flagged or
vehicles will be Black Flagged and brought into the Driver Change Area
D.6.2.3 Permitted tire changes and associated conditions are given in these tables:
Existing Operating Condition Changed to:
Currently
Operating
Running on: Dry Damp Wet
Condition
Dry Dry Tires ok A B
Damp Dry Tires ok A B
Damp Wet Tires C C ok
Wet Wet Tires C C ok

Permitted at
Requirement
Driver Change?
A may change from Dry to Wet Yes
B MUST change from Dry to Wet Yes
C may change from Wet to Dry NO

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 133 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
D.6.2.4 Time permitted to change tires:
a. Change to Wet Tires - Any time in excess of 10 minutes without driver change, or 13
minutes with Driver Change, will be added to the team's total time for Endurance
b. Change to Dry Tires - The time used to change to Dry Tires will be added to the team’s
total time for Endurance
D.6.2.5 If the vehicle has a tire puncture,
a. The wheel and tire may be replaced with an identical wheel and tire
b. When the puncture is caused by track debris and not a result of component failure or the
vehicle itself, the tire change time will not count towards the team’s total time.

D.7 DRIVER LIMITATIONS

D.7.1 Three Event Limit
D.7.1.1 An individual team member may not drive in more than three events.
D.7.1.2 The Efficiency Event is considered a separate event although it is conducted simultaneously
with the Endurance Event.
A minimum of four drivers are required to participate in all of the dynamic events.

D.8 DEFINITIONS
D.8.1.1 DOO - Cone is Down or Out when one or the two:
a. Cone has been knocked over (Down)
b. The entire base of the cone lies outside the box marked around the cone in its
undisturbed position (Out)
D.8.1.2 DNF - Did Not Finish – The team tried a run, but did not complete it, or was not permitted to
complete it
D.8.1.3 DQ - Disqualified - run(s) or event(s) no longer valid
D.8.1.4 Gate - The path between two cones through which the vehicle must pass. Two cones, one on
each side of the course define a gate. Two sequential cones in a slalom define a gate.
D.8.1.5 Entry Gate -The path marked by cones which establishes the required path the vehicle must
go to enter the course
D.8.1.6 Exit Gate - The path marked by cones which establishes the required path the vehicle must go
to exit the course
D.8.1.7 OC – Off Course
a. The vehicle did not pass through a gate in the required direction.
b. The vehicle has all four wheels outside the course boundary as indicated by cones, edge
marking or the edge of the paved surface.
Where more than one boundary indicator is used on the same course, the narrowest track will
be used when determining Off Course penalties.

D.9 ACCELERATION EVENT

The Acceleration event evaluates the vehicle acceleration in a straight line on flat pavement.
D.9.1 Acceleration Layout
D.9.1.1 Course length will be 75 m from starting line to finish line

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 134 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
D.9.1.2 Course width will be minimum 4.9 m wide as measured between the inner edges of the bases
of the course edge cones
D.9.1.3 Cones are put along the course edges at intervals, approximately 6 m
D.9.1.4 Cone locations are not marked on the pavement
D.9.2 Acceleration Procedure
D.9.2.1 Each team may try up to four runs, using two drivers, limited to two runs for each driver
D.9.2.2 Runs with the first driver have priority
D.9.2.3 Each Acceleration run is done as follows:
a. The foremost part of the vehicle will be staged at 0.30 m behind the starting line
b. A Green Flag or light signal will give the approval to begin the run
c. Timing starts when the vehicle crosses the starting line
d. Timing ends when the vehicle crosses the finish line
D.9.2.4 Each driver may go to the front of the staging line immediately after their first run to make a
second run
D.9.3 Acceleration Penalties
D.9.3.1 Cones (DOO)
Two second penalty for each DOO (including entry and exit gate cones) on that run
D.9.3.2 Off Course (OC)
DNF for that run
D.9.4 Acceleration Scoring
D.9.4.1 Scoring Term Definitions:
• Corrected Time = Acceleration Run Time + ( DOO * 2 )
• Tyour - the best Corrected Time for the team
• Tmin - the lowest Corrected Time recorded for any team
• Tmax - 150% of Tmin
D.9.4.2 When Tyour < Tmax. the team score is calculated as:

