BMW of North America, LLC, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 31966-31967 [2015-13600]

Download as PDF wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 31966 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2015 / Notices The PSP submitted is intended to meet the requirements prescribed in 49 CFR part 236 Subpart H (Standards for Development and Use of ProcessorBased Signal and Train Control Systems), specifically, section 236.907 for Microlok II with Executive Software Version CC 3.0.(Microlok II CC3.0). FRA is requiring the LIRR to submit a PSP on Microlok II CC3.0 because Software Version CC3.0 of the executive software incorporates safety-critical modifications and enhancements that did not exist in the previous versions of Microlok II that have been in revenue operations prior to June 6, 2005, and were eligible for exclusion from the requirements of Subpart H. Microlok II CC3.0 is a processor-based programmable interlocking controller designed for application in safetycritical railway operations. The basic operation of this product is to accept a variety of inputs, perform the userspecified logic that maps those inputs into a series of outputs, and then deliver those outputs to safely operate the various physical components of the interlocking to route trains in a safe manner consistent with standard vital railway signaling practices. The product also incorporates non-vital controls and indications where such features are required. The LIRR intends to apply Microlok II CC 3.0 as its Vital Microprocessor Based Interlocking Control System (VMICS) at the Harold and Point Interlockings on the LIRR mainline in Long Island City, NY. All tracks through the interlockings have a 60 mile per hour (mph) passenger train speed limit and a 20 mph freight train speed. The operational characteristics include a bi-directional cab signal system with wayside signals within the interlockings. LIRR maintains that the Microlok II CC3.0 safety critical processor-based interlocking controller uses a combination of intrinsic fail-safety and diversity and self-checking safety assurance techniques to mitigate the effects of random hardware faults. Per LIRR this would allow the Microlok II CC3.0 controller to achieve and maintain a safety integrity level against systematic faults that satisfy the safety requirements of 49 CFR part 236 subpart H. A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov and in person at the Department of Transportation’s Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Operations Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:33 Jun 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Web site: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Communications received by July 20, 2015 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. See also https:// www.regulations.gov/#!privacyNotice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. Issued in Washington, DC, on May 2, 2015. Ron Hynes, Director of Technical Oversight. [FR Doc. 2015–13640 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [Docket No. NHTSA–2015–0031; Notice 1] BMW of North America, LLC, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Receipt of petition. AGENCY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW), a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany, has determined that certain model year (MY) 2014–2015 BMW R nineT motorcycles do not fully comply with paragraph S6.4.3(a) (Table V-b) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment. BMW has filed an appropriate report dated February 20, 2015, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. DATES: The closing date for comments on the petition is July 6, 2015. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments on this petition. Comments must refer to the docket and notice number cited at the beginning of this notice and submitted by any of the following methods: • Mail: Send comments by mail addressed to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Deliver: Deliver comments by hand to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Section is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Federal Holidays. • Electronically: Submit comments electronically by: Logging onto the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Web site at https:// www.regulations.gov/. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Comments may also be faxed to (202) 493–2251. Comments must be written in the English language, and be no greater than 15 pages in length, although there is no limit to the length of necessary attachments to the comments. If comments are submitted in hard copy form, please ensure that two copies are SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2015 / Notices provided. If you wish to receive confirmation that your comments were received, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard with the comments. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Documents submitted to a docket may be viewed by anyone at the address and times given above. The documents may also be viewed on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by following the online instructions for accessing the dockets. DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement is available for review in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000, (65 FR 19477–78). The petition, supporting materials, and all comments received before the close of business on the closing date indicated below will be filed and will be considered. All comments and supporting materials received after the closing date will also be filed and will be considered to the extent possible. When the petition is granted or denied, notice of the decision will be published in the Federal Register pursuant to the authority indicated below. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. BMW’s Petition: Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) (see implementing rule at 49 CFR part 556), BMW submitted a petition for an exemption from the notification and remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 on the basis that this noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety. This notice of receipt of BMW’s petition is published under 49 U.S.C. 30118 and 30120 and does not represent any agency decision or other exercise of judgment concerning the merits of the petition. II. Motorcycles Involved: Affected are approximately 1,792 MY 2014–2015 BMW R nineT motorcycles manufactured between November 27, 2013 and January 26, 2015. III. Noncompliance: BMW explains that the noncompliance is that the rear turn signal lamps were manufactured with a corner point of 5ßIB. The turn signal lamps should have had a corner point of 20ßIB as required by paragraph S6.4.3(a)(Table V-b) of FMVSS No. 108. IV. Rule Text: Paragraph S6.4.3(a) of FMVSS No. 108 requires in pertinent part: S6.4.3 Visibility Options. A manufacturer must certify compliance of each lamp function to one of the following visibility requirement options, and it may not thereafter choose a different option for that vehicle . . . (a) Lens area options. When a vehicle is equipped with any lamp listed in Table V- VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:33 Jun 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 b each such lamp must provide not less than 1250 sq mm of unobstructed effective projected luminous lens area in any direction throughout the pattern defined by the corner points specified in Table V-b for each such lamp; V. Summary of BMW’s Analyses: BMW stated its belief that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety for the following reasons: (A) BMW states that when the subject motorcycles are upright on a level surface and equipped with standard tires at their recommended cold tire inflation pressure; the lower edge of the rear turn signal lenses are approximately 747 mm above ground, the lower edge of the tail lamp lens is approximately 710 mm above ground and the tail lamp lens extend upward. BMW believes that due to these geometric conditions there is some overlap in the vertical direction between the rear turn signal lenses and the tail lamp lens however, they are not aligned along the same longitudinal centerline [of the turn signals]. Specifically, the tail lamp is on the motorcycle’s longitudinal centerline while the rear turn signals are on stalks offset from the centerline. As a result, BMW believes that this has a very minor affect upon the effective projected luminous lens area. (B) BMW stated its belief that the obstruction from the tail lamp only occurs if another road user in a following vehicle has an eye-point of approximately 747 mm above ground (extremely low for an average vehicle) and is a worst-case-scenario. For other road users with a higher eye-point, there is no apparent obstruction and the turn signal would appear to meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 108. (C) BMW also stated its belief that the effect of the noncompliance, i.e., the overlap or interference of the turn signal lamp by the tail lamp does not occur during critical traffic conditions. A road user, who is following an affected motorcycle, and in the same lane as an affected motorcycle, will be able to fully view an affected motorcycle’s rear turn signal at a distance of approximately 1,935 mm (approximately 6 ft). BMW believes that in most traffic conditions, a road user would not want to be closer to a motorcycle than 6 ft. Thus, this ‘‘non-visible’’ rear turn signal condition is not likely to occur during the vast majority of traffic conditions. BMW provided detailed analysis of specific travel conditions including following directly behind an affected motorcycle and overtaking/passing an affected motorcycle that it believes supports its conclusion that the condition caused by PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 31967 the subject noncompliance will not interfere with the safety of the motorcycle rider or another road user. (D) BMW Customer Relations has not received any contacts from motorcycle riders, or other road users regarding this issue. Also, BMW is not aware of any accidents or injuries that have occurred as a result of this issue. BMW has additionally informed NHTSA that it has corrected the noncompliance so that all future production of the subject vehicles will fully comply with FMVSS No. 108. In summation, BMW believes that the described noncompliance of the subject motorcycles is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety, and that its petition, to exempt BMW from providing recall notification of noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30118 and remedying the recall noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30120 should be granted. NHTSA notes that the statutory provisions (49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h)) that permit manufacturers to file petitions for a determination of inconsequentiality allow NHTSA to exempt manufacturers only from the duties found in sections 30118 and 30120, respectively, to notify owners, purchasers, and dealers of a defect or noncompliance and to remedy the defect or noncompliance. Therefore, any decision on this petition only applies to the subject motorcycles that BMW no longer controlled at the time it determined that the noncompliance existed. However, any decision on this petition does not relieve equipment distributors and dealers of the prohibitions on the sale, offer for sale, or introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of the noncompliant motorcycles under their control after BMW notified them that the subject noncompliance existed. Authority: (49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120: Delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.8) Jeffrey Giuseppe, Director, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance. [FR Doc. 2015–13600 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–59–P E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31966-31967]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13600]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA-2015-0031; Notice 1]


