[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR571.208]
[Page 480-559]
TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
OF TRANSPORTATION
PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents
Subpart B--Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Sec. 571.208 Standard No. 208; Occupant crash protection.
S1. Scope. This standard specifies performance requirements for the
protection of vehicle occupants in crashes.
S2. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce the number of
deaths of vehicle occupants, and the severity of injuries, by specifying
vehicle crashworthiness requirements in terms
[[Page 481]]
of forces and accelerations measured on anthropomorphic dummies in test
crashes, and by specifying equipment requirements for active and passive
restraint systems.
S3. Application. (a) This standard applies to passenger cars,
multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses. In addition, S9,
Pressure vessels and explosive devices, applies to vessels designed to
contain a pressurized fluid or gas, and to explosive devices, for use in
the above types of motor vehicles as part of a system designed to
provide protection to occupants in the event of a crash.
(b) Notwithstanding any language to the contrary, any vehicle
manufactured after March 19, 1997, and before September 1, 2006, that is
subject to a dynamic crash test requirement conducted with unbelted
dummies may meet the requirements specified in S5.1.2(a)(1),
S5.1.2(a)(2), or S13 instead of the applicable unbelted requirement,
unless the vehicle is certified to meet the requirements specified in
S14.5, S15, S17, S19, S21, S23, and S25.
(c) For vehicles which are certified to meet the requirements
specified in S13 instead of the otherwise applicable dynamic crash test
requirement conducted with unbelted dummies, compliance with S13 shall,
for purposes of Standards No. 201, 203 and 209, be deemed as compliance
with the unbelted frontal barrier requirements of S5.1.2.
S4. General requirements.
S4.1 Passenger cars.
S4.1.1 Passenger cars manufactured from January 1, 1972, to August
31, 1973. Each passenger car manufactured from January 1, 1972, to
August 31, 1973, inclusive, shall meet the requirements of S4.1.1.1,
S4.1.1.2, or S4.1.1.3. A protection system that meets the requirements
of S4.1.1.1, or S4.1.1.2 may be installed at one or more designated
seating positions of a vehicle that otherwise meets the requirements of
S4.1.1.3.
S4.1.1.1 First option--complete passive protection system. The
vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5. by means
that require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.1.1.2 Second option--lap belt protection system with belt
warning. The vehicle shall--
(a) At each designated seating position have a Type 1 seatbelt
assembly or a Type 2 seatbelt assembly with a detachable upper torso
portion that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard;
(b) At each front outboard designated seating position, have a seat
belt warning system that conforms to S7.3; and
(c) Meet the frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1, in a
perpendicular impact, with respect to anthropomorphic test devices in
each front outboard designated seating position restrained only by Type
1 seat belt assemblies.
S4.1.1.3 Third option--lap and shoulder belt protection system with
belt warning.
S4.1.1.3.1 Except for convertibles and open-body vehicles, the
vehicle shall--
(a) At each front outboard designated seating position have a Type 2
seatbelt assembly that conforms to Sec. 571.209 and S7.1 and S7.2 of
this standard, with either an integral or detachable upper torso
portion, and a seatbelt warning system that conforms to S7.3;
(b) At each designated seating position other than the front
outboard positions, have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that
conforms to Sec. 571.209 and to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard; and
(c) When it perpendicularly impacts a fixed collision barrier, while
moving longitudinally forward at any speed up to and including 30
m.p.h., under the test conditions of S8.1 with anthropomorphic test
devices at each front outboard position restrained by Type 2 seatbelt
assemblies, experience no complete separation of any load-bearing
element of a seatbelt assembly or anchorage.
S4.1.1.3.2 Convertibles and open-body type vehicles shall at each
designated seating position have a Type 1 or Type 2 seatbelt assembly
that conforms to Sec. 571.209 and to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard, and
at each front outboard designated seating position have a seatbelt
warning system that conforms to S7.3.
S4.1.2 Passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1973,
and before September 1, 1986. Each passenger car manufactured on or
after September 1, 1973, and before September 1, 1986, shall
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meet the requirements of S4.1.2.1, S4.1.2.2 or S4.1.2.3. A protection
system that meets the requirements of S4.1.2.1 or S4.1.2.2 may be
installed at one or more designated seating positions of a vehicle that
otherwise meets the requirements of S4.1.2.3.
S4.1.2.1 First option--frontal/angular automatic protection system.
The vehicle shall:
(a) At each front outboard designated seating position meet the
frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1 by means that require no
action by vehicle occupants;
(b) At the front center designated seating position and at each rear
designated seating position have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly
that conforms to Standard No. 209 and to S7.1 and S7.2; and
(c) Either. (1) Meet the lateral crash protection requirements of
S5.2 and the rollover crash protection requirements of S5.3 by means
that require no action by vehicle occupants; or
(2) At each front outboard designated seating position have a Type 1
or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209 and S7.1
through S7.3, and that meets the requirements of S5.1 with front test
dummies as required by S5.1, restrained by the Type 1 or Type 2 seat
belt assembly (or the pelvic portion of any Type 2 seat belt assembly
which has a detachable upper torso belt) in addition to the means that
require no action by the vehicle occupant.
S4.1.2.2 Second option--head-on automatic protection system. The
vehicle shall--
(a) At each designated seating position have a Type 1 seat belt
assembly or Type 2 seat belt assembly with a detachable upper torso
portion that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard.
(b) At each front outboard designated seating position, meet the
frontal crash protecton requirements of S5.1, in a perpendicular impact,
by means that require no action by vehicle occupants;
(c) At each front outboard designated seating position, meet the
frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1, in a perpendicular
impact, with a test device restrained by a Type 1 seat belt assembly;
and
(d) At each front outboard designated seating position, have a seat
belt warning system that conforms to S7.3.
S4.1.2.3 Third option--lap and shoulder belt protection system with
belt warning.
S4.1.2.3.1 Except for convertibles and open-body vehicles, the
vehicle shall--
(a) At each front outboard designated seating position have a seat
belt assembly that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard, and a
seat belt warning system that conforms to S7.3. The belt assembly shall
be either a Type 2 seat belt assembly with a nondetachable shoulder belt
that conforms to Standard No. 209 (Sec. 571.209), or a Type 1 seat belt
assembly such that with a test device restrained by the assembly the
vehicle meets the frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1 in a
perpendicular impact.
(b) At any center front designated seating position, have a Type 1
or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209
(Sec. 571.209) and to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard, and a seat belt
warning system that conforms to S7.3; and
(c) At each other designated seating position, have a Type 1 or Type
2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209 (Sec. 571.209)
and S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard.
S4.1.2.3.2 Convertibles and open-body type vehicles shall at each
designated seating position have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly
that conforms to Standard No. 209 (Sec. 571.209) and to S7.1 and S7.2 of
this standard, and at each front designated seating position have a seat
belt warning system that conforms to S7.3.
S4.1.3 Passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1986,
and before September 1, 1989.
S4.1.3.1 Passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1986,
and before September 1, 1987.
S4.1.3.1.1 Subject to S4.1.3.1.2 and S4.1.3.4, each passenger car
manufactured on or after September 1, 1986, and before September 1,
1987, shall comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, S4.1.2.2 or
S4.1.2.3. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this
standard if its manufacturer establishes that it did not have reason to
[[Page 483]]
know in the exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity
with the requirement of this standard.
S4.1.3.1.2 Subject to S4.1.3.4 and S4.1.5, the amount of passenger
cars, specified in S4.1.3.1.1 complying with the requirements of
S4.1.2.1 shall be not less than 10 percent of:
(a) The average annual production of passenger cars manufactured on
or after September 1, 1983, and before September 1, 1986, by each
manufacturer, or
(b) The manufacturer's annual production of passenger cars during
the period specified in S4.1.3.1.1.
S4.1.3.1.3 A manufacturer may exclude convertibles which do not
comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, when it is calculating its
average annual production under S4.1.3.1.2(a) or its annual production
under S4.1.3.1.2(b).
S4.1.3.2 Passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1987,
and before September 1, 1988.
S4.1.3.2.1 Subject to S4.1.3.2.2 and S4.1.3.4, each passenger car
manufactured on or after September 1, 1987, and before September 1,
1988, shall comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, S4.1.2.2 or
S4.1.2.3. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this
standard if its manufacturer establishes that it did not have reason to
know in the exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity
with the requirement of this standard.
S4.1.3.2.2 Subject to S4.1.3.4 and S4.1.5, the amount of passenger
cars specified in S4.1.3.2.1 complying with the requirements of
S4.1.2.1. shall be not less than 25 percent of:
(a) The average annual production of passenger cars manufactured on
or after September 1, 1984, and before September 1, 1987, by each
manufacturer, or
(b) The manufacturer's annual production of passenger cars during
the period specified in S4.1.3.2.1.
S4.1.3.2.3 A manufacturer may exclude convertibles which do not
comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, when it is calculating its
average annual production under S4.1.3.2.2(a) or its annual production
under S4.1.3.2.2(b).
S4.1.3.3 Passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1988,
and before September 1, 1989.
S4.1.3.3.1 Subject to S4.1.3.3.2 and S4.1.3.4, each passenger car
manufactured on or after September 1, 1988, and before September 1,
1989, shall comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, S4.1.2.2 or
S4.1.2.3. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this
standard if its manufacturer establishes that it did not have reason to
know in the exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity
with the requirement of this standard.
S4.1.3.3.2 Subject to S4.1.3.4 and S4.1.5, the amount of passenger
cars specified in S4.1.3.3.1 complying with the requirements of S4.1.2.1
shall be not less than 40 percent of:
(a) The average annual production of passenger cars manufactured on
or after September 1, 1985, and before September 1, 1988, by each
manufacturer or
(b) The manufacturer's annual production of passenger cars during
the period specified in S4.1.3.3.1.
S4.1.3.3.3 A manufacturer may exclude convertibles which do not
comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, when it is calculating its
average annual production under S4.1.3.3.2(a) or its annual production
under S4.1.3.3.2(b).
S4.1.3.4 Calculation of complying passenger cars. (a) For the
purposes of calculating the numbers of cars manufactured under
S4.1.3.1.2, S4.1.3.2.2, or S4.1.3.3.2 to comply with S4.1.2.1:
(1) Each car whose driver's seating position complies with the
requirements of S4.1.2.1(a) by means not including any type of seat belt
and whose front right seating position will comply with the requirements
of S4.1.2.1(a) by any means is counted as 1.5 vehicles, and
(2) Each car whose driver's seating position complies with the
requirements of S4.1.2.1(a) by means not including any type of seat belt
and whose right front seat seating position is equipped with a manual
Type 2 seat belt is counted as one vehicle.
(b) For the purposes of complying with S4.1.3.1.2, a passenger car
may be counted if it:
(1) Is manufactured on or after September 1, 1985, but before
September 1, 1986, and
(2) Complies with S4.1.2.1.
[[Page 484]]
(c) For the purposes of complying with S4.1.3.2.2, a passenger car
may be counted if it:
(1) Is manufactured on or after September 1, 1985, but before
September 1, 1987,
(2) Complies with S4.1.2.1, and
(3) Is not counted toward compliance with S4.1.3.1.2
(d) For the purposes of complying with S4.1.3.3.2, a passenger car
may be counted if it:
(1) Is manufactured on or after September 1, 1985, but before
September 1, 1988,
(2) Complies with S4.1.2.1, and
(3) Is not counted toward compliance with S4.1.3.1.2 or S4.1.3.2.2.
S4.1.3.5 Passenger cars produced by more than one manufacturer.
S4.1.3.5.1 For the purposes of calculating average annual
production of passenger cars for each manufacturer and the amount of
passenger cars manufactured by each manufacturer under S4.1.3.1.2,
S4.1.3.2.2 or S4.1.3.3.2, a passenger car produced by more than one
manufacturer shall be attributed to a single manufacturer as follows,
subject to S4.1.3.5.2:
(a) A passenger car which is imported shall be attributed to the
importer.
(b) A passenger car manufactured in the United States by more than
one manufacturer, one of which also markets the vehicle, shall be
attributed to the manufacturer which markets the vehicle.
S4.1.3.5.2 A passenger car produced by more than one manufacturer
shall be attributed to any one of the vehicle's manufacturers specified
by an express written contract, reported to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration under 49 CFR part 585, between the manufacturer so
specified and the manufacturer to which the vehicle would otherwise be
attributed under S4.1.3.5.1.
S4.1.4 Passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1989,
but before September 1, 1996.
