Document ID: NHTSA-2010-0032-0003
Agency: nhtsa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards: Side Impact Protection
Posted Date: 2011-08-24T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 24, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52880-52886]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21666]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 571

[Docket No. NHTSA-2010-0032]
RIN 2127-AK82

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Side Impact Protection

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation.

ACTION: Final rule; response to petitions for reconsiderations; 
correction.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document responds to a petition for reconsideration from 
the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers regarding a March 2010 final 
rule on the Federal motor vehicle safety standard for side impact 
protection. Today's rule makes minor changes to the standard's testing 
requirements and clarifies some aspects of the standard.

DATES: This rule is effective February 21, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For non-legal issues, you may call 
Christopher J. Wiacek, NHTSA Office of Crashworthiness Standards, 
telephone 202-366-4801. For legal issues, you may call Deirdre Fujita, 
NHTSA Office of Chief Counsel, telephone 202-366-2992. The mailing 
address of these officials is the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building, Washington, 
DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Background
II. Petition for Reconsideration
III. Response to Petition
    a. Location of the Seat on the Non-Impact Side; Correcting 
Amendment
    b. SID-IIs Lower Neck Bracket Adjustment
    c. SID-IIs Head Restraint Position
    d. Changes to the NCAP Test Procedures
IV. Corrections
    a. Deleted Text
    b. Hm Stamp
    c. Seat Back Adjustment
    d. Typographical Errors
V. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

I. Background

    On September 11, 2007, NHTSA published a final rule that upgraded 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, ``Side impact 
protection,'' (72 FR 51908, Docket No. NHTSA-2007-29134). Until the 
final rule, the only dynamic test in FMVSS No. 214 was a moving 
deformable barrier (MDB) test simulating an intersection collision with 
one vehicle being struck in the side by another vehicle. The 2007 final 
rule upgraded FMVSS No. 214 to add a pole test to the standard. The 
pole test requires all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating 
(GVWR) of 4,536 kilograms (kg) or less (10,000 pounds (lb) or less) to 
protect front seat occupants in a vehicle-to-pole test simulating a 
vehicle crashing sideways into narrow fixed objects, such as utility 
poles and trees. The pole test requires vehicle manufacturers to assure 
head and improved chest protection in side crashes for a wide range of 
occupant sizes and over a broad range of seating positions.
    Under the September 11, 2007 final rule, vehicles are tested with 
two sizes of test dummies. A test dummy known as the ES-2re represents 
mid-size adult male occupants. A test dummy known as the SID-IIs 
represents smaller stature occupants. The SID-IIs is the size of a 5th 
percentile adult female. Both the ES-2re and the SID-IIs test dummies 
are used in the new pole test and in the MDB test. (Prior to the rule, 
only a first-generation side impact dummy (SID) (49 CFR part 572 
subpart F), representing a mid-size adult male, was used in the MDB 
test.)
    The agency received petitions for reconsideration on the September 
11, 2007 final rule. The agency addressed the petitions for 
reconsideration in two documents prior to today's document. To respond 
to petitioners' concerns about lead time as quickly as possible, the 
lead time issue, and other matters that needed to be resolved or 
clarified concerning lead time and the phasing-in of the new 
requirements, were addressed in an initial response to petitions 
published June 9, 2008 (73 FR 32473, Docket No. NHTSA-2008-0104).
    On March 15, 2010 (75 FR 12123, Docket No. NHTSA-2010-0032), the 
agency addressed the remaining issues raised by the petitions for 
reconsideration. In that document, the agency clarified or revised 
aspects of the test procedures relating to, among other matters: 
vehicle setup (adjusting the non-struck side seat; adjusting head 
restraints, shoulder belt anchorages, and adjustable steering wheels, 
clarifying the vehicle test attitude tolerance); test dummy setup 
(positioning the SID-IIs; removing redundant foot positioning 
procedures); and other technical matters.

II. Petition for Reconsideration

    The agency received an April 29, 2010 petition for reconsideration 
of the March 15, 2010 final rule from the Alliance of Automobile 
Manufacturers

[[Page 52881]]

(Alliance).\1\ The Alliance sought to address ``a small number of areas 
where the recent FMVSS [No.] 214 requirements are not consistent with 
the current version of the side impact [New Car Assessment Program] 
NCAP test procedures.'' The issues raised by the petitioner relate to 
the location of the seat on the non-impact side during testing, the 
adjustment of the SID-IIs lower neck bracket and the height adjustment 
specification for the head restraint for the SID-IIs. In addition, the 
Alliance requested changes to various provisions of the NCAP side 
impact test procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ At the time of the petition, the Alliance consisted of BMW 
group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors LLC, 
Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz USA, Mitsubishi Motors, 
Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Response to Petition