Acceleration Score = 95.5 x ( Tmax / Tyour ) -1 + 4.5

( Tmax / Tmin ) -1
D.9.4.3 When Tyour > Tmax , Acceleration Score = 4.5

D.10 SKIDPAD EVENT

The Skidpad event measures the vehicle cornering ability on a flat surface while making a
constant radius turn.
D.10.1 Skidpad Layout
D.10.1.1 Course Design
• Two pairs of concentric circles in a figure of eight pattern
• Centers of the circles 18.25 m apart
• Inner circles 15.25 m in diameter

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 135 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 • Outer circles 21.25 m in diameter
• Driving path the 3.0 m wide path between the inner and outer circles
D.10.1.2 Cone Placement
a. Sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) pylons will be put around the inside of each inner circle
and thirteen (13) pylons will be positioned around the outside of each outer circle in the
pattern shown in the Skidpad layout diagram
b. Each circle will be marked with a chalk line, inside the inner circle and outside the outer
circle
The Skidpad layout diagram shows the circles for cone placement, not for course marking.
Chalk lines are marked on the opposite side of the cones, outside the driving path
c. Additional pylons will establish the entry and exit gates
d. A cone may be put in the middle of the exit gate until the finish lap
D.10.1.3 Course Operation
a. Vehicles will enter and exit through gates on a 3.0 m wide path that is tangential to the
circles where they meet.
b. The line between the centers of the circles defines the start/stop line.
c. A lap is defined as traveling around one of the circles from the start/stop line and
returning to the start/stop line.

D.10.2 Skidpad Procedure

D.10.2.1 Each team may try up to four runs, using two drivers, limited to two runs for each driver
D.10.2.2 Runs with the first driver have priority
D.10.2.3 Each Skidpad run is done as follows:
a. A Green Flag or light signal will give the approval to begin the run

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 136 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 b. The vehicle will enter perpendicular to the figure eight and go one full lap on the right
circle
c. The next lap will be on the right circle and will be timed
d. Immediately after the second lap, the vehicle will enter the left circle for the third lap
e. The fourth lap will be on the left circle and will be timed
f. Immediately upon finishing the fourth lap, the vehicle will exit the track. The exit is at the
intersection moving in the same direction as entered
D.10.2.4 Each driver may go to the front of the staging line immediately after their first run to make a
second run
D.10.3 Skidpad Penalties
D.10.3.1 Cones (DOO)
A 0.125 second penalty for each DOO (including entry and exit gate cones) on that run
D.10.3.2 Off Course (OC)
DNF for that run. Vehicles that stall or spin out may continue if they have not gone Off
Course.
D.10.3.3 Incorrect Laps
Vehicles that run an incorrect number of laps or run the laps in the wrong sequence will be
DNF for that run.
D.10.4 Skidpad Scoring
D.10.4.1 Scoring Term Definitions
• Corrected Time = ( Right Lap Time + Left Lap Time ) / 2 + ( DOO * 0.125 )
• Tyour - the best Corrected Time for the team
• Tmin - is the lowest Corrected Time recorded for any team
• Tmax - 125% of Tmin
D.10.4.2 When Tyour < Tmax. the team score is calculated as:

Skidpad Score = 71.5 x ( Tmax / Tyour )2 -1 + 3.5

( Tmax / Tmin )2 -1
D.10.4.3 When Tyour > Tmax , Skidpad Score = 3.5

D.11 AUTOCROSS EVENT

The Autocross event evaluates the vehicle maneuverability and handling qualities on a tight
course
D.11.1 Autocross Layout
D.11.1.1 The Autocross course will be designed with these specifications. Average speeds should be 40
km/hr to 48 km/hr
a. Straights: No longer than 60 m with hairpins at the two ends
b. Straights: No longer than 45 m with wide turns on the ends
c. Constant Turns: 23 m to 45 m diameter
d. Hairpin Turns: 9 m minimum outside diameter (of the turn)

