Document ID: NHTSA-2023-0040-0001
Agency: nhtsa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards: Child Restraint Systems
Posted Date: 2023-12-05T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 5, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 84514-84623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26082]

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Vol. 88

Tuesday,

No. 232

December 5, 2023

Part IV

Department of Transportation

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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 Part 571

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Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards: Child Restraint Systems; Final 
Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 232 / Tuesday, December 5, 2023 / 
Rules and Regulations  

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 571

[Docket No. NHTSA-2023-0040]
RIN 2127-AL34

 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards: Child Restraint Systems

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule amends a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 
(FMVSS) regarding child restraint systems. The amendments, mandatory in 
one year, modernize the standard by, among other things, updating CRS 
owner registration program requirements, labeling requirements on 
correctly using child restraints, requirements for add-on school bus-
specific child restraint systems, and provisions for NHTSA's use of 
test dummies in NHTSA compliance tests. Amendments mandatory in three 
years include adding a new FMVSS that updates to standard seat 
assemblies on which NHTSA tests child restraint systems for compliance 
with frontal crash performance requirements. This final rule fulfills a 
mandate of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-
21) that directs NHTSA to update the standard seat assembly. The 
purpose of this final rule is to ensure continued effectiveness of 
child restraint systems in current and future vehicles.

DATES: 
    Effective date: February 5, 2024.
    IBR date: The incorporation by reference of certain publications 
listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of February 5, 2024. The incorporation by reference of certain other 
publications listed in the rule was approved by the Director as of 
February 6, 2012.
    Compliance date: The compliance date for the amendments to FMVSS 
No. 213 is December 5, 2024. The compliance date for meeting FMVSS No. 
213b is December 5, 2026. Optional early compliance with the standards 
is permitted.
    Reconsideration date: If you wish to petition for reconsideration 
of this rule, your petition must be received by January 19, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Petitions for reconsideration of this final rule must refer 
to the docket and notice number set forth above and be submitted to the 
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Note that all petitions 
received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, 
including any personal information provided.
    Confidential Business Information: If you wish to submit any 
information under a claim of confidentiality, you should submit your 
complete submission, including the information you claim to be 
confidential business information, to the Chief Counsel, NHTSA, at the 
address given under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. In addition, you 
should submit a copy, from which you have deleted the claimed 
confidential business information, to Docket Management at the address 
given above. When you send a submission containing information claimed 
to be confidential business information, you should include a cover 
letter setting forth the information specified in our confidential 
business information regulation (49 CFR part 512). Please see further 
information in the Regulatory Notices and Analyses section of this 
preamble.
    Privacy Act: The petition will be placed in the docket. Anyone is 
able to search the electronic form of all documents received into any 
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or 
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act 
Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 
65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or you may visit https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/privacy/privacy-act-system-records-notices.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to www.regulations.gov, or the street address 
listed above. Follow the online instructions for accessing the dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical issues, you may call 
Cristina Echemendia, Office of Crashworthiness Standards (telephone: 
202-366-6345). For legal issues, you may call Deirdre Fujita or Matthew 
Filpi, Office of Chief Counsel (telephone: 202-366-2992). Address: 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Washington, 
DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule amends FMVSS No. 213, 
``Child restraint systems,'' and adds FMVSS No. 213b, ``Child restraint 
systems; Mandatory applicability beginning December 5, 2026.'' The 
amendments to FMVSS No. 213, mandatory in one year, modernize the 
standard by, among other things, updating CRS owner registration 
program requirements, labeling requirements on correctly using child 
restraints, requirements for add-on school bus-specific child restraint 
systems, and provisions for NHTSA's use of test dummies in NHTSA 
compliance tests. FMVSS No. 213b, mandatory in three years, includes 
those amendments and updates the standard seat assembly on which NHTSA 
tests child restraint systems for compliance with frontal crash 
performance requirements. This final rule fulfills a MAP-21 that 
directs NHTSA to update the standard seat assembly. The purpose of this 
final rule is to ensure continued effectiveness of child restraint 
systems in current and future vehicles.

Table of Contents

I. Executive Summary
II. Safety Need and NHTSA Strategies
    a. 2020 Fatalities
    b. NHTSA Strategies
    1. Increase CRS Use
    2. Increase Correct Use
    3. Strengthen FMVSS No. 213 and Address Safety Defects
III. Statutory Authority
IV. Guiding Principles
V. Overview of the NPRM and Comments Received
VI. Updating the Representative Standard Seat Assembly
    a. Seat Geometry
    1. Seat Back Angle
    2. Seat Pan Angle
    3. Seat Pan Length
    4. Seat Back Height
    b. Rear Seat Cushion Characteristics
    1. Thickness--Seat Back Cushion
    2. Thickness--Seat Bottom Cushion
    3. Foam Stiffness
    4. Miscellaneous Issues
    c. Means for Attaching a CRS
    1. Seat Belts
    2. Child Restraint Anchorage System
    d. Repeatability and Reproducibility of Test Results
    e. Miscellaneous Issues
    1. Addition of a Rebound Support Surface
    2. Truncating Head Acceleration Time Histories
    3. Drawing Changes
    f. Why NHTSA Has Not Adopted a Floor (Reiteration)
VII. Retaining the Type 1 (Lap Belt) Installation Requirement
    a. CRSs for Use in Older Vehicles
    b. Installing Harnesses
VIII. Communicating With Today's Caregivers
    a. The CRS Owner Registration Program
    1. Background
    2. Comments to the NPRM and NHTSA's Responses
    3. Other Issues

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    4. Summary
    b. Information on Correctly Using CRSs
    1. Background
    2. Labeling by Mode Use
    3. Increasing the Forward-Facing Weight Recommendation
    4. Increasing the Belt-Positioning Seat Weight Recommendation
    5. Suggested Additional Booster Seat Labeling
    6. Other Recommendations About Labels
    7. Summary
IX. Streamlining NHTSA's Use of Dummies in Compliance Tests To 
Reflect CRS Use Today
    a. Introduction
    b. Testing CRSs for Children Weighing 10-13.6 kg (22-30 lb)
    c. Testing CRSs for Children Weighing 13.6-18.2 kg (30-40 lb)
    d. Testing CRSs for Children Weighing 18-29.5 kg (40-65 lb)--Use 
of the HIII-6YO Dummy
    e. Positioning the Legs of the HIII-3YO Dummy in CRSs Used Rear-
Facing
    f. Test Procedure Issues Raised by Commenters
    g. Table Summarizing Dummy Selection Criteria
X. School Bus Child Restraint Systems
XI. Corrections and Other Minor Amendments
    a. Corrected Reference
    b. Section 5.1.2.2, Section 5.4.1.1, and Figure 2
    c. Table to S5.1.3.1(a) and Test Configuration II
    d. Updating Reference to SAE Recommended Practice J211/1
    e. Section S5.9(a)
    f. Table S5.3.2
    g. Tether Tension Range
    h. Clarifying the FMVSS No. 213a and the 40 lb Cut Off
XII. Beyond the Scope of the Rulemaking
XIII. Child Passenger Safety Issues Arising From Research Findings
    a. CRSs Associated With Submarining or Ejection
    b. Should infant carriers' height limits better align with their 
weight limits?
    c. Virtual Models for CRS Fit
XIV. Lead Time and Compliance Dates
XV. Regulatory Notices and Analyses
XVI. Appendices to the Preamble

I. Executive Summary

    This final rule amends FMVSS No. 213, ``Child restraint systems,'' 
\1\ and adds FMVSS No. 213b, ``Child restraint systems; Mandatory 
applicability beginning December 5, 2026.'' The amendments to FMVSS No. 
213, mandatory in one year, modernize the standard by updating the CRS 
owner registration program, labeling requirements instructing consumers 
on correct use of child restraints, requirements for add-on school bus-
specific child restraint systems, and provisions for NHTSA's use of 
test dummies in NHTSA compliance tests. FMVSS No. 213b, mandatory on 
December 5, 2026, includes those requirements and updates the standard 
seat assembly on which NHTSA tests child restraint systems for 
compliance with frontal crash performance requirements. In updating the 
standard seat assembly, this final rule fulfills a statutory mandate 
set forth in MAP-21 directing the Secretary of Transportation (NHTSA by 
delegation) to amend the standard seat assembly specifications in FMVSS 
No. 213 to better simulate a single representative motor vehicle rear 
seat.
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    \1\ 49 CFR 571.213, ``Child restraint systems.'' All references 
to subparagraphs in this preamble are to FMVSS No. 213 unless 
otherwise noted.
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    NHTSA has amended FMVSS No. 213 and issued FMVSS No. 213b for plain 
language reasons relating to the compliance dates of the amendments. 
This final rule includes amendments that can be implemented in one 
year, which NHTSA has set forth in the amended FMVSS No. 213. The 
change to the standard seat assembly is incorporated in FMVSS No. 213b, 
which the agency is providing a three-year lead time for 
implementation. Because this final rule has a number of different 
compliance dates for the amendments to FMVSS No. 213 and the 
incorporation of the new standard seat assembly, and permits optional 
early compliance with the rule, the regulatory text would be highly 
complex if the amendments were combined, and effective dates parceled 
out, in a single standard. NHTSA decided the requirements would be 
easier to read and understand if the agency issued amendments becoming 
effective in one year in FMVSS No. 213, and established FMVSS No. 213b 
to include those FMVSS No. 213 amendments and the standard seat 
assembly requirements that become effective in three years.
    Accordingly, FMVSS No. 213 applies to CRSs manufactured before 
December 5, 2026. FMVSS No. 213b applies to CRSs manufactured on or 
after December 5, 2026. FMVSS No. 213 will sunset when FMVSS No. 213b 
becomes mandatory in three years.

Overview of This Final Rule

    NHTSA published the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) preceding 
this final rule on November 2, 2020 (85 FR 69388, Docket No. NHTSA-
2020-0093). This final rule adopts almost all the proposals in the 
NPRM, with some adjustments in response to comments. There were 29 
comments to the docket. The NPRM generally received wide support from 
commenters. We point out the main subjects of this final rule below. 
The goal of this rule is to ensure the continued effectiveness of CRSs 
in current and future vehicles, thereby reducing the unreasonable risk 
of fatality and injury to children in motor vehicle crashes.
    1. As directed by Sec.  31501(b) of MAP-21, NHTSA amends the 
standard seat assembly (S6.1.1(a)(1)(ii)) so that it more closely 
resembles ``a single representative motor vehicle rear seat.'' The 
updated seat has seat cushions (consisting of foam and a cover), a 
specified geometry, and a child restraint anchorage system \2\ and seat 
belt systems for attaching child restraints. The seat belts are a Type 
2 seat belt, also known as a lap/shoulder or 3-point seat belt, and a 
Type 1 (lap seat belt) system. In response to comments, this final rule 
fine-tunes some features of the updated standard seat assembly and 
updates some test procedures to reduce potential sources of 
variability.
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    \2\ Commonly called ``LATCH,'' which refers to Lower Anchors and 
Tethers for Children, a term industry developed to refer to the 
child restraint anchorage system required by FMVSS No. 225 for motor 
vehicles (49 CFR 571.225, ``Child restraint anchorage systems''). A 
child restraint anchorage system consists of two lower anchorages, 
and one upper tether anchorage. Each lower anchorage includes a 
rigid round rod, or ``bar,'' onto which a hook, a jaw-like buckle or 
other connector can be snapped. The bars are located at the 
intersection of the vehicle seat cushion and seat back. The upper 
tether anchorage is a ring-like object, bar or webbing loop to which 
the upper tether of a child restraint system can be attached. FMVSS 
No. 213 requires CRSs to be equipped with attachments that enable 
the CRS to attach to the vehicle's child restraint anchorage system.
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    2. Under this final rule, NHTSA will test child restraint systems 
with internal components \3\ that restrain the child for compliance 
while the CRS is attached to the updated standard seat assembly with a 
Type 2 belt.\4\ However, in response to comments, the rule retains 
until September 1, 2029, the requirement that these CRSs must meet the 
standard's requirements when attached to the updated standard seat 
assembly with a Type 1 belt (S5.3.2).\5\ This provision will provide 
time for on-road vehicles to change over to a passenger vehicle fleet 
that will have Type 2 belts in nearly all rear seats. The purpose of 
this requirement is to ensure the continued availability of CRSs that 
can be used in older model vehicles that only have Type 1 belts in rear 
passenger designated seating positions. Further, harnesses will 
continue to be tested

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only with a Type 1 belt, and this requirement will not sunset.\6\
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    \3\ These internal components that restrain the child can be an 
internal harness, a fixed surface, or a movable surface.
    \4\ They are also subject to testing while attached with 
components of the LATCH system, which is a requirement previously 
established in FMVSS No. 213.
    \5\ ``Type 1'' and ``Type 2'' seat belt assemblies are defined 
in FMVSS No. 209, ``Seat belt assemblies.''
    \6\ A ``harness'' is defined in Standard 213 as a combination 
pelvic and upper torso child restraint system that consists 
primarily of flexible material, such as straps, webbing or similar 
material, and that does not include a rigid seating structure for 
the child (S4).
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    3. This final rule reduces the restrictions on the content and 
format of the CRS owner registration form manufacturers must provide 
with new CRSs for purposes of direct recall notifications (S5.8). The 
amendment will make it easier for parents and caregivers to register 
CRSs with manufacturers. It makes FMVSS No. 213 more responsive to the 
communication preferences and practices of today's parents and provides 
greater flexibility to manufacturers in responding to those 
preferences. The intent is to increase recall remedy rates.
    4. This final rule amends FMVSS No. 213's labeling requirements so 
that manufacturers have more flexibility in informing parents how to 
correctly use child restraints (S5.5), provided the following limits 
and all other labeling requirements are met. It directs manufacturers 
to label CRSs with information on the maximum height and weight of the 
children who can safely occupy the system (S5.5.2(f)) for each mode in 
which the CRS can be used (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster). This 
is a change from the current requirement which only requires 
manufacturers to provide an overall weight and height of the children 
who can occupy the CRS. This final rule also specifies that the 
forward-facing mode of a CRSs that can be used forward-facing may only 
be recommended \7\ for children with a minimum weight of 12 kg (26.5 
lb). The minimum weight of 12 kg (26.5 lb) is an increase over the 
current threshold of 9 kg (20 lb) (S5.5.2(k)(2)). The weight threshold 
of 12 kg (26.5 lb) is the weight of a 95th percentile one-year-old.\8\ 
Thus, for example, for convertible \9\ child restraints systems, a 
manufacturer must use a turnaround weight of not less than 12 kg (26.5 
lb). This change will increase the number of children under age 1 
transported rear-facing, which is critical to child safety. Children 
under age 1 must be transported rear-facing because, until at least age 
1, their neck is not developed enough to withstand crash forces imposed 
by their head when positioned forward-facing in a frontal crash. When 
riding rear-facing, they can take the brunt of the crash forces through 
their back, which is stronger than the neck.
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    \7\ When we describe a child restraint as ``recommended for'' or 
``labeled for'' children of a certain height or weight range, we 
mean the child restraint manufacturer is selling, marketing, 
labeling or otherwise describing the CRS as suitable for children in 
that height or weight range.
    \8\ A 50th percentile 1-year-old weighs 9.9 kg (22 lb).
    \9\ A convertible CRS is a type of CRS with an internal harness 
to secure the child that can be used rear-facing and forward-facing. 
It is used rear-facing with infants (or small toddlers if the CRS 
weight recommendations allow it), and, forward-facing with older and 
larger children. The CRS manufacturer instructs the consumer when to 
turn the convertible CRS around to face forward, based on the weight 
of the child (``turnaround'' weight).
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    Further, this rule specifies that booster seats may only be 
recommended for children with a minimum weight of 18.4 kg (40 lb), 
which increases the current threshold of 30 lb (S5.5.2(k)(2)).\10\ This 
change increases the likelihood that 3- and 4-year-olds will be 
transported in CRSs with an internal harness which better protects them 
at that young age than booster seats.\11\ Children will still 
transition to booster seats, but just when they are a little larger. 
The purpose of these labeling provisions is to increase the likelihood 
that caregivers will use CRSs in the safest possible ways.
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    \10\ An 18.4 kg (40 lb) threshold corresponds generally to the 
weight of a 97th percentile 3-year-old (17.7 kg (39.3 lb)) and an 
85th percentile 4-year-old.
    \11\ Booster seats are and continue to be a critical type of 
child restraint needed to restrain children properly in vehicles. As 
noted earlier, NHTSA instructs caregivers that children should be 
restrained in a CRS for the child's age and size. From birth through 
adulthood, children should be restrained first using a CRS used 
rear-facing, then a forward-facing CRS, then a booster seat, and 
finally, the vehicle's seat belts. https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#age-size-rec.
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    5. This final rule makes the following changes to simplify and make 
more representative the agency's use of test dummies in compliance 
tests (S7). For a CRS recommended for use rear-facing by children 
weighing 10 kg to 13.6 kg (22 to 30 lb), it will be subject to NHTSA 
testing while rear-facing with just the 12-month-old child test dummy 
(Child Restraint Air Bag Interaction (CRABI-12MO)) and will no longer 
be subject to rear-facing tests with the Hybrid III 3-year-old (HIII-
3YO) test dummy.\12\ This change better aligns the dummy used in tests 
of infant carriers \13\ with the size and weight of children typically 
restrained in infant carriers.
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    \12\ Dummy selection is also done by height. Details of the 
dummy selection is discussed later in the preamble. See Table 13 of 
this preamble.
    \13\ An infant carrier is a rear-facing CRS designed to be 
readily used in and outside of the vehicle. It has a carrying handle 
that enables caregivers to tote the CRS plus child outside of the 
vehicle. Some come with a base that stays inside the vehicle onto 
which the carrier attaches.
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    This rule also specifies that CRSs labeled for children weighing 
13.6 kg to 18.2 kg (30 to 40 lb) will not be tested with the 22 lb 
CRABI-12MO.\14\ This change makes NHTSA's compliance tests more 
reflective of real-world CRS use, as discussed in sections below 
(Section IX.b). This final rule adopts the proposed procedure for 
positioning the 3-year-old child test dummy's legs when the dummy is 
rear-facing. The procedure is similar, if not identical, to that 
currently used by many manufacturers. For CRSs recommended for children 
in the 18.2 kg to 29.5 kg (40 to 65 lb) weight range, NHTSA amends 
FMVSS No. 213 to specify testing solely with the Hybrid III-6-year-old 
(HIII-6YO) child dummy and no longer with the older Hybrid 2 version of 
the dummy (H2-6YO). The purpose of these amendments is to heighten the 
assessment of CRS performance in protecting a child occupant.
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    \14\ If the CRS were also labeled as suitable for use by 
children weighing less than 13.6 kg (30 lb), then the CRS would be 
subject to testing with the CRABI-12MO. Dummy selection is also done 
by height. Details discussed later in the preamble.
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    6. This final rule amends FMVSS No. 213 to permit more types of 
add-on \15\ CRSs specially designed for exclusive use on school buses 
than currently permitted. The intent is to facilitate the availability 
of child restraints that are only used on school buses.
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    \15\ ``Add-on child restraint system'' is defined in S4 of FMVSS 
No. 213 as ``any portable child restraint system.''
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How This Final Rule Differs From the NPRM

    For the convenience of the reader, we highlight below the 
noteworthy differences between the NPRM and this final rule. More minor 
changes are not highlighted here but are discussed in the sections 
relevant to the topic (e.g., use of a lap shield when using the HIII-
6YO weighted dummy in belt-positioning seats). All amendments are 
discussed in the appropriate sections of this preamble.
    The final rule differs from the 2020 NPRM by:
     Making minor changes (many of which were suggested by 
commenters) to the proposed standard seat assembly design (specifying 
stronger parts, tolerances, etc.) to strengthen its design and remove 
potential sources of variability;
     Making conforming changes and corrections to the drawing 
package for the updated standard seat assembly;
     Retaining the current requirement that child restraint 
systems be capable of anchoring to a vehicle seat by way of a Type 1 
(lap) belt until September 1, 2029, to ensure the availability of CRSs 
to parents and caregivers that have older model vehicles;

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     Retaining a provision in FMVSS No. 213 that child 
harnesses will be tested with a Type 1 seat belt installation; and,
     Not adopting a provision to use the 12-month-old CRABI 
(CRABI-12MO) dummy when testing child restraints that can be used in a 
forward-facing mode, provided that when the CRS is recommended for use 
forward-facing, it is recommended forward-facing only with children 
weighing a minimum of 12 kg (26.5 lb).

Estimated Benefits and Costs

    This final rule provides safety benefits, with some temporary costs 
and long-term savings. The agency estimates potentially 0.7 to 2.3 
lives will be saved and 1.0 to 3.5 moderate-to-critical severity 
injuries prevented with some labeling changes in this final rule. NHTSA 
cannot quantify the possible safety benefits of some amendments to the 
standard at this time. NHTSA estimates a one-time cost of $9,300 for 
each manufacturer that chooses to purchase or produce an updated 
standard seat assembly. This cost impact is considered minimal when 
distributed among the hundreds of thousands of CRSs that will be sold 
by each manufacturer. There is a temporary (3 years) additional yearly 
cost for testing CRSs with Type 1 seat belts of $5,198,000. NHTSA also 
estimates annual test cost savings of $3,091,200 for the current number 
of infant carrier models (10 kg to 13.6 kg (22 to 30 lb)) in the market 
that will no longer be tested with the HIII-3YO and the CRSs that can 
be used forward-facing that will no longer be tested with the CRABI-
12MO. This is a net annual cost increase of $2,116,100 for each of the 
first three years and a net annual cost savings of $3,091,200 per year 
after the first three years.
Updating the Standard Seat Assembly and Testing With Type 2 Belts
    The updates to the sled test and testing with Type 2 belts better 
aligns the performance of CRSs in compliance tests to that in real 
world crashes. NHTSA believes there would be benefits from making the 
FMVSS No. 213 standard seat assembly more representative of vehicle 
rear seats, but quantification of the associated benefits/costs is not 
possible at this time due to a lack of data to make such an assessment.
    There are only minimal costs involved in changing to the updated 
standard seat assembly used by NHTSA to assess CRS compliance. 
Manufacturers are not required to use the updated standard seat 
assembly, but as a practical matter they usually choose to do so. The 
one-time cost of the updated standard seat assembly sled buck is about 
$9,300. Whether a manufacturer chooses to build the updated standard 
seat assembly itself or uses one at an independent test facility, cost 
impacts are minimal when distributed among the hundreds of thousands of 
CRSs that will be sold by each manufacturer. We are retaining the Type 
1 belt test for an additional 3 years (2029) so there will temporarily 
be additional annual test costs of $5,198,000 for testing with the Type 
1 belt up to the year 2029.
    NHTSA estimates that there will be little or no increased costs to 
child restraint systems to meet FMVSS No. 213's requirements when 
tested on the updated standard seat assembly. The agency's test data of 
representative CRSs in the fleet show that virtually all CRSs would 
meet the standard's requirements when tested on the updated standard 
seat assembly.
CRS Owner Registration Program
    The changes to the registration form provide flexibility to 
manufacturers in how they communicate with consumers and will likely 
help improve registration rates and recall completion rates. However, 
NHTSA cannot quantify the benefits at this time. The agency estimates 
there would be no costs associated with the changes as they lessen 
restrictions and are optional for manufacturers to implement if their 
registration forms comply with current requirements. While the changes 
could affect the collection of information pursuant to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (discussed later in this preamble), there will be no 
additional material cost associated with the changes to the 
registration form. Manufacturers could use the same cards and just 
change the wording on them.
Labeling
    The agency believes that the updates to the labeling requirements 
will benefit safety by reducing the premature transition of children 
from CRSs that can be used rear-facing to CRSs that can be used 
forward-facing, and from CRSs that can be used forward-facing to 
booster seats. The agency estimates potentially 0.7 to 2.3 lives will 
be saved and 1.0 to 3.5 moderate-to-critical severity injuries 
prevented annually by raising the manufacturer-recommended minimum 
child weight for the use of CRSs with internal harness that can be used 
forward-facing from 9 kg (20 lb) to 12 kg (26.5 lb). NHTSA also 
estimates potentially 1.2 to 4 lives will be saved and 1.6 to 5.2 
moderate-to-critical injuries prevented by raising the manufacturer-
recommended minimum child weight for use of booster seats from 13.6 kg 
(30 lb) to 18.2 kg (40 lb).
    The changes to the labeling requirements will have minimal or no 
cost impacts. Manufacturers may provide the recommended child weight 
and height ranges for the use of CRSs in a specific installation mode 
on existing voluntary labels by simply changing the minimum child 
weight limit values. Since this final rule does not require additional 
information on the label, the size of the label will not need to be 
increased.
    There will also be no decrease in sales of forward-facing CRSs with 
internal harnesses or of booster seats because of this rule's raising 
the minimum child weight limit values for forward-facing CRSs with 
internal harnesses and booster seats. Most forward-facing CRSs with 
internal harnesses cover a wide child weight range, so the labeling 
changes will only affect how consumers use the products and not the 
sale of them. For example, consumers will still purchase forward-facing 
CRS with internal harnesses but will just wait to use them until the 
child is at least one year old. They will still purchase convertible 
\16\ CRSs but will delay turning the child forward-facing until the 
child is at least one year old. Consumers will still purchase booster 
seats but will use them when the child reaches 18.2 kg (40 lb) rather 
than 13.6 kg (30 lb).
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    \16\ A convertible CRS is a type of CRS with an internal harness 
to secure the child that can be used rear-facing and forward-facing.
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Dummies (Also Called Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs))
    The updates to how NHTSA will use dummies in the compliance tests 
better accords with current CRS designs, best practices, and consumer 
use for transporting children compared to the current requirements in 
FMVSS No. 213. NHTSA cannot quantify the possible safety benefits at 
this time.
    While manufacturers are required to certify their products meet the 
requirements of FMVSS No. 213 when tested in accordance with the 
standard and exercise due care in doing so, they are not specifically 
required to test their CRSs the way NHTSA tests child restraints in a 
compliance test. Assuming manufacturers choose to conduct the tests 
specified in FMVSS No. 213 to make their certifications of compliance, 
NHTSA estimates there will be no cost increases associated with the 
amendments.

[[Page 84518]]

    Some of the changes lessen testing burdens by reducing the extent 
of testing with dummies. For example, the rule specifies that CRSs for 
children weighing 10 kg to 13.6 kg (22 to 30 lb) will no longer be 
required to certify the seats meet the requirement with the HIII-3YO 
dummy. NHTSA estimates a reduction in testing cost of $717,600 for the 
current number of infant carrier models in the market. Child seats for 
children weighing 13.6-18.2 kg (30-40 lb) will no longer be required to 
be certified with the CRABI-12MO. The final rule also provides that 
CRSs used in the forward-facing mode will no longer be required to be 
certified using the CRABI-12MO dummy. NHTSA estimates a reduction in 
testing cost of $2,373,600 for the forward-facing CRSs that will no 
longer be tested with the CRABI-12MO. The positioning procedure for the 
legs of the HIII-3YO dummy in CRSs used rear-facing is unlikely to have 
cost implications because the procedure is similar, if not identical, 
to that currently used by many manufacturers.
    NHTSA believes there are only minimal costs associated with NHTSA's 
testing CRSs with the HIII-6YO dummy instead of the H2-6YO dummy. This 
is because there are likely to be little or no design changes to CRSs 
since nearly all the CRSs tested with the HIII-6YO in the updated 
standard seat assembly complied with the applicable FMVSS No. 213 
requirements.\17\ Some commenters (Graco, JPMA, Dorel and Evenflo) 
opposed the proposal as they believe chin-to-chest contacts have not 
been resolved. NHTSA's testing showed that CRSs that currently comply 
with FMVSS No. 213 using the H2-6YO dummy also met all the performance 
requirements in the standard when tested using the HIII-6YO dummy on 
the updated standard seat assembly. Manufacturers are increasingly 
certifying at least some of their CRS models for older children using 
the HIII-6YO dummy rather than the H2-6YO and so for these 
manufacturers with these CRSs, the amendment will have no effect.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ As discussed in the NPRM, of 21 tests with the HIII-6YO on 
the new seat assembly, all passed the performance metrics, except 
for one that failed head excursion limits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

School Bus Child Restraint Systems
    The amendments to FMVSS No. 213 include allowing new types of CRSs 
manufactured for exclusive use on school bus seats. There may be 
benefits associated with the manufacture and sale of CRSs for preschool 
and children with special needs, but NHTSA cannot quantify these 
benefits at this time.

II. Safety Need and NHTSA Strategies

a. 2020 Fatalities

    Of the 38,825 traffic fatalities in 2020 in the United States, 755 
were of child passenger vehicle occupants ages 0-14 years old. Of these 
755 fatalities, restraint use was known for 680 of the children. Two 
hundred eighty-six (286) (42%) were unrestrained, 176 (26%) were 
children restrained in a child restraint system, 209 (31%) were 
children restrained with a seat belt, and 9 (1%) were children 
restrained with an unknown type of restraint.
    There were 53 infants (under 1 year old) killed, with restraint use 
known for 48 of them. Of these 48 fatalities, 13 (27%) were 
unrestrained.
    There were 128 children 1 to 3 years old killed, with restraint use 
known for 118. Of these 118 fatalities, 39 (33%) were unrestrained.
    There were 207 children 4 to 7 years old killed; restraint use was 
known for 186. Of these 186 fatalities, 80 (43%) were unrestrained.\18\
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    \18\ Source: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813285.
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b. NHTSA Strategies

    NHTSA reduces child traffic injuries and fatalities through 
programs implemented in many program areas.
1. Increase CRS Use
    NHTSA is actively involved in increasing CRS use. We conduct 
national campaigns to educate the public about the importance of 
restraining children with CRSs and work with stakeholders to get these 
messages out. These efforts include developing and distributing 
training videos, producing public safety announcements and various 
campaigns directed to caregivers of children (in English and Spanish), 
leveraging all communication resources (such as social media and the 
NHTSA website) to provide information to parents and other caregivers.
    We teach caregivers about the kinds of restraints that are best 
suited to protect child occupants of various ages.\19\ NHTSA recommends 
that from birth to 12 months, children ride in a rear-facing car seat, 
and from 1 to 3 years they should be rear-facing as long as possible 
and then move to a harnessed and tethered forward-facing seat when they 
outgrow the rear-facing seat. From ages 4 to 7, children should ride in 
the harnessed and tethered forward-facing car seat until they outgrow 
the seat, then ride in a booster seat. From ages 8 to 12, children 
should be in a booster seat until they are big enough to fit a vehicle 
seat belt properly.\20\
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    \19\ The agency uses the term ``car seat'' or ``car safety 
seat'' rather than ``child restraint system'' in messages to 
caregivers, as the former terms are more commonly known and 
understood by laypersons than the latter. Consistent with plain 
language principles, this preamble uses these layperson's terms from 
time to time.
    \20\ https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#age-size-rec.
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    NHTSA works with State and local authorities to support child 
restraint use laws. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues the 23 
U.S.C. 405(b) Occupant Protection grant program that incentivizes 
States to adopt and implement effective occupant protection programs to 
reduce highway deaths and injuries resulting from individuals riding 
unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles.
    To qualify, all States must demonstrate an active network of child 
passenger safety inspection stations based on the State's problem 
identification. States must provide the total number of planned 
inspection stations and/or events in the State; and tell NHTSA how many 
of those events serve urban, rural, and at-risk populations. States 
must certify that inspection stations are staffed with at least one 
current Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. 
Additionally, to qualify for an Occupant Protection incentive grant, 
States must provide plans and projects for recruiting, training, and 
maintaining a sufficient number of child passenger safety technicians 
based on the state's problem identification.
    States with seat belt use rates below 90 percent must submit 
additional information to qualify, which may include demonstrating that 
the State has enacted and is enforcing a primary enforcement seat belt 
or child restraint statute and/or that the State has enacted and is 
enforcing occupant protection statutes with specified criteria such as 
requiring all occupants be secured in an age-appropriate child 
restraint.
Trends in Restraint Use \21\
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    \21\ Sources: NSUBS--National Survey for the Use of Booster 
Seats--Multiple years; Enriquez, J. (2021, May). The 2019 national 
survey of the use of booster seats (Report No. DOT HS 813 033), 
NHTSA 813033 (dot.gov); Li, H.R., & Pickrell, T. (2018, September). 
The 2017 National Survey of the Use of Booster Seats (Report No. DOT 
HS 812 617). Washington, DC: NHTSA 812617 (dot.gov); Li, H.R., 
Pickrell, T.M., & KC, S. (2016, September). The 2015 National Survey 
of the Use of Booster Seats (Report No. DOT HS 812 309). Washington, 
DC: NHTSA 812309 (dot.gov); Pickrell, T.M., & Choi, E-H. (2014, 
June). The 2013 national survey of the use of booster seats. (Report 
No. DOT HS 812 037). Washington, DC: NHTSA 812037 (dot.gov); 
Pickrell, T.M., & Ye, T.J. (2013, April). The 2011 National Survey 
of the Use of Booster Seats. (Report No. DOT HS 811 718). 
Washington, DC: NHTSA 811718 (dot.gov).
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    As a general trend we see more children staying in each CRS type

[[Page 84519]]

longer. Older/heavier children are restrained in CRS used rear-facing, 
forward-facing CRS and booster seats longer before transitioning to the 
next kind of CRS partly because of the increased availability of CRSs 
sold for larger children, CRS best practice recommendations such as 
those cited above from NHTSA, and State child restraint laws. The 
trends below are positive developments aligned with increased safety 
outcomes.
    Looking at restraint type use by age from 2011 to 2019 we see the 
following trends:

Children <1 year old
     Increase of CRSs used rear-facing from 83% to 91.7%
     Decrease of forward-facing CRS use from 11% to 5.7% 
(decrease mostly because more children of this age group are remaining 
rear facing longer)
Children 1-3 years old
     Increase of CRSs used rear-facing from 7% to 17.4%
     Decrease of forward-facing with internal harness CRS use 
from 75% to 66.3% (decrease mostly because more children of this age 
group are remaining in rear-facing longer)
     Decrease of belt-positioning seat (BPS) use from 11% to 
7.5% (decrease due to more children of this age group are remaining in 
forward-facing with internal harness CRSs longer)
Children 4-7 years old
     Increase of forward-facing CRS use from 18% to 32.5%
     Decrease of BPS use from 46% to 37% (decrease due to more 
children of this age group remaining in forward-facing with internal 
harness CRSs longer)
     Decrease of seat belt only use from 25% to 16% (decrease 
due to more children of this group remaining in BPSs or forward-facing 
with internal harness CRSs longer)

    Looking at restraint type use by child weight from 2011 to 2019 we 
see the following trends:

Children 0-20 lb
     Increase of CRS used rear-facing from 89% to 92.4%
     Decrease of forward-facing with internal harness CRS use 
from 9% to 4.2% (decrease mostly because more children of this weight 
group are remaining rear facing longer)
Children 21 to 40 lb
     Increase of CRSs used rear-facing from 7% to 15.2%
     Decrease of forward-facing CRS use from 61% to 58% 
(decrease mostly because more children of this weight group are 
remaining rear facing longer)
     Decrease of belt-positioning seat (BPS) use from 20% to 9% 
(decrease due to more children of this weight range remaining in 
forward-facing with internal harness CRSs)
     Decrease of seat belt only use from 6% to 5%
Children 41-60 lb
     Increase of forward-facing with internal harness CRS use 
from 11% to 23.5%
     Decrease of BPS use from 45% to 39% (decrease partially 
because more children of this weight group are remaining in forward-
facing with internal harness CRSs longer)
     Decrease of seat belt only use from 34% to 25.1% (decrease 
partially due to more children of this weight range remaining in BPSs 
or forward-facing with internal harness CRSs longer)

    While trends of CRS use for children 0-4 years old have remained 
constant, we have seen an increase in CRS use for older children. NSUBS 
data from 2009 and 2019, shows that there's been an increase in CRS use 
from 55 to 69.7 percent in children 4-7 years old and 6 to 14.9 percent 
in children 8-12 years old. Based on child's weight, there has been an 
increase of CRS use from 43 to 62.5 percent among children weighing 41-
60 pounds and an increase from 7 to 15 percent among children weighing 
more than 60 pounds.
    This final rule amends FMVSS No. 213 to reflect the above trends in 
CRS use and design. We have better aligned the certification 
requirements for CRSs with the size and weight of children typically 
restrained by the various CRS types in use today.
2. Increase Correct Use
    NHTSA's programs work to increase correct use of child restraints. 
We work to make CRSs easier to use through rulemaking and other means. 
FMVSS No. 213 has requirements to ensure caregivers can attach any 
child restraint system, other than a school bus child restraint system, 
to any vehicle seat using just a seat belt.\22\ The agency has also 
established Standard 225, ``Child restraint anchorage systems,'' to 
require vehicles to have a standardized and easy to use dedicated 
anchorage system in certain vehicle rear seating positions that 
caregivers can use with a simple one-handed motion to attach a CRS. 
FMVSS No. 213 requires CRSs to have permanently attached components 
that can attach to the dedicated system. NHTSA requires child restraint 
manufacturers to provide information directly to owners informing them 
of the proper use of child restraint systems. NHTSA rates CRSs on their 
ease of use in a consumer information program under NHTSA's New Car 
Assessment Program (NCAP). The NCAP program not only assists caregivers 
when making purchasing decisions, but also incentivizes manufacturers 
to improve the ease of correctly using child seats. NHTSA conducts 
national campaigns to educate the public about the importance of 
buckling children into child restraint systems, supports efforts by 
State and local organizations that would like to establish CRS fitting 
stations,\23\ and works with partners to train educators that can teach 
the public about using child restraints.
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    \22\ NHTSA also has requirements in Standard 208, ``Occupant 
crash protection,'' to require seat belts to meet lockability 
requirements so that they may be easily locked for use with CRSs.
    \23\ These are places within a community where caregivers can 
learn how to install and properly use child restraints. Some places 
provide a certified technician that provides hands on support, 
fitting the caregiver's child seat into their vehicle. To find a CPS 
Technician go to https://portalskcms.cyzap.net/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/webmembers/secure/manage?webid=SKCMS&pToolCode=CERT-SEARCH&pAdd=Yes (last accessed April 21, 2023).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FMVSS No. 213 requires manufacturers to provide safety information 
labeled on each CRS instructing caregivers on the correct use of the 
restraint. This final rule amends the standard to enhance the labeling 
requirements. For example, we are improving the labeling requirements 
to require manufacturers to provide information on when to transition a 
child to each specific mode in which the car seat can be used (rear-
facing, forward-facing, booster). We are requiring that caregivers must 
not be instructed to turn children forward-facing until reaching 26.5 
lb, and that boosters cannot be recommended for children under 40 lb. 
But we are also permitting manufacturers more leeway in how they 
communicate with caregivers, so designers can find ways to provide use 
instructions that their customers will read, understand, and follow.
3. Strengthen FMVSS No. 213 and Address Safety Defects
    NHTSA undertakes rulemaking to ensure child restraint systems are 
as protective as possible. We review FMVSS No. 213 regularly and 
frequently to see how the standard

[[Page 84520]]

could be strengthened to protect against unreasonable safety risks.
    Child restraint systems are highly effective in reducing the 
likelihood of death and injury to children in motor vehicle crashes. 
NHTSA estimates that, for children less than 1 year old, a child 
restraint can reduce the risk of fatality by 71 percent when used in a 
passenger car and by 58 percent when used in a pickup truck, van, sport 
utility vehicle (SUV), or other multipurpose passenger vehicle (these 
non-passenger car vehicles together are known as light truck and van 
vehicles, or LTVs). Child restraint effectiveness for children between 
the ages of 1 and 4 years old is a very high 54 percent in passenger 
cars and 59 percent in LTVs.\24\
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    \24\ Traffic Safety Facts--Children 2012 Data (April 2016). 
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/Publication/812491. Last 
accessed on January 3, 2023.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FMVSS No. 213 specifies performance requirements that must be met 
in a dynamic frontal sled test involving a 48 kilometer per hour (km/h) 
(30 mile per hour (mph)) velocity change, which is representative of a 
severe crash. Each child restraint system is tested with a dummy while 
attached to a standardized seat assembly representative of a passenger 
vehicle seat (standard seat assembly).\25\ FMVSS No. 213 has many 
safety benefits, a few of which are enumerated here. FMVSS No. 213 
requires child restraint systems to limit the amount of inertial load 
that can be exerted on the head and chest of the dummy during the 
dynamic test. The standard requires child restraint systems to meet 
head excursion \26\ limits to reduce the possibility of head injury 
from contact with vehicle interior surfaces and ejection. Child 
restraint systems must also maintain system integrity (e.g., not 
fracture or separate in such a way as to harm a child) and have no 
contactable surface that can harm a child in a crash. The standard 
ensures belt webbing can safely restrain the child, and that buckles 
can be swiftly unlatched after a crash by an adult--but cannot be 
easily unbuckled by an unsupervised child. Child restraint systems 
other than booster seats and harnesses \27\ must meet performance 
requirements when attached to the standard seat assembly with the 
vehicle's seat belt, and, in a separate assessment, with only the lower 
anchorages of a child restraint anchorage system.\28\ The CRSs must 
meet more stringent head excursion requirements in another test where a 
top tether, if provided, may be attached. Belt-positioning (booster) 
seats are tested on the standard seat assembly using a Type 2 (lap and 
shoulder) belt.
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    \25\ FMVSS No. 213 specifies the use of test dummies 
representing a newborn, a 12-month-old, 3- and 6-year-old, weighted 
6-year-old, and 10-year-old child. The dummies other than the 
newborn are equipped with instrumentation measuring crash forces, 
but NHTSA restricts some measurements from the weighted 6-year-old 
and 10-year-old dummies due to technical limits of the dummies.
    \26\ Head excursion refers to the distance the dummy's head 
translates forward in FMVSS No. 213's simulated frontal crash test.
    \27\ These types of child restraint systems are defined in S4 of 
FMVSS No. 213.
    \28\ Commonly called ``LATCH,'' which refers to Lower Anchors 
and Tethers for Children, a term industry developed to refer to the 
child restraint anchorage system required by FMVSS No. 225 for motor 
vehicles (49 CFR 571.225, ``Child restraint anchorage systems''). A 
child restraint anchorage system consists of two lower anchorages, 
and one upper tether anchorage. Each lower anchorage includes a 
rigid round rod, or ``bar,'' onto which a hook, a jaw-like buckle or 
other connector can be snapped. The bars are located at the 
intersection of the vehicle seat cushion and seat back. The upper 
tether anchorage is a ring-like object to which the upper tether of 
a child restraint system can be attached. FMVSS No. 213 requires 
CRSs to be equipped with attachments that enable the CRS to attach 
to the vehicle's child restraint anchorage system.
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    NHTSA continues to work to improve FMVSS No. 213. In June 2022, 
NHTSA added side impact requirements to the standard.\29\ The agency's 
work on side impact requirements involved developing a dynamic sled 
test, a new child test dummy, and child injury criteria.\30\ In January 
2015, NHTSA proposed to amend FMVSS No. 225 to improve the ease of use 
of the lower anchorages of child restraint anchorage systems and of the 
tether anchorage.\31\ NHTSA is continuing its work on the Standard 225 
rulemaking and will issue a final decision at a later date.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ Final rule, 87 FR 39234, June 30, 2022, established FMVSS 
No. 213a; Child restraint systems--side impact protection. The 
compliance date for the requirements is June 30, 2025, with NHTSA 
permitting optional early compliance with the requirements.
    \30\ The final rule fulfilled a MAP-21 mandate in Sec.  31501(a) 
that NHTSA issue a final rule to improve the protection of children 
seated in child restraint systems during side impacts.
    \31\ Ease-of-use NPRM, 80 FR 3744; January 23, 2015. Initiation 
of the rulemaking was part of a 2011 NHTSA priority plan and is 
called for by MAP-21 (Sec.  31502(a)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As part of the agency's work on FMVSS No. 213, this final rule will 
modernize the standard, with emphasis on the standard seat assembly. We 
believe, however, that the change to the updated standard seat assembly 
will not significantly affect the performance of CRSs in meeting FMVSS 
No. 213. As discussed in the NPRM preceding this final rule,\32\ NHTSA 
tested a wide variety of CRS designs in the market using the updated 
standard seat assembly. The CRSs had been certified by their 
manufacturers as meeting FMVSS No. 213's performance criteria using the 
current standard seat assembly in the standard (which is representative 
of designs of older vehicle seats). In the tests on the updated 
standard seat assembly, most CRSs also met the standard's performance 
requirements.\33\
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    \32\ NPRM, supra, 85 FR at 69389, col. 3.
    \33\ During NHTSA's testing with the updated standard seat 
assembly, there were four CRSs models that failed head excursion 
limits: Britax Marathon and Britax Frontier reported in this final 
rule's Appendix A, as well as the Evenflo Titan Elite and Diono 
Radian R120 reported in the NPRM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In 1992, NHTSA established a CRS owner registration program in 
FMVSS No. 213 \34\ (S5.8) to increase the ``completion rate'' of 
recalled restraints, i.e., the percentage of recalled units sold to 
consumers for which the consumer contacts the manufacturer for free 
remedy of the defect or noncompliance.\35\ With this program, owners 
can be directly notified of safety recalls. This final rule improves 
the program to increase the likelihood that owners will be motivated to 
register with manufacturers to learn directly whether their CRS was 
recalled.
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    \34\ 57 FR 41428.
    \35\ NHTSA also issued the rule to assist the agency in 
determining whether manufacturers met their recall notification 
responsibilities under the Safety Act, and to motivate owners to 
register CRSs for recall notification purposes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Statutory Authority

    This final rule is issued under the Safety Act (49 U.S.C. 30101 et 
seq.) and MAP-21.

a. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act)

    Under the Safety Act, the Secretary of Transportation \36\ is 
responsible for prescribing motor vehicle safety standards that are 
practicable, meet the need for motor vehicle safety, and are stated in 
objective terms.\37\ ``Motor vehicle safety'' is defined in the Safety 
Act as ``the performance of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment 
in a way that protects the public against unreasonable risk of 
accidents occurring because of the design, construction, or performance 
of a motor vehicle, and against unreasonable risk of death or injury in 
an accident, and includes nonoperational safety of a motor vehicle.'' 
\38\ ``Motor vehicle safety standard'' means a minimum performance 
standard for motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment.\39\ When 
prescribing such standards, the Secretary must consider all relevant, 
available motor vehicle safety information, and consider whether a

[[Page 84521]]

standard is reasonable, practicable, and appropriate for the types of 
motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment for which it is 
prescribed.\40\ The Secretary must also consider the extent to which 
the standard will further the statutory purpose of reducing traffic 
crashes and associated deaths and injuries.\41\
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    \36\ The responsibility for promulgation of Federal motor 
vehicle safety standards is delegated to NHTSA. 49 CFR 1.95.
    \37\ 49 U.S.C. 30111(a).
    \38\ 49 U.S.C. 30102(a)(8).
    \39\ 49 U.S.C. 30102(a)(9).
    \40\ 49 U.S.C. 30111(b).
    \41\ Id.
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b. MAP-21

    MAP-21 incorporates Subtitle E, ``Child Safety Standards.'' Section 
31501(b)(1) of Subtitle E requires that not later than 2 years after 
the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary \42\ shall commence a 
rulemaking proceeding to amend the standard seat assembly 
specifications under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 213 
to better simulate a single representative motor vehicle rear seat. 
Section 31501(b)(2) states that not later than 4 years after the date 
of the enactment of the Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule 
pursuant to paragraph (1).
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    \42\ Authority delegated to NHTSA. 49 CFR 1.95(p)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

c. NHTSA's Views

    NHTSA is issuing this final rule under Safety Act authority and 
MAP-21. Section 31501(b)(2) of MAP-21 directs NHTSA to issue a final 
rule amending the standard seat assembly of FMVSS No. 213. NHTSA 
believes that, in requiring a final rule amending ``Federal Motor 
Vehicle Safety Standard Number 213,'' Congress's intent is that the 
rulemaking on the standard seat assembly will accord with the 
requirements and considerations for FMVSSs under the Safety Act.

