Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment, 48009-48044 [2011-19595]
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BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
Table of Contents
49 CFR Part 571
[Docket No. NHTSA–2007–28322]
RIN 2127–AL00
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards; Lamps, Reflective Devices,
and Associated Equipment
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; response to petitions
for reconsideration.
AGENCY:
On December 4, 2007,
NHTSA published a final rule that
amended the Federal motor vehicle
safety standard for lamps, reflective
devices, and associated equipment with
an effective date of September 1, 2008.
In response, the agency received
thirteen petitions for reconsideration.
The effective date of the final rule was
delayed in subsequent notices to
December 1, 2012. This document
corrects several technical errors in the
final rule and completes the agency’s
response to the issues raised in the
submitted petitions for reconsideration.
DATES: Effective Date: The final rule is
effective December 1, 2012. The
incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the rule is
approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of December 1, 2012.
Compliance Date: Voluntary early
compliance is permitted beginning
August 8, 2011.
Petitions for Reconsideration:
Petitions for reconsideration of this final
rule must be received not later than
September 22, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Any petitions for
reconsideration should refer to the
docket number of this document and be
submitted to: Administrator, National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West
Building, Ground Floor, Docket Room
W12–140, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For technical issues: Mr. Markus
Price, Office of Crash Avoidance
Standards (NVS–121), NHTSA, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building,
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SUMMARY:
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Washington, DC 20590 (Telephone:
(202) 366–0098) (Fax: (202) 366–7002).
For legal issues: Mr. Thomas Healy,
Office of the Chief Counsel (NCC–112),
NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
West Building, Washington, DC 20590
(Telephone: (202) 366–2992) (Fax: (202)
366–3820).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Executive Summary
II. Background
III. Petitions for Reconsideration
A. Definitions
B. Technical Amendments
C. Claims of Substantive Amendment
D. Amendments To Improve Clarity
IV. Agency Analysis and Response
A. Definitions
B. Technical Amendments
C. Claims of Substantive Amendment
D. Amendments To Improve Clarity
E. Preemptive Effect of FMVSS No. 108
V. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
48009
discussion of the preemptive effect of
FMVSS No. 108 included in the
preamble of the final rule. After careful
review and consideration of the
petitions for reconsideration, the agency
is amending FMVSS No. 108 in order to
correct technical errors within the final
rule and is providing a partial response
to petitions for reconsideration
including the submission addressing the
preemptive effect of the rule. The
remaining items in the petitions for
reconsideration, which include
substantive issues and are not addressed
within this partial response, will be
addressed in a separate notice. We
expect to publish that notice before the
final rule effective date of December 1,
2012.
II. Background
NHTSA published a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on
December 30, 2005 2 proposing to
reorganize FMVSS No. 108 and improve
I. Executive Summary
the clarity of the standard’s
On December 4, 2007 NHTSA
requirements, thereby increasing its
published a final rule 1 that amended
utility for regulated parties. The
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
proposed administrative rewrite
(FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps, reflective
attempted to make the standard more
devices, and associated equipment. That understandable by adopting a simplified
final rule reorganized the regulatory text numbering scheme to improve
and explicitly added to the text existing organization; by grouping related
requirements from third-party standards materials in a more logical and
that had previously been incorporated
consistent sequence; and by reducing
by reference. In rewriting the standard
the certification burden of regulated
NHTSA sought not to make any
parties who previously needed to
substantive changes or impose new
review a few dozen third-party
requirements on regulated parties. The
documents.
objectives of the rewrite were to: (1)
From a regulatory perspective, it was
Make requirements easier to find and
the agency’s intention, as expressed in
comprehend; (2) present performance
the NPRM, that the administrative
requirements and test procedures
rewrite of FMVSS No. 108 would
together in one place, instead of obliging neither result in any current obligations
the user to locate the relevant provisions being diminished, nor any new
of third-party documents previously
obligations being imposed. In other
incorporated by reference; and (3)
words, the substantive requirements of
update FMVSS No. 108 to reflect
the standard would be identical to those
significant letters of interpretation. The
of the currently-applicable version of
rewrite of FMVSS No. 108 was
FMVSS No. 108 and underlying
considered administrative in nature
documents incorporated by reference.
because the standard’s existing
Therefore, we stated that regulated
requirements and obligations were not
parties would not need to make any
increased, decreased, or substantively
changes to their respective products or
modified.
production processes if our proposal
The agency received several petitions were made final.
The agency considered comments
for reconsideration which stated some
aspects of the final rule failed to adhere
received on the NPRM and published a
to the agency’s stated goal of not
final rule on December 4, 2007. The
final rule incorporated some of the
substantively modifying the standard’s
comments received in response to the
existing requirements. Also, the agency
NPRM by further consolidating test
received petitions for reconsideration
that identified formatting and
procedures and performance
grammatical errors. In addition to the
requirements from multiple tables to
single paragraphs, incorporating
petitions addressing the technical
additional Society of Automotive
aspects of the standard, the agency also
received a submission questioning the
Engineers (SAE) documents directly
1 72
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into the regulatory text, and further
consolidating marking requirements.
The final rule also added additional
tables and figures and changed the
structure of the standard to present the
requirements in a more standardized
and user-friendly manner. The final rule
amended FMVSS No. 108 by: (1)
Reorganizing the regulatory text so that
it provides a more straightforward and
logical presentation of the applicable
regulatory requirements; (2)
incorporating important agency
interpretations of the existing
requirements; and (3) reducing reliance
on third-party documents incorporated
by reference. The preamble of the final
rule again stated that it was not the
agency’s intention to create any
substantive changes to the standard
through the administrative rewrite.
III. Petitions for Reconsideration
NHTSA received thirteen timely
petitions for reconsideration from
automotive manufacturers, lighting
suppliers, motorcycle manufacturers,
material manufacturers, a testing
laboratory, and a trial bar association.3
The Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers (AAM), Ford Motor
Company (Ford), Nissan North America
(Nissan), Toyota Motor North America
(Toyota), Koito Manufacturing Co. LTD
(Koito), Valeo Lighting Systems (Valeo),
Grote Industries LLC (Grote), HarleyDavidson Motor Company (HarleyDavidson), GE Consumer & Industrial—
Lighting (GE), SABIC Innovative Plastics
(SABIC), Calcoast, and American
Association for Justice (AAJ) submitted
petitions for reconsideration of the final
rule. The Motor and Equipment
Manufacturers Association (MEMA), the
Transportation Safety Equipment
Institute (TSEI), and the Motor Vehicle
Lighting Council (MVLC), collectively
the Associations, submitted a joint
petition for reconsideration. Several of
the petitions claimed that the final rule
imposed new substantive requirements
that were not previously included in the
old standard. Many of the petitions
pointed out grammatical and formatting
issues contained in the final rule. The
petitions also requested that the agency
make additional technical changes and
amend the format of some areas of the
final rule to further advance the goals of
the rewrite. Other petitions claimed that
the final rule failed to accurately
transpose previously referenced
documents or interpretation letters into
the regulation text. The petition
3 NHTSA also received several petitions for
reconsideration after the January 18, 2008 deadline
specified in the final rule. It is the agency’s policy
to treat untimely petitions for reconsideration as
petitions for rulemaking. See 49 CFR 553.35.
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submitted by AAJ challenged the
preemptive language of the final rule
preamble. The remaining petitions
requested substantive changes to the
rule.
The matters raised in the petitions fall
generally into four categories and will
be answered as follows: (1) Requests
that additional definitions be added to
the final rule; (2) requests for technical
amendments to the final rule to correct
grammar, formatting, and technical
issues; (3) claims that the agency added
new substantive requirements to the
standard during the rewrite; and (4)
requests for amendments to the standard
to improve readability or clarify certain
language. The petitions requesting
substantive amendments to the rule will
be addressed in another notice.
A. Definitions
Several petitioners requested that the
agency add new definitions to clarify
terms used in the text of the final rule.
AAM and Nissan requested that the
definition of a clearance lamp be
modified to remove the language
containing the mounting and spacing
requirements for the lamp. AAM and
Nissan claimed that the mounting and
spacing requirements are contained
elsewhere in FMVSS No. 108, therefore,
it was not necessary that these
requirements be included in the
definition. Nissan claimed that
removing the mounting and spacing
requirements would make the definition
more consistent with the definitions of
other lamps regulated by the standard.
Similarly, both petitioners requested
that language regarding mounting and
spacing requirements be removed from
the definitions of identification and side
marker lamps. AAM and Nissan
suggested a definition that would
eliminate the mounting location
description and spacing requirements
from each of these three lamp
definitions.
The Associations, Grote, and Valeo
suggested creating a definition for the
term ‘‘headlamp system.’’ Each of these
petitioners suggested the following
definition: ‘‘A vehicle-based
headlighting system which is composed
of headlamps mounted on opposite
sides of and symmetrical to the
centerline of the vehicle.’’
Nissan suggested a definition for the
term ‘‘multiple compartment lamp.’’
Nissan suggested the following
definition: ‘‘Multiple compartment lamp
means a device which gives its
indication by two or more areas,
illuminated by separate light sources,
which are joined by one or more
common parts, such as a housing or
lens.’’ Nissan pointed out that this
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definition was similar to the definition
used in an interpretation letter to Al
Cunningham on November 3, 1988 4 that
responded to his request for clarification
as to the meaning of the term ‘‘multiple
compartment lamp.’’
The Associations pointed out that the
agency placed the definitions for all of
the various headlamp types, except
‘‘combination headlamp,’’ in the
definition section of the final rule. They
suggested the following definition be
added to the definitions section:
‘‘Combination headlamp system: For a
two lamp system, a combination of two
different headlamps chosen from: Type
F, an integral beam headlamp, or a
replaceable bulb headlamp and for a
four lamp system, any combination of
four different headlamps chosen from:
Type F, an integral beam headlamp, or
a replaceable bulb headlamp.’’ The
Associations and Grote recommended
replacing the terms ‘‘lamps section’’ or
‘‘compartments’’ with a universal term
‘‘lighted sections.’’
B. Technical Amendments
The petitions requested various
technical amendments to the standard
to amend formatting and grammatical
issues. Nissan stated that the agency
referenced an American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM)
specification in the final rule in
paragraph S14.5.3.2 yet this
specification was not listed in paragraph
S5.
Nissan pointed out a grammatical
error in paragraph S6.4.4. Nissan
suggested changing the phrase ‘‘* * *
overall width, that are * * *’’ to ‘‘* * *
overall width, that is * * *’’
AAM requested that the ‘‘DOT
marking’’ requirement for headlamps
located in paragraph S6.5.1 be moved to
paragraph S6.5.3 so that it would be
located with the other headlamp
markings.
The Associations and AAM noted that
paragraph S6.5.3 occurs twice, once
marked Headlamp markings and once
marked Trademark. They requested that
the Trademark paragraph numbering
change to S6.5.3.1.
AAM requested that the format of
‘‘SEALED BEAM,’’ as shown in
paragraph S6.5.3.3.1, be standardized
with the format as it appears in Table
III, which is not fully capitalized. AAM
requested that the phrase be modified to
‘‘Sealed Beam’’ in paragraph S6.5.3.3.1.
AAM stated that in paragraph
S7.1.1.11, FMVSS No. 108’s revised text
uses the term ‘‘compartments’’ even
though the preamble to that rule stated
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that this term would be used in the
singular form.
AAM recommended adding a
qualifying statement ‘‘provided that the
requirements of S6.1.3.2 are met’’ to
paragraphs S7.1.1.11.1, similar to the
statements used in paragraphs
S7.1.2.11.1, S7.2.11.1, and S7.3.11.1, in
order to clarify the requirements for
multiple compartment lamps.
Nissan requested that the phrase
‘‘generated by a 1.0 radius around
* * *’’ be changed to ‘‘generated by a
1.0 degree radius around * * *’’ in
paragraph S7.1.1.12.4.
AAM recommended a modification to
paragraph S7.2.9, which deals with
taillamp markings. AAM requested that
the agency change the pointing
statement in that paragraph to point to
the specific subparagraph S6.5.1.2
rather than paragraph S6.5. AAM also
requested that a more specific pointer be
added for paragraphs S7.3.9, S7.4.9,
S7.5.9, S7.6.9, S7.7.9, S7.8.9, S7.9.9,
S7.10.9, S7.11.9, and S8.1.9.
AAM requested that S7.7.4 be
changed from pointing to Tables I (a–c)
that state ‘‘No requirement,’’ to simply
state within that text ‘‘No Requirement.’’
AAM pointed out that this is consistent
with other areas of the regulatory text
such as in paragraphs S7.7.7 and S7.7.8.
The Associations requested that the
paragraph numeration be corrected in
the subparagraphs of S7.9.14. They
stated that the paragraph structure
contains S7.9.14.1.1 and S7.9.14.1.2,
however, it does not contain a
paragraph S7.9.14.1.
Nissan noted a grammatical error in
paragraph S14.2.1.5.2. It requested that
the wording be modified from ‘‘* * * of
multiple compartment lamp or * * *’’
to ‘‘* * * of multiple compartment
lamps or * * *’’.
Toyota requested that paragraph
S14.3.1 be modified to use the
abbreviation ‘‘in.’’ for the unit inch
instead of the abbreviation ‘‘in’’ without
a period.
GE and the Associations requested a
modification to paragraph S14.6.9.1.1,
which they pointed out incorrectly
converts 176 degrees Fahrenheit to 60
degrees Celsius. They requested the
Celsius number be changed to 80
degrees.
Nissan and AAM stated that within
Table I–a, the subtitle Additional
Lamps, Required on All Multipurpose
Passenger Vehicles (MPV), Trucks, and
Buses, 2032 MM or More in Overall
Width appears twice. AAM and Nissan
also requested that the activation
criteria text be moved to the Device
Activation column from the Mounting
Height column for the lower beam
headlamp, which is currently blank. In
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addition, Nissan requested that the
activation specifications for the upper
beam headlamp read: ‘‘Steady burning,
except may be flashed for signaling
purposes.’’ Nissan also requested that
English units of measurement be added
to the Mounting Height column of Table
I–a for the lower and upper beam
headlamps. AAM requested that all
measurements in Tables I–a, I–b, and I–
c be displayed in both English and
metric units. AAM requested that a
horizontal line be placed above the DRL
subtitle. Both Nissan and AAM
requested that the mounting location
and color information be moved to the
appropriate column for reflex reflectors
in Table I–a. Nissan asked that the
subtitle for additional lamps required
for wide vehicles change the word
‘‘truck’’ to ‘‘trucks.’’ AAM and Nissan
requested that the turn signal truck
tractor exception be moved to a new
line.
AAM noted that a billing code is
inappropriately located after Table I–c.
AAM requested that, within the
mounting location column for the upper
beam headlamp, a note be added that
states: ‘‘See additional requirements in
S10.14.1, S10.17.1.2, and S10.17.1.3,’’ to
reference additional mounting
requirements for motorcycle headlamps.
AAM also noted that the same column
for the lower beam headlamp points to
paragraph S6.1.4.2.1.3, however, this
paragraph does not exist. The
Associations and AAM requested that
the word ‘‘between’’ be added to the
turn signal minimum edge to edge
distance.
AAM claimed that the term
‘‘Motorcycle Headlamp’’ in Table III
should read ‘‘Motorcycle Replaceable
Bulb Headlamp’’ so that it agrees with
paragraph S10.17.2. AAM also
suggested adding the word ‘‘Optional’’
in the markings of the Table III column
for Lamps (Other Than Headlamps),
Reflective Devices, and Associated
Equipment. AAM also stated it found an
incorrect pointing statement to S6.5.4.3
for the replaceable bulb headlamp in the
Requirement column of Table III. AAM
believed that the pointer should instead
point to paragraph S6.5.3.4.1. AAM also
pointed out that Table III does not
contain the marking requirements for a
replaceable lens headlamp called out in
paragraph 5.8.11 of the existing FMVSS
No. 108. Finally, AAM requested that
the phrase ‘‘See requirements’’ be added
to the sealed beam headlamp type
designation in the Marking Location
column.
For Table V–a, Nissan requested that
the measurements for the required
visibility for the backup lamp should be
in both metric and English units.
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The Associations, Nissan, and AAM
pointed out that the alignment of
lighting device functions to their corner
points is incorrect in Table V–b. AAM
requested the elimination of the billing
code from the bottom of that table.
Nissan requested that the word
‘‘zone’’ be replaced with the word
‘‘group’’ in footnote 2 in Table VIII.
Nissan also requested that the word
‘‘group’’ replace the word ‘‘zone’’ in
footnote 4 of Table XII. Nissan made the
same request of footnote 2 of Tables XIV
and XV. Nissan requested that the
agency amend footnote 2 of Table XVI
to replace the word ‘‘zone’’ with the
word ‘‘group.’’
AAM requested that the agency
amend footnote 6 of Table IX so that the
photometric intensity requirements for
stop lamps combined with taillamps
correspond with SAE J1398 (MAY
1985), Stop Lamps for Use on Motor
Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall
Width, incorporated by reference in the
currently applicable version of FMVSS
No. 108. AAM stated that footnote 6 of
Table IX should be changed to ’’values
followed by a slash * * *’’ (in contrast
to the current ‘‘Values preceded by a
slash’’) for the H–5L test point so that
the standard required the correct
photometric multiplier for wide
vehicles.
In Table XV, Nissan noted that the
test points columns should be listed as
horizontal first and vertical second.
The Associations claimed that the
final rule had an error in Figure 8,
‘‘Replaceable Light Source Detection
Test Setup,’’ and requested that
dimension ‘‘A’’ be replaced with the
term ‘‘Light Center Length.’’ The
Associations also requested that Figure
14 be changed. They stated that the
material specification for the ‘‘Disc. arm
Brace & Clamp’’ should appear as
‘‘SAE–AA–6061 T6 or equiv,’’ and the
‘‘Coil Spring and Level Clip’’ should
appear as ‘‘Spring Steel SAE 1858
–Cadmium Plate.’’ Also, they stated that
in Figure 14, ‘‘5.00 Bubble movement’’
should be replaced by ‘‘5.88 Bubble
movement’’ and the screw ‘‘Typ. #18’’
should be ‘‘Typ. #10.’’ Finally, in Figure
14, the Associations suggested that the
dimension of ‘‘100.33’’ should instead
be ‘‘188.33.’’
C. Claims of Substantive Amendment
Several of the petitions claimed that
during the rewrite process the agency
created new substantive requirements of
FMVSS No. 108 when the agency
incorporated SAE standards that
petitioners claim were not fully
incorporated or failed to accurately
transpose the requirements of third
party standards.
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Valeo stated that paragraph S6.1.1.4
‘‘would prohibit daytime running lights
(DRLs) in combination with parking
lights.’’ Valeo maintained that the
existing regulatory text allowed DRLs to
be incorporated with parking lamps and
urged the agency to retain the existing
provision. Valeo referenced paragraph
S5.5.11(a) of the current standard,
which states that any pair of lamps
other than parking lamps or fog lamps
may be wired as DRLs. Valeo claimed
that the fact that parking lights cannot
be used as DRLs is evident because
parking lamps would not meet the
photometric requirements of DRLs.
Valeo claimed that there is no way to
reconcile Table 1 of SAE J222 (DEC
1970), Parking Lamps, with the
minimum requirement of 500 candela at
point Horizontal-Vertical of the beam
pattern required in the regulation text.
Valeo pointed out that many vehicles
currently use front turn signals that are
optically combined with parking lamps
as DRLs. Valeo requested that the
agency clarify the wording of paragraph
S6.1.1.4 to disallow a DRL consisting of
the parking lamp alone, while allowing
a DRL that is optically combined with
the parking lamp.
Calcoast requested a modification to
paragraph S6.1.3.2 to clarify the
performance requirements for multiple
lighted section lamps. This paragraph
states that ‘‘when multiple lamp
arrangements or multiple compartment
rear turn signal lamps, stop lamps, or
taillamps are used, with only a portion
of the compartments or lamps installed
on a rigid part of the vehicle, that
portion must meet at least the
photometric requirements for the
applicable single compartment lamp.’’
Calcoast stated that it is concerned that
this language could be interpreted as
allowing a multiple lighted section lamp
that is part of a multiple lamp
arrangement, such as a light-emitting
diode (LED) lamp, that is mounted on
the fixed portion of the vehicle to
comply only with the single lighted
section rules and not the multiple
lighted section rules. Calcoast asserted
that this statement implies that when a
multiple lamp arrangement is used,
there is no need to confirm that the
multiple lamp arrangement meets all
requirements for multiple compartment
lamps. Calcoast suggested that the text
state that the lighting system must
comply with all the relevant rules no
matter what position the moveable parts
have been placed in.
Koito requested that paragraph
S6.1.3.2 replace the phrase ‘‘rigid part of
the vehicle’’ with the term ‘‘fixed body
panel.’’ Koito noted that the term ‘‘rigid
part of the vehicle’’ was correctly used
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in paragraph S6.1.3.1, however, it stated
that it appears the term ‘‘fixed body
panel’’ reflects the intent of the July 7,
2000 letter of interpretation to Gary
King 5 which states ‘‘body mounted
lamps (rear turn signal, stop, or tail
lamps) are the ones that must be
designed to comply with FMVSS [No.]
108.’’
Harley-Davidson requested that
paragraph S6.2.3 be revised to clarify
that the headlamp ornamentation
prohibition in paragraph S6.2.3.1 does
not apply to motorcycles. HarleyDavidson noted that the provision of
FMVSS No. 108 prohibiting headlamp
ornamentation is contained in
paragraph S7.8.5 of the current
standard, a paragraph Harley-Davidson
claimed does not apply to motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson referenced a December
6, 1999 interpretation letter to Piaggio &
C.S.p.A 6 and a September 29, 2000
letter to Carter Engineering 7 to support
its view on these issues.
AAM requested that the markings
requirements of a sealed beam
headlamp remove the term ‘‘molded’’ in
paragraph S6.5.3.3.1. AAM argued that
the text of the currently applicable
version of FMVSS No. 108 did not
require the marking to be molded into
the lens.
Ford and AAM requested that the
hazard warning pilot indicator
requirement be deleted from paragraph
S6.6.2. They claimed that the current
version of FMVSS No. 108 does not
require a hazard pilot indicator light.
They maintained that although SAE
J910 (JAN 1966), Hazard Warning Signal
Switch, incorporated by reference in the
existing standard, recommends a pilot
indicator, this provision was not
directly incorporated into the currently
applicable version of FMVSS No. 108.
They argued that their view is
supported by the explicit requirement in
the existing regulation for a turn signal
indicator lamp. They claimed that since
a turn signal pilot indicator was
specifically indentified in the regulatory
text of FMVSS No. 108, not all the
requirements of the referenced SAE
standard were included in FMVSS No.
108. They maintained that the
requirement for a hazard warning pilot
indicator was one of the excluded
requirements.
Both the Associations and Ford
requested changes to paragraph S6.6.3,
which specifies the orientation of the
license plate holder. Ford requested that
the paragraph be deleted, claiming that
the rear license plate holder is not a
lamp, reflective device, or piece of
associated equipment and is not
separately listed as an item in the Table
I or Table III of the current rule, and
therefore, is not regulated by FMVSS
No. 108. Harley-Davidson suggested that
this requirement does not apply to
motorcycles. Harley-Davidson stated
that paragraph S6.1.3.3 of the referenced
SAE document SAE J587 (OCT 81),
License Plate Illumination Devices,
excludes motorcycles from that
provision. Harley-Davidson also stated
that the existing incorporation by
reference only applied to the lamps, and
not to the license plate holder.