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 137 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 e. Slaloms: Cones in a straight line with 7.62 m to 12.19 m spacing
f. Miscellaneous: Chicanes, multiple turns, decreasing radius turns, etc.
g. Minimum track width: 3.5 m
h. Length of each run should be approximately 0.80 km
D.11.1.2 The Autocross course specifications may deviate from the above to accommodate event site
requirements.
D.11.2 Autocross Procedure
D.11.2.1 Each team may try up to four runs, using two drivers, limited to two runs for each driver
D.11.2.2 Runs with the first driver have priority
D.11.2.3 Each Autocross run is done as follows:
a. The vehicle will be staged at a specific distance behind the starting line
b. A Green Flag or light signal will give the approval to begin the run
c. Timing starts when the vehicle crosses the starting line
d. Timing ends when the vehicle crosses the finish line
D.11.2.4 Each driver may go to the front of the staging line immediately after their first run to make a
second run
D.11.3 Autocross Penalties
D.11.3.1 Cones (DOO)
Two second penalty for each DOO (including cones after the finish line) on that run
D.11.3.2 Off Course (OC)
a. When an OC occurs, the driver must reenter the track at or prior to the point of exit or
receive a 20 second penalty
b. Penalties will not be assessed to bypass an accident or other reasons at the discretion of
track officials.
D.11.3.3 Missed Slalom
Missing one or more gates of a given slalom will be counted as one Off Course
D.11.4 Autocross Scoring
D.11.4.1 Scoring Term Definitions:
• Corrected Time = Autocross Run Time + ( DOO * 2 ) + ( OC * 20 )
• Tyour - the best Corrected Time for the team
• Tmin - the lowest Corrected Time recorded for any team
• Tmax - 145% of Tmin
D.11.4.2 When Tyour < Tmax. the team score is calculated as:

Autocross Score = 118.5 x ( Tmax / Tyour ) -1 + 6.5

( Tmax / Tmin ) -1
D.11.4.3 When Tyour > Tmax , Autocross Score = 6.5

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 138 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
D.12 ENDURANCE EVENT
The Endurance event evaluates the overall performance of the vehicle and tests the durability
and reliability.
D.12.1 Endurance General Information
D.12.1.1 The organizer may establish one or more requirements to let teams compete in the Endurance
event
D.12.1.2 Each team may try the Endurance event once
D.12.1.3 The Endurance event consists of two Endurance runs, each using a different driver, with a
Driver Change between
D.12.1.4 Teams may not work on their vehicles once their Endurance event has started
D.12.1.5 Multiple vehicles may be on the track at the same time
D.12.1.6 Wheel to Wheel racing is prohibited
D.12.1.7 Vehicles must not be driven in reverse
D.12.2 Endurance Layout
D.12.2.1 The Endurance event will consist of multiple laps over a closed course to a total distance of
approximately 22 km.
D.12.2.2 The Endurance course will be designed with these specifications. Average speed should be 48
km/hr to 57 km/hr with top speeds of approximately 105 km/hr.
a. Straights: No longer than 77 m with hairpins at the two ends
b. Straights: No longer than 61 m with wide turns on the ends
c. Constant Turns: 30 m to 54 m diameter
d. Hairpin Turns: 9 m minimum outside diameter (of the turn)
e. Slaloms: Cones in a straight line with 9 m to 15 m spacing
f. Miscellaneous: Chicanes, multiple turns, decreasing radius turns, etc.
g. Minimum track width: 4.5 m
h. Designated passing zones at several locations
D.12.2.3 The Endurance course specifications may deviate from the above to accommodate event site
requirements.
D.12.3 Endurance Run Order
The Endurance Run Order is established to let vehicles of similar speed potential be on track
together to reduce the need for passing.
D.12.3.1 The Endurance Run Order:
a. Should be primarily based on the Autocross event finish order
b. Should include the teams eligible for Endurance which did not compete in the Autocross
event.
c. May be altered by the organizer to accommodate specific circumstances or event
considerations
D.12.3.2 Each team must keep track of the Endurance Run Order and have their vehicle fueled, in line
and prepared to start when their turn to run arrives.