IV. Guiding Principles

    We undertake our rulemakings on FMVSS No. 213 with the following 
principles and considerations in mind. We weigh these factors in 
addition to the considerations and requirements for FMVSS specified by 
the Safety Act, statutory mandates, Executive Order (E.O.) 12866,\43\ 
and other requirements for agency rulemaking. NHTSA articulated these 
guiding principles in the NPRM.\44\ We have announced these principles 
in other rulemakings involving the standard.\45\
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    \43\ E.O. 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' September 
30, 1993, as amended by E.O. 14094.
    \44\ 85 FR at 69404, col. 2. (Discussion of NHTSA's decision not 
to raise the crash pulse in FMVSS No. 213's compliance test.)
    \45\ See, e.g., final rule, FMVSS No. 213a side impact 
requirements, 87 FR at 39243, col. 1, supra.
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    Child restraint misuse is high, but even with misuse, child 
restraints are highly effective in reducing the likelihood of death 
and/or serious injury in motor vehicle crashes. As discussed above, 
based on real-world data, child restraint effectiveness for children 
between the ages 1 to 4 years old is 54 percent in passenger cars and 
59 percent in light trucks. The failure to use occupant restraints is a 
significant factor in most fatalities resulting from motor vehicle 
crashes.
    In making regulatory decisions on possible enhancements to Federal 
standards, the agency must bear in mind the consumer acceptance of cost 
increases to an already highly effective item of safety equipment and 
whether an enhancement that could raise the price of the restraints 
could potentially have an adverse effect on the sales of this product. 
The net effect on safety could be negative if the effect of sales 
losses on usage rates exceeds the benefit of the improved performance 
of the restraints. To maximize the total safety benefits of extending 
and upgrading its restraint requirements, the agency balances those 
improvements against the real-world impacts on the price of restraints. 
NHTSA also weighs the effects of improved performance on the ease of 
correctly using child restraints. We consider whether an amendment may 
cause child restraints to become overly complex or frustrating for 
caregivers and the risk that a requirement could unintentionally 
exacerbate misuse and nonuse of child restraints.

V. Overview of the NPRM and Comments Received

a. Summary of the NPRM

    NHTSA published the NPRM for this final rule on November 2, 2020 
(85 FR 69388). We extended the comment period to April 5, 2021 (86 FR 
47; January 4, 2021) in response to petitions under 49 CFR 553.19 from 
the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the 
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). (This summary is brief 
because it mirrors the description of the final rule provided in the 
Executive Summary, supra.)
    1. NHTSA proposed to update the standard seat assembly used in the 
frontal dynamic test.\46\ NHTSA proposed to test CRSs with the Type 2 
belt system and to phase out use of the Type 1 belt. NHTSA did not 
include a vehicle floor and explained its reasons for denying a 
petition for rulemaking that had requested a floor. We discussed in the 
NPRM several test programs we conducted to assess the performance of 
child restraints on the proposed standard seat assembly.\47\ In one of 
the final test series in the NPRM phase, NHTSA performed 40 tests using 
24 CRS models across 10 brands available in the marketplace using the 
proposed standard seat assembly (V2).\48\
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    \46\ The NPRM included a proposal to incorporate by reference a 
drawing package containing detailed drawings of the proposed 
standard seat assembly. A description of the materials proposed for 
incorporation by reference can be found at 85 FR at 69443, col. 1.
    \47\ Section VII of the NPRM preamble, 85 FR 69409-69424.
    \48\ During the development of the NPRM the agency worked with 
two design levels of the preliminary standard seat assembly and the 
term ``V2'' is referring to one of them. The initial standard seat 
assembly design (V1) used in some sled tests during the development 
of the design only differed from the proposed standard seat assembly 
(V2) in minor ways. The initial standard seat assembly used in these 
sled tests had a shorter seat back height and slightly different 
seat belt and child restraint anchorage locations. NHTSA performed 
tests on the proposed standard seat assembly (V2) of some of the 
CRSs that were tested on V1 standard seat assembly; results showed 
no significant difference in CRS performance on the two standard 
seat assemblies.
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    The results showed that changing to the updated standard seat 
assembly had almost no effect on the ability of the CRS to pass the 
frontal dynamic crash requirements of FMVSS No. 213. Results showed the 
following:
    Infant carriers and convertibles positioned rear-facing and tested 
with the CRABI-12MO or the HIII-3YO dummies: We tested six (6) CRS 
models with the CRABI-12MO dummy and tested 4 with the HIII-3YO dummy. 
All the child restraints met all the frontal dynamic crash requirements 
evaluated during this set of tests.
    Forward-facing CRSs tested with the HIII-3YO dummy: We tested one 
(1) CRS model with tether attached and two (2) CRS models without 
tether attached. All child restraints met all the frontal dynamic crash 
requirements evaluated during this set of tests.
    Forward-facing CRSs tested with the HIII-6YO dummy: Four (4) CRSs 
tested with the tether attached met all the frontal dynamic crash 
requirements evaluated during this set of tests. Four (4) CRS models 
were tested without the tether attached. All met all the frontal 
dynamic crash requirements evaluated during this set of tests.
    Forward-facing CRSs tested with the Hybrid III 10-year-old (HIII-
10YO) dummy: One (1) CRS model was tested with the tether attached and 
2 CRS models were tested without the use of the tether. The CRS tested 
with the tether attached met all frontal dynamic crash requirements 
evaluated during this set of tests. The CRSs tested without the tether 
met all frontal dynamic crash requirements evaluated during this set

[[Page 84522]]

of tests, except for one that exceeded the head excursion limit.
    Booster seats with the HIII-6YO dummy: We tested six (6) booster 
seat models and all met all frontal dynamic crash requirements 
evaluated during this set of tests.
    Booster seats with the HIII-10YO dummy: We tested three (3) booster 
seat models and all met all frontal dynamic crash requirements 
evaluated during this set of tests.
    2. The NPRM proposed to reduce the restrictions on the content and 
format of the owner registration form manufacturers must provide with 
new CRSs for purposes of direct recall notifications (S5.8).
    3. NHTSA proposed to amend labeling requirements so that 
manufacturers have more flexibility in informing and instructing 
caregivers about correctly using child restraints (S5.5), but with 
caveats, e.g., forward-facing CRSs must not be recommended for children 
weighing less than 12 kg (26.5 lb) and booster seats must not be 
recommended for children weighing less than 18.4 kg (40 lb).
    4. NHTSA proposed to streamline the agency's use of test dummies in 
compliance tests (S7) to make the dummies more representative of the 
children for whom the CRS is recommended. The NPRM proposed to phase 
out a provision that permitted, at the manufacturer's choice, an option 
of certifying CRSs using the H2-6YO dummy instead of a more advanced 
Hybrid III dummy.
    5. The NPRM proposed miscellaneous amendments. These included 
permitting more types of CRSs designed for exclusive use on school 
buses than are currently permitted, updating a reference to an SAE 
Recommended Practice J211, and several housekeeping amendments to 
delete or clarify various provisions in the standard.
    6. The NPRM also requested comment on a separate document 
discussing several developments in child passenger safety, including 
research studies that raise safety concerns associated with inflatable 
belt-positioning seats and a shield-only type of child restraint 
emerging in markets overseas.\49\ The document also discusses our 
observations that children are outgrowing the height limits of some 
rear-facing infant carriers long before they outgrow the weight limits. 
NHTSA asked whether height and weight limits should better match.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \49\ Child Passenger Safety Issues Arising from Research 
Findings. January 13, 2020. Docket No. NHTSA-2020-0093-0013 at 
https://www.regulations.gov/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

b. Summary of the Comments

    The NPRM received over 29 comments or other submissions to the 
docket. Commenters included child restraint manufacturers (JPMA, Dorel 
Juvenile Group, Graco Children's Products, Britax Child Safety, Inc., 
Cybex, Evenflo, Safeguard/IMMI, BubbleBum); consumer advocates (the 
American Academy of Pediatrics, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, 
Safe Ride News (SRN), Safety Belt Safe (SBS), the National Safety 
Council, Consumers Reports); research bodies and testing organizations 
(Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), CHOP, University of 
Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), MGA Research 
Corporation); vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and associations 
(Volvo, the Automotive Safety Council (ASC), the National Automobile 
Dealers Association (NADA), Transport Research Laboratory); and 
entities directly involved with pupil transportation (the National 
Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), Salem-Keizer Public 
Schools). Additionally, the People's Republic of China submitted a 
comment, as did several members of the general public.
Overview of the Comments
    There was wide support overall for the NPRM. All commenters on the 
issue supported updating the standard seat assembly, but some expressed 
concern about specifics of the proposed standard seat assembly. Graco 
raised concerns about the repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) of 
test results using the proposed standard seat assembly and JPMA and 
some of its member companies had questions about the cushion foam. Some 
commenters addressed technicalities of the proposed standard seat 
assembly and/or test conditions and procedures (e.g., limits on belt 
webbing elongation, placement of cameras, methods for measuring the 
firmness of seat foam). Some suggested ways the proposed standard seat 
assembly and test could be revised to reduce potential sources of 
variability. Two wanted the Type 1 belt retained on the seat assembly, 
as they believed the Type 1 belt test should remain in FMVSS No. 213 to 
ensure the availability of child seats to persons owning older vehicles 
that only have Type1 belts in rear seating positions.
    There was strong support overall for the proposed changes to the 
owner registration form and the labeling requirements, but several 
consumer advocates cautioned that too much flexibility in form and 
content may reduce the familiarity, and utility, of the form and 
labels. There was unanimous support for the provision that booster 
seats should not be recommended for children under 40 lb, but several 
were concerned about shortcomings with a study we had cited. Commenters 
overall supported the changes to the agency's use of test dummies in 
compliance tests, but JPMA and some individual manufacturers opposed 
phasing out the optional use of the H2-6YO dummy.
    Many commenters provided input on issues that were outside of the 
scope of the rulemaking. Many commenters suggested changes to the 
proposed standard seat assembly regarding features they believed should 
be included on the standard seat assembly, but which were not proposed, 
such as a floor, or a front seat positioned forward of the standard 
seat assembly.\50\ Consumer Reports suggested use of a weighted 12-
month-old test dummy. JPMA reiterated a concern it has about Standard 
302's flammability resistance requirement incorporated into FMVSS No. 
213 (S5.7), and the People's Republic of China commented that it 
believes the flammability resistance standard for child restraint 
systems is too strict and should be harmonized with international 
standards to avoid a large use of flame retardants. Several comments 
responded to the January 13, 2020, document discussing NHTSA's concerns 
about data related to certain child restraint system designs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \50\ The front seat would be used to assess if child restraints 
prevent dummy head strikes against the seat back.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    All issues raised in relevant comments are discussed below in this 
preamble. Comments outside the scope of the rulemaking generally will 
not be further addressed in this document but are considered by NHTSA 
as suggestions for future revisions to FMVSS No. 213.
    Some commenters brought up a few test procedures or regulatory 
provisions that they believe would make the criteria for determining 
compliance with FMVSS No. 213 clearer, or test results more repeatable 
and reproducible. NHTSA agrees generally the suggestions have merit but 
does not believe they should be adopted in this final rule. The 
Administrative Procedure Act requires that interested persons be given 
notice of proposed rulemaking and an opportunity to comment thereon 
prior to an agency's adopting changed requirements as a final rule (5 
U.S.C. 553). Thus, to provide interested persons an

[[Page 84523]]

opportunity to comment on possible changes to the test procedures, we 
are preparing an NPRM to tighten up some aspects of the adopted 
standards. The upcoming NPRM would include: a conforming amendment to 
FMVSS No. 213a (side impact protection) that the CRABI-12MO would not 
be used forward-facing to test CRSs that are recommended not for use 
forward-facing with children weighing less than 12 kg (26.5 lb); a 
procedure to ensure tightness of a CRS to consistent levels when there 
is insufficient free webbing on which to use a three-prong tension 
gauge; and a dummy rear head drop test to calibrate the responses of 
the HIII-3YO dummy. The upcoming NPRM would have a comment period that 
would provide any interested persons with the chance to comment on the 
changes while allowing the agency to moye promptly to incorporate the 
changes into FMVSS No. 213 and No. 213b.

VI. Updating the Representative Standard Seat Assembly

    This final rule amends the standard seat assembly specified by 
FMVSS No. 213 to better simulate ``a single representative motor 
vehicle rear seat,'' as directed by Sec.  31501(b) of MAP-21.\51\ The 
updated standard seat assembly has one seating position. The updated 
standard seat assembly's features are aligned with (and, in many 
respects, identical to) the seat assembly used to test child restraint 
systems for compliance with FMVSS No. 213a, ``Child Restraint Systems--
Side Impact Protection.'' Comments to this topic supported the 
alignment of the sleds in both standards.\52\ This final rule includes 
specifications for the geometry of the seat (e.g., seat back angle, 
seat pan angle and length, seat back height), seat cushion 
characteristics (e.g., stiffness of the cushions and thickness of the 
foams), and the means (seat belt systems and child restraint anchorage 
system) for attaching a CRS to the seat. The report, ``Development of a 
Representative Seat Assembly for FMVSS No. 213,'' September 2016, which 
was docketed with the NPRM, explained how we developed the 
specifications for the seat.\53\
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    \51\ This final rule incorporates by reference a final drawing 
package with the detailed drawings of this final rule's standard 
seat assembly. The drawing package is discussed in detail in this 
preamble and can be found in the docket for this final rule and 
elsewhere. See the section titled Incorporation by Reference in the 
``Regulatory Notices and Analyses'' section of this preamble, infra.
    \52\ The 2020 NPRM preceding this final rule sought comment on 
the issue of consistency between the seat assemblies used in the 
side and frontal impact tests. 85 FR 69394, col. 2. The commenters 
responding to this issue strongly supported aligning the two seat 
assemblies as reasonably possible. NHTSA also discussed this issue 
in the 2022 final rule establishing the MAP-21 CRS side impact 
requirements. We explained in that side impact rule that we adopted 
a seat assembly that is aligned as possible with the FMVSS No. 213 
frontal impact test assembly. 85 FR 39261-39262; June 30, 2022.
    \53\ https://www.regulations.gov/document/NHTSA-2020-0093-0005. 
85 FR at 69397.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The agency used data from a 2012 research program (Vehicle Rear 
Seat Study) to assess the representativeness of the current FMVSS No. 
213 standard seat assembly and to develop an updated standard seat 
assembly.\54\ The Vehicle Rear Seat Study surveyed vehicles in the U.S. 
vehicle fleet to compile data on the rear seat environment. The study 
measured 43 individual rear seating positions in 24 model year (MY) 
2010 vehicles. Measurements were made of features that included seat 
back angle and height, seat pan width, stiffness of the seat cushion, 
location of seat belts and locations of child restraint anchorage 
systems.\55\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \54\ Aram, M.L., Rockwell, T., ``Vehicle Rear Seat Study,'' 
Technical Report, July 2012. Report available in the docket for the 
2020 NPRM preceding this final rule (Docket No. NHTSA-2020-0093).
    \55\ 68 FR 37620, June 24, 2003. The 2020 NPRM has more 
background on NHTSA's work developing this final rule's updates to 
the standard seat assembly (see Section III, 85 FR at 69393).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Vehicle Rear Seat Study measured the vehicles' seat geometry 
and anchorage locations using a Seat Geometry Measuring Fixture (SGMF). 
The SGMF consisted of two wooden blocks (600 mm x 88 mm x 38 mm) and a 
76 mm (3 inches) hinge (see Figure 1 below). To make the rear seat 
geometry measurements, the SGMF was positioned on the centerline of 
each rear seating position. Point A (see Figure 1), which corresponds 
to the hinge location of the SGMF, was the reference point for all 
measurements.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.000

[[Page 84524]]

a. Seat Geometry

1. Seat Back Angle
    This final rule specifies a seat back angle of 20 degrees for the 
updated standard seat assembly, as proposed in the NPRM. The Vehicle 
Rear Seat Study found that the average seat back angle of the surveyed 
vehicles was 20 degrees from vertical, with a standard deviation of 4 
degrees.\56\ The seat back angle ranged from a minimum of 9 degrees to 
a maximum of 28 degrees from vertical. The value is representative of 
the seat back angles found in the vehicle fleet (within one standard 
deviation of the average values in the current fleet). No commenter 
opposed adopting this seat back angle. The seat back angle will 
simplify the change to a updated standard seat assembly because it will 
be the same as the angle of the current FMVSS No. 213 test seat 
assembly and that of the seat for the side impact test.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \56\ The current seat back angle of the FMVSS No. 213 standard 
seat assembly is 20 degrees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Seat Pan Angle
    This final rule adopts the proposed seat pan angle of 15 degrees. 
No commenter opposed adopting this seat pan angle. The measurement is 
representative of seat pan angles found in the vehicle fleet (within 
one standard deviation of the average values in the current fleet).\57\ 
The seat pan angle is the same as the angle of the current FMVSS No. 
213 standard seat assembly and that of the side impact standard seat 
assembly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \57\ The Vehicle Rear Seat Study found that the average seat pan 
angle was 13 degrees from the horizontal, with a standard deviation 
of 4 degrees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Seat Pan Length
    This final rule adopts the proposed seat pan length of 412 mm (16.2 
inches). No commenter opposed adopting this seat pan length dimension. 
The measurement is representative of seat pan length found in the 
vehicle fleet (within one standard deviation of the average values in 
the current fleet).\58\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \58\ The Vehicle Rear Seat Study found that the average seat pan 
length was 16.3 inch (416 mm), with a standard deviation of 38 mm 
(1.5 inches).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Seat Back Height
    This final rule adopts the proposed seat back height of 573 mm 
(22.5 inches) for the updated standard seat assembly. No commenter 
opposed adopting this dimension. The Vehicle Rear Seat Study showed 
that the average height of the seat back was 688 mm (27 inches) with a 
standard deviation of 76 mm (3 inches) when the head restraint was 
included and 578 mm (22.7 inches) with a standard deviation of 60 mm 
(2.3 inches) when the head restraint was not included in the 
measurement.\59\ The final rule's dimension of 573 mm (22.5 in) is 
within one standard deviation of the average seat back height when the 
head restraint is not included. The updated standard's seat assembly 
does not include a head restraint.\60\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \59\ The current FMVSS No. 213 standard seat assembly has a seat 
back height of 20.35 inch (517 mm) and it does not have a head 
restraint.
    \60\ The final drawings for the updated standard seat assembly 
include for optional use an ATD Head Protection Device to protect 
the head of the dummy from damage when tested in backless booster 
seats. This is discussed in more detail later in the preamble.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

b. Rear Seat Cushion Characteristics

    The standard seat assembly's seat cushion is made up of a seat 
cover and seat foam. In drafting the NPRM, the agency developed a new 
seat foam that was representative of the current U.S. vehicle fleet 
after finding that foams used in test programs overseas were not 
representative of U.S. vehicles. We sought to propose a foam that was 
representative of foams used in vehicle seats, as measured in terms of 
thickness, stiffness, and density. We also sought a foam that would not 
``bottom out'' (fully compress) on to the rigid backing during the 
demanding conditions of a compliance test. We proposed to specify 
properties of a foam manufactured by The Woodbridge Group 
(Woodbridge),\61\ which we referred to as the ``NHTSA-Woodbridge seat 
cushion.'' The NPRM described the proposed foam by its thickness, 
indentation force-deflection (IFD) test results, compression-force 
deflection (CFD) test results, and density.62 63
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    \61\ The Woodbridge Group is a supplier of automotive seat foam, 
http://www.woodbridgegroup.com.
    \62\ The IFD test measures the force required for 25 percent, 50 
percent, and 65 percent deflection of the entire product sample. The 
CFD test measures the force required to compress a sample of the 
foam (50 mm (1.96 inch) by 50 mm and 25 mm (0.98 inch) thickness) by 
50 percent.
    \63\ 85 FR at 69397.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Thickness--Seat Back Cushion
    For the seat back cushion, NHTSA proposed to use the NHTSA-
Woodbridge seat cushion foam with a 50.8 mm (2 inch) thickness. A 50.8 
mm (2 inch) thickness is representative of seat back cushions in the 
fleet. The Vehicle Rear Seat Study showed that the overall seat back 
cushion thickness for outboard and center seating positions was 76 mm 
(3 inches) with a standard deviation of 29 mm (1.14 inches), measured 
at the centerline of the seating position. The seat back cushion 
thickness of 50.8 mm (2 inches) is within 1 standard deviation of the 
average seat back cushion thickness in the vehicle fleet.
    Another consideration we had for the proposal was that, while NHTSA 
does not believe that the seat back cushion significantly affects a 
CRS's dynamic performance in the frontal sled test, a seat back cushion 
on the thicker side could be a potential source of variability when 
testing CRSs with top tethers. When the tether is tightened, the back 
cushion can be compressed to varying degrees. Data does not indicate 
that differences in compression necessarily affect CRS performance, but 
NHTSA explained that a 50.8 mm (2 inch) thick foam would reduce such 
differences and thus facilitate a more repeatable installation. The 
agency noted also that specifying a 50.8 mm (2 inch) thickness 
streamlines the FMVSS No. 213 compliance test. Foam manufacturers 
readily produce foams in 101.6 mm (4 inch) sections. A 101.6 mm (4 
inch) thick foam slab can be easily cut into two 50.8 mm (2 inch) 
pieces to be used for the seat back.
    No commenter opposed adopting the proposal on the seat back cushion 
thickness. This final rule adopts the proposal for the reasons in the 
NPRM.
2. Thickness--Seat Bottom Cushion
    NHTSA proposed a thickness of 101.6 mm (4 inches) for the bottom 
seat cushion foam. A 101.6 mm (4 inch) thickness would be 
representative of the seat cushions in real world vehicles. The Vehicle 
Rear Seat Study found an average seat pan cushion thickness for both 
outboard and center seating positions of 90 mm (3.5 inches) with a 
standard deviation of 40 mm (1.5 inches), measured at the centerline of 
the seating position.\64\ A 101.6 mm (4 inch) seat cushion foam 
thickness for the seat pan also has the advantage of simplifying 
procurement of the foam since foam standard specifications are 
typically provided by the manufacturer in 101.6 mm (4 inches) samples, 
as specified in test method B1 of ASTM D3574, ``Standard Test Methods 
for Flexible Cellular Materials--Slab, Bonded, and Molded Urethane 
Foams.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \64\ The current FMVSS No. 213 standard seat assembly seat pan 
cushion has a thickness of 152.4 mm (6 inch).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments Received
    After the agency submitted the NPRM to the Federal Register in 
September 2020 and placed a copy on NHTSA's website, JPMA contacted 
NHTSA via email on October 15, 2020 to ask about the foam.\65\ JPMA 
focused on a technical

[[Page 84525]]

report \66\ describing the use of adhesives to produce a foam of the 
requisite size for the proposed seat cushion. JPMA stated it preferred 
not using adhesives and asked NHTSA about an approach where JPMA would 
invest in a mold to produce a foam with the desired dimensions without 
adhesive use. JPMA asked if one-piece foams would be acceptable and 
whether the foam should have skin or not. NHTSA responded by stating 
that the proposed specifications did not have provisions for or against 
gluing or about skins. NHTSA noted that the agency had used adhesives 
and that the skin of the foam did not affect the performance in our 
testing.\67\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \65\ The ex parte communication was documented here: Docket No. 
NHTSA-2020-0093-0050, at https://regulations.gov/.
    \66\ Wietholter, K., Louden, A., & Echemendia, C. (2016, 
September). Development of a representative seat assembly for FMVSS 
No. 213. Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration. Docket No. NHTSA-2020-0093-0005. (p. 18)
    \67\ The reference was to Wietholter, K., Louden, A., Sullivan, 
L., ``Evaluation of Seat Foams for the FMVSS No. 213 Test Bench,'' 
June 2016, https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=NHTSA-2013-0055-0013.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    JPMA commented that they were planning to initiate a test project 
to evaluate the foam at different laboratories and that JPMA would 
share their results when ready. On December 15, 2021, JPMA met 
virtually with NHTSA to present its research findings.\68\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \68\ The ex parte communication was documented here: Docket No. 
NHTSA-2020-0093-0050 at https://regulations.gov/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the meeting, JPMA urged NHTSA to reduce the tolerance provided 
for the thickness of the foam. JPMA said it observed that the specified 
foam thickness and density tolerances allow for inconsistent test 
results separately and more so if the thickness and density variation 
within the tolerance are combined.\69\ JPMA stated that the 
inconsistencies in test results would be higher when the combined 
effect of the tolerances of foam thickness and density are considered. 
In its comments to the NPRM, Graco had also expressed concerns 
regarding the effect of foam thickness tolerance on results. Graco 
stated that the seat pan cushion is nominally 102 millimeters (mm) 
(4.00 inches) thick with a tolerance of 12.7 mm (0.50 inches); and the seat back cushion is nominally 51 mm (2.00 
inches) thick with a tolerance of 6.4 mm (0.25 
inches). Graco argued that the current foam pieces have a tolerance on 
their thicknesses of 1/8 inches (3.2 mm). Graco 
recommended that the tolerance be reduced to the minimum amount 
feasible to better ensure repeatable and reproducible test results.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \69\ A tolerance limit is a measure used to ensure the 
uniformity of an item. Any item that falls outside of the specified 
tolerance limit is deemed outside of the specification.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In JPMA's ex parte meeting with NHTSA on December 15, 2021, JPMA 
presented its research findings on the effect of foam thickness. JPMA 
procured seat foams with three thicknesses spanning the proposed 
tolerance range \70\ and tested in four configurations. The four 
configurations included the CRABI-12MO, HIII-3YO, HIII-6YO, and HIII-
10YO dummies in rear-facing, forward-facing and belt positioning CRSs. 
It presented pictures of pre-test positioning of the dummies in the CRS 
to show how the foam thicknesses affected the positioning of the 
dummies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \70\ Thickness of three seat foam samples were 112.31mm, 102.01 
mm and 93.19 mm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    JPMA then presented data on how the foam thicknesses affected the 
injury measures in the different tests. Results were mixed as the foam 
thickness variability contribution ranged from 3.1 percent to 87.5 
percent depending on the CRS/dummy configuration and injury measure. 
Overall, in tests with the CRABI-12MO dummy in a CRS used rear-facing 
(3.1 to 28.6 percent) and the HIII-6YO in a forward-facing CRS (9.2 to 
24.7 percent), the foam thickness variation had the least effect on 
injury measures, while in tests with the HIII-3-year-old in a forward-
facing CRS, the foam thickness variation had the most effect on injury 
measures (30 to 87.5 percent). JPMA concluded that the variation in 
foam thickness resulted in greater than 10 percent variation in 15 out 
of the 17 dummy response measures. JPMA also suggested adding a 
flatness specification to reduce variation in foam surface profile.
Agency Response
    NHTSA is reducing the seat foam cushion thickness tolerance from 4 
 0.5 inches to 4  0.25 inches. NHTSA reviewed 
JPMA's data presented at the virtual meeting. JPMA claimed that the 
results of testing with the wide range of thicknesses (3.5 in., 4 in. 
and 4.5 in.) resulted in foam thickness variability contribution from 
3.1 percent to 87.5 percent depending on the CRS/dummy configuration 
and injury measure. JPMA presented data of its testing and calculated 
the coefficient of variation (CV) values when taking all tests of the 
same CRS tested at the different foam thicknesses ranging 3.5 to 4.5 
inches. The approximate calculations showed CV values under 10 percent 
which is still within the variability expected of the testing. 
Therefore, even if the foam contributed to variability to some extent, 
the variability is still within a reasonable range. However, NHTSA 
believes it is feasible to procure foams with a smaller tolerance 
without any additional burden and agrees that 0.5-inch tolerance in a 
4-inch foam might be unnecessarily wide. Therefore, this final rule 
specifies a 0.25-inch thickness tolerance for the seat foam bottom 
cushion.
    With regard to a requested flatness specification, we understand 
this request as seeking a specification that will ensure the foam slab 
has to have the same ``thickness'' throughout the slab. We did not 
adopt a flatness specification as we have reduced the tolerance for the 
foam slab thickness. With the reduced tolerance, even if variations are 
present, they will be small and inconsequential.
3. Foam Stiffness
    NHTSA proposed specifications for the stiffness of the bottom seat 
cushion after comparing the stiffness of rear seat cushions in the 
fleet to that of the seat cushions used in various test programs, 
including FMVSS No. 213. NHTSA first measured the quasi-static 
stiffness (force-deflection) of the seat cushions in rear seats of 13 
passenger vehicles (Model Years 2003-2008).\71\ Next, since CRSs are 
tested on the FMVSS No. 213 standard seat assembly in a dynamic sled 
test, NHTSA also evaluated the dynamic stiffness of the various seat 
cushions. NHTSA believed that the stiffness of the NHTSA-Woodbridge 
seat cushion satisfactorily represents the average seat cushion 
stiffness found in the vehicle fleet and did not bottom out in the 
severe impact tests we conducted (35 g at 56.3 kilometers per hour (km/
h) or 35 mph using heavy test dummies restrained in heavy child 
restraints).\72\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \71\ NPRM, 85 FR at 69395. Wietholter, K., Louden, A., and 
Sullivan, L. ``Evaluation of Seat Foams for the FMVSS No. 213 Test 
Bench,'' June 2016 available in the docket for the NPRM.
    \72\ NPRM, 85 FR at 69398.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments Received
    In its comments to the NPRM, Graco presented its assessment of the 
potential effects of Indention Force-Deflection (IFD) \73\ values close 
to both ends of the tolerance zone. For one of Graco's seats (Seat H 
\74\), the IFD was measured and recorded before each dynamic test. 
Graco's data showed that increasing the IFD strongly correlated to 
increased chest resultant accelerations.
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    \73\ Indentation Force Deflection (IFD) tests measure firmness 
of flexible polyurethane foam cushions. High IFD test results imply 
increased stiffness.
    \74\ For details of Graco's data see comments at Docket No. 
NHTSA-2020-0093-0035 attachment titled ``Graco comment NHTSA 2020 
0093 Att A.''

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

[[Page 84526]]

    Graco explained that IFD values can be affected by foam density and 
overall thickness and, potentially, by temperature and humidity 
conditions during storage. Graco recommended that, in addition to 
tightening the tolerance on the thickness, NHTSA should reduce the 
permitted tolerance range of new foam IFD and provide guidance on the 
acceptable ranges of temperature and humidity for proper foam storage. 
Graco noted that Appendix C \75\ of NHTSA's Research Test Procedure 
describes the practice that was followed by NHTSA's Vehicle Research 
and Test Center (VRTC) in testing that NHTSA conducted in developing 
the NPRM, but that this information was not in the NPRM or addressed in 
the current NHTSA's Compliance Test Procedure (TP-213-10).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \75\ NHTSA's ``Research Test Procedure'' for the Proposed FMVSS 
No. 213 Frontal Impact Test can be found in Docket No. NHTSA-2020-
0093-0016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agency Response
    NHTSA would like to begin by explaining the difference between the 
agency's ``Research Test Procedure'' and NHTSA's Compliance Test 
Procedure. The ``Research Test Procedure'' is the procedure that 
NHTSA's VRTC developed and used during the development of this 
rulemaking. This Research Test Procedure is generally aligned with 
NHTSA's proposal for FMVSS No. 213 and has been used by NHTSA in 
various ways to inform the agency's decision-making developing the 
proposal. This Research Test Procedure offers details for interested 
readers on how NHTSA conducted the tests (e.g., which camera placements 
were used, how excursions were measured, CRS targeting for dynamic 
measurements, foam storage and testing protocols, etc.). NHTSA's 
``Compliance Test Procedures'' describe procedures NHTSA uses for 
compliance testing and are administered by NHTSA's Office of Vehicle 
Safety Compliance (OVSC) as guidance.\76\ The Compliance Test 
Procedures are consistent with FMVSS No. 213 as set forth in the Code 
of Federal Regulations, and is used as a contractual document between 
OVSC and the test lab contractor to describe the procedures that the 
contractor is to use to conduct an OVSC compliance test identified in 
the Test Procedure. The procedure in the Compliance Test Procedure 
falls within the parameters described in the test procedure set forth 
in the corresponding Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. NHTSA 
considers the lessons learned from the agency's research when writing 
the Compliance Test Procedures, but the Compliance Test Procedures 
could differ from the research procedures to address agency needs and 
interests that arise during administration of NHTSA's compliance test 
programs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \76\ The Compliance Test Procedures for all of the Federal Motor 
Vehicle Safety Standards can be found here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-manufacturers/test-procedures.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Research Test Procedure NHTSA used for developing the updated 
FMVSS No. 213 sled, including the foam, was published along with the 
NPRM.\77\ The Research Test Procedure (and accompanying test reports) 
shed light on NHTSA's decision-making for the proposal, but do not 
serve as regulation. NHTSA is developing the Compliance Test Procedure 
and will consider what was learned about IFD testing and foam storage 
during the research work when drafting the Compliance Test Procedure 
administered by OVSC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \77\ NHTSA Research Procedure for the Proposed FMVSS No. 213 
Frontal Impact Test can be found in Docket No. NHTSA-2020-0093-0016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This final rule adopts the proposed stiffness characteristics for 
the seat cushion for the reasons in the NPRM. The stiffness of the 
NHTSA-Woodbridge seat cushion is satisfactorily representative of the 
average seat cushion stiffness found in the vehicle fleet.
    In response to Graco's suggestion to narrow the IFD specifications, 
we have not found a need to do so. While there may be some response 
changes to the chest acceleration (or other values) that depend on the 
IFD values, the changes Graco presented also showed good repeatability 
with a CV of 7 for chest accelerations on Seat H and under 10 percent 
CV for Graco's other tested seats. The variations in performance 
measures caused by the proposed range of IFD values were still within 
acceptable variability levels, and, therefore, will be adopted in this 
final rule.
    JPMA asked why the tolerances of the IFD Procurement Specifications 
were different than the Certification Specifications.
    In response, NHTSA believes the following background is helpful. 
The proposed drawings in the NPRM indicated Procurement and 
Certification specifications for the seat pan and seat back foams. The 
specifications serve different purposes. Procurement specifications are 
verified by the foam manufacturer or distributor when the foam is sold. 
Certification specifications are verified prior to sled testing by the 
laboratory performing the test. The procurement specification tests 
measure the density and the compression force deflection (CFD) of a 
foam and identify the foams that are suitable for FMVSS No. 213 
testing. They are destructive tests (a specimen piece of the produced 
foam is cut off to perform the tests) and, therefore, cannot be 
repeated multiple times before dynamic sled testing for FMVSS No. 213. 
The indentation force deflection (IFD) tests are not destructive tests, 
and at procurement, the foam manufacturer or distributor can perform 
IFD tests to also identify the foam characteristics. Once the foam has 
been procured, the Certification specifications, which only indicate 
IFD characteristics, can be used to certify and ensure that the foam 
has the required IFD characteristics prior to sled testing. Because IFD 
characteristics are highly susceptible to the environment they are in, 
a procured foam that has been exposed to different temperatures and 
humidity levels might have different IFD characteristics than those 
used for procurement. The foam certification (IFD) tests, conducted 
prior to testing, ensure that the foams are within the specified IFD 
ranges. The final drawing package incorporated by reference by this 
final rule also includes the Procurement and Certification 
specifications.
    NHTSA established procurement specifications that differed from 
certification specifications for the same foam for the following 
reasons. First, NHTSA recognized that some foam suppliers use an 
industry standard test protocol, including specified sample sizes, when 
publishing foam specifications. Because these sample sizes are not the 
same size as what NHTSA will use for compliance testing, these data 
used to procure foam will not necessarily match the data on the actual 
foam samples used in NHTSA's compliance testing. Thus, while the 
procurement data are useful to identify potential foam that could be 
used in compliance tests, the agency made the specifications provided 
for procurement ``for reference'' as a guideline. The specifications 
that are binding for the purposes of compliance tests are those that 
meet the certification specifications. Those certification 
specifications are included in the table titled ``Test Certification 
Specifications for 4 [inch] and 2 [inch] Foams'' in drawings numbers 
3021-233 and 3021-248 of the drawing package referenced in the updated 
standard by this final rule.
    Second, given the variation in foam characteristics due to 
temperature and humidity changes, procurement specifications with 
tighter tolerances make it easier for NHTSA's OVSC to have suitable 
foams available for testing.

[[Page 84527]]

A larger tolerance for testing with the purchased foam is desired so 
that more of the purchased foam is within specifications at the time of 
testing. The purchased foams will be exposed to different temperatures 
and humidity levels throughout their useful life, and, as a result, 
their IFD characteristics will vary throughout time. Having a wider IFD 
specification range is beneficial to ensure foams can be reasonably 
certified for dynamic testing. Foams within the certification IFD 
specification ranges produced FMVSS No. 213 repeatable and reproducible 
dynamic test results.\78\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \78\ Documented in technical report docketed in NHTSA-2020-0093-
0029.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IFD Test Procedure Consistency
    In the December 2021 meeting with JPMA, JPMA recommended against 
creating a new unique procedure in Draft TP-213 ``Laboratory Test 
Procedure for FMVSS 213 Child Restraint Systems'' that deviates from 
ASTM D3574 and Woodbridge test methods. JPMA also recommended 
specifying the test method for certifying the foam blocks as either the 
latest version of ASTM D3574 (not the 2011 version) or a method 
matching how Woodbridge currently tests foam for certification at time 
of procurement.
Agency Response
    JPMA suggests following Woodbridge specific IFD testing or ASTM 
D3574 without deviation. With regard to the Woodbridge-specific IFD, we 
cannot agree with the suggestion. NHTSA would not be able to follow the 
Woodbridge IFD testing methodology in all instances because Woodbridge 
is not the only source of foam. Each supplier will likely have 
different scientifically sound methods to evaluate IFD.
    With regard to ASTM D3574, NHTSA agrees that referencing the ASTM 
D3574 standard in the drawing package where the foam specifications are 
indicated could improve consistency in foam testing. This final rule 
therefore incorporates by reference ASTM D3574 in the drawing package. 
However, following the ASTM D3574 standard without deviation is not 
possible. The foam sample specified in the ASTM D3574 (15 X 15 inches) 
differs from the foam sample size available from the seat cushion (19 X 
28 inches) and seat back (22 X 28 inches). ASTM D3574 specifies sample 
thickness to be 4 inches whereas the seat back cushion of the updated 
standard seat assembly is only 2 inches thick. Also, the ASTM D3574 
standard measures IFD values at 25% and 65%, while FMVSS No. 213 foam 
certification measures IFD of 50% (25% and 65% are measured only for 
reference). The drawing package notes where the procedure differs from 
the ASTM standard. This is discussed in detail below in the paragraph 
entitled, ``Comment on ASTM Reference.''
Response to Comment on Density
    JPMA and Graco's reference to foam density is unclear. JPMA and 
Graco referred to foam density and thickness as sources of IFD 
variation but all of JPMA's data are specific to the variation in 
sample thickness. We did not see any data on density variation. We 
assume JPMA's comment is trying to tie density to IFD, (i.e., a foam 
that is significantly less dense (softer) than the one we proposed 
might not yield the IFD values we proposed) as it is often thought that 
higher density foams are stiffer than lower density ones.\79\ In 
response to that point, we do not believe a change to the density 
specification is needed, as our response to the comment on the IFD 
addresses the density aspect. As explained above, even with foam sample 
IFD differences, the dummy responses still produced results that were 
within 10 percent CV, indicating good repeatability.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \79\ NHTSA recognizes that this is not always true as there is 
no direct correlation between density and stiffness (firmness). 
There can be low density foams with high stiffness. Link: https://www.pfa.org/foam-performance/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Miscellaneous Issues
Comment on Industry-Produced Molds
    JPMA suggested there should be a long-term effort, that NHTSA 
should support, whereby the CRS industry builds new molds for the 
standard seat assembly bottom and back foam blocks so the thickness, 
flatness and dimensions of the foam blocks can be controlled within 
tight specifications and tolerances. As it described this suggestion, 
JPMA believed that these changes would result in (1) consistent block 
thickness which will reduce dynamic test score variations, as well as a 
consistent block surface finish and surface profile; (2) alignment on 
how vehicle manufacturers mold the foam for vehicle seating surfaces; 
(3) all laboratories conducting FMVSS No. 213 testing on the updated 
standard seat assembly with the same foam blocks; (4) lower per piece 
cost as cutting and gluing operations would be eliminated; and (5) foam 
blocks produced with CRS Industry funded molds that would be accessible 
to everyone.
Agency Response
    We are encouraged that the industry has thought of an approach 
where it could possibly develop a foam mold to procure foam more easily 
and consistently for FMVSS No. 213 testing purposes. However, the 
agency is cautious about an FMVSS No. 213 specification that may result 
in a single source for a component used in compliance testing, such as 
the standard seat assembly foam. NHTSA seeks for the foam to be 
available from multiple merchants. Also, the agency believes this 
approach of an industry-developed mold is an interesting one but there 
are factors the agency must thoroughly consider. For example, we 
believe the molds would have to be made available to everyone with no 
restrictions on use and would have to be used in a process anyone could 
use. NHTSA is also mindful that a mold would only be useful for a 
limited time, as the standard seat assembly is subject to updates.
Comment on Foam Procurement
    Dorel comments that its conversations with Woodbridge indicated 
there may be challenges to meeting the foam specifications in the NPRM. 
Dorel urges NHTSA to confirm that the specifications are practicable 
and capable of being met by suppliers to avoid market disruption for 
inability to certify compliance.
    In response, NHTSA does not know of any challenges Woodbridge has 
in meeting the specifications since they developed the specifications 
and have been successfully supplying the foam for several years. NHTSA 
also did market research and identified other sources from which the 
foam could be procured.\80\ NHTSA procured these non-Woodbridge foams 
to confirm that the foam is not a single sourced item and that these 
foams have the same performance as the Woodbridge foam.\81\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \80\ Foam Feasibility Study Final Report--June 2018. Docket No. 
NHTSA-2020-0093-0012 at https://regulations.gov/.
    \81\ Louden, A.E., Wetli, A.E. (2020 December). Evaluation of 
Foam Specifications for Use on the Proposed FMVSS No. 213 Test 
Bench. Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration. Docket No. NHTSA-2020-0093-0029, at https://regulations.gov/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comment on ASTM Reference
    Dorel states that there was a difference between the NPRM, and a 
2015 NHTSA memorandum related to an ASTM reference. Dorel states that 
the NPRM \82\ references the 2003 update to the American Society for 
Testing and Materials (ASTM) D3574-03 ``Standard Test Methods for 
Flexible Cellular Materials--Slab, Bonded, and Molded Urethane Foams'' 
(ASTM D3574-03). The commenter notes the 2015 memo indicates the 2011 
revision to that

[[Page 84528]]

standard, ASTM D3574-11, is used to create the compression force 
deflection (CFD) specifications. Dorel asks NHTSA to clarify which 
version of the test standard it will reference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \82\ Preamble section III.c.5.i (85 FR 69395).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response, while the foam specifications were developed using, in 
general, the test methods of ASTM D3574-11, some aspects were adjusted. 
In response to the comment, NHTSA has added a note on the drawing 
package explaining that the full (seat pan and seat back) foam sample 
size and 50 percent indentation is tested in lieu of the ASTM D3574-11 
requirement(s): ``Foam IFDs are measured on the full-size sample, using 
the test methodology and apparatus described in ASTM Standard D3574-11 
at 50% indentation. 25% and 65% are collected for reference only.'' For 
instance, the required samples sizes for ASTM D3574 testing are to be 
15 x 15 x 4 inches while the size of the seat pan foam is 19 x 28 x 4 
inches and the seat back foam is 22 x 28 x 2 inches. NHTSA also makes 
CFD measurements at 25 percent (for reference only), 50 percent and 65 
percent (for reference only), whereas the ASTM D3574 standard only 
makes CFD measurements at 25 percent and 65 percent. Therefore, NHTSA's 
testing followed the ASTM D3574 test procedures generally but adjusted 
them for practical reasons.
    The drawing package has been updated to reference the ASTM D3574-11 
but with explanations of the differences with NHTSA testing, including 
those relating to sample size and the additional 50 percent CFD 
measurement. The foam drawings 3021-233 and 3021-248 lists values for 
reference; the foam used in a specific test does not need to meet the 
25 percent and 65 percent IFD values listed in these tables for the 
test to be valid. During its research program, NHTSA concluded that 
these values do not impact the results of the dynamic test but were 
helpful as reference points to monitor the condition of the foam. The 
25 percent and 65 percent IFD values therefore were included in the 
drawing package for reference.

c. Means for Attaching a CRS to the Standard Seat Assembly

1. Seat Belts
    FMVSS No. 213 currently states that CRSs are attached to the 
standard seat assembly with a Type 1 and not a Type 2 belt.\83\ To 
ensure continued effective CRS performance in today's vehicles, NHTSA 
proposed to require all CRSs to meet the performance requirements of 
FMVSS No. 213 while attached to the seat assembly with a Type 2 \84\ 
(lap/shoulder belt). The NPRM proposed to amend the CRS frontal 
collision test by, among other things, specifying that NHTSA would use 
the Type 2 belt to attach child restraints to the seat assembly in a 
test. With the prevalence of Type 2 belts in the rear seats of vehicles 
sold today, the NPRM proposed to delete, as obsolete, the current 
provisions to use the Type 1 belt. NHTSA proposed the change with the 
view that testing CRSs with the type of seat belt caregivers are likely 
to use better ensures that the test is representative of real-world 
conditions. Also, the agency believed the change to a Type 2 belt would 
be inconsequential as test data do not indicate any significant 
difference in performance in current child restraint designs when 
installed using a Type 1 versus a Type 2 belt.\85\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \83\ FMVSS No. 213 S5.3.2. See also NHTSA, Test Procedures, TP-
213-10, February 16, 2014. Note that belt-positioning (booster) 
seats are currently tested with a Type 2 belt.
    \84\ The Type 1 and Type 2 seat belt assemblies in the current 
and updated standard seat assemblies simulate these seat belt types 
in vehicles, by having anchorage locations representative of 
vehicles, and webbing that conforms with FMVSS No. 209. The 
configuration and webbing of the seat belt assemblies and location 
on FMVSS No. 213's standard seat assembly reproduce relevant aspects 
of the vehicle environment in a manner that is controlled for 
compliance testing purposes. These seat belt types in the standard 
seat assembly do not meet all FMVSS No. 209 provisions as regards 
having retractor buckles, other fasteners, or hardware designed for 
installing such seat belt assembly, but those differences are minor 
and generally do not affect CRS performance. However, the belt 
retractor on the standard seat assembly is fixed, which differs from 
retractors on real-world vehicles that allow some spooling-out of 
webbing before locking in a crash-imminent situation. As discussed 
in sections below, NHTSA has research underway to develop a 
retractor that better replicates real-world retractors, that could 
provide a more thorough assessment of child restraint system 
performance in the real world. NHTSA plans to develop the retractor 
and eventually propose the retractor in a future rulemaking.
    \85\ See results of test numbers 8917, 8922, 8919, 8923, 8929, 
and 8931 in Table 11 and test numbers 8917, 8922, 8919, and 8923 in 
Table 12 of the NPRM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    All commenters support the proposal to use Type 2 belts to anchor 
child restraints to the standard seat assembly. The National Safety 
Council, Consumer Reports, Volvo, and Salem-Keizer Public Schools 
support testing of CRSs with the use of Type 2 belts as they are more 
representative of the vehicle fleet. However, while supporting the use 
of Type 2 belts, SBS and SRN also strongly oppose removing the Type 1 
belt testing specification in FMVSS No. 213. SBS and SRN urge NHTSA to 
retain the Type 1 belt test, at least for a while longer, to meet the 
needs of persons who may own vehicles that do not have Type 2 belts in 
rear seats.
    After reviewing the comments, we have decided to adopt the proposed 
provisions about including Type 2 belts on the updated seat assembly 
and testing child seats while anchored with the Type 2 belts. Also, as 
discussed in detail in a section below, this final rule retains the 
Type 1 belt test until September 1, 2029. Thus, this final rule 
includes specifications for Type 1 and Type 2 belts on the new standard 
seat assembly.
Type 1 Belt Specifications
    The specifications for the Type 1 (2-point) belt anchorages are the 
same as the Type 1 belt anchorages of the Type 2 (3-point) seat belts. 
Although the Vehicle Rear Seat Study \86\ shows that center vehicle 
seat Type 1 seat belt anchorages (where Type 1 seat belts are 
available), are closer together than in outboard vehicle seats, 
narrower spacing can cause potential interference with wide CRSs. This 
interference could affect the setup of the CRS on the standard seat 
assembly. While the average spacing between the anchorages in a rear 
center seating position in the vehicle fleet is 355 mm, the spacing 
ranged between 232 mm to 455 mm. The lap belt anchorages of the Type 2 
seat belt anchorages in the standard seat assembly have a spacing of 
450 mm. While this spacing is greater than the average spacing of the 
lap belt anchorages of rear center seats in the vehicle fleet, it is 
still within the range found in the vehicle fleet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \86\ NHTSA-2020-0093-0006.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Type 2 Belt Specifications
    The agency has adopted specifications for the Type 2 belt as 
proposed in the NPRM. The agency determined the location of the 
anchorages based on requirements of FMVSS No. 210, ``Seat belt 
anchorages,'' and the data from the Vehicle Rear Seat Study. We also 
adjusted the anchorage placement to ensure a compliance test could be 
conducted without interference between the seat belt and the vehicle 
seat assembly, or the child restraint and a seat belt anchorage. Five 
commenters (the National Safety Council, Salem-Keizer schools, Volvo, 
Safe Ride News and Consumer Reports) commented in support of the 
proposal to incorporate Type 2 belts into FMVSS No. 213's protocols. No 
commenter opposes the inclusion of Type 2 belts into FMVSS No. 213. 
NHTSA will incorporate a Type 2 belt into FMVSS No. 213 and the 
standard seat assembly as proposed.

