Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Controls, Telltales and Indicators, 40760-40764 [E9-19396]

Agencies

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 155 (Thursday, August 13, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40760-40764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-19396]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 571

[Docket No. NHTSA-2009-0145]
RIN 2127-AK04


Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Controls, Telltales and 
Indicators

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In an August 2005 final rule, we updated our standard 
regulating motor vehicle controls, telltales and indicators. The 
standard specifies requirements for the location, identification, and 
illumination of these items. In May 2006, we published a response to 
four petitions for reconsideration, including one asking us to 
reconsider a requirement for color contrast between identifiers and 
their backgrounds. We denied this petition for reconsideration.
    In response to another petition for reconsideration from the 
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (the Alliance) of the color 
contrast requirement, specifically for the horn control identifier, in 
this final rule, we amend the standard to provide that an identifier is 
not required if the horn control is placed in the middle of the 
steering wheel. If the horn control is placed elsewhere in the motor 
vehicle, the control would be required to be identified by the 
specified horn symbol in a color that stands out clearly against the 
background.

DATES: Effective Date: The effective date for this final rule is 
February 9, 2010. The compliance date for vehicles under 10,000 pounds 
GVWR for S5.4.3 continues to be September 1, 2011.
    Compliance date for the extension of the standard's control, 
indicator, and telltale requirements to vehicles at 10,000 pounds GVWR 
or greater over continues to be September 1, 2013.
    Optional early compliance is permitted as of the date today's final 
rule is published.
    Petitions for reconsideration: Petitions for reconsideration of 
today's final rule must be received not later than September 28, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Petitions for reconsideration of the final rule must refer 
to the docket number set forth above and be submitted to the 
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For non-legal issues you may call Ms. 
Gayle Dalrymple, Office of Crash Avoidance Standards at (202) 366-5559. 
Her FAX number is (202) 366-7002. For legal issues, you may call Ms. 
Dorothy Nakama, Office of the Chief Counsel at (202) 366-2992. Her FAX 
number is (202) 366-3820. You may send mail to both of these officials 
at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

 I. Background

    NHTSA issued Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, 
Controls and Displays, in 1967 (32 FR 2408) as one of the initial 
FMVSSs. The standard applies to passenger cars, multipurpose passenger 
vehicles (MPVs), trucks, and buses. The purpose of FMVSS No. 101 is to 
assure the accessibility and visibility of motor vehicle controls and 
displays under daylight and nighttime conditions, in order to reduce 
the safety hazards caused by the diversion of the driver's attention 
from the driving task, and by mistakes in selecting controls.
    At present, FMVSS No. 101 specifies requirements for the location 
(S5.1), identification (S5.2), and illumination (S5.3) of various 
controls and displays. It specifies that those controls and displays 
must be accessible and visible to a driver properly seated wearing his 
or her safety belt. Table 1, ``Controls, Telltales and Indicators with 
Illumination or Color Requirements,'' and Table 2, ``Identifiers for 
Controls, Telltales and Indicators with No Color or Illumination 
Requirements,'' indicate which controls and displays are subject to the 
identification requirements, and how they are to be identified, 
colored, and illuminated. For the horn control, Table 2 specifies the 
horn symbol in Column 2, and the word ``Horn'' in Column 3.

 II. 2005 and 2006 Final Rules

    In a final rule published in the Federal Register (70 FR 48295) on 
August 17, 2005, NHTSA amended FMVSS No. 101 by extending the 
standard's telltale and indicator requirements to vehicles of Gross 
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) and over, 
updating the standard's requirements for multi-function controls and 
multi-task displays to make the requirements appropriate for advanced 
systems, and reorganizing the standard to make it easier to read. Table 
1 and Table 2 continue to include only those symbols and words 
previously specified in the controls and displays standard or in 
another applicable FMVSS.
    The final rule specified an effective date of February 13, 2006 for 
requirements applicable to passenger cars, multipurpose passenger 
vehicles, trucks and buses under 4,536 kg GVWR (10,000 pounds).\1\
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    \1\ The effective date was subsequently extended to September 1, 
2006 (71 FR 3786, January 24, 2006).
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    NHTSA received petitions for reconsideration of the August 17, 2005 
final rule, including one from the Alliance. In the August 17, 2005 
final rule, the requirement that the identifier for each telltale must 
be in a color that stands out clearly against the background was 
extended to identifiers for controls and indicators (see S5.4.3). The 
Alliance asked for reconsideration of this requirement, stating that 
not all identifiers are in a color that stands out clearly against the 
background. The Alliance further stated that it is not needed, citing 
as an example the horn identifier.
    Most vehicle models use the horn symbol as the identifier, which is 
molded into the air bag cover, without a color ``that stands out 
clearly against the background'' filled in. The Alliance commented 
that: ``The symbol is the same color as the background, but it can 
still be recognized because the embossment stands out against the 
background.'' The Alliance petitioned for the regulatory text at S5.4.3 
to be changed to: ``The identification required by Table 1 or Table 2 
for a telltale, control or indicator shall contrast with the 
background.''
    In the May 15, 2006 final rule, response to petitions for 
reconsideration (71 FR 27964), we noted that over the years, the agency 
had received numerous complaints regarding the