S4.1.4.1 Except as provided in S4.1.4.2, each passenger car
manufactured on or after September 1, 1989 shall comply with the
requirements of S4.1.2.1. Any passenger car manufactured on or after
September 1, 1989 and before September 1, 1993 whose driver's designated
seating position complies with the requirements of S4.1.2.1(a) by means
not including any type of seat belt and whose right front designated
seating position is equipped with a manual Type 2 seat belt so that the
seating position complies with the occupant crash protection
requirements of S5.1, with the Type 2 seat belt assembly adjusted in
accordance with S7.4.2, shall be counted as a vehicle complying with
S4.1.2.1. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this
standard if its manufacturer establishes that it did not know in the
exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity with this
standard.
S4.1.4.2 (a) Each passenger car, other than a convertible,
manufactured before December 11, 1989 may be equipped with, and each
passenger car, other than a convertible, manufactured on or after
December 11, 1989 and before September 1, 1990 shall be equipped with a
Type 2 seat belt assembly at every forward-facing rear outboard
designated seating position. Type 2 seat belt assemblies installed
pursuant to this provision shall comply with Standard No. 209 (49 CFR
571.209) and with S7.1.1 of this standard.
(b) Except as provided in S4.1.4.2.1 and S4.1.4.2.2, each passenger
car, other than a convertible, manufactured on or after September 1,
1990 and each convertible passenger car manufactured on or after
September 1, 1991 shall be equipped with an integral Type 2 seat belt
assembly at every forward-facing rear outboard designated seating
position. Type 2 seat belt assemblies installed in compliance with this
requirement shall comply with Standard No. 209 (49 CFR 571.209) and with
S7.1 an S7.2 of this standard. If a Type 2 seat belt assembly installed
in compliance with this requirement incorporates any webbing tension-
relieving device, the vehicle owner's manual shall include the
information specified in S7.4.2(b) of this standard for the tension
relieving device, and the vehicle shall comply with S7.4.2(c) of this
standard.
(c) As used in this section, ``rear outboard designated seating
position'' means any ``outboard designated seating position'' (as that
term is defined at 49 CFR 571.3) that is rearward of the front seat(s),
except any designated
[[Page 485]]
seating position adjacent to a walkway that is located between the seat
and the near side of the vehicle and is designed to allow access to more
rearward seating positions.
S4.1.4.2.1 Any rear outboard designated seating position with a
seat that can be adjusted to be forward-facing and to face some other
direction shall either:
(i) Meet the requirements of S4.1.4.2 with the seat in any position
in which it can be occupied while the vehicle is in motion; or
(ii) When the seat is in its forward-facing position, have a Type 2
seat belt assembly with an upper torso restraint that conforms to S7.1
and S7.2 of this standard and that adjusts by means of an emergency
locking retractor that conforms with Standard No. 209 (49 CFR 571.209),
which upper torso restraint may be detachable at the buckle, and, when
the seat is in any position in which it can be occupied while the
vehicle is in motion, have a Type 1 seat belt or the pelvic portion of a
Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this
standard.
S4.1.4.2.2 Any rear outboard designated seating position on a
readily removable seat (that is, a seat designed to be easily removed
and replaced by means installed by the manufacturer for that purpose) in
a vehicle manufactured on or after September 1, 1992 shall meet the
requirements of S4.1.4.2 and may use an upper torso belt that detaches
at either its upper or lower anchorage points, but not both anchorage
points, to meet those requirements. The means for detaching the upper
torso belt may use a pushbutton action.
S4.1.5 Passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1996.
S4.1.5.1 Frontal/angular automatic protection system. (a) Each
passenger car manufactured on or after September 1, 1996 shall:
(1) At each front outboard designated seating position meet the
frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1 by means that require no
action by vehicle occupants;
(2) At any front designated seating positions that are not
``outboard designated seating positions,'' as that term is defined at 49
CFR 571.3, and at any rear designated seating positions that are not
``rear outboard designated seating positions,'' as that term is defined
at S4.1.4.2(c) of this standard, have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt
assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209 and S7.1 and S7.2 of this
standard; and
(3) At each front designated seating position that is an ``outboard
designated seating position,'' as that term is defined at 49 CFR 571.3,
and at each forward-facing rear designated seating position that is a
``rear outboard designated seating positions,'' as that term is defined
at S4.1.4.2(c) of this standard, have a Type 2 seat belt assembly that
conforms to Standard No. 209 and S7.1 through S7.3 of this standard,
and, in the case of the Type 2 seat belt assemblies installed at the
front outboard designated seating positions, meet the frontal crash
protection requirements with the appropriate anthropomorphic test dummy
restrained by the Type 2 seat belt assembly in addition to the means
that requires no action by the vehicle occupant.
(b) For the purposes of sections S4.1.5 through S4.1.5.3 and S4.2.6
through S4.2.6.2 of this standard, an inflatable restraint system means
an air bag that is activated in a crash.
S4.1.5.2 Passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1996
and before September 1, 1997.
S4.1.5.2.1 The amount of passenger cars complying with the
requirement of S4.1.5.1(a)(1) by means of an inflatable restraint system
at the driver's and right front passenger's position shall be not less
than 95 percent of the manufacturer's total production of passenger cars
manufactured on or after September 1, 1996, and before September 1,
1997. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this
standard if its manufacturer establishes that it did not have reason to
know in the exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity
with the requirement of this standard.
S4.1.5.2.2 Passenger cars produced by more than one manufacturer.
S4.1.5.2.2.1 For the purpose of calculating the production of
passenger cars by each manufacturer during the period specified in
S4.1.5.2, a passenger
[[Page 486]]
car produced by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to a
single manufacturer as follows, subject to S4.1.5.2.2.2:
(a) A passenger car that is imported into the United States shall be
attributed to the importer.
(b) A passenger car manufactured within the United States by more
than one manufacturer, one of which also markets the vehicle, shall be
attributed to the manufacturer that markets the vehicle.
S4.1.5.2.2.2 A passenger car produced by more than one manufacturer
shall be attributed to any one of the vehicle's manufacturers, as
specified in an express written contract, reported to the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration pursuant to part 585 of this
chapter, between the manufacturer so specified and the manufacturer to
which the vehicle otherwise would be attributed, pursuant to
S4.1.5.2.2.1.
S4.1.5.3 Passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1997.
Each passenger car manufactured on or after September 1, 1997 shall
comply with the requirement of S4.1.5.1(a)(1) by means of an inflatable
restraint system at the driver's and right front passenger's position. A
vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this standard if
its manufacturer establishes that it did not have reason to know in the
exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity with the
requirement of this standard.
S4.1.5.4 Passenger cars certified to S14. Each passenger car
certified to S14 shall, at each front outboard designated seating
position, meet the applicable frontal crash protection requirements of
S5.1.2(b) by means of an inflatable restraint system that requires no
action by vehicle occupants.
S4.2 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of
10,000 pounds or less. As used in this section, vehicles manufactured
for operation by persons with disabilities means vehicles that
incorporate a level change device (e.g., a wheelchair lift or a ramp)
for onloading or offloading an occupant in a wheelchair, an interior
element of design intended to provide the vertical clearance necessary
to permit a person in a wheelchair to move between the lift or ramp and
the driver's position or to occupy that position, and either an adaptive
control or special driver seating accommodation to enable persons who
have limited use of their arms or legs to operate a vehicle. For
purposes of this definition, special driver seating accommodations
include a driver's seat easily removable with means installed for that
purpose or with simple tools, or a driver's seat with extended
adjustment capability to allow a person to easily transfer from a
wheelchair to the driver's seat.
S4.2.1 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of
10,000 pounds or less, manufactured on or after January 1, 1976 and
before September 1, 1991. Each truck and multipurpose passenger vehicle,
with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less,
manufactured before September 1, 1991, shall meet the requirements of
S4.1.2.1, or at the option of the manufacturer, S4.1.2.2 or S4.1.2.3 (as
specified for passenger cars), except that forward control vehicles
manufactured prior to September 1, 1981, convertibles, open-body type
vehicles, walk-in van-type trucks, motor homes, vehicles designed to be
exclusively sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles carrying
chassis-mount campers may instead meet the requirements of S4.2.1.1 or
S4.2.1.2.
S4.2.1.1 First option--complete automatic protection system. The
vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5 by means that
require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.2.1.2 Second option--belt system. The vehicle shall have seat
belt assemblies that conform to Standard 209 (49 CFR 571.209) installed
as follows:
(a) A Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly shall be installed for
each designated seating position in convertibles, open-body type
vehicles, and walk-in van-type trucks.
(b) In vehicles manufactured for operation by persons with
disabilities, a Type 2 or Type 2A seat belt assembly shall be installed
for the driver's seating position, a Type 2 seat belt assembly shall be
installed for each other outboard designated seating position that
includes the windshield header within the head impact area, and a Type 1
or Type 2 seat belt assembly shall be installed for each other
designated seating position.
[[Page 487]]
(c) In all vehicles except those for which requirements are
specified in S4.2.1.2 (a) or (b), a Type 2 seat belt assembly shall be
installed for each outboard designated seating position that includes
the windshield header within the head impact area, and a Type 1 or Type
2 seat belt assembly shall be installed for each other designated
seating position.
S4.2.2 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of
8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or
less, manufactured on or after September 1, 1991 and before September 1,
1997. Except as provided in S4.2.4, each truck and multipurpose
passenger vehicle, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or
less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less,
manufactured on or after September 1, 1991 and before September 1, 1997,
shall meet the requirements of S4.1.2.1, or at the option of the
manufacturer, S4.1.2.2 or S4.1.2.3 (as specified for passenger cars),
except that convertibles, open-body type vehicles, walk-in van-type
trucks, motor homes, vehicles designed to be exclusively sold to the
U.S. Postal Service, vehicles carrying chassis-mount campers, and
vehicles manufactured for operation by persons with disabilities may
instead meet the requirements of S4.2.1.1 or S4.2.1.2. Each Type 2 seat
belt assembly installed in a front outboard designated seating position
in accordance with S4.1.2.3 shall meet the requirements of S4.6.
S4.2.3 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles manufactured on
or after September 1, 1991 with either a GVWR or more than 8,500 pounds
but not greater than 10,000 pounds or with an unloaded vehicle weight
greater than 5,500 pounds and a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. Except as
provided in S4.2.4, each truck and multipurpose passenger vehicle
manufactured on or after September 1, 1991, that has either a gross
vehicle weight rating which is greater than 8,500 pounds, but not
greater than 10,000 pounds, or has an unloaded vehicle weight greater
than 5,500 pounds and a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, shall meet the
requirements of S4.1.2.1, or at the option of the manufacturer, S4.1.2.2
or S4.1.2.3 (as specified for passenger cars), except that convertibles,
open-body type vehicles, walk-in van-type trucks, motor homes, vehicles
designed to be exclusively sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles
carrying chassis-mount campers may instead meet the requirements of
S4.2.1.1 or S4.2.1.2.
S4.2.4 Rear outboard seating positions in trucks and multipurpose
passenger vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 1991 with a
GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. Except as provided in S4.2.4.2 and
S4.2.4.3, each truck and each multipurpose passenger vehicle, other than
a motor home, manufactured on or after September 1, 1991 that has a
gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less shall be equipped
with an integral Type 2 seat belt assembly at every forward-facing rear
outboard designated seating position. Type 2 seat belt assemblies
installed in compliance with this requirement shall comply with Standard
No. 209 (49 CFR 571.209) and with S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard. If a
Type 2 seat belt assembly installed in compliance with this requirement
incorporates any webbing tension-relieving device, the vehicle owner's
manual shall include the information specified in S7.4.2(b) of this
standard for the tension relieving device, and the vehicle shall comply
with S7.4.2(c) of this standard.
S4.2.4.1 As used in this section--
(a) Motor home means a motor vehicle with motive power that is
designed to provide temporary residential accommodations, as evidenced
by the presence of at least four of the following facilities: cooking;
refrigeration or ice box; self-contained toilet; heating and/or air
conditioning; a potable water supply system including a faucet and a
sink; and a separate 110-125 volt electrical power supply and/or an LP
gas supply.
(b) Rear outboard designated seating position means any ``outboard
designated seating position'' (as that term is defined at 49 CFR 571.3)
that is rearward of the front seat(s), except any designated seating
positions adjacent to a walkway located between the seat and the side of
the vehicle, which walkway is designed to allow access to more rearward
seating positions.
S4.2.4.2 Any rear outboard designated seating position with a seat
[[Page 488]]
that can be adjusted to be forward-facing and to face some other
direction shall either:
(i) Meet the requirements of S4.2.4 with the seat in any position in
which it can be occupied while the vehicle is in motion; or
(ii) When the seat is in its forward-facing position, have a Type 2
seat belt assembly with an upper torso restraint that conforms to S7.1
and S7.2 of this standard and that adjusts by means of an emergency
locking retractor that conforms with Standard No. 209 (49 CFR 571.209),
which upper torso restraint may be detachable at the buckle, and, when
the seat is in any position in which it can be occupied while the
vehicle is in motion, have a Type 1 seat belt or the pelvic portion of a
Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this
standard.