[[Page 84529]]

Clarifying Belt Webbing Specifications
    Some CRS manufacturers took the opportunity to comment on the 
webbing used for the standard seat assembly's seat belts. Currently, 
S6.1.1.(c) specifies that the webbing must comply with FMVSS No. 209 
and have a width of not more than 2 inches.\87\ Graco notes that the 
current Compliance Test Procedure, TP-213-10, specifies webbing with 5 
panels but that the 5-panel webbing is not specified in FMVSS No. 213, 
as Graco believes it should be. The commenter also notes the Research 
Test Procedure that was used to develop the 2020 NPRM used webbing with 
7 panels. JPMA and Britax note that, as 5-panel webbing is no longer 
available, FMVSS No. 213 should reflect the mechanical properties of 
the webbing. Graco believes that FMVSS No. 209 permits significant 
variation in elongation, which can affect FMVSS No. 213 test outcomes. 
Graco recommends that FMVSS No. 213 should provide a narrow range for 
the elongation under load to ensure test consistency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \87\ FMVSS No. 209, ``Seat belt assemblies,'' establishes 
elongation requirements (S4.2(c) when the webbing is subjected to a 
load of 11,120 Newtons (N). The elongation requirements vary 
depending on the different assembly types. In general, the webbing 
must not extend to more than the following elongation when subjected 
to the specified forces in accordance with the procedure specified 
in FMVSS No. 209 S5.1(c): Type 1 seat belt assembly--20 percent at 
11,120 [Newtons (N)]; Type 2 seat belt assembly 30 percent at 11,120 
N for webbing in pelvic restraint and 40 percent at 11,120 N for 
webbing in upper torso restraint.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agency Response
    FMVSS No. 213 does not specify the number of panels for the 
standard seat assembly's seat belt webbing, and we do not believe it is 
necessary to do so. NHTSA used 7-panel webbing that was certified to 
applicable requirements in FMVSS No. 209 throughout the development of 
the proposed updates to FMVSS No. 213, as it is now more commonly used 
in the field. It is true that the current OVSC Compliance Test 
Procedure for FMVSS No. 213, TP-213-10, specifies 5-panel webbing and 
that the Research Test Procedure specifies a 7-panel webbing. However, 
neither contradicts the standard because both types of webbing were 
certified to applicable requirements of FMVSS No. 209. Furthermore, as 
we learned from reaching out to a seat belt supplier/manufacturer and 
from tests we conducted (described below), the number of panels does 
not affect the strength or elongation of the webbing. The number of 
panels is simply a matter of manufacturer preference.
    NHTSA conducted some elongation tests on seat belt webbing having 
different number of panels and different specifications for percent 
elongation.

                            Table 1--Elongation Testing of 7 Seat Belt Webbing Models
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Maximum
                  Webbing                       Elongation %            Break load (N)         displacement (mm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Autoliv 6% 3-Panel.........................                6.3  27,842.6.....................              184.7
Autoliv 6% 3-Panel.........................                6.4  27,753.5.....................              180.4
Autoliv 6% 3-Panel.........................                6.3  27,746.6.....................              187.8
Autoliv 10% 5-Panel........................                9.7  28,762.0.....................              238.0
Autoliv 10% 5-Panel........................                9.6  28,828.0.....................              237.5
Autoliv 10% 5-Panel........................                9.5  29,103.8.....................              246.2
Autoliv 15% 6-Panel........................               12.4  STROKE MAXED OUT.............              260.0
Autoliv 15% 6-Panel........................               12.5  STROKE MAXED OUT.............              260.0
Autoliv 15% 6-Panel........................               12.8  STROKE MAXED OUT.............              260.0
MGA 5-Panel................................                8.4  26,827.4.....................              201.3
MGA 5-Panel................................                8.5  27,587.1.....................              212.5
MGA 5-Panel................................                6.7  26,600.2.....................              200.5
CALSPAN Compliance 5-Panel.................                6.8  32,511.1.....................              207.0
CALSPAN Compliance 5-Panel.................                6.5  33,045.7.....................              200.9
CALSPAN Compliance 5-Panel.................                6.5  33,630.9.....................              208.9
CALSPAN R&R 7-Panel........................                8.2  32,187.7.....................              224.0
CALSPAN R&R 7-Panel........................                8.0  32,410.2.....................              223.1
CALSPAN R&R 7-Panel........................                8.2  32,372.3.....................              220.3
VRTC R&R 7-Panel...........................                7.2  29,244.8.....................              216.0
VRTC R&R 7-Panel...........................                7.3  28,615.1.....................              217.6
VRTC R&R 7-Panel...........................                7.4  29,322.2.....................              222.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Test data in Table 1 show that webbing can be manufactured to 
different percent elongation specifications independent of the number 
of panels, and therefore, specifying the number of panels would be 
meaningless. Because the number of panels is immaterial, NHTSA may 
change TP-213 to remove any specification of a panel number. This 
addresses the comments by JPMA, Graco and Britax regarding the 
discrepancy of the number of panels in the webbing and the difficulty 
purchasing the 5-panel webbing. What matters most about the webbing in 
this context is the elongation characteristics, not the number of 
panels.
    Graco states that the proposed regulatory text in the NPRM only 
requires that the webbing meet FMVSS No. 209 requirements without 
defining the desired mechanical properties. NHTSA disagrees that the 
regulatory text does not specify the webbing's mechanical properties, 
as FMVSS No. 209 S4.2, referenced in FMVSS No. 213, specifies the 
mechanical properties of the webbing.
    Graco recommends narrowing the elongation limits and we agree to 
consider this for the OVSC Compliance Test Procedure (TP-213). NHTSA 
recognizes that the elongation limits in FMVSS No. 209 range widely, 20 
percent, 30 percent and 40 percent depending on type of seat belt 
assembly. While Graco suggests FMVSS No. 213 should specify a narrow 
range for elongation under load, it did not provide data demonstrating 
how different elongation specifications within FMVSS No. 209 affect 
FMVSS No. 213 test outcomes. Nonetheless, while FMVSS No. 209 contains 
wide elongation ranges, the vehicle manufacturers usually use ranges of 
6-15 percent. Webbing of lower elongation

[[Page 84530]]

percentages would be difficult to produce and procure, and could be too 
stiff causing potential injuries as it is slowing down the occupant 
more abruptly. Elongation ranges over 15 percent could create excessive 
excursion during a crash, which could result in an undesirable outcome 
for the occupant (i.e., it will be more likely for the occupant to 
contact vehicle structures, like the instrument panel or steering 
wheel). The agency will consider incorporating in TP-213 a narrower 
elongation range than is currently specified in the test procedure, to 
reflect belt webbing in today's vehicles. The agency tentatively 
concludes that a narrower elongation range would better represent the 
real-world crash environment, as it would be a range commonly found in 
vehicles.
    Further, NHTSA notes that, in practice, the elongation values used 
to develop this final rule were much narrower than that specified in 
FMVSS No. 209. NHTSA did not collect the specific elongation 
characteristics for the webbing used during FMVSS No. 213 development 
testing. However, webbing that was recently procured by VRTC for 
testing the updated standard seat assembly is consistent with what 
vehicle manufacturers use (6-15 percent). So while the elongation 
ranges in FMVSS No. 209 are wide, in practice webbing with much smaller 
elongation ranges are used.
2. Child Restraint Anchorage System
    The specifications for the child restraint anchorage system are the 
same as those proposed in the NPRM. These include the locations for the 
lower anchorages and for the top tether anchorage. There were no 
comments opposing the proposed specifications. This final rule adopts 
the proposal for the reasons provided in the NPRM.

d. Repeatability and Reproducibility of Test Results

    After NHTSA developed the updated standard seat assembly, the 
agency contracted with three different test labs to build the updated 
standard seat assembly and evaluate the repeatability and 
reproducibility of the FMVSS No. 213 sled test. NHTSA's repeatability 
and reproducibility evaluation of the updated standard seat assembly is 
discussed in more detail in the agency's technical report titled, 
``FMVSS No. 213 Frontal Repeatability and Reproducibility Evaluation,'' 
(August 2023). A copy of the report is found in the docket for this 
final rule. The three test labs were Calspan, the Medical College of 
Wisconsin (MCW) and the Transportation Research Center (TRC).
    Calspan and MCW fabricated an updated standard seat assembly based 
on a drawing package provided by NHTSA. VRTC provided TRC with an up-
to-date standard seat assembly to use as a baseline in the assessment. 
After building an updated standard seat assembly, Calspan and MCW 
provided key measurements of their updated standard seat assemblies for 
NHTSA to compare to the drawing package. The labs also provided data of 
foam certifications \88\ showing the repeatability and reproducibility 
of the new foam cushion IFD test procedure described in Appendix C of 
the 2020 ``Evaluation of Foam Specifications for Use on the Proposed of 
the FMVSS No. 213 Test Bench''.\89\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \88\ Data is documented in the ``FMVSS No. 213 Frontal 
Repeatability and Reproducibility Evaluation'' technical Report.
    \89\ Louden, A.E., Wetli, A.E. (2020 December). Evaluation of 
Foam Specifications for Use on the Proposed FMVSS No. 213 Test 
Bench. Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Each lab also conducted sled testing to evaluate the repeatability 
and reproducibility of the overall updated standard seat assembly and 
the test procedure used in the assessment. Each lab conducted several 
sets of repeat tests with the same child restraints systems, which 
provided the data needed to evaluate the overall repeatability and 
reproducibility of the updated standard seat assembly, test procedure, 
and overall system-level sled test. When comparing within each lab and 
across all three labs, most injury responses had a CV under 10 
percent,\90\ indicating that the updated sled test and related 
procedures are repeatable and reproducible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \90\ Coefficient of Variation (CV) is a measure of the 
dispersion of data points in a data series around the mean value. CV 
is computed as a percentage of the mean and is computed for a data 
series as the standard deviation ([sigma]) for the data series 
divided by the mean ([mu]) of the data series times 100. CV = 
([sigma]/[mu]) x 100.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comment Received
    Graco states that it conducted a statistical analysis of data it 
gathered during testing \91\ at two labs with a HIII-6YO dummy in seven 
different models of belt-positioning seats and one model of a child 
restraint installed with a Type 2 belt system. Graco states that the 
test results show that the HIC36 scores have very high variation 
between and within the two labs, to the degree that they would fall 
into the ``needs improvement'' category. The CV for the other injury 
criteria were mostly in the ``excellent'' range and a few chest 
resultant scores in the ``good'' range.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \91\ Graco performed 348 dynamic tests using different CRS 
models (18) and types (rear-facing, forward-facing and booster 
seats) at two labs: Calspan (Buffalo, NY) and Graco (Atlanta, GA). 
More details on the testing can be found at Graco's comment (Docket 
No. NHTSA-2020-0093-0035 at https://www.regulations.gov/).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Graco states it further assessed if the high CV results for HIC36 
are a function of lab-to-lab variation by evaluating the HIC36 scores 
from just the units tested at Calspan. The commenter states that half 
of the eight CRSs have high variability (CV > 10 percent) and another 
showed marginally acceptable variability (CV exactly 10 percent). The 
commenter argues that its findings are supported by some of the 
findings in Table 4 of a Calspan's R&R Report (sponsored by NHTSA).\92\ 
The table is titled, ``Reproducibility of the Graco Affix 6-year-old 
with Type 2 belt restraint.'' Graco notes that the chest acceleration 
results have a mean of 51.5 g at Calspan and a mean of 58.8 g at VRTC, 
yet the Calspan R&R Report suggests--relying on a CV of 4.2 percent--
that this information supports a test process that is rated 
``excellent'' for its repeatability and reproducibility across 
laboratories. The commenter acknowledges that intra-laboratory testing 
is consistent. ``However, when the data is taken as a whole the mean is 
54.6 g [NHTSA notes that the correct value in the report is 55.1g] and 
the standard deviation is 4.1 g, and the expected failure rate given 
these data is approximately 10 percent of units tested, which suggests 
an unacceptable process.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \92\ Table 4, Maltese, M.R., Horn, W. ``Repeatability and 
Reproducibility of the Updated FMVSS No. 213 Frontal Standard Seat 
Assembly''. October 2019. Report Number: 213R&R-CAL-19-018R1. Docket 
No. NHTSA-2020-0093-0011 at https://www.regulations.gov/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Graco also referenced Table 5 of a NHTSA R&R report that shows a 
difference in the mean values for head excursion between the two labs 
of 23.7 mm, although the CV was determined to be 2.7 percent, 
indicating excellent repeatability and reproducibility. The commenter 
states, ``Again, this illustrates that lab-to-lab variation does exist 
and can materially affect test outcomes.''
    Graco states that, as a result of these tests and its review of the 
NHTSA report, it is concerned that the representative proposed standard 
seat assembly has not shown good repeatability and reproducibility in 
its current state and that improvements must be made to ensure more 
consistent test results. Graco suggests changes to improve the R&R of 
the test bench and the test method. These changes are discussed in 
other sections of this preamble.

[[Page 84531]]

Agency Response
    NHTSA disagrees with Graco's view about the R&R of the sled. As 
discussed above, NHTSA performed repeatability and reproducibility 
tests at the three laboratories used (Calspan, MCW, and TRC) on a 
variety of CRS models in different configurations using different size 
dummies (see Table 2) to help NHTSA determine the R&R of the proposed 
test equipment and test procedure. This section will discuss this 
testing in more detail showing that the proposed equipment and test 
procedure are R&R, as well as responding to some of the commenter's 
concerns about R&R.
    The standard seat assemblies in the three laboratories used for the 
repeatability and reproducibility testing were in accordance with the 
specifications of this final rule.\93\ The sled acceleration pulses 
used in the three laboratories were within the specified corridor of 
this final rule as shown in Figure 2. The three laboratories used 
acceleration-based sleds (HYGE Sled or SERVO Sled). More details are 
available in the tables found in Appendix A to the Preamble--
Reproducibility Test Results.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \93\ Testing was done with the proposed standard seat assembly; 
however, only minor changes were done to the drawings of the 
standard seat assembly that would have no effect on the performance 
of these tests.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.001

    NHTSA calculated the CV for the applicable FMVSS No. 213 injury 
criteria for the repeat tests to evaluate in-lab repeatability and for 
all the tests at the three labs to evaluate reproducibility. Since a 
new CRS is used for each test, the variability in test results for a 
CRS model is due to the variability in the construction of the CRS, the 
CRS design, test equipment, test conditions and test procedure.
    The CV for the seat back angle measure in the tests of CRS used 
rear-facing was less than 10 percent for repeatability and 
reproducibility. The CV for head and knee excursions in tests of 
forward-facing CRSs and belt-positioning seats were also less than 10 
percent for repeatability and reproducibility. The CV for Chest 
Acceleration repeatability and reproducibility was less than 10 percent 
for all the CRS models tested in all three laboratories.
    The CV for HIC36 repeatability was less than 10 percent in all but 
one CRS configurations tested. The HIC36 CV for the Evenflo SureRide 
(6YO-Forward-facing (FF) CRS) tests conducted at MCW was 10.3 percent. 
The CV for HIC36 reproducibility in all models was less than 10 percent 
except for the Harmony Defender 360 \94\ (CV = 16.6 percent) and the 
Chicco Key Fit (CV = 12.1 percent).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \94\ Using the HIII-3-Year-Old in a forward-facing (FF) CRS.

                    Table 2--CV Percent Values for Repeatability and Reproducibility Testing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Chest
          Test facility                     QTY                HIC36           acceleration     Seat back angle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Evenflo Embrace 35--CRABI--Infant--LA Only
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   CV%
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
Calspan..........................  n = 3...............                2.3                1.3                0.9
MCW..............................  n = 3...............                3.3                4.4                3.8
TRC..............................  n = 3...............                5.6                9.4                3.4

[[Page 84532]]

 
All..............................  n = 9...............                5.6                5.7                8.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Chicco Key Fit--CRABI--Infant--LA Only
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   CV%
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
Calspan..........................  n = 3...............                5.1                0.7                2.3
MCW..............................  n=1.................  .................  .................  .................
TRC..............................  n = 1...............  .................  .................  .................
All..............................  n = 5...............               12.1                1.1                6.7
                                   SigmaL..............               13.1  .................  .................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Evenflo Embrace 35--CRABI--Infant--SB3PT
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   CV%
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
Calspan..........................  n = 3...............                0.9                1.3                1.7
MCW..............................  n=3.................                3.8                2.7                2.0
ALL..............................  N = 6...............                7.6                5.6                3.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Cosco Scenera Next--HIII 3YO--RF \95\--LA Only
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   CV%
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
Calspan..........................  n = 3...............                2.4                3.7                2.0
MCW..............................  n = 3...............                1.5                2.4                0.9
TRC..............................  n = 3...............                9.5                3.1                2.4
All..............................  n = 9...............                6.2                3.1                1.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Graco MyRide 65--HIII 3YO--RF--Type 2
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   CV%
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
Calspan..........................  n = 3...............                3.4                1.7                1.1
MCW..............................  n = 3...............                3.0                2.9                1.0
TRC..............................  n = 3...............                2.2                1.9                7.5
All..............................  n = 9...............                8.3                2.2                7.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       Chest
                Test Facility                               QTY                     HIC36           acceleration      Head excursion     Knee excursion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Cosco Scenera Next--HIII 3YO--FF \95\--LATCH
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  CV%
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.....................................  n = 3.........................                3.6                3.4                0.6                1.7
MCW.........................................  n = 3.........................                8.3                1.3                1.8                0.3
TRC.........................................  n = 3.........................                2.9                2.5                0.5  .................
All.........................................  n = 9.........................                8.9                4.4                1.8                1.4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Harmony Defender 360--HIII 3YO--FF--Type 2&T
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  CV%
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.....................................  n = 1.........................  .................  .................  .................  .................
MCW.........................................  n = 3.........................                3.1                2.6                1.0                0.5
TRC.........................................  n = 2.........................  .................  .................  .................  .................
All.........................................  n = 6.........................               16.6                5.9                2.0                1.6
                                              SigmaL........................                9.8  .................  .................  .................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Britax Marathon Clicktight--HIII 6YO--FF--LA Only
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  CV%
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.....................................  n = 3.........................                6.5                5.1                3.3                1.2
MCW.........................................  n = 1.........................  .................  .................  .................  .................
TRC.........................................  n=1...........................  .................  .................  .................  .................
All.........................................  n = 5.........................                6.3                6.5                0.7                2.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Evenflo SureRide--HIII 6YO--FF--LATCH
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  CV%
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.....................................  n = 0.........................  .................  .................  .................  .................

[[Page 84533]]

 
MCW.........................................  n = 3.........................               10.3                3.4                3.5                0.4
                                              SigmaL........................               15.3  .................  .................  .................
TRC.........................................  n = 3.........................                4.8                0.3                1.0                0.6
All.........................................  n = 6.........................                9.1                2.9                2.7                1.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Graco Nautilus 65--HIII 6YO--FF--Type 2
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  CV%
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.....................................  n = 3.........................                3.5                1.3                1.7                0.7
MCW.........................................  n = 3.........................                4.9                5.2                0.7                0.7
TRC.........................................  n = 3.........................                2.2                1.9                1.2                1.1
All.........................................  n = 9.........................                8.8                3.5                2.0                1.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Britax Frontier Clicktight--HIII 10YO--FF--Type 2&T
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  CV%
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.....................................  n = 2.........................                n/a  .................  .................  .................
MCW.........................................  n = 1.........................                n/a  .................  .................  .................
TRC.........................................  n = 3.........................                n/a                5.1                1.0                0.5
All.........................................  n = 6.........................                n/a                6.1                1.6                1.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Cosco Pronto HB--HIII 6YO--BPS--Type 2
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  CV%
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.....................................  n = 3.........................                3.4                7.0                0.8                0.7
MCW.........................................  n = 3.........................                6.5                5.4                3.4                0.6
TRC.........................................  n=3...........................                3.6                1.0                0.4                0.7
All.........................................  n = 9.........................                7.4                9.5                3.7                1.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Graco Affix--HIII 6YO BPS--Type 2
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  CV%
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.....................................  n = 3.........................                4.7                2.0                1.6                0.2
MCW.........................................  n = 3.........................                5.5                5.2                2.7                3.5
TRC.........................................  n=3...........................                8.1                1.2                2.3
All.........................................  n = 9.........................                8.9                3.5                2.6                2.4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Harmony Youth NB--HIII 6YO--BPS--Type 2
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  CV%
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.....................................  n = 3.........................                3.4                1.4                1.1                1.8
MCW.........................................  n = 3.........................                4.5                1.7                1.0                0.9
TRC.........................................  n = 3.........................                9.4                2.7                2.3                0.9
All.........................................  n = 9.........................                7.9                2.9                1.9                1.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Evenflo Big Kid LX HB--HIII 10YO--BPS--Type 2
                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  CV%
                                                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.....................................  n = 3.........................                n/a                1.6                1.1                4.1
MCW.........................................  n = 3.........................                n/a                3.5                1.8                1.2
TRC.........................................  n = 3.........................                n/a                1.0                0.6                0.1
All.........................................  n=9...........................                n/a                3.4                3.5                3.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\95\ RF means rear-facing.
\96\ FF means forward-facing.
\*\ HIC36 when using the HIII-10YO dummy is not an injury measure used in FMVSS No. 213.

    The Harmony Defender 360 tested in the forward-facing with internal 
harness CRS configuration, using the HIII-3YO dummy had good 
repeatability values, but the CV exceeded 10 percent for HIC36 
reproducibility. The Chicco Key Fit infant carrier tested in the rear-
facing with internal harness CRS configuration, using the CRABI-12MO 
dummy had good repeatability values, but the CV exceeded 10 percent for 
HIC36 reproducibility. The CV for HIC36 repeatability for the Evenflo 
SureRide (forward-facing CRS with internal harness with HIII-6YO) 
exceeded 10 percent in one laboratory (MCW). We note that the HIC36 
values for these CRSs were under 500 which is less than 50 percent of 
the performance limit (1000). Because CV is calculated by dividing the 
standard deviation by the average values, the CV appears to be larger 
for lower average values of HIC36 than for higher average HIC36 
values.\97\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \97\ This is considered a limitation in the use of %CV. 
Therefore, NHTSA also considers the average measures with respect to 
the allowable performance measure when assessing repeatability and 
reproducibility using %CV.

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

[[Page 84534]]

    For each metric with a higher than 10 percent CV, we calculated the 
substantiveness of the variation relative to the IARV or performance 
limit. Sigma-to-Limit (SigmaL, [sigma]L) (see Equation 1) results above 
2.0, would indicate at least two standard deviations between the 
average response and the IARV or performance limit. Responses with a 
Sigma-to-Limit greater than two identify ``good'' levels of variation 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
that are unlikely to cross the IARV or performance limit.

Sigma-to-Limit (SigmaL, [sigma]L) = ((Limit- x))/[sigma] Equation 1

    The HIC36 CV percent for repeatability for the Evenflo SureRide 
(6YO-forward-facing CRS) tests conducted at MCW was 10.3 percent with a 
Sigma-to-limit value of 15.3. The CV for HIC36 reproducibility in the 
Harmony Defender 360 \98\ was 16.6 percent with a sigma-to-limit value 
of 9.8 and in the Chicco Key Fit was 12.1 with a sigma-to-limit value 
of 13.1. This means that while these CRSs had a CV percent above 10, it 
is unlikely that the observed variability would cause a CRS to cross 
the IARV established in the standard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \98\ Using the HIII-3-Year-Old in a forward-facing (FF) CRS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Graco commented that half of their eight CRSs having high in-lab 
variability (CV greater than 10 percent) and the high HIC variability 
values in tests conducted at different labs. Graco did not provide the 
HIC values for those tests but we would expect that HIC values for 
those tests were low (around or below 500) where, just like NHTSA's 
tests with the Harmony Defender 360 and Evenflo SureRide, CV appears to 
be larger for lower average values of HIC36 than for higher ones.
    These results show the updated standard seat assembly design and 
corresponding test procedures are repeatable and reproducible. The CV 
analysis is a practical approach to evaluating R&R of the whole system 
(test article, test equipment, test environment, and test procedure). 
While we cannot extract the variability introduced by the different 
sources of variability (for example variation in acceleration pulses, 
test dummies, CRS build), results showed acceptable CV values (less 
than 10 percent) or marginally above 10 percent.
    In further response to Graco's concern that its tests had HIC 
values exceeding 10 percent CV, it is important to note that assessment 
of repeatability based on CV values is a methodology established to 
assess the repeatability and reproducibility of anthropomorphic test 
devices in qualification testing.\99\ Per this assessment, CV values of 
dummy responses in the qualification tests of less than or equal to 10 
percent are considered acceptable to excellent in repeatability and 
reproducibility. Note, however, that these qualification tests 
typically involve an impact by a tool to a specific dummy part (e.g., 
head, thorax, pelvis, right arm, left leg), and so the CV values only 
evaluate the variability of a specific dummy response. In contrast, the 
CV values of dummy responses in the frontal impact sled test includes 
variability at a system level (whole body dummy responses in different 
child restraint systems on a dynamic sled). Therefore, strict adherence 
to the acceptable limit of CV used in the dummy qualification tests may 
be setting the bar exceptionally high when evaluating system level 
performance. Nevertheless, the reproducibility evaluation shows it is 
acceptable in 13 of the 15 CRS configurations evaluated, as shown in 
Table 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \99\ Rhule, D., Rhule, H., & Donnelly, B. (2005). The process of 
evaluation and documentation of crash test dummies for Part 572 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations. 19th International Technical 
Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles, Washington, DC, June 
6-9, 2005. https://www-esv.nhtsa.dot.gov/Proceedings/19/05-0284-W.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Graco notes that the testing published during the NPRM showed 
``excellent'' repeatability and reproducibility for head excursions (CV 
= 2.7 percent) yet there was a difference in the data of 23.7 mm. As 
discussed above, the CV ``ratings'' were established to evaluate dummy 
responses in qualification tests, so we do not have a defined scale of 
what CV ratings would apply for a more complex system like the frontal 
sled test. However, a 23.7 mm difference is less than 3 percent of the 
head excursion performance limit. A 3 percent difference in performance 
does not amount to an unreasonable degree of variability in a complex 
system with multiple variability sources. Graco noted that the chest 
acceleration data reported in the NPRM showed a CV of 4.2 for 
reproducibility tests with the Graco Affix. NHTSA considers a chest 
acceleration CV of 4.2 percent as low and representing good 
repeatability and reproducibility of the dummy measure. NHTSA assures 
the safety of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment under the 
self-certification framework of the Safety Act through its assessment 
of the manufacturers' basis for certification. Manufacturers self-
certify their products knowing that NHTSA can perform its own testing 
following the manufacturers' certification. Accordingly, they strive to 
produce vehicles and equipment that will meet the FMVSS performance 
requirements when tested by NHTSA. We cannot comment on Graco's test 
results as we do not have enough information on the tests to make any 
determination on the sources of the increased CV values. The data 
available to NHTSA, however, show variability as controlled to a small 
and reasonable level.
    In addition to the above tests, NHTSA tested 3 additional CRS 
models and installation configurations 3 times to further evaluate the 
in-lab repeatability. All these tests had injury measures with CV 
values under 10. More detailed tables are available in Appendix A and 
Appendix B to the preamble.\100\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \100\ Reports on this testing will be docketed with the final 
rule. (1) Horn, W. and Maltese, M.R. ``Phase 2 Summary Report FMVSS 
No. 213 Proposed Updated Frontal Standard Seat Assembly'' Calspan. 
September 2020, (2) Hauschild, H.W. and Stemper, B. ``Final Summary 
Report for FMVSS 213 R&R Testing Updated Frontal Standard Seat 
Assembly'' MCW. December 2020, (3) Hauschild, H.W. and Stemper, B. 
``Final Summary Report of FMVSS 213 R&R Testing Updated Frontal 
Standard Seat Assembly'' MCW. November 2021.

                              Table 3--CV Percent Values for Repeatability Testing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Chest
                                                        QTY            HIC36       acceleration      RF angle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        CV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Cosco Scenera Next--Rear-Facing--12-Month-Old--Lower Anchor Only Installation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.........................................               3             5.0             6.6             3.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 84535]]

 
                                                                       Chest      Head excursion  Knee excursion
                                        QTY            HIC36       acceleration        (mm)            (mm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                CV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Maxi Cosi Pria \101\ HIII-10YO Forward-Facing CRS--Type 2 Belt Installation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan.........................               3             n/a             3.9             0.8             1.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Harmony Youth HIII-10YO--Belt-Positioning Seat--Type 2 Belt Installation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC.............................               3             n/a             0.9             1.9               1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In conclusion, NHTSA's data shows that good R&R can be achieved by 
the proposed test equipment and test procedures. While CV analysis 
cannot identify the different sources of variability, the system as a 
whole, including variability sources that are independent of the system 
we are evaluating (e.g., CRS design, pulse variation, etc.), showed 
good R&R and NHTSA is proceeding to adopt the proposed standard seat 
assembly with minor changes based on comments. These changes are 
discussed in another section of this preamble.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \101\ Maxi Cosi 85. We note that on August 24, 2021 Dorel issued 
a recall on the Maxi Cosi 85 CRS due to increased risk of injury in 
the event of a crash if the seat is installed with only the lap 
belt. The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 units tested in this R&R study were 
included in the scope of this recall; however, the test performed in 
the R&R study utilized a lap and shoulder belt installation which 
differed than the installation method identified in the recall. See 
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCLRPT-21C003-8612.PDF.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

e. Miscellaneous Issues

1. Addition of an ATD Head Protection Device (ATDHPD)
    The drawing package of the updated standard seat assembly adopted 
by this final rule depicts use of an ATDHPD, at NHTSA's option, as a 
housekeeping measure to prevent damage to NHTSA's dummies in some 
tests. The ATDHPD, which NHTSA developed, is a metal part that is 
padded on one side that mounts on the seat back structure of the 
standard seat assembly. It is positioned behind the head area of a 
dummy seated in a CRS on the standard seat assembly.\102\ Testing with 
the proposed standard seat assembly showed the back of the head of the 
HIII-6YO and HIII-10YO dummies directly hitting the metal frame on the 
top of the seat back when the dummy is rebounding from the frontal 
loading. With repeated testing, this impact will likely damage the head 
of the dummies. Use of the ATDHPD, which is easily installed and 
removed, prevents this damage as the padding softens the impact of the 
dummy's head during rebound.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \102\ The ATDHPD resembles a head restraint, but it was not 
designed to be representative of one.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The addition of the ATDHPD does not affect the performance of the 
CRS while in frontal loading and may prevent or minimize unnecessary 
damage to a dummy's head. Testing of two belt-positioning seats with 
and without the ATDHPD showed that results were comparable and achieved 
acceptable repeatability (see Table 4 and Table 5).
    While one of the belt-positioning seats tested was a high back 
model, NHTSA is only specifying the optional use of the ATDHPD when 
using backless belt-positioning seats. This is because the head impacts 
were occurring with backless belt-positioning seats, as there was no 
back on the CRS to prevent the rebound head motion. Also, while test 
data show there was no difference in testing with and without the 
ATDHPD, NHTSA would like more data to verify that all high back belt-
positioning seats would be unaffected by the ATDHPD. Therefore, NHTSA 
is only specifying the optional use of the ATDHPD for backless belt-
positioning seats due to the high potential for damage to the dummies 
when testing these types of child restraint systems.

                          Table 4--Test Results of Cosco Pronto With and Without ATDHPD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Chest
                        Test No.                          HIC36    acceleration   Head excursion  Knee excursion
                                                                        (g)            (mm)            (mm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Cosco Pronto--HIII-6YO--Belt-Positioning Seat
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR05-19-13.............................................      650            58.7             528             613
RR05-19-14.............................................      621            51.9             525             605
RR05-19-15.............................................      663            52.5             533             613
Calspan Without ATDHPD:
    St. Dev............................................     21.6             3.8             4.3             4.3
    Average............................................    645.1            54.4           528.7           610.1
    CV.................................................      3.4             7.0             0.8             0.7
RR06-20-32 *...........................................      582            50.2             537             610
RR06-20-33 *...........................................      575            53.7             539             612
RR06-20-34 *...........................................      511            51.5             538             607
Calspan * ATDHPD:
    St. Dev............................................     39.5             1.8             1.3             2.3
    Average............................................    556.1            51.8           538.1           609.6
    CV.................................................      7.1             3.5             0.2             0.4
All:
    St. Dev............................................     56.4             3.0             5.9             3.1
    Average............................................    600.6            53.1           533.4           609.8
    CV.................................................      9.4             5.7             1.1             0.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 84536]]

                          Table 5--Test Results of Chicco GoFit With and Without ATDHPD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Chest
                        Test No.                          HIC36    acceleration   Head excursion  Knee excursion
                                                                        (g)            (mm)            (mm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Chicco GoFit NB--HIII-10YO--Belt-Positioning Seat
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR06-19-40.............................................      n/a            47.5             502             676
RR06-20-26.............................................      n/a            45.5             496             662
Calspan Without ATDHPD:
    St. Dev............................................      n/a             n/a             n/a             n/a
    Average............................................      n/a             n/a             n/a             n/a
    CV.................................................      n/a             n/a             n/a             n/a
RR02-20-24 *...........................................      n/a            47.2             514             685
RR02-20-25 *...........................................      n/a            44.9             498             671
RR06-20-40 *...........................................      n/a            48.2             485             682
Calspan * ATDHPD:
    St. Dev............................................      n/a             1.7            14.2             7.0
    Average............................................      n/a            46.8           498.9           679.4
    CV.................................................      n/a             3.6             2.8             1.0
All:
    St. Dev............................................      n/a             1.4            10.2             8.9
    Average............................................      n/a            46.7           498.9           675.3
    CV.................................................      n/a             3.0             2.0             1.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Truncating Head Acceleration Time Histories
    In the NPRM, NHTSA requested comment on whether, in a compliance 
test, NHTSA should compute HIC36 for backless belt positioning seats 
tested with the HIII-6YO dummy using an acceleration pulse that is 
truncated to 175 msec.\103\ The seat back of the proposed standard seat 
assembly was raised from an earlier version to reduce dummy head 
contact with the rear seat structure of the proposed standard seat 
assembly. While raising the seat back reduced the number of head 
contacts with the rear seat structure, NHTSA observed that head contact 
still occurs when testing backless belt-positioning seats with the 
HIII-6YO dummy. In conducting research tests to inform the revisions to 
these tests, the agency made the HIC36 calculation using a head 
acceleration pulse truncated between 175-200 msec, which corresponded 
to a time in the rebound phase before the head impact with the seat 
support structure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \103\ 85 FR at 69424, col. 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments Received and Agency Response
    Consumer Reports supported truncating the data set at 175 msec. No 
commenter opposed this truncation. NHTSA will incorporate a 175 msec 
data truncation to exclude rebound high head accelerations from HIC36 
calculations. The accommodation will only be made for backless booster 
seats tested with the HIII-6YO dummy and not for all CRSs because this 
configuration sometimes results in head acceleration spikes when the 
dummy is rebounding into the updated standard seat assembly after the 
simulated crash. Because the HIII-6YO seated in a backless booster seat 
typically has a height higher than the seat back of the updated 
standard seat assembly, the dummy's head hits the updated standard seat 
assembly's metal frame causing the head acceleration spike.\104\ NHTSA 
does not see the need to apply this truncation to other dummies and/or 
other CRS types as a smaller dummy's head does not reach past the top 
of the seat back \105\ and other types of CRSs typically have a seat 
back of their own with structure and padding protecting the head of the 
dummy, both of which prevent high HIC spikes against the seat back. 
Moreover, NHTSA believes it is not in the interest of safety to 
truncate HIC values in tests other than of backless booster seats 
tested with the HIII-6YO dummy. If HIC values exceeded the standard's 
limit were measured for any other type of CRS, or for backless boosters 
using any other type of dummy, NHTSA would investigate those test 
results as a noncompliance because they are indicative of a potential 
safety concern.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \104\ These high HIC accelerations are also present when using 
the optional ATD Head Protection Device, therefore, HIC truncation 
is still relevant for the HIII-6YO in backless booster seats.
    \105\ The HIII-10YO dummy does not measure HIC, therefore, the 
truncation is not an issue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Drawing Changes
    Graco identified potential errors in some of the drawings of the 
proposed standard seat assembly \106\ or places where ambiguity exists 
and suggested corrections or improvement. The commenter also suggested 
improvements to the drawings to address variability. NHTSA discusses 
these comments below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \106\ May 2019 Child Frontal Impact Sled Drawing Package (NHTSA-
213-2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dimension Discrepancy
    Graco notes there are multiple dimension call outs for the shoulder 
belt anchor hole and requests NHTSA clarify which dimension takes 
priority. The location is identified in the drawing package four times, 
and three different vertical dimensions provided:

 953 3 mm (3021-010, Sheet 1), using part 3021-209 
as the reference plane
 953 3 mm (3021-015, Sheet 1), using part 3021-209 
as the reference plane
 941 3 mm (3021-015, Sheet 2), using part 3021-200-
9 as the reference plane
 877 6 mm (3021-1000, Sheet 1), using part 3021-
200-9 as the reference plane

    In response, NHTSA believes that no changes to these drawings are 
necessary. Drawings 3021-010&3021-0015-Sht1 reference the bottom of the 
buck and include attachment plate (12.5mm/0.50'') foot; 3021-0015-Sht2 
is referenced to the bottom of the 4-inch tube; and 3021-1000 is 
referenced to the bottom of the 2-inch tube. Due to the different 
reference points these dimensions need to be different.
Dimension Conflict
    Graco notes that drawing 3021-209 has a conflict between the plate 
thickness in the material note (thickness given as 12.5 mm) versus the 
dimension on the face of the drawing (12.7 mm). It believes the intent 
is to use standard

[[Page 84537]]

gauge plate as suggested by the 0.5 inch for thickness referred to in 
the materials note, which would make the correct value 12.7 mm. It 
requests that NHTSA reconcile the two dimensions.
    In response, NHTSA has reconciled the dimension to 0.5 inch so that 
drawings are consistent.
Missing Dimension
    Graco comments on a dimension that may be missing for a seat back 
support tube. On drawing 3021-015, Sheet 2, Revision D, section B-B, a 
vertical dimension is called out for the second support tube, however, 
Graco notes that there is a dimension missing for the third support 
tube. Graco suggests that a dimension be given for this third tube to 
ensure a consistent standard seat assembly.
    In response, NHTSA has added dimensions for the seat tube as 
suggested.
Notes
    Graco requests notes clarifying the manufacturing intent when it 
comes to several hole features. For reference, Graco states it 
appreciates Note 1 of drawing 3021-265, Revision D, that calls for 
mounting holes to be drilled after standard seat assembly. The note 
communicates to standard seat assembly manufacturers that if the holes 
were drilled into the individual parts before assembly, the resulting 
tolerance stack up might place the holes in locations that preclude the 
standard seat assembly from being used as intended. Graco requests 
notes on the following:

 3021-255, Sheet 1: Seat Frame Gusset Plate
 3021-326, Sheet 1: D-Ring Anchor
 3021-756, Sheet 1: Latch Belt Anchor Plate

    Alternatively, Graco requests NHTSA omit the note from 3021-265. 
Graco explains that because of the presence of Note 1 on 3021-265, and 
its omission on the drawings for the three parts listed, there may be 
some ambiguity as to whether these holes should be drilled and/or 
tapped before or after assembly.
    NHTSA is not making the suggested change. Each of the anchor 
assemblies and pieces already have tolerances in each of the drawings. 
It is up to the fabricator to determine whether to drill the hole prior 
to welding or after. The final assembly drawing 3021-1000 is to be used 
to verify the anchors are within specifications.
Tolerances of Z-Point
    Drawing 3021-015, Sheet 1, Revision D, lists the horizontal and 
vertical dimensions for the Z-point as 120 mm and 80 mm, respectively, 
referencing the lowest, rearmost seat tubes. The tolerance per Note 1 
on 3021-015 is 3 mm. The Z-point dimensions are called out 
on drawing 3021-1000, Sheet 1, Revision A. However, the tolerance for 
this Z-point is specified in Note 1 as 6 mm. Graco states 
that if seat assembly manufacturers choose to use drawing 3021-1000 as 
their reference, there is a possibility that two standard seat 
assemblies made by different manufacturers could have Z-points off by 
as much as 12 mm vertically or horizontally. Graco believes that this 
maximum error difference of 12 mm versus 6 mm can have significant 
consequences in lab-to-lab correlation scenarios. Graco requests that a 
single tolerance value be harmonized across all drawings that are used 
to locate the Z-point.
    In response, NHTSA has revised Drawing 3021-1000 to note 3 mm for the Z-point dimension.
Materials Specifications
    Graco requests the most recently published material standards from 
AISI, ASTM, SAE, to be specified on each drawing. It notes that none of 
the materials are specified beyond ``steel'' or ``steel, mild'' other 
than the bold text in drawing 3021-332.
    In response, NHTSA has changed the drawings so that steel is called 
out by ASTM number. Drawing 3031-332 in the NPRM drawing package has 
been removed but NTHSA added specific requirements on the detailed 
assembly drawings with the correct type of steel, aluminum, etc.
Foam Cushion Drawings Density Specifications References
    Graco comments that drawings 3021-233 Seat Pan Cushion and 3021-248 
Seat Back Cushion refer to ``NHTSA Specifications on Preliminary 
Bench'' in the Procurement Specifications and Test Certification 
Specifications blocks (four references total). The commenters request 
that these specifications be updated to indicate that they apply to the 
representative test standard seat assembly specified in the NPRM.
    In response, the agency has removed ``preliminary'' from the 
drawing package for this final rule.
Type 2 Cantilevered Anchorage Beam
    Graco identified a structural issue with the Rear Shelf Mount, 
drawing 3021-850, that affects durability of the proposed standard seat 
assembly and potentially the repeatability and reproducibility of test 
results over time. Graco explains that the Rear Shelf Mount spans the 
width of the proposed standard seat assembly structure and serves to 
tie the Rear Locking Belt Mounting Bar Assembly (3021-333) to the 
structure, as shown in the detail from the standard seat assembly 
schematic drawing in the figure below.