a. Location of the Seat on the Non-Impact Side; Correcting Amendment 
Background

    Prior to the September 1, 2007 final rule, the test procedure for 
the MDB test in FMVSS No. 214 (S6.3) specified that, when using the 
SID, ``Adjustable seats are placed in the adjustment position midway 
between the forward most and rearmost positions. * * *'' (Emphasis 
added.) NCAP currently has the same specification for the adult male 
test dummy in the MDB test.
    The September 1, 2007 final rule included the following 
specification for front seat adjustment in the MDB test using the ES-
2re dummy (S8.3.1.3): ``If the passenger seat does not adjust 
independently of the driver seat, the driver seat shall control the 
final position of the passenger seat.'' \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ In S8.3.1.3.2, the first sentence states: ``Using only the 
control that primarily moves the seat fore and aft, move the seat 
cushion reference point to the mid travel position. * * *''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If the passenger seat adjusts independently of the driver seat, the 
final rule was silent on specifying a seat positioning procedure for 
the non-impacted (or ``non-struck'') side of the vehicle.
    In a petition for reconsideration of the September 1, 2007 final 
rule, the Alliance recommended ``adding a section that adopts the 
current FMVSS 214 seat position of the non-impacted side when the 
driver and passenger seats move independently of each other, which 
places the front seat on the non-impacted [side] at the same fore/aft 
location as the struck-side seat.'' \3\ In response, NHTSA stated in 
the March 15, 2010 final rule preamble that ``[W]e agree with the 
Alliance that the seat on the non-struck side should be aligned with 
the impacted seat, with regard to two adjacent seats with the ability 
to adjust independently of each other.'' However, no regulatory text 
change was made by the March 15, 2010 final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Docket No. NHTSA-2007-29134-008, p. 20.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Petition
    The Alliance requests in its April 29, 2010 petition for 
reconsideration that NHTSA amend S8.3.1.3 (testing with the ES-2re) to 
add the sentence: ``If the passenger seat adjusts independently of the 
driver seat, the fore/aft location of the seat on the non-struck side 
shall be aligned with the fore/aft location of the seat on the struck 
side.'' The Alliance also requests the provision be placed in the 
regulatory text pertaining to the MDB test that specifies adjustment of 
the second row seats when tested with the SID-IIs (S8.3.3.3) and in the 
pole test for adjusting front row seats with the SID-IIs test dummy 
(S10.3.2.3).
    Agency Response: We are clarifying our statement in the preamble to 
the March 15, 2010 final rule. In doing so, we are mainly denying the 
Alliance's requests.
    When we agreed in the March 15, 2010 preamble that the seat on the 
non-struck side should indeed be ``aligned'' with the impacted seat (75 
FR at 12131), we were referring to vehicles in which the driver seat 
and the front passenger seat have the same seat track configuration 
(length and relative fore-aft position in the vehicle). Thus, the 
driver seat and the passenger seat would be set up mid-track and both 
seats would be ``aligned.''
    It was our intention that the driver seat and the front passenger 
seat be in the mid-track position when positioning the 50th percentile 
adult male dummy in FMVSS No. 214 tests, as it has been done 
historically. FMVSS No. 214 has always used the mid-track position when 
positioning the SID dummy in the MDB test.\4\ NCAP currently specifies 
using the mid-track position when positioning the ES-2re 50th 
percentile adult male dummy in the side impact MDB test.\5\ NHTSA did 
not intend to change that mid-track specification in FMVSS No. 214 and 
in NCAP when testing with the 50th percentile adult male test dummies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See general provision, S6.3 of FMVSS No. 214, before the 
2007 final rule: ``Adjustable seats. Adjustable seats are placed in 
the adjustment position midway between the forward most and rearmost 
positions, and if separately adjustable in a vertical direction, are 
at the lowest position.'' See also NHTSA's FMVSS No. 214 Test 
Procedure manual with the SID dummy states: ``Adjustable seats (on 
the impact and non-impact side) are placed in the adjustment 
position midway between the forward most and rearmost position. * * 
*'' TP214D-08 Part l, K: Adjustable Seats.
    \5\ Docket No. NHTSA-2008-0141-0016, pages 40-41.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If the driver seat track and the front passenger seat track are the 
same length, and relative fore-aft position in the vehicle, and if the 
driver and front passenger seats are similar in shape and 
configuration, ``aligning'' the seats would result in both being 
positioned mid-track. However, if the tracks are different lengths, 
have a different fore-aft location, or if the seats differ in shape, 
the mid-track positions may differ and it is unclear what ``aligning'' 
the seats on the struck side and non-struck side means. For these 
reasons, in retrospect, we do not believe the term ``aligned'' should 
be used to describe how the seats on the struck side and non-struck 
side should be set up. Instead, we will clarify S8.3.1.3 to specify 
that if the passenger seat adjusts independently of the driver seat, 
the procedures of S8.3.1 will be used to position the driver seat and 
the passenger seat.\6\ That is, the seats will be in the mid-track 
position.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ Clarifying S8.3.1.3 will also clarify the pole test 
procedure with the 50th percentile male dummy. Section S10.3.1 of 
FMVSS No. 214 specifies that when conducting the pole test with the 
ES-2re dummy, the driver and front passenger seats are set up as 
specified in S8.3.1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    It was also our intention that, for the pole test, the front seat 
in which the SID-IIs 5th percentile adult female test dummy is placed 
will be in the most forward position (S10.3.2.3.2). NCAP currently 
specifies using the most forward position.\7\ If the tracks for the 
driver seat and for the front passenger seat are of different lengths 
or relative position, the forward-most position will differ. If such 
seats were to be ``aligned,'' one of the seats may not be in its 
forward-most position, which is contrary to our intent. Use of the 
``aligned'' concept also introduces imprecision into the standard as to 
the meaning of the term as applied to two seats of dissimilar 
dimension, which we wish to avoid.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ Docket No. NHTSA-2008-0141-0015, page 30.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We thus deny the Alliance's specific request. However, we will 
clarify S10.3.2.3 to specify that if the passenger seat adjusts 
independently of the driver seat, the procedures of S10.3.2 will be 
used to position each seat. That means that the front seats will be 
positioned full-forward when testing with the SID-II (see S10.3.2.3.2).
    For the reasons explained above, we also deny the Alliance's 
suggestion to incorporate the ``aligned'' concept in S8.3.3.3. This 
section specifies how to position an adjustable second row seat for a 
SID-IIs 5th percentile adult female test dummy in the MDB test. Under