S4.2.4.3 Any rear outboard designated seating position on a readily
removable seat (that is, a seat designed to be easily removed and
replaced by means installed by the manufacturer for that purpose) in a
vehicle manufactured on or after September 1, 1992 shall meet the
requirements of S4.2.4 and may use an upper torso belt that detaches at
either its upper or lower anchorage point, but not both anchorage
points, to meet those requirements. The means for detaching the upper
torso belt may use a pushbutton action.
S4.2.5 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a
GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500
pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1994, and before
September 1, 1997.
S4.2.5.1 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a
GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500
pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1994, and before
September 1, 1995.
S4.2.5.1.1 Subject to S4.2.5.1.2 and S4.2.5.5 and except as
provided in S4.2.4, each truck, bus and multipurpose passenger vehicle,
other than walk-in van-type trucks, vehicles designed to be exclusively
sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles manufactured for operation
by persons with disabilities, with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an
unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less that is manufactured on
or after September 1, 1994 and before September 1, 1995, shall comply
with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, S4.1.2.2, or S4.1.2.3 (as specified
for passenger cars). A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in
noncompliance with this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it
did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such
vehicle is not in conformity with the requirement of standard.
S4.2.5.1.2 Subject to S4.2.5.5, the amount of trucks, buses, and
multipurpose passenger vehicles specified in S4.2.5.1.1 complying with
S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars) shall be not less than 20
percent of:
(a) The average annual production of trucks, buses, and multipurpose
passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded
vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after
September 1, 1991, and before September 1, 1994, by each manufacturer
that produced such vehicles during each of those annual production
periods, or
(b) The manufacturer's total production of trucks, buses, and
multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and
an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less during the period
specified in S4.2.5.1.1.
S4.2.5.2 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a
GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500
pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1995 and before
September 1, 1996.
S4.2.5.2.1 Subject to S4.2.5.2.2 and S4.2.5.5 and except as
provided in S4.2.4, each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle,
other than walk-in van-type trucks, vehicles designed to be exclusively
sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles manufactured for operation
by persons with disabilities, with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an
unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less that is manufactured on
or after September 1, 1995 and before September 1, 1996, shall comply
with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, S4.1.2.2, or S4.1.2.3 (as specified
for passenger cars). A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in
noncompliance with this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it
did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such
vehicle is
[[Page 489]]
not in conformity with the requirement of this standard.
S4.2.5.2.2 Subject to S4.2.5.5, the amount of trucks, buses, and
multipurpose passenger vehicles specified in S4.2.5.2.1 complying with
S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars) shall be not less than 50
percent of:
(a) The average annual production of trucks, buses, and multipurpose
passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded
vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after
September 1, 1992, and before September 1, 1995, by each manufacturer
that produced such vehicles during each of those annual production
periods, or
(b) The manufacturer's total production of trucks, buses, and
multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and
an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less during the period
specified in S4.2.5.2.1.
S4.2.5.3 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a
GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500
pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1996 and before
September 1, 1997.
S4.2.5.3.1 Subject to S4.2.5.3.2 and S4.2.5.5 and except as
provided in S4.2.4, each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle,
other than walk-in van-type trucks, vehicles designed to be exclusively
sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles manufactured for operation
by persons with disabilities, with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an
unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less that is manufactured on
or after September 1, 1996 and before September 1, 1997, shall comply
with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, S4.1.2.2, or S4.1.2.3 (as specified
for passenger cars). A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in
noncompliance with this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it
did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such
vehicle is not in conformity with the requirement of this standard.
S4.2.5.3.2 Subject to S4.2.5.5, the amount of trucks, buses, and
multipurpose passenger vehicles specified in S4.2.5.3.1 complying with
S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars) shall be not less than 90
percent of:
(a) The average annual production of trucks, buses, and multipurpose
passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded
vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after
September 1, 1993, and before September 1, 1996, by each manufacturer
that produced such vehicles during each of those annual production
periods, or
(b) The manufacturer's total production of trucks, buses, and
multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and
an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less during the period
specified in S4.2.5.3.1.
S4.2.5.4 Alternative phase-in schedule. A manufacturer may, at its
option, comply with the requirements of this section instead of
complying with the requirements set forth in S4.2.5.1, S4.2.5.2, and
S4.2.5.3.
(a) Except as provided in S4.2.4, each truck, bus, and multipurpose
passenger vehicle, other than walk-in van-type trucks, vehicles designed
to be exclusively sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles
manufactured for operation by persons with disabilities, with a GVWR of
8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or
less that is manufactured on or after September 1, 1994 and before
September 1, 1995 shall comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1,
S4.1.2.2, or S4.1.2.3 (as specified for passenger cars).
(b) Except as provided in S4.2.4, each truck, bus, and multipurpose
passenger vehicle, other than walk-in van-tape trucks, vehicles designed
to be exclusively sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles
manufactured for operation by persons with disabilities, with a GVWR of
8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or
less that is manufactured on or after September 1, 1995 shall comply
with the requirements of S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars) of
this standard. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with
this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it did not have
reason to know in the exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in
conformity with the requirement of this standard.
(c) Each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR
of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle
[[Page 490]]
weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1,
1995, but before September 1, 1998, whose driver's seating position
complies with the requirements of S4.1.2.1(a) of this standard by means
not including any type of seat belt and whose right front passenger's
seating position is equipped with a manual Type 2 seat belt that
complies with S5.1 of this standard, with the seat belt assembly
adjusted in accordance with S7.4.2, shall be counted as a vehicle
complying with S4.1.2.1.
S4.2.5.5 Calculation of complying trucks, buses, and multipurpose
passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded
vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less.
(a) For the purposes of the calculations required in S4.2.5.1.2,
S4.2.5.2.2, and S4.2.5.3.2 of the number of trucks, buses, and
multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and
an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less that comply with
S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars):
(1) Each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR
of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds
or less whose driver's seating position complies with the requirements
of S4.1.2.1(a) by means not including any type of seat belt and whose
front right seating position complies with the requirements of
S4.1.2.1(a) by any means is counted as 1.5 vehicles, and
(2) Each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR
of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds
or less whose driver's seating position complies with the requirements
of S4.1.2.1(a) by means not including any type of seat belt and whose
right front passenger's seating position is equipped with a manual Type
2 seat belt that complies with S5.1 of this standard, with the seat belt
assembly adjusted in accordance with S7.4.2, is counted as one vehicle.
(3) Each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR
of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds
or less that is manufactured in two or more stages or that is altered
(within the meaning of Sec. 567.7 of this chapter) after having
previously been certified in accordance with part 567 of this chapter is
not subject to the requirements of S4.2.5.1.2, S4.2.5.2.2, and
S4.2.5.3.2. Such vehicles may be excluded from all calculations of
compliance with S4.2.5.1.2, S4.2.5.2.2, and S4.2.5.3.2.
(b) For the purposes of complying with S4.2.5.1.2, a truck, bus, or
multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and
an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less may be counted if it:
(1) Is manufactured on or after September 1, 1992, but before
September 1, 1994, and
(2) Is certified as complying with S4.1.2.1 (as specified for
passenger cars).
(c) For the purposes of complying with S4.2.5.2.2, a truck, bus, or
multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and
an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less may be counted if it:
(1) Is manufactured on or after September 1, 1992, but before
September 1, 1995,
(2) Is certified as complying with S4.1.2.1 (as specified for
passenger cars), and
(3) Is not counted toward compliance with S4.2.5.1.2.
(d) For the purposes of complying with S4.2.5.3.2, a truck, bus, or
multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and
an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less may be counted if it:
(1) Is manufactured on or after September 1, 1992, but before
September 1, 1996,
(2) Is certified as complying with S4.1.2.1 (as specified for
passenger cars), and
(3) Is not counted toward compliance with S4.2.5.1.2 or S4.2.5.2.2.
S4.2.5.6 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a
GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500
pounds or less produced by more than one manufacturer.
S4.2.5.6.1 For the purposes of calculating average annual
production for each manufacturer and the amount of vehicles manufactured
by each manufacturer under S4.2.5.1.2, S4.2.5.2.2, or S4.2.5.3.2, a
truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500
[[Page 491]]
pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less
produced by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to a single
manufacturer as follows, subject to S4.2.5.6.2:
(a) A vehicle that is imported shall be attributed to the importer.
(b) A vehicle that is manufactured in the United States by more than
one manufacturer, one of which also markets the vehicle, shall be
attributed to the manufacturer that markets the vehicle.
S4.2.5.6.2 A truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle with,
GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500
pounds or less produced by more than one manufacturer shall be
attributed to any one of the vehicle's manufacturers specified in an
express written contract, reported to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration under 49 CFR part 585, between the manufacturer so
specified and the manufacturer to which the vehicle would otherwise be
attributed under S4.2.5.6.1 of this standard.
S4.2.6 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a
GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500
pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1997. Each truck,
bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or
less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less, which is
manufactured on or after September 1, 1997, shall comply with the
requirements of S4.1.5.1 of this standard (as specified for passenger
cars), except that walk-in van-type trucks and vehicles designed to be
sold exclusively to the U.S. Postal Service may meet the requirements of
S4.2.1.1 or S4.2.1.2 of this standard instead of the requirements of
S4.1.5.1.
S4.2.6.1 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a
GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500
pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1997 and before
September 1, 1998.
S4.2.6.1.1 The amount of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger
vehicles complying with the requirements of S4.1.5.1(a)(1) of this
standard by means of an inflatable restraint system shall be not less
than 80 percent of the manufacturer's total combined production of
subject vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 1997 and before
September 1, 1998. Each truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle
with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of
5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1997 and
before September 1, 1998, whose driver's seating position complies with
S4.1.5.1(a)(1) by means of an inflatable restraint system and whose
right front passenger's seating position is equipped with a manual Type
2 seat belt assembly that complies with S5.1 of this standard, with the
seat belt assembly adjusted in accordance with S7.4.2 of this standard,
shall be counted as a vehicle complying with S4.1.5.1(a)(1) by means of
an inflatable restraint system. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in
noncompliance with this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it
did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such
vehicle is not in conformity with the requirement of this standard.
S4.2.6.1.2 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with
a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500
pounds or less produced by more than one manufacturer.
S4.2.6.1.2.1 For the purpose of calculating the production by each
manufacturer during the period specified in S4.2.6.1.1, a truck, bus, or
multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and
an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less produced by more than
one manufacturer shall be attributed to a single manufacturer as
follows, subject to S4.2.6.1.2.2:
(a) A vehicle that is imported into the United States shall be
attributed to the importer.
(b) A vehicle manufactured within the United States by more than one
manufacturer, one of which also markets the vehicle, shall be attributed
to the manufacturer that markets the vehicle.
S4.2.6.1.2.2 A truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle
produced by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to any one of
the vehicle's manufacturers, as specified in an express written
contract, reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
pursuant to part 585 of
[[Page 492]]
this chapter, between the manufacturer so specified and the manufacturer
to which the vehicle otherwise would be attributed, pursuant to
S4.2.6.1.2.1.
S4.2.6.2 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a
GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500
pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1998. Each truck,
bus, or multipurpose vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an
unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after
September 1, 1998 shall comply with the requirement of S4.1.5.1(a)(1) by
means of an inflatable restraint system at the driver's and right front
passenger's position. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in
noncompliance with this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it
did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such
vehicle is not in conformity with the requirement of this standard.
S4.2.6.3 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles
certified to S14. Each truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle
with a GVWR of 3,855 kg (8,500 lb) or less and an unloaded vehicle
weight of 2,495 kg (5,500 lb) or less certified to S14 shall, at each
front outboard designated seating position, meet the applicable frontal
crash protection requirements of S5.1.2(b) by means of an inflatable
restraint system that requires no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.3 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles, with GVWR of more
than 10,000 pounds.
S4.3.1 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of
more than 10,000 pounds, manufactured in or after January 1, 1972 and
before September 1, 1990. Each truck and multipurpose passenger vehicle
with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds,
manufactured on or after January 1, 1972 and before September 1, 1990,
shall meet the requirements of S4.3.1.1 or S4.3.1.2. A protection system
that meets the requirements of S4.3.1.1 may be installed at one or more
designated seating positions of a vehicle that otherwise meets the
requirements of S4.3.1.2.
S4.3.1.1 First option--complete passenger protection system. The
vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5 by means that
require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.3.1.2 Second option--belt system. The vehicle shall, at each
designated seating position, have either a Type 1 or a Type 2 seat belt
assembly that conforms to S571.209.
S4.3.2 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of
more than 10,000 pounds, manufactured on or after September 1, 1990.
Each truck and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a gross vehicle
weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, manufactured on or after
September 1, 1990, shall meet the requirements of S4.3.2.1 or S4.3.2.2.