[[Page 84538]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.002

    Graco notes that this item is made from \3/16\-inch-thick extruded 
steel angles with the material specified as ``mild steel.'' It states 
that it observed upward flexing of this part when testing with all the 
child dummies, and it is most pronounced when testing with the HIII-6YO 
and the HIII-10YO dummies. The commenter provides an illustration of 
this in a still image in its comment showing the Rear Locking Belt 
Mounting Bar Assembly (marked before the test with yellow tape as seen 
in the image) bending approximately 15 degrees from its normal 
horizontal orientation during the dynamic test. Graco notes that the 
moment arm created by the belt anchor location acting upon the Rear 
Shelf Mount is causing the Rear Shelf Mount to deform where the two 
parts are joined.
    Graco found that the Rear Shelf Mount was permanently deformed to 
5.7 degrees from the horizontal. It expresses concern that this part of 
the structure is too thin and will eventually crack or tear. The 
commenter suggests making the steel angle thicker (\1/4\''--\3/8\''), 
using a higher strength grade of steel, providing additional local 
reinforcement, and/or providing additional components in order to 
rigidize the connection point for the Rear Locking Belt Mounting Bar 
Assembly.
    To assess the potential impact of the deformation on injury 
criteria, Graco states it secured the Rear Locking Belt Anchor to the 
main structure of the proposed standard seat assembly with a ratchet 
strap to prevent some movement. The commenter assessed the relative 
difference in motion of the Rear Locking Belt Mounting Bar Assembly 
during a dynamic test with and without the ratchet strap. Graco states 
it saw similar excursion values, similar or slightly increased chest 
resultant values, and an overall decrease in HIC36 values. The 
commenter expresses concern that this deformation is likely to 
``creep'' over time, requiring maintenance cycles. It suggests some 
child restraint systems may be more sensitive to the effects of bending 
of the Rear Shelf Mount during testing.
    In response, NHTSA has revised the drawings to update the anchor 
beam to have a \3/8\-inch thickness instead of a \3/16\-inch thickness. 
NHTSA's experience with testing with an anchor beam with a \3/8\-inch 
thickness found no deformation. Strengthening the anchor beam addresses 
Graco's comment.
Shoulder Belt D-Ring and Inboard Type 1 (Lap Belt) Anchor
    Graco states that the shoulder belt D-ring (drawing 3021-123) and 
the inboard Type 1 (lap belt) anchor (drawing 3021-120) are deforming 
during testing. Graco explains that this deformation was observed after 
only two or three tests with the HIII-6YO dummy. The commenter is 
concerned that over time, one of these anchor points could fail during 
a test. The commenter believes this deformation also calls into 
question ``the repeatability and reproducibility of tests using 
undeformed and deformed anchors.'' Graco recommends making the D-ring 
and inboard anchor out of a harder type of steel and/or increase their 
dimensions in the direction of loading to prevent them from bending 
under dynamic forces.
    In response, NHTSA will not change the materials of the D-Ring and 
inboard anchor. These are parts that are meant to be replaced and NHTSA 
will provide a pass/fail gauge in the test procedure that can be used 
to evaluate when it is necessary to change them. Drawings for the pass/
fail gauges will be available in the drawing package. The Compliance 
Test Procedure will include procedures to check the sled with the 
gauges.
Sharp Edge in the Tether Strap Routing Path
    Graco provided an image showing how the child restraint tether 
passes over the top cross bar structure of the proposed standard seat 
assembly. It notes that the sharp edge is caused by the Bench Seat Back 
Plate (part number 3021-265) where the tether webbing makes contact, 
potentially resulting in the webbing tearing. The commenter believes 
that this risk may be greater if the proposed standard seat assembly 
design is used for side impact testing. Graco recommends that the upper 
edge

[[Page 84539]]

of the Bench Seat Back Plate be rounded off with a radius of at least 
half the thickness of the plate stock or lowered slightly from the top 
plane of the proposed standard seat assembly such that it does not 
contact the webbing during testing, as it does not represent real 
vehicle seating compartments.
    In response, NHTSA agrees with the suggestion and has updated the 
drawings (for the frontal and side standard seat assemblies) to round 
the sharp edge on the seat back plate to prevent tether tearing.\107\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \107\ NHTSA revised the side impact drawings prior to the June 
30, 2022 final rule to include these changes in FMVSS No. 213a.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

f. Why NHTSA Has Not Adopted a Floor (Reiteration)

    In the NPRM, NHTSA denied a petition for rulemaking from Volvo to 
add a floor to FMVSS No. 213's sled fixture used in the compliance 
test.\108\ Several commenters to the NPRM asked the agency to 
reconsider the petition denial. NHTSA does not have a mechanism 
recognizing requests to reconsider petition denials other than 
considering them as regular correspondence to the agency. The agency is 
under no legal obligation to respond to the NPRM comments requesting 
NHTSA to reconsider the petition. However, since many were interested 
in adding a floor to FMVSS No. 213's standard seat assembly, the agency 
responds to the comments in the discussion below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \108\ 85 FR at 69402.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    JPMA, Evenflo, and Consumer Reports believe that a standardized 
floor for the test sled would help ensure testing consistency of 
support legs in all test labs. Additionally, SRN, Evenflo, and Volvo 
believe a standardized floor would benefit testing of support legs. 
Evenflo suggests that NHTSA create a separate compliance standard for 
testing CRSs that feature a support leg. Volvo states that a 
standardized floor is part of many European testing provisions for CRSs 
and believes a floor is needed as part of the standard seat assembly to 
enable the use of a support leg. Volvo believes that by including a 
floor in the standard seat assembly ``and thereby enabling the use of a 
support leg, the CRS can be made more comfortable, attractive and safer 
for children.''
Agency Response
    As noted above, NHTSA will not be including a standardized floor as 
part of the test sled in this final rule. In this section, we 
acknowledge the comments expressing interest in a floor and highlight 
the following points reiterating our views in denying the petition for 
rulemaking.
    NHTSA wishes to emphasize at the outset that the Federal motor 
vehicle safety standards set minimum safety standards. In other words, 
FMVSS No. 213 sets a minimum threshold that all CRSs must pass to meet 
the need for safety and does not set an upper limit for performance. 
FMVSS No. 213 does not prohibit manufacturers from designing CRSs to 
have support legs as long as the child restraint system can be 
certified as meeting the standard without use of the support leg. 
Manufacturers currently offer CRSs for sale in the U.S. with support 
legs. The CRSs are more expensive than child restraints without legs, 
but they are available. These CRSs are required by FMVSS No. 213 to 
provide at least the minimum level of safety required by FMVSS No. 213 
when the leg is not used. If a CRS cannot meet the requirements of the 
standard without the support leg, FMVSS No. 213 prevents its sale in 
the U.S.
    This is because FMVSS No. 213 standardizes the means of attaching 
the CRS to the vehicle to increase the likelihood of correct 
installation of the child restraint. Under the standard's approach, a 
caregiver does not need to learn novel ways of installing a child 
restraint each time a new CRS is used, or each time a CRS is used in a 
different vehicle, to ensure their child is protected by the restraint. 
Standardization also ensures that the high level of protection provided 
by FMVSS No. 213 will be provided by each CRS installed in every 
vehicle simply by use of the seat belt or child restraint anchorage 
system lower attachments, with or without a tether. NHTSA does not know 
if caregivers will correctly use a support leg. Misuse and 
nonattachment of tethers is a problem now. Requiring an additional 
mechanism, the caregiver must properly manipulate for the CRS to be 
properly installed only risks increasing the rates of misuse. If a CRS 
is unable to provide at least the minimum level of safety required by 
the standard without the support leg, then it would be detrimental to 
safety to allow a leg if the leg may not be used.
    If the commenters' support for a floor is based on the premise that 
NHTSA would also permit the leg to be used as a means to comply with 
FMVSS, our answer is we would not permit such use, based on the state 
of current knowledge. Given possible misuse of support legs, NHTSA is 
not convinced it would be appropriate to permit support legs to be used 
to meet FMVSS No. 213. Data indicate that misuse of CRSs is high, e.g., 
tethers are not widely used despite how beneficial they are to safety. 
We also do not know enough about unintended consequences to the child 
occupant or other occupants seated nearby resulting from non-use of a 
leg on the CRS.
    NHTSA is concerned that providing a support leg could significantly 
increase the average price of CRSs. NHTSA must balance any benefits 
accruing from use of a support leg with the cost of the CRSs, as well 
as the effect on the ease-of-use of the restraint. CRSs currently on 
the market that include a support leg are generally more expensive than 
CRSs without support legs. Requiring a support leg could make an 
already expensive safety device more expensive and price some 
caregivers out of the new CRS market.
    We also strongly oppose, on principle, having FMVSS No. 213 apply 
to some child restraints and another FMVSS with enhanced requirements 
apply to other child restraints (that are likely at higher price 
points). Such a system could be creating a ``have'' and ``have not'' 
ranking system that would essentially deem some child restraints safer 
than others and some children more protected than others. Such an 
approach would be confusing and unhelpful to consumers and, on its 
face, unfair. The agency has devised minimum safety requirements that 
are applied to all child restraints, so caregivers can be assured all 
child restraints provide at least the same minimum level of protection 
that NHTSA has deemed requisite to meet the need for motor vehicle 
safety.
    For the reasons described above, the agency is not devoting its 
limited research and rulemaking resources on developing a floor for the 
standard seat assembly.

VII. Retaining the Type 1 (Lap Belt) Installation Requirement

a. CRSs for Use in Older Vehicles

    As noted above, there was widespread support for the proposal that 
CRSs must be capable of being anchored to the standard seat assembly by 
way of Type 2 belts and meet FMVSS No. 213 when attached with the 
belts. However, SBS and SRN strongly oppose removing the requirement to 
comply when tested with the Type 1 belt. These commenters believe it is 
premature to remove the Type 1 belts test in FMVSS No. 213 as there are 
still many vehicles in the vehicle fleet with Type 1 belts. The 
commenters add that it is usually families with limited incomes that 
use older vehicles to transport children. SBS states that ``41 percent 
of U.S. children

[[Page 84540]]

live in low-income families. These children are more likely to be 
transported in older vehicles and are known to be at greater risk of 
injury in traffic collisions.'' SBS and SRN urge NHTSA to retain the 
Type 1 belt test, at least for a while longer, to meet the needs of 
persons who may own vehicles that do not have Type 2 belts in rear 
seats.
    SBS and SRN believe that there are differences in performance using 
a Type 1 versus a Type 2 belt, and that testing with a Type 1 belt 
results in more safety benefits than testing with a Type 2, i.e., a 
Type 1 test presents more demanding conditions on the CRS than a test 
with a Type 2 belt. SRN argues that the data NHTSA presented to 
demonstrate that Type 2 provides the same, if not increased, safety was 
insufficient. The commenters believe that a Type 2 belt may mitigate 
the effects from lack of tether use by providing additional restraint 
to the upper part of the child restraint, but that the tether anchor 
point is not present in vehicle installations using only a Type 1 belt. 
SRN argues that this creates a testing scenario that is not 
representative of real-world installations of many children who ride 
untethered in child seats secured with Type 1 belts in older model 
vehicles.
    SBS and SRN are also concerned that CRS manufacturers might 
strongly warn consumers against Type 1 installation with their products 
because FMVSS No. 213 will no longer specify testing of them with Type 
1 seat belts. The commenters state that this would not only reduce the 
availability of CRS to persons needing CRSs designed for attachment by 
Type 1 seat belts, but also compel families with vehicles made before 
MY 1989 to place CRSs in the front seat where there is a Type 2 belt.
    SRN also believes that most CRSs will not be tested with the child 
restraint anchorage system because with the appropriate test dummy, 
they weigh 65 lb or more. (FMVSS No. 213 specifies that child 
restraints must instruct owners not to use the lower anchors of the 
child restraint anchorage system when the combined weight of the CRS 
and the child is over 65 lb, to avoid overloading the lower anchors.) 
Accordingly, a seat belt will be the primary means of attaching these 
child restraints. SRN believes that child restraints should be assessed 
in FMVSS No. 213 with a Type 1 seat belt as Type 1 seat belts will be 
used to attach a child restraint in older model vehicles.
    SRN also expresses concern about limitations that would be placed 
on conventional CRSs used on school buses, where Type 1 belts are more 
common than Type 2 belts, even in many newer buses. NHTSA notes that 
IMMI and the Salem-Keizer Public Schools also comment on this issue, 
but their views were supportive of the switch to certification using 
the Type 2 belt.\109\ IMMI notes that some current pre-K transportation 
programs, including Head Start programs, still choose to use passenger 
vehicle CRSs in their school buses. IMMI states that in the case of 
children under the age of two, passenger vehicle rear-facing infant 
seats must be used as there are no school bus-specific CRS alternatives 
and that many current school buses used for pre-K transportation will 
only have Type 1 belts for the attachment of these CRSs rather than 
Type 2 belts. However, IMMI does not believe that this consideration 
should prevent adoption of the proposal. Salem-Keizer Public Schools 
states that in Oregon, it is prohibited from purchasing a school bus 
with Type 1 belts, only a bus equipped with a Type 2 seat belt assembly 
is allowed. The commenter also states that it is beginning to 
transition to a full fleet of school buses equipped with Type 2 belts. 
In support of removing the Type 1 belt testing, Salem-Keizer Public 
Schools states: ``While [transitioning to a full Type 2 fleet] will 
take time, updating the crash test standards will ensure that CRSs used 
in school buses have been tested using systems available to use in both 
school buses and [multipurpose passenger vehicles].''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \109\ Under FMVSS No. 222, ``School bus passenger seating and 
crash protection,'' school buses with a gross vehicle weight rating 
(GVWR) of over 4,536 kg (10,000 lb) (large school buses) are not 
required to have passenger seat belts. If a manufacturer voluntarily 
installs passenger seat belts, it may be a Type 1 or Type 2 belt, 
although NHTSA recommends Type 2 belts if a decision-maker had to 
choose between the two. School buses with a GVWR up to 4,536 kg 
(10,000 lb) (small school buses) are required to have Type 2 belts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agency Response
    NHTSA appreciates the comments on this issue. After reviewing the 
comments, we agree with SBS and SRN to retain the requirement to 
certify certain CRS when installed solely with a Type 1 belt, for a 
limited time for the reasons provided below. We will retain the 
requirement until September 1, 2029, to allow time for the on-road 
vehicle fleet to change over to where an estimated 90 percent of 
passenger vehicles will have Type 2 belts in rear seating positions. 
Our basis for the date estimate is explained later in this section.
    NHTSA agrees with SRN and SBS's concerns regarding the availability 
of CRSs that can be installed with Type 1 belts to persons with older 
vehicles. We estimate that about 36 percent of the 2022 light duty 
vehicle fleet are of model years (MY) 2000-2007 that do not have Type 2 
belts in all rear seating positions.\110\ NHTSA concurs that 36 percent 
is too high a value to begin allowing CRSs to be designed only for 
vehicles with Type 2 belts in all rear seats. Some people driving MY 
2006-2007 vehicles may not have the economic means to purchase a newer 
vehicle with Type 2 belts in all rear seats. This decision to retain 
the Type 1 test advances equity in vehicle safety by ensuring that 
children are equally protected by child restraints no matter the 
economic status of their caregiver or the age of the vehicle they are 
riding in. This decision accords with the Safety Act and the principles 
of E.O. 13985, ``Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved 
Communities Through the Federal Government.'' \111\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \110\ Vehicle registration data for passenger vehicles (cars and 
light trucks) were obtained from R.L. Polk's National Vehicle 
Population Profile (NVPP), which is a compilation of all passenger 
vehicles that have been registered in compliance with State 
requirements. (R.L. Polk is a foundation of IHS Markit automotive 
solutions.)
    \111\ January 20, 2021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA's intent in the NPRM for testing CRSs with Type 2 belt 
installation and removing the Type 1 belt test was to encourage future 
CRS designs that take advantage of the shoulder belt portion of the 
seat belt to reduce excursions. We also sought to reduce unnecessary 
test burdens. However, we recognize the possibility of CRS 
manufacturers restricting the installation of their CRSs with Type 1 
belts. While Standard 213 would not prohibit CRS manufacturers from 
voluntarily instructing owners they may use the CRS with a Type 1 belt, 
we have seen that typically manufacturers do not recommend any 
installation that is not in FMVSS No. 213, other than Type 2 belt 
installations which are not yet required in FMVSS for non-booster CRSs. 
For example, CRS manufacturers typically prohibit the use of CRSs in a 
non-forward-facing vehicle seating position, even though CRSs are 
highly effective in the field when subjected to crashes in all 
directions (which mimic the accelerations of a non-forward-facing 
seating position). The agency believes that CRS manufacturers prohibit 
this orientation because their CRSs are not tested in that manner in 
the FMVSS No. 213 sled test protocol. NHTSA is retaining the Type 1 
belt provisions to assure the continued wide availability of CRSs to 
caregivers with vehicles with only Type 1 belts in rear seats.

[[Page 84541]]

    Retaining the requirement for CRS to be certified as meeting FMVSS 
No. 213 when anchored by the Type 1 seat belt best assures CRSs 
anchored with Type 1 seat belts will continue to meet FMVSS No. 213. In 
current CRS designs, the lap belt portion of the Type 1 and Type 2 belt 
installation follow the same routing path and the shoulder belt portion 
has minimal interaction, so sled test results with Type 1 belt and Type 
2 belt installation are similar. Even though there were only a few test 
comparisons in the NPRM, we see this design commonality among CRS 
designs and expect similar performance in installations using Type 1 
and Type 2 belts as the shoulder portion of the Type 2 belt has little 
interaction with the CRS during the test and does not, for example, 
hold down the top of the CRS back. However, future designs could change 
and the shoulder portion of the Type 2 belt could be routed in a 
different manner on a particular child restraint. NHTSA is retaining 
the Type 1 belt provisions to ensure that a CRS anchored with a Type 1 
belt will meet the standard's requirements just as it will have to meet 
the standard when anchored with a Type 2 belt.
    SBS suggests that, to reduce compliance costs, the standard could 
provide that if a child seat meets the requirements with a Type 1 belt, 
it will not be tested with a Type 2 belt. NHTSA has decided not to 
adopt that approach. If future child seat designs change and Type 1 and 
Type 2 belts are no longer routed the same way through the child seat, 
subjecting CRSs to testing with both the Type 1 and Type 2 belts 
assures the child restraint will meet the standard when anchored using 
either belt type.
    Lastly, retaining the requirement to certify CRS with the Type 1 
seat belt until 2029 provides time for pupil transportation programs to 
use current child restraints on vehicles that only have Type 1 belts. 
And from now until 2029, we anticipate that manufacturers will be able 
to develop ``school bus child restraint systems,'' permitted by this 
final rule, which are CRSs that are designed for exclusive use on 
school bus seats. As a result of this rule, specially designed CRSs 
will be able to step in when the lap-belt attachable child restraints 
are no longer required to be made. We also believe that, between now 
and September 1, 2029, more school buses will be equipped with Type 2 
belts compared to Type 1 belts. This is because FMVSS No. 208 requires 
Type 2 belts on small school buses rather than the formerly required 
Type 1 belts, and because increasing numbers of schools are ordering 
large school buses with Type 2 belts rather than Type 1 belts when they 
seek to have passenger seat belts on the vehicles.
Basis for the 90 Percent Estimate
    Child restraint systems will be subject to the requirement to meet 
FMVSS No. 213 with a Type 1 belt until September 1, 2029, to allow time 
for the on-road vehicle fleet to change to a fleet with Type 2 belts in 
rear seats.\112\ In 2004, NHTSA issued a final rule requiring all light 
vehicles to be equipped with Type 2 belts in all designated rear 
seating positions by September of 2007.\113\ Data indicate that 36 
percent of the 2022 light duty vehicle fleet are from model years 2000-
2007 \114\ and may not have Type 2 belts in all rear seating positions. 
The same data indicate that by 2029, 90 percent of the light duty 
vehicle fleet will be vehicle model year 2008 and later, meaning that 
90-plus percent of vehicles in the light duty vehicle fleet will be 
equipped with Type 2 belts in all rear seating positions from 2029 
onward.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \112\ As explained in the next section, child harnesses will be 
tested indefinitely with the Type 1 belt.
    \113\ NHTSA issued a final rule on December 8, 2004 requiring 
all vehicles with a GVWR less than 10,000 pounds (light duty 
vehicles) to be equipped with Type 2 belts in all designated rear 
seating positions by September 1, 2007. The requirements were phased 
in. 69 FR 70904.
    \114\ Vehicle registration data for passenger vehicles (cars and 
light trucks) were obtained from R.L. Polk's National Vehicle 
Population Profile (NVPP), which is a compilation of all passenger 
vehicles that have been registered in compliance with State 
requirements. (R.L. Polk is a foundation of IHS Markit automotive 
solutions.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA agrees with SRN and SBS's concerns regarding the availability 
of CRSs that can be installed with Type 1 belts to persons with older 
vehicles. We are mindful that a portion of vehicles in the vehicle 
fleet will only have Type 1 belts in some rear seating positions. We 
also know that this portion of vehicles will decrease every year. With 
the decreasing availability of Type 1 belts in the fleet, the need to 
require CRSs to meet Type 1 belt requirements lessens with time.
    Using the 2022 vehicle fleet data set, we can look at the 
cumulative percentage of vehicles of a specific model year or newer 
(see Table 6). Data shows that 91 percent of all light duty vehicles 
are MY 1999 or newer, 95.3 percent are MY 1994 or newer and 97 percent 
are MY 1989 or newer. Assuming the fleet continues aging in a similar 
manner \115\ we can estimate that 90 percent of the light duty vehicles 
will be MY 2008 or newer in 2029, 95 percent of them in 2034 and 97 
percent of them in 2039 (see Table 7).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \115\ The pandemic slowed down sales due to supply chain issues.

  Table 6--Percentage of Vehicles in the 2022 Vehicle Fleet by Range of
                           Vehicle Model Years
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   All
                   MY Range                      Cars     LTVs     LDVs
                                                 (%)      (%)      (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Percentage of MY Range
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1984-2022....................................     97.1     98.7     98.1
1985-2022....................................     96.9     98.6     97.9
1986-2022....................................     96.7     98.4     97.7
1987-2022....................................     96.4     98.2     97.5
1988-2022....................................     96.2     98.0     97.3
1989-2022....................................     95.9     97.7     97.0
1990-2022....................................     95.6     97.4     96.7
1991-2022....................................     95.4     97.1     96.4
1992-2022....................................     95.1     96.8     96.1
1993-2022....................................     94.7     96.5     95.8
1994-2022....................................     94.3     96.0     95.3
1995-2022....................................     93.9     95.3     94.8
1996-2022....................................     93.3     94.5     94.0
1997-2022....................................     92.6     93.7     93.3
1998-2022....................................     91.7     92.5     92.2
1999-2022....................................     90.5     91.3     91.0
2000-2022....................................     89.1     89.5     89.4
------------------------------------------------------------------------

           Table 7--Projected Years for MY 2008 or Newer Share
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   All
                  Share (%)                      Cars     LTVs     LDVs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Projected Year for MY 2008+ Share
------------------------------------------------------------------------
90...........................................     2029     2029     2029
95...........................................     2036     2033     2034
97...........................................     2044     2037     2039
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We agree that eliminating the Type 1 installation tests when 36 
percent of the vehicle fleet is older than 2008 MY vehicles would be 
premature for the reasons discussed above. But Type 1 installation 
tests become less necessary for safety with the continued reduction of 
the share of older vehicles (older than 2008 MY) having Type 1 belts. 
The Type 1 tests may be preventing CRS manufacturers from designing 
lap-shoulder belt paths that may function as a tether. This pseudo-
tether would reduce a child's head excursions, reducing injury 
severities and lowering the fatality risk for a larger portion of the 
market.
    Accordingly, after balancing the above considerations, NHTSA will 
proceed with eliminating the Type 1 installation provisions but delay 
the effective date until September 1, 2029. This will give enough time 
for 90 percent of the vehicle fleet to be comprised of vehicles MY 2008 
or newer. Thus, CRS manufacturers will continue to produce CRSs capable 
of Type 1 installations to

[[Page 84542]]

families with older vehicles that have Type 1 belts in rear seating 
positions.
    The agency will also sunset the requirement of providing a diagram 
with the child restraint system installed with lap belt (S5.5.2(l)(2)) 
as it will no longer be a requirement, but we note that manufacturers 
can voluntarily provide such diagram after the requirement sunsets.

b. Installing Harnesses

    A ``harness'' is a type of child restraint system. (When we refer 
to a ``harness'' in this section (b), we mean a harness that is not 
exclusively produced for school bus use.) ``Harness'' is defined in 
FMVSS No. 213 as ``a combination pelvic and upper torso child restraint 
system that consists primarily of flexible material, such as straps, 
webbing or similar material, and that does not include a rigid seating 
structure for the child'' (S4). The child wears the harness like a vest 
and typically sits directly on the vehicle seat wearing the harness. A 
harness does not boost the child. A harness is not a booster seat.
    Currently under FMVSS No. 213, a harness is attached to the 
standard seat assembly in a compliance test by way of the Type 1 belt 
and a tether. It makes sense that harnesses are attached with a Type 1 
belt, as the purpose of a harness is to restrain a child's upper body 
in the absence of a shoulder belt,\116\ i.e., when there is only a Type 
1 belt in the vehicle. The November 2, 2020 NPRM proposed replacing the 
Type 1 seat belts on the standard seat assembly with Type 2 seat belts. 
Under the regulatory text of the NPRM, harnesses would have been 
attached to the standard seat assembly by the Type 2 seat belt because 
only Type 2 belts would be on the standard seat assembly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \116\ It is the agency's understanding that in the past, the 
Type 1 belt was routed through a belt path that was sewn on the 
harness behind the child's back, but nowadays it appears many 
harnesses route the belt in front of the child.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As explained above, after considering SRN and SBS's comments, NHTSA 
has decided in this final rule that the Type 2 seat belt on the 
standard seat assembly should not fully replace the Type 1 belt. There 
is a safety need to be able to assess the performance of child 
restraints made for Type 1 belts. NHTSA has made a similar 
determination relative to harnesses. Harnesses are designed for use 
with a Type 1 belt. A harness provides upper body restraint to children 
when only a Type 1 seat belt is present. Harnesses should continue to 
be tested with the Type 1 belt on the standard seat assembly to assess 
their performance when installed with Type 1 seat belt, viz., to assess 
their ability to provide upper body restraint. For such an assessment 
to be true, the influence of the shoulder belt should be excluded from 
the test.
    Thus, not only is testing harnesses with a Type 1 belt reflective 
of their intended use, testing harnesses with a Type 2 belt would be 
troublesome. FMVSS No. 213 does not allow harnesses to be tested with 
the Type 2 belt that is currently on the standard seat assembly because 
it does not make sense to do so. A Type 2 belt is simply a lap/shoulder 
belt, and if a lap/shoulder belt were routed in front of a child, like 
with an adult, the harness is not functioning as a child restraint 
system.\117\ Devices designed to simply route a Type 2 belt are not 
``child restraint systems'' because they do not restrain, seat, or 
position children in a motor vehicle.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \117\ Standard 213 defines a ``child restraint system'' as ``any 
device, except Type 1 or Type 2 seat belts, designed for use in a 
motor vehicle or aircraft to restrain, seat, or position children 
who weigh 36 kilograms (kg) (80 [pounds]) or less.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the above reasons, we have decided it does not make sense to 
change the status quo by testing harnesses with a Type 2 belt. The 
purpose of a harness is to provide upper body restraint in a vehicle 
with only a Type 1 belt, so that is how harnesses should be tested. It 
would not be sensible to assess the devices with a Type 2 belt if the 
Type 2 belt is what is restraining the child occupant. Accordingly, 
this final rule specifies that harnesses will be tested with the Type 1 
belt. The provision does not sunset in 2029.
    NHTSA has been contemplating the role that harnesses should have in 
child passenger safety going forward. There have been so many child 
passenger safety achievements over the years, but harnesses seem to 
have been left behind. Among other things, NHTSA has required: Type 2 
belts in rear seating positions for the betterment of children, a 
dedicated child restraint anchorage system, side curtain air bags that 
can benefit children who sit raised up on the vehicle seat, side impact 
protection requirements for child restraint systems, and labeling 
provisions geared to keep children in the highly protective confines of 
a child restraint system longer. Additionally, the agency is learning 
more about the effectiveness the measured seated height, i.e., 
boosting, may have for a child so they are better able to maintain an 
in-position posture in a crash. Yet, harnesses are excepted from or are 
unable to provide the advantages of these developments to a child 
occupant. NHTSA is interested in exploring what role, if any, harnesses 
should have in the modern era of child passenger safety.

VIII. Communicating With Today's Caregivers

a. The CRS Owner Registration Program

1. Background
    This final rule amends FMVSS No. 213's (S5.8) CRS owner 
registration program and associated labeling requirements relating to 
the program. This final rule removes many of the standardization 
requirements for the information card portion of the registration form 
and provides additional options to reflect modern advances in 
communication technology, allowing manufacturers to better communicate 
with today's caregivers.
    NHTSA created the CRS owner registration program in 1992 to improve 
the number of CRS owners responding to recalls from manufacturers.\118\ 
It is vital that CRS owners are made aware of CRS recalls so they can 
complete the recall process by having their CRS either remedied or 
replaced by the recalling manufacturer. The number of CRS owners who 
respond and complete the recall process with a recalling manufacturer 
contributes to NHTSA's calculation of the recall completion rate, and 
NHTSA is committed to improving that number. The agency believes that 
the adopted amendments discussed below will further that goal by giving 
manufacturers increased flexibility to communicate the importance of 
the CRS owner registration programs with their customers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \118\ Final rule, 57 FR 41428, September 10, 1992. NHTSA 
requires manufacturers to record and maintain records of persons 
registering as owners or purchasers of child restraint systems for a 
period of not less than six years from the date of manufacture of 
the CRS. 49 CFR part 588, ``Child restraint systems recordkeeping 
requirements.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This final rule adopts virtually all the proposed changes to the 
CRS owner registration program described in the NPRM. Notably, this 
final rule removes restrictions on the messaging and design of the 
information portion of the card (the top part of the card above dashed 
line, as shown in Fig 9(a) of current FMVSS No. 213). In response to a 
comment, the final rule also gives CRS manufacturers the flexibility to 
include a QR code on the registration form to increase ease of 
registration for today's caregivers. Second, in response to a comment, 
this final rule requires that a space for a phone number be included on 
the ``mail-in'' portion of the card (the bottom part of the card below 
dashed

[[Page 84543]]

line, as shown in Figure 9(a) of current FMVSS No. 213).
    The purpose of the CRS owner registration program is to increase 
CRS recall completion rates, and that purpose has not changed since the 
program's inception in 1992. In the late 80s and early 90s, NHTSA 
believed that the recall completion rate could be increased by 
disseminating recall information directly to individual owners. Prior 
to the program, consumers were only indirectly notified of a safety 
recall by notice to the general public, such as postings at 
pediatricians' offices. Evidence at the time showed that CRS owners 
were eager to know if their CRS was recalled and were highly motivated 
to remedy their CRS if it had been recalled.\119\ However, before the 
CRS owner registration program, there was only a 10 to 13 percent 
completion rate for CRS recalls. Given this paradox, NHTSA believed the 
recall rate was so low because owners were unaware that their CRS had 
been recalled. NHTSA adopted the CRS owner registration program to 
facilitate direct notification to owners in a recall campaign.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \119\ NPRM, February 19, 1991, 56 FR 6603, 6604.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since 1992, the average recall completion rate has increased from 
percentages in the low teens to 40 percent in recent years. Although 
this increase has moved the completion rate in the right direction, the 
agency seeks to increase the rate, especially considering that the CRS 
recall completion rate is low compared to the recall completion rate 
for vehicles, which was an average of 79 percent between 2006 and 2015. 
NHTSA believes the recall rate can be increased by increasing the CRS 
registration rate, which is currently around 23 percent. That 23 
percent is particularly low considering the mail-in card includes paid 
postage and takes minimal effort to fill out.
    The registration form consists of two parts.\120\ The first part is 
the ``information card,'' which contains language on the importance of 
registering the CRS and instructions for how to register. The second 
part is the ``mail-in card,'' which is to be filled out, and mailed to 
the manufacturer, by the owner. On the mail-in card, manufacturers must 
preprint their return address and information identifying the model 
name or number of the CRS to which the form is attached, so that owners 
do not need to look up and provide that information themselves, as 
looking up the information could serve as an impediment to completing 
the registration process. The mail-in card must have distinct spaces 
for the owner to fill in their name and address and must use tint to 
highlight to the owner that minimal input is required to register. To 
distinguish the registration form from a warranty card that some 
caregivers choose to ignore, the requirements prohibit any other 
information from appearing on the registration form, except for 
identifying information that distinguishes a particular CRS from other 
systems of that model name or number.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \120\ See Figures 9a and 9b of Sec.  571.213 Standard No. 213; 
Child restraint systems.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the 1992 final rule, NHTSA decided to make the registration form 
highly standardized.\121\ This was based off information the agency had 
gathered from a study of consumers' attitudes about the then-proposed 
program. Researchers found that participants--
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \121\ Final rule, supra, 57 FR at 41429, col. 2.

    [I]ndicated that they would be most likely to return a pre-
addressed, postage-prepaid card with an uncluttered graphic design 
that clearly and succinctly communicates the benefits of recall 
registration, differentiates itself from a warranty registration 
card, and requires minimal time and effort on the participant's 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
part.

    NHTSA is encouraged that CRS recall completion rates have increased 
after the final rule, which is a clear indicator that the CRS owner 
registration program was an important step to improving recall remedy 
rates. However, given the advances in communication technologies and 
improved capabilities of manufacturers to communicate with their 
customers, the agency is confident the recall rate can be increased by 
way of the new technologies. NHTSA believes giving manufacturers more 
flexibility in their communication methods with customers will increase 
registration and recall completion rates. Thirty years have passed 
since the registration form requirements were finalized in the 1992 
final rule. In that time, a generation of children has grown up to 
become the new caregivers of today. This new generation grew up with 
and continues to interact with rapidly changing advancements in 
electronic outreach, communication, and technology. NHTSA believes that 
the advantages gained from highly standardizing the mail-in form at the 
outset of the program in 1992 can be surpassed by the gains from giving 
manufacturers increased flexibility to communicate the importance of 
registering a CRS and in the means of registering, and will lead to 
increased registration rates. The agency also understands the 
importance of ensuring registering CRSs remains as straightforward and 
easy as possible, and we considered that important balance in issuing 
this final rule.
2. Comments to the NPRM and NHTSA's Responses
General
    The agency received thirteen comments on the proposed amendments to 
the CRS owner registration program from private individuals, public 
entities, manufacturers, advocacy groups, hospitals, private companies, 
and research institutions. The overwhelming majority supported the 
relaxation of restrictions for the information card portion of the 
registration form. An overwhelming majority also supported the option 
of allowing manufacturers to include a QR code on the information card 
to improve ease of registration for many of today's caregivers.
Information Card
    NHTSA proposed to remove the restrictions on size, font, color, 
layout, and attachment method of the information card portion of the 
CRS registration form. The agency also proposed that the wording on the 
information card would no longer be prescribed, giving CRS 
manufacturers leeway to use their own words to convey the importance of 
registering a CRS and instructions on how to register. The agency also 
proposed to apply these relaxed style and wording requirements to 
labels and printed instructions for proper use referencing the 
registration form.
    As stated above, most commenters expressed strong support for the 
proposed design changes to the information card. However, SRN notes a 
concern that too much variability in the designs of the information 
card could render the registration form unrecognizable. The commenter 
believes that caregivers typically purchase multiple CRSs as their 
child grows so it would be a drawback if registration forms were not 
readily recognized as a registration forms. SRN also comments that 
NHTSA should not assume that all manufacturers will be equally 
thoughtful in their design of the information card, and that it is 
possible some manufacturers will use cluttered or difficult-to-read 
designs. The commenter recommends that NHTSA develop and supply 
standard pictograms that manufacturers can use on the information cards 
to limit the amount of artistic freedom manufacturers have. 
Additionally, SBS suggests that NHTSA encourage an industry-wide 
approach to design of the information cards to ensure consistency

[[Page 84544]]

of messaging and to guard against conflicting messaging being 
established by manufacturers.
Agency Response
    Although there is a non-zero risk some manufacturers may use 
designs or language for the information card that are difficult to read 
or understand, NHTSA believes that this risk is relatively small and is 
outweighed by the advantages that could be gained by increased design 
innovation. It is in a manufacturer's best interest to increase recall 
completion rates so that children are as protected as possible in their 
restraints, so it would not be logical for a manufacturer to 
intentionally design a cluttered registration form that is difficult to 
read. NHTSA believes there may be benefits to different designs in 
information cards, as standardized features may lose their efficacy 
over time. NHTSA adopted registration form requirements in 1992 \122\ 
and updated the requirements to include paid postage in 2005.\123\ In 
2005, NHTSA reported a registration rate of 27 percent. Currently NHTSA 
estimates having a 23 percent registration rate. While there may be 
other factors for the registration rates decline, NHTSA believes the 
rigid design of the registration form could be a factor in the decline 
and a barrier to increase the registration rates. Because manufacturers 
have the resources and expertise to design their products to best 
appeal to their customers, a top-down approach established by NHTSA 
could be counterproductive to the benefits of varying designs and 
creative freedom. For the above reasons, NHTSA declines at this time to 
adopt SRN's recommendation that NHTSA put specific creative limitations 
on the information card.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \122\ 57FR41428.
    \123\ 70FR53569.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Style and Language Requirements for the Information Card
    The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute 
(UMTRI) and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) cautioned 
that removing all style and language requirements could hamper the 
goals of increasing registration numbers. CHOP recommended that all 
materials be written at a 3rd-5th grade reading level to ensure that 
all caregivers, regardless of their level of education, will be able to 
understand the importance of registering and how to do so.
Agency Response
    We understand the benefits of CHOP's recommendation on having the 
registration form text be written at a 3rd-5th grade level to ensure 
all caregivers will be able to understand the material in the 
registration form. However, new requirements on readability and how 
would they be measured is out of scope of this rulemaking. Since there 
are different readability scales and tools to measure readability, the 
agency would have to research which scale and methods are most 
appropriate to evaluate readability consistently so that the 
requirements are enforceable. We appreciate the thoughtfulness of 
CHOP's comment and recommend that CRS manufacturer consider developing 
their registration forms with this issue in mind.
Mandatory Statement To Distinguish the Information Card
    In addition to the style and language aspects of the information 
card, NHTSA also proposed to permit or possibly require a statement to 
be present on the information card that informs the CRS owner that the 
information collected through the registration process is not a 
warranty card and that the information will not be used for marketing 
purposes. Comments were generally supportive of requiring such a 
statement on the information card.
Agency Response
    NHTSA supports inclusion of the statement on the information card 
and is expressly permitting its inclusion. However, NHTSA has decided 
not to require the statement. Part of the goal of this rule is to 
provide increased flexibility to manufacturers to drive more effective 
registration cards, and the agency does not know how a mandated 
statement may limit the design choices manufacturers make in designing 
their information cards. In some instances, the statement may take away 
from the overall goal of a specific design. From the agency's point of 
view, inclusion of the statement may be beneficial in some instances, 
but to be consistent with NHTSA's goal to increase manufacturer 
creativity on information cards, the agency believes inclusion of such 
a statement is the manufacturer's choice, not the agency's. 
Accordingly, NHTSA agency has decided not to mandate the statement at 
this time.
Electronic Registration Form
    In addition to the amendments to the information card, NHTSA has 
also decided to adopt the NPRM's proposals to the electronic 
registration form.
    FMVSS No. 213 currently permits manufacturers to provide a web 
address on the information card to enable owners to register online 
(S5.8.1(d)). The web address must provide a direct link to an 
``electronic registration form'' meeting the requirements of S5.8.2 of 
the standard. Under S5.8.2, the electronic registration form must 
conform to a specified format and include certain content, including: 
(a) A prescribed message to advise the consumer of the importance of 
registering; (b) prescribed instructions on how to register; and (c) 
fields to record the CRS's model name or number and date of 
manufacture, and the owner's name, mailing address, and optionally, the 
owner's email address.
    The NPRM proposed to amend S5.8.1(d) so that the electronic form 
may be reached by using methods other than a web address, such as a QR 
code or tiny URL. NHTSA also proposed to change the requirements of (a) 
and (b) above, from NHTSA-prescribed messages to messages crafted by 
the CRS manufacturer.
    Comments regarding these two proposals were overwhelmingly positive 
and the agency has decided to adopt the proposals for the reasons 
stated in the NPRM. However, Graco commented that scannable 
registration aids should only use open-source or non-proprietary 
methods and not require consumers to install any special software onto 
their cell phone. Additionally, Graco recommended that where a 
scannable graphic is used, a full or reduced sized URL should be 
printed on the information card to allow direct access to the 
registration website. In response, NHTSA believes that prohibiting the 
installation of specific software--such as a QR code reader--would 
defeat the purpose of exploring different electronic means of 
registration, as some CRS purchasers may have cell phones without QR 
code reader software installed. Accordingly, the agency has decided 
against Graco's recommendation to prohibit the prompt to install 
specific software when scanning a QR code. Regarding Graco's second 
comment, NHTSA agrees that requiring a printed URL on the information 
card allowing direct access to the registration website would ensure 
the consumer could reach the registration page if they do not have the 
technology or ability to scan the QR code. Therefore, NHTSA is adopting 
this recommendation as part of the final rule.
Mail-In Card
    The NPRM sought comment on whether other elements should be

[[Page 84545]]

added to or eliminated from the currently required mail-in card, and if 
leeway should be given on how the mail-in card is formatted.\124\ NHTSA 
received only one comment regarding the mail-in card. Graco commented 
that it would be beneficial to include a space on the mail-in form for 
a purchaser to input their telephone number. NHTSA agrees that 
receiving telephone numbers from CRS purchasers will give manufacturers 
increased flexibility to communicate with owners about potential 
recalls. Accordingly, NHTSA is adopting the requirement that a space 
for a telephone number (provided at the consumer's option) be included 
on the mail-in card as well as on all electronic registration forms as 
part of the final rule. FMVSS No. 213 Figure 9a has been updated 
accordingly to reflect this amendment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \124\ 85 FR at 69426, col. 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detachable Mail-In Card
    The agency requested comment on whether a two-part registration 
form was warranted, and, proposed that manufacturers can decide how the 
information card is attached to the mail-in card.\125\ The agency also 
stated in the NPRM that the mail-in card portion should be easily 
detachable form the mail-in card portion without the use of scissors 
and the like. NHTSA did not receive any comments on this aspect. This 
final rule provides the proposed flexibility on how the information 
card is attached, while specifying that the information card should be 
easily detachable.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \125\ 85 FR at 69425, col. 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Information on Labels and Printed Instructions (Owner's Manuals)
    The NPRM proposed that provisions in FMVSS No. 213 requiring 
information on registering CRSs on child restraint labels and in 
owner's manuals also be amended to reflect the adopted changes.\126\ 
NHTSA did not receive any comments on this proposal. The agency has 
adopted this proposal for the reasons provided in the NPRM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \126\ 85 FR at 69426.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Other Issues
    SBS recommended that NHTSA create a focused campaign to emphasize 
the importance of caregivers registering their CRS. SBS indicated that 
combining registration with a perk like an extended warranty could help 
increase registration rates. This final rule is focused on amending the 
style requirements for the information and mail-in card, so a focused 
media campaign would be outside the scope of this rulemaking. That 
being said, NHTSA will continue to work toward raising awareness 
surrounding the importance of registering CRSs. NHTSA also encourages 
any effort by industry to incentivize registration.
    Salem-Keizer Public Schools suggested adding a requirement that 
manufacturers send an electronic receipt for electronic CRS 
registrations, and that the receipt should indicate the date when the 
CRS owner will no longer be notified of a potential recall. NHTSA has 
decided not to include this requirement in the final rule. CRS 
manufacturers may consider sending this information voluntarily. If a 
manufacturer sends an electronic registration receipt shortly after a 
consumer registers, NHTSA considers such a receipt as part of the 
registration process. Thus, such a communication would be consistent 
with our expectation that the consumer information gathered by the 
caregiver's registration will only be used for recall purposes. NHTSA 
views a registration receipt as acceptable as long as it is sent 
shortly after the registration and the content of the receipt only 
conveys information related to the registration.
4. Summary
    NHTSA believes that the amendments to FMVSS No. 213 discussed above 
will increase registration rates and by extension, recall completion 
rates. The amendments will enhance the visibility of the registration 
program by allowing manufacturers additional creativity in their 
messaging, while at the same time increasing ease of registering by 
taking advantage of modern technology. Improving messaging and ease of 
registration will increase CRS recall completion rates and lead to 
improved safety outcomes for child passengers.

b. Information on Correctly Using CRSs

1. Background
    This final rule amends multiple labeling and owner use information 
requirements under FMVSS No. 213. Specifically, the rule addresses 
multiple aspects of FMVSS No. 213 S5.5 and S5.6. The safety need 
addressed by this final rule is to increase the number of children 
properly secured in child restraint systems, which includes correctly 
using the child restraint that is appropriate for the child's size. 
This need exists for both add-on (portable) child restraints and built-
in child restraints. (These terms are defined in FMVSS No. 213, S4.) 
Thus, the rule amends the labeling and owner use information 
requirements for add-on and built-in child restraints.
    The NPRM proposed three amendments to the labeling requirements 
outlined in S5.5 and S5.6: (1) Requiring that manufacturers that sell 
CRSs that can be used in multiple ``modes'' (forward or rearward) 
provide information about the weight and height of children for each 
mode of use; (2) requiring that CRSs may only be recommended for 
forward-facing use by children weighing a minimum of 12 kg (26.5 lb); 
(3) requiring that the recommended use of a booster seat be increased 
from the minimum of 13.6 kg (30 lb) to 18.2 kg (40 lb). In addition to 
these three amendments, the NPRM also proposed easing labeling 
restrictions to allow manufacturers increased flexibility in conveying 
use information to consumers.
    There were a total of 18 comments regarding these sections of the 
NPRM. There was general support for the proposed labeling changes. Most 
of the comments regarding the three proposals were supportive, but some 
comments did recommend different amendments for various reasons. As 
discussed in detail below, NHTSA will be adopting the three proposals.
    NHTSA will also be adopting the NPRM's proposed changes that ease 
labeling requirements. JPMA commented that giving manufacturers 
flexibility to use their own language and diagrams on labels could 
better facilitate the production of certain CRS models that are 
compliant with regulations in multiple countries, including Canada. 
JPMA also noted that decreasing the need for separate labeling could 
help reduce overall production costs and aid in keeping CRSs 
affordable. Comments to the NPRM's proposal to delete paragraph 
S5.5.2(k)(2) from FMVSS No. 213 were also generally supportive. Graco 
indicated that the requirement has created confusion for caregivers as 
to the actual maximum permitted rear-facing weight limit for their 
child restraint, and that the information consumers need to make the 
right usage decisions based on their child's weight and height will be 
better provided on the label(s) containing the information specified in 
paragraph S5.5.2(f). NHTSA agrees and will be deleting paragraph 
S5.5.2(k)(2) in this final rule.
2. Labeling by Mode Use
    NHTSA and the entire child passenger safety community strongly 
recommend that children up to the age of 1 ride rear-facing at least up 
to the age of 1. NHTSA further recommends that children 1 to 3 years of 
age ride rear-facing for as long as possible, until they reach the 
manufacturer-recommended upper height or weight limit for riding

