Report on DOT Significant Rulemakings

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Table of Contents

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

60. Fuel Economy Standards- Rights and Responsibilities of Manufacturers in the Context of Changes in Corporate Relationships

 

61. FMVSS: Head Restraints (Height and Distance Requirements)

 

62. Frontal Offset Protection

 

63. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems; Controls and Displays

 

64. Automotive Fuel Economy Manufacturing Incentives for Alternative Fuel Vehicles

 

65. Event Data Recorders

 

66. Consumer Information Regulations; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Rollover Resistance

 

67. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) Response to Petitions for Reconsideration

 

68. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Occupant Crash Protection

 

69. Side Impact Protection Upgrade - FMVSS No. 214

 

70. Reforming the Automobile Fuel Economy Standards Program

 

 

 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration


National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

60. 

Fuel Economy Standards- Rights and Responsibilities of Manufacturers in the Context of Changes in Corporate Relationships

Red

Popular Title: Fuel Economy Standards

RIN 2127-AG97

Stage: Final Rule

Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 01/22/2001; End of Comment Period 3/22/2001.

Abstract: This rulemaking would define the rights and responsibilities of manufacturers under the agency's corporate average fuel economy program in the context of changes in corporate relationships. It addresses the rights and responsibilities of predecessors and successors, as well as the rights and responsibilities of manufacturers in other situations where there have been changes in corporate relationships, e.g., changes in control. Among other things, it would address how fuel economy credits are allocated in these types of situations.

Effects:

 

None

Prompting action: Statute

Legal Deadline: 

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 04/27/1998

Dates for Final Rule:

Milestone

Originally
Scheduled
Date

New
Projected
Date

Actual
Date

To OST

02/15/2003 

 

09/30/2003 

To OMB

03/17/2003 

11/12/2003 

 

OMB Clearance

06/17/2003 

02/12/2004 

 

Publication Date

07/01/2003 

02/19/2004 

 

Explanation for any delay:

Unanticipated issues requiring further analysis

Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

61. 

FMVSS: Head Restraints (Height and Distance Requirements)

Red

Popular Title: Head Restraints (Height and Distance Req)

RIN 2127-AH09

Stage: Final Rule

Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 01/04/2001; End of Comment Period 03/05/2001.

Abstract: This rulemaking would upgrade the standard for head restraints for passenger cars and for light multipurpose vehicles, trucks and buses. The rule would establish higher minimum height requirements for head restraints and add a requirement limiting backset, i.e., the distance between a person's head and his or her head restraint. It would also extend the requirement for head restraints to rear outboard designated seating positions; establish new strength requirements for head restraints; and place limits on the size of gaps and openings in head restraints. In addition, it would modify the dynamic compliance test and amend test procedures. The rulemaking would harmonize the standard with some aspects of the counterpart regulation of the Economic Commission for Europe.

Effects:

 

Economically Significant
Major
Unfunded Mandate
Regulatory Flexibility Act

Prompting action: None

Legal Deadline: 

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 03/01/2001

Dates for Final Rule:

Milestone

Originally
Scheduled
Date

New
Projected
Date

Actual
Date

To OST

02/01/2003 

12/19/2003 

 

To OMB

03/03/2003 

01/23/2004 

 

OMB Clearance

06/03/2003 

03/23/2004 

 

Publication Date

06/08/2003 

03/29/2004 

 

Explanation for any delay:

Unanticipated issues requiring further analysis

Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

62. 

Frontal Offset Protection

Red

Popular Title: Frontal Offset

RIN 2127-AH73

Stage: NPRM

Previous Stage:None

Abstract: This rulemaking would establish a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for high speed frontal offset crash testing. The frontal offset test is a crash test for automobiles and light trucks in which the subject vehicles are run into a deformable honeycomb barrier. The barrier contacts only 40 percent of the front of the vehicle stimulating an off-center frontal collision. The agency is considering adding the offset test to the frontal occupant protection standard to measure vehicle structural integrity and reduce the number and severity of lower-body injuries. Prior to publishing this NPRM, we will be publishing a Request for Comments pertaining to this rulemaking. The Request for Comments is intended to inform the public and solicit comments on the recent testing conducted by the agency.

Effects:

 

None

Prompting action: None

Legal Deadline: 

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 11/22/1999

Dates for NPRM:

Milestone

Originally
Scheduled
Date

New
Projected
Date

Actual
Date

To OST

04/01/2003 

08/22/2004 

 

To OMB

05/01/2003 

09/22/2004 

 

OMB Clearance

08/01/2003 

12/22/2004 

 

Publication Date

08/08/2003 

12/27/2004 

 

End of Comment Period

10/08/2003 

02/27/2005 

 

Explanation for any delay:

Unanticipated impacts requiring further analysis

Federal Register Citation for NPRM: None



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

63. 