[[Page 52882]]

S8.3.3.3, the struck side is adjusted to its full down, full rearward 
position. We will revise S8.3.3.3 so that it applies to a non-struck 
seat that adjusts independently of the struck seat. This means that, in 
an MDB test, adjustable second row seats being tested will be placed 
full down, full rearward.

b. SID-IIs Lower Neck Bracket Adjustment

    The March 15, 2010 final rule added the following sentence to the 
end of S12.3.2(a)(9) for positioning the dummy in the driver's seat: 
``Adjust the lower neck bracket to level the head as much as 
possible.'' This was in response to an Alliance petition for 
reconsideration on the September 2007 final rule. The purpose of the 
amendment was to clarify that the lower neck bracket may be used to 
position the dummy's head if the adjustable seat back cannot achieve 
the  0.5 degree tolerance for head leveling.
    In its petition for reconsideration of the March 15, 2010 final 
rule, the Alliance suggested the new sentence that was added to 
S12.3.2(a)(9) should be added to the dummy positioning procedures for 
both the front and rear seat passengers in S12.3.3(a)(9) and 
S12.3.4(h), respectively, to keep the head leveling procedure 
consistent in all seating positions. The Alliance further suggested 
that S12.3.2(a)(10), S12.3.3(a)(10) and S12.3.4(i) are unnecessary, if 
the new sentence is added as the petitioner suggested, and should be 
deleted.
    Agency Response: We generally agree with the request, but there are 
aspects with which we do not entirely concur.
    We agree that there is some unneeded overlap between S12.3.2(a)(9), 
adopted by the March 2010 final rule, and S12.3.2(a)(10). Therefore, we 
have decided to more fully integrate the two sections into a revised 
S12.3.2(a)(9). The revised section clarifies the head leveling 
procedure for all seat types (i.e., seats with adjustable seat backs 
and those with non-adjustable seat backs). The instruction that was in 
S12.3.2(a)(10) (to ``minimize the angle'') has not been deleted but is 
now integrated into the procedures of S12.3.2(a)(9).
    Specifications that were related to steering wheel interaction that 
were previously part of S12.3.2(a)(9) are now moved to S12.3.2(a)(10). 
Section S12.3.2(a)(11) is changed to remove a reference to 
S12.3.2(a)(10). S12.3.2(a)(12) remains unchanged.
    We also agree with the Alliance's suggestion that the 
specification--that the lower neck bracket could be used to level the 
head--should also be included in the procedures for positioning the 
front passenger dummy (S12.3.3(a)(9)) and the rear dummy (S12.3.4(h)). 
The instruction is reasonable because it better ensures that the 
dummy's head can be leveled. Accordingly, we have incorporated the 
specification in the head leveling procedures of those two sections, 
along with clarifying the head leveling procedures. Yet, as noted above 
for S12.3.2(a)(10), the instruction that was in S12.3.3(a)(9) and 
S12.3.4(h) (to ``minimize the angle'') has not been deleted but is now 
integrated into the procedures of S12.3.3(a)(9) and S12.3.4(h). The 
remainder of S12.3.3(a) and S12.3.4 remain basically the same. Our 
changes are consistent with the Alliance's request, while not a 
verbatim implementation of it.