The Associations and Ford requested
a change to requirements for turn signal
photometric multipliers contained in
paragraphs S7.1.1.10.1 through
S7.1.1.10.4. The Associations asserted
that the currently applicable version of
FMVSS No. 108 does not make any
distinction between reflector-based, and
non-reflector-based optics when
calculating the turn signal spacing to
other lamps. They requested that
paragraphs S7.1.1.10.1 through
S7.1.1.10.3 be replaced by the paragraph
S5.3.1.7 of the current standard, which
contains the currently applicable
requirements for turn signal
photometric multipliers. Ford
referenced the preamble to a previous
agency NPRM 8 incorporating an SAE
standard on turn signals to support its
claim that the graduated turn signal
intensity requirements for turn signals
located near auxiliary lamps in
paragraph S7.1.1.10.4 were not included
in the text of the currently applicable
version of FMVSS No. 108. Ford
requested that paragraphs S7.1.1.10.2,
S7.1.1.10.3, S7.1.1.10.4 (b), (c), and (d)
be deleted.
AAM requested that paragraph S9.3.4,
which deals with turn signal pilot
indicator size and color, be removed
from the standard because AAM
believed that the paragraph imposed
new substantive requirements that were
not contained in the currently
applicable version of the standard.
Although AAM noted that the initial
requirements published on December
16, 1967 9 did require a turn signal
indicator, and specified its size and
color based on requirements in SAE
J588d (JUN 1966), Turn Signal Lamps,
AAM claimed that a subsequent
revision to the standard on October 31,
1970 10 removed the size and color
requirements. AAM claimed that the
currently applicable version of FMVSS
No. 108 only requires that the turn
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FR 35097, (Sep. 1, 1988).
FR 18032, (Dec. 16, 1967).
10 35 FR 16840, (Oct. 31, 1970).
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signal pilot indicator indicate a turn
signal outage in accordance with SAE
J588d (JUN 1966) and does not specify
size and color requirements for the
indicator.
Harley-Davidson requested
clarification and confirmation that the
headlamp aimability requirements of
paragraph S10.18 do not apply to
motorcycles. Harley-Davidson claimed
that paragraph S7.8 of the currently
applicable version of the standard did
not require aimability for motorcycle
headlamps. Harley-Davidson referenced
a letter of interpretation to Piaggio &
C.S.p.A dated December 6, 1999 and
also a letter to Carter Engineering dated
September 29, 2000 to support its
argument.
The Associations, Koito, and Calcoast
requested that the agency amend
paragraph S10.18.9.1.5.1, which
specifies the distance at which the
cutoff parameter must be measured, to
allow measurement from distances
greater than 10 m. Paragraph
S10.18.9.1.5.1 requires that the cut off
parameter be measured at a distance of
10 m with a 10 mm diameter
photosensor. The Associations
recommended deleting the last sentence
of paragraph S10.18.9.1.5.1, or stating
that 10 m is the minimum distance
allowable for measuring the cutoff
parameter. Koito recommended
allowing a measuring distance of 18.3 m
or more for measuring the cutoff
parameter. Calcoast requested that the
agency permit cutoff measurements at
both 10 m and 25 m. All petitioners
agreed that the diameter of the
photosensor should appropriately
correspond to the measuring distance.
Nissan requested that the inward
force test specified in paragraph
S14.6.12 be excluded for vehicle
headlamp aiming device (VHAD) and
visually-optically aimable (VOA) lamps.
Nissan stated that the text of the
currently applicable version of FMVSS
No. 108 does not require VHAD and
VOA lamps to conform to this test.
Nissan also stated that the test requires
an aiming plane, typically found only
on externally aimed systems. Finally,
Nissan claimed that the test itself is
intended to assure that an externally
aimable headlamp system can withstand
the normal force applied to seat the
suction cup onto the lens when affixing
the mechanical aiming device.
The Associations and Grote petitioned
the agency to add language to allow stop
and turn signal lamps designed for use
on vehicles 2032 mm or more in overall
width, that meet the one lighted section
photometric values, to be used on
narrow vehicles. They claimed that SAE
J1395 (APR 1985), Front and Rear Turn
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Signals for Use of Motor Vehicles 2032
mm or More in Overall Width, and SAE
J1398 (MAY 1985) expressly allow this.
To support this position the
Associations cited an August 22, 1990
interpretation letter from the agency to
Hella 11 which stated:
Beginning December 1, 1990, Standard No.
108 will specify two different standards for
turn signal lamps. If the lamp is intended for
use on multipurpose passenger vehicles,
trucks, buses, and trailers whose overall
width is 80 inches or more, it must be
designed to conform to the SAE Standard
J1395 * * *, ‘‘Turn Signal Lamps for Use on
Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall
Width,’’ [(APR 1985)]. SAE J1395 also
provides that these lamps may be used on
vehicles less than this width, except for
passenger cars. If a motor vehicle is not
equipped with a turn signal lamp designed
to conform to SAE J1395, it must be equipped
with a turn signal lamp designed to conform
to SAE standard J588 * * *, ‘‘Turn Signal
Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles Less Than
2032 mm in Overall Width,’’ [(NOV 1984)].
Finally, the Associations stated that a
denial of this petition will have a
significant cost to the market segment.
Harley-Davidson requested that the
minimum Effective Luminous Lens Area
requirement for multiple compartment
motorcycle stop lamps be added to
Table IV–a. Harley-Davidson suggested
this value should be 2,200 square mm.
Harley-Davidson maintained that the
current version of FMVSS No. 108
permits multiple compartment lamps or
multiple lamps on motorcycles if the
effective projected luminous lens area of
each compartment is 2,200 square mm.
Harley-Davidson states that the agency
confirmed this position in a April 21,
1997 letter of interpretation to Stanley
Electric.12
Nissan asked that the legacy visibility
wording be changed for the turn, stop,
and tail lamps in Table V–d. Nissan
claimed that Table V–d uses different
language than the SAE sub-referenced
standard for these lamps on both narrow
and wide vehicles. AAM requested that
footnote 1 and footnote 4 be removed
from Table VIII, Stop Lamp Photometry
Requirements. AAM maintained that
both of these footnotes contain
requirements not previously included in
FMVSS No. 108.
Nissan requested that the agency
reconsider its decision not to amend the
footnotes to the photometric tables for
required signal lamps in response to
comments received by the agency on the
NPRM. Nissan stated that the footnotes
to the photometric tables could be
amended to provide greater clarity to
the requirements of the standard
48013
without creating any substantive
changes.
In Table XIX, the Associations
requested that the lower beam zone
defined by the corner point 10U, 90U,
90L, 90R be modified to 10U, 90U, 45L,
45R. Valeo suggested modifying Table
XIX(a)(b), and (c) by modifying the first
row range from 10U to 90U, 90L to 90R
to only state 10U to 90U, eliminating the
horizontal angles. Both Valeo and the
Associations claimed that the horizontal
range was not defined in the currently
applicable standard.
D. Amendments to Improve Clarity
Commenters requested the following
changes to clarify certain provisions of
the standard and to further improve
readability. Nissan requested that
paragraph S6.1.3.4.2 be revised to read:
‘‘Accessibility. Each high mounted stop
lamp must provide access for
convenient replacement of the bulb
without a tool specifically designed for
that purpose.’’ Nissan stated that this
wording would incorporate a February
12, 1998 interpretation letter to Ford
Motor Company 13 to clarify the
meaning of ‘‘special tool.’’
Harley-Davidson requested that the
agency clarify that dual motorcycle head
lamps may be horizontally-mounted.
Harley-Davidson stated that paragraph
S6.1.3.5.1.3 of the rewrite seems to
prohibit horizontally-mounted dual
motorcycle headlamps. Harley-Davidson
claimed that paragraph S7.9.6.2(c) of the
current standard permits dual
horizontal mounting. Harley-Davidson
further claimed that paragraph
S10.17.1.3.1 of the rewrite of FMVSS
No. 108 continues to permit dual
horizontally-mounted motorcycle
headlamps.
Koito requested that the agency clarify
paragraph S7.3.12.1, which deals with
the ratio requirements between stop and
tail lamp intensities. Koito requested
that this paragraph be modified to say:
‘‘When a taillamp on a multipurpose
passenger vehicle, truck, trailer, or bus
of 2,032 mm or more in overall width,
is combined with a stop lamp, the
luminous intensity of the stop lamps at
each identified test point must be
* * *’’ Koito claimed that this will
clarify that the ratio requirement is
always applied between stop and tail
lamp intensities on wide vehicles and
that wide vehicles do not have the 560
mm and 410 mm classification used for
narrow vehicles.
Nissan recommended adding a subject
to the sentence in paragraph S8.2.1.5 so
that the text reads: ‘‘Application
location. Conspicuity systems need not
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be * * *’’ Nissan stated that this is
consistent with the other paragraphs of
that section.
Nissan requested that paragraph
S10.1.2 be modified to eliminate the
duplicate requirements for motorcycle
headlamp systems. Nissan
recommended modifying that paragraph
to read: ‘‘Each motorcycle must be
equipped with a headlighting system
conforming to S10.17.’’ This
modification would eliminate the
allowance of a one half headlighting
system within paragraph S10.1.2,
because that allowance is set forth
within paragraph S10.17, thereby
removing redundant requirements.
Koito recommended clarifying the
requirements for four headlamp systems
by modifying paragraph S10.15.1 to read
as follows: ‘‘A replaceable bulb
headlighting system must consist of
either two lamps, each containing either
one or two replaceable light sources, or
four lamps, each containing a single
replaceable light source as specified for
the application system in Table II–d. A
system must provide in total no more
than two upper beams and two lower
beams and must incorporate not more
than two replaceable light sources in
each headlamp.’’ Koito claimed that its
recommended text will limit the
number of light sources in each
headlamp of a four headlamp system.
Koito claimed, that as currently worded,
the final rule will allow two replaceable
light sources in each headlamp of a four
headlamp system, which it further
claimed is not consistent with the intent
of the original requirement.
Toyota and Koito both requested a
modification to paragraph S10.15.5
which deals with additional light
sources in a replaceable bulb
headlighting system. They requested the
term ‘‘replaceable light sources’’ be
replaced with the term ‘‘light sources’’
in this paragraph. They claimed that
this expression should be the same as is
used in paragraph S10.14.5 for integral
beam headlighting systems. Toyota also
recommended including the phrase
‘‘and are replaceable’’ to the end of that
paragraph. Toyota also noted that this
change was discussed in the preamble
to the final rule, but was not properly
included in the final rule text.
Nissan requested that paragraph
S10.18.9.5, which deals with visual/
optical aiming headlamp photometry, be
removed. Nissan claimed that this entire
paragraph is redundant with paragraphs
S10.13.3, S10.14.6, S10.15.6, S10.16.2,
and Table II. Nissan stated that the
requirements should only be stated once
in the standard.
Nissan requested that paragraph
S13.3, which deals with replaceable
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headlamp lens markings, be relocated
within paragraph S6.5. Nissan stated
that the DOT marking requirement in
that paragraph is redundant with
paragraph S6.5.1. Nissan stated the
remaining marking requirements of
paragraph S13.3 should be added to a
new paragraph enumerated as paragraph
S6.5.3.6.
The Associations and SABIC
requested a modification to paragraph
S14.1.2, which deals with plastic optical
materials. The Associations requested
that the paragraph be modified to state:
‘‘Plastic optical materials. All plastic
material used for optical parts such as
lenses and reflex reflectors on lamps, or
reflective devices required or allowed
by this standard must conform to the
material test requirements of S14.4.2,
unless they are conspicuity treatments
that are in accordance with S8.2.1 or
S8.2.2.’’ SABIC requested that the
paragraph be modified as follows:
‘‘Plastic optical material. All plastic
materials used for transparent optical
parts such as lenses and reflex reflectors
on lamps or reflective devices required
or allowed by this standard must
conform to the material test
requirements of S14.4.2.’’ Both
petitioners pointed out the distinction
between reflex reflectors and reflectors.
The Associations further stated that
conspicuity treatments were not part of
the standard when this original
language was placed in the standard.
Nissan requested a modification to
paragraph S14.2.4.3, which specifies
bulb requirements for DRL photometry
testing. Nissan requested that this
paragraph be revised to read: ‘‘Bulb
requirements of paragraph S14.2.1.6
apply to DRL photometry, except for the
need to operate at the rated mean
spherical candela.’’ Nissan claimed that
the text of the final rule, which states
that bulbs are to be operated at their
rated mean spherical candela, creates a
conflict with the requirement in
paragraph S14.2.4.1, which requires a
fixed 12.8V input be applied to the
modules or electrical control units
during testing. Nissan stated that it may
not be possible to achieve a bulb’s mean
rated spherical candela at 12.8V.
Koito asked for a clarification of the
requirement in paragraph S14.4.2.1.3,
which specifies testing for plastic
optical materials. Koito noted that test
sample thicknesses are stated to be 1.6
mm, 2.3 mm, 3.2 mm, and 6.4 mm.
Koito also noted that the color
requirement in paragraph S14.4.2.2.4.5
specifies that after completion of the
outdoor exposure test, all materials
must conform to the standard’s color
test in the range of thickness stated by
the manufacturer. Koito asked if a
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material thickness of 7 mm can be
certified if it was once tested in the four
thicknesses stated above, and found
satisfactory.
Nissan requested that some
information contained in the text of the
standard be incorporated into a new
table. Nissan requested that the
tabulated text in paragraph
S14.9.3.11.2.3.1, Operating Limits, be
titled ‘‘Table XXI’’ and relocated with
the other tables instead of being located
in its current position.
AAM further requested that Table I–
a be broken into two tables that separate
the requirements of narrow vehicles
from those for wide vehicles.
AAM stated that the requirements for
DRLs should not be located in Table I–
a because the title of the table Required
Lamps and Reflective Devices may
confuse users trying to locate the
requirements. AAM stated that Table I–
a should contain a pointing statement to
allow the user of the standard to locate
the requirements for DRLs elsewhere.
Koito requested that the activation
specifications for a high mounted stop
lamp in Table I–a be changed to ‘‘Steady
burning. Must only be activated upon
application of the service brakes or may
be activated by a device designed to
retard the motion of the vehicle.’’ Koito
claimed this change is necessary
because, in its view, ‘‘a high mounted
stop lamp is optional on the activation
of a device designed to retard the
motion of the vehicle.’’
AAM requested that the titles of
Tables I–a, I–b, and I–c be amended to
include the vehicles to which the tables
apply. AAM stated that all of the tables
having the same title, Required Lamps
and Reflective Devices, does not
improve the clarity of the standard.
The Associations, Grote, and Valeo
requested that the maximum allowable
photometric intensity in Table XII for
backup lamps on vehicles equipped
with a single back up lamp be changed
from 300 to 300/600. They further
requested the addition of a footnote that
states; ‘‘the value before the slash (300
cd) applies to each lamp in a multiple
lamp system; the value after the slash
(600 cd) applies to a single lamp
system.’’ The petitioners stated that
FMVSS No. 108 requires backup lamps
on vehicles equipped with a single
backup lamp to be tested at twice the
candela requirements. Industry believes
this applies to maximum as well as
minimum values.
Nissan suggested removing the term
‘‘test points’’ in footnote 1 of Table XIX,
to clarify that all points with the
specified boundary must meet the
photometric requirements listed in the
table. Finally, Nissan requested that all
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the tables be presented in a complete
manner without splitting a table across
multiple pages.
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IV. Agency Analysis and Response
A. Definitions
The agency has considered the
requests from Nissan and AAM to
modify the definition of clearance,
identification, and side marker lamps.
For each of these lamps, the agency has
verified that the definitions were
successfully translated from the
applicable SAE document referenced in
the currently applicable version of the
standard. While the agency believes that
the modifications requested by Nissan
have the potential to further simplify
the definitions of these lamps,
modifying the definitions may change
the meaning of these terms. The agency
believes that it would be better to retain
sporadic redundancies in the standard
than to risk a substantive modification
by changing the definitions of these
lamps. Further, such a modification
would be outside the scope of the
administrative rewrite of the standard.
Therefore, the agency is denying these
requests.
The agency is denying the request by
the Associations, Grote, and Valeo to
add a definition for the term ‘‘headlamp
system.’’ Since this definition did not
exist in the existing regulation text, nor
in the documents incorporated by
reference, the agency considers this
addition to be a substantive change not
within the scope of the administrative
rewrite of the standard.
Nissan requested that the agency
incorporate a November 3, 1988
interpretation letter to Al Cunningham
in order to clarify the definition of a
‘‘multiple compartment lamp.’’ The
final rule definition of a multiple
compartment lamp is a direct carry-over
from text in paragraph S4 of the
currently applicable version of FMVSS
No. 108. In the NPRM, the agency
invited input from interested parties
regarding additional interpretations that
should be considered for inclusion in
the final rule, beyond those proposed by
the agency. Nissan’s petition was not
submitted at that time. It is the agency’s
intention to take caution not to create a
substantive change within this technical
correction and partial response to
petitions for reconsideration, therefore,
we are denying this request by Nissan.
The agency is granting the
Associations’ request to add a definition
of a ‘‘combination headlamp.’’ They
noted that other lamp types regulated
within this standard are defined in the
definition section, however, a
combination headlamp is not defined
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except in Table II–b. The Associations
suggested adding a definition that uses
the system composition column
descriptions from Table II–b in order to
construct the following definition:
‘‘Combination Headlamp System: For a
two lamp system, a combination of two
different headlamps chosen from: Type
F, an integral beam headlamp, or a
replaceable bulb headlamp and for a
four lamp system, any combination of
four different headlamps chosen from:
Type F, an integral beam headlamp, or
a replaceable bulb headlamp.’’ This
description is consistent with the
existing text of the standard found in
paragraphs S7.6.2, and S7.6.3 of the
final rule. In order to maintain
consistency within the standard, the
agency will define a combination
headlamp as opposed to a combination
headlamp system. The definition is as
follows: ‘‘Combination headlamp means
a headlamp that is a combination of two
different headlamp types chosen from a
type F sealed beam headlamp, an
integral beam headlamp, or a
replaceable bulb headlamp.’’ The
currently applicable standard does not
include a stated definition for the term
‘‘combination headlamp,’’ however, the
agency agrees that such a definition—
limited to a combination headlamp
rather than to such a system—does not
impose any substantive change to the
standard, and provides a more
straightforward presentation of the
requirements.
The Association’s request to define
‘‘combination headlamp’’ differs from
the request in the petitions from Grote
and Valeo to create a definition of
‘‘headlamp system.’’ The definition
proposed by the Associations does not
create new wording within the standard,
it uses a description already contained
in the standard, and places that
description into the definition section.
The definition of a ‘‘combination
headlamp’’ is therefore added within
paragraph S4 as requested by the
Associations.
The agency is denying Grote and the
Associations’ request to use the term
‘‘lighted sections’’ when referring to
lamp sections or compartments. It has
been the agency’s intent during the
rewrite of FMVSS No. 108 not to change
the language of the current standard or
incorporated documents so as to avoid
making unintended changes to the
standard. Adopting the term ‘‘lighted
sections’’ in place of ‘‘lamp sections’’ or
‘‘compartments’’ would alter the
standard in a manner that is
inconsistent with the goals of the
rewrite.
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B. Technical Amendments
The agency has considered and
incorporated corrections in response to
the requests to remedy typographical
errors, or formatting errors found in the
final rule. The agency has declined to
make several technical corrections that
will be discussed in greater detail in this
section.
The agency agrees with Nissan that
the ASTM C 150–56 specification is
missing from paragraph S5. This
specification has been added.
The agency has corrected the
grammatical error identified by Nissan
in paragraph S6.4.4. Paragraph S6.4.4
has been modified to read as published
in this final rule.
The agency is denying the request by
AAM to move paragraph S6.5.1, which
contains the DOT marking requirements
for headlamps. While we do note that
other headlamp marking requirements
are located in paragraphs S6.5.3,
priority within organization will be
maintained by keeping the three
paragraphs, S6.5.1 DOT markings for
headlamps, S6.5.1.1 which deals with
DOT conspicuity markings, and S6.5.1.2
which describes the general allowance
of placing the DOT marking on lamps
other than headlamps, together. We
believe it would be inappropriate to
place the contents of paragraph S6.5.1.1
and paragraph S6.5.1.2 within the
paragraphs of S6.5.3, because these
paragraphs are not headlamp specific.
Therefore, we are maintaining the
current paragraph structure.
The paragraph that was mistakenly
numbered S6.5.3, Trademark, has been
corrected to S6.5.3.1, Trademark.
Paragraph S6.5.3 no longer appears
twice.
The agency is granting the AAM
request that the format of the text
‘‘SEALED BEAM,’’ located in paragraph
S6.5.3.3.1, be modified to lowercase
letters that match the same text located
in Table III. The text for paragraph
S6.5.3.3.1 was derived from paragraph
2.1.1 in SAE 1383 APR 1985,
Performance Requirements for
Replacement Bulb Motor Vehicle
Headlamps. In the SAE document the
text is all lower case, appearing as
‘‘sealed beam.’’ The agency agrees that
the letter case of the word ‘‘sealed
beam’’ should be the same in Table III
as in paragraph S6.5.3.3.1, therefore,
both instances have been changed to the
lowercase presentation ‘‘sealed beam.’’
The agency does note that in this
particular case, we do not feel the actual
presentation of lower case or upper case
notation of the words ‘‘sealed beam’’ is
vital to the public’s use of the standard,
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or to the agency’s ability to enforce the
existence of the marking.
In response to AAM’s request to
change the plural term ‘‘compartments’’
to the singular term ‘‘compartment,’’ the
agency has modified paragraph
S7.1.1.11. The agency agrees that the
singular form of the term is more
appropriate. It now states ‘‘S7.1.1.11
Multiple compartment lamps and
multiple lamps.’’
Based on AAM’s request, paragraph
S7.1.1.11.1 has been modified to read:
‘‘A multiple compartment lamp or
multiple lamps may be used to meet the
photometric requirements of a front turn
signal lamp provided the requirements
of S6.1.3.2 are met.’’ The agency
believes the additional reference to
paragraph S6.1.3.2 makes the standard
more usable.
As Nissan requested, paragraph
S7.1.1.12.4 has been corrected to state:
‘‘* * * the clearance lamp is located
below the horizontal and within an area
generated by a 1.0 degree radius around
* * *’’ This modification corrects the
missing word ‘‘degree.’’
As AAM requested, the agency has
changed the marking requirements for
lamps other than headlamps to point to
the specific subparagraph within
paragraph 6.5. The agency has changed
the pointing statement in the following
paragraphs to provide the specificity
requested by AAM: S7.1.1.9, S7.1.2.9,
S7.2.9, S7.3.9, S7.4.9, S7.5.9, S7.6.9,
S7.7.9, S7.8.9, S7.9.9, S7.11.9 and
S8.1.9. The pointing statement for these
paragraphs now points to paragraph
S6.5.1.2 instead of paragraph S6.5. The
agency has not changed the pointing
statement in paragraph S7.10.9, which
deals with DRL markings, because more
than one subparagraph within S6.5 may
apply to DRL markings. We believe
these modified references will allow the
users of the standard to find the
paragraph of interest more efficiently.
