Petition for Exemption From the Federal Motor Vehicle Motor Theft Prevention Standard; Toyota, 3081-3083 [2013-00696]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2013 / Notices seizure free for more than 20 years. He takes anti-seizure medication with the dosage and frequency remaining the same for 18 years. If granted the exemption, he would like to drive tractor trailers in interstate commerce. His physician states he is supportive of Mr. Moore receiving an exemption. remained seizure-free for 4 years. He takes anti-seizure medication with the dosage and frequency remaining the same for 4 years. If granted the exemption, he would like to drive a single axle dump truck. His physician states he is supportive of Mr. Zarhatka being granted an exemption. Michael C. Ranalli Mr. Ranalli is a 27 year-old Class CM driver in the State of Pennsylvania. He has a diagnosis of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. His last seizure was in 2006. He has remained seizure free for over 6 years. He takes anti-seizure medication with the dosage and frequency remaining the same for 6 years. If granted the exemption, he would like to drive a Class A International Material Handler bucket truck, a single axle with a gross weight of 22,000 pounds. His physician states he is supportive of Mr. Ranalli being granted an exemption. Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), FMCSA requests public comment from all interested persons on the exemption applications described in this notice. We will consider all comments received before the close of business on the closing date indicated earlier in the notice. Robert Spencer Mr. Spencer is a 30 year-old Class E driver in the State of Florida. He has a diagnosis of seizure disorder and his last seizure was in February 2009. He has remained seizure free for over 3 years. He takes anti-seizure medication with the dosage and frequency remaining the same for over 3years. If granted the exemption, he would like to drive a delivery van under 26,000 pounds. His physician is supportive of Mr. Spencer being granted an exemption. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with Brian J. Wiggins Mr. Wiggins is a 52 year-old CMV driver in the State of Idaho.. He has a diagnosis of seizure disorder and his last seizure was in 1996. This seizure was the result of his physician taking him off of his anti-seizure medication. He has remained seizure free for 16 years. He takes anti-seizure medication with the dosage and frequency remaining the same for 16 years. He is a diesel mechanic and, if granted the exemption, would be driving Class 6, 7, and 8 trucks for diagnosis and repair purposes. His physician is supportive of Mr. Wiggins being granted an exemption. Timothy M. Zarahtka Mr. Zarahtka is a 37 year-old Class D driver in the State of Minnesota. He suffered a penetrating head injury in 1993 and developed a seizure disorder following the injury. He was taking antiseizure medications with good control until his treating physician changed his medication to a generic in 2008. His last seizure was in August 2008 and his medication was changed. He has VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Jan 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 Issued on: January 10, 2013. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2013–00712 Filed 1–11–13; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Petition for Exemption From the Federal Motor Vehicle Motor Theft Prevention Standard; Toyota National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department Of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption. AGENCY: This document grants in full Toyota Motor North America, Inc.’s (Toyota) petition for an exemption of the RAV4 vehicle line in accordance with 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from the Theft Prevention Standard. This petition is granted because the agency has determined that the antitheft device to be placed on the line as standard equipment is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the partsmarking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR Part 541). DATES: The exemption granted by this notice is effective beginning with the 2014 model year (MY). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carlita Ballard, Office of International Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer Standards, NHTSA, W43–439, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Ms. Ballard’s phone number is (202) 366–5222. Her fax number is (202) 493–2990. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a petition dated October 16, 2012, Toyota requested an exemption from the partsmarking requirements of the theft prevention standard (49 CFR part 541) SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00143 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3081 for the RAV4 vehicle line beginning with MY 2014. The petition requested an exemption from parts-marking pursuant to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard, based on the installation of an antitheft device as standard equipment for the entire vehicle line. Under § 543.5(a), a manufacturer may petition NHTSA to grant an exemption for one vehicle line per model year. In its petition, Toyota provided a detailed description and diagram of the identity, design, and location of the components of the antitheft device for the RAV4 vehicle line. Toyota stated that the MY 2014 RAV4 vehicle line will offer two entry systems but both will have an engine immobilizer device as standard equipment. Specifically, Toyota stated that the RAV4 vehicle line will offer a ‘‘smart key’’ system (keyless entry and push button