c. SID-IIs Head Restraint Position

    In the March 2010 final rule, the agency agreed with the Alliance 
that the potential exists where the lowest possible detent position may 
not be the lowest possible position for the head restraint adjustment. 
It was the agency's intent to position the head restraint in contact 
with the top of the seat back as the seat back may provide a ``stop'' 
for the downward adjustment of the head restraint, just as a detent 
does at other positions of adjustment. To further clarify the position 
of the head restraint when testing with the SID-IIs dummy, we revised 
the standard to state that if it is possible to achieve a position 
lower than that associated with the detent range, the head restraint 
will be set to its lowest possible position. The change was consistent 
with the positioning of head restraints for testing in FMVSS No. 202, 
``Head restraints.'' \8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ We note that for a certain compliance option, FMVSS No. 202 
measures the height of the head restraint when adjusted to its 
lowest position. In a 2007 letter to the Lear Corporation, the 
agency interpreted this position to potentially be the position that 
the head restraint is in when it is in contact with the top of the 
seat back and below the lowest adjustment detent. A copy of this 
letter can be found on the NHTSA Web site at http://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/07-001357drn.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Alliance petitioned the agency to make clear that we were 
referring to in-use positions and not stowed positions, to be 
consistent with the NCAP test procedure. The NCAP laboratory test 
procedure states that the head restraint is to be placed at its lowest 
and most full forward in-use position, not including stowed 
positions.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ Docket Nos. NHTSA-2008-0141-0015, page 31 and NHTSA-2008-
0141-0016, page 41.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Agency Response: We are granting the request to specify in the 
regulatory text (S8.3.3.2 and S10.3.2.2) that the allowable positions 
of head restraint adjustment excludes non-use positions. ``Non-use 
positions'' are as specified by S4.4 of FMVSS No. 202a, ``Head 
restraints.'' Under this section of FMVSS No. 202a, there are three 
kinds of non-use positions under which it is not necessary to meet the 
minimum head restraint height requirement. This change will provide 
greater clarity when positioning the head restraint when testing with 
the SID-IIs dummy.

d. Changes to the NCAP Test Procedures

    In addition to the requested changes in its petition for 
reconsideration of the FMVSS No. 214 final rule, the Alliance requested 
changes to NCAP's side impact test procedure. Changes were suggested 
for the positioning of the SID-IIs in vehicles with small rear seats 
and the seat adjustment procedure for the SID-IIs, in addition to other 
issues.
    Agency Response: The purpose of this final rule is to address the 
petition for reconsideration related to the FMVSS No. 214 rulemaking. 
The Alliance's suggestions related to the NCAP test procedure will be 
addressed separately and in the context of that program. A copy of the 
agency's response to these issues is included in the docket for the 
NCAP test procedure, Docket No. NHTSA-2008-0141.

IV. Corrections

    The agency has learned of the following technical errors that are 
in need of correction. These are corrected by today's document.

a. Deleted Text

    In the 2010 final rule the agency modified S12.2.1 to address 
petitions on shoulder belt anchorage positioning for the ES-2re. In so 
doing, we inadvertently removed S12.2.1(a)-(d). Today we are restoring 
those sections to the standard.

b. Hm Stamp

    Section S12.2.1(b)(2) (as set forth in the September 11, 2007 final 
rule) stated that the correct position of the dummy pelvis may be 
checked relative to the H-point of the H-point Manikin by using the 
``M3 holes'' in the ES-2re pelvis. In the last two sentences of 
S12.2.1(b)(2), there was a statement that the M3 holes are indicated 
with an ``Hm'' stamp and a statement as to where the Hm stamp may be 
found on the dummy. These statements were in error because 49 CFR part 
572 subpart U does not require the Hm stamp to be marked on the ES-2re 
dummy. Further, the test dummy can be positioned without the stamp, so 
there was no need for the reference to the stamp.
    Accordingly, as noted above, while today's document maintains the 
first

[[Page 52883]]

sentence of S12.2.1(b)(2), we have edited the remainder of the section 
by removing the statements concerning the Hm stamp.

c. Seat Back Adjustment

    While reviewing the Alliance's petition, the agency saw a need for 
the following correction. S8.3.3.2 and S10.3.2.2 state that for seats 
with adjustable seat backs, the seat back is adjusted to the 
manufacturer's nominal design riding position, or if not specified, the 
first detent rearward of 25 degrees from the vertical. We have 
determined that the seat back adjustment provisions specified in 
S8.3.3.2 and S10.3.2.2 are unnecessary in the test procedure since the 
seat back is fully reclined in S12.3.3(2) and S12.3.4(b), prior to 
placement of the test dummy in the seat. Therefore, we have deleted the 
last two sentences in S8.3.3.2 and 10.3.2.2. We believe this change 
will have no effect on the MDB or pole test.

d. Typographical Errors

    In S5(a)(1), the reference to ``S8.4'' is in error. S8.4 is the 
steering wheel adjustment procedure. We are replacing the reference to 
S8.4 with a reference to ``S8.3.'' S8.3 is the appropriate section for 
seat back adjustment procedures.
    In S12.3.3(b)(3), the last word (``possible'') is missing (``* * * 
place the lower leg as perpendicular to the thigh as possible''). We 
are correcting the text.

V. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), E.O. 
13563, and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    The agency has considered the impact of this rulemaking action 
under E.O. 12866, E.O. 13563, and the Department of Transportation's 
regulatory policies and procedures. This rulemaking was not reviewed by 
the Office of Management and Budget under E.O. 12866, ``Regulatory 
Planning and Review.'' The rulemaking action has also been determined 
to be not significant under the Department's regulatory policies and 
procedures.
    This document corrects or clarifies aspects of the test procedures 
specified by the September 11, 2007 and March 15, 2010 final rules or 
makes minor adjustments to those procedures. The minimal impacts of 
today's amendment do not warrant preparation of a regulatory 
evaluation.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended, requires 
agencies to evaluate the potential effects of their proposed and final 
rules on small businesses, small organizations and small governmental 
jurisdictions. I hereby certify that this rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
This final rule will not significantly affect small manufacturers since 
it simply corrects or clarifies aspects of the test procedures 
specified by the September 11, 2007 and March 15, 2010 final rules, or 
makes minor adjustments to those procedures. Small organizations and 
small governmental units will not be significantly affected since there 
are not likely to be any cost impacts associated with this action on 
the price of new motor vehicles.

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    NHTSA has examined today's rule pursuant to Executive Order 13132 
(64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and concluded that no additional 
consultation with States, local governments or their representatives is 
mandated beyond the rulemaking process. The agency has concluded that 
the rulemaking does not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant consultation with State and local officials or the preparation 
of a federalism summary impact statement. The rule will not have 
``substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.''
    NHTSA rules can preempt in two ways. First, the National Traffic 
and Motor Vehicle Safety Act contains an express preemption provision: 
When a motor vehicle safety standard is in effect under this chapter, a 
State or a political subdivision of a State may prescribe or continue 
in effect a standard applicable to the same aspect of performance of a 
motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment only if the standard is 
identical to the standard prescribed under this chapter. 49 U.S.C. 
30103(b)(1). It is this statutory command by Congress that preempts any 
non-identical State legislative and administrative law addressing the 
same aspect of performance.
    The express preemption provision described above is subject to a 
savings clause under which ``[c]ompliance with a motor vehicle safety 
standard prescribed under this chapter does not exempt a person from 
liability at common law.'' 49 U.S.C. 30103(e) Pursuant to this 
provision, State common law tort causes of action against motor vehicle 
manufacturers that might otherwise be preempted by the express 
preemption provision are generally preserved.
    However, the Supreme Court has recognized the possibility, in some 
instances, of implied preemption of such State common law tort causes 
of action by virtue of NHTSA's rules, even if not expressly preempted. 
This second way that NHTSA rules can preempt is dependent upon there 
being an actual conflict between an FMVSS and the higher standard that 
would effectively be imposed on motor vehicle manufacturers if someone 
obtained a State common law tort judgment against the manufacturer, 
notwithstanding the manufacturer's compliance with the NHTSA standard. 
Because most NHTSA standards established by an FMVSS are minimum 
standards, a State common law tort cause of action that seeks to impose 
a higher standard on motor vehicle manufacturers will generally not be 
preempted. However, if and when such a conflict does exist--for 
example, when the standard at issue is both a minimum and a maximum 
standard--the State common law tort cause of action is impliedly 
preempted. See Geier v. American Honda Motor Co., 529 U.S. 861 (2000).
    Pursuant to Executive Order 13132 and 12988, NHTSA has considered 
whether this rule could or should preempt State common law causes of 
action. The agency's ability to announce its conclusion regarding the 
preemptive effect of one of its rules reduces the likelihood that 
preemption will be an issue in any subsequent tort litigation.
    To this end, the agency has examined the nature (e.g., the language 
and structure of the regulatory text) and objectives of today's rule 
and finds that this rule, like many NHTSA rules, would prescribe only a 
minimum safety standard. As such, NHTSA does not intend that this final 
rule would preempt state tort law that would effectively impose a 
higher standard on motor vehicle manufacturers than that established by 
today's rule. Establishment of a higher standard by means of State tort 
law would not conflict with the minimum standard proposed here. Without 
any conflict, there could not be any implied preemption of a State 
common law tort cause of action.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) requires Federal 
agencies to prepare a written assessment of the costs, benefits and 
other effects of proposed or final rules that include a Federal mandate 
likely to result in the expenditure by State, local or tribal

[[Page 52884]]

governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of more than 
$100 million annually (adjusted annually for inflation, with base year 
of 1995). This final rule will not result in expenditures by State, 
local or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector 
in excess of $100 million annually.