A protection system that meets the requirements of S4.3.2.1 may be
installed at one or more designated seating positions of a vehicle that
otherwise meets the requirements of S4.3.2.2.
S4.3.2.1 First option--complete passenger protection system. The
vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5 by means that
require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.3.2.2 Second option--belt system. The vehicle shall, at each
designated seating position, have either a Type 1 or a Type 2 seat belt
assembly that conforms to Sec. 571.209 of this part and S7.2 of this
Standard. A Type 1 belt assembly or the pelvic portion of a dual
retractor Type 2 belt assembly installed at a front outboard seating
position shall include either an emergency locking retractor or an
automatic locking retractor. If a seat belt assembly installed at a
front outboard seating position includes an automatic locking retractor
for the lap belt or the lap belt portion, that seat belt assembly shall
comply with the following:
(a) An automatic locking retractor used at a front outboard seating
position that has some type of suspension system for the seat shall be
attached to the seat structure that moves as the suspension system
functions.
(b) The lap belt or lap belt portion of a seat belt assembly
equipped with an automatic locking retractor that is installed at a
front outboard seating position must allow at least \3/4\ inch, but less
than 3 inches, of webbing movement before retracting webbing to the next
locking position.
(c) Compliance with S4.3.2.2(b) of this standard is determined as
follows:
[[Page 493]]
(1) The seat belt assembly is buckled and the retractor end of the
seat belt assembly is anchored to a horizontal surface. The webbing for
the lap belt or lap belt portion of the seat belt assembly is extended
to 75 percent of its length and the retractor is locked after the
initial adjustment.
(2) A load of 20 pounds is applied to the free end of the lap belt
or the lap belt portion of the belt assembly (i.e., the end that is not
anchored to the horizontal surface) in the direction away from the
retractor. The position of the free end of the belt assembly is
recorded.
(3) Within a 30 second period, the 20 pound load is slowly
decreased, until the retractor moves to the next locking position. The
position of the free end of the belt assembly is recorded again.
(4) The difference between the two positions recorded for the free
end of the belt assembly shall be at least \3/4\ inch but less than 3
inches.
S4.4 Buses.
S4.4.1 Buses manufactured on or after January 1, 1972 and before
September 1, 1990. Each bus manufactured on or after January 1, 1972 and
before September 1, 1990, shall meet the requirements of S4.4.1.1 or
S4.4.1.2.
S4.4.1.1 First option--complete passenger protection system--driver
only. The vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5,
with respect to an anthropomorphic test dummy in the driver's designated
seating position, by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.4.1.2 Second option--belt system--driver only. The vehicle
shall, at the driver's designated seating position, have either a Type 1
or a Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to S571.209.
S4.4.2 Buses manufactured on or after September 1, 1990. Each bus
manufactured on or after September 1, 1990, shall meet the requirements
of S4.4.2.1 or S4.4.2.2.
S4.4.2.1 First option--complete passenger protection system--driver
only. The vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5,
with respect to an anthropomorphic test dummy in the driver's designated
seating position, by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.4.2.2 Second option--belt system--driver only. The vehicle
shall, at the driver's designated seating position, have either a Type 1
or a Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Sec. 571.209 of this
part and S7.2 of this Standard. A Type 1 belt assembly or the pelvic
portion of a dual retractor Type 2 belt assembly installed at the
driver's seating position shall include either an emergency locking
retractor or an automatic locking retractor. If a seat belt assembly
installed at the driver's seating position includes an automatic locking
retractor for the lap belt or the lap belt portion, that seat belt
assembly shall comply with the following:
(a) An automatic locking retractor used at a driver's seating
position that has some type of suspension system for the seat shall be
attached to the seat structure that moves as the suspension system
functions.
(b) The lap belt or lap belt portion of a seat belt assembly
equipped with an automatic locking retractor that is installed at the
driver's seating position must allow at least \3/4\ inch, but less than
3 inches, of webbing movement before retracting webbing to the next
locking position.
(c) Compliance with S4.4.2.2(b) of this standard is determined as
follows:
(1) The seat belt assembly is buckled and the retractor end of the
seat belt assembly is anchored to a horizontal surface. The webbing for
the lap belt or lap belt portion of the seat belt assembly is extended
to 75 percent of its length and the retractor is locked after the
initial adjustment.
(2) A load of 20 pounds is applied to the free end of the lap belt
or the lap belt portion of the belt assembly (i.e., the end that is not
anchored to the horizontal surface) in the direction away from the
retractor. The position of the free end of the belt assembly is
recorded.
(3) Within a 30 second period, the 20 pound load is slowly
decreased, until the retractor moves to the next locking position. The
position of the free end of the belt assembly is recorded again.
(4) The difference between the two positions recorded for the free
end of
[[Page 494]]
the belt assembly shall be at least \3/4\ inch but less than 3 inches.
S4.4.3 Buses manufactured on or after September 1, 1991.
S4.4.3.1 Each bus with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than
10,000 pounds shall comply with the requirements S4.4.2.1 or S4.4.2.2.
S4.4.3.2 Except as provided in S4.4.3.2.2 and S4.4.3.2.3, each bus
with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, except a
school bus, shall be equipped with an integral Type 2 seat belt assembly
at the driver's designated seating position and at the front and every
rear forward-facing outboard designated seating position, and with a
Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly at all other designated seating
positions. Type 2 seat belt asemblies installed in compliance with this
requirement shall comply with Standard No. 209 (49 CFR 571.209) and with
S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard. If a Type 2 seat belt assembly installed
in compliance with this requirement incorporates any webbing tension-
relieving device, the vehicle owner's manual shall include the
information specified in S7.4.2(b) of this standard for the tension
relieving device, and the vehicle shall comply with S7.4.2(c) of this
standard.
S4.4.3.2.1 As used in this section, a ``rear outboard designated
position'' means any ``outboard designated seating position'' (as that
term is defined at 49 CFR 571.3) that is rearward of the front seat(s),
except any designated seating positions adjacent to a walkway located
between the seat and the side of the vehicle, which walkway is designed
to allow access to more rearward seating positions.
S4.4.3.2.2 Any rear outboard designated seating position with a
seat that can be adjusted to be forward-facing and to face some other
direction shall either:
(i) Meet the requirements of S4.4.3.2 with the seat in any position
in which it can be occupied while the vehicle is in motion; or
(ii) When the seat is in its forward-facing position, have a Type 2
seat belt assembly with an upper torso restraint that conforms to S7.1
and S7.2 of this standard and that adjusts by means of an emergency
locking retractor that conforms with Standard No. 209 (49 CFR 571.209),
which upper torso restraint may be detachable at the buckle, and, when
the seat is in any position in which it can be occupied while the
vehicle is in motion, have a Type 1 seat belt or the pelvic portion of a
Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this
standard.
S4.4.3.2.3 Any rear outboard designated seating position on a
readily removable seat (that is, a seat designed to be easily removed
and replaced by means installed by the manufacturer for that purpose) in
a vehicle manufactured on or after September 1, 1992 shall meet the
requirements of S4.4.3.2 and may use an upper torso belt that detaches
at either its upper or lower anchorage point, but not both anchorage
points, to meet those requirements. The means for detaching the upper
torso belt may use a pushbutton action.
S4.4.3.3 Each school bus with a gross vehicle weight rating of
10,000 pounds or less shall be equipped with an integral Type 2 seat
belt assembly at the driver's designated seating position and at the
right front passenger's designated seating position (if any), and with a
Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly at all other designated seating
positions. Type 2 seat belt assemblies installed in compliance with this
requirement shall comply with Standard No. 209 (49 CFR 571.209) and with
S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard. The lap belt portion of a Type 2 seat
belt assembly installed at the driver's designated seating position and
at the right front passenger's designated seating position (if any)
shall include either an emergency locking retractor or an automatic
locking retractor, which retractor shall not retract webbing to the next
locking position until at least \3/4\ inch of webbing has moved into the
retractor. In determining whether an automatic locking retractor
complies with this requirement, the webbing is extended to 75 percent of
its length and the retractor is locked after the initial adjustment. If
a Type 2 seat belt assembly installed in compliance with this
requirement incorporates any webbing tension-relieving device, the
vehicle owner's manual shall include the information specified in
S7.4.2(b) of
[[Page 495]]
this standard for the tension-relieving device, and the vehicle shall
comply with S7.4.2(c) of this standard.
S4.4.4 Buses with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded
vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after
September 1, 1994. Each bus with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an
unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after
September 1, 1984 shall comply with the requirements of S4.2.5 and
S4.2.6 of this standard, as applicable, for front seating positions, and
with the requirements of S4.4.3.2 or S4.4.3.3 of this standard, as
applicable, for all rear seating positions.
S4.5 Other general requirements.
S4.5.1 Labeling and owner's manual information. The labels
specified in S4.5.1 (b), (c), and (e) of this standard are not required
for vehicles that have a smart passenger air bag meeting the criteria
specified in S4.5.5 of this standard.
(a) Air bag maintenance or replacement information. If the vehicle
manufacturer recommends periodic maintenance or replacement of an
inflatable restraint system, as that term is defined in S4.1.5.1(b) of
this standard, installed in a vehicle, that vehicle shall be labeled
with the recommended schedule for maintenance or replacement. The
schedule shall be specified by month and year, or in terms of vehicle
mileage, or by intervals measured from the date appearing on the vehicle
certification label provided pursuant to 49 CFR part 567. The label
shall be permanently affixed to the vehicle within the passenger
compartment and lettered in English in block capital and numerals not
less than three thirty-seconds of an inch high. This label may be
combined with the label required by S4.5.1(b) of this standard to appear
on the sun visor. If some regular maintenance or replacement of the
inflatable restraint system(s) in a vehicle is recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer, the owner's manual shall also set forth the
recommended schedule for maintenance or replacement.
(b) Sun visor air bag warning label. (1) Except as provided in
S4.5.1(b)(2), each vehicle shall have a label permanently affixed to
either side of the sun visor, at the manufacturer's option, at each
front outboard seating position that is equipped with an inflatable
restraint. The label shall conform in content to the label shown in
either Figure 6a or 6b of this standard, as appropriate, and shall
comply with the requirements of S4.5.1(b)(1)(i) through
S4.5.1(b)(1)(iv).
(i) The heading area shall be yellow with the word ``WARNING'' and
the alert symbol in black.
(ii) The message area shall be white with black text. The message
area shall be no less than 30 cm2 (4.7 in2).
(iii) The pictogram shall be black with a red circle and slash on a
white background. The pictogram shall be no less than 30 mm (1.2 in) in
diameter.
(iv) If the vehicle does not have a back seat, the label shown in
Figure 6a or 6b may be modified by omitting the statement: ``The BACK
SEAT is the SAFEST place for children.''
(2) Vehicles certified to meet the requirements specified in S19,
S21, or S23, by means of an automatic suppression system, shall have a
label permanently affixed to either side of the sun visor, at the
manufacturer's option, at each front outboard seating position that is
equipped with an inflatable restraint. The label shall conform in
content to the label shown in Figure 8 of this standard and shall comply
with the requirements of S4.5.1(b)(2)(i) through S4.5.1(b)(2)(iv).
(i) The heading area shall be yellow with the word ``WARNING'' and
the alert symbol in black.
(ii) The message area shall be white with black text. The message
area shall be no less than 30 cm2 (4.7 in2).
(iii) The pictogram shall be black on a white background. The
pictogram shall be no less than 30 mm (1.2 in) in length.
(iv) If the vehicle does not have a back seat, the label shown in
the figure may be modified by omitting the statement: ``The BACK SEAT is
the SAFEST place for CHILDREN.''
(3) The vehicle manufacturer may, at its option, affix an additional
label adjacent to the label shown in Figure 8 that provides specific
information about the vehicle's advanced air bag system as long as the
information is not confusing or misleading when read in conjunction with
Figure 8.
[[Page 496]]
(c) Air bag alert label. If the label required by S4.5.1(b) is not
visible when the sun visor is in the stowed position, an air bag alert
label shall be permanently affixed to that visor so that the label is
visible when the visor is in that position. The label shall conform in
content to the sun visor label shown in figure 6(c) of this standard,
and shall comply with the requirements of S4.5.1(c)(1) through
S4.5.1(c)(3).
(1) The message area shall be black with yellow text. The message
area shall be no less than 20 square cm.
(2) The pictogram shall be black with a red circle and slash on a
white background. The pictogram shall be no less than 20 mm in diameter.
(3) If a vehicle does not have an inflatable restraint at any front
seating position other than that for the driver, the pictogram may be
omitted from the label shown in figure 6c.
(d) At the option of the manufacturer, the requirements in S4.5.1(b)
and S4.5.1(c) for labels that are permanently affixed to specified parts
of the vehicle may instead be met by permanent marking or molding of the
required information.
