Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Theft Protection, 17752-17757 [06-3358]

Agencies

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 67 (Friday, April 7, 2006)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 17752-17757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-3358]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 571

[Docket No. NHTSA-2005-22093]
RIN 2127-AJ31


Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Theft Protection

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: Our safety standard on theft protection specifies vehicle 
performance requirements intended to reduce the incidence of crashes 
resulting from theft and accidental rollaway of motor vehicles. As a 
result of technological advances in the area of theft protection, the 
terminology used in the regulatory text of the Standard has become 
outdated and confusing with respect to key-locking systems that employ 
electronic codes to lock and unlock the vehicle, and to enable engine 
activation. This final rule amends and reorganizes the regulatory text 
of the Standard so that it better correlates to modern theft protection 
technology and reflects the agency's interpretation of the existing 
requirements. The new language does not impose any new substantive 
requirements on vehicle manufacturers.

DATES: This rule becomes effective September 1, 2007. Early voluntary 
compliance is permitted.
    Petitions: Petitions for reconsideration of the final rule must be 
received not later than May 22, 2006, and should refer to this docket 
and the notice number of this document and be submitted to: 
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 7th 
Street, SW., Room 5220, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical issues: Ms. Gayle 
Dalrymple, Office of Crash Avoidance Standards, NVS-123, NHTSA, 400 7th 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-5559. E-Mail: 
Gayle.Dalrymple@nhtsa.dot.gov.
    For legal issues: Mr. George Feygin, Office of the Chief Counsel, 
NCC-112, NHTSA, 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 
(202) 366-5834. E-Mail: George.Feygin@nhtsa.dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Background
II. Recent Letters of Interpretation Regarding FMVSS No. 114
III. VW Petition for Rulemaking
IV. Summary of the NPRM
V. Comments on the NPRM and the Agency's Response
VI. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
    A. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures
    B. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)
    C. Executive Order 13045
    D. Civil Justice Reform
    E. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    F. Paperwork Reduction Act
    G. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
    H. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    I. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)
    J. Privacy Act
    K. National Environmental Policy Act
    L. Vehicle Safety Act

I. Background

    FMVSS No. 114, Theft protection, specifies vehicle performance 
requirements intended to reduce the incidence of crashes resulting from 
theft and accidental rollaway of motor vehicles. The standard applies 
to all passenger cars, and to trucks and multipurpose passenger 
vehicles with a GVWR of 4536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less. The 
standard first became effective on January 1, 1970.\1\ The purpose of 
the standard was to prevent crashes caused by unauthorized use of 
unattended motor vehicles. Thus, the standard sought to ensure that the 
vehicle could not be easily operated without the key, and that the 
vehicle operator would not forget to remove the key from the ignition 
system upon exiting the vehicle.
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    \1\ See 33 FR 6471 (April 24, 1968).
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    In response to the problem of accidental rollaway crashes resulting 
from children inadvertently moving the automatic transmission lever to 
a neutral position when a stationary vehicle is parked on a slope, 
NHTSA later amended FMVSS No. 114 to require that the automatic 
transmission lever be locked in the ``park'' position before the key 
can be removed from the ignition system.\2\ Subsequently, NHTSA amended 
these new requirements to permit an override device that would enable 
the vehicle operator to remove the key without the transmission being 
locked in ``park,'' and to move the transmission lever without using 
the key, under certain circumstances. The purpose of these override 
provisions was to address certain situations when it may be necessary 
to remove the key without shifting the transmission lever because the 
vehicle has become disabled.\3\
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    \2\ See 55 FR 21868, (May 30, 1990).
    \3\ See 56 FR 12464 (March 26, 1991).
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    While FMVSS No. 114 evolved to address not only theft protection, 
but also accidental rollaway prevention, the terminology used in the 
regulatory text has remained unchanged since its introduction more than 
35 years ago. However, theft protection technology has advanced 
considerably during that time. As a result, certain provisions of the 
Standard have become increasingly ambiguous when applied to modern 
theft protection technology not contemplated by the Standard when it 
first went into effect.
    For example, a number of vehicles now feature electronic systems. 
Typically, this involves a card or a similar device that is carried in 
an occupant's pocket or purse. The card carries an electronic code that 
acts as the key when it is transmitted to the vehicle's onboard locking 
system. The vehicle has a sensor that automatically unlocks the door 
and allows the vehicle operator to activate the engine, when it 
receives the code. The code-carrying device (i.e., card or otherwise) 
never has to leave the vehicle operator's pocket or purse and is not 
inserted into the ignition module.
    In response to manufacturers' requests, NHTSA issued a series of 
interpretation letters explaining how the Standard applied to various 
key-locking systems that did not utilize conventional keys, but instead 
relied on electronic codes to lock and unlock the vehicle, and to 
enable engine activation.

