National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This document grants in full the General Motors Corporation's (GM) petition for an exemption of the Chevrolet Bolt vehicle line in accordance with 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle 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 49 CFR part 541, Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard (Theft Prevention Standard).

Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen), has determined that certain model year (MY) 2015-2016 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R passenger cars do not fully comply with paragraphs S4.3(c) and S4.3(d) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 110, Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or Less. Volkswagen filed a report dated November 25, 2015, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. Volkswagen then petitioned NHTSA under 49 CFR part 556 requesting a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.

This notice provides NHTSA's finding with respect to a request from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) to waive the requirements of Buy America. NHTSA finds that a non-availability waiver is appropriate for OHSP to purchase twenty foreign-made motorcycles using Federal grant funds because there are no suitable motorcycles produced in the United States for motorcyclist safety training purposes.

Graco Children's Products, Inc. (Graco), has determined that certain Graco Milestone child restraints manufactured between July 9, 2015 and October 6, 2015, do not fully comply with paragraph S5.5.2(g)(1)(ii) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213, Child Restraint Systems. Graco filed a report pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. Graco then petitioned NHTSA under 49 CFR part 556 requesting a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is announcing a meeting that will be held in Washington, DC on March 10- 11, 2016 to explore ways to promote evidence-based behavior change in a traffic safety setting. The Driving Behavioral Change in Traffic Safety workshop will include presentations and discussions on a number of topics including analysis and feasibility of using different approaches to changing behavior; exploring promising untested strategies; identifying long-term pathways to eliminate fatalities; and considering how evidence-based behavior change strategies can be used in the broader policy discussion. Attendance at the meeting is limited to invited participants because of space limitations of the DOT Conference Center. However, the meeting will be available for live public viewing on the NHTSA Web site (www.nhtsa.gov).

Based on the agency's evaluation, NHTSA denies a petition for rulemaking from Mr. David K. Aberizk, P.E., of Integrated Consultants Incorporated, who requests the development of safety standards for a driver-activated vehicle regenerative braking interface with distinct rear lighting indication. The petitioner claims that the recommended changes to the relevant safety standards would allow vehicle manufacturers to better utilize the regenerator technology to increase vehicle efficiency. NHTSA finds that some features of the suggested concept are not prohibited by existing Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and notes that Mr. Aberizk did not demonstrate how the other features address a motor vehicle safety need. FMVSS Nos. 108 and 135 currently specify performance requirements relevant to certain permitted technologies identified in the petition.

Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) has determined that certain model year (MY) 2008 Tesla Roadster passenger cars do not fully comply with paragraph S4.4(c)(2), of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems. Tesla filed a report dated August 1, 2014, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. Tesla then petitioned NHTSA under 49 CFR part 556 requesting a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.

General Motors LLC, (GM) has determined that certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks manufactured between January 29, 2013, and October 28, 2013, do not fully comply with paragraph S5.3.1(e) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, Controls and Displays, and paragraph S3.1.4.1 of FMVSS No. 102, Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect. GM filed a report dated October 31, 2013, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. GM then petitioned NHTSA in accordance with 49 CFR part 556 requesting a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation (DOT) is updating its regulations governing the organization of NHTSA and delegations of authority from the Administrator to Agency officials, to provide for a reorganization of the Agency's internal structure. These changes will enable NHTSA to achieve its mission more effectively and efficiently.

This document announces receipt by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that nonconforming 2009 Buell 1125R, Ulysses XB, Lightning XB, and Blast motorcycles that were not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), are eligible for importation into the United States because they are substantially similar to vehicles that were originally manufactured for sale in the United States and that were certified by their manufacturer as complying with the safety standards (the U.S.-certified version of the 2009 Buell 1125R, Ulysses XB, Lightning XB, and Blast motorcycles) and they are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards.

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to amend, by regulation, the means of notification required under the Safety Act, to be in a manner other than, or in addition to, first-class mail. Furthermore, Section 24104 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) expounds on the need to update the means of notification by requiring the Agency to include notification by electronic means in addition to first class mail notification, within 270 days of its enactment. MAP-21 also authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to improve the efficacy of recalls by requiring manufacturers to send additional notifications of defects or noncompliance if a second notification by the manufacturer does not result in an adequate number of motor vehicles or replacement equipment being returned for remedy. NHTSA seeks public comment on the means, in addition to first class mail, of providing notification to owners, purchasers, and dealers, by a manufacturer of a motor vehicle or replacement equipment, that the vehicle or equipment contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety or does not comply with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard. As a result of this ANPRM, the Agency anticipates receiving information that will aid the Agency in developing a rule implementing the notification requirements under MAP-21 and the FAST Act. The Agency anticipates that comments and information received will aid in updating the Agency's regulations.