(e) Label on the dashboard. (1) Except as provided in S4.5.1(e)(2),
each vehicle that is equipped with an inflatable restraint for the
passenger position shall have a label attached to a location on the
dashboard or the steering wheel hub that is clearly visible from all
front seating positions. The label need not be permanently affixed to
the vehicle. This label shall conform in content to the label shown in
Figure 7 of this standard, and shall comply with the requirements of
S4.5.1(e)(1)(i) through S4.5.1(e)(1)(iii).
(i) The heading area shall be yellow with the word ``WARNING'' and
the alert symbol in black.
(ii) The message area shall be white with black text. The message
area shall be no less than 30 cm\2\ (4.7 in\2\).
(iii) If the vehicle does not have a back seat, the label shown in
Figure 7 may be modified by omitting the statement: ``The back seat is
the safest place for children 12 and under.''
(2) Vehicles certified to meet the requirements specified in S19,
S21, and S23, that are equipped with an inflatable restraint for the
passenger position shall have a label attached to a location on the
dashboard or the steering wheel hub that is clearly visible from all
front seating positions. The label need not be permanently affixed to
the vehicle. This label shall conform in content to the label shown in
Figure 9 of this standard, and shall comply with the requirements of
S4.5.1(e)(2)(i) through S4.5.1(e)(2)(iii).
(i) The heading area shall be yellow with black text.
(ii) The message area shall be white with black text. The message
area shall be no less than 30 cm\2\ (4.7 in\2\).
(iii) If the vehicle does not have a back seat, the label shown in
Figure 9 may be modified by omitting the statement: ``The back seat is
the safest place for children.''
(f) Information to appear in owner's manual. (1) The owner's manual
for any vehicle equipped with an inflatable restraint system shall
include an accurate description of the vehicle's air bag system in an
easily understandable format. The owner's manual shall include a
statement to the effect that the vehicle is equipped with an air bag and
lap/shoulder belt at both front outboard seating positions, and that the
air bag is a supplemental restraint at those seating positions. The
information shall emphasize that all occupants, including the driver,
should always wear their seat belts whether or not an air bag is also
provided at their seating position to minimize the risk of severe injury
or death in the event of a crash. The owner's manual shall also provide
any necessary precautions regarding the proper positioning of occupants,
including children, at seating positions equipped with air bags to
ensure maximum safety protection for those occupants. The owner's manual
shall also explain that no objects should be placed over or near the air
bag on the instrument panel, because any such objects could cause harm
if the vehicle is in a crash severe enough to cause the air bag to
inflate.
(2) For any vehicle certified to meet the requirements specified in
S14.5, S15, S17, S19, S21, S23, and S25, the manufacturer shall also
include in the vehicle owner's manual a discussion of the advanced
passenger air bag system installed in the vehicle. The discussion
[[Page 497]]
shall explain the proper functioning of the advanced air bag system and
shall provide a summary of the actions that may affect the proper
functioning of the system. The discussion shall include, at a minimum,
accurate information on the following topics:
(i) A presentation and explanation of the main components of the
advanced passenger air bag system.
(ii) An explanation of how the components function together as part
of the advanced passenger air bag system.
(iii) The basic requirements for proper operation, including an
explanation of the actions that may affect the proper functioning of the
system.
(iv) For vehicles certified to meet the requirements of S19.2, S21.2
or S23.2, a complete description of the passenger air bag suppression
system installed in the vehicle, including a discussion of any
suppression zone.
(v) An explanation of the interaction of the advanced passenger air
bag system with other vehicle components, such as seat belts, seats or
other components.
(vi) A summary of the expected outcomes when child restraint
systems, children and small teenagers or adults are both properly and
improperly positioned in the passenger seat, including cautionary advice
against improper placement of child restraint systems.
(vii) For vehicles certified to meet the requirements of S19.2,
S21.2 or S23.2, a discussion of the telltale light, specifying its
location in the vehicle and explaining when the light is illuminated.
(viii) Information on how to contact the vehicle manufacturer
concerning modifications for persons with disabilities that may affect
the advanced air bag system.
(g) Additional labels placed elsewhere in the vehicle interior. The
language on additional air bag warning labels placed elsewhere in the
vehicle interior shall not cause confusion or contradiction of any of
the statements required in the air bag sun visor label, and shall be
expressed in symbols, words and abbreviations required by this standard.
S4.5.2 Readiness indicator. An occupant protection system that
deploys in the event of a crash shall have a monitoring system with a
readiness indicator. The indicator shall monitor its own readiness and
shall be clearly visible from the driver's designated seating position.
If the vehicle is equipped with a single readiness indicator for both a
driver and passenger air bag, and if the vehicle is equipped with an on-
off switch permitted by S4.5.4 of this standard, the readiness indicator
shall monitor the readiness of the driver air bag when the passenger air
bag has been deactivated by means of the on-off switch, and shall not
illuminate solely because the passenger air bag has been deactivated by
the manual on-off switch. A list of the elements of the system being
monitored by the indicator shall be included with the information
furnished in accordance with S4.5.1 but need not be included on the
label.
S4.5.3 Automatic belts. Except as provided in S4.5.3.1, a seat belt
assembly that requires no action by vehicle occupants (hereinafter
referred to as an ``automatic belt'') may be used to meet the crash
protection requirements of any option under S4. and in place of any seat
belt assembly otherwise required by that option.
S4.5.3.1. An automatic belt that provides only pelvic restraint may
not be used pursuant to S4.5.3 to meet the requirements of an option
that requires a Type 2 seat belt assembly. An automatic belt may not be
used pursuant to S4.5.3 to meet the requirements of S4.1.5.1(a)(3) for a
Type 2 seat belt assembly at any seating position equipped with an
inflatable restraint system pursuant to S4.1.5.2, S4.1.5.3, S4.2.6.1, or
S4.2.6.2 of this standard.
S4.5.3.2 An automatic belt, furnished pursuant to S4.5.3, that
provides both pelvic and upper torso restraint may have either a
detachable or nondetachable upper torso portion, notwithstanding
provisions of the option under which it is furnished.
S4.5.3.3 An automatic belt furnished pursuant to S4.5.3 shall:
(a) Conform to S7.1 and have a single emergency release mechanism
whose components are readily accessible to a seated occupant.
(b) In place of a warning system that conforms to S7.3 of this
standard, be equipped with the following warning system: At the left
front designated
[[Page 498]]
seating position (driver's position), a warning system that activates a
continuous or intermittent audible signal for a period of not less than
4 seconds and not more than 8 seconds and that activates a continuous or
flashing warning light visible to the driver for not less than 60
seconds (beginning when the vehicle ignition switch is moved to the
``on'' or the ``start'' position) when condition (A) exists
simultaneously with condition (B), and that activates a continuous or
flashing warning light, visible to the driver, displaying the
identifying symbol for the seat belt telltale shown in Table 2 of
Standard No. 101 (49 CFR 571.101), or, at the option of the manufacturer
if permitted by Standard No. 101, displaying the words ``Fasten Seat
Belts'' or ``Fasten Belts,'' for as long as condition (A) exists
simultaneously with condition (C).
(A) The vehicle's ignition switch is moved to the ``on'' position or
to the ``start'' position.
(B) The driver's automatic belt is not in use, as determined by the
belt latch mechanism not being fastened, or, if the automatic belt is
non-detachable, by the emergency release mechanism being in the released
position. In the case of motorized automatic belts, the determination of
use shall be made once the belt webbing is in its locked protective mode
at the anchorage point.
(C) The belt webbing of a motorized automatic belt system is not in
its locked, protective mode at the anchorage point.
S4.5.3.4 An automatic belt furnished pursuant to S4.5.3 that is not
required to meet the perpendicular frontal crash protection requirements
of S5.1 shall conform to the webbing, attachment hardware, and assembly
performance requirements of Standard No. 209.
S4.5.3.5 A replacement automatic belt shall meet the requirements
of S4.1(k) of Standard No. 209.
S4.5.4 Passenger air bag manual cut-off device. Passenger cars,
trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles manufactured before
September 1, 2012 may be equipped with a device that deactivates the air
bag installed at the right front outboard seating position in the
vehicle, if all the conditions in S4.5.4.1 through S4.5.4.4 are
satisfied.
S4.5.4.1 The vehicle complies with either S4.5.4.1(a) or
S4.5.4.1(b).
(a) The vehicle has no forward-facing designated seating positions
to the rear of the front seating positions.
(b) With the seats and seat backs adjusted as specified in S8.1.2
and S8.1.3, the distance, measured along a longitudinal horizontal line
tangent to the highest point of the rear seat bottom in the longitudinal
vertical plane described in either S4.5.4.1(b)(1) or S4.5.4.1(b)(2),
between the rearward surface of the front seat back and the forward
surface of the rear seat back is less than 720 millimeters.
(1) In a vehicle equipped with front bucket seats, the vertical
plane at the centerline of the driver's seat cushion.
(2) In a vehicle equipped with front bench seating, the vertical
plane which passes through the center of the steering wheel rim.
S4.5.4.2 The device is operable by means of the ignition key for
the vehicle. The device shall be separate from the ignition switch for
the vehicle, so that the driver must take some action with the ignition
key other than inserting it or turning it in the ignition switch to
deactivate the passenger air bag. Once deactivated, the passenger air
bag shall remain deactivated until it is reactivated by means of the
device.
S4.5.4.3 A telltale light in the interior of the vehicle shall be
illuminated whenever the passenger air bag is turned off by means of the
on-off switch. The telltale shall be clearly visible to occupants of all
front seating positions. ``Clearly visible'' means within the normal
range of vision throughout normal driving operations. The telltale:
(a) Shall be yellow;
(b) Shall have the identifying words ``PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF'' on
the telltale or within 25 millimeters of the telltale;
(c) Shall remain illuminated for the entire time that the air bag is
``off'';
(d) Shall not be illuminated at any time when the air bag is ``on'';
and,
(e) Shall not be combined with the readiness indicator required by
S4.5.2 of this standard.
[[Page 499]]
S4.5.4.4 The vehicle owner's manual shall provide, in a readily
understandable format:
(a) Complete instructions on the operation of the on-off switch;
(b) A statement that the on-off switch should only be used when a
member of a passenger risk group identified in the request form in
Appendix B to part 595 of this chapter is occupying the right front
passenger seating position; and,
(c) A warning about the safety consequences of using the on-off
switch at other times.
S4.6 Dynamic testing of manual belt systems.
S4.6.1 Each truck and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of
8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded weight of less than 5,500 pounds
that is manufactured on or after September 1, 1991, and is equipped with
a Type 2 seat belt assembly at a front outboard designated seating
position pursuant to S4.1.2.3 shall meet the frontal crash protection
requirements of S5.1 at those designated seating positions with a test
dummy restrained by a Type 2 seat belt assembly that has been adjusted
in accordance with S7.4.2. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in
noncompliance with this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it
did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such
vehicle is not in conformity with the requirement of this standard.
S4.6.2 Any manual seat belt assembly subject to the requirements of
S5.1 of this standard by virtue of any provision of this standard other
than S4.1.2.1(c)(2) does not have to meet the requirements of S4.2(a)-
(f) and S4.4 of Standard No. 209 (Sec. 571.209).
S4.6.3 Any manual seat belt assembly subject to the requirements of
S5.1 of this standard by virtue of S4.1.2.1(c)(2) does not have to meet
the elongation requirements of S4.2(c), S4.4(a)(2), S4.4(b)(4), and
S4.4(b)(5) of Standard No. 209 (Sec. 571.209).
S4.7 Incorporation by reference. Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE) Recommended Practice J211/1 rev. Mar 95, ``Instrumentation for
Impact Test--Part 1--Electronic Instrumentation,'' (SAE J211/1 rev. Mar
95) is incorporated by reference in sections S4.13, S6.6, S13.1,
S15.3.6, S19.4.4, S21.5.5, S23.5.5, and S25.4, Department of Defense
MIL-S-13192P, 1988, ``Military Specification, Shoes, Men's, Dress,
Oxford'', Amendment 1, October 14, 1994 (MIL-S-13192P) is incorporated
by reference in section S8.1.8, and Department of Defense MIL-S-21711E,
1982, ``Military Specification, Shoes, Women's'', Amendment 2, October
14, 1994 (MIL-S-21711E) is incorporated by reference in section S16.2.5,
and are thereby made part of this standard. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the material incorporated by reference in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552 (a) and 1 CFR Part 51. A copy of SAE J211/1 rev. Mar
95 may be obtained from SAE at the Society of Automotive Engineers,
Inc., 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096. A copy of SAE J211/1
rev. Mar 95 and copies of MIL-S-13192P and MIL-S-21711E may be inspected
at NHTSA's technical reference library, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Room
5109, Washington, DC, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC.