II. Recent Letters of Interpretation Regarding FMVSS No. 114

    As noted above, the agency has received several requests for legal 
interpretation of the requirements of FMVSS No. 114, as they apply to 
key-locking systems using various remote access devices. In response, 
the agency has stated that the electronic code transmitted from a 
remote device to the vehicle can be considered a ``key'' for the 
purposes of FMVSS No. 114.\4\ We have also elaborated on how other 
provisions of the standard apply to electronic codes. For example, the 
agency stated that the narrow provisions related to electrical failure 
do not apply to electronically coded cards or other means used to enter 
an electronic key code into the locking system because those provisions 
were specifically crafted in the context of traditional

[[Page 17753]]

keys.\5\ We also explained that systems using an electronic code 
instead of conventional key would satisfy the rollaway prevention 
provisions if the code remained in the vehicle until the transmission 
gear is locked in the ``park'' position.
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    \4\ See https://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/interps/files/
GF001689.html and https://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/interps/files/
7044.html.
    \5\ See https://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/interps/files/
GF001689.html.
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    We have followed our interpretation of the definition of ``key'' in 
addressing other issues related to FMVSS No. 114. However, instead of 
continuing to rely on interpretations, and possibly facing additional 
questions in the future, the agency believes that it is appropriate to 
amend the regulatory text of FMVSS No. 114 so that it better correlates 
to modern antitheft technology and better reflects the agency's 
interpretation of the existing requirements.

III. VW Petition for Rulemaking

    In order to prevent accidental rollaways, the Standard currently 
requires that, for vehicles with automatic transmission, the 
transmission lever must be locked in ``park'' before the vehicle 
operator could remove the key.\6\ However, the Standard also allows an 
optional ``override device'' which permits removal of the key without 
the automatic transmission being locked in ``park.'' The standard 
currently specifies that this override device ``* * * must be covered 
by a non-transparent surface which, when installed, prevents sight of 
and activation of the device * * *'' and that ``* * * The covering 
surface shall be removable only by use of a screwdriver or other 
tool.''
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    \6\ See S4.2.2(a) of FMVSS No. 114.
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    On October 29, 2002, NHTSA received a petition from VW asking the 
agency to amend S4.2.2(a) by removing provisions related to the 
override device covering. VW argued that these provisions are 
unnecessarily design-restrictive. VW indicated that there are other 
ways to ensure that the override device is not engaged inadvertently. 
Specifically, VW suggested that the agency allow an override device 
that requires using a tool to activate the override device while 
simultaneously removing the key.
    The agency decided to grant the petitioner's request because we 
tentatively agreed that regulatory text related to the override device 
cover was unnecessarily design-restrictive. However, instead of 
addressing only the limited issues raised by VW, our NPRM took a 
broader approach and proposed to amend and reorganize the regulatory 
text of FMVSS No. 114 so that it better correlates to modern antitheft 
technology and reflects the agency's interpretation of the existing 
requirements. That proposal was published on August 17, 2005 and is 
discussed in further detail below.\7\
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    \7\ See 70 FR 48362 (August 17, 2005).
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IV. Summary of the NPRM