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems; Controls and Displays

Green

Popular Title: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

RIN 2127-AI33

Stage: Final Rule/2

Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication date 7/26/01; End of Comment Period 9/6/01. Final Rule/1: Publication Date 05/29/2002.

Abstract: In response to TREAD, NHTSA has added a new requirement that tire pressure monitoring systems be installed in passenger cars, and in light trucks, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and buses. The rule is in two parts. During the period between November 1, 2003, and October 31, 2006, manufacturers may choose between two methods of compliance. The second part of this final rule will be issued by March 1, 2005, and will establish performance requirements for the period beginning on November 1, 2006. In the meantime, NHTSA will leave the rulemaking docket open for the submission of new data and analyses concerning the performance of TPMSs. NHTSA also will conduct a study comparing the tire pressures of vehicles without any TPMS to the pressures of vehicles with TPMSs, also, see RIN 2127-AI90.

Effects:

 

None

Prompting action: Statute

Legal Deadline: 

Issue final rule : 11/30/2001

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 11/01/2000

Dates for Final Rule/2:

Milestone

Originally
Scheduled
Date

New
Projected
Date

Actual
Date

To OST

10/18/2004 

 

 

To OMB

11/22/2004 

 

 

OMB Clearance

02/22/2005 

 

 

Publication Date

03/01/2005 

 

 

Explanation for any delay:

N/A

Federal Register Citation for Final Rule/2: None



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

64. 

Automotive Fuel Economy Manufacturing Incentives for Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Red

Popular Title: Alternative Fuel Vehicles

RIN 2127-AI41

Stage: Final Rule

Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 03/11/2002; End of Comment Period 04/10/2002.

Abstract: To provide an incentive for the production of vehicles that can operate on certain alternative fuels as well as on regular petroleum fuels, Congress established a special procedure for calculating the fuel economy of those vehicles for the purpose of determining compliance with the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards. This rulemaking would increase the fuel economy attributed to such dual-fuel vehicles. By statute, the incentive is available through the 2004 model year and may be extended by up to four additional years through rulemaking. This rulemaking would extend the availability of the incentive by four years, i.e., though the 2008 model year. Prior to publishing this NPRM, we will be publishing a Request for Comments pertaining to this rulemaking. The Request for Comments is intended to inform the public and solicit comments on the recent testing conducted by the agency.

Effects:

 

Economically Significant
Major
Regulatory Flexibility Act

Prompting action: Statute

Legal Deadline: 

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 10/03/2001

Dates for Final Rule:

Milestone

Originally
Scheduled
Date

New
Projected
Date

Actual
Date

To OST

12/31/2002 

10/17/2003 

10/06/2003 

To OMB

01/18/2003 

11/14/2003 

 

OMB Clearance

04/19/2003 

02/13/2004 

 

Publication Date

05/19/2003 

02/20/2004 

 

Explanation for any delay:

Additional coordination necessary

Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

65. 

Event Data Recorders

Green

Popular Title: Event Data Recorders

RIN 2127-AI72

Stage: NPRM

Previous Stage: Request for Comments: Publication Approved 10/04/2002; Publication Date 10/11/2002; End of Comment Period 01/09/2003.

Abstract: Over the past several years, NHTSA has been actively involved with Event Data Recorders (EDRs) in motor vehicles. EDRs collect vehicle and occupant-based crash information. The agency's involvement has included sponsoring two working groups, using data from EDRs in crash investigations, and conducting research and development. NHTSA is considering what, if any, future role the agency should take related to the continued development and installation of EDRs in motor vehicles.

Effects:

 

None

Prompting action: None

Legal Deadline: 

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 07/12/2002

Dates for NPRM:

Milestone

Originally
Scheduled
Date

New
Projected
Date

Actual
Date

To OST

09/08/2004 

10/08/2004 

 

To OMB

10/08/2004 

11/08/2004 

 

OMB Clearance

01/08/2005 

02/08/2005 

 

Publication Date

01/13/2005 

02/13/2005 

 

End of Comment Period

03/13/2005 

04/13/2005 

 

Explanation for any delay:

N/A

Federal Register Citation for NPRM: None



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

66. 

Consumer Information Regulations; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Rollover Resistance

Green

Popular Title: Rollover Resistance

RIN 2127-AI81

Stage: Final Rule

Previous Stage: Request for Comments: Publication Date 07/03/2001; End of Comment Period 08/17/2001. NPRM: Publication Date 10/07/2002; End of Comment Period 11/21/2002.

Abstract: The Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation Act of 2000 requires NHTSA to develop a dynamic test on rollovers by motor vehicles for the purposes of a consumer information program, to carry out a program of conducting such tests, and, as these tests are being developed, to conduct a rulemaking to determine how best to disseminate test results to the public. In response, this rulemaking is using the results of NHTSA's evaluation of numerous driving maneuver tests for the dynamic rollover consumer information program that Congress mandated for the American public beginning in the 2003 model year. NHTSA also is considering several alternative methods for using the dynamic rollover test results in its consumer information for vehicle rollover resistance.

