Article 6b
Member States may, for transport in their territory, grant temporary exemptions, other than those provided for in Articles 5 and 6, in order, subject to compliance with the rules of the Member State concerned, to allow a greater number of persons to be transported in seats other than the front seats of M1 and N1 vehicles than there are seats available fitted with safety belts or restraint systems. The period of validity of such exemptions, set by the Member State, may not be more than six years from 9 May 2003"; 7. the following Articles shall be added: "Article 7a 1. To take account of technical progress, Articles 2 and 6 of this Directive may be adapted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 7b(2). 2. The Commission shall continue to carry out studies on the safety systems most suitable for improving the protection of all passengers against all types of accident and shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a report on the findings of those studies and on the application of this Directive, particularly on the exemptions granted by Member States pursuant to Article 6, in order to assess the advisability of strengthening safety measures and the need for greater harmonisation. Where appropriate, on the basis of this report, the Commission shall submit appropriate proposals.