As AAM requested, the agency has
removed the references to Tables I–a, I–
b, and I–c from paragraph S7.7.4 which
now reads ‘‘No requirement.’’ The
agency agrees that this construction is
more usable, compared to referencing
Tables I–a, I–b, and I–c which all state
‘‘No requirement.’’
The agency has granted the
Associations’ request that the paragraph
numeration be corrected under
paragraph S7.9.14. The structure has
been corrected to S7.9.14.1 and
S7.9.14.2.
The agency has granted Nissan’s
request to change paragraph S14.2.1.5.2
to read ‘‘Luminous intensity
measurements of multiple compartment
lamps or multiple lamp arrangements
are made either by:’’ in order to
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maintain consistent language
throughout the sentence.
We have modified Paragraph S14.3.1,
as requested by Toyota, in order to
correctly abbreviate the unit ‘‘inch.’’
The abbreviation now includes a period
after the letters in.
We have granted GE and the
Associations’ request to modify
paragraph S14.6.9.1.1 in order to correct
a temperature conversion error.
Paragraph S14.6.9.1.1 now lists 80° C as
the metric equivalent of 176° F.
The agency has revised all tables to
place requirements in the correct
column, remove extraneous billing
codes, correct the format of table
headings and subheadings, and correct
pointing statements as requested by
petitioners.
Nissan requested that the agency add
English units of measurement to the
Mounting Height column for lower and
upper beam headlamps in Table I–a.
AAM also requested that the agency add
English units of measurement to Tables
I–a, I–b, and I–c. The agency notes that
the mounting height requirements for
upper and lower beam head lamps are
listed in both metric and English units
in the currently applicable version of
FMVSS No. 108, therefore, adding the
English units of measurement does not
create a substantive change to the
standard. The agency grants Nissan’s
request and has added the English units
of measurement to the Mounting Height
column of Table I–a for both upper and
lower beam headlamps. The agency is
also adding English units of
measurement to the Mounting Height
column of Table I–c for both upper and
lower beams. The agency is denying
AAM’s request to list all measurements
in Tables I–a, I–b, and I–c in both
English and metric units as the
measurements are not listed in this
manner in the currently applicable
version of FMVSS No. 108. As stated in
both the NPRM and the preamble to the
final rule, the agency is attempting to
refrain from making any substantive
change to the requirements of the
standard during the rewrite process. The
agency believes that in the process of
converting measurements from metric to
English or vice versa it is possible to
create a substantive change to the
requirements of the standard.
We decline to adopt AAM’s proposal
to add the word ‘‘Optional’’ to the
Markings column of Table III for Lamps
(Other Than Headlamps), Reflective
Devices, and Associated Equipment
because paragraph S6.5.1.2 referenced
in that table adequately conveys the
installation requirement without
redundant wording inside the table.
This request is therefore denied.
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AAM noted that Table III contained
an incorrect reference paragraph for the
marking requirements for replaceable
bulb headlamps. The agency has
changed the reference for replaceable
bulb headlamp marking requirements to
point to paragraph S6.5.3.4.
We decline to incorporate AAM’s
request to add marking requirements for
replacement lens headlamps to Table III
because paragraph S5.8.11 of the
existing standard contains requirements
for instructions and a replacement seal,
neither of which the agency considers
appropriate to list among the marking
requirements in Table III.
The agency is granting Nissan’s
request to provide the required visibility
measurements in both English and
metric units for Table V–a. We have also
corrected the alignment of lighting
device functions to their corner points
in Table V–b.
The agency is granting Nissan’s
request to replace the word ‘‘zone’’ with
the word ‘‘group’’ in footnote 2 of
Tables VIII, XIV, and XV and footnote
4 of Table XII. Nissan also requested
that the agency amend footnote 2 of
Table XVI to replace the word ‘‘zone’’
with the word ‘‘group.’’ As neither
Tables XVI–a, XVI–b, or XVI–c have a
footnote 2, the agency is not in a
position to grant this request.
AAM requested that the agency
amend footnote 6 of Table IX to clarify
that the minimum photometric intensity
ratio for stop lamps combined with
taillamps on wide vehicles for the H–5L
test point was 3:1 not 5:1. The agency
agrees that the photometric ratio for the
H–5L test point for wide vehicles is 3:1.
The agency is granting AAM’s request
by amending footnote 6 of Table IX to
read: ‘‘Values followed by a slash (/)
apply only to lamps installed on
multipurpose passenger vehicles,
trucks, trailers, and buses of 2032 mm
or more in overall width.’’
The agency has revised Table XV so
that the test points are listed as
horizontal first and vertical second as
requested by Nissan.
The Associations requested that
Figure 8 measurement ‘‘A’’ be replaced
with the term ‘‘Light Center Length.’’
This measurement and label ‘‘A’’ were
directly translated from the text of
Figure 8 in the currently applicable
version of Standard No. 108. In the
currently applicable version of Standard
No. 108, the label ‘‘A’’ was used,
furthermore, this distance is referenced
in paragraphs S14.7.1.1.1, S14.7.1.1.2,
and S14.7.1.1.3 as distance ‘‘A’’.
Therefore, the agency is denying this
request in order to avoid a potentially
substantive change by introducing a
new term into Figure 8.
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The Associations also requested
changes to Figure 14 that include
changing the ‘‘Disc. Arm and Brace
Clamp’’ material from SAE–AA–6961 to
SAE–AA–6061. The agency agrees that
this was listed incorrectly and has
modified Figure 14 accordingly. They
also requested that the ‘‘Coil Spring and
Level clip’’ material be changed to
‘‘Spring Steel SAE 1858—Cadmium
Plate.’’ The agency does not agree as
‘‘Spring Steel SAE 1050’’ is called out
in the currently applicable version of
this standard. Therefore, we are denying
this request. Also, the agency has
corrected the value of the bubble
movement to 5.08 and changed the
screw number to ‘‘TYP #10’’ in Figure
14 because these changes are consistent
with the currently applicable version of
the standard. The dimension of 100.33
was correctly translated from the
currently applicable version of the
standard so the agency is denying the
Associations’ request to amend that
value to 188.33.
GE noted several corrections in the
sealed beam drawings that were moved
into the part 564 docket. Corrections to
these drawings will be made, and the
docket will be updated.
C. Claims of Substantive Amendment
Several of the petitioners claimed that
the agency made substantive changes to
the requirements of the standard during
the rewrite process or requested that the
agency clarify portions of the text to
ensure that the rewrite did not impose
any new requirements. The agency has
made all efforts not to impose any new
burdens on regulated parties or change
the requirements of the standard in any
way through the rewrite process. It is
the agency’s position that the
requirements of FMVSS No. 108 have
not changed as a result of the rewrite.
In consideration of Valeo’s request to
change the wording of paragraph
S6.1.1.4 in order to make it clear that a
DRL may be optically combined with a
parking lamp in the final rule, the
agency attempted to translate the text of
the currently applicable version of
FMVSS No. 108 without creating
substantive changes. Paragraph S6.1.1.4
is derived from paragraph S5.5.11(a) of
the existing standard.
The final rule split paragraph
S5.5.11(a) into various parts without
changing the activation requirements of
DRLs. Some of the text was included in
paragraph S6.1.1.4 of the final rule.
Table I–a contains the remaining
translation of the text of the currently
applicable version of FMVSS No. 108
which states that the activation should
be ‘‘Steady burning. Automatically
activated as determined by the vehicle
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manufacturer and automatically
deactivated when the headlamp control
is in any on position.’’
In order to avoid a substantive change
to the requirements of FMVSS No. 108,
the agency does not believe it is
appropriate to incorporate any
additional letters of interpretation at
this time regarding the permissibility of
optically combining parking lamps or
fog lamps with DRLs. The agency,
however, does understand that the final
rule text may provide less clarity than
the existing standard. Therefore, in
order to more strictly adhere to the
language in the existing standard, we
are modifying paragraph S6.1.1.4 to
retain the language allowing any pair of
lamps except parking lamps or fog
lamps to be wired as DRLs at the option
of the manufacturer.
This modification does create a
limited amount of redundant text
contained in both paragraph S6.1.1.4
and Table I–a, however, the agency
considers this small level of redundancy
manageable and preferable, in this
situation, in order to avoid unintended
confusion due to a change in the
language in the final rule.
The agency has considered Calcoast’s
request to modify paragraph S6.1.3.2, to
clarify the requirements of multiple
lamp arrangements and multiple
compartment rear turns signal, stop
lamp, and taillamp combinations.
Calcoast stated that this paragraph could
be interpreted such as to allow a
multiple lighted section lamp that is
part of a multiple lamp arrangement and
mounted on the fixed portion of the
vehicle to meet only the single
compartment lamp requirements.
Calcoast indicated this situation might
occur particularly in a lamp utilizing
LED’s as the sources. The section of this
paragraph under consideration is the
phrase ‘‘that portion must meet at least
the photometric requirements for the
applicable single compartment lamp.’’
In developing the NPRM, and
ultimately the final rule, the agency
relied on a July 12, 2000 interpretation
letter to Gary King. The interpretation
letter, however, does not specify that a
multiple compartment lamp need only
meet the single compartment
requirements in the multiple lamp
arrangement described in that
interpretation. Accordingly, the agency
believes that paragraph S6.1.3.2 of the
final rule could be misinterpreted.
Therefore, in response to Calcoast’s
request, the paragraph has thus been
modified to state: ‘‘S6.1.3.2 When
multiple lamp arrangements for rear
turn signal lamps, stop lamps, or
taillamps are used, with only a portion
of the lamps installed on a fixed part of
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the vehicle, the lamp or lamps that are
installed to the non-fixed part of the
vehicle will be considered auxiliary
lamps.’’ The agency believes this
modified paragraph adheres to the
guidance provided in the King
interpretation letter and provides less
opportunity for misinterpretation. The
revised paragraph S6.1.3.2 also includes
the request from Koito to replace the
term ‘‘rigid’’ with the term ‘‘fixed’’ as
the agency agrees the term ‘‘fixed’’ more
appropriately describes the situation
discussed in the interpretation letter to
Mr. King.
The agency agrees with HarleyDavidson’s claim that paragraph
S6.2.3.1, which prohibits any styling,
ornament or other feature on the front
of the headlamp lens when the lamp is
activated, does not apply to
motorcycles. This paragraph was
derived from the existing regulatory text
in paragraph S7.8.5, which contains
both the prohibition on styling and
ornamentation on headlamp lenses and
the requirement the headlamps have
aiming devices. As Harley-Davidson
pointed out, two letters of
interpretation, a December 6, 1999 letter
to Piaggio & C.S.p.A, and a September
29, 2000 letter to Carter Engineering,
confirm that FMVSS No. 108 does not
require motorcycle headlamps to have
aiming mechanisms. Within the letter to
Carter Engineering, NHTSA stated: ‘‘The
aiming mechanism requirements of
Standard No. 108 are imposed by S7.8,
and as indicated previously, we do not
intend S7.8.2 to apply to motorcycle
headlamps. We intend that the
paragraphs of S7.9 Motorcycles and
their referenced materials cover
motorcycle headlamps.’’ This ornament
prohibition was first added to the
standard in 1989 14 and at that time was
within the same paragraph as aimability
requirements. Therefore, we have
modified paragraph S6.2.3.1 as follows:
‘‘When activated in the steady burning
state, headlamps (excluding headlamps
mounted on motorcycles) must not have
any styling ornament or other feature,
such as a translucent cover or grill, in
front of the lens.’’
AAM requested a change to paragraph
S6.5.3.3.1 so that the marking
requirements for sealed beam
headlamps need not be molded into the
lens. We believe that AAM is incorrect
in its assertion that the current standard
does not require that marking be molded
into the lens of sealed beam headlamps.
The marking requirements from
paragraph S6.5.3.3.1 were derived from
current FMVSS No. 108 paragraph
S7.3.1 which references SAE J1383
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(APR 1985), Performance Requirements
for Motor Vehicle Headlamps. SAE
J1383 (APR 1985) states, in paragraph
S5.4.4, ‘‘Headlamp lenses shall be
marked with a three letter code. The
marking shall be molded in the lens
* * *’’ Thus, the requirement that the
marking of a sealed beam headlamp be
molded into the lens is clearly part of
the existing standard. Accordingly, the
agency is maintaining the requirements
contained in paragraph S6.5.3.3.1 and is
denying AAM’s request.
Ford and AAM requested that the
hazard warning pilot indicator
requirements be deleted from paragraph
S6.6.2. They stated that the requirement
for a hazard warning signal pilot
indicator has never been contained in
any previous version of FMVSS No. 108.
They contended that the presence of
paragraph S3.4.7 in the original version
of FMVSS No. 108 published in 1967,15
(paragraph S5.5.6 in the current version
of the standard) which contained the
requirements for a turn signal pilot
indicator, indicates other pilot
indicators were not required under the
original version of the standard. They
asserted that since FMVSS No. 108
specifically references a turn signal pilot
indicator in the text of the standard,
requirements for other indicators in SAE
standards were not intended to be
incorporated by reference into FMVSS
No. 108.
NHTSA does not agree with AAM’s
and Ford’s argument, a hazard warning
signal pilot indicator is required by the
current version of FMVSS No. 108 and
SAE standards incorporated by
reference. Paragraph S5.1.1 of the
current standard requires that vehicles
shall be equipped with the lamps,
reflective devices, and associated
equipment specified in Table I and
Table III, and that those devices shall be
designed to conform to the SAE
standards or recommended practices
referenced in those tables. Table I lists
a vehicle hazard warning signal unit
and a vehicle hazard warning signal
flasher as required equipment for all
vehicles wider than 80 inches, except
trailers, and references SAE J910 (JAN
1966), Hazard Warning Signal Switch,
and SAE J945 (FEB 1966), Vehicular
Hazard Warning Signal Flasher. Table
III lists a vehicle hazard warning signal
operating unit and a vehicle hazard
warning signal flasher as required
equipment for all vehicles narrower
than 80 inches, except trailers and
motorcycles, and references SAE J910
(JAN 1966) and SAE J945 (FEB 1966).
SAE J910 (JAN 1966) states:
Pilot Indicator Lamps—In vehicles
equipped with right- and left-hand turn
signal pilot indicators, both pilots and/or a
separate pilot shall flash simultaneously
while the vehicle hazard operating unit is
turned on. In vehicles equipped with a single
turn signal pilot indicator, a separate
vehicular hazard pilot indicator shall flash
and the turn signal pilot may flash while the
vehicular hazard operating unit is turned on.
If a separate vehicular hazard pilot indicator
is used, it shall emit a red color and have a
minimum area equivalent to a 0.5 in.
diameter circle.
Therefore, Tables I and III, in
conjunction with paragraph S5.1.1 of
the current standard, require that
vehicles equipped with hazard warning
signal switches be equipped with a
hazard warning signal pilot indicator.
We do not agree with the assertion by
AAM and Ford that the SAE
requirements incorporated by reference
for hazard warning lamps do not apply
because they were not restated directly
in the standard, as was the case with
turn signal pilot indicators. Therefore,
we are denying this request and
retaining the language of paragraph
S6.6.2 in its entirety.
The Associations, Ford, and HarleyDavidson requested changes to
paragraph S6.6.3, which specifies the
orientation of the license plate holder.
The agency will address the issue of the
applicability of license plate holder
requirements in a separate notice.
Ford requested the deletion of
paragraphs S7.1.1.10.2, S7.1.1.10.3,
S7.1.1.10.4(b), S7.1.1.10.4(c), and
S7.1.1.10.4(d) which all deal with the
measurement of, and requirements for,
front turn signal lamp intensity based
on the spatial relationship to any
auxiliary lower beam or fog lamp. Ford
stated that these requirements, which
were derived from the existing standard
by way of reference to SAE J588 (NOV
1984) and SAE J1395 (APR 1985), were
not previously incorporated fully into
the standard by reference. Ford stated
that the denial of an SAE petition for
rulemaking,16 which stated, ‘‘NHTSA
reference to SAE standards is not always
absolute, in that parts of standards are
referenced or exceptions are made to
specific requirements in SAE standards
where different or more stringent
performance is necessary for safety
purposes,’’ demonstrates that it is well
and widely understood that not all
requirements referenced in SAE
standards are intended by the agency to
be incorporated into the standard. Ford
also cited the final rule preamble that
incorporated SAE J588 (NOV 1984) and
SAE J1395 (NOV 1984) into FMVSS No.
108. Ford quoted that discussion as
stating:
An additional difference between the new
SAE turn signal specification and the ones
currently contained in FMVSS No. 108
concerns intensity. If a turn signal lamp is
closer than 4 inches (100 mm) to a lower
beam headlamp, it must have 2.5 times the
intensity otherwise required. The SAE
applies the factor of 2.5 only if the turn signal
is closer than 60 mm to the lower beam
headlamp. NHTSA proposed retention of the
current requirement. The SAE specification
applies the photometric multiplier in three
steps, from 60 mm to 100 mm.17
The final statement in that discussion
concluded, ‘‘[g]iven the advent and
usage of higher intensity headlamps,
there appears to be an even greater need
than before to preserve the intensity
ratio. NHTSA has done so by retaining
the existing requirement.’’
We do not agree with Ford’s position.
Ford’s argument that NHTSA’s
incorporation of SAE standards is not
always absolute is in reference to cases
in which FMVSS No. 108 explicitly
states requirements that are different
than the SAE documents. In cases where
NHTSA does not specifically exclude
parts of SAE standards, the entire
standard is incorporated by reference. In
the rulemaking cited by Ford, neither
within the preamble of that final rule,
nor in the NPRM was there any
discussion of exempting, or applying
any intensity multipliers other than
those appearing in the SAE document
for auxiliary lamps. The key argument
for the agency not to adopt the
multipliers in the 1984 SAE standards
deals with higher intensity headlamps
and the spatial relationship of turn
signals to those lamps and, thus, is
inapplicable to intensity multipliers for
turn signals located near auxiliary
lamps. As stated in the preamble of the
final rule, SAE J588 (NOV 1984) and
SAE J1395 (APR 1985) contain
additional photometric multiplier
requirements beyond those required in
paragraph S5.3.1.7 for turn signals
located near auxiliary lamps.18 It is the
agency’s position that the requirements
in paragraph S5.3.1.7 work in
conjunction with the requirements in
SAE J588 (NOV 1984) and SAE J1395
(APR 1985) and do not preempt them.
Therefore, the agency has not removed
the paragraphs and denies Ford’s
requests.
The Associations claimed the text of
the currently applicable version of
FMVSS No. 108 did not distinguish
between non-reflector light sources and
reflector light sources for the purposes
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of measuring the distance between a
turn signal to a headlamp, or auxiliary
lamp. They claimed that paragraph
S5.3.1.7 in the existing FMVSS No. 108,
which states, ‘‘on a motor vehicle on
which the front turn signal lamp is less
than 100 mm from the lighted edge of
a lower beam headlamp, as measured
from the optical center of the turn signal
lamps, the multiplier applied to obtain
the required minimum luminous
intensities shall be 2.5’’ supersedes
section 5.1.5.4 of SAE J588 (NOV 1984).
Therefore, the Associations requested
that paragraphs S7.1.1.10.1 through
S7.1.1.10.3 of the final rule be replaced
with paragraph S5.3.1.7 of the currentlyapplicable version of FMVSS No. 108.
The agency agrees that the distance
between a turn signal lamp and a lower
beam headlamp should be measured
from the optical center as specified in
the text of the currently applicable
version of FMVSS No. 108. However,
the measurements between a turn signal
lamp and an auxiliary lamp are
incorporated from SAE J588 (NOV
1984), which included different
measurement methods for turn signal
lamps that incorporate reflector optics
and turn signal lamps that primarily use
lens optics. Considering this, paragraph
S7.1.1.10.4(a) has been changed to state
‘‘where the spacing measurement as
measured from the optical center of the
turn signal lamp, to the lighted edge of
a lower beam headlamp is less than 100
mm, the photometric multiplier must be
2.5.’’ As stated previously, SAE J588
(NOV 1984) contains requirements that
are additional to those contained in
paragraph S5.3.1.7 of the current
standard. Therefore, we refrain from
changing the method for measuring the
distance between the turn signal and
auxiliary lamps for determining the
required photometric multiplier.
AAM claimed that the text of the
currently applicable version of FMVSS
No. 108 does not specify the size and
color of turn signal pilot indicators and
requested that paragraph S9.3.4 be
removed. AAM asserted the two
sentences contained within paragraph
S5.5.6 of the currently applicable
version of FMVSS No. 108 should be
considered separately. AAM stated that
the first sentence requires a vehicle
equipped with a turn signal operating
unit to also have an illuminated pilot
indicator. Through the second sentence,
the paragraph separately requires that
the failure of one or more turn signal
lamps to operate should be indicated
according to the SAE Standard.
Therefore, AAM claimed that the SAE
standard recommendations for turn
signal pilot indicator size and color are
not requirements in FMVSS No. 108.
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NHTSA finds that paragraph S5.5.6 of
the current standard requires that the
turn signal pilot indicator comply with
all requirements for turn signal pilot
indicators specified in SAE J588 (SEP
1970). Paragraph S9.3.4 of the final rule,
which states, ‘‘[i]f an indicator is located
inside the vehicle it must emit a green
colored light and have a minimum area
equivalent to a 3⁄16 in diameter circle,’’
was derived from the currently
applicable version of the FMVSS No.
108 paragraph S5.5.6, which states that,
‘‘[e]ach vehicle equipped with a turn
signal operating unit shall also have an
illuminated pilot indicator. Failure of
one or more turn signal lamps to operate
shall be indicated in accordance with
SAE J588 (SEP 1970) * * *’’
Furthermore, paragraph 4.5.2 of SAE
J588 (SEP 1970) states that, ‘‘if the
illuminated indicator is located inside
the vehicle, for example in the
instrument cluster, it should emit a
green colored light and have a minimum
area equivalent to a 3⁄16 in. diameter
circle.’’
It is the view of the agency that the
phrase ‘‘[f]ailure of one or more turn
signal lamps to operate shall be
indicated in accordance with SAE J588
(SEP 1970),’’ requires that the turn
signal pilot indicator comply in all
respects with SAE J588 (SEP 1970). SAE
J588 (SEP 1970) contains requirements
for pilot indicators to indicate that the
turn signal system is off, size and color
requirements for the indicator, and
visibility requirements for the indicator
based on driver eye position. An
indicator of a size and color other than
the indicator required in SAE J588 (SEP
1970) would not indicate failure of a
turn signal lamp to operate in
accordance with SAE J588 (1970)
because the indicator would not meet
the requirements laid out in that
standard for size and color. It is the
agency’s position that this sentence
requires the pilot indicator to indicate
that the turn signal is out via an
indicator of the size and color and at the
eye location specified in the standard.
Therefore, no substantive change was
imposed by the final rule compared
with the existing standard. Accordingly,
the agency is denying this request from
AAM.