National Environmental Policy Act

    NHTSA has analyzed this final rule for the purposes of the National 
Environmental Policy Act. The agency has determined that implementation 
of this action will not have any significant impact on the quality of 
the human environment.

Civil Justice Reform

    With respect to the review of the promulgation of a new regulation, 
section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil Justice Reform'' (61 FR 
4729, February 7, 1996) requires that Executive agencies make every 
reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies 
the preemptive effect; (2) clearly specifies the effect on existing 
Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for 
affected conduct, while promoting simplification and burden reduction; 
(4) clearly specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately 
defines key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting 
clarity and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the 
Attorney General. This document is consistent with that requirement.
    Pursuant to this Order, NHTSA notes as follows.
    The issue of preemption is discussed above in connection with E.O. 
13132. NHTSA notes further that there is no requirement that 
individuals submit a petition for reconsideration or pursue other 
administrative proceeding before they may file suit in court.

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    Under the PRA of 1995, a person is not required to respond to a 
collection of information by a Federal agency unless the collection 
displays a valid OMB control number. This final rule has no 
``collections of information'' (as defined at 5 CFR 1320.3(c)).

National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Under the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 
(NTTAA)(Pub. L. 104-113), all Federal agencies and departments shall 
use technical standards that are developed or adopted by voluntary 
consensus standards bodies, using such technical standards as a means 
to carry out policy objectives or activities determined by the agencies 
and departments.
    Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., 
materials specifications, test methods, sampling procedures, and 
business practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary 
consensus standards bodies, such as the International Organization for 
Standardization (ISO) and the Society of Automotive Engineers. The 
NTTAA directs us to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when we 
decide not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus 
standards.
    There are no voluntary consensus standards applicable to this final 
rule.

Plain Language

    Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write all rules in 
plain language. Application of the principles of plain language 
includes consideration of the following questions:

     Have we organized the material to suit the public's needs?
     Are the requirements in the rule clearly stated?
     Does the rule contain technical language or jargon that 
isn't clear?
     Would a different format (grouping and order of sections, 
use of headings, paragraphing) make the rule easier to understand?
     Would more (but shorter) sections be better?
     Could we improve clarity by adding tables, lists, or 
diagrams?
     What else could we do to make the rule easier to 
understand?

    If you have any responses to these questions, please write to us 
with your views.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 571

    Imports, Motor vehicle safety, Motor vehicles, Rubber and rubber 
products, and Tires.

    In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA amends 49 CFR Chapter V as 
set forth below.

PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS

0
1. The authority citation for Part 571 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117 and 30166; 
delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.

0
2. Section 571.214 is amended by:
0
a. Revising S5(a)(1), S8.3.1.3, S8.3.3.2, S8.3.3.3, S10.3.2.2, and 
S10.3.2.3;
0
b. Adding S12.2.1(a) through S12.2.1(d)(2); and,
0
c. Revising S12.3.2(a)(9), S12.3.2(a)(10), S12.3.2(a)(11); 
S12.3.3(a)(9), S12.3.3(a)(10), S12.3.3(a)(11), S12.3.3(b)(3), and 
S12.3.4(h); and,
0
d. Removing S12.3.3(a)(12).
    The added and amended text read as follows:

Sec.  571.214  Standard No. 214; Side impact protection.

* * * * *
    S5 General exclusions.
    (a) * * *
    (1) Any side door located so that no point on a ten-inch horizontal 
longitudinal line passing through and bisected by the H-point of a 
manikin placed in any seat, with the seat adjusted to any position and 
the seat back adjusted as specified in S8.3, falls within the 
transverse, horizontal projection of the door's opening,
* * * * *
    S8.3.1.3 Seat position adjustment. If the driver and passenger 
seats do not adjust independently of each other, the struck side seat 
shall control the final position of the non-struck side seat. If the 
driver and passenger seats adjust independently of each other, adjust 
both the struck and non-struck side seats in the manner specified in 
S8.3.1.
* * * * *
    S8.3.3.2 Other seat adjustments. Position any adjustable parts of 
the seat that provide additional support so that they are in the lowest 
or non-deployed adjustment position. Position any adjustable head 
restraint in the lowest and most forward in-use position. If it is 
possible to achieve a position lower than the effective detent range, 
the head restraint should be set to its lowest possible position. A 
non-use position as specified by S4.4 of FMVSS No. 202a, is excluded 
from being considered as the lowest possible position.
* * * * *
    S8.3.3.3 Seat position adjustment. Using only the controls that 
primarily move the seat and seat cushion independent of the seat back 
in the fore and aft directions, move the seat cushion reference point 
(SCRP) to the rearmost position. Using any part of any control, other 
than those just used, determine the full range of angles of the seat 
cushion reference line and set the seat cushion reference line to the 
middle of the range. Using any part of any control other than those 
that primarily move the seat or seat cushion fore and aft, while 
maintaining the seat cushion reference line angle, place the SCRP to 
its lowest position. Mark location of the seat for future reference. If 
the non-struck side seat adjusts independently of the struck side seat,