    In the NPRM, the agency proposed to reorganize the regulatory text 
of the Standard. For clarity, the requirements related to theft 
protection would be separated from the requirements intended to prevent 
accidental rollaway. We also sought to clarify the regulatory text in 
order to avoid terminology that was unnecessarily design-restrictive. 
The specifics of the proposal were as follows:
    1. We proposed to revise the paragraphs explaining the Standard's 
scope and purpose to better reflect its goal of reducing the incidence 
of crashes resulting from theft and also accidental rollaway of motor 
vehicles. This change has no substantive significance because the 
Standard already addresses both safety concerns, and should not be 
viewed as broadening the scope of the current requirements.
    2. We proposed to revise the definition of ``key'' such that it 
makes it appropriate not only for conventional keys but also electronic 
codes and other potential means of unlocking and operating the vehicle. 
We believe that the new definition is broad enough to include not only 
electronic codes but also other technologies, including, for example, 
fingerprint recognition.
    3. We proposed to substitute the term ``gear selection control'' 
for the term ``transmission shift lever.''
    4. We proposed to amend the requirement that the override device 
required by S4.2.1 of the current Standard be covered by a non-
transparent surface. We proposed allowing an override device that 
requires using a tool to activate the override device while 
simultaneously removing the key, as an alternative to covering the 
device. We believe that requiring the use of a tool in order to 
activate this type of override device would involve sufficient 
complexity to prevent possible inadvertent activation by a child.\8\
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    \8\ S4.2.1 of the current Standard specifies that a key cannot 
be removed from the ignition until the transmission shift lever is 
locked in ``park.'' However, the Standard provides for an optional 
override device designed to allow (a) removal of the key when the 
transmission is not in the ``park,'' and (b) moving the transmission 
out of ``park'' when the key is not in the ignition. The Standard 
requires that the means for activating this device must be covered 
by a non-transparent surface which, when installed, prevents sight 
of and activation of the device. This covering surface can only be 
removable by use of a tool. The purpose of this requirement was to 
ensure that children could not easily gain access to the override 
device (see 56 FR 12464 at 12466).
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    5. We proposed to amend the override provisions of the current 
S4.2.2 to allow manufacturers greater flexibility in designing their 
override devices and to allow manufacturers the choice to use 
electronic theft prevention devices, such as immobilizers, instead of 
using steering locks, if they desire. The current Standard allows only 
override systems that prevent steering before the key can be released 
or the transmission lever can be shifted. The agency previously 
indicated that this requirement ensured that the theft protection 
aspects of the standard remained intact even in certain situations 
where the vehicle was disabled.\9\ After further evaluating this aspect 
of our requirements, we concluded that an override device that would 
prevent forward self-mobility (such as an immobilizer) instead of 
steering would be just as effective. As explained in our September 24, 
2004 interpretation letter to a party who requested confidentiality:
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    \9\ See id at 12467.

    We note that in promulgating FMVSS No. 114, the agency expressed 
concern about car thieves who could bypass the ignition lock. In 
response to this concern, the agency decided to require a device, 
which would prevent either self-mobility or steering even if the 
ignition lock were bypassed (see 33 FR 4471, April 27, 1968).
    The engine control module immobilizer described in your letter 
satisfies the requirements of S4.2(b) because it locks out the 
engine control module if an attempt is made to start the vehicle 
without the correct key or to bypass the electronic ignition system. 
When the engine control module is locked, the vehicle is not capable 
of forward self-mobility because it is incapable of moving forward 
under its own power.\10\
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    \10\ https://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/interps/files/GF005229-
2.html.

Further, as explained in our May 27, 2003 interpretation letter to 
Jaguar, preventing steering after a moving vehicle has experienced a 
complete loss of electrical power would not be appropriate before a 
vehicle could be safely stopped.\11\
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    \11\ https://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/interps/files/
GF001689.html.
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V. Comments on the NPRM and the Agency's Response

    We received two comments in response to the NPRM, from VW and the 
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance). VW generally supported 
the proposal and urged the agency to ``* * * publish a Final Rule 
enacting the amendments as soon as possible

[[Page 17754]]

with an effective date 60 days following publication of the Final Rule 
as proposed in the preamble.'' Alliance strongly supported the NPRM, 
and agreed with NHTSA that the Standard had become outdated as a result 
of technological advances in theft protection. However, Alliance 
identified one proposed change that, it believed, was inconsistent with 
the agency's intent not to propose changes that would impose new 
substantive requirements on vehicle manufacturers.
    By way of background, S4.5 of FMVSS 114 currently reads, in 
relevant part, as follows:

    ``A warning to the driver shall be activated whenever the key 
required by S4.2 has been left in the locking system and the 
driver's door is opened * * *'' [emphasis added]

    As the regulatory text indicates, the agency does not specify the 
type of warning that must be activated when the key is in the ignition, 
and the driver's door is open. By contrast, the proposed S5.1.3 
specifies that a warning must be audible. Alliance argued that 
specifically requiring an audible warning will prohibit compliance via 
possible future technologies such as haptic feedback, unique visuals, 
etc.'' The Alliance requested that the requirement for an audible 
warning be deleted in the final rule.
    After carefully considering the comments, we decline to make the 
change requested by Alliance for the following reasons. First, the 
agency is not aware of any vehicles complying with the requirement of 
S4.5 in any manner except for an audible warning. Alliance did not 
indicate that any of their members have vehicles currently in 
production that would not comply with the requirements of the proposed 
regulatory text. Therefore, adopting the proposed change in the 
regulatory text would not require any changes in the current fleet. 
Second, we believe that with respect to S4.5, the current regulatory 
text is unnecessarily broad. This is because a warning must be 
sufficient to catch a driver's attention before he or she exits the 
vehicle without the keys. For example, a visual dashboard telltale 
might be insufficient to accomplish this goal. We believe that it is 
necessary to carefully examine the alternatives to audible warnings in 
order to make sure that they are effective in reducing likelihood of 
drivers leaving their keys in the vehicle. Finally, there is nothing in 
the regulation to prevent a manufacturer from using another type of 
warning in addition to the required audible warning.

VI. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

A. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    This final rule was not reviewed under Executive Order 12866, 
``Regulatory Planning and Review.'' The agency has considered the 
impact of this proposal under the Department of Transportation's 
regulatory policies and procedures, and has determined that it is not 
significant.
    This final rule amends and reorganizes the regulatory text of 49 
CFR 571.114 so that it better correlates to modern theft protection 
technology and better reflects the agency's interpretation of the 
existing requirements. Additionally, this document makes certain 
provisions of 49 CFR 571.114 less restrictive. Vehicle manufacturers 
will not have to make any changes to their vehicles as a result of this 
rule. The impacts of this rule are so minor that we determined that a 
separate regulatory evaluation is not needed.

B. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    The agency has analyzed this final rule in accordance with the 
principles and criteria set forth in Executive Order 13132. This rule 
would not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government, as specified in Executive Order 13132.

C. Executive Order 13045

    Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997) applies to any 
rule that: (1) is determined to be ``economically significant'' as 
defined under E.O. 12866, and (2) concerns an environmental, health or 
safety risk that NHTSA has reason to believe may have a 
disproportionate effect on children. If the regulatory action meets 
both criteria, we must evaluate the environmental health or safety 
effects of the planned rule on children, and explain why the planned 
regulation is preferable to other potentially effective and reasonably 
feasible alternatives considered by us.
    This final rule is not subject to the Executive Order 13045 because 
it is not economically significant as defined in E.O. 12866 and does 
not involve decisions based on environmental, safety or health risks 
having a disproportionate impact on children.

D. Civil Justice Reform

    This final rule does not have any retroactive effect. Under 49 
U.S.C. 21403, whenever a Federal motor vehicle safety standard is in 
effect, a State may not adopt or maintain a safety standard applicable 
to the same aspect of performance which is not identical to the Federal 
standard, except to the extent that the state requirement imposes a 
higher level of performance and applies only to vehicles procured for 
the State's use. 49 U.S.C. 21461 sets forth a procedure for judicial 
review of final rules establishing, amending or revoking Federal motor 
vehicle safety standards. That section does not require submission of a 
petition for reconsideration or other administrative proceedings before 
parties may file suit in court.

E. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
requires agencies to evaluate the potential effects of their final rule 
on small businesses, small organizations and small governmental 
jurisdictions. I have considered the possible effects of this 
rulemaking action under the Regulatory Flexibility Act and certify that 
it will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number 
of small entities.
    This final rule amends and reorganizes the regulatory text of 49 
CFR 571.114 so that it better correlates to modern theft protection 
technology and better reflects the agency's interpretation of the 
existing requirements. Vehicle manufacturers, or any other small 
businesses, will not have to make any changes to their products as a 
result of this rule.

F. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a person is not required 
to respond to a collection of information by a Federal agency unless 
the collection displays a valid OMB control number. This final rule 
does not include any new information collection requirements.

G. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272) 
directs us to use voluntary consensus standards in our regulatory 
activities unless doing so would be inconsistent with applicable law or 
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical 
standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling 
procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by 
voluntary consensus standards bodies. The NTTAA directs us to provide 
Congress, through OMB,

[[Page 17755]]

explanations when we decide not to use available and applicable 
voluntary consensus standards.
    There are no available voluntary consensus standards that are 
equivalent to FMVSS No. 114.

H. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) 
requires Federal agencies to prepare a written assessment of the costs, 
benefits and other effects of proposed or final rules that include a 
Federal mandate likely to result in the expenditure by State, local or 
tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of more 
than $100 million in any one year ($120.7 million as adjusted annually 
for inflation with base year of 1995).
    The requirements of this final rule will not result in costs of 
$120.7 million or more to either State, local, or tribal governments, 
in the aggregate, or to the private sector.

I. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)

    The Department of Transportation assigns a regulation identifier 
number (RIN) to each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of 
Federal Regulations. The Regulatory Information Service Center 
publishes the Unified Agenda in April and October of each year. You may 
use the RIN contained in the heading at the beginning of this document 
to find this action in the Unified Agenda.

J. Privacy Act

    Please note that anyone is able to search the electronic form of 
all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the 
individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted 
on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may 
review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register 
published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78), or 
you may visit https://dms.dot.gov.

K. National Environmental Policy Act

    NHTSA has analyzed this final rule for the purposes of the National 
Environmental Policy Act. The agency has determined that implementation 
of this action will not have any significant impact on the quality of 
the human environment.

L. Vehicle Safety Act

    Under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, Motor Vehicle Safety (49 U.S.C. 30101 
et seq.), the Secretary of Transportation is responsible for 
prescribing motor vehicle safety standards that are practicable, meet 
the need for motor vehicle safety, and are stated in objective 
terms.\12\ ``Motor vehicle safety standard'' means a minimum 
performance standard for motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment.\13\ 
When prescribing such standards, the Secretary must consider all 
relevant, available motor vehicle safety information.\14\ The Secretary 
must also consider whether a proposed standard is reasonable, 
practicable, and appropriate for the types of motor vehicles or motor 
vehicle equipment for which it is prescribed and the extent to which 
the standard will further the statutory purpose of reducing traffic 
accidents and associated deaths.\15\ The responsibility for 
promulgation of Federal motor vehicle safety standards is delegated to 
NHTSA.\16\
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    \12\ 49 U.S.C. 30111(a).
    \13\ 49 U.S.C. 30111(a)(9).
    \14\ 49 U.S.C. 30111(b).
    \15\ Id.
    \16\ 49 U.S.C. 105 and 322; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 
1.50.
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    In this final rule, the agency carefully considered these statutory 
requirements.
    First, this final rule reflects the agency's careful consideration 
and analysis of all existing regulatory provisions in FMVSS No. 114, as 
well as relevant letters of interpretation related to that standard. In 
developing the substantive provisions of the standard over the years, 
the agency considered all relevant, available motor vehicle safety 
information, including available research, testing results, and other 
information related to various technologies. This final rule amends and 
reorganizes the regulatory text of FMVSS No. 114 so that it better 
correlates to modern theft protection technology and reflects the 
agency's interpretation of the existing requirements. The new language 
does not impose any new substantive requirements on vehicle 
manufacturers.
    Second, to ensure that the requirements of FMVSS No. 114 are 
practicable (as well as consistent with our safety objectives), the 
agency evaluated the cost, availability, and suitability of the 
standard's provisions, both when initially adopted and during 
subsequent amendments. As noted above, the changes resulting from this 
final rule are administrative in nature and would not impact the costs 
and benefits of the standard. In sum, we believe that this final rule 
is practicable and would maintain the benefits of Standard No. 114.
    Third, the regulatory text following this preamble is stated in 
objective terms in order to specify precisely what performance is 
required and how performance will be tested to ensure compliance with 
the standard. The language of the standard has been modified to improve 
clarity or to incorporate existing interpretations, again without 
changing the substance of the existing requirements.
    Fourth, we believe that this final rule would meet the need for 
motor vehicle safety by clarifying the safety standard, thereby making 
it easier for regulated parties to comply with all applicable 
requirements.
    Finally, we believe that this final rule is reasonable and 
appropriate for motor vehicles subject to the applicable requirements. 
As discussed elsewhere in this notice, the modifications to the 
standard are administrative in nature. They do not affect the substance 
of the requirements or the bases for those requirements, as articulated 
in earlier rulemakings. Accordingly, we believe that this final rule is 
appropriate for vehicles that are subject to FMVSS No. 114 because it 
furthers the agency's objective to reduce the incidence of crashes 
resulting from theft and accidental rollaway of motor vehicles.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 571