[[Page 40761]]

inability to locate the horn control. NHTSA's Office of Defects 
Investigation's ARTEMIS database has recorded 120 complaints in the 
past ten years from consumers reporting trouble locating the horn 
control. Of these 120 complaints, consumers reported 12 crashes, 9 near 
misses, and an allegation of a fatality. In the +response, NHTSA 
explained that filling in the horn symbol with a color that ``that 
stands out clearly against the background'' would make the horn control 
more visible and would help drivers to find the control more readily. 
For these reasons, we denied this part of the Alliance's petition.
    To minimize costs on industry resulting from this requirement, 
NHTSA delayed the compliance date to meet S5.4.3 for five years, to 
September 1, 2011 to ``allow manufacturers to implement the necessary 
changes on most products during the planned product changes in normal 
product development cycles.''

III. Petition for Reconsideration of the Color Contrast Requirement

    In a submission dated June 29, 2006, the Alliance petitioned for a 
reconsideration of the color contrast requirement for the horn symbol. 
This was the only issue raised in the petition. Again, the Alliance 
petitioned for the regulatory text at S5.4.3 to be changed to: ``The 
identification required by Table 1 or Table 2 for a telltale, control 
or indicator shall contrast with the background.'' In support of its 
petition, the Alliance stated that:
     NHTSA denied the Alliance's previous petition based on a 
previously undisclosed analysis of complaints;
     ``[I]t is unclear and cannot be evaluated whether the 
complaints referred to by NHTSA were related to actual horn symbol 
identification,''
     The complaint information should be submitted to the DOT 
Docket;
     ``[S]ignificant cost and investment will still be required 
across the industry,'' to accomplish color contrast of the horn symbol 
on the background of the steering wheel, despite the fact that the 
Alliance agrees that the lead time afforded by the May 2006 final rule 
is adequate ``for compliance with this section in order to minimize the 
associated financial impact * * *'';
     A ``significant concern'' is the ``compatibility of 
materials that may be used to assure long term symbol identification 
durability and contrast * * *'' and that this new combination of 
materials may ``adversely affect airbag cover performance, requiring 
further engineering development. Environmental and manufacturing issues 
related to providing horn symbol contrast cannot be assessed until the 
materials and processes are defined'' and;
     The UN working group considering a GTR \2\ on controls and 
displays is the appropriate forum to understand and discuss horn 
identification problems.
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    \2\ The United States participates in the United Nations/
Economic Commission for Europe World Forum for Harmonization of 
Vehicle Regulations (also known as Working Party 29 or WP.29) under 
a 1990 agreement known as the 1998 Global Agreement. The 1998 Global 
Agreement provides for the establishment of global technical 
regulations (GTRs) regarding, among other things, the safety of 
motorized wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts. The Agreement 
contains procedures for establishing GTRs by either harmonizing 
existing regulations or developing new ones.
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    On October 17, 2006, the Alliance presented a data analysis to 
NHSTA staff of complaints regarding horn control identification on 
various member companies' vehicles. (The presentation has been placed 
in The DOT Docket at NHTSA-2006-23651.) The analysis revealed that as 
manufacturers have adopted membrane switches in the center of the 
steering wheel to activate the horn, consumer complaints about horn 
identification have decreased substantially.