[[Page 52885]]

adjust the seat in the manner specified in this section.
* * * * *
    S10.3.2.2 Other seat adjustments. Position any adjustable parts of 
the seat that provide additional support so that they are in the lowest 
or non-deployed adjustment position. Position any adjustable head 
restraint in the lowest and most forward in-use position. If it is 
possible to achieve a position lower than the effective detent range, 
the head restraint should be set to its lowest possible position. A 
non-use position as specified by S4.4 of FMVSS No. 202a, is excluded 
from being considered as the lowest possible position.
* * * * *
    S10.3.2.3 Seat position adjustment. If the driver and passenger 
seats do not adjust independently of each other, the struck side seat 
shall control the final position of the non-struck side seat. If the 
driver and passenger seats adjust independently of each other, adjust 
both the struck and non-struck side seats in the manner specified in 
S10.3.2.
* * * * *
    S12.2.1 * * *
    (a) Upper torso.
    (1) The plane of symmetry of the dummy coincides with the vertical 
median plane of the specified seating position.
    (2) Bend the upper torso forward and then lay it back against the 
seat back. Set the shoulders of the dummy fully rearward.
    (b) Pelvis. Position the pelvis of the dummy according to the 
following:
    (1) Position the pelvis of the dummy such that a lateral line 
passing through the dummy H-points is perpendicular to the longitudinal 
center plane of the seat. The line through the dummy H-points is 
horizontal with a maximum inclination of  2 degrees. The 
dummy may be equipped with tilt sensors in the thorax and the pelvis. 
These instruments can help to obtain the desired position.
    (2) The correct position of the dummy pelvis may be checked 
relative to the H-point of the H-point Manikin by using the M3 holes in 
the H-point back plates at each side of the ES-2re pelvis. Position the 
dummy such that the M3 holes are located within a circle of radius 10 
mm (0.39 in.) around the H-point of the H-point Manikin.
    (c) Arms. For the driver seating position and for the front 
outboard passenger seating position, place the dummy's upper arms such 
that the angle between the projection of the arm centerline on the mid-
sagittal plane of the dummy and the torso reference line is 40[deg] 
 5[deg]. The torso reference line is defined as the 
thoracic spine centerline. The shoulder-arm joint allows for discrete 
arm positions at 0, 40, and 90 degree settings forward of the spine.
    (d) Legs and Feet. Position the legs and feet of the dummy 
according to the following:
    (1) For the driver's seating position, without inducing pelvis or 
torso movement, place the right foot of the dummy on the un-pressed 
accelerator pedal with the heel resting as far forward as possible on 
the floor pan. Set the left foot perpendicular to the lower leg with 
the heel resting on the floor pan in the same lateral line as the right 
heel. Set the knees of the dummy such that their outside surfaces are 
150  10 mm (5.9  0.4 inches) from the plane of 
symmetry of the dummy. If possible within these constraints, place the 
thighs of the dummy in contact with the seat cushion.
    (2) For other seating positions, without inducing pelvis or torso 
movement, place the heels of the dummy as far forward as possible on 
the floor pan without compressing the seat cushion more than the 
compression due to the weight of the leg. Set the knees of the dummy 
such that their outside surfaces are 150  10 mm (5.9  0.4 inches) from the plane of symmetry of the dummy.
* * * * *
    S12.3.2 5th percentile female driver dummy positioning.
    (a) Driver torso/head/seat back angle positioning.
* * * * *
    (9) Head leveling.
    (i) Vehicles with fixed seat backs. Adjust the lower neck bracket 
to level the transverse instrumentation platform angle of the head to 
within  0.5 degrees. If it is not possible to level the 
transverse instrumentation platform to within  0.5 degrees, 
select the neck bracket adjustment position that minimizes the 
difference between the transverse instrumentation platform angle and 
level.
    (ii) Vehicles with adjustable seat backs. While holding the thighs 
in place, rotate the seat back forward until the transverse 
instrumentation platform angle of the head is level to within  0.5 degrees, making sure that the pelvis does not interfere with 
the seat bight. (If the torso contacts the steering wheel, use 
S12.3.2(a)(10) before proceeding with the remaining portion of this 
paragraph.) If it is not possible to level the transverse 
instrumentation platform to within  0.5 degrees, select the 
seat back adjustment position that minimizes the difference between the 
transverse instrumentation platform angle and level, then adjust the 
neck bracket to level the transverse instrumentation platform angle to 
within  0.5 degrees if possible. If it is still not 
possible to level the transverse instrumentation platform to within 
 0.5 degrees, select the neck bracket angle position that 
minimizes the difference between the transverse instrumentation 
platform angle and level.
    (10) If the torso contacts the steering wheel, adjust the steering 
wheel in the following order until there is no contact: telescoping 
adjustment, lowering adjustment, raising adjustment. If the vehicle has 
no adjustments or contact with the steering wheel cannot be eliminated 
by adjustment, position the seat at the next detent where there is no 
contact with the steering wheel as adjusted in S10.5. If the seat is a 
power seat, position the seat to avoid contact while assuring that 
there is a maximum of 5 mm (0.2 in) distance between the steering wheel 
as adjusted in S10.5 and the point of contact on the dummy.
    (11) Measure and set the dummy's pelvic angle using the pelvic 
angle gage. The angle is set to 20.0 degrees  2.5 degrees. 
If this is not possible, adjust the pelvic angle as close to 20.0 
degrees as possible while keeping the transverse instrumentation 
platform of the head as level as possible by adjustments specified in 
S12.3.2(a)(9).
* * * * *
    S12.3.3 5th percentile female front passenger dummy positioning.
    (a) Passenger torso/head/seat back angle positioning.
* * * * *
    (9) Head leveling.
    (i) Vehicles with fixed seat backs. Adjust the lower neck bracket 
to level the transverse instrumentation platform angle of the head to 
within  0.5 degrees. If it is not possible to level the 
transverse instrumentation platform to within  0.5 degrees, 
select the neck bracket adjustment position that minimizes the 
difference between the transverse instrumentation platform angle and 
level.
    (ii) Vehicles with adjustable seat backs. While holding the thighs 
in place, rotate the seat back forward until the transverse 
instrumentation platform angle of the head is level to within  0.5 degrees, making sure that the pelvis does not interfere with 
the seat bight. If it is not possible to level the transverse 
instrumentation platform to within  0.5 degrees, select the 
seat back adjustment position that minimizes the difference between the 
transverse instrumentation platform angle and level, then adjust the 
neck bracket to level the transverse instrumentation platform angle to 
within  0.5 degrees if possible. If it is