Harley-Davidson requested
clarification and confirmation that the
headlamp aimability requirements of
S10.18 do not apply to motorcycles. As
discussed in Harley-Davidson’s request
to clarify the applicability of the
headlamp ornamentation prohibition to
motorcycles, two letters of
interpretation, a December, 6, 1999
letter to Piaggio & C.S.p.A, and a
September 9, 2000 letter to Carter
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Engineering, confirm that this standard
does not require motorcycle headlamps
to have aiming mechanisms. Within the
letter to Mr. Carter, NHTSA stated, ‘‘The
aiming mechanism requirements of
Standard No. 108 are imposed by S7.8,
and as I indicated previously, we do not
intend S7.8.2 to apply to motorcycle
headlamps. We intend the paragraphs of
S7.9 Motorcycles and their referenced
materials to cover motorcycle
headlamps.’’ Accordingly, paragraph
S10.18 has been modified to state:
‘‘Headlamp aimability performance
requirements (except for motorcycles).’’
Paragraph S10.2 is modified to state
‘‘Reserved.’’ The agency does note that
in paragraph S14.2.5.5, Headlamp
photometry measurements, the
procedure does require that the
headlamp be aimed during testing.
Therefore, although the performance
requirements of paragraph S10.18 do
not apply to motorcycles, they must
have the ability to meet the applicable
photometric requirements using the
testing procedure described in
paragraph S14.2.5.
The Associations, Koito and Calcoast
requested that the agency amend
paragraph S10.18.9.1.5.1, which
required that the cutoff parameter for
headlamps be measured from a distance
of 10 m from a photosensor with a 10
mm diameter because these
requirements were not contained in the
current version of the standard. The
agency provided the measurement
distance of 10 m from the photosensor
having a diameter of 10 mm for
measuring the cutoff parameter as
guidance in a letter of interpretation to
Tilman Spingler on April 6, 2000.19 In
the agency guidance letter to Mr.
Spingler, the agency stated that it
intended to incorporate the guidance
provided in the letter into FMVSS No.
108 during the next rulemaking
involving the standard. The NPRM to
this final rule stated that the agency
intended to incorporate the April 6,
2000 letter to Mr. Spingler into the
revised version of FMVSS No. 108.20 We
believe it is important to identify how
the agency will conduct compliance
testing and we did this in the NPRM
and again discussed the issue in the
final rule. Therefore, paragraph
S10.18.9.1.5 has not been modified and
the petitions from the Associations,
Koito, and Calcoast are denied.
However, we do note that regulated
parties are able to test at different
distances if they choose, although
NHTSA compliance tests will be done at
10 m. We note the petitioners may
19 https://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/21406.ztv.html.
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submit data to support a change in the
specified distance in a separate petition.
Nissan requested that the inward
force test specified in paragraph
S14.6.12 be excluded for VHAD and
VOA lamps. Nissan stated that the text
of the currently applicable version of
FMVSS No. 108 did not require VHAD
and VOA lamps to conform to this test.
Further supporting Nissan’s claim, the
preamble to a final rule 21 published
May 9, 1989 stated:
The deletion of inward force and torque
deflection is appropriate for headlighting
systems which do not use externally applied
aimers, since these tests are intended to show
resistance to the effects of the weight and
application of external aimers * * * NHTSA
believes that vehicle manufacturers will be
cautious enough to design vehicles to
withstand the likelihood of misaim in [the]
event [the vehicle is pushed by hand], and,
considering the deletion appropriate only for
headlamps which do not have aiming pads
for external mechanical aimers, has adopted
the proposed modification of applicability of
inward force and torque deflection tests.
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Koito also pointed to the preamble of
the May 9, 1989, final rule in arguing
that the inward force only applies to
headlamps that are capable of being
externally aimed.
The agency agrees that the inward
force test was only required for
headlamps with external aimers in the
text of the currently applicable version
of FMVSS No. 108, therefore we have
made the following modifications to the
standard: ‘‘S10.13.4.1 Each sealed beam
headlamp must be designed to conform
to the performance requirements of the
corrosion test, vibration test, inward
force test (for lamps which are
externally aimed only), torque
deflection test (for lamps which are
externally aimed only), headlamp
connector test, headlamp wattage test,
and aiming adjustment tests of S14.6.’’
‘‘S10.14.7.1 Each integral beam
headlamp must be designed to conform
to the performance requirements of the
corrosion test, temperature cycle test,
vibration test, inward force test (for
lamps which are externally aimed only),
headlamp connector test, and aiming
adjustment tests of S14.6.’’ ‘‘S10.15.7.1
Each replaceable bulb headlamp must
be designed to conform to the
performance requirements of the
corrosion test, corrosion-connector test,
dust test, temperature cycle test,
humidity test, vibration test, inward
force test (for lamps which are
externally aimed only), headlamp
connector test, and aiming adjustment
tests of S14.6.’’
The Associations and Grote requested
that language be added to the standard
to allow the use of turn signal and stop
lamps designed for use on vehicles 2032
mm or more in overall width, which
meet the one lighted section
photometric values, on narrow vehicles
other than passenger cars. The
Associations noted that SAE J1395 (APR
1985), the standard applicable to turn
signal lamps on wide vehicles, states
that a lamp built to this standard may
also be used on a narrow vehicle. The
Associations pointed to an August 22,
1990 agency interpretation letter to
Hella,22 that stated ‘‘SAE J1395 also
provides that these lamps [turn signal
lamps designed for use on vehicles 2032
mm or more in overall width] may be
used on vehicles less than this width,
except passenger cars,’’ to support its
position.
We disagree with the interpretation of
FMVSS No. 108 put forward by the
Associations and Grote. We stated in the
preamble of the final rule that there are
no provisions in the existing standard
that allow the installation of wide
vehicle stop and turn signal lamps on
narrow vehicles in lieu of the clearly
stated requirements for narrow vehicles
in Table III of the existing standard. We
consider the requirements for stop
lamps and turn signal lamps used on
narrow vehicles in the currently
applicable version of FMVSS No. 108 to
be clearly stated. There is no agency
guidance stating that manufacturers of
narrow vehicles may choose an
alternative other than Table III for
requirements for stop and turn signal
lamps for use on narrow vehicles.
Neither Table III, SAE J588 (NOV 84), or
SAE J586 (FEB 84), Stop Lamps for Use
on Motor Vehicles Less than 2032 mm
in Overall Width, state that lighting from
wide vehicles can also be used on
narrow vehicles. For narrow vehicles, a
lamp must meet the requirements for
narrow vehicles as specified in Table III
of the currently applicable version of
the standard. Further, the agency stated
in a May 22, 2003 letter of interpretation
to Panor Corporation 23 that turn signal
and stop lamps designed for use on both
narrow and wide vehicles must meet the
requirements of SAE standards
applicable to both narrow and wide
vehicles. The letter to Panor stated that
stop lamps to be used on both narrow
and wide vehicles must meet both SAE
J1398 (MAY 1985) and SAE J586 (MAY
1984) and turn signal lamps to be used
on both narrow and wide vehicles must
meet both SAE J1395 (APR 1985) and
SAE J588 (NOV 1984). It is the agency’s
position that the letter to Panor, not the
letter to Hella, states the correct
interpretation regarding the use of turn
signal and stop lamps designed for wide
vehicles on narrow vehicles.
Considering these factors, the petitions
from the Associations and Grote are
denied.
Harley-Davidson requested that the
agency amend Table IV-a which
contains the requirements for projected
luminous lens area to allow a projected
luminous lens area of 2200 square mm
for multiple compartment stop lamps
used on motorcycles. Harley-Davidson
stated that an effective projected
luminous lens area of 2200 square mm
for multiple compartment stops lamps is
permitted under the currently
applicable version of FMVSS No. 108.
The agency agrees that FMVSS No. 108
permits an effective projected luminous
lens area of 2200 square mm for
multiple compartment stops lamps used
on motorcycles. Accordingly, the agency
has amended Table IV-a to include a
projected luminous lens area of 2200
square mm for multiple compartment
stop lamps used on motorcycles.
We are denying Nissan’s request to
modify the legacy visibility wording for
turn, stop, and taillamps within Table
V-d because the language suggested by
Nissan does not fully correspond with
the requirements in the SAE standard
referenced by the existing standard. For
example, the wording suggested by
Nissan might allow for a situation in
which visibility, as defined by area, may
be compromised within a position less
than the required 45 degrees while the
area requirement is met at 45 degrees
This situation is currently not
permitted.
AAM stated that footnotes 1 and 4 of
Table VIII, regarding the photometric
intensity values between test points and
the maximum intensity of taillamps
respectively, were not previously
incorporated into the current standard.
AAM maintained that footnote 1 is not
referenced in current version of FMVSS
No. 108 or in SAE J585 (AUG 1977), Tail
Lamps (Rear Position Lamps), and that
footnote 4 was preempted by figures
contained in the current version of
FMVSS No. 108.
We are denying AAM’s request to
remove footnote 1 and footnote 4 from
Table VIII. As stated in the preamble of
the final rule, Footnote 1 was added to
Table VIII of the rewrite unchanged
from the text of SAE J575 (AUG 1970),
Test for Motor Vehicle Lighting Devices
and Components, which was previously
incorporated by reference in FMVSS No.
108.24 The agency, however, is revising
22 https://isearch.nhtsa.gov/aiam/aiam4773.html.
21 54
FR 20067, (May 9, 1989).
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footnote 4 such that it matches the text
in paragraph S5.1.1.6 of the existing
standard so as not to make substantive
changes to the standard during the
rewrite process.
The agency is denying Nissan’s
request to amend the footnotes to
photometric tables containing the
requirements for signal lamps. In
incorporating third-party documents
into the text of the rewrite of the
standard, the agency sought not to make
any changes to the requirements
contained in the third-party documents.
We believe that this goal is best
accomplished by directly incorporating
the text from the third-party documents
with minimal changes. While further
changes to the standard may improve
clarity, the agency believes that these
changes are outside the scope of the
rewrite.
In the preamble of the final rule the
agency explained its views on the
subject of grouped compliance.25 The
footnotes to the photometric tables
allow the failure of a test point in the
group to be offset if other points in the
group exceed their minimum by the
required margin. The agency does not
believe that the footnotes contradict the
requirements in the photometric tables
and declines to amend the footnotes for
the reasons stated in the preamble of the
final rule.
Valeo and the Associations requested
that the agency reconsider its decision
to specify a 90L to 90R horizontal range
defined in the area of 10U to 90U in the
first row of Table XIX. The agency is
denying the petitioner’s request. In the
NPRM the agency stated that it planned
to incorporate a July 2, 1999 letter of
interpretation to Tilman Spingler 26
which specified a horizontal range of
90L to 90R in the 10U to 90U area.27 In
this letter the agency stated that:
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Each of the Figures you reference specify
a maximum of 125 candela for test points
10U–90U. The Figures do not state where in
space from left to right to locate the vertical
line, and thus, they do not specify that a line
is to be measured. It follows that the only
description of a set of test points is that of
the entire area from 90L to 90R and 10U to
90U, i.e., an area from the extreme left of the
test point grid to the extreme right of the test
point grid, with an elevation of from 10U to
90U.
The agency believes that a horizontal
zone of 90L to 90R for the 10U to 90U
area flows logically from the
requirements of Figures 15–1, 15–2, 17–
1, 17–2, 28–1, and 28–2 in the current
version of FMVSS No. 108. Therefore,
25 72
FR 68282, (Dec. 4, 2007).
26 https://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/19548.ztv.html.
27 70
FR 77457, (Dec. 30, 2005).
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the agency is retaining the horizontal
range specified in the final rule.
D. Amendments To Improve Clarity
The agency has considered the
requests to amend the standard to
provide greater clarity or reorganize
portions of the standard to improve
readability. The agency has made every
effort during the rewrite of FMVSS No.
108 to improve usability of the standard.
The agency has granted requests to
further improve the standard by moving
certain language or removing redundant
requirements where we felt that the
requested changes could be made
without substantively altering the
requirements of the standard.
We are denying Nissan’s request to
modify paragraph S6.1.3.4.2 to include
language from a February 12, 1998
interpretation letter to Ford Motor
Company to clarify the meaning of the
phrase ‘‘special tools.’’ In response to
petitions for reconsideration, we are not
adding new interpretation letters
beyond those addressed in the NPRM
and final rule.
Harley-Davidson requested that the
agency clarify that it is permissible to
mount dual motorcycle headlamps
horizontally. We agree that paragraph
S6.1.3.5.1.3 introduces ambiguity to the
requirements for when motorcycle
headlamps must be mounted vertically.
Paragraph S6.1.3.5.1.3 of the rewrite is
derived from paragraph S7.9.1(b) of the
currently applicable version of FMVSS
No. 108. Paragraph S7.9.1(b) states that
a motorcycle headlamp system
consisting of half of certain automobile
headlamp systems must be mounted
vertically. The requirement that a
motorcycle headlamp system consisting
of half an automobile headlamp system
be mounted vertically is also contained
in paragraph S10.17(a) of the rewrite of
FMVSS No. 108. Because the
requirements of S6.1.3.5.1.3 are more
clearly stated elsewhere in the rewrite,
the agency considers paragraph
S6.1.3.5.1.3 to be duplicative. Therefore,
we are removing paragraph S6.1.3.5.1.3
from the rewrite of FMVSS No. 108.
Koito requested that paragraph
S7.3.12.1, which specifies the
requirements for the ratio of intensities
between a stop lamp and a taillamp, be
modified to clarify that SAE J1398
(MAY 1998), applicable to wide
vehicles, does not have a 560 mm or 410
mm classification and always applies
the ratio requirement when determining
the appropriate photometric multiplier.
We agree that there was no 560 mm or
410 mm classification for wide vehicles
in the text of the currently applicable
version of FMVSS No. 108. However,
the agency believes that the paragraphs
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of S7.3.12 are clear as written in the
final rule. Because no class restrictions
are placed within paragraph S7.3.12.1,
the requirements apply to all vehicles
regardless of width. While we do not
believe that we need to modify this
paragraph, we do note that Koito’s
stated understanding of the issue is
correct.
As Nissan requested, paragraph
S8.2.1.5 has been modified to add a
subject to the sentence. It now reads:
‘‘Application Location. Conspicuity
systems need not be * * *’’
Nissan requested that paragraph
S10.1.2 be modified to eliminate the
duplicate requirements for motorcycle
headlamp systems. Paragraph S10.1.2
states: ‘‘Each motorcycle must be
equipped with a headlighting system
conforming to S10.17 of this standard or
one half of any headlighting system of
Table II which provides both a full
upper beam and a full lower beam.’’
Paragraph S10.17 states: ‘‘* * * a
motorcycle headlighting system may
consist of: (a) one half of any
headlighting system of Table II which
provides both a full upper beam and full
lower beam, and is designed to conform
to the * * *’’ The agency agrees that
this language is needlessly redundant,
and has modified paragraph S10.1.2 by
removing the reference to headlighting
systems comprising half of Table II
headlighting systems. Paragraph S10.1.2
now states: ‘‘Each motorcycle must be
equipped with a headlighting system
conforming to S10.17 of this standard.’’
Koito recommended modifying
paragraph S10.15.1, dealing with
replaceable bulb headlamp systems,
which states: ‘‘Installation * * * A
system must provide in total not more
than two upper beams and two lower
beams and must incorporate not more
than two replaceable light sources in
each headlamp.’’ Koito claimed this text
will allow for a four lamp system to
contain two replaceable bulbs within
each of the four lamps which is not the
intention of the original requirement.
The agency believes this paragraph
clearly and accurately expresses the text
of the currently applicable version of
FMVSS No. 108. The text of the
paragraph is substantially similar to that
of paragraph S7.5(a) of the existing
standard. NHTSA does not believe that
a change to this paragraph is necessary
and is denying this request by Koito.
Koito and Toyota both requested a
modification to paragraph S10.15.5
which states: ‘‘Additional light sources.
A replaceable bulb headlamp may
incorporate replaceable light sources
that are used for purposes other than
headlighting.’’ Both Koito and Toyota
requested that the second use of the
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word ‘‘replaceable’’ be deleted from this
requirement because they believed that
the language implied that light sourced
used for purposes other than
headlighting incorporated into a
replaceable bulb headlamp must always
be replaceable. The agency believes that
the language used in the final rule is
consistent with the current standard and
clearly describes the requirements of
replaceable bulb headlamps that
incorporate other light sources.
Therefore, the agency is denying this
request. Nissan requested that paragraph
S10.18.9.5, which contains photometry
requirements for visually/optically
aimed headlamps, be deleted. Nissan
claimed that this paragraph is
redundant with paragraphs S10.13.3,
S10.14.6, S10.15.6, S10.16.2, and Table
II which contain the photometry
requirements for all permissible
headlamps. Nissan suggested that these
requirements should be stated only once
in FMVSS No. 108. The agency agrees
that the paragraphs are redundant and
we believe that a user of this standard
could locate the necessary information
without this paragraph with the
assistance of Table II. However, the
redundancy of paragraph S10.18.9.5
may significantly increase the usability
of the standard for a particular user
interested primarily in finding the
requirements of a visually/optically
aimable headlamp. Accordingly, we
have not modified paragraph S10.18.9.5
and we are denying Nissan’s request.
Nissan requested that the agency
reorganize paragraph S13.3 containing
the marking requirements for
replacement lenses. Nissan noted that
marking requirements for replacement
lenses are already included in paragraph
S6.5.1, along with the other headlamp
DOT marking requirements. Nissan also
requested that the remaining
requirements in paragraph S13.3 be
moved with a new paragraph number
under paragraph S6.5.3.6 in order to
consolidate all the requirements in one
place. The agency agrees that keeping
the marking requirements together is an
important factor in meeting the stated
goal of making the standard more userfriendly. Therefore, S13.3 has been
deleted, and a new paragraph S6.5.3.6
has been added to read as published in
this final rule.
The Associations and SABIC
requested a modification to paragraph
S14.1.2, which contains the testing
specifications for all plastic materials
used for optical parts on lamps or
reflective devices. SABIC requested that
the word ‘‘transparent’’ be added before
‘‘optical’’ and the word ‘‘reflex’’ before
the word ‘‘reflectors’’ to clarify that the
requirements of this paragraph do not
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apply to opaque materials used in light
components. The Associations also
requested that the word ‘‘reflex’’ be
added before the word reflector. We
note that paragraph S14.1.2 was
transposed from paragraph S5.1.2 of the
currently-applicable version of FMVSS
No. 108 which states: ‘‘Plastic materials
used for optical parts such as lenses and
reflectors shall conform to SAE
Recommended Practice J576 JUL 1991,
except that:’’ The agency notes that
neither the word ‘‘transparent,’’ nor the
word ‘‘reflex’’ was in the text of the
currently applicable version of FMVSS
No. 108. We believe the word
‘‘transparent’’ could be interpreted such
that the addition of this word would
create a substantive modification to the
requirement and that adding the term
‘‘reflex’’ would also stray from our
intention to transpose existing language
without making changes. Therefore, we
are denying this request.
Nissan requested a modification to
paragraph S14.2.4.3, dealing with DRL
bulb photometric testing requirements.
Nissan maintained that the
requirements of this paragraph create
conflict with paragraph S14.2.4.1.
Paragraph S14.2.4.3 contains a pointing
statement to paragraph S14.2.1.6 which
states that bulbs are to be operated at
their rated mean spherical candela
during testing of DRL photometry
requirements. Paragraph S14.2.4.1
requires that the bulbs be operated at a
fixed 12.8 V input during DRL
photometry testing. This creates a
conflict within the regulatory text
because a bulb’s mean spherical candela
may not be achieved at 12.8V. In order
to eliminate this apparent contradiction,
Nissan suggested modifying S14.2.4.3 to
state ‘‘Bulb requirements of S14.2.1.6
apply to DRL photometry, except for the
need to operate at the rated mean
spherical candela.’’
The agency agrees that the last
statement in paragraph S14.2.1.6
requiring that bulbs be operated at their
mean spherical candela during
photometry testing does not apply to
DRLs because this requirement is
excluded by the ‘‘unless otherwise
specified’’ clause within SAE J575e
(AUG 1970). The requirement that bulbs
be operated at their mean spherical
candela does not apply to DRLs because
of specific voltage callout in paragraph
S11 of the currently applicable version
of the standard. Accordingly, paragraph
S14.2.4.3 has been modified by
removing the reference to paragraph
S14.2.1.6 and now reads as follows:
‘‘S14.2.4.3 Except for a lamp having a
sealed-in bulb, a lamp must meet the
applicable requirements of this standard
when tested with a bulb whose filament
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is positioned within ± .010 in. of the
nominal design position specified in
SAE J573d, Lamp bulbs and Sealed
Units, December 1968, (incorporated by
reference, see 571.108 S5.2 of this title)
or specified by the bulb manufacturer.’’
Koito requested a clarification of the
requirement in S14.4.2.1.3 that specifies
testing for plastic optical materials.
Koito questioned if a material thickness
of 7 mm can be certified if it was once
tested in the four thicknesses required
by this standard. The agency does not
believe it is appropriate to address this
interpretive question within this notice.
However, we do note that the Koito
request will be addressed in the followup notice.
Nissan requested that the table under
paragraph S14.9.3.11.2.3.1 be given a
title and relocated to the table section of
the standard and referenced as Table
XXI. We are denying this request. The
table is part of paragraph
S14.9.3.11.2.3.1, Operating limits. The
agency feels that the requirements
specified in the table are most
appropriately located with the other
requirements applicable to
semiautomatic headlamp beam
switching device tests.
AAM requested that Table I–a be
separated to create two new tables based
on overall vehicle width. AAM stated
that splitting Table I–a to create separate
tables for narrow and wide vehicles
would simplify the standard and make
it easier to use. The agency is denying
AAM’s request. We believe that it is
appropriate to group the requirements
for both wide vehicles and narrow
vehicles together based on the
commonality of the requirements for
both wide and narrow vehicles.
AAM stated that the requirements for
DRLs should not be included in Table
I–a because DRLs are optional
equipment and Table I–a is entitled
Required Lamps and Reflective Devices.
AAM believed that locating the
requirements for DRLs in Table I–a
detracts from the ease of usability of the
standard. We disagree with AAM’s
argument. The agency believes that
Table I–a is the most appropriate
location for the requirements for DRLs.
Unlike other optional lamps and
lighting equipment installed on
vehicles, DRLs, when installed, are
regulated according to all the categories
contained in Table I–a. We believe that
final rule clearly indicates that DRLs are
optional equipment. Therefore, AAM’s
request is denied.
Koito requested that the agency
amend the device activation
requirements for high mounted stop
lamps contained in Table I–a. Koito
requested that the agency clarify that
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activation of the high mounted stop
lamp upon application of a device
designed to retard the motion of the
vehicle is optional. We agree that
activation of the high mounted stop
lamp is optional upon application of a
device designed to retard the motion of
the vehicle and have revised Table I–a
to note this distinction.
AAM requested that the titles of
Tables I–a, I–b, and I–c be changed to
include the vehicles to which the tables
apply. NHTSA is denying this request.
We feel that the subheadings included
in the tables clearly indicate the class of
vehicles to which the tables apply.
Valeo, Grote, and the Associations
requested that the agency modify Table
XII to clarify that when a single backup
lamp is used on a vehicle the maximum
photometric intensity allowed is 600
candela. The agency agrees and has
added the 600 candela value to Table
XII and a footnote stating: ‘‘the value
before the slash applies to each lamp in
a multiple lamp system; the value after
the slash applies to a single lamp
system.’’