start) and a ‘‘conventional key’’ entry system. Key components of the ‘‘smart key’’ system will include an engine immobilizer, certification electronic control unit (ECU), engine switch, steering lock ECU, security indicator, door control receiver, electrical key and an electronic control module (ECM). The conventional key components consist of a transponder key ECU assembly, transponder key coil, security indicator, ignition key and an ECM. Toyota will not offer an audible and visual alarm for the RAV4 vehicle line. Toyota’s submission is considered a complete petition as required by 49 CFR 543.7 in that it meets the general requirements contained in 543.5 and the specific content requirements of 543.6. On the RAV4 vehicle line, the ‘‘smart key’’ system allows the driver to press the ‘‘ON’’ button located on the instrument panel to start the vehicle. Once the driver pushes the ‘‘ON’’ button, the certification ECU verifies the electrical key, and the certification ECU and steering lock ECU receive confirmation of the valid key, allowing the ECM to start the engine. With the conventional key system, once the key is inserted into the key cylinder, the transponder chip in the key sends the key ID codes to the transponder key ECU assembly to verify the code. Once the code is verified, the immobilizer will allow the ECM to start the engine. Toyota stated that with the smart key system, the immobilizer is activated when the power button is pushed from the ‘‘ON’’ status to any other ignition status and the certification ECU performs the calculation of the immobilizer then the immobilizer signals the ECM. For the ‘‘conventional key’’ system, activation of the immobilizer occurs when the ignition E:\FR\FM\15JAN1.SGM 15JAN1 srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with 3082 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2013 / Notices key is turned from the ‘‘ON’’ status to any other position and/or the key is removed. Toyota also stated that the devices’ security indicator will provide the immobilizer status for the RAV4 vehicle line. When the immobilizer is activated, the indicator flashes continuously. When the immobilizer is not activated, the indicator is turned off. The device is deactivated when the doors are unlocked and the device recognizes the key code from the smart key system. Deactivation of the conventional key system occurs when the doors are unlocked and the key is turned to the ‘‘ON’’ position. Toyota also stated that there will be position switches installed in the vehicle to protect the hood and doors. Specifically, the position switches in the hood will trigger the antitheft device when they sense inappropriate opening of the hood. The position switches in the doors will trigger the antitheft device when they sense opening of the doors is being attempted without the use of a key, wireless switch or smart entry system. In addressing the specific content requirements of 543.6, Toyota provided information on the reliability and durability of its proposed device. To ensure reliability and durability of the device, Toyota conducted tests based on its own specified standards. Toyota provided a detailed list of the tests conducted (i.e., high and low temperature, strength, impact, vibration, electro-magnetic interference, etc.). Toyota stated that it believes that its device is reliable and durable because it complied with its own specific design standards and that the device is installed in other vehicle lines for which the agency has granted a partsmarking exemption. As an additional measure of reliability and durability, Toyota stated that its vehicle key cylinders are covered with casting cases to prevent the key cylinder from easily being broken. Toyota further stated that there are so many key cylinder combinations and key plates for its gutter keys that it would be very difficult to unlock the doors without using a valid key. To provide comparison, Toyota referenced NHTSA-published theft rate data for the RAV4 vehicle line for several years before and after it was equipped with a standard antitheft device with an immobilizer. Toyota stated that the average theft rate for the RAV4 for MY 2009 is 0.66 thefts per thousand vehicles produced as compared to 0.86 per 1,000 vehicles, the average theft rate for the RAV 4 for model years (MYs) 2005–2008. Toyota further stated that the antitheft device VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Jan 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 which is already installed as standard equipment beginning with MY 2009 RAV4 will continue to be installed on the MY 2014 RAV4 vehicle line. Toyota also compared its proposed device with other devices NHTSA has determined to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as would compliance with the parts-marking requirements (i.e., Toyota Prius and Prius v, Toyota Camry and Corolla, Lexus LS and GS vehicle lines). The Toyota Camry, Corolla, Lexus LS and GS vehicle lines have all been granted parts-marking exemptions by the agency. The theft rates for the Toyota Camry, Corolla, Lexus LS, GS and Prius vehicle lines using an average of three model years’ data (2008–2010) are 1.8107, 1.7399, 0.9468, 0.4915 and 0.3756 respectively. Therefore, Toyota has concluded that the antitheft device proposed for its RAV4 vehicle line is no less effective than those devices in the lines for which NHTSA has already granted full exemption from the partsmarking requirements. Toyota believes that installing the immobilizer as standard equipment reduces the theft rate and expects the RAV4 to experience comparable effectiveness, ultimately being more effective than parts-marking labels. Based on the evidence submitted by Toyota, the agency believes that the antitheft device for the RAV4 vehicle line is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the partsmarking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 541). Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 33106 and 49 CFR 543.7 (b), the agency grants a petition for exemption from the partsmarking requirements of Part 541, either in whole or in part, if it determines that, based upon substantial evidence, the standard equipment antitheft device is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of Part 541. The agency finds that Toyota has provided adequate reasons for its belief that the antitheft device for the Toyota RAV4 vehicle line is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR part 541). This conclusion is based on the information Toyota provided about its device. The agency concludes that the device will provide four of the five types of performance listed in § 543.6(a)(3): promoting activation; preventing defeat or circumvention of the device by unauthorized persons; preventing operation of the vehicle by PO 00000 Frm 00144 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 unauthorized entrants; and ensuring the reliability and durability of the device. For the foregoing reasons, the agency hereby grants in full Toyota’s petition for exemption for the Toyota RAV4 vehicle line from the parts-marking requirements of 49 CFR Part 541. The agency notes that 49 CFR part 541, appendix A–1, identifies those lines that are exempted from the Theft Prevention Standard for a given model year. 49 CFR 543.7(f) contains publication requirements incident to the disposition of all Part 543 petitions. Advanced listing, including the release of future product nameplates, the beginning model year for which the petition is granted and a general description of the antitheft device is necessary in order to notify law enforcement agencies of new vehicle lines exempted from the parts marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard. If Toyota decides not to use the exemption for this line, it must formally notify the agency. If such a decision is made, the line must be fully marked according to the requirements under 49 CFR 541.5 and 541.6 (marking of major component parts and replacement parts). NHTSA notes that if Toyota wishes in the future to modify the device on which this exemption is based, the company may have to submit a petition to modify the exemption. Section 543.7(d) states that a Part 543 exemption applies only to vehicles that belong to a line exempted under this part and equipped with the antitheft device on which the line’s exemption is based. Further, § 543.9(c)(2) provides for the submission of petitions ‘‘to modify an exemption to permit the use of an antitheft device similar to but differing from the one specified in that exemption.’’ The agency wishes to minimize the administrative burden that § 543.9(c)(2) could place on exempted vehicle manufacturers and itself. The agency did not intend in drafting Part 543 to require the submission of a modification petition for every change to the components or design of an antitheft device. The significance of many such changes could be de minimis. Therefore, NHTSA suggests that if the manufacturer contemplates making any changes, the effects of which might be characterized as de minimis, it should consult the agency before preparing and submitting a petition to modify. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 33106; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50. E:\FR\FM\15JAN1.SGM 15JAN1 3083 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 15, 2013 / Notices Issued on: January 9, 2013. Christopher J. Bonanti, Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. of the Treasury, Washington, DC 20220, Tel: (202) 622–2490. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: [FR Doc. 2013–00696 Filed 1–14–13; 8:45 am] Electronic and Facsimile Availability This document and additional information concerning OFAC are available on OFAC’s Web site at https://www.treasury.gov/ofac or via facsimile through a 24-hour fax-ondemand service at (202) 622–0077. BILLING CODE 4910–59–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board Release of Waybill Data The Surface Transportation Board has received a request from Michael Behe representing Freight Resources Network, LLC (WB604–11—01/09/2013) for permission to use certain data from the Board’s 2011 Carload Waybill Sample. A copy of this request may be obtained from the Office of Economics. The waybill sample contains confidential railroad and shipper data; therefore, if any parties object to these requests, they should file their objections with the Director of the Board’s Office of Economics within 14 calendar days of the date of this notice. The rules for release of waybill data are codified at 49 CFR 1244.9. Contact: Megan Conley, (202) 245– 0348. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2013–00669 Filed 1–14–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Foreign Assets Control Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (‘‘OFAC’’) is publishing the names of two individuals whose property and interests in property have been blocked pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (‘‘Kingpin Act’’) (21 U.S.C. 1901–1908, 8 U.S.C. 1182). DATES: The designation by the Director of OFAC of the two individuals identified in this notice pursuant to section 805(b) of the Kingpin Act is effective on January 9, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Assistant Director, Sanctions Compliance & Evaluation, Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 Jan 14, 2013 Jkt 229001 Background The Kingpin Act became law on December 3, 1999. The Kingpin Act establishes a program targeting the activities of significant foreign narcotics traffickers and their organizations on a worldwide basis. It provides a statutory framework for the imposition of sanctions against significant foreign narcotics traffickers and their organizations on a worldwide basis, with the objective of denying their businesses and agents access to the U.S. financial system and the benefits of trade and transactions involving U.S. companies and individuals. The Kingpin Act blocks all property and interests in property, subject to U.S. jurisdiction, owned or controlled by significant foreign narcotics traffickers as identified by the President. In addition, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Homeland Security may designate and block the property and interests in property, subject to U.S. jurisdiction, of persons who are found to be: (1) Materially assisting in, or providing financial or technological support for or to, or providing goods or services in support of, the international narcotics trafficking activities of a person designated pursuant to the Kingpin Act; (2) owned, controlled, or directed by, or acting for or on behalf of, a person designated pursuant to the Kingpin Act; or (3) playing a significant role in international narcotics trafficking. On January 9, 2013, the Director of OFAC designated the following two individuals whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 805(b) of the Kingpin Act. Individuals 1. LOPEZ NUNEZ, Damaso (a.k.a. ‘‘EL LICENCIADO’’), Avenida Nicolas Bravo PO 00000 Frm 00145 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 No. 1607, Colonia Guadalupe, Culiacan, Sinaloa 80220, Mexico; Calle Escobedo No. 24, Localidad El Dorado, Culiacan, Sinaloa 80450, Mexico; DOB 22 Feb 1966; POB Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico; nationality Mexico; citizen Mexico; R.F.C. LOND6602221Y5 (Mexico); alt. R.F.C. LOND660222SE7 (Mexico); C.U.R.P. LOND660222HSLPXM05 (Mexico) (individual) [SDNTK]. 2. CORONEL BARRERAS, Ines, La Angostura, Canelas, Durango 34500, Mexico; Avenida Puebla A No. 2209, Colonia Federal, San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora 83489, Mexico; DOB 21 Jan 1968; POB Durango, Mexico; nationality Mexico; citizen Mexico (individual) [SDNTK]. Dated: January 9, 2013. Adam J. Szubin, Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control. [FR Doc. 2013–00675 Filed 1–14–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–AL–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY United States Mint Revised Pricing for Five 2013 Products United States Mint, Department of the Treasury. AGENCY: ACTION: Notice. The United States Mint is announcing revised pricing for five 2013 products. Please see the table below. SUMMARY: Product 2013 retail price United States Mint Happy Birthday Coin Set .............. United States Mint Congratulations Set ......................... American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin ............... American Eagle One Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin ... America the Beautiful FiveOunce Silver Uncirculated CoinTM (5 issues) .............. $19.95 64.95 62.95 53.95 244.95 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marc Landry, Acting Associate Director for Sales and Marketing; United States Mint; 801 9th Street NW., Washington, DC 20220; or call 202–354–7500. Authority: 31 U.S.C. 5111, 5112 & 9701. Dated: January 8, 2013. Richard A. Peterson, Acting Director, United States Mint. [FR Doc. 2013–00670 Filed 1–14–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P E:\FR\FM\15JAN1.SGM 15JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 15, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3081-3083]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-00696]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration


Petition for Exemption From the Federal Motor Vehicle Motor Theft 
Prevention Standard; Toyota

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

ACTION: Grant of petition for exemption.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document grants in full Toyota Motor North America, 
Inc.'s (Toyota) petition for an exemption of the RAV4 vehicle line in 
accordance with 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from the Theft Prevention 
Standard. This petition is granted because the agency has determined 
that the antitheft device to be placed on the line as standard 
equipment is likely to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor 
vehicle theft as compliance with the parts-marking requirements of the 
Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR Part 541).

DATES: The exemption granted by this notice is effective beginning with 
the 2014 model year (MY).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carlita Ballard, Office of 
International Policy, Fuel Economy and Consumer Standards, NHTSA, W43-
439, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Ms. Ballard's 
phone number is (202) 366-5222. Her fax number is (202) 493-2990.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a petition dated October 16, 2012, Toyota 
requested an exemption from the parts-marking requirements of the theft 
prevention standard (49 CFR part 541) for the RAV4 vehicle line 
beginning with MY 2014. The petition requested an exemption from parts-
marking pursuant to 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle Theft 
Prevention Standard, based on the installation of an antitheft device 
as standard equipment for the entire vehicle line.