[[Page 84546]]

rear-facing in the CRS. Finally, NHTSA recommends that children 4 to 7 
years of age ride forward-facing in CRSs with internal harnesses so 
long as they are within the height and weight limits of their 
particular CRS, as established by the CRS's manufacturer.
    Currently, FMVSS No. 213 S5.5.2(f) requires a statement, for the 
overall maximum and minimum height and weight ranges of the children 
for whom the CRS is recommended, which are not broken down by modes of 
use. This can result in confusion for caretakers, as the information 
only tells the caretaker whether that CRS is appropriate for their 
child, but not whether it is appropriate for the child to face forward 
or rearward in a convertible CRS. For example, consider a convertible 
CRS that states it is fit for use by children weighing 5 to 65 lb (2.3 
to 29.5 kg) and with heights up to 48 inches (121.9 cm). Under the 
current standard, this would comply with the requirements under FMVSS 
No. 213 S5.5.2(f). In this scenario, a caretaker has no way of knowing 
what the height and weight limits are for forward- and rear-facing use. 
NHTSA proposed to amend the requirements such that manufacturers that 
sell CRSs that can be used in multiple ``modes'' (forward and rearward 
facing) would have to provide information about the weight and height 
of children for each mode of use.
Comments and NHTSA's Response
    The comments were overwhelmingly supportive regarding the NPRM 
proposal to require CRS manufacturers to provide use information that 
describes the height and weight recommendations for each mode of use in 
which the CRS can be used. Accordingly, NHTSA is adopting this 
requirement for the reasons explained in the NPRM.
    Graco suggested that all proposed changes affecting labels become 
mandatory concurrently. Additionally, Graco suggested that 
manufacturers be provided the option to relocate the information in 
S5.5.2(f) upon issuance of the final rule or a short time thereafter. 
NHTSA is establishing a 1-year compliance date for the labeling 
requirements as well as allowing early compliance. This gives 
flexibility to the manufacturers on when they want to introduce those 
changes. However, if Graco is asking whether it may meet only amended 
S5.5.2(f) early and not the other amendments to FMVSS No. 213, NHTSA's 
answer is no. If a manufacturer chooses to implement early an amendment 
that has a compliance date of one year, it must implement all the 
amendments that have a one-year compliance date. This issue is further 
discussed in the Lead Time and Compliance Dates section of this 
preamble.
3. Increasing the Forward-Facing Weight Recommendation
    As discussed in the section above, NHTSA and the entire child 
passenger safety community agree that children up to the age of 1 
should be kept riding rear-facing at least up to the age of 1. However, 
under the current standard, over half the children under 1 year of age 
do not fall under the recommendation. The current standard--FMVSS No. 
213 S5.5.2(k)(2)--sets the minimum weight recommendation for a child in 
a forward-facing CRS at 9 kg (20 lb). A 50th percentile 1-year-old 
weighs 9.9 kg (22 lb), which makes the 9 kg (20 lb) threshold far too 
low.
    CRSs used rear-facing support the infant or toddler's posterior 
torso, neck, head, and pelvis, and help to distribute crash forces over 
the strongest parts of the infant or toddler's body. Developmental 
considerations, including incomplete vertebral ossification, more 
horizontally oriented spinal facet joints, and excessive ligamentous 
laxity put young children at risk for head and spinal injury. CRSs used 
rear-facing address this risk by supporting the child's head, 
preventing the relatively large head from moving independently of the 
proportionately smaller neck.
    Although NHTSA recommends that children 1 to 3 years old ride rear-
facing in the appropriate CRSs for as long as possible to address the 
above risks, many caregivers are not following this recommendation and 
instead appear to be following labeling instructions that specify a 
turnaround weight of 9 kg (20 lb). While the instructions comply with 
FMVSS No. 213, they have led to less-than-optimal positioning of 
infants and toddlers in vehicles. NCRUSS data indicate that, among 
children weighing less than 9 kg (20 lb), 93 percent were restrained in 
a CRS rear-facing, yet among children weighing 9 to 13.1 kg (20 to 29 
lb), only 22 percent were restrained rear-facing in a CRS. The agency 
proposed to require that CRSs may only be recommended for use in the 
forward-facing direction by children weighing a minimum of 12 kg (26.5 
lb), which corresponds to the weight of a 95th percentile 1-year-old, a 
75th percentile 18-month-old and about a 50th percentile 2-year-old.
Comments and NHTSA's Response
    Comments were generally supportive of the increase in turnaround 
weight from 9 kg (20 lb) to 12 kg (26.5 lb). All comments on this issue 
supported an increase, but some comments recommended a different 
weight. For the reasons discussed below, NHTSA has decided to adopt the 
12 kg (26.5 lb) increase in this final rule.
    The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), UMTRI, and Safe Ride News 
(SRN) recommend an increase to 13.6 kg (30 lb). AAP states that, ``Most 
rear-facing-only and convertible seats currently on the market can 
accommodate a 30-lb child rear-facing,'' and that increasing the 
recommendation to 30 lb would help demonstrate to caretakers the 
benefits of keeping their child rear-facing as long as possible. UMTRI 
argues that a 30 lb recommendation would correspond to a 75th 
percentile 2-year-old, encompassing more of that age group than the 
proposed 26.5 lb recommendation. SRN notes that a 30 lb recommendation 
would be an easier weight milestone for caretakers to track and that it 
would be preferable to well exceed the weight of a 95th percentile one-
year-old.
    While NHTSA understands the arguments in favor of this 
recommendation, increasing the turnaround weight to 13.6 kg (30 lb) 
would be substantially beyond the minimum recommendation for all 1-
year-old children riding rear-facing. We believe it would be best to 
thoroughly vet possible unintended consequences of a 13.6 kg (30 lb) 
limit for forward-facing CRSs prior to making such a change. One 
concern relates to how a change to 13.6 kg (30 lb) might curtail the 
ability of low-weight older children (e.g., 4- and 5-year-old children 
who are 1st to 5th percentile in weight) to ride in forward-facing CRSs 
when the children outgrow a CRSs used rear-facing because of their 
height. A 13.6 kg (30 lb) turnaround weight may limit the availability 
of any kind of child restraint system for these children as the 
children would be too tall for CRSs used rear-facing but under the 13.6 
kg (30 lb) turnaround height. If CRSs were unavailable, a caregiver 
might place the child in the vehicle seat belt alone, significantly 
raising the safety risk to the child in a crash. NHTSA believes it 
would be prudent to thoroughly investigate unintended consequences, 
such as the one described above, that may result from raising the 
turnaround weight to 13.6 kg (30 lb).
    Britax, JPMA, SRN, Graco, and Consumer Reports comment that, 
instead of a number with a decimal (26.5 lb), it would be beneficial to 
use a whole number, as caregivers likely don't track their child's 
weight down to

[[Page 84547]]

the half-pound. Graco commented that the number should be a multiple of 
5 suggesting a 25 lb weight should be adopted. NHTSA disagrees with 
establishing a whole number in the standard in this case. Lowering the 
figure to 11.7 kg (26 lb) would decrease the population NHTSA is trying 
to target (95th percentile 1-year-old children). On the other hand, 
increasing the figure to 12.2 kg (27 lb) would slightly increase the 
population NHTSA is trying to target, but would still not be a multiple 
of 5 as Graco suggested. The 12 kg (26.5 lb) weight transition is a 
minimum number and manufacturers can choose a round number greater than 
26.5 that best accommodates their CRS design, if they wish to do so.
    Graco, SRN, and Volvo recommend using age recommendations as 
opposed to weight recommendations. NHTSA disagrees that using age as a 
criterion is preferable to using weight and height, as CRSs are 
designed and recommended by the manufacturer using weight and height. 
NHTSA is using weight in lieu of age by establishing minimum weight 
limits that correspond to the 95th percentile 1-year old child. This 
ensures that children up to 1 year of age are in CRS that are facing 
rearwards. The updated minimum child weight recommendation for CRSs 
that are used in a forward-facing mode aligns the standard to NHTSA's 
car seat recommendations, which are age based, but also refer to the 
weight and height recommendations of the CRS.
    Also, weight and height characteristics are the most relevant 
parameters affecting crash force mitigation, rather than a child's age. 
The standard selects the different child dummies used to evaluate CRSs 
based on the CRS's weight and height recommendations to ensure the CRS 
is engineered to safely attenuate and manage crash forces when used by 
a child who is within the CRS's child weight or height recommendations.
    Some commenters support an age recommendation to increase the 
likelihood that a child would be mature enough to stay properly seated 
in a CRS (particularly a booster seat). FMVSS No. 213 permits CRS 
manufacturers to include an age recommendation, as long as that 
recommendation does not conflict with FMVSS No. 213's requirements. 
S5.5 states, in pertinent part: ``Any labels or written instructions 
provided in addition to those required by this section shall not 
obscure or confuse the meaning of the required information or be 
otherwise misleading to the consumer.'' \127\ Accordingly, NHTSA will 
not be including an age recommendation as part of the final rule. CRS 
manufacturers may choose to include an age recommendation for their 
CRSs, including booster seats, provided the age recommendation comports 
with S5.5 and all other applicable requirements of FMVSS No. 213.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \127\ To illustrate, the age recommendation cannot contradict 
the requirement that booster seats must only be recommended for 
children weighing more than 40 lb. Thus, by way of example, 
manufacturers are not permitted to recommend a booster for use by 2- 
or 3-year-olds.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    SBS states that labeling and public messaging on the increase of 
the minimum forward-facing CRS weight limit should be carefully crafted 
to avoid conflicting with either best practice recommendations or State 
laws. (The commenter states: ``26.5 lbs. is rarely the correct weight 
for children to ride forward facing by these metrics.'') The commenter 
appears concerned about the interplay of an FMVSS No. 213 turnaround 
weight of 26.5 lb with best practice recommendations, and State law 
requirements, that children ought to ride rear-facing until, e.g., a 
particular age. In response, the increase to 12 kg (26.5 lb.) 
establishes a minimum turnaround weight; it does not require 
manufacturers to specify that the child must ride forward-facing at 12 
kg (26.5 lb). It re-sets the minimum for the turnaround weight by 
prohibiting manufacturers from instructing that a child weighing less 
than 12 kg (26.5 lb) may ride forward-facing. The new turnaround weight 
(increased from the current 20 lb turnaround weight) is more consistent 
with current recommendations on when to transition a child to forward-
facing, meaning this amendment to the standard will bring it more in 
line with best practice recommendations and related State laws.
4. Increasing the Belt-Positioning Seat Weight Recommendation
    NHTSA believes that FMVSS No. 213 currently permits manufacturers 
to recommend moving children from a CRS with an internal harness to a 
belt-positioning seat (``booster seat'') too soon. Although NHTSA 
recommends that children riding forward-facing should remain in a CRS 
with an internal harness for as long as possible before transitioning 
to a booster seat, FMVSS No. 213 S5.5.2(f) currently permits booster 
seats to be recommended for children weighing 13.6 kg (30 lb). Thirty 
pounds corresponds to the weight of a 50th percentile 3-year-old, and 
the weight of a 95th percentile 18-month-old. The 2020 NPRM proposed 
increasing the recommended booster seat weight to 18.2 kg (40 lb) \128\ 
which is greater than the weight of a 97th percentile 3-year-old (17.7 
kg (39.3 lb)) and approximately the weight of an 85th percentile 4-
year-old. This change in minimum child weight recommended for booster 
seat use to 18.2 kg (40 lb) would result in more 3- and 4-year-old 
children being transported in forward-facing CRSs with an internal 
harness. In the NPRM, NHTSA cited a 2010 study (``2010 study'') based 
off exclusively NASS-CDS data to explain why the agency proposed to 
increase the booster seat weight recommendation to 18.2 kg (40 
lb).\129\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \128\ As discussed previously, the standard uses weight in lieu 
of age.
    \129\ Sivinski, R. ``Booster Seat Effectiveness Estimates Based 
on CDS and State Data''. July 2010. DOT HS 811 338.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments Received
    There were no comments that opposed changing the minimum weight 
recommendation for belt-positioning seats from 13.6 kg (30 lb) to 18.2 
kg (40 lb). Commenters agreed that adopting this amendment would help 
prevent early transition to boosters, reduce injuries and fatalities of 
3- and 4-year-olds, and harmonize the FMVSS with a counterpart Canadian 
CRS standard. However, several commenters (Dorel, the Insurance 
Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), JPMA, a private individual) state 
that NHTSA should not use NHTSA's 2010 study (``the 2010 study'') as a 
justification for the amendment.
Agency Response
    NHTSA's 2010 study recognized that there were limitations to the 
conclusions that could concretely be drawn from the study because of 
how sparse the child occupant data were in the sample. The 2010 FARS 
data files did not distinguish belt-positioning seats from CRSs with 
internal harnesses. Because of this, the 2010 study could not use the 
FARS census data to compare the performance of belt-positioning seats 
to CRS with harnesses. The 2010 study instead used unweighted NASS/CDS 
sample data, despite the sparse nature of the child occupant data in 
NASS/CDS, and supplemental state data, because those were the data 
available to the agency at the time. Because of the sparse nature of 
the data, the unweighted data with supplemental state data had to be 
weighted for the analysis.
    NHTSA recognized the limits of the 2010 study from the very 
beginning, and in December 2020 NHTSA published a

[[Page 84548]]

new study (``the 2020 study'') examining the effectiveness of different 
types of CRSs in mitigating both nonfatal injuries and fatalities to 1- 
to 8-year-old children and compared them to children restrained only by 
seat belts.\130\ The 2020 study was published after the 2020 NPRM and 
therefore the 2020 study was not available for discussion in the NPRM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \130\ Pai, J.-E. ``Evaluation of child restraint system 
effectiveness,'' December 2020. DOT HS 813 047. Docket No. NHTSA-
2020-0093-0054.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The 2020 study addressed the shortcomings of the 2010 study. In the 
2020 study, NHTSA examined the effectiveness of different types of CRSs 
(CRSs with internal harnesses, and belt-positioning seats) in 
mitigating both nonfatal injuries and fatalities to 1- to 8-year-old 
children compared to children restrained only by seat belts. For this 
analysis, the agency found that FARS data for 2009 and 2016 
distinguished CRSs with harnesses from booster seats. These data were 
not available at the time the 2010 study was published. The agency 
conducted the analysis in the 2020 report using NASS-CDS data for the 
years 1998 to 2015 for evaluating effectiveness of CRSs with internal 
harnesses and belt-positioning seats in mitigating moderate-to-critical 
injuries and serious-to-critical injuries. The FARS data for the years 
2009 to 2016 were used to evaluate the effectiveness of CRSs with 
internal harnesses and belt-positioning seats in mitigating fatalities.
    The presence of the FARS data alleviates most, if not all, of the 
concerns raised by commenters who pointed out the weaknesses of the 
2010 study. The NASS-CDS data analysis in the 2020 study was conducted 
using the maximum abbreviated injury (MAIS) scale, which is 
significantly more robust than the KABCO injury scale used in the 2010 
study. The child age groups considered in the 2020 analyses were 1 to 
3-years-old, 3 to 5-years-old, 4 to 8-years-old and 7 to 8-years-old. 
Logistic regression analysis of the weighted sample data was conducted. 
The analysis considered various domain variables, including the type of 
crash, driver characteristics, child occupant seating position, and 
restraint type used.
    The FARS data analysis in the 2020 study considered vehicles of 
model years 1999 to 2017, with drivers restrained by seat belts and air 
bags. The 2020 study used the same child age groups as in the NASS-CDS 
analysis. The effectiveness of CRSs with internal harnesses and belt-
positioning seats in mitigating fatalities was evaluated using double 
paired comparison analysis as well as logistic regression. The analysis 
of the FARS datafiles in the 2020 study found similar results to the 
2010 study from a double paired comparison analysis as well as the 
logistic regression. The analysis considered driver restraint status 
and crash type to mitigate confounding effects on the results.
    Dorel expressed concern that NHTSA asserted in the NPRM that 
children who weigh more than 18.2 kg (40 lb) are ``better protected'' 
in a CRS with harness than in a belt-positioning seat. The agency 
believes Dorel misunderstood the statement in the NPRM that, ``NHTSA 
believes that if belt-positioning seats were only recommended for 
children weighing a minimum of 18.2 kg (40 lb), more 3- to 4-year-olds 
will be transported in CRSs with internal harness, where they are 
better protected at that young age, than in booster seats,'' \131\ and 
offers the following detailed explanation for clarity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \131\ 85 FR at 69390.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The 2010 study and the 2020 study used child age to evaluate the 
effectiveness of CRSs with internal harnesses and belt-positioning 
seats instead of physical characteristics such as weight and height of 
the child. This is because weight and height information are not 
available in many cases, which would result in a high percentage of 
missing values. The 2020 study considered age groups to permit 
sufficient observations in each of the categories under evaluation. For 
example, in the 3- to 5-year-old age group, among children in CRSs with 
internal harnesses, 46 percent were 3-year-olds while only 19 percent 
were 5-year-olds. Similarly, for this age group, among children in 
belt-positioning seats, 19 percent were 3-year-olds while 47 percent 
were 5-year-olds.
    Since the weight and height of children vary considerably, there is 
no one-to-one correspondence between the child age and height and 
weight of the child. However, as noted in the NPRM, nearly all 3-year-
old and about 87 percent of 4-year-old children weigh less or equal to 
18.2 kg (40 lb). Additionally, about 25 percent of 5-year-old children 
weigh less than or equal to 18.2 kg (40 lb). Because of the range in 
child height and weight for a specific age, NHTSA requires 
specification of the child weight and height in labels for recommended 
use of CRSs.
    The 2020 study found that for 1- to 3-year-old children, CRSs with 
internal harnesses were 47.3 percent more effective in mitigating 
fatalities than belt-positioning seats, and nearly all 1- to 3-year-old 
children weigh less than 18.2 kg (40 lb). NHTSA proposed an 18.2 kg (40 
lb) minimum limit for belt-positioning seat use. Since about 87 percent 
of 4-year-old children and 25 percent of 5-year-old children also weigh 
less than 18.2 kg (40 lb), these children would also be recommended to 
be restrained in CRSs with internal harnesses. The 2020 study found 
that for 3- to 5-year-old children, CRSs with internal harnesses were 
43.1 percent more effective in mitigating fatalities than belt-
positioning seats. From these data, NHTSA concludes children in this 
age group who weigh less than 18.2 kg (40 lb) would also benefit from 
the increase in the minimum child weight for recommending belt-
positioning seat use from 13.6 to 18.2 kg (30 to 40 lb). The effect 
would be that all 3-year-old children, 87 percent of 4-year-old 
children, and about 25 percent of 5-year-old children would be 
recommended to be restrained in CRSs with internal harnesses. This 
could result in more 3- and 4-year-old children in CRSs with internal 
harnesses than in belt-positioning seats, and thereby reduced child 
occupant crash fatalities. As stated above, NHTSA will be adopting the 
18.2 kg (40 lb) proposal from the NPRM as part of the final rule, and 
the agency believes that the 2020 study is a sufficient justification 
for doing so as it alleviates many of the concerns with the 2010 study.
5. Suggested Additional Booster Seat Labeling
    AAP suggests it would be beneficial to have an additional label 
indicating that a child must be developmentally mature enough to sit 
properly in a booster seat. NHTSA disagrees that adding this labeling 
requirement would be appropriate, as the agency is concerned about the 
efficacy of such a label. Readiness for a booster is a subjective 
determination that could change depending on a caregiver's judgment of 
and experience with the child. An agency-worded instruction on how to 
analyze a child's behavioral characteristics may not be productive. 
Accordingly, NHTSA will not be including a behavioral labeling 
requirement as part of the final rule. We note, however, that FMVSS No. 
213 permits CRS manufacturers to include this kind of information on 
the booster label or in the written instructions provided with the 
restraint, as long as the information does not ``obscure or confuse the 
meaning of the required information'' or is ``otherwise

[[Page 84549]]

misleading to the consumer'' (S5.5 in FMVSS No. 213).
    Dorel, CHOP, and SRN comment that public messaging for booster seat 
use should be done carefully so that caregivers do not misinterpret the 
reason behind amending the standard. These commenters were generally 
concerned with caregivers thinking that current CRSs on the market 
targeted at children between 30 to 40 pounds are unsafe, and instead of 
utilizing those CRSs, they will seat their child without a CRS or 
booster seat. NHTSA agrees that public messaging is important, and all 
labeling changes should be communicated to the consumer in the clearest 
manner possible. We note that, because the labeling change will bring 
the standard more closely in-line with NHTSA's booster seat 
recommendations, this change will likely make the messaging from NHTSA 
on booster seats clearer.
    SRN and Volvo suggest that a minimum age be included as a 
requirement for transitioning to booster seats. NHTSA does not agree 
that including an age requirement would be appropriate or beneficial. 
The agency believes particularly strongly about this in the context of 
booster seats since children of the same age can vary greatly in size. 
Not all forward-facing CRSs in the market can fit all children less 
than 5 years old. If a 5-year-old or younger child outgrows their 
forward-facing CRS due to weight or height but could not be put into a 
booster seat because of age restrictions on a label, a caregiver would 
have to acquire another harnessed-CRS or may decide to transport the 
child without either a CRS with internal harness or booster seat. 
Purchasing another CRS with internal harness is an expense that many 
consumers may not be willing to make and transporting the child in a 
seat belt alone presents serious safety risks. Accordingly, after 
considering these potential consequences, the agency has decided 
against including a minimum age requirement for transitioning to a 
belt-positioning seat.
    Volvo comments that children should use booster seats as soon as 
they are big enough and mature enough to use them so that children can 
take advantage of a vehicle's advanced seat belt functions. NHTSA 
disagrees with Volvo, as the FARS data (2009-2016) discussed above 
indicate that for all crashes, the risk ratio of a fatality for 3- to 
5-year-old children restrained in a forward-facing CRS with a harness 
is 45.6 percent less than the fatality risk for 3- to 5-year-old 
children restrained with a booster seat. Volvo did not present any data 
supporting its claims, whereas these data indicate that the children 
that were restrained in forward-facing CRSs with an internal harness 
were better protected than children restrained in a booster seat with a 
vehicle seat belt.
6. Other Recommendations About Labels
    SRN commented that NHTSA should encourage an industry-wide approach 
to redesign labels to ensure consistency of public messaging and to 
guard against conflicting usage recommendations. NHTSA believes 
collaboration efforts by industry to optimize CRS labeling is a worthy 
pursuit. NHTSA is providing flexibility with this final rule, however, 
and does not believe it would be appropriate to mandate a universal 
approach to label design as that would essentially replicate the status 
quo. The agency does not wish to negate any of the benefits that could 
be gained by giving industry the leeway to design their labels using 
the words and diagrams they feel is most appropriate for their 
consumers.
    SRN and SBS recommend that NHTSA require a permanent, visible 
indicator on all CRSs to communicate maximum child height for riding in 
the CRS. SRN argues that this option is superior to a maximum rear-
facing height and weight recommendation and could be provided at little 
cost to manufacturers. SBS recommends that this visual indicator be 
mandatory and be located 25 mm (1 inch) below the top of the CRS shell. 
Although NHTSA agrees that a visual landmark to help the consumer 
recognize when the child has reached the recommended height may have 
benefits, the agency has decided not to adopt this recommendation as 
part of the final rule. For one thing, requiring a 25 mm (1 inch) mark 
is beyond the scope of this rulemaking. Second, NHTSA is unable to 
agree that mandating a 25 mm (1 inch) indicator below the top of the 
CRS shell is the best way forward. We believe CRS manufacturers may 
want to estimate this visual landmark in a different way, and they are 
currently free to do so. Further, NHTSA does not currently know if the 
25 mm (1 inch) below the top of the CRS shell is an appropriate 
distance for current CRS designs and in any future designs. NHTSA has 
not determined if the 25 mm (1 inch) distance is the most effective 
distance from the head to the top of the CRS shell to mitigate severe 
injuries or fatalities.
7. Summary
    Similar to the agency's approach to the CRS registration form, 
NHTSA is allowing manufacturers more creative freedom to communicate 
with their customers on labels, as manufacturers best know their 
customers and have the resources and expertise to maximize 
communication with them. CRS misuse and installation mistakes remain a 
significant problem. The agency reviewed all NASS-CDS and Crash Injury 
Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) data files for the years 2003 
to 2013 for instances in which children 12-YO and younger in CRSs in 
rear seats of light passenger vehicles sustained AIS 3+ injuries in 
frontal crashes without rollover. The most frequent cause of AIS 3+ 
injury to children, at 39 percent, was gross CRS misuse. This final 
rule will provide manufacturers the opportunity to develop and 
implement targeted messaging on correct CRS use that could reduce the 
extent of CRS misuse. NHTSA believes the market provides a significant 
incentive to designing effective labeling and diagram designs, and an 
effective deterrent from designing ineffective labeling and diagram 
designs. Nonetheless, NHTSA will continue to monitor CRS labels and 
instructions to see how the information changes over time and whether 
agency action is necessary.

IX. Streamlining NHTSA's Use of Dummies in Compliance Tests To Reflect 
CRS Use Today

a. Introduction

    All child restraint systems must meet FMVSS No. 213's performance 
requirements when dynamically tested with dummies that represent 
children of various ages. The current dummies used in compliance 
testing of add-on and built-in child restraints are the newborn infant, 
the CRABI-12MO, the HIII-3YO, the HIII-6YO, the H2-6YO, the weighted 
HIII-6YO, and the HIII-10YO child dummy.\132\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \132\ NHTSA also recently adopted a three-year-old child side 
impact test dummy (Q3s) for use in side impact tests of add-on CRSs. 
Final rule adopting FMVSS No. 213a; 87 FR 39234, June 30, 2022, 
supra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA selects the test dummy used in a particular test based in 
part on the height (regardless of weight) or weight (regardless of 
height) of the children for whom the manufacturer recommends for the 
child restraint (S7). Table 8 below shows which dummies NHTSA uses to 
test child restraints based on the height or weight recommendations 
established for the restraint by the manufacturer. If a child restraint 
is recommended for a range of children whose weight or height overlaps, 
in whole or in part, two or more of the weight or height ranges in the 
table, the restraint is subject to testing with the

[[Page 84550]]

dummies specified for each of those ranges.

 Table 8--Current Use of Dummies Based on Manufacturer's Recommendation
                                  (S7)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CRS recommended for use by      Are compliance tested by NHTSA with
   children of these weights or     these  dummies (subparts refer to 49
            heights--                          CFR part 572)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weight (W) <= 5 kg (11 lb);        Newborn (subpart K)
 Height (H) <= 650 mm (25.5
 inches).
Weight 5 kg (11 lb) < W <= 10 kg   Newborn (subpart K), CRABI-12MO
 (22 lb); Height 650 mm (25.5       (subpart R)
 inches) < H <= 850 mm (33.5
 inches).
Weight 10 kg (22 lb) < W <= 18.2   CRABI-12MO (subpart R), HIII-3YO
 kg (40 lb); Height 850 mm (33.5    (subpart P)
 inches) < H <= 1100 mm (43.3
 inches).
Weight 18kg (40 lb) < W <= 22.7    HIII-6YO (subpart N) or H2-6YO
 kg (50 lb); Height 1100 mm (43.3   (subpart I) (manufacturer's option)
 inches) < H <= 1250 mm (49.2
 inches).
Weight 22.7 kg (50 lb) < W <= 30   HIII-6YO (subpart N) or H2-6YO
 kg (65 lb); Height 1100 mm (43.3   (subpart I) (manufacturer's option),
 inches) < H <= 1250 mm (49.2       and weighted HIII-6YO (subpart S)
 inches).
Weight greater than 30 kg (65      HIII-10YO (subpart T)*
 lb); Height greater than 1250 mm
 (49.2 inches).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* No HIC measured with HIII-10YO.
(Note: Add-on CRSs with internal harnesses that, together with a dummy,
  weigh more than 30 kg (65 lb), are not tested with the dummy while
  attached to the standard seat assembly using the child restraint
  anchorage system. Instead, they are attached to the standard seat
  assembly using the seat belt system.)

b. Testing CRSs for Children Weighing 10-13.6 kg (22-30 lb)

    Currently under FMVSS No. 213, CRSs labeled for use by children in 
the weight range 10 kg to 18.2 kg (22 lb to 40 lb) per Table 8 are 
subject to testing with the CRABI-12MO and the HIII-3YO dummy 
(S7.1.2(c)). NHTSA proposed amending S7.1.2(c) by splitting the 10 to 
18.2 kg (22 to 40 lb) weight range into a 10 to 13.6 kg (22 to 30 lb) 
and a 13.6 to 18.2 kg (30 to 40 lb) weight range per Table 13. We 
proposed that CRSs recommended for children in the 10 to 13.6 kg (22 to 
30 lb) weight range would be tested with the CRABI-12MO, while CRSs for 
children in the 13.6 to 18.2 kg (30 to 40 lb) weight range would be 
tested with the HIII-3YO.\133\ NHTSA proposed this change because, as a 
practical matter, 3-year-olds are generally too large to fit in a CRS 
recommended for children in the 22 to 30 lb weight range.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \133\ As a practical matter, most CRS would be subject to 
testing using at least two dummies since most CRS are sold for 
children of weights spanning more than one weight category. A CRS 
that is recommended for a weight range that overlaps, in whole or in 
part, two or more of the weight ranges is subject to testing with 
the dummies specified for each of those ranges (571.213, S7).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA discussed in the NPRM the anticipated effect that the 
amendment would have on infant carriers.\134\ The current CRS market 
has infant carrier models recommended for children weighing up to 10 kg 
(22 lb), 13.6 kg (30 lb), 15.8 kg (35 lb), and 18.2 kg (40 lb) and with 
child height limits ranging from 736 mm (29 inches) to 889 mm (35 
inches). The agency expects that manufacturers will reduce the maximum 
weight recommendations such that the restraints will be marketed for 
children up to 13.6 kg (30 lb), in part because it will be easier to 
certify CRS for children in this weight range with only the CRABI-12MO 
dummy than in the wider weight range which will require certification 
with multiple dummies. Further, NHTSA does not believe there will be 
market demand for infant carriers that are recommended for children 
weighing more than 13.6 kg (30 lb). Feedback from child passenger 
safety technicians involved in child restraint system checks indicates 
that infants usually outgrow infant carriers because of reaching the 
height limit of the carrier rather than the weight limit. Further, as 
an infant reaches a 13.6 kg (30 lb) weight, the weight of the infant 
and the infant carrier together becomes too heavy for a caregiver to 
easily pull out of the vehicle and carry around by a handle. Therefore, 
parents often switch to a convertible or all-in-one CRS as the child 
weight nears 13.6 kg (30 lb).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \134\ An infant carrier is a rear-facing CRS designed to be 
readily used in and outside of the vehicle. It has a carrying handle 
that enables caregivers to tote the child outside of the vehicle 
without removing the child from the CRS. Prior to this final rule, 
these infant carriers were subject to testing with the HIII-3YO (35 
lb) dummy rear-facing under the provisions of S7. However, NHTSA has 
not tested infant carriers with the 3-year-old dummy because, among 
other matters, the dummy did not fit easily in infant carriers with 
its stature of 945 mm (37.2 inches). Since infant carriers are 
typically used with infants, and not with 3-year-olds, NHTSA decided 
to propose not using the 3YO dummy to test infant carriers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Commenters generally supported or did not oppose the proposal, but 
Consumer Reports and Evenflo raised issues that we address below.
Comments Received and Agency Response
    Consumer Reports (CR) suggests that NHTSA should expressly prohibit 
infant carriers from being recommended for children weighing over 13.6 
kg (30 lb), instead of limiting the maximum weight through the new 
dummy selection criteria for the HIII-3YO dummy. NHTSA does not believe 
there is a need for this approach. NHTSA believes that infant carrier 
manufacturers will relabel or redesign their products to adopt the 
maximum weight recommendation of 13.6 kg (30 lb), to avoid testing with 
the 3-year-old dummy.
    With current infant carrier designs, the 3-year-old dummy's head is 
above the CRS shell; the dummy's head center of gravity (CG) will 
exceed the upper head excursion limits when tested. Current infant 
carriers would have to be redesigned to accommodate a 3-year-old's head 
height. An infant carrier redesigned to meet FMVSS No. 213 with the 
HIII-3YO dummy will likely have the utility and weight of a convertible 
CRS used in the rear-facing mode than the utility and weight of an 
infant carrier, which consumers may not find suitable for a carrier. We 
recognize that some manufacturers might choose to continue to produce 
infant carriers with

[[Page 84551]]

a maximum weight recommendation over 13.6 kg (30 lb). If this were to 
happen, NHTSA will include these CRSs in the agency's compliance test 
program and will test them with the 3-year-old dummy as described in 
this final rule.
Comment and Response
    CR opposed the proposal to remove the CRABI-12MO testing 
requirement for CRSs with a 13.6 kg (30 lb) to 18.2 kg (40 lb) 
capacity. The commenter is concerned about infant carriers that may be 
sold for children weighing over 30 lb. CR stated these infant seats 
``are designed specifically for newborns and infants and should be 
tested to ensure that the injury metrics for the average-sized infant 
using those seats are within the appropriate injury thresholds.''
    We believe CR has misunderstood the weight thresholds of the NPRM. 
As explained in the NPRM and in FMVSS No. 213's regulatory text, ``If a 
child restraint is recommended for a range of children whose weight 
overlaps, in whole or in part, two or more of the weight ranges in the 
table, the restraint is subject to testing with the dummies specified 
for each of those ranges.'' \135\ Infant carriers with a 13.6 kg (30 
lb) to 18.2 kg (40 lb) weight capacity also have weight recommendations 
below 13.6 kg (30 lb), usually starting at 1.8 kg (4 lb). Therefore, 
infant carriers that have an upper limit of 30 to 40 lb, and a lower 
weight limit below 30 lb, will always be tested with the CRABI-12MO 
dummy, in addition to being tested with the HIII-3YO under the NPRM and 
this final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \135\ See 85 FR at 69429, col. 3. See FMVSS No. 213 S7: ``A 
child restraint that meets the criteria in two or more of the 
following paragraphs in S7 may be tested with any of the test 
dummies specified in those paragraphs.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comment and Response
    CR recommends including a weighted CRABI-12MO to test for 
structural integrity. The commenter states that the weighted dummy 
changes the dynamics of the CRS and interaction with CR's testing using 
a simulated front seat back, often resulting in head contact of the 
dummy with the seat back ``even when height is within the allowable 
confines of the shell.'' CR states that many of the structural 
integrity issues it has seen have resulted at the upper limit of the 
CRS weight capacity.
    In response, CR's suggestion to adopt a weighted CRABI-12MO is 
beyond the scope of the rulemaking. We note also that the FMVSS No. 213 
standard sled assembly does not have a simulated front seat, so CR's 
experience with the weighted dummy's head contacting the front seat 
would not replicate the dynamics CR observed with a weighted CRABI-
12MO, or necessarily demonstrate the ``structural integrity issues'' 
\136\ the commenter said it found. We also note that CR did not provide 
information about the structural integrity issues it saw, or data on 
the extent to which head to front seat contact and loss of structural 
integrity are present in the field. We thus do not find a need for a 
weighted CRABI-12MO.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \136\ FMVSS No. 213 S5.1.1 has integrity requirements that 
include no complete separation of any load bearing structural 
element and no partial separation that expose surfaces with a radius 
of less than \1/4\ inch or surfaces with protrusions greater than 
\3/8\ inch above the immediate adjacent surrounding contactable 
surface of any structural element of the system. NHTSA interprets 
load bearing structure to mean a structure that: (1) transfers 
energy from the standard seat assembly to the CRS (e.g., 
installation components or CRS areas that contact the standard seat 
assembly), or (2) transfers energy from the CRS to the occupant or 
vice versa (e.g., belts and components to restrain the child, CRS 
surfaces or parts transferring energy to the occupant).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA believes infant carriers will most likely be relabeled or 
redesigned to have a maximum weight of 13.6 kg (30 lb). This final rule 
will eliminate the weight gap for testing the structural integrity of 
CRSs now in test protocols where infant carriers recommended up to 20.4 
kg (45 lb) are only tested with the CRABI-12MO dummy. NHTSA will 
monitor the market and our test program results to explore if 
structural integrity issues arise or if there is a need for additional 
tests.
Comment and Response
    Evenflo points out an incongruity between how we would test with 
the CRABI-12MO and the provision in the NPRM that CRSs may only be 
recommended for forward-facing use by children weighing at least 12 kg 
(26.5 lb). Evenflo requests that the agency clarify how the CRABI-12MO 
will be used in compliance testing if children represented by the dummy 
would not be turned forward-facing until 26.5 lb. NHTSA agrees with 
Evenflo on the need for clarification. We do not believe there is a 
need to test a forward-facing CRS with the CRABI-12MO (weighing 9.9 kg 
(22 lb)) because the dummy would be at least 2 kg (4.5 lb) less than 
the weight of children for whom the CRS in forward-facing mode is 
recommended. NHTSA is clarifying the regulatory text to make clear that 
the CRABI-12MO will not be used to test CRS in the forward-facing 
configuration for CRSs that can be used forward-facing.\137\ However, 
to be clear, if a CRS can be used both forward-facing and rear-facing, 
the CRABI-12MO will be used to test the CRS in the rear-facing 
configuration. Further, this provision only applies to CRSs that are 
certified to this final rule's new turnaround weight requirement. These 
will be labeled with a turnaround weight of 12 kg (26.5 lb) or more.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \137\ Evenflo commented that until the 12-month-old dummy is no 
longer used to evaluate forward-facing CRSs, the $540,000 cost 
savings estimated in the NPRM likely will not be realized. We note 
that the cost savings in the NPRM were related to infant carrier 
tests with the 3-year-old dummy, which would still be actualized. 
Removing the CRABI-12-MO forward-facing tests would result in 
further cost savings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA notes that this change has implications for the agency's use 
of the CRABI-12MO in FMVSS No. 213a (Side Impact Protection) compliance 
tests, supra.\138\ NHTSA plans to issue an NPRM to propose a conforming 
amendment to FMVSS No. 213a that the CRABI-12MO would not be used 
forward-facing in the side impact test for CRSs labeled with a 
turnaround weight of 12 kg.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \138\ Final rule, 77 FR 39234.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Height Specifications
    This final rule also adopts proposed changes to the standard's 
height specifications for testing with the dummies so that height 
categories are consistent with the corresponding weight limits. This is 
to simplify the standard. Commenters did not oppose the proposal, so it 
is adopted as discussed in the NPRM.
    First, this final rule adopts proposed S7.1.1(c) that specifies 
that the CRABI-12MO dummy is used to test a CRS recommended for 
children weighing 10 to 13.6 kg (22 to 30 lb) or children in a height 
range of 750 mm to not greater than 870 mm. A child weighing 13.6 kg 
(30 lb) on average is about 870 mm (34.3 inches) tall. If the CRS is 
recommended for children with heights over 870 mm, the CRS will be 
subject to testing with the appropriate larger sized dummy.
    Second, currently S7.1.2(b) specifies that the newborn and CRABI-
12MO dummies are used to test CRSs recommended for children in a height 
range from 650 mm to 850 mm. The average height of a 12MO child is 750 
mm (29.5 inches). This rule reduces the 850 mm limit to 750 mm to 
correspond to the average height of a 12MO child (750 mm (29.5 
inches)).

c. Testing CRSs for Children Weighing 13.6-18.2 kg (30-40 lb)

    This final rule adopts the proposed amendments affecting CRSs 
labeled for use by children weighing from 13.6 kg to 18.2 kg (30 to 40 
lb). Currently, these CRSs are subject to testing with the

[[Page 84552]]

CRABI-12MO and the HIII-3YO (S7.1.2(c)).\139\ NHTSA determined that the 
CRSs do not need to be tested with the CRABI-12MO, since the 10 kg (22 
lb) dummy is not representative of 13.6 to 18.2 kg (30 to 40 lb) 
children for whom the restraint is intended.\140\ Commenters were 
supportive of the change. This final rule adopts a new S7.1.1(d) for 
the 13.6 to 18.2 kg (30 to 40 lb) range.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \139\ The CRABI-12MO is not used to test a booster seat 
(S7.1.2(c)).
    \140\ However, if such a CRS were also labeled for use by 
children weighing less than 13.6 kg (30 lb), then the CRS is subject 
to testing with the CRABI-12MO.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The new S7.1.1(d) specifies that NHTSA will test CRSs recommended 
for children in the weight range of 13.6 kg to 18.2 kg (30 to 40 lb) 
with the HIII-3YO dummy. Also, to make the height specification for 
testing with the dummy consistent with the corresponding weight limit, 
this final rule adopts the proposed provision that NHTSA will use the 
HIII-3YO dummy to test CRSs recommended for children in the height 
range of 870 mm to 1,100 mm (34.3 to 43.3 inches), amended from 850 mm 
to 1,100 mm (33.5 to 43.3 inches) per Table 13.
d. Testing CRSs for Children Weighing 18-29.5 kg (40-65 lb)--Use of the 
HIII-6YO Dummy
    FMVSS No. 213 currently provides child restraint manufacturers the 
option of having NHTSA use the HIII-6YO or the H2-6YO in compliance 
tests of CRSs for children weighing 18 to 29.5 kg (40 to 65 lb) 
(S7.1.3). The NPRM proposed to remove the option and require that these 
CRSs be tested only with the HIII-6YO. The agency prefers the HIII-6YO 
as it is a more biofidelic test device than the H2-6YO, and also 
because it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain replacement 
parts for the older H2-6YO dummy. CRS manufacturers are increasingly 
using the HIII rather than the H2-6YO dummy to certify their CRSs.\141\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \141\ Information from manufacturers to NHTSA in 2014 showed 
that 43 percent of CRS manufacturers use the HIII-6YO to test their 
CRSs, 21 percent use the H2-6YO and 36 percent use both dummies for 
testing their various CRS models. Manufacturers using both the H2-
6YO and HIII-6YO dummies test at least 50 percent of their models 
using the HIII-6YO dummy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA has been interested in using the HIII-6YO in FMVSS No. 213 
for many years. We adopted the dummy in the standard in 2003 after 
determining that the dummy is ``considerably more biofidelic'' \142\ 
than the H2-6YO dummy and able to measure impact responses no other 
child test dummy could measure, such as neck moments and chest 
deflection. However, while the dummy is successfully used in FMVSS No. 
208 to measure compliance with low-risk deployment and static 
suppression tests of advanced air bags, problems arose in FMVSS No. 213 
testing. In the demanding FMVSS No. 213 test environment where no air 
bag is present, the HIII-6YO exhibited unrealistic chin-to-chest and 
head-to-knee contact in tests of booster seats on the current standard 
seat assembly. The contact resulted in inordinately high, oftentimes 
failing HIC values recorded by the dummy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \142\ 68 FR 37644.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA responded by adopting a provision permitting the optional use 
of the H2-6YO dummy in place of the HIII-6YO. NHTSA originally intended 
the optional use as a short-term measure but after extending the term 
several times, NHTSA issued a final rule in 2011 to permit optional use 
of the H2-6YO ``until further notice.'' The agency believed work was 
needed on the dummy to ameliorate the chin-to-chest and head-to-knee 
contact that was driving up the HIII-6YO HIC values.
    As discussed in the NPRM preceding this final rule, the development 
of the proposed FMVSS No. 213 seat assembly adopted in this final rule 
changed the agency's plan. In developing the NPRM, NHTSA tested the 
HIII-6YO in booster seats and in CRSs with internal harnesses on the 
proposed standard seat assembly and found that the dummy did not 
exhibit the high head injury measures and high head acceleration spikes 
it showed on the current standard seat assembly. Chin-to-chest contact 
occurred at times, but it was a significantly softer contact than the 
contacts observed in tests on the current standard seat assembly and 
would therefore not invalidate the results of the test. On the proposed 
standard seat assembly, there were no high HIC values and high head 
acceleration spikes. NHTSA explained that this change is due to the 
firmer seat cushion on the proposed standard seat assembly that 
prevents the CRS from bottoming out against the seat frame. The NPRM 
provided data on dummy readings showing the peak head accelerations 
curves of the HIII-6YO in tests with the proposed standard seat 
assembly are lower in magnitude than in tests with the current standard 
seat assembly and exhibit no severe head acceleration spikes.\143\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \143\ 85 FR at 69431-69434.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We also proposed to use the HIII-6YO to improve our overall 
assessment of CRS performance in the FMVSS No. 213 test. The HIII-6YO 
dummy is more biofidelic than the H2-6YO dummy. The HIII-6YO has been 
shown to have good kinematics replicating that of a human in slow speed 
sled testing, exhibiting similar head and pelvis excursion as human 
children.\144\ The agency believed the HIII-6YO would enhance the 
realism of the standard's frontal impact test in assessing CRS 
performance, particularly in regard to head injury.\145\ While HIC and 
head excursion measurements were higher, NHTSA did not believe that 
testing with the HIII-6YO alone would significantly affect the 
manufacture of current child restraints. In our tests presented in the 
NPRM with the dummy, all the CRSs tested passed FMVSS No. 213's HIC and 
excursion limits with the dummy (except for the Evenflo Titan Elite 
which failed the head excursion limit).\146\ Finally, NHTSA proposed to 
only use the HIII-6YO dummy because replacement parts for the H2-6YO 
dummy are becoming increasingly more difficult to procure. All test 
dummies need refurbishment and parts replacement from time to time. As 
the H2-6YO is not a state-of-the-art dummy, it has become more 
difficult for NHTSA to obtain replacement parts for the dummy. If parts 
are unavailable, the utility of the test dummy in NHTSA's compliance 
test program is significantly diminished.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \144\ Seacrist, T., et al., ``Kinematic Comparison of the Hybrid 
III and Q-Series Pediatric ATDs to Pediatric Volunteers in Low-Speed 
Frontal Crashes,'' 56th Annals of Advances in Automotive Medicine, 
October 2012.
    \145\ The HIII-6YO dummy yields a more accurate depiction of the 
restrained child's head excursion and would help better ensure CRSs 
are designed to prevent head impacts. The NPRM provided test data 
showing the HIII-6YO exhibits higher HICs and more head excursion 
than the older H2-6YO dummy in FMVSS No. 213 booster seat tests. 
Paired T-tests indicated that the measured differences in HIC and 
head excursion were significant (p-value <0.01).
    \146\ See Table 11 of NPRM (85 FR 69411).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments Received
    Several commenters supported the mandatory use of the HIII-6YO 
dummy in compliance testing. The University of Michigan Transportation 
Research Institute (UMTRI) supported not further allowing the use of 
the H2-6YO to test CRSs in the compliance test, as did CR and SRN. The 
Automotive Safety Council (suppliers of safety systems to the auto 
industry) stated that the HIII-6YO dummy still has shortcomings, but 
use of the HIII-6YO in place of the H2 dummy ``is a welcome change as 
the HIII is a much better ATD in mimicking human movement.''
    On the other hand, several manufacturers opposed the proposal. 
Graco, JPMA, Dorel and Evenflo

[[Page 84553]]

commented that they believe chin-to-chest contacts have not been 
resolved. Graco said its testing showed chin-to-chest strikes had 
occurred in tests of belt-positioning seats ``that artificially 
increase the HIC scores.'' Graco argued this ``is not representative of 
a real-world injury mechanism; it is simply an artifact of the neck 
structure on this dummy.'' Graco, JPMA and Dorel referenced NHTSA's 
statements in the 2011 final rule that allowed the optional use of the 
H2-6YO dummy until further notice (76 FR 55826). We stated then that in 
tests of the dummy on the sled existing at that time: ``The HIII-6C 
dummy has a softer neck than the H2-6YO, which results in slightly 
greater head excursion results and larger HIC values (chin-to-chest 
contact) than the H2-6YO. This coupled with the stiff thorax of the 
HIII-6C dummy, accentuates the HIC values recorded by the dummy.'' 
Graco and Dorel argued it is premature to adopt the HIII-6YO dummy as 
the upgrades to the dummy discussed in the final rule have not yet been 
adopted. JPMA and Dorel stated that additional tests are needed to 
determine whether the proposed standard seat assembly has addressed the 
limitations of the dummy for all types of CRSs. Evenflo believes that 
more testing should be done of the HIII-6YO dummy on the proposed 
standard seat assembly without a tether. It suggests that until such 
testing confirms the HIII-6YO is appropriate for the seats that are 
currently on the market, manufacturers should be permitted to have 
NHTSA use the H2-6YO in compliance tests.
    Graco presented data from repeat tests at Calspan with one belt-
positioning seat using the HIII-6YO dummy and found, in its opinion, 
that slight child restraint and dummy pre-test setup variations allowed 
by the current TP-213 and the NHTSA's Research Test Procedure cause the 
head to swing forward and down into the chest plate, generating HIC 
scores ranging from mid-500s to over 1000. Graco provided the data 
shown in Table 9.

