A series of rear impact tests has been conducted to evaluate the current test procedure contained in ECE Regulations 32 and 34. The specifications for these tests were determined after an analysis of rear impact accident data. It has been found that the existing test, which uses a mobile rigid barrier, does not replicate the damage seen in rear impact accidents. Rear impact tests using a deformable barrier were found to replicate accident damage far better than the rigid barrier. The possibility of including a neck injury criterion was also investigated. Proposals are made regarding the potential for improving the regulatory rear impact test procedure.