IV. Grant of Petition for Reconsideration and Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking

    In a Federal Register document of October 4, 2007 (72 FR 56713), 
NHTSA stated that it has been persuaded by the Alliance's petition and 
accompanying data, and granted its petition for reconsideration 
regarding S5.4.3. NHTSA stated its belief that the Alliance's analysis 
provided on October 17, 2006 has merit. Driver confusion as to the 
location of the horn control has decreased as the horn control is 
returned where drivers intuitively expect to find it to the center of 
the steering wheel hub on more vehicles. If the horn control is located 
where most drivers expect it, NHTSA stated its belief that there is 
little safety benefit from the presence of the horn identifier. In 
fact, requiring the identifier on or adjacent to the control, may 
contribute to driver confusion as manufacturers opt to place the 
identifier adjacent to the control, rather than too close to the large, 
multi-colored, company logo displayed on many vehicles at the center of 
the wheel.
    In the NPRM, NHTSA stated that at present, S5. Requirements of 
FMVSS No. 101 states: ``Each passenger car, multipurpose passenger 
vehicle, truck and bus that is fitted with a control, a telltale or an 
indicator listed in Table 1 or Table 2 must meet the requirements of 
this standard for the location, identification, color, and illumination 
of the control, telltale, or indicator.'' The horn control indicator is 
specified in Table 2. So that horn controls that are in the middle of 
the steering wheel would not have to meet S5., in the NPRM, we proposed 
to amend S5.4.3 of FMVSS No. 101 to read:

    Each identifier used for the identification of a telltale, 
control or indicator must be in a color that stands out clearly 
against the background. However, no identifier is required for a 
horn control activated by the driver pressing on the center of the 
face plane of the steering wheel. For vehicles with a GVWR of under 
4,536 kg (10,000 pounds), the compliance date for this provision is 
September 1, 2011.

    The word ``symbol'' was proposed to be changed to ``identifier'' to 
more accurately include words and abbreviations as identifiers which 
are required to contrast with their backgrounds, as was done in the 
previous final rules to other sections of the standard. This was 
pointed out by the Alliance in its current petition.
    NHTSA did not propose to amend FMVSS No. 101 with the Alliance's 
suggested language (``The identification required by Table 1 or Table 2 
for a telltale, control or indicator shall contrast with the 
background.'') because we stated our belief that the suggested language 
would allow non-contrasting identifiers for telltales, indicators and 
controls whenever they appear in the vehicle (such as the instrument 
panel).
    At present, S5.2.1 states in part: ``* * * No identification is 
required for any horn (i.e., audible warning signal) that is activated 
by a lanyard or for a turn signal * * *'' To make S5.2.1 consistent 
with the changes to S5.4.3, in the October 2007 NPRM, we proposed to 
revise the fourth sentence in S5.2.1 to state in part: ``* * * No 
identification is required for any horn (i.e., audible warning signal) 
that is activated by a lanyard or by the driver pressing on the center 
of the face plane of the steering wheel * * *''

V. Comments to the October 2007 NPRM and NHTSA Discussion of the 
Comments

    In response to the NPRM, we received comments from the Alliance, 
the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) 
and from Mr. Michael Tebbi, a private individual.
    Mr. Tebbi stated that he agreed with the agency that the center of 
the steering wheel is where he expects the horn to be, and ``therefore 
no icon is needed.'' However, he expressed concern about the 
possibility that horns placed in the centers of steering wheels could 
lead to injuries since ``a consumer will be

[[Page 40762]]