Nissan requested that the agency
modify footnote 1 in Tables XIX–a, XIX–
b, and XIX–c to clarify the photometry
requirements for the test areas specified
in the tables. The agency agrees and is
modifying footnote 1 in each of the
three tables to read: these test points are
boundaries; intensity values within this
boundary must meet the listed
photometry requirement.
The agency has attempted to format
the tables of FMVSS No. 108 in the most
user friendly manner. Where the agency
was able to avoid splitting tables across
multiple pages, the agency has done so.
We believe that for some of the larger
tables contained in the standard,
modifications necessary to fit the tables
on to a signal page, such as shrinking
the text in the table, would make the
tables more difficult to use.
E. Preemptive Effect of FMVSS No. 108
AAJ requested that the agency remove
any reference to preemption of state tort
law from the preamble of the final rule.
AAJ argued that Geier v. American
Honda Motor Co.28 is an unusual, factdriven case and does not provide a basis
for the agency to claim that all Federal
motor vehicle safety standards preempt
state tort law. AAJ maintained that
FMVSS No. 108 is a minimum safety
standard and, thus, is not intended to
preempt state tort law. AAJ claimed that
it was premature for the agency to
speculate about the preemptive effect of
a rule before the existence of an actual
legal conflict on the record. AAJ further
28 529
U.S. 861 (2000).
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argued that any claim of preemption by
the agency is subject to the notice and
comment provisions of the
Administrative Procedure Act.29
The agency does not consider AAJ’s
submission to be a petition for
reconsideration, as NHTSA’s
preemption discussion contained in the
preamble is not a rule. Accordingly, we
are treating this petition as a simple
request to disavow the preemption
discussion in the final rule preamble.
We provided the general discussion of
implied preemption and Geier in
accordance with the directive of
Executive Order 13132, Federalism, for
agencies to analyze the federalism
implications of their rulemakings. In
that discussion, the agency explained
that NHTSA’s safety standards can
preempt state laws in at least two ways:
Either expressly, through the express
preemption provision of the Vehicle
Safety Act, or impliedly, if State
requirements create a conflict and thus
stand as an obstacle to the
accomplishment and execution of a
NHTSA safety standard. The agency
would like to note that because most
FMVSS are minimum standards, a State
common law tort cause of action that
seeks to impose a higher standard on
motor vehicle manufacturers will
generally not be preempted. However, if
and when such a conflict does exist—
for example, when the standard at issue
is both a minimum and a maximum
standard—the State common law tort
cause of action is impliedly preempted.
See Geier v. American Honda Motor Co.,
529 U.S. 861 (2000).
To this end, the agency has examined
the nature (e.g., the language and
structure of the regulatory text) and
objectives of the final rule, which like
many NHTSA rules, prescribes only a
minimum safety standard. As such,
NHTSA does not intend that this rule
preempt state tort law that would
effectively impose a higher standard on
motor vehicle manufacturers than
FMVSS No. 108. Establishment of a
higher standard by means of State tort
law would not conflict with the
minimum standard announced in
FMVSS No. 108. Without any conflict,
there could not be any implied
preemption of a State common law tort
cause of action. For the aforementioned
reasons, the agency declines to remove
the Geier language from its discussion of
preemption law.
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V. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
A. Executive Order 12866, Executive
Order 13563, and DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures
NHTSA has considered the impact of
this rulemaking action under Executive
Order 12866, Executive Order 13563,
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.’’ It is not
considered to be significant under E.O.
12866 or the Department’s regulatory
policies and procedures. This final rule
merely corrects technical and
typographical errors in FMVSS No. 108.
Today’s rule will not have any
measurable effect on costs or benefits
since the rule merely reorganizes and
clarifies existing requirements.
B. Privacy Act
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://docketsinfo.dot.gov/.
C. Other Rulemaking Analyses and
Notices
In the December 2007 final rule, the
agency discussed relevant requirements
related to the Regulatory Flexibility Act,
the National Environmental Policy Act,
Executive Order 13132 (Federalism), the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, Civil
Justice Reform, the National Technology
Transfer and Advancement Act, the
Paperwork Reduction Act, and
Executive Order 13045 (Protection of
Children from Environmental Health
and Safety Risks). Since that final rule
was an administrative rewrite of
existing requirements and since today’s
action simply makes technical
corrections to that final rule, today’s
rule does not affect the agency’s
analyses in those areas.
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 571
Imports, Incorporation by reference,
Motor vehicle safety, Motor vehicles,
and Tires.
In consideration of the foregoing,
NHTSA is amending 49 CFR Part 571 as
follows:
U.S.C. 553.
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 152 / Monday, August 8, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
PART 571—FEDERAL MOTOR
VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS
1. The authority citation for Part 571
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115,
30117, 30166; delegation of authority at 49
CFR 1.50.
2. Section 571.108 is amended as
follows:
■ a. By revising entry 17 in S5.2;
paragraphs S6.1.1.4; S6.1.3.2; S6.2.3.1;
S6.4.4; S6.5.3; S6.5.3.3.1; S6.5.3.6;
S7.1.1.9 ; S7.1.1.10.4(a); S7.1.1.11;
S7.1.1.11.1; S7.1.1.12.4; S7.1.2.9; S7.2.9;
S7.3.9; S7.4.9; S7.5.9; S7.6.9; S7.7.4;
S7.7.9; S7.8.9; S7.9.9; S7.9.14; S7.11.9;
S8.1.9; S8.2.1.5; S10.1.2; S10.13.4.1;
S10.14.7.1; S10.15.7.1; S10.18;
S14.2.1.5.2; S14.2.4.3; S14.3.1;
S14.6.9.1.1; Table I–a; Table I–b; Table
I–c; Table III; Table IV–a; Table IV–b;
Table IV–c; Table V–a; Table V–d; Table
VIII; Table IX; Table XII; Table XIV;
Table XV; Table XIX–a; Table XIX–b;
Table XIX–c;
■ b. By adding a definition of
‘‘Combination headlamp system’’ in S4;
entry 18 in S5.2; paragraph S6.5.3.1;
■ c. By removing paragraph S6.1.3.5.1.3,
removing and reserving paragraph
S10.2, and removing paragraph S13.3;
and
■ d. By removing paragraphs S7.9.14.1.1
and S7.9.14.1.2, and adding paragraphs
S7.9.14.1 and S7.9.14.2 in their place.
The revisions and additions to
§ 571.108 read as follows:
■
§ 571.108 Standard No. 108; Lamps,
reflective devices, and associated
equipment.
*
*
*
*
*
Definitions.
*
*
*
*
*
Combination Headlamp means a
headlamp that is a combination of two
different headlamp types chosen from a
type F sealed beam headlamp, an
integral beam headlamp, or a
replaceable bulb headlamp.
*
*
*
*
*
S5.2 * * *
17. American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) C150–56, published
1956, ‘‘Standard Specifications for
Portland Cement.’’ ASTM International,
100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700,
Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959.
18. Illuminating Engineering Society
of North America (IES) LM 45, approved
April 1980, ‘‘IES Approved Method for
Electrical and Photometric
Measurements of General Service
Incandescent Filament Lamps.’’
Illuminating Engineering Society of
North America, 345 East 47th St., New
York, NY 10017.
*
*
*
*
*
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with RULES
S4
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S6.1.1.4 Daytime running lamps.
Any pair of lamps on the front of a
passenger car, multipurpose passenger
vehicle, truck, or bus, whether or not
required by this standard, other than
parking lamps or fog lamps, may be
wired to be automatically activated, as
determined by the manufacturer of the
vehicle, in a steady burning state as
daytime running lamps (DRLs) in
accordance with S7.10.5.
*
*
*
*
*
S6.1.3.2 When multiple lamp
arrangements for rear turn signal lamps,
stop lamps, or taillamps are used, with
only a portion of the lamps installed on
a fixed part of the vehicle, the lamp or
lamps that are installed to the non-fixed
part of the vehicle will be considered
auxiliary lamps.
*
*
*
*
*
S6.2.3.1 When activated in the
steady burning state, headlamps
(excluding headlamps mounted on
motorcycles) must not have any styling
ornament or other feature, such as a
translucent cover or grill, in front of the
lens
*
*
*
*
*
S6.4.4 Legacy visibility alternative.
As an alternative to S6.4.3, each
passenger car and motorcycle, and each
multipurpose passenger vehicle, truck,
trailer, and bus that is of less than 2032
mm overall width, that is manufactured
on or before September 1, 2011, and
each multipurpose passenger vehicle,
truck, trailer, and bus that is of 2032
mm or more overall width, that is
manufactured on or before September 1,
2014, must have each lamp located so
that it meets the visibility requirements
specified in Table V–d.
*
*
*
*
*
S6.5.3 Headlamp markings.
S6.5.3.1 Trademark. The lens of
each original and replacement
equipment headlamp, and of each
original and replacement equipment
beam contributor must be marked with
the name and/or trademark registered
with the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office of the manufacturer of such
headlamp or beam contributor, of its
importer, or any manufacturer of a
vehicle equipped with such headlamp
or beam contributor. Nothing in this
standard authorizes the marking of any
such name and/or trademark by one
who is not the owner, unless the owner
has consented to it.
*
*
*
*
*
S6.5.3.3.1 Each sealed beam
headlamp lens must be molded with
‘‘sealed beam’’ and the appropriate
designation code as shown in Table II in
characters no less than 6.35 mm in size.
*
*
*
*
*
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S6.5.3.6 Each replacement headlamp
lens must also be marked with the
manufacturer and the part or trade
number of the headlamp for which it is
intended, and with the name and/or
trademark of the lens manufacturer or
importer that is registered with the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office. Nothing
in this standard authorizes the marking
of any such name and/or trademark by
one who is not the owner, unless the
owner has consented to it.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.1.1.9 Markings. See S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.1.1.10.4 Spacing based
photometric multipliers.
(a) where the spacing measurement as
measured from the optical center of the
turn signal lamp, to the lighted edge of
a lower beam headlamp is less than 100
mm the photometric multiplier must be
2.5.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.1.1.11 Multiple compartment
lamps and multiple lamps.
S7.1.1.11.1 A multiple compartment
lamp or multiple lamps may be used to
meet the photometric requirements of a
front turn signal lamp provided the
requirements of S6.1.3.2 are met.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.1.1.12.4 Where the clearance
lamp is combined with the turn signal
lamp, and the maximum luminous
intensity of the clearance lamp is
located below horizontal and within an
area generated by a 1.0 degree radius
around a test point, the ratio for the test
point may be computed using the lowest
value of the clearance lamp luminous
intensity within the generated area.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.1.2.9 Markings. See S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.2.9 Markings. See S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.3.9 Markings. See S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.4.9 Markings. See S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.5.9 Markings. See S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.6.9 Markings. See. S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.7.4 Mounting height. No
requirement.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.7.9 Markings. See. S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.8.9 Markings. See. S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.9.9 Markings. See. S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.9.14 Physical tests.
S7.9.14.1 Each high-mounted stop
lamp must be designed to conform to
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the performance requirements of the
vibration test of S14.5, and the color test
and plastic optical material test of
S14.4.
S7.9.14.2 Each high-mounted stop
lamp that is not mounted inside the
vehicle must be designed to conform to
the performance requirements of the
moisture test, dust test, and corrosion
test of S14.5.
*
*
*
*
*
S7.11.9 Markings. See. S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S8.1.9 Markings. See. S6.5.1.2.
*
*
*
*
*
S8.2.1.5 Application location.
Conspicuity systems need not be
installed, as illustrated in Figure 12–2,
on discontinuous surfaces such as
outside ribs, stake post pickets on
platform trailers, and external
protruding beams, or to items of
equipment such as door hinges and
lamp bodies on trailers and body joints,
stiffening beads, drip rails, and rolled
surfaces on truck tractors.
*
*
*
*
*
S10.1.2 Each motorcycle must be
equipped with a headlighting system
conforming to S10.17 of this standard.
S10.2 [Reserved]
*
*
*
*
*
S10.13.4.1 Each sealed beam
headlamp must be designed to conform
to the performance requirements of the
corrosion test, vibration test, inward
force test (for lamps which are
externally aimed only), torque
deflection test (for lamps which are
externally aimed only), headlamp
connector test, headlamp wattage test,
and aiming adjustment tests of S14.6.
*
*
*
*
*
S10.14.7.1 Each integral beam
headlamp must be designed to conform
to the performance requirements of the
corrosion test, temperature cycle test,
vibration test, inward force test (for
lamps which are externally aimed only),
headlamp connector test, and aiming
adjustment tests of S14.6.
*
*
*
*
*
S10.15.7.1 Each replaceable bulb
headlamp must be designed to conform
to the performance requirements of the
corrosion test, corrosion-connector test,
dust test, temperature cycle test,
humidity test, vibration test, inward
force test (for lamps which are
externally aimed only), headlamp
connector test, and aiming adjustment
tests of S14.6.
*
*
*
*
*
S10.18 Headlamp aimability
performance requirements (except for
motorcycles)
*
*
*
*
*
S14.2.1.5.2 Luminous intensity
measurements of multiple compartment
lamps or multiple lamp arrangements
are made either by:
(a) Measuring all compartments
together, provided that a line from the
optical axis of each compartment or
lamp to the center of the photometer
sensing device does not make an angle
more than 0.6° with the H–V axis, or
(b) Measuring each compartment or
lamp separately by aligning its optical
48025
axis with the photometer and adding the
value at each test point.
*
*
*
*
*
S14.2.4.3 Except for a lamp having a
sealed-in bulb, a lamp must meet the
applicable requirements of this standard
when tested with a bulb whose filament
is positioned within ± .010 in. of the
nominal design position specified in
SAE J573d, Lamp bulbs and Sealed
Units, December 1968, (incorporated by
reference, paragraph S5.2 of this
section) or specified by the bulb
manufacturer.
*
*
*
*
*
S14.3.1 Procedure. The sample
device must be tested for photometry
using bulbs having each of four out-offocus filament positions. Where
conventional bulbs with two pin
bayonet bases are used, tests must be
made with the light source 0.060 in.
above, below, ahead, and behind the
designated position. If prefocused bulbs
are used, the limiting positions at which
tests are made must be 0.020 in. above,
below, ahead, and behind the
designated position. The sample device
may be reaimed for each of the out-offocus positions of the light source.
*
*
*
*
*
S14.6.9.1.1 An unfixtured sample
headlamp in its design mounting
position is placed in water at a
temperature of 176° ± 5° F (80° ± 3° C)
for one hour. The headlamp is energized
in its highest wattage mode, with the
test voltage at 12.8 ± 0.1 V during
immersion.
*
*
*
*
*
TABLE I–a—REQUIRED LAMPS AND REFLECTIVE DEVICES
Lighting
device
Mounting
location
Number and color
Mounting height
Device activation
All Passenger Cars, Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPV), Trucks, and Buses
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with RULES
Lower Beam
Headlamps.
White, of a
headlighting system
listed in Table II.
On the front, at the
same height, symmetrically about the
vertical centerline,
as far apart as practicable.
Not less than 22
inches (55.9 cm)
nor more than 54
inches (137.2 cm).
Upper Beam
Headlamps.
White, of a
headlighting system
listed in Table II.
On the front, at the
same height, symmetrically about the
vertical centerline,
as far apart as practicable.
Not less than 22
inches (55.9 cm)
nor more than 54
inches (137.2 cm).
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The wiring harness or connector assembly of
each headlighting system must be designed so that only those light sources intended
for
meeting
lower
beam
photometrics are energized when the
beam selector switch is in the lower beam
position, and that only those light sources
intended for meeting upper beam
photometrics are energized when the
beam selector switch is in the upper beam
position, except for certain systems listed
in Table II.
Steady burning, except that may be flashed
for signaling purposes.
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TABLE I–a—REQUIRED LAMPS AND REFLECTIVE DEVICES—Continued
Lighting
device
Number and color
Mounting
location
Turn Signal Lamps ....
2 Amber .....................
At or near the front, at
the same height,
symmetrically about
the vertical centerline, as far apart as
practicable.
On the rear, at the
same height, symmetrically about the
vertical centerline,
as far apart as practicable.
On the rear, at the
same height, symmetrically about the
vertical centerline,
as far apart as practicable.
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 83 inches.
Flash when the turn signal flasher is actuated by the turn signal operating unit.
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 72 inches.
Steady burning. Must be activated when the
headlamps are activated in a steady burning state or the parking lamps on passenger cars and MPVs, trucks, and buses
less than 80 inches in overall width are activated.
May be activated when the headlamps are
activated at less than full intensity as Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).
Steady burning.
Must be activated upon application of the
service brakes. When optically combined
with a turn signal lamp, the circuit must be
such that the stop signal cannot be activated if the turn signal lamp is flashing.
May also be activated by a device designed
to retard the motion of the vehicle.
Steady burning except may be flashed for
signaling purposes. Must be activated
when the headlamps are activated in a
steady burning state or the parking lamps
on passenger cars and MPVs, trucks, and
buses less than 80 inches in overall width
are activated.
2 Amber or red Truck
tractor exception,
see S6.1.1.3.
Mounting height
Taillamps ....................
2 Red .........................
Stop Lamps ................
2 Red .........................
On the rear, at the
same height, symmetrically about the
vertical centerline,
as far apart as practicable.
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 72 inches.
Side Marker Lamps ...
2 Amber .....................
On each side as far to
the front as practicable.
Not less than 15
inches.
2 Red (not required
on truck tractor).
On each side as far to
the rear as practicable.
On each side as far to
the front as practicable.
On each side as far to
the rear as practicable.
On the rear, at the
same height, symmetrically about the
vertical centerline,
as far apart as practicable.
On a truck tractor may
be mounted on the
back of the cab not
less than 4 inches
above the height of
the rear tires.
On the rear ................
Reflex Reflectors .......
2 Amber .....................
2 Red (not required
on truck tractor)..
2 Red .........................
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with RULES
Backup Lamp .............
1 White Additional
lamps permitted to
meet requirements.
License Plate Lamp ...
1 White Additional
lamps permitted to
meet requirements.
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On the rear to illuminate license plate
from top or sides.
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Device activation
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 60 inches.
Not applicable.
No requirement ..........
Steady burning.
Must be activated when the ignition switch is
energized and reverse gear is engaged.
Must not be energized when the vehicle is in
forward motion.
Steady burning.
Must be activated when the headlamps are
activated in a steady burning state or
when the parking lamps on passenger
cars and MPVs, trucks, and buses less
than 80 inches in overall width are activated.
No requirement ..........
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48027
TABLE I–a—REQUIRED LAMPS AND REFLECTIVE DEVICES—Continued
Lighting
device
Mounting
location
Number and color
Mounting height
Device activation
Additional Lamps Required on All Passenger Cars, and on Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPV), Trucks, and Buses, Less Than
2032 MM in Overall Width
Parking lamps ............
2 Amber or white .......
On the front, at the
same height, symmetrically about the
vertical centerline,
as far apart as practicable.
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 72 inches.
Steady burning.
Must be activated when the headlamps are
activated in a steady burning state.
Additional Lamp(s) Required on All Passenger Cars, and on Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPV), Trucks, and Buses, Less Than
2032 MM in Overall Width and With a GVWR of 10,000 Lbs or Less
High mounted stop
lamp.
1 Red, or 2 red where
exceptions apply.
See Section 6.1.1.2.
On the rear including
glazing, with the
lamp center on the
vertical centerline
as viewed from the
rear.
Not less than 34
inches except for
passenger cars.
See Section 6.1.4.1.
Steady burning.
Must only be activated upon application of
the service brakes or may be activated by
a device designed to retard the motion of
the vehicle.
Additional Lamps and Reflective Devices Required on All Passenger Cars, Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPV), Trucks, and Buses,
30 Feet or Longer
Intermediate side
marker lamps.
2 Amber .....................
On each side located
at or near the midpoint between the
front and rear side
marker lamps.
Not less than 15
inches.
Intermediate side reflex reflectors.
2 Amber .....................
On each side located
at or near the midpoint between the
front and rear side
reflex reflectors.
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 60 inches.
Steady burning except may be flashed for
signaling purposes.
Must be activated when the headlamps are
activated in a steady burning state or
when the parking lamps on passenger
cars and MPVs, trucks, and buses less
than 80 inches in overall width are activated.
Not applicable.
Additional Lamps Required on All Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPV), Trucks, and Buses, 2032 MM or More in Overall Width
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Clearance lamps ........
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2 Amber .....................
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On the front to indicate the overall
width of the vehicle,
or width of cab on
truck tractor, at the
same height, symmetrically about the
vertical centerline.
May be located at a
location other than
the front if necessary to indicate
the overall width of
the vehicle, or for
protection from
damage during normal operation of the
vehicle.
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As near the top as
practicable.
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Steady burning.
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TABLE I–a—REQUIRED LAMPS AND REFLECTIVE DEVICES—Continued
Lighting
device
Number and color
Mounting height
2 Red .........................
(not required on truck
tractor).
Identification lamps ....
Mounting
location
On the rear to indicate
the overall width of
the vehicle, at the
same height, symmetrically about the
vertical centerline.
May be located at a
location other than
the rear if necessary to indicate
the overall width of
the vehicle, or for
protection from
damage during normal operation of the
vehicle.
On the front, at the
same height, as
close as practicable
to the vertical centerline, with lamp
centers spaced not
less than 6 inches
or more than 12
inches apart.
On the rear, at the
same height, as
close as practicable
to the vertical centerline, with lamp
centers spaced not
less than 6 inches
or more than 12
inches apart.
As near the top as
practicable, except
where the rear identification lamps are
mounted at the extreme height of the
vehicle..
Practicability of locating lamps on the
vehicle header is
presumed when the
header extends at
least 25 mm (1
inch) above the rear
doors.
Steady burning.
As near the top of the
vehicle or top of the
cab as practicable.
Steady burning.
As near the top as
practicable.
Practicability of locating lamps on the
vehicle header is
presumed when the
header extends at
least 25 mm (1
inch) above the rear
doors.
Steady burning.
3 Amber .....................
3 Red (not required
on truck tractor).
Device activation
Additional Lamps Required on All School Buses Except Multifunction School Activity Buses
Signal warning lamps
2 Red plus 2 amber
optional.
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with RULES
2 Red plus 2 amber
optional.
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On the front of the
cab as far apart as
practicable, but in
no case shall the
spacing between
lamps be less than
40 inches.
Amber lamps, when
installed, at the
same height as and
just inboard of the
red lamp.
On the rear cab as far
apart as practicable,
but in no case shall
the spacing between lamps be
less than 40 inches.
Amber lamps, when
installed, at the
same height as and
just inboard of the
red lamp.
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Fmt 4700
As high as practicable
but at least above
the windshield.
Flashing alternately between 60 to 120 cycles per minute, with an activation period
sufficient to allow the lamp to reach full
brightness, when actuated by a manual
switch.
Amber lamps, when installed, may only be
activated by manual or foot operation, and
must be automatically deactivated and the
red lamps must be automatically activated
when the bus entrance door is opened.
As high as practicable
but at least above
the top of any side
window opening.
