MotorVehicleRegs.COM

CARB Plug-in Hybrid Test Procedures

On August 28, 2009, CARB published its 15 day notice requesting comments on proposed modifications to the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) test procedures and aftermarket parts certification requirements. Comments on the proposed modification are due 5 pm PST on Sep. 14, 2009. For more information, go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2008/phev09/phev09.htm.

Brake Transmission Shift Interlock

On August 25, 2009, NHTSA published a notice in the Federal Register at 74 FR 42837 proposing an amendment to FMVSS 114 (Theft Protection) that would require certain vehicles be equipped with a brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI). Starting Sep. 1, 2010, the new BTSI requirement would apply to all motor vehicles, except trailers and motorcycles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less. Comments on the proposal are due September 24, 2009.

ABS Effectiveness

NHTSA published a notice in the Federal Register on August 26, 2009 at 74 FR 43224 announcing the publication of a Technical Report reviewing and evaluating the crash-reducing effectiveness of ABS for passenger cars, pickups trucks, SUVs and vans. The report’s title is: The Long-Term Effect of ABS in Passenger Cars and LTVs. NHTSA is requesting comments on the report. The deadline for submission is December 24, 2009.

The report abstract is as follows:

Statistical analyses based on data for calendar years 1995 to 2007 from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the General Estimates System (GES) of the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) estimate the long-term effectiveness of antilock brake systems (ABS) for passenger cars and LTVs (light trucks and vans) subsequent to the 1995 launch of public information programs on how to use ABS correctly. ABS has close to a zero net effect on fatal crash involvements. Fatal run-off-road crashes of passenger cars increased by a statistically significant 9 percent (90% confidence bounds: 3% to 15% increase), offset by a significant 13-percent reduction in fatal collisions with pedestrians (confidence bounds: 5% to 20%) and a significant 12-percent reduction in collisions with other vehicles on wet roads (confidence bounds: 3% to 20%). ABS is quite effective in nonfatal crashes, reducing the overall crash involvement rate by 6 percent in passenger cars (confidence bounds: 4% to 8%) and by 8 percent in LTVs (confidence bounds: 3% to 11%). The combination of electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS will prevent a large proportion of fatal and nonfatal crashes.

Lighting (FMVSS 108)

NHTSA has published a notice in the Federal Register at 74 FR 42639 announcing it is denying a petition for rulemaking that was filed by the SAE Lighting Committee and the Groupe de Travail “Bruxelles 1952 (GTB) in 2004. That petition requested NHTSA add new specifications to FMVSS 108 for optional upper and lower beam patterns based on specifications pending approval by the UN ECE under ECE R112. The petition was denied over concerns that there may be a negative impact on safety associated with increased glare levels if the agency were to allow the newly requested lower beam photometry test points and higher intensity upper beam headlamps.

Distracted Driving Summit

On September 30 and October 1, DOT will hold a summit to determine the best ways to reduce the number of crashes and deaths due to distracted driving. According to an Aug. 18, 2009 DOT press release, the distracted driving summit will bring together senior transportation officials, elected officials, safety advocates, law enforcement representatives, private sector representatives and academics to address a range of issues related to reducing accidents through enforcement, public awareness and education. Authoritative speakers from around the nation will lead interactive sessions on a number of key topics including the extent and impact of distracted driving, current research, regulations and best practices.

Participants will also examine distractions caused by current and planned automotive devices, such as navigational systems. The summit's second day will include a panel of state and local officials to discuss solutions from their perspectives.

The summit will be available live by webcast and members of the public will be given the opportunity to submit questions online for each individual panel discussion.

DOT has created a website to provide information and updates on the summit at: http://www.rita.dot.gov/distracted_driving_summit/ .

ZEV Symposium

CARB will hold a two day ZEV Symposium in Sacramento on September 21 and 22. The following sessions are included in the program:

Session 1: ZEV Technology Symposium Introduction

Session 2: Automotive Fuel Cell Vehicle Technologies

Session 3: 2050 GHG Scenarios

Session 4: ZEV Marketability

Session 5: Battery Electric Vehicle and Plug-in Electric Vehicle Batteries

Session 6: Plug-in Electric Vehicles and EVs

For more information, go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/zevprog/2009symposium/2009symposium.htm.

Vehicles Eligible for Importation (not originally manufactured for the U.S.)

NHTSA is publishing a final rule on Aug. 14, 2009 that revises the list of vehicles not originally manufactured to conform to the FMVSSs that NHTSA has decided to be eligible for importation. The list has been revised to add all vehicles that NHTSA has decided to be eligible for importation since Oct. 1, 2008 and to remove all previously listed vehicles that are now more than 25 years old and need no longer comply with all applicable FMVSS to be lawfully imported. The list is published as an appendix to 49 CFR Part 593. NHTSA contact: Coleman Sachs, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, (202) 366-3151.

Amendments to FMVSS 101 Controls, Telltales and Indicators

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.

CARB GHG Emissions Standards

On August 6, 2009, CARB posted a public hearing notice concerning a public hearing that is planned for the purpose of considering amendments to the California greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards. The proposed amendments would provide affected manufacturers with the ability to demonstrate compliance based on their fleet average of vehicles produced and delivered for sale in California and all other U.S. States that have adopted and can enforce California’s GHG emissions standards pursuant to section 177 of the Clean Air Act. The hearing will be held September 24, 2009 starting at 9 am in Diamond Bar, CA. Comments on the proposed amendments are due by noon, Sep. 23, 2009.

Cash for Clunkers

On August 6, 2009, the Senate passed H.R. 3435 without amendment (60-37) to add $2 billion to the Cash for Clunkers program. The bill has been sent to the President for signature.