S4.8 Selection of compliance options. Where manufacturer options are
specified, the manufacturer shall select the option by the time it
certifies the vehicle and may not thereafter select a different option
for the vehicle. Each manufacturer shall, upon request from the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, provide information regarding
which of the compliance options it has selected for a particular vehicle
or make/model.
S4.9 Values and tolerances. Wherever a range of values or tolerances
are specified, requirements shall be met at all values within the range
of values or tolerances. With respect to the positioning of
anthropomorphic dummies, torso and spine angle tolerances shall be
2 degrees unless otherwise stated, and leg, thigh, foot,
and arm angle tolerances shall be 5 degrees unless
otherwise stated.
S4.10 Metric values. Specifications and requirements are given in
metric units with English units provided for reference. The metric
values are controlling.
S4.11 Test duration for purpose of measuring injury criteria. (a)
For all barrier crashes, the injury criteria specified in
[[Page 500]]
this standard shall be met when calculated based on data recorded for
300 milliseconds after the vehicle strikes the barrier. For low risk
deployment tests, the injury criteria shall be met when calculated based
on data recorded for 125 milliseconds after the initiation of the final
stage of air bag deployment designed to deploy in a barrier crash up to
26 km/h (16 mph).
(b) The requirements for dummy containment shall continue until both
the vehicle and the dummies have ceased moving.
S4.12 Suppression systems that do not detect dummies. For vehicles
with occupant sensing systems that recognize humans and not dummies,
such that the air bag or bags would not function in crash tests, the
manufacturer shall provide NHTSA with information and equipment
necessary to circumvent the suppression system for the crash test such
that the restraint system operates as if 5th percentile adult female
humans and 50th percentile adult male humans are seated in the vehicle.
S4.13 Data channels. For vehicles manufactured on or after September
1, 2001, all data channels used in injury criteria calculations shall be
filtered using a phaseless digital filter, such as the Butterworth four-
pole phaseless digital filter specified in Appendix C of SAE J211/1,
rev. Mar 95, incorporated by reference in S4.7.
S5 Occupant crash protection requirements for the 50th percentile
adult male dummy.
S5.1 Frontal barrier crash test.
S5.1.1 Belted test. (a) Vehicles not certified to S14. Impact a
vehicle traveling longitudinally forward at any speed, up to and
including 48 km/h (30 mph), into a fixed rigid barrier that is
perpendicular to the line of travel of the vehicle, and at any angle up
to 30 degrees in either direction from the perpendicular to the line of
travel of the vehicle, under the applicable conditions of S8 and S10.
The test dummy specified in S8.1.8 placed in each front outboard
designated seating position shall meet the injury criteria of S6.1,
S6.2(a), S6.3, S6.4(a), and S6.5 of this standard.
(b) Vehicles certified to S14. (1) Vehicles certified to S14.1 or
S14.2. Impact a vehicle traveling longitudinally forward at any speed,
up to and including 48 km/h (30 mph), into a fixed rigid barrier that is
perpendicular to the line of travel of the vehicle under the applicable
conditions of S8 and S10. The test dummy specified in S8.1.8 placed in
each front outboard designated seating position shall meet the injury
criteria of S6.1, S6.2(b), S6.3, S6.4(b), S6.5, and S6.6 of this
standard.
(2) Vehicles certified to S14.3 or S14.4. Impact a vehicle traveling
longitudinally forward at any speed, up to and including 56 km/h (35
mph), into a fixed rigid barrier that is perpendicular to the line of
travel of the vehicle under the applicable conditions of S8 and S10. The
test dummy specified in S8.1.8 placed in each front outboard designated
seating position shall meet the injury criteria of S6.1, S6.2(b), S6.3,
S6.4(b), S6.5, and S6.6 of this standard.
S5.1.2 Unbelted test. (a) Vehicles not certified to the requirements
of S13 or S14. At the manufacturer's option, either one of the following
unbelted tests shall be met:
(1) Impact a vehicle traveling longitudinally forward at any speed
up to and including 48 km/h (30 mph), into a fixed rigid barrier that is
perpendicular to the line of travel of the vehicle, and at any angle up
to 30 degrees in either direction from the perpendicular to the line of
travel of the vehicle, under the applicable conditions of S8 and S10,
excluding S10.7, S10.8, and S10.9. The test dummy specified in S8.1.8
placed in each front outboard designated seating position shall meet the
injury criteria of S6.1, S6.2(a), S6.3, S6.4(a), and S6.5 of this
standard.
(2) Impact a vehicle traveling longitudinally forward at any speed
between 32 km/h (20 mph) and 40 km/h (25 mph), inclusive, into a fixed
rigid barrier that is perpendicular to the line of travel of the
vehicle, and at any angle up to 30 degrees in either direction from the
perpendicular to the line of travel of the vehicle, under the applicable
conditions of S8 and S10, excluding S10.7, S10.8, and S10.9. The test
dummy specified in S8.1.8 placed in each front outboard designated
seating position shall meet the injury criteria of S6.1, S6.2(b), S6.3,
S6.4(b), S6.5, and S6.6 of this standard.
[[Page 501]]
(b) Vehicles certified to the requirements of S14. Impact a vehicle
traveling longitudinally forward at any speed between 32 km/h (20 mph)
and 40 km/h (25 mph), inclusive, into a fixed rigid barrier that is
perpendicular to the line of travel of the vehicle, and at any angle up
to 30 degrees in either direction from the perpendicular to the line of
travel of the vehicle, under the applicable conditions of S8 and S10,
excluding S10.7, S10.8, and S10.9. The test dummy specified in S8.1.8
placed in each front outboard designated seating position shall meet the
injury criteria of S6.1, S6.2(b), S6.3, S6.4(b), S6.5, and S6.6 of this
standard.
S5.2 Lateral moving barrier crash test. Impact a vehicle laterally
on either side by a barrier moving at 20 mph under the applicable
conditions of S8. The test dummy specified in S8.1.8 positioned in the
front outboard designated seating position adjacent to the impacted side
shall meet the injury criteria of S6.2 and S6.3 of this standard.
S5.3 Rollover. Subject a vehicle to a rollover test in either
lateral direction at 30 mph under the applicable conditions of S8 of
this standard with a test dummy specified in S8.1.8 placed in the front
outboard designated seating position on the vehicle's lower side as
mounted on the test platform. The test dummy shall meet the injury
criteria of S6.1 of this standard.
S6 Injury criteria for the part 572, subpart E, Hybrid III test
dummy.
S6.1 All portions of the test dummy shall be contained within the
outer surfaces of the vehicle passenger compartment.
S6.2 Head injury criteria. (a)(1) For any two points in time,
t1 and t2, during the event which are separated by
not more than a 36 millisecond time interval and where t1 is
less than t2, the head injury criterion (HIC36)
shall be determined using the resultant head acceleration at the center
of gravity of the dummy head, ar, expressed as a multiple of
g (the acceleration of gravity) and shall be calculated using the
expression:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12MY00.003
(2) The maximum calculated HIC36 value shall not exceed
1,000.
(b)(1) For any two points in time, t1 and t2,
during the event which are separated by not more than a 15 millisecond
time interval and where t1 is less than t2, the
head injury criterion (HIC15) shall be determined using the
resultant head acceleration at the center of gravity of the dummy head,
ar, expressed as a multiple of g (the acceleration of
gravity) and shall be calculated using the expression:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12MY00.004
(2) The maximum calculated HIC15 value shall not exceed
700.
S6.3 The resultant acceleration calculated from the output of the
thoracic instrumentation shown in drawing 78051.218, revision R
incorporated by reference in part 572, subpart E of this chapter shall
not exceed 60 g's, except for intervals whose cumulative duration is not
more than 3 milliseconds.
S6.4 Chest deflection. (a) Compressive deflection of the sternum
relative to the spine shall not exceed 76 mm (3.0 in).
(b) Compressive deflection of the sternum relative to the spine
shall not exceed 63 mm (2.5 in).
S6.5 The force transmitted axially through each upper leg shall not
exceed 2250 pounds.
S6.6 Neck injury. When measuring neck injury, each of the following
injury criteria shall be met.
(a) Nij.
(1) The shear force (Fx), axial force (Fz), and bending moment (My)
shall be measured by the dummy upper neck load cell for the duration of
the crash event as specified in S4.11. Shear force, axial force, and
bending moment shall be filtered for Nij purposes at SAE J211/1 rev. Mar
95 Channel Frequency Class 600 (see S4.7).
(2) During the event, the axial force (Fz) can be either in tension
or compression while the occipital condyle
[[Page 502]]
bending moment (Mocy) can be in either flexion or extension. This
results in four possible loading conditions for Nij: tension-extension
(Nte), tension-flexion (Ntf), compression-extension (Nce), or
compression-flexion (Ncf).
(3) When calculating Nij using equation S6.6(a)(4), the critical
values, Fzc and Myc, are:
(i) Fzc = 6806 N (1530 lbf) when Fz is in tension
(ii) Fzc = 6160 N (1385 lbf) when Fz is in compression
(iii) Myc = 310 Nm (229 lbf-ft) when a flexion moment exists at the
occipital condyle
(iv) Myc = 135 Nm (100 lbf-ft) when an extension moment exists at the
occipital condyle.
(4) At each point in time, only one of the four loading conditions
occurs and the Nij value corresponding to that loading condition is
computed and the three remaining loading modes shall be considered a
value of zero. The expression for calculating each Nij loading condition
is given by:
Nij = (Fz/Fzc) + (Mocy/Myc)
(5) None of the four Nij values shall exceed 1.0 at any time during
the event.
(b) Peak tension. Tension force (Fz), measured at the upper neck
load cell, shall not exceed 4170 N (937 lbf) at any time.
(c) Peak compression. Compression force (Fz), measured at the upper
neck load cell, shall not exceed 4000 N (899 lbf) at any time.
S6.7 Unless otherwise indicated, instrumentation for data
acquisition, data channel frequency class, and moment calculations are
the same as given for the 49 CFR Part 572, Subpart E Hybrid III test
dummy.
S7. Seat belt assembly requirements. As used in this section, a law
enforcement vehicle means any vehicle manufactured primarily for use by
the United States or by a State or local government for police or other
law enforcement purposes.
S7.1 Adjustment.
S7.1.1 Except as specified in S7.1.1.1 and S7.1.1.2, the lap belt
of any seat belt assembly furnished in accordance with S4.1.2 shall
adjust by means of any emergency-locking or automatic-locking retractor
that conforms to Sec. 571.209 to fit persons whose dimensions range from
those of a 50th percentile 6-year-old child to those of a 95th
percentile adult male and the upper torso restraint shall adjust by
means of an emergency-locking retractor or a manual adjusting device
that conforms to Sec. 571.209 to fit persons whose dimensions range from
those of a 5th percentile adult female to those of a 95th percentile
adult male, with the seat in any position, the seat back in the
manufacturer's nominal design riding position, and any adjustable
anchorages adjusted to the manufacturer's nominal design position for a
50th percentile adult male occupant. However, an upper torso restraint
furnished in accordance with S4.1.2.3.1(a) shall adjust by means of an
emergency-locking retractor that conforms to Sec. 571.209.
S7.1.1.1 A seat belt assembly installed at the driver's seating
position shall adjust to fit persons whose dimensions range from those
of a 5th-percentile adult female to those of a 95th-percentile adult
male.
S7.1.1.2 (a) A seat belt assembly installed in a motor vehicle
other than a forward control vehicle at any designated seating position
other than the outboard positions of the front and second seats shall
adjust either by a retractor as specified in S7.1.1 or by a manual
adjusting device that conforms to Sec. 571.209.
(b) A seat belt assembly installed in a forward control vehicle at
any designated seating position other than the front outboard seating
positions shall adjust either by a retractor as specified in S7.1.1 or
by a manual adjusting device that conforms to Sec. 571.209.
(c) A seat belt assembly installed in a forward-facing rear outboard
seating position in a law enforcement vehicle shall adjust either by a
retractor as specified in S7.1.1 or by a manual adjusting device that
conforms to Sec. 571.209.
S7.1.1.3 A Type 1 lap belt or the lap belt portion of any Type 2
seat belt assembly installed at any forward-facing outboard designated
seating position of a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of
10,000 pounds or less to comply with a requirement of this standard,
except walk-in van-type vehicles
[[Page 503]]
and school buses, and except in rear seating positions in law
enforcement vehicles, shall meet the requirements of S7.1 by means of an
emergency locking retractor that conforms to Standard No. 209 (49 CFR
571.209).
S7.1.1.4 Notwithstanding the other provisions of S7.1--S7.1.1.3,
emergency-locking retractors on belt assemblies located in positions
other than front outboard designated seating postions may be equipped
with a manual webbing adjustment device capable of causing the retractor
that adjusts the lap belt to lock when the belt is buckled.
S7.1.1.5 Passenger cars, and trucks, buses, and multipurpose
passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less manufactured on
or after September 1, 1995 shall meet the requirements of S7.1.1.5(a),
S7.1.1.5(b) and S7.1.1.5(c), subject to S7.1.1.5(d).