    Under Sec.  543.5(a), a manufacturer may petition NHTSA to grant an 
exemption for one vehicle line per model year. In its petition, Toyota 
provided a detailed description and diagram of the identity, design, 
and location of the components of the antitheft device for the RAV4 
vehicle line. Toyota stated that the MY 2014 RAV4 vehicle line will 
offer two entry systems but both will have an engine immobilizer device 
as standard equipment. Specifically, Toyota stated that the RAV4 
vehicle line will offer a ``smart key'' system (keyless entry and push 
button start) and a ``conventional key'' entry system. Key components 
of the ``smart key'' system will include an engine immobilizer, 
certification electronic control unit (ECU), engine switch, steering 
lock ECU, security indicator, door control receiver, electrical key and 
an electronic control module (ECM). The conventional key components 
consist of a transponder key ECU assembly, transponder key coil, 
security indicator, ignition key and an ECM. Toyota will not offer an 
audible and visual alarm for the RAV4 vehicle line. Toyota's submission 
is considered a complete petition as required by 49 CFR 543.7 in that 
it meets the general requirements contained in 543.5 and the specific 
content requirements of 543.6.
    On the RAV4 vehicle line, the ``smart key'' system allows the 
driver to press the ``ON'' button located on the instrument panel to 
start the vehicle. Once the driver pushes the ``ON'' button, the 
certification ECU verifies the electrical key, and the certification 
ECU and steering lock ECU receive confirmation of the valid key, 
allowing the ECM to start the engine. With the conventional key system, 
once the key is inserted into the key cylinder, the transponder chip in 
the key sends the key ID codes to the transponder key ECU assembly to 
verify the code. Once the code is verified, the immobilizer will allow 
the ECM to start the engine.
    Toyota stated that with the smart key system, the immobilizer is 
activated when the power button is pushed from the ``ON'' status to any 
other ignition status and the certification ECU performs the 
calculation of the immobilizer then the immobilizer signals the ECM. 
For the ``conventional key'' system, activation of the immobilizer 
occurs when the ignition

[[Page 3082]]

key is turned from the ``ON'' status to any other position and/or the 
key is removed. Toyota also stated that the devices' security indicator 
will provide the immobilizer status for the RAV4 vehicle line. When the 
immobilizer is activated, the indicator flashes continuously. When the 
immobilizer is not activated, the indicator is turned off. The device 
is deactivated when the doors are unlocked and the device recognizes 
the key code from the smart key system. Deactivation of the 
conventional key system occurs when the doors are unlocked and the key 
is turned to the ``ON'' position.
    Toyota also stated that there will be position switches installed 
in the vehicle to protect the hood and doors. Specifically, the 
position switches in the hood will trigger the antitheft device when 
they sense inappropriate opening of the hood. The position switches in 
the doors will trigger the antitheft device when they sense opening of 
the doors is being attempted without the use of a key, wireless switch 
or smart entry system.
    In addressing the specific content requirements of 543.6, Toyota 
provided information on the reliability and durability of its proposed 
device. To ensure reliability and durability of the device, Toyota 
conducted tests based on its own specified standards. Toyota provided a 
detailed list of the tests conducted (i.e., high and low temperature, 
strength, impact, vibration, electro-magnetic interference, etc.). 
Toyota stated that it believes that its device is reliable and durable 
because it complied with its own specific design standards and that the 
device is installed in other vehicle lines for which the agency has 
granted a parts-marking exemption. As an additional measure of 
reliability and durability, Toyota stated that its vehicle key 
cylinders are covered with casting cases to prevent the key cylinder 
from easily being broken. Toyota further stated that there are so many 
key cylinder combinations and key plates for its gutter keys that it 
would be very difficult to unlock the doors without using a valid key.
    To provide comparison, Toyota referenced NHTSA-published theft rate 
data for the RAV4 vehicle line for several years before and after it 
was equipped with a standard antitheft device with an immobilizer. 