Flashing alternately between 60 to 120 cycles per minute, with an activation period
sufficient to allow the lamp to reach full
brightness, when actuated by a manual
switch.
Amber lamps, when installed, may only be
activated by manual or foot operation, and
must be automatically deactivated and the
red lamps must be automatically activated
when the bus entrance door is opened.
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48029
TABLE I–a—REQUIRED LAMPS AND REFLECTIVE DEVICES—Continued
Lighting
device
Mounting
location
Number and color
Mounting height
Device activation
Daytime Running Lamps Permitted But Not Required on Passenger Cars, Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPV), Trucks, and Buses
Daytime running lamp
(DRL).
2 identically colored
either white, white
to yellow, white to
selective yellow, selective yellow, or
yellow.
On the front, symmetrically disposed
about the vertical
centerline if not a
pair of lamps required by this standard or if not optically
combined with a
pair of lamps required by this standard.
Not more than 1.067
meters above the
road surface if not a
pair of lamps required by this standard or if not optically
combined with a
pair of lamps required by this standard.
See S7.10.13(b) for
additional height
limitation.
Steady burning.
Automatically activated as determined by the
vehicle manufacturer and automatically deactivated when the headlamp control is in
any ‘‘on’’ position.
Each DRL optically combined with a turn signal lamp must be automatically deactivated as a DRL when the turn signal lamp
or hazard warning lamp is activated, and
automatically reactivated as a DRL when
the turn signal lamp or hazard warning
lamp is deactivated.
See S7.10.10.1(c) for additional activation
requirements when mounted close to, or
combined with, a turn signal lamp.
TABLE I–b—REQUIRED LAMPS AND REFLECTIVE DEVICES
Lighting device
Number and color
Mounting location
Mounting height
Device activation
ALL TRAILERS
2 Red or amber .........
On the rear, at the same height, symmetrically about the vertical centerline, as far
apart as practicable.
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 83 inches.
Taillamps ....................
2 Red or 1 red on
trailers less than 30
inches wide.
2 Red, or 1 red on
trailers less than 30
inches wide.
On the rear, at the same height, symmetrically about the vertical centerline, as far
apart as practicable. When a single lamp
is installed it must be mounted at or near
the vertical centerline.
On the rear, at the same height, symmetrically about the vertical centerline, as far
apart as practicable. When a single lamp
is installed it must be mounted at or near
the vertical centerline.
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 72 inches.
Stop Lamps ................
Side Marker Lamps ...
2 Amber .....................
None required on trailers less than 1829
mm [6 ft] in overall
length including the
trailer tongue.
On each side as far to the front as practicable exclusive of the trailer tongue.
Not less than 15
inches.
2 Red .........................
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Turn Signal Lamps ....
On each side as far to the rear as practicable.
Not less than 15
inches. Not more
than 60 inches on
trailers 2032 mm or
more in overall
width.
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Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 72 inches.
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Flash when the turn
signal flasher is actuated by the turn
signal operating
unit.
Steady burning.
Steady burning.
Must be activated
upon application of
the service brakes.
When optically combined with a turn
signal lamp, the circuit must be such
that the stop signal
cannot be activated
if the turn signal
lamp is flashing.
May also be activated by a device
designed to retard
the motion of the
vehicle.
Steady burning except
may be flashed for
signaling purposes.
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TABLE I–b—REQUIRED LAMPS AND REFLECTIVE DEVICES—Continued
Lighting device
Number and color
Mounting location
Reflex Reflectors. A
trailer equipped with
a conspicuity treatment in conformance with S8.2 of
this standard need
not be equipped
with reflex reflectors
if the conspicuity
material is placed at
the locations of the
required reflex reflectors.
2 Amber .....................
None required on trailers less than 1829
mm [6 ft] in overall
length including the
trailer tongue.
On each side as far to the front as practicable exclusive of the trailer tongue.
2 Red .........................
On each side as far to the rear as practicable.
On the rear, at the same height, symmetrically about the vertical centerline, as far
apart as practicable.
When a single reflector is installed it must be
mounted at or near the vertical centerline..
On the rear to illuminate license plate from
top or sides.
2 Red or 1 red on
trailers less than 30
inches wide.
License Plate Lamp ...
1 White .......................
Additional lamps permitted to meet requirements.
Mounting height
Device activation
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 60 inches.
Not applicable.
No requirement ..........
Steady burning.
Additional Lamps and Reflective Devices Required on all Trailers 30 Feet or Longer
Intermediate side
marker lamps.
2 Amber .....................
Intermediate side reflex reflectors.
A trailer equipped with
a conspicuity treatment in conformance with S8.2 of
this standard need
not be equipped
with reflex reflectors
if the conspicuity
material is placed at
the locations of the
required reflex reflectors.
2 Amber .....................
On each side located at or near the midpoint
between the front and rear side marker
lamps.
On each side located at or near the midpoint
between the front and rear side reflex reflectors.
Not less than 15
inches.
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 60 inches.
Steady burning except
may be flashed for
signaling purposes.
Not applicable.
Additional Lamps Required on all Trailers 2032 MM or More in Overall Width
Clearance lamps ........
2 Amber .....................
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2 Red .........................
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On the front to indicate the overall width of
the vehicle, at the same height, symmetrically about the vertical centerline.
May be located at a location other than the
front if necessary to indicate the overall
width of the vehicle, or for protection from
damage during normal operation of the vehicle.
On the rear to indicate the overall width of
the vehicle, at the same height, symmetrically about the vertical centerline.
May be located at a location other than the
rear if necessary to indicate the overall
width of the vehicle, or for protection from
damage during normal operation of the vehicle.
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As near the top as
practicable.
Steady burning.
As near the top as
practicable, except
where the rear identification lamps are
mounted at the extreme height of the
vehicle. Practicability of locating
lamps on the vehicle header is presumed when the
header extends at
least 25 mm (1
inch) above the rear
doors.
Steady burning.
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TABLE I–b—REQUIRED LAMPS AND REFLECTIVE DEVICES—Continued
Lighting device
Number and color
2 Amber to front and
red to rear.
Identification lamps ....
3 Red .........................
Mounting location
Mounting height
On a boat trailer the requirement for front
and rear clearance lamps may be met by
installation at or near the midpoint on each
side of a dual facing lamp so as to indicate the extreme width. May be located at
a location other than the front and the rear
if necessary to indicate the overall width of
the vehicle, or for protection from damage
during normal operation of the vehicle.
On the rear, at the same height, as close as
practicable to the vertical centerline, with
lamp centers spaced not less than 6
inches or more than 12 inches apart.
Device activation
As near the top as
practicable.
Steady burning.
As near the top as
practicable.
Practicability of locating lamps on the
vehicle header is
presumed when the
header extends at
least 25 mm (1
inch) above the rear
doors.
Steady burning.
TABLE I–c—REQUIRED LAMPS AND REFLECTIVE DEVICES
Lighting device
Number and color
Mounting location
Mounting height
Device activation
All Motorcycles
Lower Beam
Headlamps.
White, of a
headlighting system
listed in S10.17.
On the front, at the
same height, symmetrically about the
vertical centerline,
as far apart as practicable. See additional requirements
in S10.17.1.1,
S10.17.1.2, and
S10.17.1.3.
Not less than 22
inches (55.9 cm)
nor more than 54
inches (137.2 cm).
Upper Beam
Headlamps.
White, of a
headlighting system
listed in S10.17.
On the front, at the
same height, symmetrically about the
vertical centerline,
as far apart as practicable. See additional requirements
in S10.17.1.1,
S10.17.1.2, and
S10.17.1.3.
Not less than 22
inches (55.9 cm)
nor more than 54
inches (137.2 cm).
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Turn Signal Lamps ....
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2 Amber. None required on a motor
driven cycle whose
speed attainable in
1 mile is 30 mph or
less.
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At or near the front, at
the same height,
symmetrically about
the vertical centerline, and having a
minimum horizontal
separation distance
(centerline of lamps)
of 16 inches. Minimum edge to edge
separation distance
between a turn signal lamp and
headlamp is 4
inches.
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Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 83 inches.
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The wiring harness or connector assembly of
each headlighting system must be designed so that only those light sources intended
for
meeting
lower
beam
photometrics are energized when the
beam selector switch is in the lower beam
position, and that only those light sources
intended for meeting upper beam
photometrics are energized when the
beam selector switch is in the upper beam
position, except for certain systems listed
in Table II.
Steady burning, except that may be flashed
for signaling purposes.
The upper beam or the lower beam, but not
both, may be wired to modulate from a
higher intensity to a lower intensity in accordance with S10.17.5
Flash when the turn signal flasher is actuated by the turn signal operating unit.
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TABLE I–c—REQUIRED LAMPS AND REFLECTIVE DEVICES—Continued
Lighting device
Number and color
2 Amber or red. None
required on a motor
driven cycle whose
speed attainable in
1 mile is 30 mph or
less.
Taillamps ....................
Stop Lamps ................
Reflex Reflectors .......
Mounting location
At or near the rear, at
the same height,
symmetrically about
the vertical centerline, and having a
minimum horizontal
separation distance
(centerline to centerline of lamps) of
9 inches.
Minimum edge to
edge separation distance between the
turn signal lamp and
the taillamp or stop
lamp is 4 inches,
when a single stop
and taillamp is installed on the
vertical centerline
and the turn signal
lamps are red.
On the rear, on the
vertical centerline
except that if two
are used, they must
be symmetrically
disposed about the
vertical centerline.
1 Red .........................
1 Red .........................
2 Amber .....................
2 Red .........................
1 Red .........................
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License Plate Lamp ...
1 White .......................
Additional lamps permitted to meet requirements.
*
*
*
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*
On the rear, on the
vertical centerline
except that if two
are used, they must
be symmetrically
disposed about the
vertical centerline.
On each side as far to
the front as practicable.
On each side as far to
the rear as practicable.
On the rear, on the
vertical centerline
except that, if two
are used on the
rear, they must be
symmetrically disposed about the
vertical centerline.
On the rear to illuminate license plate.
....................................
Mounting height
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 72 inches.
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 72 inches.
Not less than 15
inches, nor more
than 60 inches.
Device activation
Steady burning.
Must be activated when the headlamps are
activated in a steady burning state.
Steady burning.
Must be activated upon application of the
service brakes.
When optically combined with a turn signal
lamp, the circuit must be such that the
stop signal cannot be activated if the turn
signal lamp is flashing. May also be activated by a device designed to retard the
motion of the vehicle.
Not applicable.
No requirement ..........
Steady burning.
....................................
Must be activated when the headlamps are
activated in a steady burning state.
*
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TABLE III—MARKING REQUIREMENTS LOCATION
Lamp, reflective device, or other
component
Marking
Marking location
Requirement
‘‘DOT’’ ......................................................
Optical axis marking ................................
Manufacturer name and/or trademark .....
Voltage .....................................................
Part number or trade number ..................
Manufacturer identification .......................
Headlamp identification.
‘‘U’’ or ‘‘L’’ (4 lamp system) .....................
Replaceable bulb type .............................
‘‘sealed beam’’ .........................................
Type designation .....................................
‘‘U’’ or ‘‘L’’ (4 lamp system) .....................
‘‘motorcycle’’ ............................................
Lens .........................................................
See requirement ......................................
Lens .........................................................
See requirement ......................................
See requirement ......................................
Lens .........................................................
S6.5.1
S10.18.5
S6.5.3
S6.5.3
S6.5.3
S6.5.3
Lens .........................................................
Lens .........................................................
Lens .........................................................
See requirements ....................................
Lens .........................................................
Lens .........................................................
S10.15.4
S6.5.3.4
S6.5.3.3
S6.5.3.3
S10.14.4
S10.17.2
‘‘VOR’’ or ‘‘VOL’’ or ‘‘VO’’ ........................
Lens .........................................................
S10.18.9.6
Aim pad location & ‘‘H’’ or ‘‘V‘‘ ................
Aiming scale(s) ........................................
Lens .........................................................
See requirement ......................................
S10.18.7.1
S10.18.8
‘‘DOT’’ ......................................................
See requirement ......................................
S11.1
Replaceable light source designation ......
Manufacturer name and/or trademark .....
Manufacturer name or logo .....................
See requirement.
See requirement.
See requirement ......................................
S11.2
Part number.
Light source identification.
Rated laboratory life.
High voltage warning.
Output in watts and volts.
‘‘DOT’’.
‘‘DOT’’ ......................................................
See requirement ......................................
S6.5.1.2
‘‘DRL’’ .......................................................
‘‘DOT–C’’ ..................................................
‘‘DOT–C2’’ or ‘‘DOT–C3’’ or ‘‘DOT–C4’’ ..
Lens .........................................................
Exposed surface ......................................
Exposed surface ......................................
S6.5.2
S8.2.2.1
S8.2.1.3
HEADLAMPS, BEAM CONTRIBUTORS,
OR HEADLAMP REPLACEABLE LENS.
HEADLAMP REPLACEABLE LENS .........
REPLACEABLE BULB HEADLAMPS ......
SEALED BEAM HEADLAMPS .................
INTEGRAL BEAM HEADLAMPS ..............
MOTORCYCLE REPLACEABLE BULB
HEADLAMPS.
VISUALLY/OPTICALLY
AIMED
HEADLAMPS.
EXTERNALLY AIMED HEADLAMPS .......
VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICES
(VHAD).
(HEADLAMP) REPLACEABLE LIGHT
SOURCES.
REPLACEABLE LIGHT SOURCE BALLASTS.
LAMPS (OTHER THAN HEADLAMPS),
REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL) ........
CONSPICUITY REFLEX REFLECTORS
RETROREFLECTIVE SHEETING ............
TABLE IV–a—EFFECTIVE PROJECTED LUMINOUS LENS AREA REQUIREMENTS
Passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, trailers, and buses of less than 2032
mm in overall width
minimum effective projected luminous lens area
(sq mm)
Lighting device
........................
2200
2200
2200
5000
5000
7500
7500
7500
Multiple compartment lamp or
multiple lamps
Single compartment lamp
Front turn signal lamp ..............................
Rear turn signal lamp ..............................
Stop lamp .................................................
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Each compartment or lamp
Combined
compartments
or lamps
Multipurpose
passenger vehicles, trucks,
trailers, and
buses 2032
mm or more in
overall width
minimum effective projected luminous lens area
each lamp
(sq mm)
2200
5000
5000
Motorcycles
minimum effective projected luminous lens area (sq mm)
Multiple compartment lamp or
multiple lamps
Each compartment or lamp
Single or combined compartments or
lamps
2200
2200
2200
2258
2258
1 5000
1 A motor driven cycle whose speed attainable in 1 mile is 30 mph or less may be equipped with a stop lamp whose minimum effective projected luminous lens area is not less than 2258 sq mm.
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TABLE IV–b—EFFECTIVE PROJECTED LUMINOUS LENS AREA REQUIREMENTS
Lighting device
Passenger cars, multipurpose
passenger vehicles, trucks,
and buses of less than 2032
mm in overall width and with a
GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less
using a single lamp minimum
effective projected luminous
lens area (sq mm)
Multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses of less
than 2032 mm in overall width
and with a GVWR of 10,000
lbs or less using dual lamps of
identical size and shape minimum effective projected luminous lens area each lamp (sq
mm)
High-mounted stop lamp .....................................................................................
2903
1452
TABLE IV–c—EFFECTIVE PROJECTED LUMINOUS LENS AREA REQUIREMENTS
Lighting device
School bus
minimum effective projected
luminous lens area each lamp
(sq mm)
School bus signal lamp .............................................................................................................................................
12,258
TABLE V–a—VISIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF INSTALLED LIGHTING DEVICES
Lighting device
Required visibility
Backup lamp .......................................................
Lamps must be mounted so that the optical center of at least one lamp is visible from any eye
point elevation from at least 1828 mm (6 ft) to 610 mm (2 ft) above the horizontal plane on
which the vehicle is standing; and from any position in the area, rearward of a vertical plane
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, 914 mm (3 ft), to the rear of the vehicle
and extending 914 mm (3 ft) beyond each side of the vehicle.
Signal must be visible to the rear through a horizontal angle from 45° to the left to 45° to the
right of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. (Single lamp or two lamps together where required by S6.1.1.2 of this standard).
Signal of front lamps to the front and rear lamps to the rear must be unobstructed within area
bounded by 5° up to 10° down and 30° left to 30° right.
High-mounted stop lamp ....................................
School bus signal lamp ......................................
*
*
*
*
*
TABLE V–d—VISIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF INSTALLED LIGHTING DEVICES (LEGACY VISIBILITY ALTERNATIVE)
Required visibility 1
Lighting device
Turn signal lamp ........
All passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and trailers of less than
2032 mm overall width.
All multipurpose passenger vehicles,
trucks, buses, and trailers of 2032
mm or more overall width.
Stop lamp
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*
Unobstructed minimum effective projected luminous lens area of 1300 sq mm
through horizontal angle of H–V to H–45° OB. Where more than one lamp
or optical area is lighted on each side of the vehicle, only one such area on
each side need comply.
Unobstructed minimum effective projected luminous lens area of 1250 sq mm
through horizontal angle of H–45° IB to H–45° OB. Where more than one
lamp or optical area is lighted on each side of the vehicle, only one such
area on each side need comply.
Unobstructed minimum effective projected luminous lens area of 2 sq in
through horizontal angle of H–45° IB to H–45° OB. Where more than one
lamp or optical area is lighted on each side of the vehicle, only one such
area on each side need comply.
Taillamp
1 IB
Unobstructed minimum effective projected luminous lens area of 1250 sq mm
through horizontal angle of H–V to H–45° OB.
indicates an inboard direction (toward the vehicle’s longitudinal centerline) and OB indicates an outboard direction.
*
*
*
*
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
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Issued: July 27, 2011.
David L. Strickland,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011–19595 Filed 8–5–11; 8:45 am]
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BILLING CODE 4910–59–C
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 152 (Monday, August 8, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48009-48044]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-19595]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
49 CFR Part 571
[Docket No. NHTSA-2007-28322]
RIN 2127-AL00
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Lamps, Reflective
Devices, and Associated Equipment
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; response to petitions for reconsideration.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: On December 4, 2007, NHTSA published a final rule that amended
the Federal motor vehicle safety standard for lamps, reflective
devices, and associated equipment with an effective date of September
1, 2008. In response, the agency received thirteen petitions for
reconsideration. The effective date of the final rule was delayed in
subsequent notices to December 1, 2012. This document corrects several
technical errors in the final rule and completes the agency's response
to the issues raised in the submitted petitions for reconsideration.
DATES: Effective Date: The final rule is effective December 1, 2012.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the
rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of December
1, 2012.
Compliance Date: Voluntary early compliance is permitted beginning
August 8, 2011.
Petitions for Reconsideration: Petitions for reconsideration of
this final rule must be received not later than September 22, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Any petitions for reconsideration should refer to the docket
number of this document and be submitted to: Administrator, National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
West Building, Ground Floor, Docket Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For technical issues: Mr. Markus Price, Office of Crash Avoidance
Standards (NVS-121), NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building,
Washington, DC 20590 (Telephone: (202) 366-0098) (Fax: (202) 366-7002).
For legal issues: Mr. Thomas Healy, Office of the Chief Counsel
(NCC-112), NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building,
Washington, DC 20590 (Telephone: (202) 366-2992) (Fax: (202) 366-3820).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Executive Summary
II. Background
III. Petitions for Reconsideration
A. Definitions
B. Technical Amendments
C. Claims of Substantive Amendment
D. Amendments To Improve Clarity
IV. Agency Analysis and Response
A. Definitions
B. Technical Amendments
C. Claims of Substantive Amendment
D. Amendments To Improve Clarity
E. Preemptive Effect of FMVSS No. 108
V. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
I. Executive Summary
On December 4, 2007 NHTSA published a final rule \1\ that amended
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps,
reflective devices, and associated equipment. That final rule
reorganized the regulatory text and explicitly added to the text
existing requirements from third-party standards that had previously
been incorporated by reference. In rewriting the standard NHTSA sought
not to make any substantive changes or impose new requirements on
regulated parties. The objectives of the rewrite were to: (1) Make
requirements easier to find and comprehend; (2) present performance
requirements and test procedures together in one place, instead of
obliging the user to locate the relevant provisions of third-party
documents previously incorporated by reference; and (3) update FMVSS
No. 108 to reflect significant letters of interpretation. The rewrite
of FMVSS No. 108 was considered administrative in nature because the
standard's existing requirements and obligations were not increased,
decreased, or substantively modified.
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\1\ 72 FR 68234, (Dec. 4, 2007).
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The agency received several petitions for reconsideration which
stated some aspects of the final rule failed to adhere to the agency's
stated goal of not substantively modifying the standard's existing
requirements. Also, the agency received petitions for reconsideration
that identified formatting and grammatical errors. In addition to the
petitions addressing the technical aspects of the standard, the agency
also received a submission questioning the discussion of the preemptive
effect of FMVSS No. 108 included in the preamble of the final rule.
After careful review and consideration of the petitions for
reconsideration, the agency is amending FMVSS No. 108 in order to
correct technical errors within the final rule and is providing a
partial response to petitions for reconsideration including the
submission addressing the preemptive effect of the rule. The remaining
items in the petitions for reconsideration, which include substantive
issues and are not addressed within this partial response, will be
addressed in a separate notice. We expect to publish that notice before
the final rule effective date of December 1, 2012.
II. Background
NHTSA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on December
30, 2005 \2\ proposing to reorganize FMVSS No. 108 and improve the
clarity of the standard's requirements, thereby increasing its utility
for regulated parties. The proposed administrative rewrite attempted to
make the standard more understandable by adopting a simplified
numbering scheme to improve organization; by grouping related materials
in a more logical and consistent sequence; and by reducing the
certification burden of regulated parties who previously needed to
review a few dozen third-party documents.
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\2\ 70 FR 77454, (Dec. 30, 2005).
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From a regulatory perspective, it was the agency's intention, as
expressed in the NPRM, that the administrative rewrite of FMVSS No. 108
would neither result in any current obligations being diminished, nor
any new obligations being imposed. In other words, the substantive
requirements of the standard would be identical to those of the
currently-applicable version of FMVSS No. 108 and underlying documents
incorporated by reference. Therefore, we stated that regulated parties
would not need to make any changes to their respective products or
production processes if our proposal were made final.
The agency considered comments received on the NPRM and published a
final rule on December 4, 2007. The final rule incorporated some of the
comments received in response to the NPRM by further consolidating test
procedures and performance requirements from multiple tables to single
paragraphs, incorporating additional Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE) documents directly
[[Page 48010]]
into the regulatory text, and further consolidating marking
requirements. The final rule also added additional tables and figures
and changed the structure of the standard to present the requirements
in a more standardized and user-friendly manner. The final rule amended
FMVSS No. 108 by: (1) Reorganizing the regulatory text so that it
provides a more straightforward and logical presentation of the
applicable regulatory requirements; (2) incorporating important agency
interpretations of the existing requirements; and (3) reducing reliance
on third-party documents incorporated by reference. The preamble of the
final rule again stated that it was not the agency's intention to
create any substantive changes to the standard through the
administrative rewrite.