BMW of North America, LLC, Receipt of Petition for Decision of 
Inconsequential Noncompliance

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

ACTION: Receipt of petition.

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

SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW), a subsidiary of BMW AG in 
Munich, Germany, has determined that certain model year (MY) 2014-2015 
BMW R nineT motorcycles do not fully comply with paragraph S6.4.3(a) 
(Table V-b) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, 
Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment. BMW has filed an 
appropriate report dated February 20, 2015, pursuant to 49 CFR part 
573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

DATES: The closing date for comments on the petition is July 6, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written data, 
views, and arguments on this petition. Comments must refer to the 
docket and notice number cited at the beginning of this notice and 
submitted by any of the following methods:
     Mail: Send comments by mail addressed to: U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Deliver: Deliver comments by hand to: U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. The 
Docket Section is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except 
Federal Holidays.
     Electronically: Submit comments electronically by: Logging 
onto the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Web site at https://www.regulations.gov/. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments. Comments may also be faxed to (202) 493-2251.
    Comments must be written in the English language, and be no greater 
than 15 pages in length, although there is no limit to the length of 
necessary attachments to the comments. If comments are submitted in 
hard copy form, please ensure that two copies are

[[Page 31967]]

provided. If you wish to receive confirmation that your comments were 
received, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard with the 
comments. Note that all comments received will be posted without change 
to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided.
    Documents submitted to a docket may be viewed by anyone at the 
address and times given above. The documents may also be viewed on the 
Internet at  https://www.regulations.gov by following the online 
instructions for accessing the dockets. DOT's complete Privacy Act 
Statement is available for review in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000, (65 FR 19477-78).
    The petition, supporting materials, and all comments received 
before the close of business on the closing date indicated below will 
be filed and will be considered. All comments and supporting materials 
received after the closing date will also be filed and will be 
considered to the extent possible. When the petition is granted or 
denied, notice of the decision will be published in the Federal 
Register pursuant to the authority indicated below.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    I. BMW's Petition: Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) (see 
implementing rule at 49 CFR part 556), BMW submitted a petition for an 
exemption from the notification and remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C. 
Chapter 301 on the basis that this noncompliance is inconsequential to 
motor vehicle safety.
    This notice of receipt of BMW's petition is published under 49 
U.S.C. 30118 and 30120 and does not represent any agency decision or 
other exercise of judgment concerning the merits of the petition.
    II. Motorcycles Involved: Affected are approximately 1,792 MY 2014-
2015 BMW R nineT motorcycles manufactured between November 27, 2013 and 
January 26, 2015.
    III. Noncompliance: BMW explains that the noncompliance is that the 
rear turn signal lamps were manufactured with a corner point of 
5[ordm]IB. The turn signal lamps should have had a corner point of 
20[ordm]IB as required by paragraph S6.4.3(a)(Table V-b) of FMVSS No. 
108.
    IV. Rule Text: Paragraph S6.4.3(a) of FMVSS No. 108 requires in 
pertinent part:

    S6.4.3 Visibility Options. A manufacturer must certify 
compliance of each lamp function to one of the following visibility 
requirement options, and it may not thereafter choose a different 
option for that vehicle . . .
    (a) Lens area options. When a vehicle is equipped with any lamp 
listed in Table V-b each such lamp must provide not less than 1250 
sq mm of unobstructed effective projected luminous lens area in any 
direction throughout the pattern defined by the corner points 
specified in Table V-b for each such lamp;

    V. Summary of BMW's Analyses: BMW stated its belief that the 
subject noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety for 
the following reasons:
    (A) BMW states that when the subject motorcycles are upright on a 
level surface and equipped with standard tires at their recommended 
cold tire inflation pressure; the lower edge of the rear turn signal 
lenses are approximately 747 mm above ground, the lower edge of the 
tail lamp lens is approximately 710 mm above ground and the tail lamp 
lens extend upward. BMW believes that due to these geometric conditions 
there is some overlap in the vertical direction between the rear turn 
signal lenses and the tail lamp lens however, they are not aligned 
along the same longitudinal centerline [of the turn signals]. 
Specifically, the tail lamp is on the motorcycle's longitudinal 
centerline while the rear turn signals are on stalks offset from the 
centerline. As a result, BMW believes that this has a very minor affect 
upon the effective projected luminous lens area.
    (B) BMW stated its belief that the obstruction from the tail lamp 
only occurs if another road user in a following vehicle has an eye-
point of approximately 747 mm above ground (extremely low for an 
average vehicle) and is a worst-case-scenario. For other road users 
with a higher eye-point, there is no apparent obstruction and the turn 
signal would appear to meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 108.
    (C) BMW also stated its belief that the effect of the 
noncompliance, i.e., the overlap or interference of the turn signal 
lamp by the tail lamp does not occur during critical traffic 
conditions. A road user, who is following an affected motorcycle, and 
in the same lane as an affected motorcycle, will be able to fully view 
an affected motorcycle's rear turn signal at a distance of 
approximately 1,935 mm (approximately 6 ft). BMW believes that in most 
traffic conditions, a road user would not want to be closer to a 
motorcycle than 6 ft. Thus, this ``non-visible'' rear turn signal 
condition is not likely to occur during the vast majority of traffic 
conditions. BMW provided detailed analysis of specific travel 
conditions including following directly behind an affected motorcycle 
and overtaking/passing an affected motorcycle that it believes supports 
its conclusion that the condition caused by the subject noncompliance 
will not interfere with the safety of the motorcycle rider or another 
road user.
    (D) BMW Customer Relations has not received any contacts from 
motorcycle riders, or other road users regarding this issue. Also, BMW 
is not aware of any accidents or injuries that have occurred as a 
result of this issue.
    BMW has additionally informed NHTSA that it has corrected the 
noncompliance so that all future production of the subject vehicles 
will fully comply with FMVSS No. 108.
    In summation, BMW believes that the described noncompliance of the 
subject motorcycles is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety, and 
that its petition, to exempt BMW from providing recall notification of 
noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30118 and remedying the recall 
noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C. 30120 should be granted.
    NHTSA notes that the statutory provisions (49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 
30120(h)) that permit manufacturers to file petitions for a 
determination of inconsequentiality allow NHTSA to exempt manufacturers 
only from the duties found in sections 30118 and 30120, respectively, 
to notify owners, purchasers, and dealers of a defect or noncompliance 
and to remedy the defect or noncompliance. Therefore, any decision on 
this petition only applies to the subject motorcycles that BMW no 
longer controlled at the time it determined that the noncompliance 
existed. However, any decision on this petition does not relieve 
equipment distributors and dealers of the prohibitions on the sale, 
offer for sale, or introduction or delivery for introduction into 
interstate commerce of the noncompliant motorcycles under their control 
after BMW notified them that the subject noncompliance existed.

    Authority: (49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120: Delegations of authority at 
49 CFR 1.95 and 501.8)

Jeffrey Giuseppe,
Director, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance.
[FR Doc. 2015-13600 Filed 6-3-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
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