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 139 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
D.12.4 Endurance Vehicle Starting / Restarting
D.12.4.1 Teams that are not ready to run or cannot start their Endurance event in the permitted time
when their turn in the Run Order arrives:
a. Get a time penalty (D.12.12.5)
b. May then run at the discretion of the Officials
D.12.4.2 After Driver Change, the vehicle will be permitted up to 120 seconds (two minutes) to (IC)
restart the engine or to (EV) enter Ready to Drive EV.9.5
a. The time will start when the driver first tries to restart the engine or to enable the
Tractive System
b. The time to try to start / restart is not counted towards the Endurance time
D.12.4.3 If a vehicle stalls on the track, it will be permitted one lap by the vehicle that follows it
(approximately 60 seconds) to restart. This time counts toward the Endurance time.
D.12.4.4 If starts / restarts are not accomplished in the above times, the vehicle may be DNF.
D.12.5 Endurance Event Procedure
D.12.5.1 Vehicles will be staged per the Endurance Run Order
D.12.5.2 Endurance Event sequence:
a. The first driver will do an Endurance Run per D.12.6 below
b. The Driver Change must then be done per D.12.8 below
c. The second driver will do an Endurance Run per D.12.6 below
D.12.5.3 The Endurance Event is complete when the two:
• The team has completed the specified number of laps
• The second driver crosses the finish line
D.12.6 Endurance Run Procedure
D.12.6.1 A Green Flag or light signal will give the approval to begin the run
D.12.6.2 The driver will drive approximately half of the Endurance distance
D.12.6.3 A Checkered Flag will be displayed
D.12.6.4 The vehicle must exit the track into the Driver Change Area
D.12.7 Driver Change Limitations
D.12.7.1 The team may bring only these items into the Driver Change Area:
a. Three team members, including the driver or drivers
b. (EV Only) The three team members must consist of an ESO EV.11.1.1 and two drivers.
c. Minimal tools necessary to adjust the vehicle to fit the second driver and/or change tires
Team members may only carry tools by hand (no carts, tool chests etc)
d. Each extra person entering the Driver Change Area: 20 point penalty
D.12.7.2 The only work permitted during Driver Change is:
a. Operation of Master Switches IC.9.3, EV.7.9, Main Switch IC.9.4, or Shutdown Buttons
EV.7.10
b. Adjustments to fit the driver IN.16.2.2
c. Tire changes per D.6.2

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 140 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
D.12.8 Driver Change Procedure
D.12.8.1 The Driver Change will be done in this sequence:
a. Vehicle will stop in Driver Change Area
b. First Driver turns off the engine / Tractive System. Driver Change time starts.
c. First Driver exits the vehicle
d. Any necessary adjustments may be made to the vehicle to fit the Second Driver IN.16.2.2
e. Second Driver is secured in the vehicle
f. Second Driver is ready to start the engine / enable the Tractive System. Driver Change
time stops.
g. Second Driver receives permission to continue
h. The vehicle engine is started or Tractive System enabled. See D.12.4
i. The vehicle stages to go back onto course, at the direction of the event officials
D.12.8.2 Three minutes are permitted for the team to complete the Driver Change
a. Any additional time for inspection of the vehicle and the Driver Equipment is not
included in the Driver Change time
b. Time more than permitted will be added to the team Endurance time
D.12.8.3 The Driver Change Area will be in a location where the timing system will see the Driver
Change as a long lap which will be deleted from the total time
D.12.9 Breakdowns & Stalls
D.12.9.1 If a vehicle breaks down or cannot restart, it will be removed from the course by track workers
and scored DNF
D.12.9.2 If a vehicle stalls, or ingests a cone, etc., it may be permitted to continue, subject to D.12.1.4
and D.12.4
D.12.10 Endurance Event – Black Flags
D.12.10.1 A Black Flag will be shown at the designated location
D.12.10.2 The vehicle must pull into the Driver Change Area at the first opportunity
D.12.10.3 The amount of time spent in the Driver Change Area is at the discretion of the officials.
D.12.10.4 Driving Black Flag
a. May be shown for any reason such as aggressive driving, failing to obey signals, not
yielding for passing, not driving inside the designated course, etc.
b. Course officials will discuss the situation with the driver
c. The time spent in Black Flag or a time penalty may be included in the Endurance Run
time.
d. If not possible to give a penalty by a stop under a Black Flag, (not enough laps left), or
during post event review, officials may add a penalty D.14.2
D.12.10.5 Mechanical Black Flag
a. May be shown for any reason to question the vehicle condition
b. Time spent off track is not included in the Endurance Run time.
D.12.10.6 Based on the inspection or discussion during a Black Flag period, the vehicle may not be
permitted to continue the Endurance Run and will be scored DNF