III. Petitions for Reconsideration
NHTSA received thirteen timely petitions for reconsideration from
automotive manufacturers, lighting suppliers, motorcycle manufacturers,
material manufacturers, a testing laboratory, and a trial bar
association.\3\ The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), Ford
Motor Company (Ford), Nissan North America (Nissan), Toyota Motor North
America (Toyota), Koito Manufacturing Co. LTD (Koito), Valeo Lighting
Systems (Valeo), Grote Industries LLC (Grote), Harley-Davidson Motor
Company (Harley-Davidson), GE Consumer & Industrial--Lighting (GE),
SABIC Innovative Plastics (SABIC), Calcoast, and American Association
for Justice (AAJ) submitted petitions for reconsideration of the final
rule. The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), the
Transportation Safety Equipment Institute (TSEI), and the Motor Vehicle
Lighting Council (MVLC), collectively the Associations, submitted a
joint petition for reconsideration. Several of the petitions claimed
that the final rule imposed new substantive requirements that were not
previously included in the old standard. Many of the petitions pointed
out grammatical and formatting issues contained in the final rule. The
petitions also requested that the agency make additional technical
changes and amend the format of some areas of the final rule to further
advance the goals of the rewrite. Other petitions claimed that the
final rule failed to accurately transpose previously referenced
documents or interpretation letters into the regulation text. The
petition submitted by AAJ challenged the preemptive language of the
final rule preamble. The remaining petitions requested substantive
changes to the rule.
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\3\ NHTSA also received several petitions for reconsideration
after the January 18, 2008 deadline specified in the final rule. It
is the agency's policy to treat untimely petitions for
reconsideration as petitions for rulemaking. See 49 CFR 553.35.
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The matters raised in the petitions fall generally into four
categories and will be answered as follows: (1) Requests that
additional definitions be added to the final rule; (2) requests for
technical amendments to the final rule to correct grammar, formatting,
and technical issues; (3) claims that the agency added new substantive
requirements to the standard during the rewrite; and (4) requests for
amendments to the standard to improve readability or clarify certain
language. The petitions requesting substantive amendments to the rule
will be addressed in another notice.
A. Definitions
Several petitioners requested that the agency add new definitions
to clarify terms used in the text of the final rule. AAM and Nissan
requested that the definition of a clearance lamp be modified to remove
the language containing the mounting and spacing requirements for the
lamp. AAM and Nissan claimed that the mounting and spacing requirements
are contained elsewhere in FMVSS No. 108, therefore, it was not
necessary that these requirements be included in the definition. Nissan
claimed that removing the mounting and spacing requirements would make
the definition more consistent with the definitions of other lamps
regulated by the standard. Similarly, both petitioners requested that
language regarding mounting and spacing requirements be removed from
the definitions of identification and side marker lamps. AAM and Nissan
suggested a definition that would eliminate the mounting location
description and spacing requirements from each of these three lamp
definitions.
The Associations, Grote, and Valeo suggested creating a definition
for the term ``headlamp system.'' Each of these petitioners suggested
the following definition: ``A vehicle-based headlighting system which
is composed of headlamps mounted on opposite sides of and symmetrical
to the centerline of the vehicle.''
Nissan suggested a definition for the term ``multiple compartment
lamp.'' Nissan suggested the following definition: ``Multiple
compartment lamp means a device which gives its indication by two or
more areas, illuminated by separate light sources, which are joined by
one or more common parts, such as a housing or lens.'' Nissan pointed
out that this definition was similar to the definition used in an
interpretation letter to Al Cunningham on November 3, 1988 \4\ that
responded to his request for clarification as to the meaning of the
term ``multiple compartment lamp.''
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\4\ https://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/3135o.html.
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The Associations pointed out that the agency placed the definitions
for all of the various headlamp types, except ``combination headlamp,''
in the definition section of the final rule. They suggested the
following definition be added to the definitions section: ``Combination
headlamp system: For a two lamp system, a combination of two different
headlamps chosen from: Type F, an integral beam headlamp, or a
replaceable bulb headlamp and for a four lamp system, any combination
of four different headlamps chosen from: Type F, an integral beam
headlamp, or a replaceable bulb headlamp.'' The Associations and Grote
recommended replacing the terms ``lamps section'' or ``compartments''
with a universal term ``lighted sections.''
B. Technical Amendments
The petitions requested various technical amendments to the
standard to amend formatting and grammatical issues. Nissan stated that
the agency referenced an American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) specification in the final rule in paragraph S14.5.3.2 yet this
specification was not listed in paragraph S5.
Nissan pointed out a grammatical error in paragraph S6.4.4. Nissan
suggested changing the phrase ``* * * overall width, that are * * *''
to ``* * * overall width, that is * * *''
AAM requested that the ``DOT marking'' requirement for headlamps
located in paragraph S6.5.1 be moved to paragraph S6.5.3 so that it
would be located with the other headlamp markings.
The Associations and AAM noted that paragraph S6.5.3 occurs twice,
once marked Headlamp markings and once marked Trademark. They requested
that the Trademark paragraph numbering change to S6.5.3.1.
AAM requested that the format of ``SEALED BEAM,'' as shown in
paragraph S6.5.3.3.1, be standardized with the format as it appears in
Table III, which is not fully capitalized. AAM requested that the
phrase be modified to ``Sealed Beam'' in paragraph S6.5.3.3.1.
AAM stated that in paragraph S7.1.1.11, FMVSS No. 108's revised
text uses the term ``compartments'' even though the preamble to that
rule stated
[[Page 48011]]
that this term would be used in the singular form.
AAM recommended adding a qualifying statement ``provided that the
requirements of S6.1.3.2 are met'' to paragraphs S7.1.1.11.1, similar
to the statements used in paragraphs S7.1.2.11.1, S7.2.11.1, and
S7.3.11.1, in order to clarify the requirements for multiple
compartment lamps.
Nissan requested that the phrase ``generated by a 1.0 radius around
* * *'' be changed to ``generated by a 1.0 degree radius around * * *''
in paragraph S7.1.1.12.4.
AAM recommended a modification to paragraph S7.2.9, which deals
with taillamp markings. AAM requested that the agency change the
pointing statement in that paragraph to point to the specific
subparagraph S6.5.1.2 rather than paragraph S6.5. AAM also requested
that a more specific pointer be added for paragraphs S7.3.9, S7.4.9,
S7.5.9, S7.6.9, S7.7.9, S7.8.9, S7.9.9, S7.10.9, S7.11.9, and S8.1.9.
AAM requested that S7.7.4 be changed from pointing to Tables I (a-
c) that state ``No requirement,'' to simply state within that text ``No
Requirement.'' AAM pointed out that this is consistent with other areas
of the regulatory text such as in paragraphs S7.7.7 and S7.7.8.
The Associations requested that the paragraph numeration be
corrected in the subparagraphs of S7.9.14. They stated that the
paragraph structure contains S7.9.14.1.1 and S7.9.14.1.2, however, it
does not contain a paragraph S7.9.14.1.
Nissan noted a grammatical error in paragraph S14.2.1.5.2. It
requested that the wording be modified from ``* * * of multiple
compartment lamp or * * *'' to ``* * * of multiple compartment lamps or
* * *''.
Toyota requested that paragraph S14.3.1 be modified to use the
abbreviation ``in.'' for the unit inch instead of the abbreviation
``in'' without a period.
GE and the Associations requested a modification to paragraph
S14.6.9.1.1, which they pointed out incorrectly converts 176 degrees
Fahrenheit to 60 degrees Celsius. They requested the Celsius number be
changed to 80 degrees.
Nissan and AAM stated that within Table I-a, the subtitle
Additional Lamps, Required on All Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles
(MPV), Trucks, and Buses, 2032 MM or More in Overall Width appears
twice. AAM and Nissan also requested that the activation criteria text
be moved to the Device Activation column from the Mounting Height
column for the lower beam headlamp, which is currently blank. In
addition, Nissan requested that the activation specifications for the
upper beam headlamp read: ``Steady burning, except may be flashed for
signaling purposes.'' Nissan also requested that English units of
measurement be added to the Mounting Height column of Table I-a for the
lower and upper beam headlamps. AAM requested that all measurements in
Tables I-a, I-b, and I-c be displayed in both English and metric units.
AAM requested that a horizontal line be placed above the DRL subtitle.
Both Nissan and AAM requested that the mounting location and color
information be moved to the appropriate column for reflex reflectors in
Table I-a. Nissan asked that the subtitle for additional lamps required
for wide vehicles change the word ``truck'' to ``trucks.'' AAM and
Nissan requested that the turn signal truck tractor exception be moved
to a new line.
AAM noted that a billing code is inappropriately located after
Table I-c. AAM requested that, within the mounting location column for
the upper beam headlamp, a note be added that states: ``See additional
requirements in S10.14.1, S10.17.1.2, and S10.17.1.3,'' to reference
additional mounting requirements for motorcycle headlamps. AAM also
noted that the same column for the lower beam headlamp points to
paragraph S6.1.4.2.1.3, however, this paragraph does not exist. The
Associations and AAM requested that the word ``between'' be added to
the turn signal minimum edge to edge distance.
AAM claimed that the term ``Motorcycle Headlamp'' in Table III
should read ``Motorcycle Replaceable Bulb Headlamp'' so that it agrees
with paragraph S10.17.2. AAM also suggested adding the word
``Optional'' in the markings of the Table III column for Lamps (Other
Than Headlamps), Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. AAM also
stated it found an incorrect pointing statement to S6.5.4.3 for the
replaceable bulb headlamp in the Requirement column of Table III. AAM
believed that the pointer should instead point to paragraph S6.5.3.4.1.
AAM also pointed out that Table III does not contain the marking
requirements for a replaceable lens headlamp called out in paragraph
5.8.11 of the existing FMVSS No. 108. Finally, AAM requested that the
phrase ``See requirements'' be added to the sealed beam headlamp type
designation in the Marking Location column.
For Table V-a, Nissan requested that the measurements for the
required visibility for the backup lamp should be in both metric and
English units.
The Associations, Nissan, and AAM pointed out that the alignment of
lighting device functions to their corner points is incorrect in Table
V-b. AAM requested the elimination of the billing code from the bottom
of that table.
Nissan requested that the word ``zone'' be replaced with the word
``group'' in footnote 2 in Table VIII. Nissan also requested that the
word ``group'' replace the word ``zone'' in footnote 4 of Table XII.
Nissan made the same request of footnote 2 of Tables XIV and XV. Nissan
requested that the agency amend footnote 2 of Table XVI to replace the
word ``zone'' with the word ``group.''
AAM requested that the agency amend footnote 6 of Table IX so that
the photometric intensity requirements for stop lamps combined with
taillamps correspond with SAE J1398 (MAY 1985), Stop Lamps for Use on
Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width, incorporated by
reference in the currently applicable version of FMVSS No. 108. AAM
stated that footnote 6 of Table IX should be changed to ''values
followed by a slash * * *'' (in contrast to the current ``Values
preceded by a slash'') for the H-5L test point so that the standard
required the correct photometric multiplier for wide vehicles.
In Table XV, Nissan noted that the test points columns should be
listed as horizontal first and vertical second.
The Associations claimed that the final rule had an error in Figure
8, ``Replaceable Light Source Detection Test Setup,'' and requested
that dimension ``A'' be replaced with the term ``Light Center Length.''
The Associations also requested that Figure 14 be changed. They stated
that the material specification for the ``Disc. arm Brace & Clamp''
should appear as ``SAE-AA-6061 T6 or equiv,'' and the ``Coil Spring and
Level Clip'' should appear as ``Spring Steel SAE 1858 -Cadmium Plate.''
Also, they stated that in Figure 14, ``5.00 Bubble movement'' should be
replaced by ``5.88 Bubble movement'' and the screw ``Typ. 18''
should be ``Typ. 10.'' Finally, in Figure 14, the Associations
suggested that the dimension of ``100.33'' should instead be
``188.33.''
C. Claims of Substantive Amendment
Several of the petitions claimed that during the rewrite process
the agency created new substantive requirements of FMVSS No. 108 when
the agency incorporated SAE standards that petitioners claim were not
fully incorporated or failed to accurately transpose the requirements
of third party standards.
[[Page 48012]]
Valeo stated that paragraph S6.1.1.4 ``would prohibit daytime
running lights (DRLs) in combination with parking lights.'' Valeo
maintained that the existing regulatory text allowed DRLs to be
incorporated with parking lamps and urged the agency to retain the
existing provision. Valeo referenced paragraph S5.5.11(a) of the
current standard, which states that any pair of lamps other than
parking lamps or fog lamps may be wired as DRLs. Valeo claimed that the
fact that parking lights cannot be used as DRLs is evident because
parking lamps would not meet the photometric requirements of DRLs.
Valeo claimed that there is no way to reconcile Table 1 of SAE J222
(DEC 1970), Parking Lamps, with the minimum requirement of 500 candela
at point Horizontal-Vertical of the beam pattern required in the
regulation text. Valeo pointed out that many vehicles currently use
front turn signals that are optically combined with parking lamps as
DRLs. Valeo requested that the agency clarify the wording of paragraph
S6.1.1.4 to disallow a DRL consisting of the parking lamp alone, while
allowing a DRL that is optically combined with the parking lamp.
Calcoast requested a modification to paragraph S6.1.3.2 to clarify
the performance requirements for multiple lighted section lamps. This
paragraph states that ``when multiple lamp arrangements or multiple
compartment rear turn signal lamps, stop lamps, or taillamps are used,
with only a portion of the compartments or lamps installed on a rigid
part of the vehicle, that portion must meet at least the photometric
requirements for the applicable single compartment lamp.'' Calcoast
stated that it is concerned that this language could be interpreted as
allowing a multiple lighted section lamp that is part of a multiple
lamp arrangement, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp, that is
mounted on the fixed portion of the vehicle to comply only with the
single lighted section rules and not the multiple lighted section
rules. Calcoast asserted that this statement implies that when a
multiple lamp arrangement is used, there is no need to confirm that the
multiple lamp arrangement meets all requirements for multiple
compartment lamps. Calcoast suggested that the text state that the
lighting system must comply with all the relevant rules no matter what
position the moveable parts have been placed in.
Koito requested that paragraph S6.1.3.2 replace the phrase ``rigid
part of the vehicle'' with the term ``fixed body panel.'' Koito noted
that the term ``rigid part of the vehicle'' was correctly used in
paragraph S6.1.3.1, however, it stated that it appears the term ``fixed
body panel'' reflects the intent of the July 7, 2000 letter of
interpretation to Gary King \5\ which states ``body mounted lamps (rear
turn signal, stop, or tail lamps) are the ones that must be designed to
comply with FMVSS [No.] 108.''
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Harley-Davidson requested that paragraph S6.2.3 be revised to
clarify that the headlamp ornamentation prohibition in paragraph
S6.2.3.1 does not apply to motorcycles. Harley-Davidson noted that the
provision of FMVSS No. 108 prohibiting headlamp ornamentation is
contained in paragraph S7.8.5 of the current standard, a paragraph
Harley-Davidson claimed does not apply to motorcycles. Harley-Davidson
referenced a December 6, 1999 interpretation letter to Piaggio &
C.S.p.A \6\ and a September 29, 2000 letter to Carter Engineering \7\
to support its view on these issues.
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AAM requested that the markings requirements of a sealed beam
headlamp remove the term ``molded'' in paragraph S6.5.3.3.1. AAM argued
that the text of the currently applicable version of FMVSS No. 108 did
not require the marking to be molded into the lens.
Ford and AAM requested that the hazard warning pilot indicator
requirement be deleted from paragraph S6.6.2. They claimed that the
current version of FMVSS No. 108 does not require a hazard pilot
indicator light. They maintained that although SAE J910 (JAN 1966),
Hazard Warning Signal Switch, incorporated by reference in the existing
standard, recommends a pilot indicator, this provision was not directly
incorporated into the currently applicable version of FMVSS No. 108.
They argued that their view is supported by the explicit requirement in
the existing regulation for a turn signal indicator lamp. They claimed
that since a turn signal pilot indicator was specifically indentified
in the regulatory text of FMVSS No. 108, not all the requirements of
the referenced SAE standard were included in FMVSS No. 108. They
maintained that the requirement for a hazard warning pilot indicator
was one of the excluded requirements.
Both the Associations and Ford requested changes to paragraph
S6.6.3, which specifies the orientation of the license plate holder.
Ford requested that the paragraph be deleted, claiming that the rear
license plate holder is not a lamp, reflective device, or piece of
associated equipment and is not separately listed as an item in the
Table I or Table III of the current rule, and therefore, is not
regulated by FMVSS No. 108. Harley-Davidson suggested that this
requirement does not apply to motorcycles. Harley-Davidson stated that
paragraph S6.1.3.3 of the referenced SAE document SAE J587 (OCT 81),
License Plate Illumination Devices, excludes motorcycles from that
provision. Harley-Davidson also stated that the existing incorporation
by reference only applied to the lamps, and not to the license plate
holder.
The Associations and Ford requested a change to requirements for
turn signal photometric multipliers contained in paragraphs S7.1.1.10.1
through S7.1.1.10.4. The Associations asserted that the currently
applicable version of FMVSS No. 108 does not make any distinction
between reflector-based, and non-reflector-based optics when
calculating the turn signal spacing to other lamps. They requested that
paragraphs S7.1.1.10.1 through S7.1.1.10.3 be replaced by the paragraph
S5.3.1.7 of the current standard, which contains the currently
applicable requirements for turn signal photometric multipliers. Ford
referenced the preamble to a previous agency NPRM \8\ incorporating an
SAE standard on turn signals to support its claim that the graduated
turn signal intensity requirements for turn signals located near
auxiliary lamps in paragraph S7.1.1.10.4 were not included in the text
of the currently applicable version of FMVSS No. 108. Ford requested
that paragraphs S7.1.1.10.2, S7.1.1.10.3, S7.1.1.10.4 (b), (c), and (d)
be deleted.
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\8\ 53 FR 35097, (Sep. 1, 1988).
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AAM requested that paragraph S9.3.4, which deals with turn signal
pilot indicator size and color, be removed from the standard because
AAM believed that the paragraph imposed new substantive requirements
that were not contained in the currently applicable version of the
standard. Although AAM noted that the initial requirements published on
December 16, 1967 \9\ did require a turn signal indicator, and
specified its size and color based on requirements in SAE J588d (JUN
1966), Turn Signal Lamps, AAM claimed that a subsequent revision to the
standard on October 31, 1970 \10\ removed the size and color
requirements. AAM claimed that the currently applicable version of
FMVSS No. 108 only requires that the turn
[[Page 48013]]
signal pilot indicator indicate a turn signal outage in accordance with
SAE J588d (JUN 1966) and does not specify size and color requirements
for the indicator.
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\9\ 32 FR 18032, (Dec. 16, 1967).
\10\ 35 FR 16840, (Oct. 31, 1970).
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Harley-Davidson requested clarification and confirmation that the
headlamp aimability requirements of paragraph S10.18 do not apply to
motorcycles. Harley-Davidson claimed that paragraph S7.8 of the
currently applicable version of the standard did not require aimability
for motorcycle headlamps. Harley-Davidson referenced a letter of
interpretation to Piaggio & C.S.p.A dated December 6, 1999 and also a
letter to Carter Engineering dated September 29, 2000 to support its
argument.
The Associations, Koito, and Calcoast requested that the agency
amend paragraph S10.18.9.1.5.1, which specifies the distance at which
the cutoff parameter must be measured, to allow measurement from
distances greater than 10 m. Paragraph S10.18.9.1.5.1 requires that the
cut off parameter be measured at a distance of 10 m with a 10 mm
diameter photosensor. The Associations recommended deleting the last
sentence of paragraph S10.18.9.1.5.1, or stating that 10 m is the
minimum distance allowable for measuring the cutoff parameter. Koito
recommended allowing a measuring distance of 18.3 m or more for
measuring the cutoff parameter. Calcoast requested that the agency
permit cutoff measurements at both 10 m and 25 m. All petitioners
agreed that the diameter of the photosensor should appropriately
correspond to the measuring distance.
Nissan requested that the inward force test specified in paragraph
S14.6.12 be excluded for vehicle headlamp aiming device (VHAD) and
visually-optically aimable (VOA) lamps. Nissan stated that the text of
the currently applicable version of FMVSS No. 108 does not require VHAD
and VOA lamps to conform to this test. Nissan also stated that the test
requires an aiming plane, typically found only on externally aimed
systems. Finally, Nissan claimed that the test itself is intended to
assure that an externally aimable headlamp system can withstand the
normal force applied to seat the suction cup onto the lens when
affixing the mechanical aiming device.
The Associations and Grote petitioned the agency to add language to
allow stop and turn signal lamps designed for use on vehicles 2032 mm
or more in overall width, that meet the one lighted section photometric
values, to be used on narrow vehicles. They claimed that SAE J1395 (APR
1985), Front and Rear Turn Signals for Use of Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or
More in Overall Width, and SAE J1398 (MAY 1985) expressly allow this.
To support this position the Associations cited an August 22, 1990
interpretation letter from the agency to Hella \11\ which stated:
\11\ https://isearch.nhtsa.gov/aiam/aiam4773.html.
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Beginning December 1, 1990, Standard No. 108 will specify two
different standards for turn signal lamps. If the lamp is intended
for use on multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and
trailers whose overall width is 80 inches or more, it must be
designed to conform to the SAE Standard J1395 * * *, ``Turn Signal
Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles 2032 mm or More in Overall Width,''
[(APR 1985)]. SAE J1395 also provides that these lamps may be used
on vehicles less than this width, except for passenger cars. If a
motor vehicle is not equipped with a turn signal lamp designed to
conform to SAE J1395, it must be equipped with a turn signal lamp
designed to conform to SAE standard J588 * * *, ``Turn Signal Lamps
for Use on Motor Vehicles Less Than 2032 mm in Overall Width,''
[(NOV 1984)].
Finally, the Associations stated that a denial of this petition will
have a significant cost to the market segment.
Harley-Davidson requested that the minimum Effective Luminous Lens
Area requirement for multiple compartment motorcycle stop lamps be
added to Table IV-a. Harley-Davidson suggested this value should be
2,200 square mm. Harley-Davidson maintained that the current version of
FMVSS No. 108 permits multiple compartment lamps or multiple lamps on
motorcycles if the effective projected luminous lens area of each
compartment is 2,200 square mm. Harley-Davidson states that the agency
confirmed this position in a April 21, 1997 letter of interpretation to
Stanley Electric.\12\
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Nissan asked that the legacy visibility wording be changed for the
turn, stop, and tail lamps in Table V-d. Nissan claimed that Table V-d
uses different language than the SAE sub-referenced standard for these
lamps on both narrow and wide vehicles. AAM requested that footnote 1
and footnote 4 be removed from Table VIII, Stop Lamp Photometry
Requirements. AAM maintained that both of these footnotes contain
requirements not previously included in FMVSS No. 108.
Nissan requested that the agency reconsider its decision not to
amend the footnotes to the photometric tables for required signal lamps
in response to comments received by the agency on the NPRM. Nissan
stated that the footnotes to the photometric tables could be amended to
provide greater clarity to the requirements of the standard without
creating any substantive changes.
In Table XIX, the Associations requested that the lower beam zone
defined by the corner point 10U, 90U, 90L, 90R be modified to 10U, 90U,
45L, 45R. Valeo suggested modifying Table XIX(a)(b), and (c) by
modifying the first row range from 10U to 90U, 90L to 90R to only state
10U to 90U, eliminating the horizontal angles. Both Valeo and the
Associations claimed that the horizontal range was not defined in the
currently applicable standard.
