NHTSA has signed a final rule addressing the color contrast requirement within FMVSS 101 as it relates specifically to the horn identifier. With this amendment, NHTSA is ruling that an identifier is not required if the horn control is placed in the middle of the steering wheel. They are also ruling that, if the horn control is placed somewhere other than the middle of the steering wheel, it must be identified by the specified horn symbol in a color that stands out clearly against the background. For additional points of clarification, see the “Details” section below.
This final rule does not change any of the effective dates currently in place. In other words, for vehicles < 10,000 lbs GVWR, compliance with S5.4.3 continues to be 9/1/11. For vehicles 10,000 lbs GVWR or more, the requirements of FMVSS 101 will begin to take effect 9/1/13.