[[Page 52886]]

still not possible to level the transverse instrumentation platform to 
within  0.5 degrees, select the neck bracket angle position 
that minimizes the difference between the transverse instrumentation 
platform angle and level.
    (10) Measure and set the dummy's pelvic angle using the pelvic 
angle gage. The angle is set to 20.0 degrees  2.5 degrees. 
If this is not possible, adjust the pelvic angle as close to 20.0 
degrees as possible while keeping the transverse instrumentation 
platform of the head as level as possible by adjustments specified in 
S12.3.2(a)(9).
    (11) If the dummy is contacting the vehicle interior after these 
adjustments, move the seat rearward until there is a maximum of 5 mm 
(0.2 in) between the contact point of the dummy and the interior of the 
vehicle or if it has a manual seat adjustment, to the next rearward 
detent position. If after these adjustments, the dummy contact point is 
more than 5 mm (0.2 in) from the vehicle interior and the seat is still 
not in its forwardmost position, move the seat forward until the 
contact point is 5 mm (0.2 in) or less from the vehicle interior, or if 
it has a manual seat adjustment, move the seat to the closest detent 
position without making contact, or until the seat reaches its 
forwardmost position, whichever occurs first.
    (b) Passenger foot positioning.
* * * * *
    (3) If either foot does not contact the floor pan, place the foot 
parallel to the floor pan and place the lower leg as perpendicular to 
the thigh as possible.
* * * * *
    S12.3.4 5th percentile female in rear outboard seating positions.
* * * * *
    (h) Head leveling.
    (1) Vehicles with fixed seat backs. Adjust the lower neck bracket 
to level the transverse instrumentation platform angle of the head to 
within  0.5 degrees. If it is not possible to level the 
transverse instrumentation platform to within  0.5 degrees, 
select the neck bracket adjustment position that minimizes the 
difference between the transverse instrumentation platform angle and 
level.
    (2) Vehicles with adjustable seat backs. While holding the thighs 
in place, rotate the seat back forward until the transverse 
instrumentation platform angle of the head is level to within  0.5 degrees, making sure that the pelvis does not interfere with 
the seat bight. If it is not possible to level the transverse 
instrumentation platform to within  0.5 degrees, select the 
seat back adjustment position that minimizes the difference between the 
transverse instrumentation platform angle and level, then adjust the 
neck bracket to level the transverse instrumentation platform angle to 
within  0.5 degrees if possible. If it is still not 
possible to level the transverse instrumentation platform to within 
 0.5 degrees, select the neck bracket angle position that 
minimizes the difference between the transverse instrumentation 
platform angle and level.
* * * * *

    Issued on: August 18, 2011.
David L. Strickland,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-21666 Filed 8-23-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P