    Motor vehicle safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Tires.

0
In consideration of the foregoing, part 571 is amended as follows:

PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS

0
1. The authority citation for part 571 of title 49 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 2011, 30115, 30166 and 30177; 
delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.


0
2. Section 571.114 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  571.114  Standard No. 114; Theft protection and rollaway 
prevention.

    S1. Scope. This standard specifies vehicle performance requirements 
intended to reduce the incidence of crashes resulting from theft and 
accidental rollaway of motor vehicles.
    S2. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to decrease the 
likelihood that a vehicle is stolen, or accidentally set in motion.
    S3. Application. This standard applies to all passenger cars, and 
to trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 
kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less. However, it does not apply to walk-
in van-type vehicles.
    S4. Definitions.
    Combination means a variation of the key that permits the starting 
system of a particular vehicle to be operated.

[[Page 17756]]

    Key means a physical device or an electronic code which, when 
inserted into the starting system (by physical or electronic means), 
enables the vehicle operator to activate the engine or motor.
    Open-body type vehicle means a vehicle having no occupant 
compartment doors or vehicle having readily detachable occupant 
compartment doors.
    Starting system means the vehicle system used in conjunction with 
the key to activate the engine or motor.
    Vehicle type, as used in S5.1.2, refers to passenger car, truck, or 
multipurpose passenger vehicle, as those terms are defined in 49 CFR 
571.3.
    S5. Requirements. Each vehicle subject to this standard must meet 
the requirements of S5.1 and S5.2. Open-body type vehicles are not 
required to comply with S5.1.3.
    S5.1 Theft protection.
    S5.1.1 Each vehicle must have a starting system which, whenever the 
key is removed from the starting system prevents:
    (a) The normal activation of the vehicle's engine or motor; and
    (b) Either steering, or forward self-mobility, of the vehicle, or 
both.
    S5.1.2 For each vehicle type manufactured by a manufacturer, the 
manufacturer must provide at least 1,000 unique key combinations, or a 
number equal to the total number of the vehicles of that type 
manufactured by the manufacturer, whichever is less. The same 
combinations may be used for more than one vehicle type.
    S5.1.3 Except as specified below, an audible warning to the vehicle 
operator must be activated whenever the key is in the starting system 
and the door located closest to the driver's designated seating 
position is opened. An audible warning to the vehicle operator need not 
activate:
    (a) After the key has been inserted into the starting system, and 
before the driver takes further action; or
    (b) If the key is in the starting system in a manner or position 
that allows the engine or motor to be started or to continue operating; 
or
    (c) For mechanical keys and starting systems, after the key has 
been withdrawn to a position from which it may not be turned.
    S5.1.4 If a vehicle is equipped with a transmission with a ``park'' 
position, the means for deactivating the vehicle's engine or motor must 
not activate any device installed pursuant to S5.1.1(b), unless the 
transmission is locked in the ``park'' position.
    S5.2 Rollaway prevention in vehicles equipped with transmissions 
with a ``park'' position.
    S5.2.1 Except as specified in S5.2.3, the starting system required 
by S5.1 must prevent key removal when tested according to the 
procedures in S6, unless the transmission or gear selection control is 
locked in ``park'' or becomes locked in ``park'' as a direct result of 
key removal.
    S5.2.2 Except as specified in S5.2.4, the vehicle must be designed 
such that the transmission or gear selection control cannot move from 
the ``park'' position, unless the key is in the starting system.
    S5.2.3 Key removal override option. At the option of the 