D. Amendments to Improve Clarity
Commenters requested the following changes to clarify certain
provisions of the standard and to further improve readability. Nissan
requested that paragraph S6.1.3.4.2 be revised to read:
``Accessibility. Each high mounted stop lamp must provide access for
convenient replacement of the bulb without a tool specifically designed
for that purpose.'' Nissan stated that this wording would incorporate a
February 12, 1998 interpretation letter to Ford Motor Company \13\ to
clarify the meaning of ``special tool.''
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\13\ https://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/16788.ztv.html.
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Harley-Davidson requested that the agency clarify that dual
motorcycle head lamps may be horizontally-mounted. Harley-Davidson
stated that paragraph S6.1.3.5.1.3 of the rewrite seems to prohibit
horizontally-mounted dual motorcycle headlamps. Harley-Davidson claimed
that paragraph S7.9.6.2(c) of the current standard permits dual
horizontal mounting. Harley-Davidson further claimed that paragraph
S10.17.1.3.1 of the rewrite of FMVSS No. 108 continues to permit dual
horizontally-mounted motorcycle headlamps.
Koito requested that the agency clarify paragraph S7.3.12.1, which
deals with the ratio requirements between stop and tail lamp
intensities. Koito requested that this paragraph be modified to say:
``When a taillamp on a multipurpose passenger vehicle, truck, trailer,
or bus of 2,032 mm or more in overall width, is combined with a stop
lamp, the luminous intensity of the stop lamps at each identified test
point must be * * *'' Koito claimed that this will clarify that the
ratio requirement is always applied between stop and tail lamp
intensities on wide vehicles and that wide vehicles do not have the 560
mm and 410 mm classification used for narrow vehicles.
Nissan recommended adding a subject to the sentence in paragraph
S8.2.1.5 so that the text reads: ``Application location. Conspicuity
systems need not
[[Page 48014]]
be * * *'' Nissan stated that this is consistent with the other
paragraphs of that section.
Nissan requested that paragraph S10.1.2 be modified to eliminate
the duplicate requirements for motorcycle headlamp systems. Nissan
recommended modifying that paragraph to read: ``Each motorcycle must be
equipped with a headlighting system conforming to S10.17.'' This
modification would eliminate the allowance of a one half headlighting
system within paragraph S10.1.2, because that allowance is set forth
within paragraph S10.17, thereby removing redundant requirements.
Koito recommended clarifying the requirements for four headlamp
systems by modifying paragraph S10.15.1 to read as follows: ``A
replaceable bulb headlighting system must consist of either two lamps,
each containing either one or two replaceable light sources, or four
lamps, each containing a single replaceable light source as specified
for the application system in Table II-d. A system must provide in
total no more than two upper beams and two lower beams and must
incorporate not more than two replaceable light sources in each
headlamp.'' Koito claimed that its recommended text will limit the
number of light sources in each headlamp of a four headlamp system.
Koito claimed, that as currently worded, the final rule will allow two
replaceable light sources in each headlamp of a four headlamp system,
which it further claimed is not consistent with the intent of the
original requirement.
Toyota and Koito both requested a modification to paragraph
S10.15.5 which deals with additional light sources in a replaceable
bulb headlighting system. They requested the term ``replaceable light
sources'' be replaced with the term ``light sources'' in this
paragraph. They claimed that this expression should be the same as is
used in paragraph S10.14.5 for integral beam headlighting systems.
Toyota also recommended including the phrase ``and are replaceable'' to
the end of that paragraph. Toyota also noted that this change was
discussed in the preamble to the final rule, but was not properly
included in the final rule text.
Nissan requested that paragraph S10.18.9.5, which deals with
visual/optical aiming headlamp photometry, be removed. Nissan claimed
that this entire paragraph is redundant with paragraphs S10.13.3,
S10.14.6, S10.15.6, S10.16.2, and Table II. Nissan stated that the
requirements should only be stated once in the standard.
Nissan requested that paragraph S13.3, which deals with replaceable
headlamp lens markings, be relocated within paragraph S6.5. Nissan
stated that the DOT marking requirement in that paragraph is redundant
with paragraph S6.5.1. Nissan stated the remaining marking requirements
of paragraph S13.3 should be added to a new paragraph enumerated as
paragraph S6.5.3.6.
The Associations and SABIC requested a modification to paragraph
S14.1.2, which deals with plastic optical materials. The Associations
requested that the paragraph be modified to state: ``Plastic optical
materials. All plastic material used for optical parts such as lenses
and reflex reflectors on lamps, or reflective devices required or
allowed by this standard must conform to the material test requirements
of S14.4.2, unless they are conspicuity treatments that are in
accordance with S8.2.1 or S8.2.2.'' SABIC requested that the paragraph
be modified as follows: ``Plastic optical material. All plastic
materials used for transparent optical parts such as lenses and reflex
reflectors on lamps or reflective devices required or allowed by this
standard must conform to the material test requirements of S14.4.2.''
Both petitioners pointed out the distinction between reflex reflectors
and reflectors. The Associations further stated that conspicuity
treatments were not part of the standard when this original language
was placed in the standard.
Nissan requested a modification to paragraph S14.2.4.3, which
specifies bulb requirements for DRL photometry testing. Nissan
requested that this paragraph be revised to read: ``Bulb requirements
of paragraph S14.2.1.6 apply to DRL photometry, except for the need to
operate at the rated mean spherical candela.'' Nissan claimed that the
text of the final rule, which states that bulbs are to be operated at
their rated mean spherical candela, creates a conflict with the
requirement in paragraph S14.2.4.1, which requires a fixed 12.8V input
be applied to the modules or electrical control units during testing.
Nissan stated that it may not be possible to achieve a bulb's mean
rated spherical candela at 12.8V.
Koito asked for a clarification of the requirement in paragraph
S14.4.2.1.3, which specifies testing for plastic optical materials.
Koito noted that test sample thicknesses are stated to be 1.6 mm, 2.3
mm, 3.2 mm, and 6.4 mm. Koito also noted that the color requirement in
paragraph S14.4.2.2.4.5 specifies that after completion of the outdoor
exposure test, all materials must conform to the standard's color test
in the range of thickness stated by the manufacturer. Koito asked if a
material thickness of 7 mm can be certified if it was once tested in
the four thicknesses stated above, and found satisfactory.
Nissan requested that some information contained in the text of the
standard be incorporated into a new table. Nissan requested that the
tabulated text in paragraph S14.9.3.11.2.3.1, Operating Limits, be
titled ``Table XXI'' and relocated with the other tables instead of
being located in its current position.
AAM further requested that Table I-a be broken into two tables that
separate the requirements of narrow vehicles from those for wide
vehicles.
AAM stated that the requirements for DRLs should not be located in
Table I-a because the title of the table Required Lamps and Reflective
Devices may confuse users trying to locate the requirements. AAM stated
that Table I-a should contain a pointing statement to allow the user of
the standard to locate the requirements for DRLs elsewhere.
Koito requested that the activation specifications for a high
mounted stop lamp in Table I-a be changed to ``Steady burning. Must
only be activated upon application of the service brakes or may be
activated by a device designed to retard the motion of the vehicle.''
Koito claimed this change is necessary because, in its view, ``a high
mounted stop lamp is optional on the activation of a device designed to
retard the motion of the vehicle.''
AAM requested that the titles of Tables I-a, I-b, and I-c be
amended to include the vehicles to which the tables apply. AAM stated
that all of the tables having the same title, Required Lamps and
Reflective Devices, does not improve the clarity of the standard.
The Associations, Grote, and Valeo requested that the maximum
allowable photometric intensity in Table XII for backup lamps on
vehicles equipped with a single back up lamp be changed from 300 to
300/600. They further requested the addition of a footnote that states;
``the value before the slash (300 cd) applies to each lamp in a
multiple lamp system; the value after the slash (600 cd) applies to a
single lamp system.'' The petitioners stated that FMVSS No. 108
requires backup lamps on vehicles equipped with a single backup lamp to
be tested at twice the candela requirements. Industry believes this
applies to maximum as well as minimum values.
Nissan suggested removing the term ``test points'' in footnote 1 of
Table XIX, to clarify that all points with the specified boundary must
meet the photometric requirements listed in the table. Finally, Nissan
requested that all
[[Page 48015]]
the tables be presented in a complete manner without splitting a table
across multiple pages.
IV. Agency Analysis and Response
A. Definitions
The agency has considered the requests from Nissan and AAM to
modify the definition of clearance, identification, and side marker
lamps. For each of these lamps, the agency has verified that the
definitions were successfully translated from the applicable SAE
document referenced in the currently applicable version of the
standard. While the agency believes that the modifications requested by
Nissan have the potential to further simplify the definitions of these
lamps, modifying the definitions may change the meaning of these terms.
The agency believes that it would be better to retain sporadic
redundancies in the standard than to risk a substantive modification by
changing the definitions of these lamps. Further, such a modification
would be outside the scope of the administrative rewrite of the
standard. Therefore, the agency is denying these requests.
The agency is denying the request by the Associations, Grote, and
Valeo to add a definition for the term ``headlamp system.'' Since this
definition did not exist in the existing regulation text, nor in the
documents incorporated by reference, the agency considers this addition
to be a substantive change not within the scope of the administrative
rewrite of the standard.
Nissan requested that the agency incorporate a November 3, 1988
interpretation letter to Al Cunningham in order to clarify the
definition of a ``multiple compartment lamp.'' The final rule
definition of a multiple compartment lamp is a direct carry-over from
text in paragraph S4 of the currently applicable version of FMVSS No.
108. In the NPRM, the agency invited input from interested parties
regarding additional interpretations that should be considered for
inclusion in the final rule, beyond those proposed by the agency.
Nissan's petition was not submitted at that time. It is the agency's
intention to take caution not to create a substantive change within
this technical correction and partial response to petitions for
reconsideration, therefore, we are denying this request by Nissan.
The agency is granting the Associations' request to add a
definition of a ``combination headlamp.'' They noted that other lamp
types regulated within this standard are defined in the definition
section, however, a combination headlamp is not defined except in Table
II-b. The Associations suggested adding a definition that uses the
system composition column descriptions from Table II-b in order to
construct the following definition: ``Combination Headlamp System: For
a two lamp system, a combination of two different headlamps chosen
from: Type F, an integral beam headlamp, or a replaceable bulb headlamp
and for a four lamp system, any combination of four different headlamps
chosen from: Type F, an integral beam headlamp, or a replaceable bulb
headlamp.'' This description is consistent with the existing text of
the standard found in paragraphs S7.6.2, and S7.6.3 of the final rule.
In order to maintain consistency within the standard, the agency will
define a combination headlamp as opposed to a combination headlamp
system. The definition is as follows: ``Combination headlamp means a
headlamp that is a combination of two different headlamp types chosen
from a type F sealed beam headlamp, an integral beam headlamp, or a
replaceable bulb headlamp.'' The currently applicable standard does not
include a stated definition for the term ``combination headlamp,''
however, the agency agrees that such a definition--limited to a
combination headlamp rather than to such a system--does not impose any
substantive change to the standard, and provides a more straightforward
presentation of the requirements.
The Association's request to define ``combination headlamp''
differs from the request in the petitions from Grote and Valeo to
create a definition of ``headlamp system.'' The definition proposed by
the Associations does not create new wording within the standard, it
uses a description already contained in the standard, and places that
description into the definition section. The definition of a
``combination headlamp'' is therefore added within paragraph S4 as
requested by the Associations.
The agency is denying Grote and the Associations' request to use
the term ``lighted sections'' when referring to lamp sections or
compartments. It has been the agency's intent during the rewrite of
FMVSS No. 108 not to change the language of the current standard or
incorporated documents so as to avoid making unintended changes to the
standard. Adopting the term ``lighted sections'' in place of ``lamp
sections'' or ``compartments'' would alter the standard in a manner
that is inconsistent with the goals of the rewrite.
B. Technical Amendments
The agency has considered and incorporated corrections in response
to the requests to remedy typographical errors, or formatting errors
found in the final rule. The agency has declined to make several
technical corrections that will be discussed in greater detail in this
section.
The agency agrees with Nissan that the ASTM C 150-56 specification
is missing from paragraph S5. This specification has been added.
The agency has corrected the grammatical error identified by Nissan
in paragraph S6.4.4. Paragraph S6.4.4 has been modified to read as
published in this final rule.
The agency is denying the request by AAM to move paragraph S6.5.1,
which contains the DOT marking requirements for headlamps. While we do
note that other headlamp marking requirements are located in paragraphs
S6.5.3, priority within organization will be maintained by keeping the
three paragraphs, S6.5.1 DOT markings for headlamps, S6.5.1.1 which
deals with DOT conspicuity markings, and S6.5.1.2 which describes the
general allowance of placing the DOT marking on lamps other than
headlamps, together. We believe it would be inappropriate to place the
contents of paragraph S6.5.1.1 and paragraph S6.5.1.2 within the
paragraphs of S6.5.3, because these paragraphs are not headlamp
specific. Therefore, we are maintaining the current paragraph
structure.
The paragraph that was mistakenly numbered S6.5.3, Trademark, has
been corrected to S6.5.3.1, Trademark. Paragraph S6.5.3 no longer
appears twice.
The agency is granting the AAM request that the format of the text
``SEALED BEAM,'' located in paragraph S6.5.3.3.1, be modified to
lowercase letters that match the same text located in Table III. The
text for paragraph S6.5.3.3.1 was derived from paragraph 2.1.1 in SAE
1383 APR 1985, Performance Requirements for Replacement Bulb Motor
Vehicle Headlamps. In the SAE document the text is all lower case,
appearing as ``sealed beam.'' The agency agrees that the letter case of
the word ``sealed beam'' should be the same in Table III as in
paragraph S6.5.3.3.1, therefore, both instances have been changed to
the lowercase presentation ``sealed beam.'' The agency does note that
in this particular case, we do not feel the actual presentation of
lower case or upper case notation of the words ``sealed beam'' is vital
to the public's use of the standard,
[[Page 48016]]
or to the agency's ability to enforce the existence of the marking.
In response to AAM's request to change the plural term
``compartments'' to the singular term ``compartment,'' the agency has
modified paragraph S7.1.1.11. The agency agrees that the singular form
of the term is more appropriate. It now states ``S7.1.1.11 Multiple
compartment lamps and multiple lamps.''
Based on AAM's request, paragraph S7.1.1.11.1 has been modified to
read: ``A multiple compartment lamp or multiple lamps may be used to
meet the photometric requirements of a front turn signal lamp provided
the requirements of S6.1.3.2 are met.'' The agency believes the
additional reference to paragraph S6.1.3.2 makes the standard more
usable.
As Nissan requested, paragraph S7.1.1.12.4 has been corrected to
state: ``* * * the clearance lamp is located below the horizontal and
within an area generated by a 1.0 degree radius around * * *'' This
modification corrects the missing word ``degree.''
As AAM requested, the agency has changed the marking requirements
for lamps other than headlamps to point to the specific subparagraph
within paragraph 6.5. The agency has changed the pointing statement in
the following paragraphs to provide the specificity requested by AAM:
S7.1.1.9, S7.1.2.9, S7.2.9, S7.3.9, S7.4.9, S7.5.9, S7.6.9, S7.7.9,
S7.8.9, S7.9.9, S7.11.9 and S8.1.9. The pointing statement for these
paragraphs now points to paragraph S6.5.1.2 instead of paragraph S6.5.
The agency has not changed the pointing statement in paragraph S7.10.9,
which deals with DRL markings, because more than one subparagraph
within S6.5 may apply to DRL markings. We believe these modified
references will allow the users of the standard to find the paragraph
of interest more efficiently.
As AAM requested, the agency has removed the references to Tables
I-a, I-b, and I-c from paragraph S7.7.4 which now reads ``No
requirement.'' The agency agrees that this construction is more usable,
compared to referencing Tables I-a, I-b, and I-c which all state ``No
requirement.''
The agency has granted the Associations' request that the paragraph
numeration be corrected under paragraph S7.9.14. The structure has been
corrected to S7.9.14.1 and S7.9.14.2.
The agency has granted Nissan's request to change paragraph
S14.2.1.5.2 to read ``Luminous intensity measurements of multiple
compartment lamps or multiple lamp arrangements are made either by:''
in order to maintain consistent language throughout the sentence.
We have modified Paragraph S14.3.1, as requested by Toyota, in
order to correctly abbreviate the unit ``inch.'' The abbreviation now
includes a period after the letters in.
We have granted GE and the Associations' request to modify
paragraph S14.6.9.1.1 in order to correct a temperature conversion
error. Paragraph S14.6.9.1.1 now lists 80[deg] C as the metric
equivalent of 176[deg] F.
The agency has revised all tables to place requirements in the
correct column, remove extraneous billing codes, correct the format of
table headings and subheadings, and correct pointing statements as
requested by petitioners.
Nissan requested that the agency add English units of measurement
to the Mounting Height column for lower and upper beam headlamps in
Table I-a. AAM also requested that the agency add English units of
measurement to Tables I-a, I-b, and I-c. The agency notes that the
mounting height requirements for upper and lower beam head lamps are
listed in both metric and English units in the currently applicable
version of FMVSS No. 108, therefore, adding the English units of
measurement does not create a substantive change to the standard. The
agency grants Nissan's request and has added the English units of
measurement to the Mounting Height column of Table I-a for both upper
and lower beam headlamps. The agency is also adding English units of
measurement to the Mounting Height column of Table I-c for both upper
and lower beams. The agency is denying AAM's request to list all
measurements in Tables I-a, I-b, and I-c in both English and metric
units as the measurements are not listed in this manner in the
currently applicable version of FMVSS No. 108. As stated in both the
NPRM and the preamble to the final rule, the agency is attempting to
refrain from making any substantive change to the requirements of the
standard during the rewrite process. The agency believes that in the
process of converting measurements from metric to English or vice versa
it is possible to create a substantive change to the requirements of
the standard.
We decline to adopt AAM's proposal to add the word ``Optional'' to
the Markings column of Table III for Lamps (Other Than Headlamps),
Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment because paragraph S6.5.1.2
referenced in that table adequately conveys the installation
requirement without redundant wording inside the table. This request is
therefore denied.
AAM noted that Table III contained an incorrect reference paragraph
for the marking requirements for replaceable bulb headlamps. The agency
has changed the reference for replaceable bulb headlamp marking
requirements to point to paragraph S6.5.3.4.
We decline to incorporate AAM's request to add marking requirements
for replacement lens headlamps to Table III because paragraph S5.8.11
of the existing standard contains requirements for instructions and a
replacement seal, neither of which the agency considers appropriate to
list among the marking requirements in Table III.
The agency is granting Nissan's request to provide the required
visibility measurements in both English and metric units for Table V-a.
We have also corrected the alignment of lighting device functions to
their corner points in Table V-b.
The agency is granting Nissan's request to replace the word
``zone'' with the word ``group'' in footnote 2 of Tables VIII, XIV, and
XV and footnote 4 of Table XII. Nissan also requested that the agency
amend footnote 2 of Table XVI to replace the word ``zone'' with the
word ``group.'' As neither Tables XVI-a, XVI-b, or XVI-c have a
footnote 2, the agency is not in a position to grant this request.
AAM requested that the agency amend footnote 6 of Table IX to
clarify that the minimum photometric intensity ratio for stop lamps
combined with taillamps on wide vehicles for the H-5L test point was
3:1 not 5:1. The agency agrees that the photometric ratio for the H-5L
test point for wide vehicles is 3:1. The agency is granting AAM's
request by amending footnote 6 of Table IX to read: ``Values followed
by a slash (/) apply only to lamps installed on multipurpose passenger
vehicles, trucks, trailers, and buses of 2032 mm or more in overall
width.''
The agency has revised Table XV so that the test points are listed
as horizontal first and vertical second as requested by Nissan.
The Associations requested that Figure 8 measurement ``A'' be
replaced with the term ``Light Center Length.'' This measurement and
label ``A'' were directly translated from the text of Figure 8 in the
currently applicable version of Standard No. 108. In the currently
applicable version of Standard No. 108, the label ``A'' was used,
furthermore, this distance is referenced in paragraphs S14.7.1.1.1,
S14.7.1.1.2, and S14.7.1.1.3 as distance ``A''. Therefore, the agency
is denying this request in order to avoid a potentially substantive
change by introducing a new term into Figure 8.
[[Page 48017]]
The Associations also requested changes to Figure 14 that include
changing the ``Disc. Arm and Brace Clamp'' material from SAE-AA-6961 to
SAE-AA-6061. The agency agrees that this was listed incorrectly and has
modified Figure 14 accordingly. They also requested that the ``Coil
Spring and Level clip'' material be changed to ``Spring Steel SAE
1858--Cadmium Plate.'' The agency does not agree as ``Spring Steel SAE
1050'' is called out in the currently applicable version of this
standard. Therefore, we are denying this request. Also, the agency has
corrected the value of the bubble movement to 5.08 and changed the
screw number to ``TYP 10'' in Figure 14 because these changes
are consistent with the currently applicable version of the standard.
The dimension of 100.33 was correctly translated from the currently
applicable version of the standard so the agency is denying the
Associations' request to amend that value to 188.33.
GE noted several corrections in the sealed beam drawings that were
moved into the part 564 docket. Corrections to these drawings will be
made, and the docket will be updated.
C. Claims of Substantive Amendment
Several of the petitioners claimed that the agency made substantive
changes to the requirements of the standard during the rewrite process
or requested that the agency clarify portions of the text to ensure
that the rewrite did not impose any new requirements. The agency has
made all efforts not to impose any new burdens on regulated parties or
change the requirements of the standard in any way through the rewrite
process. It is the agency's position that the requirements of FMVSS No.
108 have not changed as a result of the rewrite.
In consideration of Valeo's request to change the wording of
paragraph S6.1.1.4 in order to make it clear that a DRL may be
optically combined with a parking lamp in the final rule, the agency
attempted to translate the text of the currently applicable version of
FMVSS No. 108 without creating substantive changes. Paragraph S6.1.1.4
is derived from paragraph S5.5.11(a) of the existing standard.
The final rule split paragraph S5.5.11(a) into various parts
without changing the activation requirements of DRLs. Some of the text
was included in paragraph S6.1.1.4 of the final rule.
Table I-a contains the remaining translation of the text of the
currently applicable version of FMVSS No. 108 which states that the
activation should be ``Steady burning. Automatically activated as
determined by the vehicle manufacturer and automatically deactivated
when the headlamp control is in any on position.''
In order to avoid a substantive change to the requirements of FMVSS
No. 108, the agency does not believe it is appropriate to incorporate
any additional letters of interpretation at this time regarding the
permissibility of optically combining parking lamps or fog lamps with
DRLs. The agency, however, does understand that the final rule text may
provide less clarity than the existing standard. Therefore, in order to
more strictly adhere to the language in the existing standard, we are
modifying paragraph S6.1.1.4 to retain the language allowing any pair
of lamps except parking lamps or fog lamps to be wired as DRLs at the
option of the manufacturer.
This modification does create a limited amount of redundant text
contained in both paragraph S6.1.1.4 and Table I-a, however, the agenc