                                  Table 9--Graco's Results of HIII-6YO Belt-Positioning Seat Tests on One Model of CRS
                                                                [Data provided by Graco]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Sled velocity                       Chest      Knee excursion  Head excursion
                        Installer                         Sled accel [g]       [kph]            HIC        resultant [g]       [mm]            [mm]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.......................................................            23.9            48.0             546            56.7             564             687
2.......................................................            24.1            48.1             886            56.5             574             699
1.......................................................            24.0            48.1             689            58.2             472             700
3.......................................................            24.1            48.1             869            52.1             564             717
3.......................................................            24.1            48.1             864            52.7             577             720
3.......................................................            24.1            48.1            1020            53.7             582             731
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Graco said the CV for HIC of this set of tests exceeded 20. Graco 
believed that ``any CV score greater than 10 is generally considered to 
be a high-variance measurement system in need of improvement.''
    Dorel stated that it completed 80 internal research tests using the 
HIII-6YO dummy with the proposed standard seat assembly. Dorel said the 
30 tests it conducted using a CRS with an internal harness showed no 
concerning performance issues. The remaining 50 tests were completed 
using the belt-positioning seat mode on 13 existing child restraint 
platforms (including 3-in-1 convertibles, combination belt-positioning 
seats and belt-positioning seats with and without backs). Dorel said 
that 28 of those 50 tests had instances of chin-to-chest contact that 
Dorel said contributed to elevated HIC scores. The commenter said all 
28 of these instances occurred during testing of some 3-in-1, 
convertible or combination child restraint models. Dorel argued these 
types of child restraints were not well represented in the NPRM's belt-
positioning seat test data.
    Dorel also said it completed 28 follow-up tests using the same 3-
in-1 convertibles and combination child restraints with the H2-6YO 
dummy and the proposed standard seat assembly, to assess whether these 
elevated HIC36 scores were related to the proposed standard seat 
assembly or to the HIII-6YO dummy, or a combination. Dorel said its 
data show that on average the HIC score of the HIII-6YO dummy is 575 
points higher than the H2-6YO for the belt-positioning seat mode in 
certain 3-in-1 convertible child restraints, and that in certain 
combination CRS-belt-positioning seat modes, using the HIII-6YO dummy 
resulted in HIC scores 728 points higher than when the H2-6YO dummy was 
used.
    JPMA and Evenflo stated that the HIII-6YO in an untethered 
configuration of harnessed CRSs is not well-represented in the test 
results in the NPRM. Evenflo noted that only three CRSs in this 
configuration were tested by NHTSA and that some of those CRSs are no 
longer in the market. Evenflo suggested more testing is necessary to 
ensure that CRSs which have been in the market for years, particularly 
larger, taller or all-in-one convertibles, will not be adversely 
impacted by use of the proposed standard seat assembly and HIII-6YO 
combination.
    Evenflo, Graco, Dorel and JPMA recommended the continued option of 
testing with the H2-6YO dummy until testing confirms that the changes 
to the HIII-6YO would not negatively impact the current products, and 
the HIII-6YO dummy's bio-fidelity regarding chin-to-chest contact has 
been improved. Graco commented that, as an alternative, NHTSA should 
provide a methodology for evaluating chin-to-chest strikes to provide 
relief from HIC36 scores above 1000 that were caused by what the 
commenter characterized as a non-biofidelic artifact of the test dummy 
design.
Agency Response
    This final rule ends the optional use of the H2-6YO child dummy and 
adopts the HIII-6YO dummy in FMVSS No. 213 as the sole 6YO child dummy 
on the compliance date indicated above. We disagree with the objections 
of the commenters to the HIII dummy's head-to-chest contact. The 
commenters refer to a statement from a 2011 final rule about the softer 
neck of the HIII dummy compared to the neck of the H2-6YO dummy, but 
the statement pertains to tests that were conducted on the current 
FMVSS No. 213 standard seat assembly. As explained in the NPRM, the 
current assembly in the standard has a very soft foam that bottoms out 
\147\ against a rigid metal frame in some tests, which contributes to 
the severe chin-to-chest contact observed with some CRSs. This

[[Page 84554]]

severe chin-to-chest contact has been just about eliminated by the 
stiffer, more representative foam in the updated standard seat 
assembly. The new foam will not collapse and bottom out like the 
current standard seat assembly and will reduce or eliminate the abrupt 
stop of the CRS and dummy at the time the foam is fully compressed, 
which helps minimize the chin-to-chest contact. While chin-to-chest 
contact was still observed, it did not result in severe chin-to-chest 
contact (spikes that are higher than the head acceleration peak before 
the chin-to-chest contact) that would significantly raise HIC values. 
While a soft chin-to-chest contact (spikes that are lower than the head 
acceleration peak before the chin-to-chest contact) might occur within 
the time of the HIC calculation and may introduce some variability to 
the HIC value, this contribution is not enough to be the cause of a 
failure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \147\ Bottoming out is when a foam lacks support (fully 
compressed) due to the amount of force being applied to it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Dorel pointed out that the HIII-6YO results in increased HIC values 
compared to the H2-6YO. The HIII-6YO dummy has a softer neck than the 
H2-6YO, which results in slightly greater head excursion results and 
larger HIC values (chin-to-chest contact) than the H2-6YO. The HIII-6YO 
has been suitable to evaluate many CRS designs in the current standard 
seat assembly and NHTSA's test data shows that it will continue to be 
suitable to evaluate CRSs in the updated standard seat assembly, as no 
severe chin-to-chest contact was found during NHTSA's testing with the 
updated standard seat assembly. While Graco presented data (see Table 
9) where they found a test with severe chin-to-chest contact, NHTSA did 
not experience severe chin-to-chest contact in its testing. NHTSA 
believes this is feasible as most CRSs already have responses where 
they consistently do not show severe chin-to-chest contact when using 
the HIII-6YO in the current and updated standard seat assembly, 
although we recognize that some CRSs may need redesigning to meet the 
updated standard.
    In addition, because replacement parts for the H2-6YO are no longer 
available, the agency (as well as laboratories and industry) eventually 
won't have the capability of testing with the H2-6YO, and therefore, 
won't be able to make the annual assessment to ensure the products in 
the market are compliant with FMVSS No. 213.
    NHTSA believes it is time to move solely to the HIII-6YO dummy. We 
explained in the 2020 NPRM that using up-to-date seat foam on the 
proposed standard seat assembly would remove the test anomaly that had 
prevented NHTSA from unreservedly adopting the HIII-6YO into FMVSS No. 
213 in the past. The new foam will not collapse and bottom out like the 
current standard seat assembly and will replicate the performance of 
the foams in current passenger vehicles. It should be noted that the 
bottoming out of the old foam happened only infrequently and was not 
happening to an extent that prevented certification to the HIC 
requirement. Manufacturers are currently certifying most CRSs to the 
requirement using the HIII-6YO dummy (using the current standard seat 
assembly with the softer cushion).\148\ The CRSs do not have a problem 
meeting the standard with the HIII-6YO on the current seat with the 
soft foam. This is not surprising as NHTSA adopted the HIII-6YO dummy 
into FMVSS No. 213 twenty years ago (2003) and manufacturers have had 
since 2003 to optimize their designs to meet child protection 
requirements using the more advanced HIII-6YO child dummy. The new foam 
enables use of the advanced dummy in FMVSS No. 213 testing without 
having to change the dummy's design.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \148\ NPRM, 85 FR at 69434, col. 1-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA believes it is time for all CRSs to be assessed with the more 
advanced HIII-6YO test dummy. The HIII-6YO is superior to the H2-6YO 
child dummy and provides a better assessment of the protective 
capabilities of a child restraint system than the H2 dummy. The HIII-
6YO dummy is more biofidelic than the H2-6YO dummy. The HIII-6YO has 
been shown to have good kinematics replicating that of a human in slow 
speed sled testing, exhibiting similar head and pelvis excursion as 
human children.\149\ Testing CRSs on the updated standard seat assembly 
in itself would yield dummy kinematics more representative of the 
kinematics of restrained children in real world frontal crashes than 
current tests, given the updated standard seat assembly is specially 
designed to represent a current vehicle rear seat. Having the HIII-6YO 
be a part of the test would amplify that realism and assessment. The 
HIII-6YO also has extended instrumentation capability in many areas 
over the H2 dummy, such as in the neck and chest. This capability will 
be advantageous in the event a need should arise to more thoroughly 
assess the risk of neck and chest injury to children in child 
restraints. The HIII-6YO has been used in FMVSS No. 208, ``Occupant 
crash protection,'' to assess the risk of head, neck and chest injury 
to out-of-position children by vehicle air bags for decades.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \149\ Seacrist, T., et al., ``Kinematic Comparison of the Hybrid 
III and Q-Series Pediatric ATDs to Pediatric Volunteers in Low-Speed 
Frontal Crashes,'' 56th Annals of Advances in Automotive Medicine, 
October 2012.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Using the HIII-6YO could particularly improve our assessment of CRS 
performance in the critical safety area of head injury. NASS-CDS data 
from 1995-2009 show that 39 percent of AIS 2+ injuries to restrained 
children in frontal crashes are to the head and face, with 59 percent 
of these injuries due to contact with the vehicle front seat and back 
support.\150\ Mandatory use of the HIII-6YO in NHTSA's testing would 
boost efforts to address the head injury problem. The HIII-6YO dummy 
yields a more accurate depiction of the restrained child's head 
excursion in a crash and would help better ensure CRSs are designed to 
prevent head impacts in the real world. The softer, more biofidelic 
neck of the HIII provides a better assessment of a child restraint's 
performance in limiting head excursion than the H2. Design changes 
needed to meet the head excursion limit when tested with the HIII-6YO 
on the updated seat assembly would be warranted for child safety, as 
using the HIII-6YO better replicates the kinematics of an actual child 
than the H2-6YO.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \150\ In a study of 28 cases of children ages 0 to 15 who 
sustained AIS 2+ head or face injuries in a frontal crash, 
researchers found that the front row seat back and the B-pillar were 
the most commonly contacted components. Arbogast, K.B., S. Wozniak, 
Locey, C.M., Maltese, M.R., and Zonfrillo, M.R. (2012). Head impact 
contact points for restrained child occupants. Traffic Injury 
Prevention, 13(2):172-81.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA is concerned that the optional use of the H2-6YO may take 
advantage of the dummy's under-representation of head excursions. NHTSA 
believes there is a benefit in testing with the HIII-6YO now that the 
severe chin-to-chest contact has been addressed, as this dummy more 
accurately represents the head excursion levels of children. The lead 
time provided by this final rule will enable CRS designs to be 
optimized, as necessary, for performance on the updated FMVSS No. 213 
standard seat assembly.
    Evenflo and JPMA believe that in NHTSA's tests supporting the NPRM, 
CRSs tested without a tether were underrepresented and that more 
testing should be done to confirm CRS performance would not be 
negatively affected using the HIII-6YO dummy. Evenflo states that some 
of the CRSs tested in the NPRM are no longer in the market.
    In response, NHTSA disagrees with Evenflo and JPMA about the 
representation of CRSs without tethers. The NPRM presented data of 
seven forward-facing CRS models tested in

[[Page 84555]]

different installation configurations, including five tested using the 
HIII-6YO and without a tether.\151\ While some of these models are no 
longer in the market, that fact is not relevant to the issue at hand, 
which is that CRSs on the market today are capable of meeting the 
updated frontal standard with the HIII-6YO dummy and that is evidence 
that it is practicable. NHTSA's data for the NPRM show only one 
instance of a CRS not meeting the head excursion requirement, which 
suggests that some CRSs may need to be reconfigured to meet the updated 
standard. (The agency considers such a redesign as beneficial to 
safety, as reduced head excursion would reduce the risk that a child in 
the CRS would suffer a head injury in a crash.) NHTSA did further 
testing after the NPRM to evaluate the repeatability and 
reproducibility (R&R) of tests on the updated standard seat assembly 
(supra). This R&R testing involved testing CRSs multiple times at three 
different labs with different acceleration pulses. None of the testing 
showed that there was severe chin-to-chest contact that would 
contribute to a CRS's failure to meet FMVSS No. 213. In fact, all CRSs 
tested met the HIC36 requirement. These data indicate that ending the 
optional use of the H2-6YO dummy would not significantly affect the 
manufacture of current CRSs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \151\ Additional tests of more models and installation 
configurations were done with other dummies as well.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Graco and Dorel also argue that their tests still showed increased 
variability in their data due to chin-to-chest contact. Their data do 
not accord with the data we obtained from an extensive R&R program 
using three different labs. The agency's data indicate the updated 
standard seat assembly and test procedures show good repeatability (see 
section VI.d of this preamble). When analyzing for repeatability and 
reproducibility, it is difficult to parse out different possible 
factors that contribute to variability. Our R&R test series accounted 
for factors beyond the effect the standard's test procedure and/or 
standard seat assembly may have on test results. The test series also 
accounted for elements such as: (1) the variability the test pulse 
introduces (it is an independent variable that is not part of the 
system (standard seat assembly, test procedure)); and (2) the 
variability a CRS itself introduces, as there are some CRSs that are 
less stable \152\ than others when positioned on the standard seat 
assembly and there are production variabilities among CRSs themselves 
that can affect the results. Even with those factors contributing to 
total variability, results from our study showed good R&R. NHTSA's R&R 
study provides confidence that this final rule's test is repeatable and 
reproducible with the HIII-6YO dummy. In contrast, it is unknown how 
closely Graco and Dorel followed the published NPRM test procedure, or 
which specific test variations were controlled in their testing. The 
commenters did not indicate (except for 1 test failure Graco pointed 
out) that the tested CRSs had HIC scores above the standard's 
performance thresholds or below, which is an issue that bears on the 
overall context and significance of the test results. Their data does 
not support a finding that using the HIII-6YO dummy would significantly 
affect the manufacture of current CRSs. However, to the extent the 
dummy drives design changes, these changes would be warranted for child 
safety, as the HIII-6YO replicates the kinematics of an actual child 
better than the H2-6YO.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \152\ The Graco Affix has a very unstable base that causes 
shifting and difficulty in positioning it consistently. While we did 
not see any tests with high HIC36 caused by severe chin-to-chest 
contact, NHTSA observed higher variability in this CRS. If Graco's 
data are from this belt positioning booster seat, the movement of 
the CRS may have contributed to the variability of results.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Graco argued that its data show that the CV for HIC36 of this set 
of tests exceeded 20 noting that any CV score greater than 10 is 
generally considered to be a high-variance measurement system in need 
of improvement. As discussed in section VI.d. Repeatability and 
Reproducibility of Test Results, the assessment of repeatability based 
on CV values was established to assess dummy R&R in qualification tests 
of crash test dummies. It established CV values less than or equal to 
10 percent as acceptable. However, we are applying the same analysis to 
a much more complex test. Our analysis showed that most of our tests 
had a CV value of less than 10 percent. On the tests where CV values 
were above 10 percent, it was usually because the HIC values were low 
(approximately under 500). Therefore, we believe values above 10 
percent CV are acceptable. Those values must be put into context of the 
full results.
    NHTSA also disagrees with Graco's suggestion that manufacturers 
should be provided an option for relief when a HIC36 score is above 
1000 due to a chin-to-chest contact. First, chin-to-chest contact can 
occur in real-world crashes and it is important that child restraint 
systems control and mitigate the forces exerted on the child, even 
forces imparted by the child's head hitting against themselves. We are 
concerned that excluding HIC36 criteria under chin-to-chest contact 
scenarios may inadvertently encourage CRS designs with significant 
chin-to-chest contact. An allowance for manufacturers to ``exclude'' 
HIC36 evaluation when chin-to-chest contact occurs could also 
unnecessarily complicate NHTSA enforcement actions, in that a 
manufacturer may attribute any HIC over 1000 to chin-to-chest whether 
the failure was caused by such impact or not.
    Finally, as explained in the NPRM, NHTSA has decided to move away 
from the H2-6YO dummy because replacement parts for the dummy are 
becoming increasingly more difficult for the agency to procure. 
Although NHTSA's crash test dummies are designed to be durable and 
capable of withstanding crash testing without unreasonably breaking, 
all test dummies need refurbishment and parts replacement from time to 
time. As the H2-6YO is not a state-of-the-art dummy, it has become more 
difficult for NHTSA to obtain replacement parts for the dummy. The 
agency is concerned that as parts become harder to obtain, NHTSA's 
inability to obtain parts will delay and impede its compliance test 
programs when it must but cannot use the H2 dummy. Ending the optional 
use of the H2-6YO dummy in compliance testing avoids that potential 
problem and ensures that NHTSA will be able to assess the compliance of 
CRSs using the HIII-6YO.
    The agency has continued work to develop the Large Omnidirectional 
Child (LODC) dummy. This dummy represents a 10-year-old child and is 
designed with increased bio-fidelity, including a more segmented spine 
which results in a more biofidelic thoracic motion. However, this dummy 
is still under development and evaluation. Once a design of this dummy 
is finished, the agency plans on scaling down the 10-year-old LODC to a 
6YO dummy. The agency will then assess the biofidelic capabilities of 
this future 6-year-old LODC against the HIII-6YO and H2-6YO dummies for 
potential use in FMVSS No. 213. This work may take several years. 
Adopting the HIII-6YO child dummy now in FMVSS No. 213 will immediately 
improve the assessment of crash protection for older children.

e. Positioning the Legs of the HIII-3YO Dummy in CRSs Used Rear-Facing

    This final rule adopts the proposed dummy leg positioning procedure 
that calls for placing the dummy's legs up against the seat back and 
removing the test dummy's knee joint stops. The

[[Page 84556]]

procedure will facilitate NHTSA's compliance testing of child 
restraints that are recommended for use by children in the rear-facing 
configuration. NHTSA recommends that children 1- to 3-years-old ride 
rear-facing for as long as possible.\153\ When testing with the 3YO 
dummy rear-facing, the dummy's legs oftentimes had to be crammed 
against the updated standard seat assembly's seat back, which NHTSA 
found problematic. The bracing interaction between the legs of the 
dummy and the seat back would change the pre-test set recline angle of 
the rear-facing CRS and the pre-test applied lap belt tension, meaning 
that it was difficult to keep the recline angle and lap belt tension 
within specifications in setting the conditions for the dynamic test. 
To address this problem, the NPRM proposed a dummy leg positioning 
procedure that calls for placing the dummy's legs up against the seat 
back and removing the test dummy's knee joint stops to allow the leg to 
extend at the knee in the test.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \153\ https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#find-the-right-car-seat-car-seat-recommendations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Currently, FMVSS No. 213 specifies use of the HIII-3YO child dummy 
to test CRSs used rear-facing recommended for use by children in the 10 
kg to 18.2 kg (22 to 40 lb) weight range. This final rule amends this 
threshold such that the HIII-3YO child dummy is used only for testing 
CRSs recommended for children with weights in the 30 to 40 lb range, 
regardless if the CRS is in the forward-facing or rear-facing mode. 
Notwithstanding this change, the dummy leg positioning procedure 
continues to be relevant so that the standard is clear about how NHTSA 
positions the dummy's legs when the CRSs are rear facing. Without the 
procedure there will be uncertainty about this part of the test, with 
some testers possibly cramming the dummy's legs against the updated 
standard seat assembly's seat back.
    The leg positioning procedure is based on data analyzing toddler 
lower extremity postures when seated in CRSs rear-facing. NHTSA 
initiated a research project conducted by the University of Michigan 
Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) to identify toddlers' common 
lower extremity postures.\154\ UMTRI evaluated 29 subjects ages 18- to 
36-months in two CRS conditions (wide and narrow seat) used rear-
facing.\155\ UMTRI took anthropometry measures, surface scans and 
coordinate measures to evaluate the toddler seating postures. UMTRI 
found that the most common seating postures for toddlers in rear-facing 
restraints are with the child's legs bent and ``relaxed'' with the 
bottom part of the feet up against the seat back, and with the child's 
legs spread and ``feet flat against each other.'' These seating 
positions are not achievable by the HIII-3YO dummy due to the dummy's 
limited hip range of motion. However, the children also frequently sat 
with their legs bent and elevated against the vehicle seat back. The 
HIII-3YO's legs are able to achieve this bent and elevated position. 
Accordingly, NHTSA proposed to position the HIII-3YO's legs bent and 
elevated in CRSs used rear-facing as shown by many of the children in 
the UMTRI study. The procedure is already used by some commercial test 
labs and CRS manufacturers to test CRSs used rear-facing for older 
children.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \154\ ``Toddler Lower Extremity Posture in Child Restraint 
Systems,'' March 2015, UMTRI-2014-8.
    \155\ UMTRI also identified the children's common lower 
extremity postures in forward-facing seats (long and short cushion). 
Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed in the NPRM, as part of the study, UMTRI conducted 
sled tests to compare the proposed positioning protocol to those used 
by Transport Canada, various commercial test labs, and CRS 
manufacturers. The study found no differences in CRS performance using 
the various procedures.\156\ NHTSA found also that removing the HIII-
3YO knee joint and bending the legs at the knee were easy to do in the 
lab and added little time to the testing process, unlike some of the 
other procedures which were more laborious.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \156\ ``Assessment of ATD Selection and Use for Dynamic Testing 
of Rear Facing Restraint Systems Designed for Larger Toddlers.'' 
UMTRI-2014-12. March 2015.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments Received
    Consumer Reports (CR), Volvo, Britax, JPMA and Evenflo commented on 
this proposal, with CR and Volvo supportive and the other three 
unsupportive. CR supported the removal of the knee stops for testing 
with the HIII-3YO in rear-facing child restraints, noting they too 
remove the knee stops and extend the legs against the back of the seat. 
CR stated that the dummy's feet are not braced against the seat back 
and that they found no issues with this methodology.\157\ Volvo 
supported the modification of the knee joints of the dummy, stating 
that this procedure will accommodate the use of the dummy in rearward-
facing CRS when the child restraint system is placed close to the seat 
back.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \157\ CR noted, however, that the leg position might prove more 
challenging when testing higher-weight-capacity infant carriers 
(recommended for children greater than 13.6 kg (30 pounds)), and 
rear-facing convertibles that are installed flush against the seat 
back.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Britax did not support the procedure because the commenter did not 
view a dummy with the knee stops removed as biofidelic. Britax stated 
that the reports cited in the NPRM supporting this procedure seemed 
only to analyze repeatability and reproducibility of the summary 
metrics and did not discuss how test dummy kinematics were affected by 
the lower leg behavior. Britax stated the knee stop condition may, in 
some current or future CRS designs, produce dummy-to-dummy or dummy-to-
CRS contact, and that it may be appropriate to have a procedure to 
identify and discount such contact, such as, the commenter said, Canada 
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, section 215(1)(d). This 
paragraph of CMVSS No. 213 excludes the head acceleration limit for any 
acceleration caused by another part of the dummy striking its head. 
Britax said that NHTSA should further investigate and understand how 
factors such as lateral distance between the feet or dummy footwear can 
be controlled to help provide a repeatable test method.
    Evenflo recommended against the proposed procedure because, it was 
concerned that the bending of the legs and removal of knee joints do 
not comport with actual child positioning in a CRS. Evenflo preferred a 
test method using more natural leg positioning, with limits in the 
standard relating to interactions between the lower legs and parts of 
the CRS. Evenflo believed that NHTSA and Transport Canada should 
develop and use a single test method, as Evenflo believes that 
Transport Canada's ``removal of dummy leg parts and unnatural 
positioning create a similar lack of biofidelic integrity.'' JPMA 
expressed its belief that NHTSA should specify how injuries that result 
from contact between various parts of a dummy are evaluated. JPMA also 
recommended specification of a time window in which injuries and other 
metrics are evaluated.
Agency Response
    NHTSA proposed the dummy leg positioning procedure to enable the 
use of the dummy in FMVSS No. 213's dynamic test. The dummy is the best 
available anthropomorphic test device that is representative of 
children in the 30 to 40 lb range for whom the child restraint is 
intended. There is a safety need to use the dummy to assess the 
performance of CRSs in protecting this child occupant group. We realize 
that removing the knee joint stops results in non-biofidelic knee set-
up, but FMVSS No. 213 is not evaluating leg injuries

[[Page 84557]]

and so the knees do not need to be biofidelic. If the legs do contact 
the dummy as the legs are swung back towards the dummy's head, this 
contact is inconsequential as the contact is soft (not injurious and 
without a significant spike in the acceleration trace) and the 
interaction happens after HIC36 and chest acceleration are measured. We 
note that our testing did not show notable differences in the different 
dummy setups on test results.\158\ Testing with an unaltered HIII-3YO 
dummy is not an option as the bracing interaction between the legs of 
the dummy and the seat usually changes the pre-test set recline angle 
of the CRS used rear-facing and the pre-test applied lap belt tension. 
This bracing interaction makes it difficult for the test set up to 
remain in spec when running the compliance test.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \158\ ``Assessment of ATD Selection and Use for Dynamic Testing 
of Rear-facing Restraint Systems Designed for Larger Toddlers.'' 
UMTRI-2014-12. March 2015. Docket No. NHTSA-2020-0093-0008 at 
www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA will adopt the proposed positioning procedure because the 
procedure will facilitate compliance testing of the CRSs to the 
requirements of FMVSS No. 213. The procedure involves removing the 
dummy's knee joint stops to allow the leg to bend freely at the knee. 
Removing the knee joint stops results in a seating posture that 
toddlers adopt in real life. While the legs might sometimes swing back 
in a non-biofidelic manner, any contact of the legs with the head or 
torso of the dummy does not affect the injury measures evaluated in 
FMVSS No. 213. The benefits of testing CRSs rear-facing for older 
children with the dummy outweighs the unconventional appearance of the 
knee joints.
    Britax and JPMA suggest that NHTSA adopt a procedure to identify 
and discount leg to head contact. We do not agree with Britax's 
suggestion to adopt the provision in CMVSS No. 213 215(1)(d), because 
the foot to head contact experienced in rear-facing tests with the 
HIII-3YO dummy is very soft and should not prevent HIC36 from being 
evaluated. NHTSA also believes it would be very difficult to establish 
objective means to identify and discount the effect the foot contacting 
the head has on HIC36.
    Evenflo commented that having CMVSS and FMVSS harmonized would help 
the industry lower costs. The U.S. and Canada have historically 
recognized the benefit of regulatory collaboration in connection with 
motor vehicle safety, and NHTSA collaborates closely with Transport 
Canada while developing changes to FMVSS No. 213. As discussed in the 
NPRM, NHTSA reviewed the provisions in CMVSS No. 213 on this issue and 
conducted tests using Transport Canada's procedure on testing with the 
dummy. On this matter, the agency has decided that positioning the 
HIII-3YO's legs as described in this final rule is the most appropriate 
approach for FMVSS No. 213.

f. Test Procedure Issues Raised by Commenters

Tensioning Procedures for Seat Belts, Lower Anchor Webbing and Tethers
    Evenflo comments that Section 12.D.6.3 of TP-213-10 specifies using 
a belt-tension gauge to measure seat belt tension, and then to use a 
load cell to take the final measurement. It states that the test labs 
do not use a load cell and that the belt tension gauge often cannot be 
used on LATCH belts because there is not enough space to fit the gauge. 
Accordingly, the commenter recommends that a load cell be incorporated 
into the LATCH anchors at a minimum. It notes that for the other 
installations, a typical belt load cell is acceptable, but NHTSA should 
specify the model of load cell to be used to ensure consistency among 
the testing labs.
    Graco states that proposed S6.1.2(d)(1)(ii) merely specifies the 
range of acceptable tension values and directs that a load cell be used 
without noting a location for the measurement. Graco believes the 
tether routing on the proposed standard seat assembly does not reflect 
actual vehicle geometry and materials, particularly the routing of the 
tether across a steel box beam at the top of the seat back before 
turning the strap more than 90 degrees to the anchor location, which, 
Graco states, effectively creates two segments of the tether strap. 
Graco recommends capturing pre-test tether tension values at the 
approximate midpoint of the section of the tether between the top of 
the seat back structure and the ``Tether Anchor Assembly.'' It states 
that using this location has proven to result in more consistent 
readings. Graco also believes that taking the measurement closer to 
either end of this span results in higher tension values. It further 
recommends that the appropriate zone in which to place the load cell 
should be specified in S6.1.2(d). The commenter is concerned that the 
tether tension may be different between the child restraint seat back 
and the top of the proposed standard seat assembly, compared to the 
tension in the segment between the top of the seat back and the tether 
anchor. It explains that this in turn may result in pre-test under- or 
overtightening of the tether, which can then lead to inconsistent 
results for otherwise like-to-like tests. It asks if NHTSA has a study 
or evidence that the tension in the tether strap between the child 
restraint seat back and the top of the proposed standard seat assembly 
is the same as the tension in the segment between the top of the seat 
back and the tether anchor.
    Graco adds that given that the text of S6.1.2(d)(1)(ii) is changing 
to remove references to certain harness systems, an option should be 
provided to use a means other than a load cell to capture pre-test belt 
and tether tension. The commenter states that this would conform 
S6.1.2(d)(1)(ii) with S6.1.2(d)(1)(iii), which states that, when 
attaching a child restraint system to the tether anchorage and the 
lower anchors of the child restraint anchorage system on the standard 
seat assembly, NHTSA tightens all belt systems used to attach the 
restraint to the standard seat assembly to a tension of not less than 
53.5 N and not more than 67 N, as measured by a load cell or other 
suitable means used on the webbing portion of the belt. The commenter 
notes that this suggested change also aligns with Section 12.D.1.2(3) 
of TP-213-10, which states that seat belt webbing load cells monitor 
belt preload during CRS installation. Graco adds that this item is not 
required if an equivalent belt tension measurement device is utilized 
to determine the preload on the Type 1 and Type 2 seat belt assembly.
    Britax commented that when a CRS is installed to the child 
restraint anchorage system on the standard seat assembly, the current 
rule specifies that the CRS belt systems are to be adjusted to a 
tension of 53.5 to 67 N as measured on the webbing portion of the CRS 
belt. However, Britax states that this procedure does not provide 
specific guidance for installing a CRS equipped with a rigid lower 
anchor attachment, which has no webbing. Britax requested the NHTSA 
consider further guidance in the installation procedure for CRSs with 
rigid lower anchor attachments.
Agency Response
    In general, NHTSA agrees with describing the location and 
instrumentation for the belt tension measurements but believes that 
this level of detail would be more appropriate for inclusion in a 
document such as the OVSC Compliance Test Procedure, which, as 
previously stated, is a guidance document, and not a rule or 
regulation. NHTSA will consider adding this information into the 
updated Compliance Test Procedure as guidance. The advantage of 
including the information in the Compliance Test

[[Page 84558]]

Procedure is that the guidance can be tailored to specific designs of 
CRS, and the Compliance Test Procedure is also nimbler in terms of 
updating. The proposed changes did not include the phrase ``as measured 
by a load cell'' because the agency wants to give flexibility on how 
the measurement will be made. While the three-pronged tension gauge is 
being used now, a better method may arise in the future, and the device 
can be updated in the Compliance Test Procedure at that time.
    Evenflo suggests incorporating a load cell into the LATCH anchors 
to measure the tension when the three-pronged tension gauge cannot be 
used with the webbing. (The three-prong tension gauge attaches to free 
webbing.) NHTSA declines to incorporate the suggested method. Although 
NHTSA has used load cells in the LATCH anchors in the past, those load 
cells were used for a different purpose and were rated for much higher 
loads. Also, NHTSA does not know what variability different load cell 
models would introduce into the system.
    Rather than using a load cell or the three-prong tension gauge, 
NHTSA is considering a different approach. NHTSA describes in its 
Research Test Procedure a method it has used to ensure tightness of a 
CRS to consistent levels when there is insufficient free webbing on 
which to use the three-prong tension gauge. The method consists of 
tightening the CRS so that it does not move more than 25 mm (1 inch) in 
either fore/aft or lateral directions. NHTSA conducted a series of 
tests with two CRS models comparing the three-pronged gauge to measure 
the webbing tension and the 1-inch tightness method. Results showed 
that the two methods had comparable, as well as repeatable, results 
(Table 10 and Table 11).
    NHTSA believes that the 1-inch tightness method is appropriate for 
installing CRSs when the tension cannot be measured due to a lack of 
free webbing. NHTSA will consider incorporating this method into its 
Compliance Test Procedure. In addition, the agency is considering 
incorporating this alternative tightness method into the regulatory 
text of FMVSS No. 213 and No. 213b. NHTSA plans to propose 
incorporating the method in the upcoming NPRM.

   Table 10--Comparison of Test Results for Two Tightening Methods--Using HIII-6YO in a Forward-Facing Britax
                                Marathon Clicktight and Lower Anchor Installation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Chest
          Test method                   Test No.          HIC36    acceleration   Head excursion  Knee excursion
                                                                        (g)            (mm)            (mm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan 3 Prong Tension Gauge   RR06-19-38.............      652            40.6             775             859
 Method.
                                RR02-20-01.............      708            40.8             828             880
                                RR02-20-02.............      741            44.4             801             869
                                St. Dev................     45.4             2.1            26.6            10.5
                                Average................    700.3            41.9           801.2           869.4
                                CV%....................      6.5             5.1             3.3             1.2
Calspan 1-inch Tightness        RR06-20-35 *...........      671            43.1             773             834
 Method.
                                RR06-20-36 *...........      595            41.7             794             846
                                RR06-20-37 *...........      708            44.0             794             851
                                St. Dev................     57.4             1.1            11.8             9.1
                                Average................    658.1            42.9           787.1           843.7
                                CV%....................      8.7             2.7             1.5             1.1
All...........................  St. Dev................     51.7             1.6            20.0            16.6
                                Average................    679.2            42.4           794.2           856.6
                                CV%....................      7.6             3.8             2.5             1.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Table 11--Comparison of Test Results for Two Tensioning Methods--Using CRABI-12MO in a Chicco KeyFit Infant CRS
                                          and Lower Anchor Installation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Chest
              Test method                           Test No.              HIC36    acceleration      RF angle
                                                                                        (g)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan 3-Prong Tension Gauge Method..  RR06-19-34.....................      380            43.9              52
                                        RR06-20-27.....................      347            43.9              50
                                        RR06-20-28.....................      378            44.4              50
                                        St. Dev........................     18.7             0.3             1.2
                                        Average........................    368.1            44.1            51.0
                                        CV%............................      5.1             0.7             2.3
Calspan 1-inch Tightness Method.......  RR06-20-29 *...................      391            41.6              51
                                        RR06-20-30 *...................      362            43.0              50
                                        RR06-20-31 *...................      386            43.8              51
                                        St. Dev........................     15.2             1.1             0.5
                                        Average........................    379.7            42.8            51.1
                                        CV%............................      4.0             2.7             1.1
All...................................  St. Dev........................     16.5             1.0             0.8
                                        Average........................    373.9            43.4            51.0
                                        CV%............................      4.4             2.4             1.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For tether tension, NHTSA installed some CRSs and found cases where 
the tether tension can be measured consistently on both the area 
between the CRS and the tether webbing bend to the back of the updated 
standard seat

[[Page 84559]]

assembly and between the tether anchorage and the top of the updated 
standard seat assembly. We also found some models that prevent 
measuring the tether tension between the CRS and the tether webbing 
bend to the back of the updated standard seat assembly when the tether 
is coming from a location lower on the CRS (lower in comparison with 
other models), and then wrapping around the top of the updated standard 
seat assembly. In view of these findings, NHTSA will consider including 
measurement locations in its Compliance Test Procedure. In describing 
measurement locations, NHTSA will seek to balance the need for 
flexibility in where the measurement is taken with the desire to 
provide guidance to NHTSA test laboratories.
    In response to Britax's request for guidance on installing CRSs 
with rigid lower anchorage attachments that have no webbing, NHTSA 
reviewed the ECE R129 test procedure to evaluate whether updates to the 
FMVSS No. 213 test procedure are warranted and whether NHTSA should use 
the ECE R129 test procedure. The ECE R129 test procedure states that a 
force of 135  15 N shall be applied in a plane parallel to 
the surface of the standard seat assembly seat cushion. ECE R129 also 
specifies that the force shall be applied along the center line of the 
CRS and at a height of no more than 100 mm (3.93 inches) above the 
standard seat assembly seat cushion. ECE R129 does not specify what 
instrumentation and what size plate is used to apply the force on the 
front of the CRS while installing it.
    NHTSA conducted three installations of two CRS models with rigid 
lower anchor attachments (Clek Ozzi and Maxi Cosi Rodifix) generally 
following the ECE R129 procedure. We used two different methods for 
applying the force (2 x 2 inches square plate (``small plate'') and 10 
x 2 inches metal rectangle plate on force gauge ``large plate'') to 
apply the forces in a repeatable and reproducible manner. As noted 
above, ECE R129 does not have specifications for this aspect of the 
procedure.
    The study indicated that the ECE R129 test procedure does not 
appear necessary or appropriate for FMVSS No. 213. NHTSA found that the 
CRSs attached to the lower anchors of the child restraint anchorage 
system with a force much lower than the 135 N force indicated in ECE 
R129, which appears to show an absence of a need for a maximum force 
specification. The agency is also concerned that applying a force such 
as the one in ECE R129 may result in an installation that positions the 
CRS too far into the seat back of the standard seat assembly when a 
retractable rigid attachment is used. In addition, the difference 
between the maximum forces between the two different models varied more 
than 20 N, which suggests that each CRS model may have different 
maximum installation forces based on design (see Table 12).

Table 12--Force Measurements During Rigid Lower Anchorage Attachment Installations on the FMVSS No. 213 Standard
                                                  Seat Assembly
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Clek ozzi                   Maxi cosi rodifix
                    Test No.                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Small plate     Large plate     Small plate     Large plate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...............................................          30.6 N          30.2 N            54 N          47.6 N
2...............................................          32.0 N          29.2 N          54.6 N            45 N
3...............................................          30.6 N          30.4 N          51.2 N          49.2 N
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Because of these design differences, the installation of CRSs with 
rigid lower anchorage attachments may vary markedly from model to 
model. Some CRSs not only have rigid lower anchorage attachments but 
have retracting or foldable rigid lower anchor attachments that may 
require different installation steps. Currently, NHTSA attaches CRSs to 
the lower anchors following the manufacturer's instructions, as some 
installations may not only require a force to engage the attachments 
but also to retract the rigid attachment until the CRS is in the 
recommended position. The advantage of following the manufacturers' 
instructions in this situation is the design flexibility provided by 
this approach. As long as the CRS with rigid lower anchor attachments 
meets all applicable requirements of FMVSS No. 213 and No. 213b 
(including S5.9(a) and S5.9(d)), manufacturers may use different 
designs for the rigid attachments. This approach of following the 
manufacturer's instructions about attaching a CRSs with rigid lower 
anchor attachments to the lower anchors is working, so NHTSA does not 
see a need to change this aspect of FMVSS No. 213 and No. 213b.
    Evenflo commented that the dynamic test procedure does not 
currently provide sufficient direction regarding the order of 
operations for attaching and tensioning the tether strap, lower LATCH 
anchors, and the vehicle belts. It argues that not having the order 
specified introduces inconsistency into the test procedures used by 
individual labs. It notes that it is very possible to have different 
outcomes simply because the lab is, for example, completely tensioning 
the tether before the auto belts or vice versa. Evenflo requests NHTSA 
to address this ordering of operation in the final rule.
    In response, NHTSA disagrees that the order of operations to 
tension the belts should be specified in the standard. As each CRS is 
different, it is sometimes necessary for NHTSA to recheck the tensions 
to ensure they have not changed due to other steps in the procedure 
(e.g., restraining the dummy in the CRS). NHTSA is evaluating the 
merits of including a step in the NHTSA Compliance Test Procedure to 
re-check webbing tensions after dummy installation.
Harness Tension
    Several commenters had recommendations about the procedure NHTSA 
should use for measuring the tension of the internal harness system 
when preparing a child restraint for testing. Evenflo notes that 
section 12.D.6.3 of TP-213-10 refers to using a webbing tension pull 
device placed under each shoulder of the dummy and a waist strap to 
apply a 9 N force to create a 7 mm (0.27 inch) gap (which correspond to 
S6.1.2(d)(1-3) in current FMVSS No. 213). Evenflo states this is a 
challenging, nearly impossible, procedure to execute correctly due to 
factors such as the presence of shoulder harness or waist harness 
covers and blockage created by the headrest. The commenter states that, 
because of this difficulty, testing labs are instead using a variety of 
alternative approaches, including a 2-finger method, a pinch test, or a 
3-prong belt-tensioning gauge inserted on each shoulder strap between 
the chest clip and crotch buckle. Evenflo recommends that the belt-

[[Page 84560]]

tensioning gauge method be added to TP-213 because it is measurable and 
can be used consistently on any CRSs with any dummy. Evenflo adds that 
at least one lab targets 4 pounds on the gauge and Evenflo recommends 
this as well. Graco recommends that NHTSA adopt the pre-test harness 
tension method using a 3-prong gauge similar to that used by described 
in VRTC's Research Test Procedure. Graco states it conducted a 
comparative study using the webbing tension pull device shown in FMVSS 
No. 213 and a 3-prong gauge like that used by VRTC. The commenter 
states that test data show use of the 3-prong gauge reduced the CV of 
head and chest acceleration measures when compared to the current 
webbing tension pull device. Graco states that the 3-prong gauge is 
also easier to use when measuring harness tensions.
Agency Response
    The current harness tension provision in FMVSS No. 213's test 
procedures states that if appropriate, shoulder and pelvic belts that 
directly restrain the dummy shall be adjusted as follows: Tighten the 
belts until a 9 N force applied (as illustrated in figure 5) to the 
webbing at the top of each dummy shoulder and to the pelvic webbing 50 
mm on either side of the torso midsagittal plane pulls the webbing 7 mm 
from the dummy. (S6.1.2(d)(1)(i))
    During the research conducted for both the update to FMVSS No. 213 
and establishment of FMVSS No. 213a, NHTSA used the 3-pronged gauge 
method to measure tensions in the CRS internal harnesses and found the 
method practicable and repeatable throughout its testing. NHTSA will 
consider incorporating the 3-pronged gauge method into NHTSA's 
Compliance Test Procedure. NHTSA also believes that the specification 
of the instrumentation should be made in the Compliance Test Procedure 
rather than in the regulatory text, as the Compliance Test Procedure 
can be updated quickly and easily to effectuate any needed change in 
procedure.
    In this final rule, NHTSA is specifying the internal harness 
tension as ``not less than 9 N but not more than 18 N,'' which is 
consistent with FMVSS No. 213a.\159\ NHTSA is adopting this amendment 
because the current regulatory text (``Tighten the belts until a 9 N 
force applied . . . pulls the webbing 7 mm from the dummy'') is 
cumbersome and unnecessary. An upper limit of 18 N, similar to that in 
FMVSS No. 213a, better ensures consistency in testing. Having a tension 
range is clearer for the standard and also follows the range format of 
other tensions specified in the standard.
Correction of TP Figure
    Evenflo notes that on Figure 6 on page 34 of the current TP-213-10 
is inaccurate because it does not depict the standard's requirements 
correctly. NHTSA agrees and has corrected the figure. S5.2.1.1(b) 
relates to the width of a CRS seat back and provides that for some 
CRSs, the width may be a specified dimension if the CRS has side 
supports (side wings) ``extending at least 4 inches forward from the 
padded surface of the portion of the restraint system provided for 
support of the child's head.'' The side wing depth dimension should be 
measured from the foremost point of the side wing to the level of the 
seat back. However, the figure shows the measurement taken at the head 
center of gravity (CG) plane (see figure below).
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.003

    Although this comment pertains to a figure in the Compliance Test 
Procedure that was not a direct subject of this rulemaking, the figure 
is incorrect and can confuse readers. The agency has taken this 
opportunity to correct the figure as a housekeeping measure. The 
corrected figure will be included in the next version of the Compliance 
Test Procedure to show the correct measurement. See corrected figure 
below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \159\ In the 2022 final rule establishing FMVSS No. 213a, NHTSA 
explained that an upper limit for tensioning internal harnesses was 
specified to have consistency in testing. For the same reason, NHTSA 
has included an upper limit to this internal harness tension.

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

[[Page 84561]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.004

Weighted 6-Year-Old Dummy and Lap Shield
    Dorel requests NHTSA to clarify the setup of the weighted HIII-6YO 
dummy in a forward-facing installation (Section 3.3.1 of the TP) and a 
belt-positioning booster installation (Section 3.3.2). Dorel asks 
whether these sections were meant to apply not only to the HIII-6YO 
dummy but also to the weighted HIII-6YO dummy, particularly in terms of 
using a lap shield. Dorel points out that currently, there is nothing 
in the standard or TP 213-10 that describes the installation of the lap 
shield onto the weighted HIII-6YO dummy when used in the belt-
positioning seat mode, even though the lap shield is used with the 
unweighted version of the dummy.
    NHTSA agrees with Dorel that the lap shield should be used with the 
weighted HIII-6YO. There is a gap between the pelvis and abdomen on the 
HIII-6YO that a lap belt can get wedged into in a compliance test. The 
lap shield is used to cover that gap. The lap shield should be used 
with the weighted HIII-6YO dummy because outwardly the dummy is the 
same as the unweighted HIII dummy and has the same gap. The lap shield 
is needed to help ensure the lap belt of the Type 2 belt on the updated 
standard seat assembly does not wedge into the gap in a compliance 
test. This final rule will adopt changes to include the use of the lap 
shield when using the weighted HIII-6YO dummy. The Compliance Test 
Procedure will also be updated accordingly.
Installation Procedure for CRSs With Unused Support Legs
    JPMA, Evenflo and Britax state that NHTSA should specify how unused 
support legs should be adjusted or positioned during compliance testing 
to further aid consistency efforts.
    In response, NHTSA may not be able to provide a general 
specification as to how it will position an unused support leg as 
positioning the leg would depend on the design of the CRS itself. In 
any event, NHTSA does not see a need to specify how it will position an 
unused support leg. CRSs with support legs typically have a foldable 
leg with or without a storage compartment. CRSs with support legs 
provide instructions in their manuals on using the CRS without the 
support leg, as sometimes the support leg might cause the CRS to be 
angled (lifted) when the support leg is not compatible with the 
vehicle. NHTSA reviewed 13 \160\ instructions of CRS models with 
support legs and all of them provide instruction for ``folding the 
support leg'' if the support leg cannot be used. For this reason, NHTSA 
anticipates it will test these CRSs without the support leg by 
following the instructions of the CRS manufacturer's printed 
instructions for storing the leg. NHTSA encourages manufacturers to 
include as much detail in their instructions necessary for a proper 
installation of the CRS without the support leg.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \160\ Mico XP Max (Maxi Cosi), Pipa Lite (Nuna), PIPA (Nuna), 
Pipa Lite R (Nuna), Pipa Lite RX (Nuna), Primo Viaggio 435 Nido (Peg 
Perego), Primo Viaggio 435 Lounge (Peg Perego), SafeMax (Evenflo), 
Aton 2 (Cybex), Aton M (Cybex), Cloud Q (Cybex), Bugaboo Turtle 
(Nuna) and Bugaboo Turtle One (Nuna).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chest Clip Location
    Graco suggests NHTSA adopt specifications that focus on the 
location of the chest clip (sometimes referred to as a ``retainer 
clip''). The commenter states that most, if not all, manufacturers 
follow the practice of directing caregivers to install the chest clip 
at armpit level and that this is also the direction provided in the 
2020 National Child Passenger Safety Technician Guide. Graco adds that 
some manufacturers even indicate on their chest clips where the clip 
should be aligned. Graco states that it typically measures the chest 
clip location and has found that variation in chest clip placement up 
or down the torso may have a correlation with injury and excursion 
values in some circumstances. It also notes that for a crash test dummy 
the ``armpit'' is not as well defined as on an infant or toddler, 
which, Graco states, creates some ambiguity and room for 
interpretation. Graco recommends that a method be established to ensure 
greater precision of the chest clip placement.
    NHTSA disagrees that more details on positioning the chest clip are 
needed. NHTSA follows the manufacturer's instructions to position the 
chest clip, when a chest clip is provided. The instructions usually 
state ``to position the chest clip at arm pit level.'' This is the 
instruction caregivers follow to use the CRS, so NHTSA's following the 
instruction replicates a real-world condition. We believe the CRS's 
performance should be assessed when installed in a reasonable manner, 
including a range of chest clip positions that a caregiver could 
reasonably understand to be the ``arm pit'' level. If CRS manufacturers 
provide, in their instruction manuals, more details on where to place 
the chest clip, NHTSA will follow these instructions.