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 141 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
D.12.11 Endurance Event – Passing
D.12.11.1 Passing during Endurance may only be done in the designated passing zones, under the
control of the track officials.
D.12.11.2 Passing zones have two parallel lanes – a slow lane for the vehicles that are being passed and
a fast lane for vehicles that are making a pass.
D.12.11.3 When a pass is to be made:
a. A slower leading vehicle gets a Blue Flag
b. The slower vehicle must move into the slow lane and decelerate
c. The faster vehicle will continue in the fast lane and make the pass
d. The vehicle that had been passed may reenter traffic only under the control of the
passing zone exit flag
D.12.11.4 Passing rules do not apply to vehicles that are passing disabled vehicles on the course or
vehicles that have spun out and are not moving. When passing a disabled or off track vehicle,
slow down, drive cautiously and be aware of all the vehicles and track workers in the area.
D.12.12 Endurance Penalties
D.12.12.1 Cones (DOO)
Two second penalty for each DOO (including cones after the finish line) on that run
D.12.12.2 Off Course (OC)
a. When an OC occurs, the driver must reenter the track at or prior to the point of exit or
receive a 20 second penalty
b. Penalties will not be assessed to bypass an accident or other reasons at the discretion of
track officials.
D.12.12.3 Missed Slalom
Missing one or more gates of a given slalom will be counted as one Off Course
D.12.12.4 Penalties for Moving or Post Event Violations
a. Black Flag penalties per D.12.10, if applicable
b. Post Event Inspection penalties per D.14.2, if applicable
D.12.12.5 Endurance Starting (D.12.4.1)
Two minutes (120 seconds) penalty
D.12.12.6 Vehicle Operation
The Chief Marshall/Director of Operations may end the Endurance event (DNF) a vehicle if, for
any reason including driver inexperience or mechanical problems, it is too slow or being
driven in a manner that demonstrates an inability to properly control.
D.12.13 Endurance Scoring
D.12.13.1 Scoring Term Definitions:
• Endurance Run Time - Total Time for the two Drivers, minus the Driver Change lap,
minus any Mechanical Black Flag Time, plus any Penalty time D.14.2
• Corrected Time = Endurance Run Time + ( DOO * 2 ) + ( OC * 20 )
• Tyour - the Corrected Time for the team
• Tmin - the lowest Corrected Time recorded for any team

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 142 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
 • Tmax - 145% of Tmin
D.12.13.2 The vehicle must complete the Endurance Event to receive a score based on their Corrected
Time
a. If Tyour < Tmax, the team score is calculated as:

Endurance Time Score = 250 x ( Tmax / Tyour ) -1

( Tmax / Tmin ) -1
b. If Tyour > Tmax, Endurance Time Score = 0
D.12.13.3 The vehicle receives points based on the laps and/or parts of Endurance completed.
The Endurance Laps Score is worth up to 25 points
D.12.13.4 The Endurance Score is calculated as:
Endurance Score = Endurance Time Score + Endurance Laps Score

D.13 EFFICIENCY EVENT

The Efficiency event evaluates the fuel/energy used to complete the Endurance event
D.13.1 Efficiency General Information
D.13.1.1 The Efficiency is based on a metric of the amount of fuel consumed or energy used and the lap
time on the endurance course, averaged over the length of the event.
D.13.1.2 The Efficiency score is based only on the distance the vehicle runs on the course during the
Endurance event, and the total fuel/energy used. No adjustment to distance or fuel/energy
will be made.
D.13.2 Efficiency Procedure
D.13.2.1 For IC vehicles:
a. The fuel tank must be filled to the fuel level line (IC.5.4.5)
b. During fuelling, once filled to the scribe line, no shaking or tilting of the tank, fuel system,
or the entire vehicle is permitted
D.13.2.2 (EV only) The vehicle may be fully charged
D.13.2.3 The vehicle will then compete in the Endurance event, refer to D.12.5
D.13.2.4 Vehicles must power down after leaving the course and be pushed to the fueling station or
data download area
D.13.2.5 For Internal Combustion vehicles (IC):
a. The Fuel Tank must be filled to the Fuel Level Line (IC.5.4.5) to measure fuel used.
IC.5.5.1
b. If the fuel level changes after refuelling:
• Additional fuel will be added to return the fuel tank level to the fuel level line.
• Twice this amount will be added to the previously measured fuel consumption
c. If damage or a potential environmental hazard (example - Fuel Tank leakage) exists, the
Fuel Tank will not be refilled D.13.3.4