(a) Each designated seating position, except the driver's position,
and except any right front seating position that is equipped with an
automatic belt, that is in any motor vehicle, except walk-in van-type
vehicles and vehicles manufactured to be sold exclusively to the U.S.
Postal Service, and that is forward-facing or can be adjusted to be
forward-facing, shall have a seat belt assembly whose lap belt portion
is lockable so that the seat belt assembly can be used to tightly secure
a child restraint system. The means provided to lock the lap belt or lap
belt portion of the seat belt assembly shall not consist of any device
that must be attached by the vehicle user to the seat belt webbing,
retractor, or any other part of the vehicle. Additionally, the means
provided to lock the lap belt or lap belt portion of the seat belt
assembly shall not require any inverting, twisting or otherwise
deforming of the belt webbing.
(b) If the means provided pursuant to S7.1.1.5(a) to lock the lap
belt or lap belt portion of any seat belt assembly makes it necessary
for the vehicle user to take some action to activate the locking
feature, the vehicle owner's manual shall include a description in words
and/or diagrams describing how to activate the locking feature so that
the seat belt assembly can tightly secure a child restraint system and
how to deactivate the locking feature to remove the child restraint
system.
(c) Except for seat belt assemblies that have no retractor or that
are equipped with an automatic locking retractor, compliance with
S7.1.1.5(a) is demonstrated by the following procedure:
(1) With the seat in any adjustment position, buckle the seat belt
assembly. Complete any procedures recommended in the vehicle owner's
manual, pursuant to S7.1.1.5(b), to activate any locking feature for the
seat belt assembly.
(2) Locate a reference point A on the safety belt buckle. Locate a
reference point B on the attachment hardware or retractor assembly at
the other end of the lap belt or lap belt portion of the seat belt
assembly. Adjust the lap belt or lap belt portion of the seat belt
assembly pursuant to S7.1.1.5(c)(1) as necessary so that the webbing
between points A and B is at the maximum length allowed by the belt
system. Measure and record the distance between points A and B along the
longitudinal centerline of the webbing for the lap belt or lap belt
portion of the seat belt assembly.
(3) Readjust the belt system so that the webbing between points A
and B is at any length that is 5 inches or more shorter than the maximum
length of the webbing.
(4) Apply a pre-load of 10 pounds, using the webbing tension pull
device described in Figure 5 of this standard, to the lap belt or lap
belt portion of the seat belt assembly in a vertical plane parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and passing through the seating
reference point of the designated seating position whose belt system is
being tested. Apply the pre-load in a horizontal direction toward the
front of the vehicle with a force application angle of not less than 5
degrees nor more than 15 degrees above the horizontal. Measure and
record the length of belt between points A and B along the longitudinal
centerline of the webbing for the lap belt or lap belt portion of the
seat belt assembly while the pre-load is being applied.
(5) Apply a load of 50 pounds, using the webbing tension pull device
described in Figure 5 of this standard, to the lap belt or lap belt
portion of the
[[Page 504]]
seat belt assembly in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the vehicle and passing through the seating reference point of the
designated seating position whose belt system is being tested. The load
is applied in a horizontal direction toward the front of the vehicle
with a force application angle of not less than 5 degrees nor more than
15 degrees above the horizontal at an onset rate of not more than 50
pounds per second. Attain the 50 pound load in not more than 5 seconds.
If webbing sensitive emergency locking retroactive are installed as part
of the lap belt assembly or lap belt portion of the seat belt assembly,
apply the load at a rate less than the threshold value for lock-up
specified by the manufacturer. Maintain the 50 pound load for at least 5
seconds before the measurements specified in S7.1.1.5(c)(6) are obtained
and recorded.
(6) Measure and record the length of belt between points A and B
along the longitudinal centerline of the webbing for the lap belt or lap
belt portion of the seat belt assembly.
(7) The difference between the measurements recorded under
S7.1.1.5(c) (6) and (4) shall not exceed 2 inches.
(8) The difference between the measurements recorded under
S7.1.1.5(c) (6) and (2) shall be 3 inches or more.
(d) For passenger cars, and trucks and multipurpose passenger
vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less, and buses with a GVWR of
10,000 lb or less manufactured on or after September 1, 2012, each
designated seating position that is equipped with a child restraint
anchorage system meeting the requirements of Sec. 571.225 need not meet
the requirements of this S7.1.1.5.
S7.1.2 Except as provided in S7.1.2.1, S7.1.2.2, and S7.1.2.3, for
each Type 2 seat belt assembly which is required by Standard No. 208 (49
CFR 571.208), the upper anchorage, or the lower anchorage nearest the
intersection of the torso belt and the lap belt, shall include a movable
component which has a minimum of two adjustment positions. The distance
between the geometric center of the movable component at the two extreme
adjustment positions shall be not less than five centimeters, measured
linearly. If the component required by this paragraph must be manually
moved between adjustment positions, information shall be provided in the
owner's manual to explain how to adjust the seat belt and warn that
misadjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a
crash.
S7.1.2.1 As an alternative to meeting the requirement of S7.1.2, a
Type 2 seat belt assembly shall provide a means of automatically moving
the webbing in relation to either the upper anchorage, or the lower
anchorage nearest the intersection of the torso belt and the lap belt.
The distance between the midpoint of the webbing at the contact point of
the webbing and the anchorage at the extreme adjustment positions shall
be not less than five centimeters, measured linearly.
S7.1.2.2 The requirements of S7.1.2 do not apply the anchorages of
a Type 2 seat belt assembly installed:
(a) At a seat which is adjustable fore and aft while the vehicle is
in motion and whose seat frame above the fore-and-aft adjuster is part
of each of the assembly's seat belt anchorages, as defined in S3 of
Standard No. 210 (49 CFR 571.210).
(b) At a seat that is not adjustable fore and aft while the vehicle
is in motion.
S7.1.2.3 The requirements of S7.1.2 do not apply to any truck with
a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 8,500 pounds manufactured
before January 1, 1998.
S7.1.3 The intersection of the upper torso belt with the lap belt
in any Type 2 seat belt assembly furnished in accordance with S4.1.1 or
S4.1.2, with the upper torso manual adjusting device, if provided,
adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, shall be at
least 6 inches from the front vertical centerline of a 50th-percentile
adult male occupant, measured along the centerline of the lap belt, with
the seat in its rearmost and lowest adjustable position and with the
seat back in the manufacturer's nominal design riding position.
S7.1.4 The weights and dimensions of the vehicle occupants referred
to in this standard are as follows:
[[Page 505]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50th-percentile 6- 5th-percentile 50th-percentile 95th-percentile
year old child adult female adult male adult male
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weight.......................... 47.3 pounds....... 102 pounds........ 164 pounds 3.
Erect sitting height............ 25.4 inches....... 30.9 inches....... 35.7 inches.1.
Hip breadth (sitting)........... 8.4 inches........ 12.8 inches....... 14.7 inches.7.
Hip circumference (sitting)..... 23.9 inches....... 36.4 inches....... 42 inches......... 47.2 inches.
Waist circumference (sitting)... 20.8 inches....... 23.6 inches....... 32 inches.6.
Chest depth..................... .................. 7.5 inches........ 9.3 inches.2.
Chest circumference:
(nipple)...................... .................. 30.5 inches....... .................. ..................
(upper)....................... .................. 29.8 inches....... 37.4 inches.6.
(lower)....................... .................. 26.6 inches....... .................. ..................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S7.2 Latch mechanism. Except as provided in S7.2(e), each seat belt
assembly installed in any vehicle shall have a latch mechanism that
complies with the requirements specified in S7.2(a) through (d).
(a) The components of the latch mechanism shall be accessible to a
seated occupant in both the stowed and operational positions;
(b) The latch mechanism shall release both the upper torso restraint
and the lap belt simultaneously, if the assembly has a lap belt and an
upper torso restraint that require unlatching for release of the
occupant;
(c) The latch mechanism shall release at a single point; and;
(d) The latch mechanism shall release by a pushbutton action.
(e) The requirements of S7.2 do not apply to any automatic belt
assembly. The requirements specified in S7.2(a) through (c) do not apply
to any safety belt assembly installed at a forward-facing rear outboard
seating position in a law enforcement vehicle.
S7.3 (a) A seat belt assembly provided at the driver's seating
position shall be equipped with a warning system that, at the option of
the manufacturer, either--
(1) Activates a continuous or intermittent audible signal for a
period of not less than 4 seconds and not more than 8 seconds and that
activates a continuous or flashing warning light visible to the driver
displaying the identifying symbol for the seat belt telltale shown in
Table 2 of FMVSS 101 or, at the option of the manufacturer if permitted
by FMVSS 101, displaying the words ``Fasten Seat Belts'' or ``Fasten
Belts'', for not less than 60 seconds (beginning when the vehicle
ignition switch is moved to the ``on'' or the ``start'' position) when
condition (b) exists simultaneously with condition (c), or that
(2) Activates, for a period of not less than 4 seconds and not more
than 8 seconds (beginning when the vehicle ignition switch is moved to
the ``on'' or the ``start'' position), a continuous or flashing warning
light visible to the driver, displaying the identifying symbol of the
seat belt telltale shown in Table 2 of FMVSS 101 or, at the option of
the manufacturer if permitted by FMVSS 101, displaying the words
``Fasten Seat Belts'' or ``Fasten Belts'', when condition (b) exists,
and a continuous or intermittent audible signal when condition (b)
exists simultaneously with condition (c).
(b) The vehicle's ignition switch is moved to the ``on'' position or
to the ``start'' position.
(c) The driver's lap belt is not in use, as determined, at the
option of the manufacturer, either by the belt latch mechanism not being
fastened, or by the belt not being extended at least 4 inches from its
stowed position.
S7.4 Seat belt comfort and convenience.
(a) Automatic seat belts. Automatic seat belts installed in any
vehicle, other than walk-in van-type vehicles, which has a gross vehicle
weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, and which is manufactured on or
after September 1, 1986, shall meet the requirements of S7.4.1, S7.4.2,
and S7.4.3.
(b) Manual seat belts.
(1) Vehicles manufactured after September 1, 1986. Manual seat belts
installed in any vehicle, other than manual Type 2 belt systems
installed in the front outboard seating positions in passenger cars or
manual belts in walk-in van-type vehicles, which have a gross vehicle
weight rating of 10,000 pounds
[[Page 506]]
or less, shall meet the requirements of S7.4.3, S7.4.4, S7.4.5, and
S7.4.6.
(2) Vehicles manufactured after September 1, 1989.
(i) If the automatic restraint requirement of S4.1.4 is rescinded
pursuant to S4.1.5, then manual seat belts installed in a passenger car
shall meet the requirements of S7.1.1.3(a), S7.4.2, S7.4.3, S7.4.4,
S7.4.5, and S7.4.6.
(ii) Manual seat belts installed in a bus, multipurpose passenger
vehicle and truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or
less, except for walk-in van-type vehicles, shall meet the requirements
of S7.4.3, S7.4.4, S7.4.5, and S7.4.6.
S7.4.1 Convenience hooks. Any manual convenience hook or other
device that is provided to stow seat belt webbing to facilitate entering
or exiting the vehicle shall automatically release the webbing when the
automatic belt system is otherwise operational and shall remain in the
released mode for as long as (a) exists simultaneously with (b), or, at
the manufacturer's option, for as long as (a) exists simultaneously with
(c)--
(a) The vehicle ignition switch is moved to the ``on'' or ``start''
position;
(b) The vehicle's drive train is engaged;
(c) The vehicle's parking brake is in the released mode
(nonengaged).
S7.4.2 Webbing tension-relieving device. Each vehicle with an
automatic seat belt assembly or with a Type 2 manual seat belt assembly
that must meet the occupant crash protection requirements of S5.1 of
this standard installed at a front outboard designated seating position,
and each vehicle with a Type 2 manual seat belt assembly installed at a
rear outboard designated seating position in compliance with a
requirement of this standard, that has either automatic or manual
tension-relieving devices permitting the introduction of slack in the
webbing of the shoulder belt (e.g., ``comfort clips'' or ``window-
shade'' devices) shall:
(a) Comply with the requirements of S5.1 with the shoulder belt
webbing adjusted to introduce the maximum amount of slack recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer pursuant to S7.4.2(b).
(b) Have a section in the vehicle owner's manual that explains how
the tension-relieving device works and specifies the maximum amount of
slack (in inches) recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to be
introduced into the shoulder belt under normal use conditions. The
explanation shall also warn that introducing slack beyond the amount
specified by the manufacturer could significantly reduce the
effectiveness of the shoulder belt in a crash; and
(c) Have, except for open-body vehicles with no doors, an automatic
means to cancel any shoulder belt slack introduced into the belt system
by a tension-relieving device. In the case of an automatic safety belt
system, cancellation of the tension-relieving device shall occur each
time the adjacent vehicle door is opened. In the case of a manual seat
belt required to meet S5.1, cancellation of the tension-relieving device
shall occur, at the manufacturer's option, either each time the adjacent
door is opened or each time the latchplate is released from the buckle.