honking the car's horn as he collides with another vehicle. If the air 
bag deploys while the driver's hand is pressing against the center of 
the steering wheel, I believe there may be a possibility of injury to 
the driver's arm or shoulder.'' This rulemaking addresses requirements 
for identification of the horn control. Since the horn control is 
optional, we do not address where in a motor vehicle the horn control 
must be placed. However, based on normal body kinematics during a 
crash, we believe that it is very unlikely that in crashes with 
deceleration great enough to cause air bag deployment, that the 
driver's hand will still be on the air bag cover at the time of the 
deployment. Since the introduction of driver air bags, the usual 
location for the horn control has been under the air bag cover. No 
problems regarding horn use such as that described by Mr. Tebbi have 
come to NHTSA's attention.
    The AIAM supported the proposed amendment to FMVSS No. 101. AIAM 
did not suggest changes to the proposed regulatory text. However, AIAM 
identified two related issues that it asked us to clarify in the 
preamble to the final rule. The first was, if a manufacturer provides a 
horn control activated by pressing on the center of the steering wheel 
\3\ and provides a second horn control ``off-center, near the edge of 
the hub, to identify the supplemental horn control that operates by 
tilting the plane of the hub'' whether the second control must meet the 
S5.4.3 requirement for color contrast. As a rationale for arguing that 
no identification should be required, AIAM stated that 
``[h]istorically, NHTSA has taken the position that voluntarily 
installed items (i.e., items not mandated by an FMVSS) are not subject 
to regulation by NHTSA so long as such items do not interfere with the 
operation of regulated systems or equipment.'' In support of its 
position, AIAM cited a January 28, 1992 letter to Honda and what it 
described as an ``undated'' letter to Mazda regarding redundant 
heating/ventilator controls. The date of the letter to Mazda is July 5, 
1984.
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    \3\ A location where it was proposed in the NPRM, that no horn 
identifier would be required.
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    NHTSA does not agree that the two cited interpretations are 
applicable to the rulemaking at issue. The 1992 letter to Honda 
interprets FMVSS No. 123, Motorcycle controls and displays, not FMVSS 
No. 101. Further, the letter addressed the nature of operation of a 
brake system, not the identification required for a control. The July 
5, 1984 letter to Mazda, addresses a ``secondary, redundant control 
placed in the rear seat area facilitating operation of the heating/
ventilation and audio system functions by rear seat passengers.'' In 
contrast, in the rulemaking at issue, all horn controls provided would 
be operable by the driver, not by ``rear seat passengers.'' Thus, the 
Mazda letter does not apply to the rulemaking at issue.
    While in some situations NHTSA has concluded that certain 
requirements do not apply to items that are voluntarily provided or 
redundant, this is not a general principle. In considering such an 
issue, the agency needs to consider the specific situation and purpose 
of a particular requirement.
    AIAM argued that the second horn control would not be subject to 
FMVSS No. 101 because the second control is ``voluntarily installed.'' 
All horn controls are ``voluntarily installed,'' including those placed 
in the center of the face plane of the steering wheel hub. Moreover, 
while the second horn control would be redundant, unidentified controls 
in unexpected places, or controls identified in unfamiliar ways, may 
cause confusion to the driver. As a result of today's final rule, 
identification is not required for those horn controls that are placed 
in the center of the face plane of the steering wheel hub. All other 
horn controls must meet all FMVSS No. 101 requirements that apply to 
horns.
    AIAM also argued that ``since no identifier is required for a horn 
control that is operated at the center of the steering wheel, any 
identifier that is voluntarily affixed there'' would not have to meet 
S5.2 of FMVSS No. 101. NHTSA does not agree with this position. The 
purpose of FMVSS No. 101 is to:

    Assure the accessibility and visibility of motor vehicle 
controls and displays under daylight and nighttime conditions, in 
order to reduce the safety hazards caused by the diversion of the 
driver's attention from the driving task, and by mistakes in 
selecting controls.

    Permitting manufacturer-chosen identifications of a control for 
which identification is specified in FMVSS No. 101 would not be 
consistent with the purpose of FMVSS No. 101. Such alternative horn 
designations (with each manufacturer possibly having a different 
designation) would result in drivers spending time trying to understand 
the meaning of the manufacturer-chosen identification and would divert 
the ``driver's attention from the driving task.'' Such a result would 
not meet the need for safety. Therefore, in this final rule, a horn 
control placed in the center of the face plane of the steering wheel 
need not be identified. However, if identification is voluntarily 
provided, the horn symbol identification in Table 2 or the word 
``horn'' must be used.
    We would agree, however, that a manufacturer could voluntarily use 
a horn symbol that is embossed, (i.e., without a contrasting color) to 
identify a horn control placed in the center of the face plane of the 
steering wheel. Since no identification would be required in this 
situation, and since the embossed horn symbol would not cause 
confusion, its use would be permissible.
    The Alliance agreed with the proposal but suggested changes in the 
regulatory text as ``technical corrections'' to ``clarify'' the 
agency's intent. The Alliance asked for ``clarification on the meaning 
of the term `center of the face plane of the steering wheel' which 
could be narrowly interpreted and create potential questions of 
compliance.'' The Alliance therefore suggested that S5.2.1 be changed 
to read:

    S5.2.1 No identification is required for any horn (i.e., audible 
warning signal) that is activated by a lanyard or by the driver 
pressing on the center area of the steering wheel hub * * *

    NHTSA agrees that use of the word ``hub'' provides clarification as 
to where activation of the horn would occur. However, we believe the 
term ``center'' is clear, and decline to adopt ``center area.'' There 
will be no compliance difficulty: The center of the hub is located, the 
driver presses, and if the horn sounds, the condition is met, and no 
identification is necessary.
    The second issue raised by the Alliance is ``the applicability of 
the proposed language when manufacturers voluntarily mark horn controls 
that are activated by pressing on the center area of the steering wheel 
hub * * * [I]f a manufacturer chooses to identify a horn control 
activated by pressing on the center area of the steering wheel hub, the 
proposed text could be interpreted to require the symbol to be a 
contrasting color.'' The Alliance offered the following change to 
S5.4.3 to ``clarify this point.''