Toyota stated that the average theft rate for the RAV4 for MY 2009 is 
0.66 thefts per thousand vehicles produced as compared to 0.86 per 
1,000 vehicles, the average theft rate for the RAV 4 for model years 
(MYs) 2005-2008. Toyota further stated that the antitheft device which 
is already installed as standard equipment beginning with MY 2009 RAV4 
will continue to be installed on the MY 2014 RAV4 vehicle line. Toyota 
also compared its proposed device with other devices NHTSA has 
determined to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle 
theft as would compliance with the parts-marking requirements (i.e., 
Toyota Prius and Prius v, Toyota Camry and Corolla, Lexus LS and GS 
vehicle lines). The Toyota Camry, Corolla, Lexus LS and GS vehicle 
lines have all been granted parts-marking exemptions by the agency. The 
theft rates for the Toyota Camry, Corolla, Lexus LS, GS and Prius 
vehicle lines using an average of three model years' data (2008-2010) 
are 1.8107, 1.7399, 0.9468, 0.4915 and 0.3756 respectively. Therefore, 
Toyota has concluded that the antitheft device proposed for its RAV4 
vehicle line is no less effective than those devices in the lines for 
which NHTSA has already granted full exemption from the parts-marking 
requirements. Toyota believes that installing the immobilizer as 
standard equipment reduces the theft rate and expects the RAV4 to 
experience comparable effectiveness, ultimately being more effective 
than parts-marking labels.
    Based on the evidence submitted by Toyota, the agency believes that 
the antitheft device for the RAV4 vehicle line is likely to be as 
effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance 
with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard 
(49 CFR part 541).
    Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 33106 and 49 CFR 543.7 (b), the agency grants 
a petition for exemption from the parts-marking requirements of Part 
541, either in whole or in part, if it determines that, based upon 
substantial evidence, the standard equipment antitheft device is likely 
to be as effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as 
compliance with the parts-marking requirements of Part 541. The agency 
finds that Toyota has provided adequate reasons for its belief that the 
antitheft device for the Toyota RAV4 vehicle line is likely to be as 
effective in reducing and deterring motor vehicle theft as compliance 
with the parts-marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard 
(49 CFR part 541). This conclusion is based on the information Toyota 
provided about its device.
    The agency concludes that the device will provide four of the five 
types of performance listed in Sec.  543.6(a)(3): promoting activation; 
preventing defeat or circumvention of the device by unauthorized 
persons; preventing operation of the vehicle by unauthorized entrants; 
and ensuring the reliability and durability of the device.
    For the foregoing reasons, the agency hereby grants in full 
Toyota's petition for exemption for the Toyota RAV4 vehicle line from 
the parts-marking requirements of 49 CFR Part 541. The agency notes 
that 49 CFR part 541, appendix A-1, identifies those lines that are 
exempted from the Theft Prevention Standard for a given model year. 49 
CFR 543.7(f) contains publication requirements incident to the 
disposition of all Part 543 petitions. Advanced listing, including the 
release of future product nameplates, the beginning model year for 
which the petition is granted and a general description of the 
antitheft device is necessary in order to notify law enforcement 
agencies of new vehicle lines exempted from the parts marking 
requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard.
    If Toyota decides not to use the exemption for this line, it must 
formally notify the agency. If such a decision is made, the line must 
be fully marked according to the requirements under 49 CFR 541.5 and 
541.6 (marking of major component parts and replacement parts).
    NHTSA notes that if Toyota wishes in the future to modify the 
device on which this exemption is based, the company may have to submit 
a petition to modify the exemption. Section 543.7(d) states that a Part 
543 exemption applies only to vehicles that belong to a line exempted 
under this part and equipped with the antitheft device on which the 
line's exemption is based. Further, Sec.  543.9(c)(2) provides for the 
submission of petitions ``to modify an exemption to permit the use of 
an antitheft device similar to but differing from the one specified in 
that exemption.''
    The agency wishes to minimize the administrative burden that Sec.  
543.9(c)(2) could place on exempted vehicle manufacturers and itself. 
The agency did not intend in drafting Part 543 to require the 
submission of a modification petition for every change to the 
components or design of an antitheft device. The significance of many 
such changes could be de minimis. Therefore, NHTSA suggests that if the 
manufacturer contemplates making any changes, the effects of which 
might be characterized as de minimis, it should consult the agency 
before preparing and submitting a petition to modify.

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 33106; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 
1.50.


[[Page 3083]]


    Issued on: January 9, 2013.
Christopher J. Bonanti,
Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2013-00696 Filed 1-14-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
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