In the case of a Type 2 manual seat belt assembly installed at a rear
outboard designated seating position, cancellation of the tension-
relieving device shall occur, at the manufacturer's option either each
time the door designed to allow the occupant of that seating position
entry and egress of the vehicle is opened or each time the latchplate is
released from the buckle. In the case of open-body vehicles with no
doors, cancellation of the tension-relieving device may be done by a
manual means.
S7.4.3 Belt contact force. Except for manual or automatic seat belt
assemblies that incorporate a webbing tension-relieving device, the
upper torso webbing of any seat belt assembly shall not exert more than
0.7 pounds of contact force when measured normal to and one inch from
the chest of an anthropomorphic test dummy, positioned in accordance
with S10 of this standard in the seating position for which that seat
belt assembly is provided, at the point where the centerline of the
torso belt crosses the midsagittal line on the dummy's chest.
[[Page 507]]
S7.4.4 Latchplate access. Any seat belt assembly latchplate that is
located outboard of a front outboard seating position in accordance with
S4.1.2 shall also be located within the outboard reach envelope of
either the outboard arm or the inboard arm described in S10.7 and Figure
3 of this standard, when the latchplate is in its normal stowed position
and any adjustable anchorages are adjusted to the manufacturer's nominal
design position for a 50th percentile adult male occupant. There shall
be sufficient clearance between the vehicle seat and the side of the
vehicle interior to allow the test block defined in Figure 4 of this
standard unhindered transit to the latchplate or buckle.
S7.4.5 Retraction. When tested under the conditions of S8.1.2 and
S8.1.3, with anthropomorphic dummies whose arms have been removed and
which are positioned in accordance with S10 of this standard in the
front outboard seating positions and restrained by the belt systems for
those positions, the torso and lap belt webbing of any of those seat
belt systems shall automatically retract to a stowed position either
when the adjacent vehicle door is in the open position and the seat belt
latchplate is released, or, at the option of the manufacturer, when the
latchplate is released. That stowed position shall prevent any part of
the webbing or hardware from being pinched when the adjacent vehicle
door is closed. A belt system with a tension-relieving device in an
open-bodied vehicle with no doors shall fully retract when the tension-
relieving device is deactivated. For the purposes of these retraction
requirements, outboard armrests, which are capable of being stowed, on
vehicle seats shall be placed in their stowed position.
S7.4.6 Seat belt guides and hardware.
S7.4.6.1 (a) Any manual seat belt assembly whose webbing is
designed to pass through the seat cushion or between the seat cushion
and seat back shall be designed to maintain one of the following three
seat belt parts (the seat belt latchplate, the buckle, or the seat belt
webbing) on top of or above the seat cushion under normal conditions
(i.e., conditions other than when belt hardware is intentionally pushed
behind the seat by a vehicle occupant). In addition, the remaining two
seat belt parts must be accessible under normal conditions.
(b) The requirements of S7.4.6.1(a) do not apply to: (1) seats whose
seat cushions are movable so that the seat back serves a function other
than seating, (2) seats which are removable, or (3) seats which are
movable so that the space formerly occupied by the seat can be used for
a secondary function.
S7.4.6.2 The buckle and latchplate of a manual seat belt assembly
subject to S7.4.6.1 shall not pass through the guides or conduits
provided for in S7.4.6.1 and fall behind the seat when the events listed
below occur in the order specified: (a) The belt is completely retracted
or, if the belt is nonretractable, the belt is unlatched; (b) the seat
is moved to any position to which it is designed to be adjusted; and (c)
the seat back, if foldable, is folded forward as far as possible and
then moved backward into position. The inboard receptacle end of a seat
belt assembly installed at a front outboard designated seating position
shall be accessible with the center arm rest in any position to which it
can be adjusted (without having to move the armrest).
S8. Test conditions.
S8.1 General conditions. The following conditions apply to the
frontal, lateral, and rollover tests. Except for S8.1.1(d), the
following conditions apply to the alternative unbelted sled test set
forth in S13 from March 19, 1997 until September 1, 2001.
S8.1.1 Except as provided in paragraph (c) of S8.1.1, the vehicle,
including test devices and instrumentation, is loaded as follows:
(a) Passenger cars. A passenger car is loaded to its unloaded
vehicle weight plus its rated cargo and luggage capacity weight, secured
in the luggage area, plus the weight of the necessary anthropomorphic
test devices.
(b) Multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses. A
multipurpose passenger vehicle, truck, or bus is loaded to its unloaded
vehicle weight plus 300 pounds or its rated cargo and luggage
[[Page 508]]
capacity weight, whichever is less, secured in the load carrying area
and distributed as nearly as possible in proportion to its gross axle
weight ratings, plus the weight of the necessary anthropomorphic test
devices. For the purposes of Sec. 8.1.1, unloaded vehicle weight does
not include the weight of work-performing accessories. Vehicles are
tested to a maximum unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds.
(c) Fuel system capacity. With the test vehicle on a level surface,
pump the fuel from the vehicle's fuel tank and then operate the engine
until it stops. Then, add Stoddard solvent to the test vehicle's fuel
tank in an amount which is equal to not less than 92 and not more than
94 percent of the fuel tank's usable capacity stated by the vehicle's
manufacturer. In addition, add the amount of Stoddard solvent needed to
fill the entire fuel system from the fuel tank through the engine's
induction system.
(d) Vehicle test attitude. Determine the distance between a level
surface and a standard reference point on the test vehicle's body,
directly above each wheel opening, when the vehicle is in its ``as
delivered'' condition. The ``as delivered'' condition is the vehicle as
received at the test site, with 100 percent of all fluid capacities and
all tires inflated to the manufacturer's specifications as listed on the
vehicle's tire placard. Determine the distance between the same level
surface and the same standard reference points in the vehicle's ``fully
loaded condition.'' The ``fully loaded condition'' is the test vehicle
loaded in accordance with S8.1.1 (a) or (b), as applicable. The load
placed in the cargo area shall be center over the longitudinal
centerline of the vehicle. The pretest vehicle attitude shall be equal
to either the as delivered or fully loaded attitude or between the as
delivered attitude and the fully loaded attitude.
S8.1.2 Adjustable seats are in the adjustment position midway
between the forwardmost and rearmost positions, and if separately
adjustable in a vertical direction, are at the lowest position. If an
adjustment position does not exist midway between the forwardmost and
rearmost positions, the closest adjustment position to the rear of the
midpoint is used.
S8.1.3 Place adjustable seat backs in the manufacturer's nominal
design riding position in the manner specified by the manufacturer.
Place any adjustable anchorages at the manufacturer's nominal design
position for a 50th percentile adult male occupant. Place each
adjustable head restraint in its highest adjustment position. Adjustable
lumbar supports are positioned so that the lumbar support is in its
lowest adjustment position.
S8.1.4 Adjustable steering controls are adjusted so that the
steering wheel hub is at the geometric center of the locus it describes
when it is moved through its full range of driving positions.
S8.1.5 Movable vehicle windows and vents are placed in the fully
closed position, unless the vehicle manufacturer chooses to specify a
different adjustment position prior to the time it certifies the
vehicle.
S8.1.6 Convertibles and open-body type vehicles have the top, if
any, in place in the closed passenger compartment configuration.
S8.1.7 Doors are fully closed and latched but not locked.
S8.1.8 Anthropomorphic test dummies.
S8.1.8.1 The anthropomorphic test dummies used for evaluation of
occupant protection systems manufactured pursuant to applicable portions
of S4.1.2, S4.1.3, and S4.1.4 of this standard shall conform to the
requirements of subpart E of part 572 of this chapter.
S8.1.8.2 Each test dummy is clothed in a form fitting cotton
stretch short sleeve shirt with above-the-elbow sleeves and above-the-
knee length pants. The weight of the shirt or pants shall not exceed
0.25 pounds each. Each foot of the test dummy is equipped with a size
11XW shoe which meets the configuration size, sole, and heel thickness
specifications of MIL-S 13192 change ``P'' and whose weight is
1.250.2 pounds.
S8.1.8.3 Limb joints are set at 1g, barely restraining the weight
of the limb when extended horizontally. Leg joints are adjusted with the
torso in the supine position.
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S8.1.8.4 Instrumentation does not affect the motion of the dummies
during impact or rollover.
S8.1.8.5 The stabilized test temperature of the test dummy is at
any temperature level between 69 degrees F and 72 degrees F, inclusive.
S8.2 Lateral moving barrier crash test conditions. The following
conditions apply to the lateral moving barrier crash test.
S8.2.1 The moving barrier, including the impact surface, supporting
structure, and carriage, weighs 4,000 pounds.
S8.2.2 The impact surface of the barrier is a vertical, rigid, flat
rectangle, 78 inches wide and 60 inches high, perpendicular to its
direction of movement, with its lower edge horizontal and 5 inches above
the ground surface.
S8.2.3 During the entire impact sequence the barrier undergoes no
significant amount of dynamic or static deformation, and absorbs no
significant portion of the energy resulting from the impact, except for
energy that results in translational rebound movement of the barrier.
S8.2.4 During the entire impact sequence the barrier is guided so
that it travels in a straight line, with no significant lateral,
vertical or rotational movement.
S8.2.5 The concrete surface upon which the vehicle is tested is
level, rigid and of uniform construction, with a skidnumber of 75 when
measured in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials
Method E-274-65T at 40 m.p.h., omitting water delivery as specified in
paragraph 7.1 of that method.
S8.2.6 The tested vehicle's brakes are disengaged and the
transmission is in neutral.
S8.2.7 The barrier and the test vehicle are positioned so that at
impact--
(a) The vehicle is at rest in its normal attitude;
(b) The barrier is traveling in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the vehicle at 20 m.p.h.; and
(c) A vertical plane through the geometric center of the barrier
impact surface and perpendicular to that surface passes through the
driver's seating reference point in the tested vehicle.
S8.3 Rollover test conditions. The following conditions apply to
the rollover test.
S8.3.1 The tested vehicle's brakes are disengaged and the
transmission is in neutral.
S8.3.2 The concrete surface on which the test is conducted is
level, rigid, of uniform construction, and of a sufficient size that the
vehicle remains on it throughout the entire rollover cycle. It has a
skid number of 75 when measured in accordance with American Society for
Testing and Materials Method E-274-65T at 40 m.p.h. omitting water
delivery as specified in paragraph 7.1 of that method.
S8.3.3 The vehicle is placed on a device, similar to that
illustrated in Figure 2, having a platform in the form of a flat, rigid
plane at an angle of 23 deg. from the horizontal. At the lower edge of
the platform is an unyielding flange, perpendicular to the platform with
a height of 4 inches and a length sufficient to hold in place the tires
that rest against it. The intersection of the inner face of the flange
with the upper face of the platform is 9 inches above the rollover
surface. No other restraints are used to hold the vehicle in position
during the deceleration of the platform and the departure of the
vehicle.
S8.3.4 With the vehicle on the test platform, the test devices
remain as nearly as possible in the posture specified in S8.1.
S8.3.5 Before the deceleration pulse, the platform is moving
horizontally, and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the
vehicle, at a constant speed of 30 m.p.h. for a sufficient period of
time for the vehicle to become motionless relative to the platform.
S8.3.6 The platform is decelerated from 30 to 0 m.p.h. in a
distance of not more than 3 feet, without change of direction and
without transverse or rotational movement during the deceleration of the
platform and the departure of the vehicle. The deceleration rate is at
least 20g for a minimum of 0.04 seconds.
S8.4 Frontal test condition. If the vehicle is equipped with a
cutoff device permitted by S4.5.4 of this standard, the device is
deactivated.
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S9. Pressure vessels and explosive devices.
S9.1 Pressure vessels. A pressure vessel that is continuously
pressurized shall conform to the requirements of Secs. 178.65-2, 178.65-
6(b), 178.65-7, 178.65-9 (a) and (b), and 178.65-10 of this title. It
shall not leak or evidence visible distortion when tested in accordance
with Sec. 178.65-11(a) of this title and shall not fail in any of the
ways enumerated in Sec. 178.65-11(b) of this title when hydrostatically
tested to destruction. It shall not crack when flattened in accordance
with Sec. 178.65-12(a) of this title to the limit specified in
Sec. 178.65-12(a)(4) of this title.
S9.2 Explosive devices. An explosive device shall not exhibit any
of the characteristics prohibited by Sec. 173.51 of this title. All
explosive material shall be enclosed in a structure that is capable of
containing the explosive energy without sudden release of pressure