manufacturer, the key may be removed from the starting system without 
the transmission or gear selection control in the ``park'' position 
under one of the following conditions:
    (a) In the event of electrical failure, including battery 
discharge, the vehicle may permit key removal from the starting system 
without the transmission or gear selection control locked in the 
``park'' position; or
    (b) Provided that steering or self-mobility is prevented, the 
vehicle may have a device by which the user can remove the key from the 
starting system without the transmission or gear selection control 
locked in ``park.'' This device must require:
    (i) The use of a tool, and
    (ii) Simultaneous activation of the device and removal of the key; 
or
    (c) Provided that steering or self-mobility is prevented, the 
vehicle may have a device by which the user can remove the key from the 
starting system without the transmission or gear selection control 
locked in ``park.'' This device must be covered by an opaque surface 
which, when installed:
    (i) Prevents sight of and use of the device, and
    (ii) Can be removed only by using a screwdriver or other tool.
    S5.2.4 Gear selection control override option. The vehicle may have 
a device by which the user can move the gear selection control from 
``park'' after the key has been removed from the starting system. This 
device must be operable by one of the three options below:
    (a) By use of the key; or
    (b) By a means other than the key, provided steering or forward 
self-mobility is prevented when the key is removed from the starting 
system. Such a means must require:
    (i) The use of a tool, and
    (ii) Simultaneous activation of this means and movement of the gear 
selection control from ``park;'' or
    (c) By a means other than the key, provided steering or forward 
self-mobility is prevented when the key is removed from the starting 
system. This device must be covered by an opaque surface which, when 
installed:
    (i) Prevents sight of and use of the device, and
    (ii) Can be removed only by using a screwdriver or other tool.
    S5.2.5 When tested in accordance with S6.2.2, each vehicle must not 
move more than 150 mm on a 10 percent grade when the gear selection 
control is locked in ``park.''
    S6. Compliance test procedure for vehicles with transmissions with 
a ``park'' position.
    S6.1 Test conditions.
    S6.1.1 The vehicle shall be tested at curb weight plus 91 kg 
(including the driver).
    S6.1.2 Except where specified otherwise, the test surface shall be 
level.
    S6.2 Test procedure.
    S6.2.1
    (a) Activate the starting system using the key.
    (b) Move the gear selection control to any gear selection position 
or any other position where it will remain without assistance, 
including a position between any detent positions, except for the 
``park'' position.
    (c) Attempt to remove the key in each gear selection position.
    S6.2.2
    (a) Drive the vehicle forward up a 10 percent grade and stop it 
with the service brakes.
    (b) Apply the parking brake (if present).
    (c) Move the gear selection control to ``park.''
    (d) Note the vehicle position.
    (e) Release the parking brake. Release the service brakes.
    (f) Remove the key.
    (g) Verify that the gear selection control or transmission is 
locked in ``park.''
    (h) Verify that the vehicle, at rest, has moved no more than 150 mm 
from the position noted prior to release of the brakes.
    S6.2.3
    (a) Drive the vehicle forward down a 10 percent grade and stop it 
with the service brakes.
    (b) Apply the parking brake (if present).
    (c) Move the gear selection control to ``park.''
    (d) Note the vehicle position.
    (e) Release the parking brake. Release the service brakes.
    (f) Remove the key.
    (g) Verify that the gear selection control or transmission is 
locked in ``park.''
    (h) Verify that the vehicle, at rest, has moved no more than 150 mm 
from the

[[Page 17757]]

position noted prior to release of the brakes.

    Issued: April 4, 2006.
Jacqueline Glassman,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 06-3358 Filed 4-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P