    S5.4.3 Each identifier used for the identification of a 
telltale, control or indicator must be in a color that stands out 
clearly against the background. This requirement does not apply to 
the identification of a horn control activated by the driver 
pressing on the center area of the steering wheel hub.

    As earlier explained, we do not agree with changing ``center'' to 
``center area.'' As to horn controls placed in the center of the face 
plane of the steering wheel, we agree, also for reasons discussed 
earlier, that a manufacturer could use a

[[Page 40763]]

horn symbol (or the word horn) that is embossed in this situation, 
i.e., without a contrasting color.

VI. Leadtime

    For vehicles under 10,000 pounds, the compliance date for S5.4.3 
continues to be September 1, 2011. The compliance date for the 
extension of the standard's control, indicator, and telltale 
requirements to vehicles with at GVWR of 4,536 kg (10,000 pounds) or 
greater continues to be September 1, 2013. Optional early compliance is 
permitted as of the date the final rule is published.

VII. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

A. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (58 FR 
51735, October 4, 1993), provides for making determinations whether a 
regulatory action is ``significant'' and therefore subject to Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) review and to the requirements of the 
Executive Order. The Order defines a ``significant regulatory action'' 
as one that is likely to result in a rule that may:
    (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or 
adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local, or Tribal governments or 
communities;
    (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
action taken or planned by another agency;
    (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations or recipients 
thereof; or
    (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
the Executive Order.
    We have considered the impact of this rulemaking action under 
Executive Order 12866 and the Department of Transportation's regulatory 
policies and procedures. This rulemaking document was not reviewed by 
the Office of Management and Budget under E.O. 12866, ``Regulatory 
Planning and Review.'' The rulemaking action is also not considered to 
be significant under the Department's Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979).
    For the following reasons, NHTSA concludes that this final rule 
will not have any quantifiable cost effect on motor vehicle 
manufacturers. The rule will not impose any new requirements but 
instead relieves a restriction. In this final rule, NHTSA excludes horn 
controls activated by the driver pressing on the center of the face 
plane of the steering wheel from the standard's requirement that an 
identifier be provided. This final rule will have no measurable effect 
on safety. As discussed above, driver confusion as to the location of 
the horn control decreases as the horn control returns to the center of 
the steering wheel hub, where drivers intuitively expect to find it. If 
the horn control is located where drivers expect it, there is no 
apparent safety benefit from the presence of the horn identifier. As a 
result of this final rule, vehicle manufacturers are spared the costs 
of embossing a horn symbol in the center of the steering wheel hub and 
coloring in the symbol.
    Because the economic effects of this final rule are minimal, no 
further regulatory evaluation is necessary.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) of 1996), whenever an agency is required to publish a notice 
of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make 
available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that 
describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small 
businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). 
The Small Business Administration's regulations at 13 CFR part 121 
define a small business, in part, as a business entity ``which operates 
primarily within the United States.'' (13 CFR Sec.  121.105(a)). No 
regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency 
certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities. The SBREFA amended the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to provide a 
statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule will not have 
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    I have considered the effects of this rulemaking action under the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and certify that this 
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. The rule does not impose any new requirements 
but relieves a restriction.
    For these reasons, and for the reasons described in our discussion 
on Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, 
NHTSA concludes that this final rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

C. National Environmental Policy Act

    NHTSA has analyzed this rulemaking action 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.

D. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    NHTSA has examined today's final rule pursuant to Executive Order 
13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and concluded that no additional 
consultation with States, local governments or their representatives is 
mandated beyond the rulemaking process. The agency has concluded that 
the rule does not have federalism implications, because the rule does 
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.''
    Further, no consultation is needed to discuss the issue of 
preemption in connection with today's rule. The issue of preemption can 
arise in connection with NHTSA rules in at least two ways. First, the 
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act contains an express 
preemptive provision: ``When a motor vehicle safety standard is in 
effect under this chapter, a State or a political subdivision of a 
State may prescribe or continue in effect a standard applicable to the 
same aspect of performance of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle 
equipment only if the standard is identical to the standard prescribed 
under this chapter.'' 49 U.S.C. 30103(b)(1). It is this statutory 
command that unavoidably preempts State legislative and administrative 
law, not today's rulemaking, so consultation would be unnecessary.
    Second, the Supreme Court has recognized the possibility of implied 
preemption: In some instances, State requirements imposed on motor 
vehicle manufacturers, including sanctions imposed by State tort law, 
can stand as an obstacle to the accomplishment and execution of a NHTSA 
safety standard. When such a conflict is discerned, the Supremacy 
Clause of the Constitution makes the State requirements unenforceable. 
See Geier v. American Honda Motor Co., 529 U.S. 861 (2000). However, 
NHTSA has considered the nature and purpose of today's rule and does 
not currently foresee any potential State requirements that might 
conflict

[[Page 40764]]

with it. Without any conflict, there could not be any implied 
preemption.

E. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    With respect to the review of the promulgation of a new regulation, 
section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil Justice Reform'' (61 FR 
4729, February 7, 1996) requires that Executive agencies make every 
reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies 
the preemptive effect; (2) clearly specifies the effect on existing 
Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for 
affected conduct, while promoting simplification and burden reduction; 
(4) clearly specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately 
defines key terms; and (7) addresses other important issues affecting 
clarity and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the 
Attorney General. This document is consistent with that requirement.
    Pursuant to this Order, NHTSA notes as follows. The issue of 
preemption is discussed above in connection with E.O. 13132. NHTSA 
notes further that there is no requirement that individuals submit a 
petition for reconsideration or pursue other administrative proceeding 
before they may file suit in court.

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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
control number. This final rule does not require any collections of 
information, or recordkeeping or retention requirements as defined by 
the OMB in 5 CFR Part 1320.

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 NHTSA to use voluntary consensus standards in its 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, such as the Society of Automotive 
Engineers (SAE). The NTTAA directs the agency to provide Congress, 
through the OMB, explanations when we decide not to use available and 
applicable voluntary consensus standards.
    After conducting a search of available sources, we have determined 
that there is no applicable voluntary consensus standard for this final 
rule.

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 (adjusted for inflation with base 
year of 1995). Before promulgating a rule for which a written statement 
is needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires NHTSA to identify 
and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and adopt 
the least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome alternative 
that achieves the objectives of the rule. The provisions of section 205 
do not apply when they are inconsistent with applicable law. Moreover, 
section 205 allows NHTSA to adopt an alternative other than the least 
costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative if the 
agency publishes with the final rule an explanation why that 
alternative was not adopted.
    This final rule will not result in the expenditure by State, local, 
or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of 
more than $100 million annually. Accordingly, this rule is not subject 
to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.

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.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 571

    Imports, Motor vehicle safety, Motor vehicles, Rubber and rubber 
products, and Tires.

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In consideration of the foregoing, 49 CFR part 571 is amended as set 
forth below:

PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS

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

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117, and 30166; 
delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.

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2. Section 571.101 is amended by revising the fourth sentence in 
S5.2.1, adding a fifth sentence to S5.2.1, and by revising S5.4.3, to 
read as follows:


Sec.  571.101  Standard No. 101, Controls, telltales, and indicators.

* * * * *
    S5.2.1 * * * No identification is required for any horn (i.e., 
audible warning signal) that is activated by a lanyard or by the driver 
pressing on the center of the face plane of the steering wheel hub; or 
for a turn signal control that is operated in a plane essentially 
parallel to the face plane of the steering wheel in its normal driving 
position and which is located on the left side of the steering column 
so that it is the control on that side of the column nearest to the 
steering wheel face plane. However, if identification is provided for a 
horn control in the center of the face plane of the steering wheel hub, 
the identifier must meet Table 2 requirements for the horn.
* * * * *
    S5.4.3 Each identifier used for the identification of a telltale, 
control or indicator must be in a color that stands out clearly against 
the background. However, this requirement does not apply to an 
identifier for a horn control in the center of the face plane of the 
steering wheel hub. For vehicles with a GVWR of under 4,536 kg (10,000 
pounds), the compliance date for this provision is September 1, 2011. 
For vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kg (10,000 pounds) or over, the 
compliance date for this provision is September 1, 2013.
* * * * *

    Issued on: August 7, 2009.
Ronald L. Medford,
Acting Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. E9-19396 Filed 8-12-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P