[[Page 84562]]

Commenters did not provide data on how the chest clip placement 
variation affects injury measures. While this clip placement may 
introduce variation in injury assessment reference value results, CRS 
manufacturers should ensure that their CRSs meet the standard when 
positioned in any area that a caregiver may reasonably interpret as 
``arm pit level.''
Photographs and Camera Angles
    Graco commented that ``Pre-test photographs provide a crucial 
analytical tool for diagnosing a child restraint's performance, 
especially when reviewing anomalous test results.'' Graco states that 
pre-test photographs ``can be used to assess the initial angle of the 
[CRS], the angle and placement of the vehicle belt relative to the test 
article, angle of the dummy head to its torso, placement of the 
internal harness on the dummy's shoulders, etc.'' Graco recommends that 
standardized locations for the camera lenses for both still photography 
and high-speed video cameras be identified in TP-213, with all 
locations specified in the three coordinates relative to fixed points 
on the updated standard seat assembly, ``similar to what was done by 
Calspan and VRTC in testing supporting this NPRM.'' Graco believes that 
``This will resolve issues created by parallax differences between 
images and afford reviewers the ability to more reliably use 
photogrammetric analytical techniques.''
    In response, NHTSA will consider referencing as best practices the 
camera and photo locations in the agency's Compliance Test Procedures.
NPRM To Add a Dummy Head Drop Procedure
    For purposes of calibrating test dummies for testing, NHTSA has 
procedures in 49 CFR part 572, ``Anthropomorphic test devices,'' that 
specify performance criteria for various parts of the dummy when 
subjected to various tests. The CRABI-12MO dummy specifications \161\ 
include a front and rear head drop test.\162\ Graco asked if NHTSA 
intended to update the HIII-3YO head drop calibration procedure in part 
572 \163\ to include a rear head drop, or whether the current front-
only calibration method would be sufficient for both rear-facing and 
front-facing dynamic tests with child restraint systems.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \161\ 49 CFR part 572, subpart R, sections 572.150-572.155.
    \162\ 49 CFR 572.152.
    \163\ 49 CFR part 572, subpart P.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA agrees that there is merit to having a rear head drop test 
for the HIII-3-year-old dummy. The agency has used the HIII-3YO dummy 
in research supporting this final rule without a rear head drop 
procedure and the dummy performed satisfactorily, providing repeatable 
and reproducible results. However, NHTSA has tentatively determined 
that a rear head drop test would be reasonable since incorporation of 
the dummy leg positioning procedure discussed above will lead to more 
regular use of the dummy in tests of CRSs used rear-facing. This issue 
was not raised in the NPRM though, so NHTSA will not be including a 
rear head drop test in this final rule. Instead, NHTSA's upcoming NPRM 
would include a proposal to incorporate a rear head drop test for the 
HIII-3YO dummy, together with proposed response values for calibrating 
the response. The proposal is based on the CRABI-12MO dummy rear head 
drop test procedure. NHTSA plans to move promptly on this upcoming 
NPRM.
Procedures for 6YO Legs
    Britax suggested NHTSA adopt procedures for positioning the HIII-
6YO child dummy rear facing. Britax commented that the rear-facing 
positioning procedure for the HIII-3YO dummy adds clarity to FMVSS No. 
213 for CRSs used rear-facing with weight limits up to 18.2 kg (40 lb). 
The commenter stated that the standard does not provide the same 
specificity for CRSs labeled for rear-facing use for children over 18.2 
kg (40 lb). These child restraints are tested with the HIII-6YO child 
dummy.
    In response, NHTSA does not plan at this time to develop leg 
positioning procedures for the HIII-6YO tested rear-facing, given the 
agency's current priorities and demands on its rulemaking resources. 
According to the 2019 National Survey of the use of Booster Seats \164\ 
there are virtually no children 18.6 to 27.2 kg (41 to 60 lb) in CRSs 
used rear-facing, and there are only 0.2 percent of children 4- to 6-
years-old in CRSs used rear-facing. Thus, it appears that these CRSs 
are not used rear-facing by children above 18.2 kg (40 lb). That being 
said, the Safety Act requires manufacturers of restraints recommended 
for children over 18.2 kg (40 lb) to certify their child restraints 
meet all applicable FMVSS and are free of safety-related defects at 
these higher occupant weights. Compliance of child restraints with 
FMVSS No. 213 is assured by this requirement in the Safety Act that 
manufacturers certify compliance for each child restraint. The agency 
is able to review the basis for that certification and may conduct 
testing, with the HIII-6YO in this instance, to assure compliance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \164\ Enriquez, J. (2021, May). The 2019 national survey of the 
use of booster seats (Report No. DOT HS 813 033). National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration. Link: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/Publication/813033 [last 
accessed July 26, 2023].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

g. Table Summarizing Dummy Selection Criteria

    For the convenience of readers, Table 13 below illustrates FMVSS 
No. 213's dummy selection criteria as amended by this final rule as 
discussed above.
    As a practical matter, most CRS would be subject to testing using 
at least two dummies since CRS are usually sold for children of weights 
spanning more than one weight category. A CRS that is recommended for a 
weight range that overlaps, in whole or in part, two or more of the 
weight ranges is subject to testing with the dummies specified for each 
of those ranges (571.213, S7). For example, a CRS that is recommended 
for children weighing 5 to 35 pounds will be subject to tests with the 
newborn, CRABI-12MO, and HIII-3YO dummies. This is also true for CRS 
that are recommended for height ranges that overlap, in whole or in 
part, two or more of the height ranges.

 Table 13--Summary of This Final Rule's Decisions About Dummy Selection
                                Criteria
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CRS recommended for use by      Are compliance tested by NHTSA with
   children of these weights or     these dummies (subparts refer to 49
            heights--                          CFR part 572)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weight (W) <= 5 kg (11 lb),        Newborn (subpart K).
 Height (H) <= 650 mm (25.5
 inches).
Weight 5 kg (11 lb) < W <= 10 kg   Newborn (subpart K), CRABI-12MO
 (22 lb), Height 650 mm (25.5       (subpart R).
 inches) < H <= 750 mm (29.5
 inches).

[[Page 84563]]

 
Weight 10 kg (22 lb) < W <= 13.6   CRABI-12MO (subpart R) (Tested only
 kg (30 lb), Height 750 mm (29.5    rear-facing).
 inches) < H <= 870 mm (34.3
 inches).
Weight 13.6 kg (30 lb) < W <=      HIII-3YO (subpart P).
 18.2 kg (40 lb), Height 870 mm
 (34.3 inches) < H <= 1100 mm
 (43.3 inches).
Weight 18.2 kg (40 lb) < W <=      HIII-6YO (subpart N).
 22.7 kg (50 lb), Height 1100 mm
 (43.3 inches) < H <= 1250 mm
 (49.2 inches).
Weight 22.7 kg (50 lb) < W <=      HIII-6YO (subpart N) and weighted
 29.5 kg (65 lb), Height 1100 mm    HIII-6YO (subpart S).
 (43.3 inches) < H <= 1250 mm
 (49.2 inches).
Weight greater than 29.5 kg (65    HIII-10YO (subpart T) *.
 lb), Height greater than 1250 mm
 (49.2 inches).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* HIC is not a pass/fail criterion when testing with the HIII-10YO
  dummy.
(Note: CRSs with internal harnesses exceeding 29.5 kg (65 lb) with an
  dummy are not tested with that dummy on the child restraint anchorage
  system of the updated standard seat assembly.)

X. Add-On School Bus Child Restraint Systems

    FMVSS No. 213 has provisions that provide for a type of add-on CRS 
that is designed for exclusive use on school buses. The CRS is a 
specially labeled ``harness,'' which the standard defines in S4 as ``a 
combination pelvic and upper torso child restraint system that consists 
primarily of flexible material, such as straps, webbing or similar 
material, and that does not include a rigid seating structure for the 
child.'' \165\ FMVSS No. 213 has special accommodations for harnesses 
manufactured exclusively for use on school bus seats because many 
school districts and school bus operators need a product with a seat 
back mount to transport preschoolers, children who need help sitting 
upright, and children who need to be physically restrained because of 
physical or behavioral needs.\166\ The seat back mount of the 
specialized harnesses manufactured for use on school bus seats does not 
use a seat belt to attach to the seat and thus can be used on large 
school buses without seat belts, which comprise most large school 
buses. The school bus harnesses are excluded from a general requirement 
of FMVSS No. 213 that child restraints must be capable of meeting FMVSS 
No. 213 when attached by a seat belt per S6.1.2(a)(1)(iv)(A), Table 5 
to S5.3.2 and Table 3 to S5.1.3.1(a) in FMVSS No. 213b.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \165\ Harnesses must meet all applicable requirements of FMVSS 
No. 213 but harnesses are excluded from several requirements, e.g., 
they are excluded from having to have attachments that connect to a 
vehicle's child restraint anchorage system and from side impact 
protection requirements.
    \166\ 69 FR 10928, March 9, 2004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA has become aware of a CRS that is also designed exclusively 
for school bus use. The CRS uses a seat back mount to attach to the 
school bus seat without the use of a seat belt. However, because the 
CRS is not a harness, it does not qualify as a school bus harness under 
the wording of the standard and is not permitted under FMVSS No. 
213.\167\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \167\ NHTSA letter to IMMI, September 21, 2016: https://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/14-001678%20IMMI%20STAR%20crs.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the NPRM, NHTSA proposed to amend FMVSS No. 213 to make the 
standard's definition more design-neutral regarding CRSs that are 
designed for exclusive use on school bus seats. To permit restraints 
other than harnesses for exclusive school bus use, NHTSA proposed to 
add a definition of ``school bus child restraint system'' in S4 of 
FMVSS No. 213 that would define the term as a child restraint system 
(including harnesses), sold for exclusive use on school bus seats, that 
has a label conforming with S5.3.1(b) of FMVSS No. 213. CRSs without 
the label in S5.3.1(b) cannot be certified as a school bus CRS. The 
NPRM also proposed to amend several requirements in the standard to 
apply them to school bus child restraint systems.
Discussion of Comments and Agency Responses
    All commenters responding to this proposal supported the NPRM. The 
National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), Salem-Keizer 
Public Schools (Salem-Keizer), IMMI, SRN, and SBS supported the 
proposed addition of the ``school bus child restraint system'' to the 
definition section of FMVSS No. 213, along with the performance 
standards associated with this new child restraint system 
classification. Salem-Keizer supported the proposal but suggested a 
number of miscellaneous changes that were beyond the scope of the 
rulemaking (some discussed below). IMMI states that the amendment 
making child restraints for school bus use more design-neutral enables 
manufacturers to continue development of new products that meet the 
unique needs of school transportation.\168\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \168\ In its comment, IMMI indicates that the amendment would 
make address some confusion IMMI had in the past as to how products 
other than harnesses could be produced for school bus use. IMMI 
states that it had thought that NHTSA had found its school bus 
product ``as an acceptable child restraint for school bus use'' and, 
IMMI believed, had approved it under FMVSS No. 213. NHTSA would like 
to address a few points to avoid any ongoing confusion. To be clear, 
NHTSA determined in the past that the STAR is not a harness under 
FMVSS No. 213 because the device did not meet the definition of 
``harness'' in S4 of the standard. NHTSA would not have approved the 
STAR for school bus use. NHTSA does not endorse or approve motor 
vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    SRN supported the proposal, noting that having a separate category 
will also make it easier to establish when requirements apply to 
certain types of restraints, e.g., child restraints in passenger 
vehicles versus school buses. However, SRN and SBS state that child 
safety restraint systems made for school bus use only are anchored to 
bus seating by means of a cam wrap (described in the NPRM as ``seat 
back mount or a seat back and seat pan mount attachment method''), 
which makes them entirely inappropriate for use in other types of 
vehicles. These commenters state that the products should be labeled 
clearly for use on school buses only, given the difference in the kinds 
of vehicle seats on school buses and passenger cars. SRN also suggested 
improvements to the labeling requirements (some discussed below).
    NHTSA has reviewed these comments and has determined that the 
proposal should be adopted for the reasons stated in the NPRM. The 
school bus child restraint systems are required to be labeled, as 
proposed in the NPRM.
    Some of the comments that were outside the scope of the rulemaking 
are described below. Salem-Keizer requested a change to the word 
``harness,'' as, it explained, ``harness''

[[Page 84564]]

promotes a negative connotation to parents when Salem-Keizer discusses 
using a harness with their child. The commenter said it typically 
refers to the restraints as a ``safety vest.'' Salem-Keizer also 
suggested changing the term of ``Child Restraint System'' to ``Child 
Safety Restraint System'' or ``Child Securement System'' for the same 
reason. The commenter also suggested allowing school bus only infant 
CRSs that would better enable infant restraints to fit in closely 
spaced school bus seats. SRN urged NHTSA to review and update the 
current warning label that would be placed on school bus child 
restraint systems so that the label is more durable, conspicuous, and 
easier to read. NHTSA appreciates these comments as suggestions for 
possible future action.

XI. Corrections and Other Minor Amendments

    This final rule makes the following corrections and minor 
amendments to regulatory text. They were proposed in the NPRM except as 
noted. NHTSA received no comments on the proposed amendments. The 
corrections in (e) through (g) are simple technical corrections.

a. Corrected Reference

    The agency amends S5.5.2(l)(3)(i) of FMVSS No. 213 by correcting a 
reference to ``S5.5.2(l)(3)(A)(i), (ii), or (iii).'' The reference is 
corrected to refer to ``S5.5.2(l)(3)(i)(A), (B), or (C).''

b. Section 5.1.2.2, Section 5.4.1.1, and Figure 2

    The agency is removing and reserving S5.1.2.2 because it applies to 
CRSs manufactured before August 1, 2005, and so is no longer relevant. 
The agency is removing and reserving S5.4.1.1 because it applies to 
CRSs manufactured before September 2007, and so is no longer relevant. 
The agency is removing Figure 2 because it applies to CRSs manufactured 
before August 1, 2005 so is no longer relevant. The agency is renaming 
Figure 2A in FMVSS No. 213 as Figure 2 in FMVSS No. 213b.

c. Table to S5.1.3.1(a) and Test Configuration II

    The agency is correcting the table to S5.1.3.1(a), which specifies 
performance criteria and test conditions for FMVSS No. 213's occupant 
excursion requirements for add-on forward-facing CRSs. When NHTSA 
created the table, the agency inadvertently did not include a reference 
to Test Configuration II of FMVSS No. 213. This final rule corrects 
this oversight.

d. Updating Reference to SAE Recommended Practice J211/1

    Current specifications of the test device for built-in child 
restraints in FMVSS No. 213 (S6.1.1(a)(2)(i)(B) and 
S6.1.1(a)(2)(ii)(G)) require that instrumentation and data processing 
be in conformance with SAE Recommended Practice J211 (June 1980), 
``Instrumentation for Impact Tests.'' This final rule updates the 
reference to SAE Recommended Practice J211/1 (1995).

e. Section S5.9(a)

    The first sentence of S5.9(a) states: ``Each add-on child restraint 
anchorage system manufactured on or after September 1, 2002, other than 
a car bed, harness and belt-positioning seat, shall have components 
permanently attached to the system that enable the restraint to be 
securely fastened to the lower anchorages of the child restraint 
anchorage system specified in Standard No. 225 . . .'' (emphasis 
added). It is clear from the context of S5.9(a) and by the final rule 
adopting S5.9(a) (64 FR 10786, 10816; March 5, 1999), that NHTSA was 
referring to child restraint systems and not to child restraint 
anchorage systems. (There are no ``add-on'' child restraint anchorage 
systems and car beds, harnesses and belt-positioning seats are not 
child restraint anchorage systems.) This final rule removes the word 
``anchorage'' to correct this error.

f. Table for S5.3.2

    Currently, the Table for S5.3.2 in FMVSS No. 213 shows the required 
means of installation for different types of add-on child restraint 
systems. The November 2, 2020 NPRM proposed amending the table to show 
the incorporation of a Type 2 seat belt installation requirement, among 
other things. This final rule makes a further change, a housekeeping 
measure. The table currently shows one column for attachment to the 
child restraint anchorage system without explicitly showing a provision 
for tether use if needed, unlike the Type 1 seat belt installation 
entry that has two columns (showing a Type 1 installation without the 
tether, and a Type 1 installation with the tether, if needed). We are 
formatting the Table for S5.3.2 so that it likewise has two similar 
columns (showing an installation using the lower anchorages of a child 
restraint anchorage system without the tether, and an installation with 
the tether, if needed). These installations reflect the dynamic test 
procedure in S6.1.2 for attachment with the child restraint anchorage 
system, to show that the procedure involves attachments with and 
without the tether. This formatting into two columns aligns the table 
with FMVSS No. 213a, where the installation of the child restraint 
system is segmented into installation with lower anchorage attachments 
without the use of a tether, and installation with lower anchorage 
attachments with the use of a tether, if needed. These changes to the 
Table for S5.3.2 relate only to formatting and do not change any 
current substantive requirement.

g. Tether Tension Range

    Currently, FMVSS No. 213 indicates a tension for the tether as not 
less than 53.5 N and not more than 67 N (S6.1.2(d)(i) and (ii)), which 
the NPRM had also proposed. During the tests with the updated standard 
seat assembly, NHTSA found that in some cases the tethers could not be 
tightened to the proposed tension range because the updated standard 
seat assembly has a thinner seat back cushion (2 inches) than the 
current FMVSS No. 213 seat. This final rule adopts a tension range of 
not less than 45 N and not more than 53.5 N. This lower range in 
tension values for the tether are based on tether tensions achieved in 
the tests conducted at VRTC and therefore are practicable. FMVSS No. 
213a for side impact protection, which has the same standard seat 
design, adopted these new tension ranges for tether installations.

h. Clarifying FMVSS No. 213a and the 40 lb Cut Off

    On June 30, 2022, NHTSA published a final rule \169\ adding FMVSS 
No. 213a for CRS side impact protection. This new standard applies to 
``add-on child restraint systems that are either recommended for use by 
children in a weight range that includes weights up to 18 kg (40 lb) 
regardless of height, or by children in a height range that includes 
heights up to 1100 millimeters regardless of weight, except for car 
beds and harnesses.'' NHTSA believes some readers might ask whether 
``up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds)'' and ``up to 1100 millimeters'' are 
meant to include 18 kilograms (40 pounds) and 1100 millimeters (43 
inches). The answer is no, the ``up to'' term was not meant to include 
either 18 kilograms (40 pounds) or 1100 millimeters (43 inches). To 
make this clearer, the agency plans to clarify the wording of FMVSS No. 
213a in the upcoming NPRM. The NPRM would propose to amend FMVSS No. 
213a's ``up to'' language to instead state: ``less than 18 kilograms 
(40 pounds)''

[[Page 84565]]

and ``less than 1100 millimeters (43 inches)'' so that it is clear that 
the 18 kg (40 lb) and 1100 mm (43 inches) values are not included in 
the applicability.\170\
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    \169\ 87 FR 39234.
    \170\ This change would reflect NHTSA's original intent, as 
shown in several instances in the June 2022 final rule. See, e.g., 
87 FR at 39244, col. 2 (``NHTSA also explained in the NPRM that the 
FMVSS No. 213a side impact test replicates a near-side crash as 
experienced by a child under 18.1 kg (40 lb) in a safety seat''); 87 
FR 39244, col.3. (``No commenter objected to NHTSA's requiring 
manufacturers of booster seats to limit use of boosters to children 
weighing at least 18.1 kg (40 lb).'')
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

XII. Beyond the Scope of the Rulemaking

    There were many comments on matters beyond the scope of this 
rulemaking. NHTSA has discussed a number of these in various parts of 
this preamble and has noted that the agency is not addressing the 
matters further in this final rule. The agency will consider the 
comments as ideas for potential future changes to FMVSS No. 213 and 
NHTSA child passenger safety programs. In this section, we list some 
other matters that were raised by commenters, and for some, we offer 
our observations on the topic. This list is not all-inclusive of the 
comments that were out of scope of this rulemaking, or the thoughts 
commenters had on how NHTSA should proceed on various topics.

Retractor

    Volvo comments that, when assessing belt-positioning (booster) seat 
performance, it is important to simulate the function of the vehicle 
belt retractor in a realistic way. Volvo believes that the operation of 
the belt retractor is especially important when assessing the belt-
positioning seat's dynamic performance in a crash. Volvo states that 
the slack (film-spool effect) introduced by the retractor is not 
present with the fixed attachment that is used in the FMVSS No. 213 
current standard seat assembly today. Volvo stated that UMTRI has 
developed a surrogate retractor and performed a test using the FMVSS 
No. 213 standard seat assembly and that the test results showed similar 
kinematics to those achieved with a production seat belt.\171\ Volvo 
added that, UMTRI \172\ used the surrogate retractor in a comparative 
study of belt-positioning seats and concluded that tests with the 
surrogate retractor were as repeatable as the tests performed with 
current FMVSS No. 213 conditions. Volvo encouraged NHTSA to include a 
vehicle retractor function in the FMVSS No. 213 updated standard seat 
assembly and that this would better represent vehicle crash tests when 
using the standard seat assembly. SRN also urged NHTSA to consider 
using a shoulder belt that replicates the spooling effect of a real 
vehicle seat belt (such as the surrogate belt developed by UMTRI),\173\ 
rather than a fixed belt, to better represent a real crash when 
performing a FMVSS No. 213 dynamic sled test.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \171\ Manary MA, Klinich K, Boyle K, Orton N, Eby B, Weir Q. 
Development of a surrogate shoulder belt retractor for sled testing 
of booster seats, DOT HS 812 660, NHTSA, Washington, DC, USA, 2019a. 
Link: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/812660_development-surrogate-shoulder-belt-retractor-for-sled-testing-of-booster-seats.pdf [last accessed July 26, 2023].
    \172\ Klinich KD; Jones MH, Manary MA, Ebert SH, Boyle KJ, Malik 
L, Orton NR, Reed MP. Investigation of potential design and 
performance criteria for booster seats through volunteer and dynamic 
testing. DOT HS 812 919. NHTSA, Washington, DC, USA, 2020 Link: 
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/49119 [last accessed July 26, 
2023].
    \173\ Klinich KD; Jones MH, Manary MA, Ebert SH, Boyle KJ, Malik 
L, Orton NR, Reed MP. Investigation of potential design and 
performance criteria for booster seats through volunteer and dynamic 
testing. DOT HS 812 919. NHTSA, Washington, DC, USA, 2020 Link: 
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/49119 [last accessed July 26, 
2023].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agency Response

    While including a retractor in FMVSS No. 213 to test belt-
positioning seats is out of scope of this rulemaking, NHTSA notes here 
that the agency has been highly interested in including a retractor in 
the regulation. In fact, NHTSA has funded the research 
174 175 to which the commenters refer (Volvo and SRN), to 
develop a surrogate seat belt retractor to achieve a more realistic 
shoulder belt performance compared to the static (fixed) shoulder belt 
currently used in FMVSS No. 213. If assessments show the surrogate 
retractor is suitable for incorporation into NHTSA compliance tests, 
NHTSA plans to propose adopting it into FMVSS No. 213 
176 177 in the future.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \174\ Manary, M.A., Klinich, K.D., Boyle, K.J., Orton, N.R., 
Eby, B., & Weir, Q. (2016, January) Development of a Surrogate 
Shoulder Belt Retractor for Sled Testing (Report No. UMTRI-2016-21). 
Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 
Link: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/812660_development-surrogate-shoulder-belt-retractor-for-sled-testing-of-booster-seats.pdf [last accessed July 26, 2023].
    \175\ Klinich KD; Jones MH, Manary MA, Ebert SH, Boyle KJ, Malik 
L, Orton NR, Reed MP. Investigation of potential design and 
performance criteria for booster seats through volunteer and dynamic 
testing. DOT HS 812 919. NHTSA, Washington, DC, USA, 2020 Link: 
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/49119 [last accessed July 26, 
2023].
    \176\ NHTSA has published preliminary drawings of the surrogate 
retractor which can be found in Docket No. NHTSA-2013-0055-0017.
    \177\ NHTSA tests using the surrogate retractor can be found in 
NHTSA's Research Vehicle Test Database at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data/research-testing-databases#/vehicle. Test numbers 
V10063 through V10064 and V10325 through V10339.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Height-Less Devices

    Volvo commented that belt-positioning products should not be 
categorized as belt-positioning (booster) seats or used as child 
restraints in cars unless they elevate the child and shorten the seat 
cushion length, better ensuring the child is in an optimal position in 
a crash and is not slouching. Volvo stated that due to limitations 
inherent to the standard's seat assembly (replicating the vehicle 
environment and limitations in dummy sensitivity), some of these 
devices have passed FMVSS No. 213's dynamic test requirements even 
though they do not elevate the child or shorten the seat cushion length 
while seated. Volvo states: `` `Foldable devices' that do not boost, 
but have passed FMVSS 213 certification, resulted in submarining \178\ 
when in vehicle crash tests (Tylko et al., 2016).''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \178\ Submarining occurs when the pelvis of the occupant slides 
below the lap belt allowing it to load the abdomen, potentially 
resulting in internal injuries.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Volvo states that a common concern for ``height-less booster'' 
types of devices is that they interfere with the seat belt function and 
do not reposition the child into the seat belt like booster seats do. 
Volvo states that when used in a crash, height-less devices will 
straighten the seat belt out between the seat belt anchorage points, 
resulting in seat belt slack that will influence the kinematics of the 
child in a crash. If the rerouting is extensive, slack will be 
introduced as the belt is straightened out, resulting in delayed 
coupling of the child to the seat belt. The commenter believes that 
these height-less devices place the lap belt further forward on the 
thighs, with no direct contact with the pelvis, and that this placement 
will result in delayed restraint of the pelvis leading to poor 
kinematics and increased loadings on the child. Volvo is also concerned 
that a height-less device can result in the child not being restrained 
over the strong parts of the body, since the child is not raised to the 
correct position.
    Volvo believes height-less devices do not adhere to the protection 
principles of a CRS and are not booster seats or CRSs. The commenter 
states that ECE R129 addresses the height of the booster by requiring a 
certain angle of the lap belt and specifying that the lap belt must 
pass over the top of the thigh, just touching the fold with the pelvis. 
Volvo suggests that NHTSA add requirements addressing the shortcomings 
of heigh-less devices, including requirements for

[[Page 84566]]

lap belt positioning (that the device must result in the lap belt 
positioned on top of the thigh and in contact with the pelvis) and for 
enabling the child to bend their legs (to avoid being out of position 
in a crash by slouching).
    Similarly, CHOP comments that the primary role of a belt-
positioning booster seat is to adapt the vehicle seating geometry and 
restraints, which are designed for adults, to the child. CHOP explained 
that the nature of a booster seat, which raises the child, is intended 
to account for both anthropometry and biomechanical differences between 
children and adults. CHOP states that the boost provided by the 
structure of the traditional belt-positioning seats is needed for seat 
belt fit reasons but also to avoid slouching, allowing children to bend 
their legs over the front edge of the belt-positioning seat. CHOP 
states that its research using the PIPER \179\ pediatric human body 
model illustrates important differences in kinematics between optimally 
positioned occupants and those positioned in more naturalistic and 
realistic postures.180 181 CHOP states it is important to 
assess, using pediatric human volunteers, how these novel designs 
influence child posture and not limit assessment only to dummy 
evaluation in sled/crash tests.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \179\ The PIPER Child model is a finite element model was 
developed to scale the model for children between at least 1.5 and 6 
years of age. It was created as part of the Piper Project Link: 
http://piper-project.org/about (last accessed March 21, 2023).
    \180\ Maheshwari J, Sarfare S, Falciani C, Belwadi A. Analysis 
of Kinematic Response of Pediatric Occupants Seated in Naturalistic 
Positions in Simulated Frontal Small Offset Impacts: With and 
Without Automatic Emergency Braking. Stapp Car Crash J. 2020 
Nov;64:31-59. PMID: 3363600. Link to request access: https://www.proquest.com/docview/2499437312?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true [last accessed July 26, 2023].
    \181\ Maheshwari J, Sarfare S, Falciani C, Belwadi A. Pediatric 
occupant human body model kinematic and kinetic response variation 
to changes in seating posture in simulated frontal impacts--with and 
without automatic emergency braking. Traffic Inj Prev. 2020 Oct 
23:1-5. doi: 10.1080/15389588.2020.1825699. Epub ahead of print. 
PMID: 33095067. Link to request access from authors: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344843077_ [last accessed July 26, 
2023].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    CHOP states that its preliminary work examining the performance of 
height-less devices revealed important differences between static belt 
fit and dynamic belt performance. CHOP noted that height-less devices 
route the belt away from the soft abdomen and the neck similar to 
traditional belt-positioning seats but do so without the ``boost'' in 
an effort to reduce the size and mass of the product and increase the 
convenience of the restraint. CHOP explains that both sled tests and 
computational modeling using the PIPER human body model demonstrated 
delayed contact between the lap belt and the pelvis due to the fact 
that the lap belt is positioned far forward on the thighs.\182\ CHOP 
states that by using kinematic rather than kinetic metrics to assess 
submarining, such as change in torso angle (which is the angle made by 
shoulder to hip to knee), this research identified differences between 
the height-less devices and traditional belt-positioning seats that may 
indicate a potential for suboptimal kinematics that current dummies and 
FMVSS No. 213 test modes may not be able to reproduce. CHOP believes 
future research should further develop evaluation metrics that can 
accurately predict how real children sustain injuries--using advanced 
technology such as computational human body models ``to generate an 
environment where innovation is encouraged but unintended consequences 
are avoided.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \182\ Belwadi et al, ``Efficiency of booster seat design on the 
response of the Q6 ATD in stimulated frontal sled impacts'' 
Protection of Children in Cars Conference, Munich, Germany, 2017.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agency Response

    While additional requirements for height-less devices and belt-
positioning seats are beyond the scope of this rulemaking, NHTSA 
appreciates the commenters' views. The agency believes a booster seat's 
effectiveness comes from, in part, its ability to elevate a child in a 
vehicle relative to a vehicle's lap and shoulder belt to achieve proper 
belt fit. NHTSA has sponsored a research program \183\ as a first step 
toward possibly determining a minimum boosting height for CRSs 
recommended for children weighing more than 18.2 kg (40 lb). The 
program is evaluating, among other things, the need to specify a 
minimum boosting height that would provide enough lift to position the 
child to achieve a beneficial seat belt fit and allow bending of the 
knees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \183\ Klinich, K.D., Jones, M.H., Manary, M.A., Ebert, S.H., 
Boyle, K.J., Malik, L., Reed, M.P. (2020, April). Investigation of 
potential design and performance criteria for booster seats through 
volunteer and dynamic testing (Report No. DOT HS 812 919). 
Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 
Link: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/49119 [last accessed July 
26, 2023].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A booster seat is a platform used to elevate a child in a 
vehicle.\184\ A belt-positioning seat (which is considered a booster 
seat in FMVSS No. 213) raises the child above the vehicle seat to 
better position the seat belts on the child's torso.\185\ In the past, 
NHTSA determined that devices that simply reposition vehicle belts for 
children, and not reposition the child to fit the belts, are not child 
restraint systems. In addition, NHTSA has also determined that a 
product that provides a seating surface for a child meets the 
definition of a CRS in FMVSS No. 213, but not the definition of a 
booster seat if it does not position a child to improve belt fit.\186\ 
NHTSA considers the ability of a booster seat to elevate or lift the 
child to be crucial to occupant protection in side as well as frontal 
crashes. Lifting the child enables the child to fit the belts and 
attain the benefits of the belt, stay in-position in a crash as opposed 
to slouched, and positioned to benefit from other safety systems in the 
vehicle, such as side curtain air bags installed to meet FMVSS No. 214 
(``Side impact protection'') and No. 226, ``Ejection mitigation.'' 
NHTSA considers the boosting ability of a booster seat key to 
protecting children in side impacts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \184\ 51 FR 5335, 5337 (February 13, 1986). ``Booster seats are 
designed to be used by older children who have outgrown child seats. 
By elevating these children, the- booster seat allows the child to 
see out of the vehicle and to use the belt system in the vehicle.'' 
Id.
    \185\ https://www.nhtsa.gov/interpretations/06-007784as (Hip 
Hugger).
    \186\ https://www.nhtsa.gov/interpretations/14129ar2jan 
(Safesit).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA's research program is therefore also studying the need to 
specify a minimum booster seat height so that children are positioned 
high enough to benefit from a vehicle's side curtain air bags. In 
NHTSA's June 30, 2022, final rule establishing side impact requirements 
for child restraint systems,\187\ NHTSA determined that ``When children 
outgrow their safety seats, they transition to a booster seat, which on 
average raises a seated child by 82 mm (3.22 inches), which would 
position the child high enough to benefit from the vehicle's side 
curtain air bags installed to meet Standards No. 214 and 226.'' NHTSA 
is studying all the above issues in the research program. Among other 
issues, the agency is considering the possibility of a rulemaking to 
specify a minimum boosting height in FMVSS No. 213 and No. 213b.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \187\ Footnote omitted. 87 FR at 39237.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Simulated Front Seat Back Interaction

    A few commenters suggested adding a front seat forward of the 
standard seat assembly. Consumer Reports (CR) argues that data indicate 
that head contact is a primary source of injury, and therefore NHTSA 
should represent a front seat back to represent the rear seat 
environment more accurately. Similarly, SRN and SBS suggest that

[[Page 84567]]

NHTSA consider adding a front seat structure in a future rulemaking.

Agency Response

    We appreciate the information provided in the comments but note 
that we are not considering rulemaking in this area. Adopting a 
simulated front seat back into the FMVSS No. 213 frontal test is out of 
scope of this rulemaking.
    We also note that NHTSA is conducting research to address the 
characteristics of the seat back, head restraints and B-pillar in 
vehicles 188 189 to help reduce head injuries in adults and 
children. This research aims to develop a repeatable testing method to 
assess the injury potential from head contact on seat backs and lower 
B-pillars. Different head forms, locations (seat backs and b-pillar), 
test speeds (15 mph and 20 mph) and potential countermeasures are being 
explored. This research will provide more insights into the head to 
seat back/B-pillar impacts that may help NHTSA isolate the different 
injury mechanisms contributing to child head injuries against the seat 
backs and B-pillars.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \188\ Louden, A., Wietholter, K., Duffy, S.J. ``Lower Interior 
Impacts to Seat Backs and B-Pillars'' SAE Government Industry 
Meeting (2017) Link: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/sae2017alouden.pdf [last accessed July 26, 2023].
    \189\ Wietholter, K. (2022, July). Development of test 
procedures for lower interior rear seat occupant protection (Report 
No. DOT HS 813 319). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
Link: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/62933 [last accessed May 
22, 2023].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Include Interpretations in FMVSS No. 213

    JPMA and Evenflo encouraged NHTSA to incorporate past 
interpretations into the standard or into TP-213 as appropriate. In 
response, NHTSA does not believe it is necessary to incorporate 
interpretations as a general matter because the interpretations are 
available on the agency's website and are searchable. Moreover, NHTSA 
declines to incorporate the interpretations in this final rule because 
extending the rulemaking to incorporate them would lengthen the time to 
draft this final rule and increase the volume of the rule's subject 
matter. Nonetheless, NHTSA appreciates the suggestion and will consider 
the matter for a possible future action.

Adopting Side Impact Protection

    A number of entities (SBS, AAP, CR, the People's Republic of China, 
Dorel, and CHOP) commented on NHTSA's development of an FMVSS for side 
impact protection requirements for child restraint systems. The side 
impact final rule, published on June 30, 2022 (87 FR 39234), adopted a 
side impact standard seat assembly that is harmonized with the frontal 
updated standard seat assembly adopted by this final rule.\190\ NHTSA 
finalized the side impact standard seat assembly after considering the 
comments it received on the 2020 NPRM proposing this frontal updated 
standard seat assembly. Other side impact issues brought up by the 
commenters have been addressed in the side impact rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \190\ Some differences exist between the standard seat 
assemblies due to the nature of the test. For example, the seat belt 
and the child restraint anchorage system anchorages are centered in 
the frontal seat assembly, and aligned 300 mm from the edge of the 
seat in the side impact seat assembly. The design of the lower 
anchorages are different but their locations are the same, and some 
structural reinforcements are different between the standard seat 
assemblies due to the different loading conditions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Misuse Testing

    Mr. Jankowiak commented that if ``real world'' use includes the 
unintentional misuse of CRSs, FMVSS No. 213 should then encompass this 
in the compliance testing, if feasible. Mr. Jankowiak explained that 
because a not insignificant number of CRSs are unintentionally misused 
or improperly installed, to reflect ``real-world use'' the tests should 
include misuse and/or improperly installed CRSs, if feasible.
    In response, NHTSA agrees, and FMVSS No. 213 currently includes 
misuse tests given the degree of misuse in the field. An example is the 
32-inch head excursion requirement that CRSs must meet without use of a 
tether. NHTSA adopted the test based on data showing that most 
caregivers were not attaching the top tethers of child restraints. 
Later, NHTSA adopted another head excursion test, to supplement the 32-
inch test requirement. The supplemental test is a correct use test. It 
requires child restraints to meet a 28-inch head excursion requirement 
and in that test, NHTSA will attach a top tether if the child restraint 
includes one and its written instructions direct consumers to use it.
    In addition, FMVSS No. 213 includes a number of requirements to 
reduce the likelihood of misuse during real-world use. For example, 
NHTSA has standardized the means of anchoring a child restraint to a 
vehicle, stating that ``standardization of the means of anchoring a 
child restraint to a vehicle is vital to prevent misuse. By requiring 
all restraints to be attachable to vehicle seats by the vehicle seat 
belt, consumers will be assured of a uniform method of attaching the 
restraint and there will be less confusion regarding that aspect of 
use.'' \191\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \191\ NPRM, 43 FR 21470, 21472; May 18, 1978.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other Miscellaneous Issues

    NHTSA also received comments asking that the agency: take action on 
fake and counterfeit products in the U.S. market; conduct research to 
gather more current feedback from parents and child passenger safety 
technicians on trends and patterns regarding common CRS misuse; ensure 
that mass media images are screened for technical accuracy; support 
increased education, public communications, and enforcement efforts 
regarding the importance of belt-positioning seat use for children 
through age 12. While such comments are out of scope of the rulemaking, 
NHTSA appreciates the information provided.

XIII. Child Passenger Safety Issues Arising From Research Findings

    In the NPRM, NHTSA requested comment on several developments in 
child passenger safety observed in the research context that have 
raised the agency's concerns. NHTSA requested comments on how best to 
approach those developments.\192\ In this section, we discuss the 
comments we received and offer some of our current thinking on the 
topic.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \192\ When NHTSA published the NPRM, the agency docketed a paper 
in the NPRM docket (Docket No. NHTSA-2020-0093) that discussed the 
issues in more detail.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

a. CRSs Associated With Submarining or Ejection

    NHTSA states in the NPRM that the agency has reviewed research 
reports on testing done on certain kinds of child restraints that raise 
concerns about a potential unreasonable risk of submarining \193\ or 
ejection from the devices in crash scenarios. The CRSs in question are 
(a) inflatable booster seats, and (b) ``shield-type'' child restraints 
(shield-only-CRSs) available in markets overseas.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \193\ ``Submarining'' refers to the tendency for a restrained 
occupant to slide forward feet first under the lap belt during a 
vehicle crash, which could result in serious abdominal, pelvic, and 
spinal injuries.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inflatable Booster Seats
    The NPRM explains that Transport Canada conducted 25-30 mph frontal 
impact crash tests of different vehicle models, with the HIII-6YO and 
HIII-10YO dummies restrained using inflatable boosters in rear seats. 
In the tests, the dummies experienced significant submarining due to 
excessive compression of the inflatable booster

[[Page 84568]]

during the crash event. Submarining refers to when the dummy's pelvis 
slides under the lap belt and the lap belt directly loads the abdomen. 
Submarining is a serious safety risk because the lap belt will directly 
load the occupant's vulnerable soft organs in the abdomen rather than 
stay on the strong bones of the pelvis where crash forces can be 
tolerated better. Booster seats sold in Canada are required to compress 
by not more than 25 mm (1 inch) when subjected to a 2,250 N quasi-
static compression force. Inflatable booster seats cannot currently 
meet and are unlikely to meet the requirements of this quasi-static 
compression test and so inflatable booster seats are not sold in 
Canada. The NPRM requested comment on the findings of the research 
crash tests conducted in Canada, the booster seat compression test 
requirements in Canada, and the safety need to have a compression test 
in FMVSS No. 213.
Comments Received
    Various commenters responded to this issue of a compression test 
for belt-positioning seats. (A belt-positioning seat is a type of 
booster seat.) The Automotive Safety Council (ASC) commended NHTSA for 
taking a proactive approach for these CRSs. SBS commented that it has 
limited experience with inflatable boosters ``and it was not very 
positive.'' SBS states that it found that inflatable belt-positioning 
seats led to poor belt fit and poor positioning of the child, 
``including children slipping off the seat in normal driving.'' CR 
states it has not seen submarining with inflatable belt-positioning 
seats in its 35 g/35 mph testing.
    Volvo commented in support of a compression test. It states that 
the dynamic stability of a booster seat is essential as this will 
influence its performance in a real-world crash. The commenter explains 
that it compared three different types of backless booster seats having 
varied degrees of stiffness and design using a human body model \194\ 
and a dummy \195\ in a vehicle environment.\196\ It states that, 
although there were similarities in initial belt fit, there were 
alarming differences in dynamic performance. Specifically, Volvo states 
that one of the booster seats deformed substantially and this in turn 
caused unfavorable kinematics and seat belt interaction. Volvo believes 
that the Transport Canada tests on inflatable boosters referenced in 
the NPRM \197\ that found submarining ``highlights the importance of a 
stable dynamic booster seat design.'' Volvo emphasizes that the 
Transport Canada tests were performed in vehicles ``which indicates 
that the consequences of excessive deformation of the booster is not 
recognized in the standard seat assembly to the same extent.'' It 
states that, given the differences in the standard seat assembly and 
vehicle environment and the limitations of the current test dummies and 
performance criteria to detect submarining and the risk of abdominal 
injury, Volvo supports the introduction of a quasi-static compression 
test requirement. The commenter cautioned though, that the test should 
be written so that the belt-positioning seat would not be sub-optimized 
for one specific position of the pressure plate. Volvo states it is 
especially important that ``the booster seat does not deform 
excessively on the front edge of the booster as this is the most 
critical area'' to prevent submarining.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \194\ Modeling efforts included 18 frontal impact simulations 
with the finite element PIPER 6-year-old human body model (HBM) 
investigating different combinations of parameters (booster shape, 
stiffness, and guiding loop design).
    \195\ Testing efforts include 3 frontal impact sled tests with a 
Q10 dummy using vehicle rear seat interiors.
    \196\ Bohman K, [Ouml]sth J, Jakobsson L, Stockman I, 
Wimmerstedt M, Wallin H. Booster cushion design effects on child 
occupant kinematics and loading assessed using the PIPER 6-year-old 
HBM and the Q10 ATD in frontal impacts, Traffic Inj Prev 20, Aug 
2020;1-6 Link for paid access: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15389588.2020.1795148 [last accessed July 26, 2023].
    \197\ Tylko et al., 2016, Docket No. NHTSA-2020-0093-0013.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    BubbleBum, a manufacturer of inflatable belt-positioning seats sold 
in the U.S., commented against having a compression test in FMVSS No. 
213. The manufacturer states that the experimental data from Transport 
Canada \198\ shows that submarining occurs in some but not all tests 
with inflatable belt-positioning seats. BubbleBum states that Transport 
Canada 2012 \199\ test data of 42 full scale rigid barrier frontal 
vehicle crash tests shows that submarining also occurs in 31 percent of 
conventional,\200\ non-inflatable, belt-positioning seats. BubbleBum 
states that Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) 201 202 
found that the vast majority of conventional and rigid belt-positioning 
seats TRL tested exhibited unfavorable kinematics, indicating 
submarining, in a series of 12 sled tests with 6- and 10-year-old 
dummies on the seats over a range of different lap belt paths. 
BubbleBum argues that field observations of conventional belt-
positioning seats show that they are extremely effective in mitigating 
injury as shown in a 2009 Children's Hospital of Philadelphia study 
\203\ that found children aged 4 to 8 years restrained in belt-
positioning seats were 45 percent less likely to sustain injuries than 
similarly aged children who were using the vehicle seat belt alone. The 
commenter states that the study also shows that, for backless belt-
positioning seats, there was a complete absence of abdominal injuries.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \198\ Referenced in the NPRM and docketed NHTSA-2020-0093-0013 
at www.regulations.gov.
    \199\ Tylko, S. and Bussieres, A. ``Responses of the Hybrid III 
5th Female and 10-year-old ATD Seated in the Rear Seats of Passenger 
Vehicles in Frontal Crash Tests'' IRCOBI Conference 2012 http://www.ircobi.org/wordpress/downloads/irc12/pdf_files/65.pdf [last 
accessed July 26, 2023].
    \200\ By conventional belt-positioning seats, NHTSA means belt-
positioning seats that have a more rigid seating platform and that 
are non-inflatable.
    \201\ TRL is an accredited Technical Service in the United 
Kingdom for the type[hyphen]approval of child restraint systems to 
UN Regulation No. 129.
    \202\ Visvikis, C. Carrol, J. Pitcher, M. and Waagmeester, K. 
``Assessing Lap Belt Path and Submarining Risk in Booster Seats: 
Abdominal Pressure Twin Sensors vs. Anterior-superior Iliac Spine 
Load Cells.'' IRCOBI Conference 2018. http://www.ircobi.org/wordpress/downloads/irc18/pdf-files/92.pdf [last accessed July 26, 
2023].
    \203\ Arbogast KB, Jermakian JS, Kallan MJ, Durbin DR. 
Effectiveness of belt-positioning booster seats: an updated 
assessment. Pediatrics. 2009 Nov;124(5):1281-6. doi: 10.1542/
peds.2009-0908. Epub 2009 Oct 19. PMID: 19841126. Link for access: 
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/124/5/1281/72162/Effectiveness-of-Belt-Positioning-Booster-Seats-An?redirectedFrom= fulltext [last accessed July 26, 2023].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    BubbleBum argues that all the findings presented indicate that the 
experimental observations of belt-positioning seat performance predict 
there should be substantial abdominal injury in the field, yet such 
injuries are not observed in the field. The commenter further states 
that it has conducted extensive crash testing on regulatory standard 
seat assemblies and real vehicle seats and used conventional belt-
positioning seats as controls and found that the 6-year-old dummy did 
not submarine on the BubbleBum or on the conventional belt-positioning 
seats. The commenter states that it has 11 years of field experience, 
with over a million units in the field around the world and 70 percent 
of these seats in the U.S. and that there are no reported injuries, 
including submarining injuries, in crashes involving its product. 
BubbleBum states that its product has been crash tested, approved to 
the ECE requirements in Europe in the deflated state and tested in the 
U.S. in a deflated state. It states that its product performs well in 
the deflated test because it can maintain its structural integrity due 
to

[[Page 84569]]

the High-Density Cellular Structure and webbing harness which, the 
manufacturer states, are integral to the functionality and performance 
of the seat. The commenter argues that adding compression deflection 
testing to the regulation would not result in a ``measurable benefit'' 
to the health and safety of children.
    JPMA commented with its view that research, testing and field 
performance assessment must clearly demonstrate that addition of a 
compression test offers real-world injury-reduction benefit given that 
a compression test would be applied to all belt-positioning seats if 
incorporated. JPMA said it would similarly like to see clear injury-
reduction benefit of rebound control metrics before such an addition is 
considered, because the depth of the proposed standard seat assembly is 
45 mm (1.77 inches) less than the current standard seat assembly and 
developing and testing rebound control features would be further 
complicated as a result.
NHTSA's Views
    The agency thanks the commenters for their views on this matter. 
While NHTSA agrees with BubbleBum that some non-inflatable belt-
positioning seats showed submarining during testing and that the 
BubbleBum did not always submarine in these tests, NHTSA does not agree 
that this information is a satisfactory answer to the increased risk of 
submarining that test data are associating with inflatable belt-
positioning seats. Some non-inflatable belt-positioning seats may be 
prone to submarining for features other than seat stiffness, but 
several additional studies to the ones noted in the NPRM have also 
identified a greater risk of submarining associated with inflatable 
belt-positioning seats.
    IIHS and UVA recently conducted a large-scale, parametric study 
\204\ of 714 individual belt-positioning seats to examine the link 
between booster seat designs and child occupant response during 
simulated collisions. The study used the PIPER human body model, a 
finite element (FE) model of the FMVSS No. 213 proposed standard seat 
assembly and characterized key parameters in the belt-positioning seat 
design space from a sample of 44 physical belt-positioning seats. The 
findings of the study found inflatable boosters almost always resulted 
in submarining of the dummy. In NHTSA's view, this recent study, the 
studies referenced in the NPRM and Volvo's data (see Volvo's comment 
above) suggest that inflatable belt-positioning seats are posing a 
greater risk of submarining. NHTSA would like to determine whether such 
risk is unreasonable.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \204\ Parametric study of booster seat design characteristics 
Jason Forman, Matthew Miller, Daniel Perez-Rapela, Bronislaw Gepner, 
University of Virginia, Center for Applied Biomechanics; Marcy 
Edwards, Jessica Jermakian, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 
(US). Link: https://www.iihs.org/topics/bibliography/ref/2245 [last 
accessed July 26, 2023].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    BubbleBum argues that its product is safe because it meets the 
performance measures of FMVSS No. 213 while deflated. NHTSA is not 
persuaded, as a deflated device is akin to a ``height-less'' device. 
The risk of submarining is real with height-less devices, but difficult 
to detect because the child dummy pelvis joint does not have the 
flexibility of a human child pelvic joint. A human child can bend its 
lower back and pelvis into a slouched position allowing the seat belt 
to ride up the abdomen of the child (as the child submarines). In 
contrast, the dummy's lower back and pelvis cannot bend as much as a 
human (i.e., bend into a slouching position), which reduces the chances 
of the seat belt moving upwards towards the abdomen when the dummy is 
seated. In addition, FMVSS No. 213's test uses a locked (fixed) Type 2 
seat belt that does not allow seat belt spool out (contrary to the 
retractors in an actual vehicle), which prevents the dummy from having 
a more forward movement in the dynamic event. Submarining can occur as 
the child pelvis slips under the lap belt, loading the abdomen. This 
means that the locked retractor is helping overcome the submarining 
that would occur had the event been in a real vehicle with an actual 
retractor. The locked retractor leads to unrealistically favorable 
results in terms of submarining. Similarly, the locked retractor may 
enable a dummy to exhibit head and knee excursions within FMVSS No. 
213's limits when sitting on the standard seat assembly without a CRS--
even when the limits may be grossly exceeded in a test of the dummy in 
a real vehicle with an actual retractor. This results in an analysis of 
a restraint that is more favorable than it would likely be in a real-
world crash. As noted in the section above, NHTSA is working to add a 
retractor to FMVSS No. 213 that is not locked.
    JPMA commented that because the depth of the proposed standard seat 
assembly is 45 mm (1.77 inches) less than the current standard seat 
assembly, developing and testing rebound control features would be 
further complicated. NHTSA understands that by ``depth'' JPMA is 
referring to the thickness of the seat foam. We disagree that a thinner 
seat foam in the updated standard seat assembly would complicate 
booster seat rebound control features. Testing with the updated 
standard seat assembly showed that current belt-positioning seat 
designs already meet the updates to the standard, therefore, there will 
be no need to develop new rebound control features. JPMA did not 
provide any evidence on how the thinner foam would impact belt-
positioning seat designs.
    NHTSA conducted compression tests \205\ on 14 CRS models \206\ 
spanning the different materials observed in the market (Table 14). 
Test results showed that BubbleBum and Hiccapop (both inflatable belt-
positioning seats) were the only belt-positioning seats that failed the 
compression tests with deflections reaching 42.56 and 49.4 mm (1.67 and 
1.94 inches) respectively. The Clek Ozzi belt positioning seat made of 
EPS foam almost reached the 25 mm (1 inch) deflection limit. The data 
indicate that all non-inflatable belt-positioning seats would meet the 
compression test, and test results with the updated standard seat 
assembly show that belt-positioning seats also meet the performance 
requirements. Therefore, most non-inflatable belt-positioning seats 
would not need redesigning if a compression test were adopted into 
FMVSS No. 213.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \205\ Following CMVSS Test Method 213.2 Section 4 which 
specifies using a 203 mm diameter flat plate to apply a vertical 
force at a rate between 50 to 500 mm/min. An initial preload of 175N 
(~40 lbs) is applied followed by a 2250N (~500 lbs.) load while 
measuring the deflection when fully loaded. Booster seat must 
deflect less than 25 mm.
    \206\ The Mifold was also tested but was excluded from this data 
as it was not determined whether the Mifold was a belt-positioning 
seat.