Van Hool N.V. (Van Hool), has determined that certain model year (MY) 2015-2016 Van Hool Double Deck buses do not fully comply with paragraph S5.3.4 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 121, Air Brake Systems. Van Hool filed a report dated November 6, 2015, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. Van Hool then petitioned NHTSA under 49 CFR part 556 requesting a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.

Graco Children's Products, Inc., (Graco) has determined that certain Graco child restraints do not fully comply with paragraph S5.5.2(g)(1)(iii) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213, Child Restraint Systems. Graco filed a report dated March 13, 2015, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. Graco then 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.

Maserati S.p.A and Maserati North America, Inc. (collectively ``MNA'') have determined that certain model year (MY) 2011-2014 MNA passenger cars do not fully comply with paragraph S4.4(c)(2), of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 138, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems. MNA has filed a report dated March 3, 2014, pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports. MNA then petitioned NHTSA under 49 CFR part 556 requesting a decision that the subject noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is announcing a meeting that will be held in Washington, DC on February 2nd, 2016 to announce a new initiative and accept comments from the public about the development of voluntary evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) for fatigue risk management tailored to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) occupation. The meeting will include presentations by NHTSA and the project team. These presentations will address the following: (1) A brief overview of the potential dangers of drowsy and fatigued driving and the work of EMS practitioners, including the risk of traffic crashes and providing patient care; (2) a summary of the project goals and methods for coming to consensus on EBG fatigue risk management guidelines, (3) the plan for dissemination of EBGs, and (4) additional project related activities and information. Due to space limitations, attendance at the meeting is limited to invited participants and those who register in advance. Time for comment and questions from attendees will be included. Written comments can also be made on https://www.regulations.gov.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) invites public comments about our intention to request Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new information collection. The information collection involves eligibility, demographic, and debriefing questionnaires. The information will be used to recruit participants for a study on vehicle Head-Up Displays. The proposed study will focus on acceptance and distraction potential of automotive Head-Up Displays.

On September 2, 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published an interim final rule and request for comment entitled ``Allowing Importers to Provide Information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Electronic Format.'' No comments were received in response to the interim final rule. Accordingly, this final rule confirms that the September 2, 2015 interim final rule will not be changed and its effective date is September 2, 2015.

NHTSA is announcing two public hearings to invite public comment on the planned upgrade to the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) recently announced in a Request for Comments (RFC) Notice.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below is being forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment.

This final rule amends the rear license plate holder requirements contained in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108; ``Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.'' The final rule expands upon the proposal in the NPRM and allows license plates on all motor vehicles to be mounted on a plane up to 30 degrees upward from vertical if the upper edge of the license plate is not more than 1.2 meters (47.25 inches) from the ground. Previously, the maximum allowable upward mounting angle was 15 degrees beyond vertical. This final rule increases harmonization with existing requirements in European regulations. Additionally, this final rule increases a manufacturer's design flexibility while providing opportunity to decrease cost without compromising safety.

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) provides comparative information on the safety of new vehicles to assist consumers with vehicle purchasing decisions and encourage motor vehicle manufacturers to make vehicle safety improvements. To keep pace with advancements in occupant protection and the introduction of advanced technologies, NHTSA has periodically updated the program. This notice describes and seeks comments on NHTSA's plan to advance the capabilities and safety outcomes of NCAP.

Nitto Tire U.S.A., Inc. (Nitto), has determined that certain Nitto NT05 passenger car tires manufactured between December 14, 2014 and August 1, 2015, do not fully comply with paragraph S5.5(e) of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 139, New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles. Nitto filed a report \1\ pursuant to 49 CFR part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility and Reports.

This document announces receipt by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that model year (MY) 2012 Fisker Karma passenger cars (PC) that were not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), are eligible for importation into the United States because they are substantially similar to vehicles that were originally manufactured for sale in the United States and that were certified by their manufacturer as complying with the safety standards (the U.S.-certified version of the 2012 Fisker Karma PC) and they are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards.

This document grants in full the Jaguar Land Rover North America LLC's, (Jaguar Land Rover) petition for an exemption of the Jaguar XE vehicle line in accordance with 49 CFR part 543, Exemption from Vehicle 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 49 CFR part 541, Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard (Theft Prevention Standard).

This document publishes the final data on thefts of model year (MY) 2013 passenger motor vehicles that occurred in calendar year (CY) 2013, including theft rates for existing passenger motor vehicle lines manufactured in model year (MY) 2013.