Effects:

 

None

Prompting action: Statute

Legal Deadline: 

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 11/01/2002

Dates for Final Rule:

Milestone

Originally
Scheduled
Date

New
Projected
Date

Actual
Date

To OST

06/25/2003 

06/02/2003 

06/11/2003 

To OMB

07/25/2003 

07/10/2003 

08/13/2003 

OMB Clearance

10/25/2003 

10/10/2003 

09/25/2003 

Publication Date

11/02/2003 

10/17/2003 

10/14/2003 

Explanation for any delay:

N/A

Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: 68 FR 59250



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

67. 

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) Response to Petitions for Reconsideration

Red

Popular Title: TPMS Response to Petitions

RIN 2127-AI90

Stage: Final Rule

Previous Stage:None

Abstract: The agency received petitions for reconsideration of the new standard requiring a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on new light vehicles. This rule was required by the TREAD Act. The TPMS standard was challenged in a case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. On August 6, 2003, the Court issued a decision, which vacated the standard and remanded the matter to the agency for further rulemaking consistent with the Court's opinion. With the standard vacated, the agency has terminated this response to the petitions for reconsideration. However, the agency will treat these petitions as comments in the next phase of the TPMS rulemaking.

Effects:

 

None

Prompting action: None

Legal Deadline: 

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 07/22/2002

Dates for Final Rule:

Milestone

Originally
Scheduled
Date

New
Projected
Date

Actual
Date

To OST

 

 

08/05/2003 

Returned to Mode

 

 

08/09/2003 

Resubmitted to OST

 

12/20/2003 

 

To OMB

08/29/2003 

01/15/2004 

 

OMB Clearance

09/16/2003 

04/15/2004 

 

Publication Date

09/22/2003 

05/01/2004 

 

Explanation for any delay:

Additional coordination necessary

Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

68. 

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Occupant Crash Protection

Green

Popular Title: Occupant Crash Protection

RIN 2127-AI91

Stage: Final Rule

Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 08/06/2003; End of Comment Period 10/06/2003.

Abstract: This rulemaking would require that all designated seating positions in rear seats be equipped with integral lap/shoulder safety belts.

Effects:

 

Economically Significant
Major
Unfunded Mandate

Prompting action: Statute

Legal Deadline: 

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 12/07/2002

Dates for Final Rule:

Milestone

Originally
Scheduled
Date

New
Projected
Date

Actual
Date

To OST

08/27/2004 

 

 

To OMB

09/24/2004 

 

 

OMB Clearance

12/24/2004 

 

 

Publication Date

12/31/2004 

 

 

Explanation for any delay:

N/A

Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

69. 

Side Impact Protection Upgrade - FMVSS No. 214

Green

Popular Title: Side Impact Protection Upgrade

RIN 2127-AJ10

Stage: NPRM

Previous Stage:None

Abstract: NHTSA is considering amending FMVSS No. 214 to add a vehicle-to-pole impact test in order to reduce the number of fatal and serious head injuries in side crashes.

Effects:

 

Economically Significant
Major
Unfunded Mandate
Regulatory Flexibility Act

Prompting action: None

Legal Deadline: 

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 06/28/2002

Dates for NPRM:

Milestone

Originally
Scheduled
Date

New
Projected
Date

Actual
Date

To OST

11/14/2003 

 

 

To OMB

12/12/2003 

 

 

OMB Clearance

03/12/2004 

 

 

Publication Date

03/22/2004 

 

 

Explanation for any delay:

N/A

Federal Register Citation for NPRM: None



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

70. 

Reforming the Automobile Fuel Economy Standards Program

Green

Popular Title: Reforming CAFE

RIN 2127-AJ17

Stage: ANPRM

Previous Stage:None

Abstract: This rulemaking addresses various issues relating to the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) program. In particular, it addresses possible enhancements to the program that will assist in furthering fuel conservation while protecting motor vehicle safety and American jobs. The agency is particularly interested in improvements to the structure of the CAFE program authorized under current statutory authority.

Effects:

 

Economically Significant
Major
Unfunded Mandate

Prompting action: None

Legal Deadline: 

None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 04/01/2003

Dates for ANPRM:

Milestone

Originally
Scheduled
Date

New
Projected
Date

Actual
Date

To OST

10/10/2003 

 

10/14/2003 

To OMB

11/11/2003 

11/18/2003 

 

OMB Clearance

02/11/2004 

02/18/2004 

 

Publication Approved

02/12/2004 

02/18/2004 

 

Publication Date

02/18/2004 

02/25/2004 

 

End of Comment Period

04/19/2004 

04/26/2004 

 

Explanation for any delay:

N/A

Federal Register Citation for ANPRM: None