PAS 68 vs IWA 14: Understanding UK Vehicle Security Ratings
If you're specifying vehicle security barriers or bollards for a high-risk site, you've almost certainly encountered PAS 68 and IWA 14. Both are vehicle impact test standards, but they differ in scope, test conditions, and application. This guide explains both standards clearly, so you can specify with confidence.
Why Do Vehicle Security Ratings Matter?
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) equipment is only as good as its certification. Without third-party testing to a recognised standard, a bollard or barrier may look substantial but fail catastrophically under vehicle impact. For crowded places, government buildings, and critical infrastructure, insurance, planning, and police requirements increasingly mandate certified products.
PAS 68: The UK Standard
PAS 68 (Publicly Available Specification 68) was the original UK specification for vehicle security barriers, published by the British Standards Institution (BSI). Three vehicle categories were used: N1G (passenger car/4x4, ~2,500kg), N2G (goods vehicle, 7,500kg), and N3G (heavy goods vehicle, 30,000kg). Results were expressed as penetration distance.
IWA 14: The International Standard
IWA 14 (International Workshop Agreement 14) was developed by ISO to provide an internationally recognised vehicle security barrier standard. It is now the preferred standard for many specifying authorities, including the UK's National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO).
IWA 14 Rating Format
Example: IWA 14-1: V7500/80/90:0.0 ā 7,500kg vehicle, 80km/h, 90Ā° impact, zero penetration.
- V1000 ā 1,000kg vehicle (e.g., car)
- V2500 ā 2,500kg (SUV/4x4)
- V7500 ā 7,500kg (goods vehicle)
- V30000 ā 30,000kg (HGV)
PAS 68 vs IWA 14: Key Differences
| Feature | PAS 68 | IWA 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | UK (BSI) | International (ISO) |
| Test Vehicles | 3 categories (N1GāN3G) | 4 categories (V1000āV30000) |
| Angled Impact | Limited | Includes 45Ā° angle tests |
| Current Status | Withdrawn 2022 | Current standard |
Important: PAS 68 was officially withdrawn by BSI in 2022. New specifications should reference IWA 14. Some products carry dual certification.
What Rating Do You Need?
- Car parks, retail perimeters: V2500/48/90:1.0 minimum
- Town centres, pedestrian zones: V7500/48/90:0.0 recommended
- Critical infrastructure, government: V7500/80/90:0.0 or higher
- High-profile crowded places: Consult NaCTSO / police CT adviser
Specifying Certified Products
When specifying, always request the full test certificate ā not just the manufacturer's claim. Certificates should include the testing body accreditation, exact product model, and foundation specification. A bollard certified to IWA 14 is only as good as the foundation it is installed in.
Browse our range of certified security bollards with full IWA 14 and PAS 68 test documentation.