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 143 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
D.13.2.6 For Electric Vehicles (EV):
a. Energy Meter data must be downloaded to measure energy used and check for
Violations EV.3.3
b. Penalties will be applied per EV.3.5 and/or D.13.3.4
D.13.3 Efficiency Eligibility
D.13.3.1 Maximum Time
Vehicles whose average Endurance laptime exceeds 1.45 times the average Endurance
laptime of the fastest team that completes the Endurance event get zero points
D.13.3.2 Maximum Fuel/Energy Used
Vehicles whose corrected average (IC) fuel consumption / (EV) energy equivalent per lap
exceeds the values in D.13.4.5 get zero points
D.13.3.3 Partial Completion of Endurance
a. Vehicles which cross the start line after Driver Change are eligible for Efficiency points
b. Other vehicles get zero points
D.13.3.4 Cannot Measure Fuel/Energy Used
The vehicle gets zero points
D.13.4 Efficiency Scoring
D.13.4.1 Conversion Factors
Each fuel or energy used is converted using the factors:
a. Gasoline / Petrol 2.31 kg of CO2 per liter
b. E85 1.65 kg of CO2 per liter
c. Electric 0.65 kg of CO2 per kWh
D.13.4.2 (EV only) Full credit is given for energy recovered through regenerative braking
D.13.4.3 Scoring Term Definitions:
• CO2 min - the smallest mass of CO2 used by any competitor who is eligible for Efficiency
• CO2 your - the mass of CO2 used by the team being scored
• Tmin - the lowest Endurance time of the fastest team which is eligible for Efficiency
• Tyour - same as Endurance (D.12.13.1)
• Lapyours - the number of laps driven by the team being scored
• Laptotal Tmin and Latptotal CO2 min - be the number of laps completed by the teams
which set Tmin and CO2min, respectively
D.13.4.4 The Efficiency Factor is calculated by:
Tmin / LapTotal Tmin CO2 min / LapTotal CO2 min
Efficiency Factor = X
Tyours / Lap yours CO2 your / Lap yours
D.13.4.5 EfficiencyFactor min is calculated using the above formula with:
• CO2 your (IC) equivalent to 60.06 kg CO2/100km (based on gasoline 26 ltr/100km)
• CO2 your (EV) equivalent to 20.02 kg CO2/100km
• Tyour 1.45 times Tmin

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 144 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025
D.13.4.6 When the team is eligible for Efficiency. the team score is calculated as:
Efficiency Factor your - Efficiency Factor min
Efficiency Score = 100 x
Efficiency Factor max - Efficiency Factor min

D.14 POST ENDURANCE

D.14.1 Technical Inspection Required
D.14.1.1 After Endurance and refuelling are completed, all vehicles must report to Technical Inspection.
D.14.1.2 Vehicles may then be subject to IN.17 Reinspection
D.14.2 Post Endurance Penalties
D.14.2.1 Penalties may be applied to the Endurance and/or Efficiency events based on:
a. Infractions or issues during the Endurance Event (including D.12.10.4.d)
b. Post Endurance Technical Inspection
c. (EV only) Energy Meter violations EV.3.3, EV.3.5.2
D.14.2.2 Any penalty will be at the discretion of the officials
D.14.3 Post Endurance Penalty Guidelines
D.14.3.1 One or more minor violations (rules compliance, but no advantage to team): 15-30 sec
D.14.3.2 Violation which is a potential or actual performance advantage to team: 120-360 sec
D.14.3.3 Violation with potential or actual effect on safety or environment: 240 sec up to DNF or DQ
D.14.3.4 Team may be DNF or DQ for:
a. Multiple violations involving safety, environment, or performance advantage
b. A single substantial violation

Formula SAE® Rules 2026 © 2025 SAE International Page 145 of 145
Version 1.0 10 Sept 2025