Rear Impact Guard (RIG)
A Rear Impact Guard (RIG) is a device installed on or near the rear of a vehicle (semi-trailer) so that when the vehicle is struck from the rear, the device limits the distance that the striking vehicle’s front end slides under the rear end of the impacted vehicle.
Requirements for Semi-Trailers
United States
Must meet the requirements of United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 49CFR Sections 571.223 and 571.224. These standards include requirements for strength, energy absorption, dimensions, and testing. At the time of manufacture, a certification label is placed on the forward-facing surface of the guard horizontal member to verify that it meets all requirements.
Canada
Must meet the requirements of Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 223.