[[Page 84570]]

           Table 14--Belt-Positioning Seat Tested for Compression With Manufacturing/Material Details
                                              [NHTSA test results]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Deflection
             Manufacturer                            Model                   Seat categories           (mm)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evenflo...............................  AMP Backless Booster..........  Injection molded........            8.39
KidsEmbrace...........................  Batman Backless Booster.......  Blow molded.............          10.351
Graco.................................  Turbo GO Folding Backless       Injection molded........          10.691
                                         Booster.
Graco.................................  Backless TurboBooster.........  Injection molded........          11.685
Lil Fan...............................  Slimline No Back Seat Booster.  Blow molded.............          12.654
Cosco.................................  Topside Backless Booster......  Blow molded.............          12.809
Safety 1st............................  Incognito.....................  EPP Foam................          13.717
Graco.................................  TurboBooster TakeAlong          Injection molded........          14.347
                                         Backless Booster.
Safe Traffic System...................  JD16100BKR-1 Delighter Booster  EPP Foam................           17.53
Chicco................................  Booster.......................  Injection molded........          17.968
Harmony...............................  Juvenile Youth Backless         Blow molded.............          19.054
                                         Booster.
Clek..................................  Ozzi Booster..................  EPP Foam................          24.234
Bubble Bum............................  Backless Booster..............  Inflatable..............          42.496
Hiccapop..............................  Uberboost Inflatable Booster..  Inflatable..............          49.427
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    JPMA believes that a compression limit should only be implemented 
if a measurable benefit can be determined. In response, the Safety Act 
authorizes NHTSA to issue safety standards to protect the public 
against unreasonable risk of accidents occurring and against 
unreasonable risk of death or injury in an accident. If the commenter 
is saying that NHTSA must identify injuries found in the field, that is 
an incorrect understanding of the Safety Act. NHTSA can move to issue 
FMVSS requirements based on research data alone, without waiting for an 
associated injury to be found in the field. BubbleBum argues that the 
absence of reported injuries in the field is evidence of the safety of 
their product. In response, reported injuries in the field may not 
reflect the extent of injuries in the field or the likelihood that such 
injuries may occur. Data are also sparse overall on injuries that may 
affect only two products in the market, so if injuries were occurring 
or being made more severe in the field due to an inflatable booster 
compressing in a crash, it is unlikely information about such injuries 
could be easily found. NHTSA believes the research data showing an 
increased risk of injury due to the product compressing in a crash is 
sufficiently concerning to warrant further exploration.
    In response to BubbleBum's argument that a study showed that belt-
positioning seats have proven to be highly effective in preventing 
injuries in the field, these data relate to conventional booster seats 
that do not compress in a crash. The booster seats in the study have a 
similar construction amongst them and are different from inflatable 
devices. The effectiveness findings for these boosters cannot be 
applied to a product that does not keep the child boosted (and 
protected against submarining) throughout the crash event.
    NHTSA plans to continue to look at inflatable belt-positioning 
seats. The Automotive Safety Council, SBS and Volvo supported actions 
to address the potential increased risk to safety of inflatable 
designs. NHTSA is working to develop a surrogate retractor, and 
additional belt-positioning seat performance measures,\207\ that may 
help detect submarining in belt-positioning seats by allowing some 
spool out of the seat belt webbing before locking, thus replicating the 
retractors in actual vehicles. When the work is complete, NHTSA will 
consider the merits of rulemaking to incorporate the surrogate 
retractor and additional belt-positioning seat performance requirements 
into FMVSS No. 213. The agency envisions that the future rulemaking 
could include other approaches that address height-less devices as 
well.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \207\ Klinich, K.D., Jones, M.H., Manary, M.A., Ebert, S.H., 
Boyle, K.J., Malik, L., . . . Reed, M.P. (2020, April). 
Investigation of potential design and performance criteria for 
booster seats through volunteer and dynamic testing (Report No. DOT 
HS 812 919). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration. Link: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/49119/dot_49119_DS1.pdf [last accessed July 26, 2023].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shield-Only-CRSs
    Shield-only-CRSs only have a shield to restrain a young child's 
upper torso, lower torso, and crotch. While such CRSs are currently not 
available in the U.S., there are a wide variety of shield-only-CRSs in 
Europe intended for children weighing less than 13.6 kg (30 lb). Child 
dummies (representing children aged 18-months old and 3-years-old) 
restrained in shield-only-CRSs in simulated vehicle rollover tests, 64 
km/h (40 mph) offset frontal impact vehicle crash tests, and in 64 km/h 
(40 mph) Allgemeiner Deutsher Automobil-Club (ADAC) type frontal impact 
sled tests were completely or partially ejected from the child 
restraints. The test results raise concern about the ability of a 
shield-only-CRS to retain small children in the CRS in certain crashes 
or in a rollover. The NPRM sought comment on the findings of these 
research tests. The agency asked if FMVSS No. 213 should require 
shield-only-CRSs to have additional shoulder belts and a crotch strap, 
similar to the requirements for child restraints that have belts 
designed to restrain the child (S5.4.3.3).
Comments Received
    NHTSA received comments providing perspectives from very different 
points of view. Cybex provided historical information relating to the 
research studies discussed in the NPRM to imply that current shield 
child restraint systems would not exhibit the performance found in the 
above tests. Cybex states that the European child restraint system 
overturning test was amended in UN Regulation No. 44 in February 2014 
to be more stringent, in part to address the performance of shield 
systems in vehicle rollover tests. The improved overturning test 
procedure was also introduced in the new UN Regulation No. 129 for 
child restraints that entered into force on June 10, 2014. Cybex states 
that all shield systems type-approved after the aforementioned dates 
meet the improved overturning requirements, while ``the shield systems 
that were used by Tylko would not have been subject to these more 
stringent overturning requirements.'' Cybex also believes that shield 
systems used in a study by TRL \208\ under contract to

[[Page 84571]]

Britax were likely approved prior to the amendment made to the 
overturning test. Cybex states that UN R.129 is now the primary child 
restraint system regulation in those parts of the world that follow UN 
Regulations. The commenter believes that requirements in R.129 would 
prevent a shield system that allows the partial ejection described in 
the TRL study from gaining type-approval. The commenter suggests that 
NHTSA ``consider adopting performance-based requirements instead of 
specifying design constraints (e.g., minimum radius, curvature of 
contactable surface, shoulder straps).''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \208\ Visvikis, C., et al., ``Evaluation of shield and harness 
systems in frontal impact sled experiments,'' TRL, UK. Johannsen, 
H., Beillas, P., Lesire, P. ``Analysis of the performance of 
different architectures of forward-facing CRSs with integral 
restraint system,'' International Technical Conference on the 
Enhanced Safety of Vehicles Conference, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 
2013, Paper 13-0226.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Volvo commented that shield-only CRSs should not be used as they do 
not restrain a child according to fundamental principles of protection. 
The commenter explains that the fundamental principles include an early 
coupling between the occupant and the restraint, which leads to reduced 
loading on the child. Volvo states that a misuse study shows that 
shields are not fastened tight enough to the child's body, likely for 
the child's comfort. Volvo believes a shield-only child restraint 
inherently is likely to have a higher risk of slack as compared to a 
child restraint with a harness. ``A harness is needed to restrain the 
child over the strong parts of the body and to ensure that the child 
will not be ejected from the restraint.\209\ Volvo states that crash 
testing,210 211 field studies,\212\ and misuse observation 
\213\ studies all provide evidence that shield-only CRS do not address 
the fundamental principles of protection and result in reduced occupant 
protection.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \209\ Kent R, Forman J. Restraint biomechanics, In: Yoganandan 
N. Accidental Injury, Springer, 2015:116-8.
    \210\ Johanssen H, Beillas P, Lesire P. Analysis of the 
performance of different architectures of forward-facing CRS with 
integral restraint systems, 23rd Int. ESV Conf., Paper No. 13-0226, 
Seoul, Korea, 2013 Link: https://www-esv.nhtsa.dot.gov/Proceedings/23/files/Session%205%20Oral.pdf [last accessed July 26, 2023].
    \211\ Tylko S, Bussiere A, Lepretre JP. Comparison of HIII and Q 
series child ATDs for the evaluation of child restraint performance 
during dynamic rollover, 12th Int. Conf. Protection of Children in 
Cars, Munich, Germany, 2013.
    \212\ Edgerton, Orzechowski KM, Eichelberger MR. Not all child 
safety seats are created equal: the potential dangers of shield 
booster seats, Pediatrics 113(3), 2004:153-158 Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5855078_Not_All_Child_Safety_Seats_Are_Created_Equal_The_Potential_Dangers_of_Shield_Booster_Seats [last accessed July 26, 2023].
    \213\ Morris SD, Arbogast KB, Durbin DR, Winston FK, Misuse of 
booster seats, Inj Prevention 6(4), 2000:281-4 Link: https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/injuryprev/6/4/281.full.pdf [last 
accessed: July 26, 2023].
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Volvo did not support the idea of requiring the shield-only CRSs to 
have shoulder belts and a crotch strap. The commenter states that an 
internal harness is needed to ensure that the strong body parts are 
engaged and to ensure early coupling with the child occupant, thus 
reducing the risk of ejection. Volvo believes that once the harness has 
been added to the child seat, the shield can be completely removed. 
Volvo states that adding the belts and strap may increase the risk of 
misuse as well as have a negative impact on ease-of-use.
    Consumer Reports states that as there are not currently any shield-
only child restraints in the U.S., preventing their use would 
presumably be more cost effective than the research and development 
needed to determine how to regulate them best.
NHTSA's Views
    The agency appreciates the information from these commenters. NHTSA 
will consider them as it contemplates possible future actions the 
agency should take to address shield-only child restraints.

b. Should infant carriers' height limits better align with their weight 
limits?

    NHTSA requested information on a matter showing up in the field 
concerning children under 1YO outgrowing infant carriers by height much 
earlier than by weight. Research studies conducted at UMTRI \214\ show 
that some infant carriers marketed as suitable for children up to 13.6 
kg (30 lb) cannot ``fit'' the height of a 95th percentile 1 YO or an 
average 1.5 YO.\215\ NHTSA stated that the agency believes that infant 
carriers' height and weight recommendations should better match the 
children for whom the CRS is recommended. NHTSA requested comment on 
UMTRI's research findings. The NPRM asked: Should infant carriers' 
height and weight recommendations better match up to better accommodate 
the children for whom the CRS is recommended?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \214\ Manary. M., et al., ``Comparing the CRABI-12 and CRABI-18 
for Infant Child Restraint System Evaluation.'' June 2015. DOT HS 
812 156. The report is available in the docket for this NPRM.
    \215\ Field experience indicates that children at the higher end 
of growth charts typically outgrow the carriers by height at around 
9-10 months.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments Received
    NHTSA received a number of views on this issue.
    Evenflo states that individual manufacturers have historically 
determined whether their products can accommodate children recommended 
for their seats who fall within the height and weight limits and that 
research referenced in the NPRM confirms there are no uniform practices 
for child sizes that are being used by manufacturers for determining 
proper heights and weights for infant CRSs. Evenflo and Cybex refer to 
the UN child restraint regulation (UN R.129). Evenflo states that R.129 
``deals with this issue directly by specifying the child size data 
which must be used to classify child restraints.'' Cybex also 
references the Australia and New Zealand child restraint standard (AS/
NZ 1754) which establishes critical dimensions for all manufacturers to 
use in the design and development of CRSs and belt-positioning seats. 
Evenflo and Cybex note that adopting the approach of these regulations 
would be a way to establish height and weight ranges for CRSs that can 
be applied consistently from manufacturer to manufacturer.
    JPMA states it is open to the concept of aligning interior child 
restraint dimensions with child stature, and that it has seen similar 
concepts reflected in other regulations. While the commenter did not 
name the regulations, NHTSA assumes JPMA is referring to the UN and AS/
NZ standards.
    Consumer Reports (CR) supports that height limits should more 
accurately match rear-facing-only infant seat weight limits to reflect 
real children. CR explained that higher weight limits should not be 
used as a marketing tool without an appropriate accompanying height 
limit (e.g., a 13.6 kg (30-pound) CRS should not have a 29-inch height 
limit).
    CR believes that NHTSA is missing an opportunity to address the 
current disconnect in the weight and height limits of rear-facing-only 
infant seats. CR explains that current rear-facing-only infant seats 
have weight maximums that are not commensurate with the seat's shell 
height or height limitations. CR states that of the 36 infant seats 
currently in CR's ratings, 33 have maximum weight limits of between 
13.6 kg (30 lb) and 15.8 kg (35 lb) but have height limits between 762 
to 812 mm (30 and 32 inches). CR comments that, based on CDC growth 
charts, the combination of the lowest weight limit for that group (13.6 
kg (30-pound)) with the highest height limit (812 mm (32 inches)): a 
15.8-kg (35-pound) child is approximately a 95th percentile 28-month-
old, whose height would be between 889 to 1016 mm (35 to 40 inches). CR 
adds that of the 66 infant seats in the market, only three

[[Page 84572]]

have a 889-mm (35-inch) height limit and 46 out of 66 infant seats 
listed there have a 15.8-kg (35-pound) limit. CR opined that this 
practice potentially results in misuse for kids remaining in their 
rear-facing infant carrier after they have exceeded the height 
limitations. CR recommends that NHTSA should set standards prohibiting 
manufacturers from having weight and height allowances that are so 
disparate.
    Volvo states that it is essential to ensure that the optimal CRS is 
used for the child (age and size) and that the child must fit in the 
infant CRS, for it to provide good protection. Volvo supports NHTSA's 
view that infant CRS height and weight recommendations should better 
align with the children for whom the CRS is recommended. Volvo states 
that the UMTRI study shows that infant CRSs vary in size, so it is 
essential that customers are provided clear and relevant information on 
what size child the CRS is designed for. Volvo believes that an 
appropriate clearance between the top of the head and the top of the 
CRS shell is essential because in the real-world environment, there is 
likely a vehicle seat in front posing a risk of head impacts if the 
head is positioned too close. Volvo notes that it encourages transfer 
to a larger CRS that can be used rearward-facing as soon as the infant 
is not carried easily in the infant CRS.
    SRN disagrees that weight limits of CRSs should better match the 
height limits. SRN states that, having experienced when rear-facing 
weight limits were inadequate to keep even many 1-year-old rear-facing, 
``we appreciate the buffer that today's models provide.'' (NHTSA 
understands this to mean SRN appreciates the higher weight limits of 
the infant carriers sold today even if a child may outgrow an infant 
seat by height before reaching the weight limit of the CRS, because the 
higher limits result in more children riding rear facing.) SRN states 
that since the height limit is constrained by the fore-aft space in 
vehicles, any alignment in height and weight limits would involve 
lowering the rear-facing weight limits. SRN states, ``This is not a 
direction we want to go, especially given that many state laws now 
specify a child age limit for RF assuming the ample weight limits 
provided by today's CRSs, even for the heaviest children.'' SRN states 
it would be better to see a greater emphasis on the instructions for 
height limits, especially the application of a required rear-facing 
height maximum indicator directly on the front of the CRS.
    Graco does not address the specific question NHTSA posed about 
infant seats. Instead, the commenter discusses FMVSS No. 213's seat 
back height requirements generally and Graco's ideas for amending the 
standard relating to child restraints that have adjustable-height seat 
backs that ``grow with the child.''
NHTSA's Views
    NHTSA is aware of the approach of UN R.129 and AS/NZ 1754 and is 
considering the benefits and challenges of such an approach. We believe 
that some of the changes in this final rule will address this issue to 
an extent. For example, infant carriers will most likely be marketed 
for children up to 13.6 kg (30 lb) and not heavier children. As a 
result, there will be many fewer infant carriers (if at all) in the 
future where children will outgrow them by height before reaching the 
weight threshold. If a manufacturer decides to recommend an infant 
carrier for children over 13.6 kg (30 lb), then that CRS will be 
subject to testing using the 3-year-old dummy as well and will need to 
be large enough to accommodate the dummy. All matters raised by the 
commenters will be considered by NHTSA as the agency decides whether 
and how to address this matter in the future.

c. Virtual Models for CRS Fit

    NHTSA has supported the development of computer models of children 
of different weights and heights to assist CRS manufacturers in 
designing child restraints that better fit the children for whom the 
CRS is recommended.\216\ These virtual models are available to the 
public to improve the fit of CRSs to children.\217\ NHTSA requested 
comments from manufacturers and other parties on whether they use the 
models and whether the models are helpful.
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    \216\ NHTSA has sponsored an UMTRI project developing toddler 
virtual dummies for use in improving of the fit of CRSs to child 
passengers. Information on a 2015 UMTRI workshop describing 
development of the toddler virtual fit dummies can be found at: 
http://umtri.umich.edu/our-results/projects/umtri-workshop-new-tools-child-occupant-protection.
    \217\ Toddler virtual models available for download at: http://childshape.org/toddler/manikins/.
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    NHTSA received several comments providing feedback on the models. 
Britax identified what it called a few key areas for future development 
that the commenter believes would further increase the utility of the 
virtual models for CRS fit. Britax suggests the following additions to 
the model: (i) the expansion of the covered age range through infancy, 
and (ii) the ability to articulate the toddler model, especially 
flexion angle at the hip and flexion/extension of the torso and neck. 
Similarly, Cybex, Evenflo, and Volvo state that the models would be 
more useful if they could be manipulated into more natural positions or 
adjusted at major points. Volvo encourages further developments, 
including features making it possible to change the posture of the 
models to fit the specific CRS or vehicle seats. Evenflo states that 
virtual fit checks of the mannequins in car seats would be possible.
    Graco states that it has not used NHTSA's virtual child models and 
is unlikely to do so in the future as they are provided in STL format 
and are not particularly suitable for manipulation (such as changing 
the seating posture or reorienting the arms relative to the torso) in 
the computer aided design software used by Graco. Graco suggests that 
NHTSA might consider making the models available in a data format that 
can be more readily integrated into users' computer aided modeling 
tools, such as Parasolid or STEP.
NHTSA's Response
    NHTSA appreciates the suggestions for improving the models. The 
agency will consider improving the virtual models so that they provide 
more functionality, such as with moving joints to better position the 
virtual models, and so they can be used in a more accessible data 
format.

XIV. Lead Time and Compliance Dates

    The NPRM proposed that the compliance date for most of the 
amendments in the rulemaking action would be three years following the 
date of publication of the final rule in the Federal Register, with 
optional early compliance permitted, except as follows:
     A 180-day compliance date was proposed for the changes to 
registration card requirements and the proposed changes to permit more 
add-on school bus child restraint systems (early optional compliance 
would be permitted for both); and,
     A 1-year compliance date was proposed for labeling and 
printed instructions requirement changes (early optional compliance 
would be permitted).
Comments Received
    All comments on this issue supported the proposed lead times and 
compliance dates. JPMA supported the proposed option for early 
compliance ``so CRS model designs can be optimized to comply with one 
set of test configurations, rather than two.'' The commenter also added 
that the lead time for labeling and printed instructions changes should 
provide

[[Page 84573]]

time to allow manufacturers to use current labels for a period so 
``existing supplies can be exhausted and production processes are 
minimally interrupted by the changes.''
    Dorel, Evenflo, and, IMMI also supported the proposed option for 
early compliance. Dorel stated that labeling, registration and dummy 
compliance testing in the NPRM could be brought to a final rule quickly 
as these were ``not controversial.'' Evenflo asked whether the labeling 
changes that must be implemented by the end of the one-year lead time 
and the testing changes that must be implemented by the end of 3 years 
will require two labeling updates, which, Evenflo stated, seems 
inefficient and potentially confusing to the consumer. Graco 
recommended that the effective dates of both the revised frontal and 
the new side impact coincide. Graco suggested that all proposed changes 
affecting labels become mandatory concurrently, except for S5.5.2(f) 
where Graco suggested that manufacturers should have the option of 
adopting this section upon issuance of the final rule or a short time 
thereafter.
Agency Response
    This final rule adopts the compliance dates proposed in the NPRM 
except to provide 1 year for the changes to school bus CRS, labeling, 
and registration card changes. The change is made to align with the 
requirements for the labeling and printed instructions changes, to 
reduce the need for manufacturers having to deal with multiple 
compliance dates within the standard. We note that there is minimal or 
no practical consequence to providing a year for the changes rather 
than 180 days. The amendments pertaining to the school bus CRS and 
registration program are permissive and do not require manufacturers to 
change any of their current practices. Further, voluntary early 
compliance is permitted, so manufacturers can implement the changes as 
soon as they want. NHTSA does not believe having the labeling changes 
with an earlier compliance date than the new testing requirements would 
be inefficient as early compliance is an option and manufacturers could 
accommodate early compliance if they so choose. NHTSA's data show that 
current CRS models, for the most part, already would comply with the 
new FMVSS No. 213b test requirements. NHTSA also does not believe that 
making labeling changes and testing requirements effective on two 
different dates would be confusing to the consumer. The labeling 
changes and testing are transparent to the consumer; they usually do 
not know how CRSs are tested and the labeling changes with different 
weight and height recommendations will simply guide whether to buy and/
or how to use a CRS.
    If early compliance is chosen by a manufacturer for a CRS model, 
the CRS model must meet all applicable requirements in FMVSS No. 213, 
including the amendments to FMVSS No. 213 made by this final rule, or 
all applicable requirements in FMVSS No. 213b. Manufacturers will not 
be allowed to pick and choose among the requirements within a standard 
or comply early with some in a standard and not in others. In part, 
this provision is to support the efficiency of NHTSA's compliance 
program.\218\ If manufacturers were permitted to pick and choose which 
requirements they would like to meet early, NHTSA would have to keep 
track of the standard's individual requirement according to 
manufacturer's input on hundreds of CRS models. NHTSA seeks to limit 
such burdens on the compliance program. In addition, the requirement 
reduces potential consumer confusion about which standards a purchased 
CRS meets. If manufacturers were permitted to meet some requirements 
early but not others, consumers may believe they purchased a CRS 
meeting, for example, the upgraded standard FMVSS No. 213b when the CRS 
did not meet all the requirements in FMVSS No. 213b. NHTSA would like 
to avoid this possible source of consumer misunderstanding. This would 
also allow for a more equitable enforcement across manufacturers with 
the two distinct updates to the standard.
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    \218\ This provision is regularly used by NHTSA when the agency 
permits optional early compliance with a standard. The agency 
restricts manufacturers from selectively meeting some but not all of 
the amended requirements.
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    Under Sec.  30111(d) of the Safety Act, a standard may not become 
effective before the 180th day after the standard is prescribed or 
later than one year after it is prescribed, unless NHTSA finds, for 
good cause shown, that a different effective date is in the public 
interest and publishes the reasons for the finding. A 3-year compliance 
period is in the public interest because CRS manufacturers need to gain 
familiarity with the updated standard seat assembly and new test 
protocols and will need time to assess their products' conformance to 
the new FMVSS No. 213b requirements. They will need time to implement 
appropriate design and production changes. A 3-year lead time is also 
appropriate because it aligns with the typical design cycle of child 
restraints. Aligning with design cycles can help reduce the cost of 
compliance and possible price increases on consumers.
    The 3-year compliance date for the final rule, with the early 
compliance option, provides the same 3-year lead time as the final rule 
establishing FMVSS No. 213a, ``Child restraint systems--Side impact 
protection'' (87 FR 39234, June 30, 2022). The compliance date for 
FMVSS No. 213a is June 30, 2025, with optional early compliance 
permitted. NHTSA does not see a reason to delay the compliance date of 
the side impact rule another year, or to shorten the lead time for this 
final rule a year. Making the compliance dates of the two rules 
coincide has some merit but the consequences of aligning them with 
regard to this final rule and the side impact protection standard 
(FMVSS No. 213b) outweigh such merit. With the option for early 
compliance, manufacturers have sufficient flexibility in deciding how 
they will meet these final rules.

XV. Regulatory Notices and Analyses

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, E.O. 13563, E.O. 14094 and DOT Rulemaking 
Procedures

    The agency has considered the impact of this rulemaking action 
under E.O. 12866, E.O. 13563, E.O. 14094, and the Department of 
Transportation's regulatory procedures. This final rule is 
nonsignificant under E.O. 12866 and E.O. 14094 and was not reviewed by 
the Office of Management and Budget. It is also not considered ``of 
special note to the Department'' under DOT Order 2100.6A, Rulemaking 
and Guidance Procedures.

Estimated Benefits and Costs

    This final rule amends FMVSS No. 213 by (a) updating the standard 
seat assembly to better represent the rear seating environment in the 
current vehicle fleet, (b) amending several labeling and owner 
information requirements to improve communication with today's CRS 
caregivers and to align with current best practices for child passenger 
safety, and (c) amending how NHTSA uses dummies to make the agency's 
compliance tests more evaluative of CRS performance. The rule will 
provide some safety benefits with, at most, minimal incremental costs.
Updated Standard Seat Assembly
    The updates to the standard seat assembly in this final rule will 
better align the performance of CRSs in compliance tests to that in 
real world crashes.

[[Page 84574]]

    Based on NHTSA's tests of CRS models representing the market of 
infant carrier, convertible, all-in-one, and booster type CRSs on the 
updated standard seat assembly, the agency believes that only a few 
CRSs may need to be redesigned to meet the requirements of the standard 
on the updated standard seat assembly, and that those redesigns will be 
minor.\219\ NHTSA is providing a lead time of three years for the 
redesign. The agency has not estimated a cost of this redesign, as we 
assume the redesign could be incorporated into a typical business model 
involving manufacturers refining child restraint designs to freshen 
their product lines. The refinements result in new product offerings 
that appeal to consumers and help manufacturers remain competitive.
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    \219\ Preliminary tests with the updated standard seat assembly 
using an average 23.3 g peak acceleration pulse and an average 47.5 
km/h (29.5 mph) velocity within the FMVSS No. 213 acceleration 
corridor showed dummy HIC and chest accelerations in some booster 
seats, tested with the HIII-6YO and HIII-10YO dummies, near or 
exceeding allowable threshold levels. While NHTSA expects that some 
booster seats may need to be redesigned to meet the performance 
measures when tested with a higher acceleration pulse, these 
redesigns could be accomplished without additional material cost. 
For example, different foams could be used in the CRS seating 
cushions that work better with the proposed stiffer standard seat 
cushion foam to lower the HIC and chest g values.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    There will be costs involved in changing to the updated standard 
seat assembly used by NHTSA to assess CRS compliance. However, 
manufacturers are not required to use the updated standard seat 
assembly. As a practical matter they usually choose to do so to test 
their CRSs as similarly to the way NHTSA will test them, but it is not 
a requirement to so test. The one-time cost of the updated standard 
seat assembly sled buck is about $9,300. If a manufacturer chooses to 
build the assembly itself or uses one at an independent test facility, 
either way there would be minimal cost impacts when the cost of the 
assembly and testing CRSs is distributed among the hundreds of 
thousands of CRSs that would be sold by the manufacturers.
    We are retaining the Type 1 seat belt assembly test for an 
additional 3 years (2029) so there will be temporary additional annual 
test costs of $5,198,000 \220\ for testing with the Type 1 seat belt 
assembly up to the year 2029.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \220\ There are currently 70 infant carrier models, 48 
convertible CRS models, 60 all-in-one CRS models and 21 combination 
CRS models. Each infant carrier would be tested in 2 configurations 
with Type 1 seat belt including with and without base. Each 
convertible and all-in-one CRS would be tested using Type 1 seat 
belt installation in rear facing, forward facing and forward facing 
with tether. Each combination CRS would be tested using Type 1 seat 
belt installation in forward facing and forward facing with tether. 
Each CRS would be subject to tests on average between 1 to 3 
dummies. The cost of a sled test is estimated at $4,600. Therefore, 
the temporary additional test cost is estimated to be $5,198,000.
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Labeling and Owner Registration
    The agency believes that the updates to the labeling requirements 
will benefit safety by reducing the premature transition of children 
from CRSs used rear-facing to forward-facing CRSs, and from forward-
facing CRSs to booster seats. The agency estimates 1.9 to 6.3 lives 
will be saved and 2.6 to 8.7 moderate-to-critical severity injuries 
will be prevented annually by aligning FMVSS No. 213's CRS user 
instructions with current best practices on transporting children.\221\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \221\ Details of the benefits analysis are provided in the 
Appendix to the November 2, 2020 NPRM. 85 FR at 69455.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The changes to the labeling requirements will have minimal or no 
cost impacts, as mostly they are voluntary. This final rule provides 
manufacturers the flexibility to provide required information in 
statements or a combination of statements and pictograms at locations 
that they deem most effective. Manufacturers may provide child weight 
and height ranges for the use of CRSs in a specific installation mode 
on existing labels by simply changing the minimum child weight limit 
values. Since no additional information is required on the labels by 
this final rule, the size of the label does not need to be increased. 
Thus, there will be minimal or no additional cost for the labels. There 
will also be no decrease in sales of forward-facing child restraint 
systems or of booster seats as a result of the final rule's provisions 
to raise the minimum child weight limit values for forward-facing CRSs 
and booster seats. Most forward-facing CRSs cover a wide child weight 
range, so the labeling changes will only affect how caregivers use the 
products and not the quantity sold. For example, caregivers will still 
purchase forward-facing CRSs but will use them when the child is at 
least 1. They will still purchase convertible CRSs but will not turn 
them forward-facing until the child is at least 1. They will still 
purchase booster seats but will only move the child into them when the 
child reaches 18.2 kg (40 lb).
    The changes to the registration program generally lessen 
restrictions and are optional for manufacturers to implement. These 
changes to the registration card provide flexibility to manufacturers 
in how they communicate with consumers and will likely help improve 
registration rates and recall completion rates. NHTSA cannot quantify 
the benefits at this time. NHTSA estimates there are no costs 
associated with the changes. While the changes could affect the 
collection of information pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act 
(which is discussed later in this section), there are no additional 
material costs associated with the changes to the registration card or 
to the CRS label or printed instructions pertaining to registration. 
Manufacturers could use the same card and labels and just change the 
wording on them.
Dummies
    The updates to how dummies are used in the test for assessing CRS 
performance better accord with current CRS designs and best practices 
for transporting child passengers compared to the current 
specifications in FMVSS No. 213. NHTSA cannot quantify the possible 
safety benefits at this time.
    Some of the changes lessen testing burdens by reducing the extent 
of testing with dummies. For example, the final rule specifies that 
CRSs for children weighing 10 kg to 13.6 kg (22 to 30 lb) will no 
longer be subject to certification with the HIII-3YO dummy. NHTSA 
estimates a reduction in testing cost of $717,600 for the current 
number of infant carrier models in the market.\222\ Also, CRSs for 
children weighing 13.6 to 18.2 kg (30 to 40 lb) will no longer be 
certified with the CRABI-12MO. However, the agency does not expect any 
reduction in testing costs from this latter modification since all CRSs 
with internal harnesses are sold for children weighing less than 13.6 
kg (30 lb), and so are still subject to testing with the CRABI-12MO in 
that regard. The final rule also provides that the CRABI-12MO dummy 
will no longer be used in forward-facing tests. NHTSA estimates a 
reduction in testing cost of $2,373,600 \223\ for the forward-

[[Page 84575]]

facing CRSs that will no longer be certified with the CRABI-12MO. The 
positioning procedure for the legs of the HIII-3YO dummy in CRSs used 
rear-facing is unlikely to have cost implications because the procedure 
is the same as that currently used by manufacturers.
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    \222\ There are currently 52 infant carrier models with 
recommended upper weight limit exceeding 10 kg (22 lb). Each CRS 
designed for rear-facing use is tested in three different 
configurations on the updated standard seat assembly with each dummy 
used for testing the CRS: (1) CRS installed using seat belts, (2) 
CRS installed using the lower anchors and no tether, and (3) CRS 
installed without the base using the lower anchors and no tether. 
The cost of a sled test is estimated at $4,600. Therefore, the cost 
savings by not testing the 52 infant carrier models using the HIII-
3YO dummy is estimated to be $717,600 (= $4,600 x 3 x 52). Since 
manufacturers typically conduct more than one test in each of the 
CRS installation configurations, NHTSA expects the actual cost 
savings to be greater than the estimated $717,600.
    \223\ There are currently 129 forward facing CRSs (including 
convertibles, all-in-one and combination) that would no longer be 
tested with the CRABI-12MO. Each forward-facing CRS is tested in the 
following different configurations: (1) CRS installed using Type 2 
seat belts, (2) CRS installed using Type 2 seat belts and tether, 
(3) CRS installed using the lower anchors and no tether, and (4) CRS 
installed using the lower anchors and tether. The cost of a sled 
test is estimated at $4,600. Therefore, the cost savings by not 
testing the 129 forward facing models using the CRABI-12MO dummy is 
estimated to be $2,373,600 (= $4,600 x 4 x 129).
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    Similarly, NHTSA believes that testing CRSs solely with the HIII-
6YO rather than the H2-6YO dummy will not have significant cost 
implications. This is because there would be little or no design 
changes needed for the CRSs since nearly all the CRSs tested with the 
HIII-6YO on the standard seat assembly complied with all the FMVSS No. 
213 requirements.\224\ While some commenters (Graco, JPMA, Dorel and 
Evenflo) opposed the proposal as they believe chin-to-chest contacts 
have not been resolved, the data presented showed that the CRSs are 
still capable of meeting the updated standard with the HIII-6YO. 
NHTSA's testing also showed that CRSs that currently comply with FMVSS 
No. 213 using the H2-6YO dummy also met all the performance 
requirements in the standard when tested using the HIII-6YO dummy on 
the new standard seat assembly. Manufacturers are increasingly 
certifying at least some of their CRS models for older children using 
the HIII-6YO dummy rather than the H2-6YO. This shows that most 
manufacturers already have access to the HIII-6YO dummy and use it. 
Most CRS manufacturers hire commercial test labs to test their CRSs for 
conformance with FMVSS No. 213 requirements. These labs already have 
the HIII-6YO dummy since some of their CRS manufacturer clients 
currently want to certify their CRSs based on tests with the HIII-6YO 
dummy. Thus, NHTSA believes there will not be an additional cost 
associated with purchasing and testing with the HIII-6YO dummy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \224\ Of 21 tests with the HIII-6YO on the updated standard seat 
assembly, all passed the performance metrics, except for one that 
failed head excursion limits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA believes that a lead time of three years is sufficient for 
redesigning CRSs that may need modifications to comply with the 
amendment. Most CRSs will need minor or no modifications as a result of 
the final rule. Further, a 3-year time frame aligns with the typical 
design cycle for CRSs. The agency notes also that the rule is designed 
so that manufacturers can simply change the weight of the children for 
whom the CRS is recommended to meet some of the requirements. Narrowing 
the population of children for whom the CRS is recommended reduces the 
certification burden on manufacturers as well as the number of tests 
NHTSA may run to assess compliance.
School Bus Child Restraint Systems
    The changes to include in FMVSS No. 213 a new type of add-on CRS 
manufactured for exclusive use on school bus seats allow the sale of 
these products. The agency estimates there are no cost impacts 
associated with the changes because the amendment is permissive in 
nature. The changes will benefit school bus transportation by 
permitting more devices to be developed and used to transport preschool 
children and children with special needs. However, NHTSA cannot 
quantify these benefits at this time.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) of 1996), whenever an agency is required to publish a notice 
of proposed rulemaking or final rule, it must prepare and make 
available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that 
describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small 
businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions), 
unless the head of an agency certifies the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Agencies must also provide a statement of the factual basis for this 
certification.
    I certify that this rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. NHTSA estimates there 
to be 38 manufacturers of child restraints, none of which are small 
businesses. Even if there were a small CRS manufacturer, the impacts of 
this rule will not be significant. NHTSA believes that virtually all 
CRSs would meet FMVSS No. 213's requirements on the new seat assembly 
without modification. Manufacturers may need to change the labels on 
their child restraints pursuant to the requirements, but the changes 
are minor and can be met by simply switching out values on current 
labels.

National Environmental Policy Act

    NHTSA has analyzed this rule for the purposes of the National 
Environmental Policy Act and determined that it would not have any 
significant impact on the quality of the human environment.

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 would 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

[[Page 84576]]

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 final 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 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 adopted here. Without 
any conflict, there could not be any implied preemption of a State 
common law tort cause of action.

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 preemptive 
effect of this rule is discussed above. 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.

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., material 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 SAE International (SAE). The NTTAA 
directs the agency to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when 
the agency decides not to use available and applicable voluntary 
consensus standards. NHTSA searched for but did not find voluntary 
consensus standards directly applicable to the amendments in this final 
rule, other than ASTM D3574-11 ``Standard Test Methods for Flexible 
Cellular Materials--Slab, Bonded, and Molded Urethane Foams,'' and the 
minor amendment to update the reference to SAE Recommended Practice 
J211/1 to the March 1995 version.
    However, consistent with the NTTAA, NHTSA reviewed the procedures 
and regulations developed globally to dynamically test child restraints 
and found areas of common ground.\225\ While there is no single 
procedure or regulation of another country that sufficiently replicates 
frontal crashes occurring in the U.S., the agency considered various 
aspects of international regulations pertaining to the testing of child 
restraint systems. NHTSA analyzed aspects of the seating assemblies 
used by NPACS, ECE R.44 and Transport Canada's CMVSS No. 213 and the 
frontal test speeds used worldwide in sled tests. NHTSA adopts a 
requirement to test CRSs with Type 2 (3-point) seat belts, which is 
consistent with CMVSS No. 213. NHTSA concludes that the provisions 
increase CRS safety and promote harmonization of our countries' 
regulatory approaches in testing CRSs.
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    \225\ The NTTAA seeks to support efforts by the Federal 
government to ensure that agencies work with their regulatory 
counterparts in other countries to address common safety issues. 
Circular No. A-119, ``Federal Participation in the Development and 
Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment 
Activities,'' January 27, 2016, p. 15.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 
Public Law 104-4, 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 governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector, of more than $100 million annually (adjusted 
for inflation with base year of 1995). Adjusting this amount by the 
implicit gross domestic product price deflator for the year 2010 
results in $136 million (110.993/81.606 = 1.36). This rule will not 
result in a cost of $136 million or more to either State, local, or 
Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or the private sector. Thus, this 
rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 of the UMRA.

Executive Order 13609 (Promoting International Regulatory Cooperation)

    The policy statement in section 1 of E.O. 13609 provides, in part:
    The regulatory approaches taken by foreign governments may differ 
from those taken by U.S. regulatory agencies to address similar issues. 
In some cases, the differences between the regulatory approaches of 
U.S. agencies and those of their foreign counterparts might not be 
necessary and might impair the ability of American businesses to export 
and compete internationally. In meeting shared challenges involving 
health, safety, labor, security, environmental, and other issues, 
international regulatory cooperation can identify approaches that are 
at least as protective as those that are or would be adopted in the 
absence of such cooperation. International regulatory cooperation can 
also reduce, eliminate, or prevent unnecessary differences in 
regulatory requirements.
    NHTSA received a comment from the People's Republic of China making 
suggestions about flammability and side impact requirements for child 
restraints. The comment was out of the scope of this rulemaking.
    In the discussion above on the NTTAA, NHTSA has noted that it has 
reviewed the procedures and regulations developed by Transport Canada 
regarding testing CRSs with Type 2 (3-point) seat belts and agrees with 
the merits of the CMVSS No. 213 provision.

[[Page 84577]]

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act 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. Before seeking OMB 
approval, Federal agencies must provide a 60-day public comment period 
and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies 
concerning each collection of information requirement. NHTSA believes 
the changes to the owner registration program (571.213, S5.8) 
constitute changes to a ``collection of information'' requirement for 
child restraint system manufacturers. NHTSA is providing a 60-day 
comment period on reporting burdens and other matters associated with 
the owner registration program new requirements.
    OMB has promulgated regulations describing what must be included in 
the request for comment document. Under OMB's regulation (at 5 CFR 
1320.8(d)), an agency must ask for public comment on the following:
    Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether 
the information will have practical utility;
    The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed 
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used;
    How to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected;
    How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses.
    In compliance with these requirements, NHTSA asks for public 
comments on the following proposed collection of information:
    Title: ``Consolidated Child Restraint System Registration, Labeling 
and Defect Notifications.''
    OMB Control Number: 2127-0576.
    Requested Expiration Date of Approval: Three years from the 
approval date.
    Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Affected Public: Businesses, Individuals and Households.
    Summary of the Collection of Information:
    Child restraint manufacturers are required to provide an owner 
registration card for purchasers of child restraint systems in 
accordance with title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 
571, section 213, ``Child restraint systems.'' The registration card is 
required to be perforated into two parts. The top part (information 
part) contains a message and suitable instructions to be retained by 
the purchaser. The size, font, color, and layout of the top part are 
currently prescribed in Figures 9a and 9b,\226\ as is the attachment 
method (fold/perforation) of the information card to the lower part of 
the form (the mail-in card). The top part of the registration card sets 
forth: (a) prescribed wording advising the consumer of the importance 
of registering; (b) prescribed instructions on how to register; and (c) 
prescribed statements that the mail-in card is pre-addressed and that 
postage is already paid.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \226\ Prescribed in FMVSS No. 213, ``Child restraint systems.'' 
As discussed in this preamble, this NPRM proposes to relieve some of 
those restrictions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The bottom part (the mail-in card) is to be returned to the 
manufacturer by the purchaser. The bottom part includes prepaid return 
postage, the pre-printed name/address of the manufacturer, the pre-
printed model and date of manufacture, and spaces for the purchaser to 
fill in his/her name and address. Optionally, child restraint 
manufacturers are permitted to add to the registration form: (a) 
Specified statements informing CRS owners that they may register 
online; (b) the internet address for registering with the company; (c) 
revisions to statements reflecting use of the internet to register; and 
(d) a space for the consumer's email address.
    Child restraint manufacturers are also required to provide printed 
instructions with new CRSs, with step-by-step information on how the 
restraint is to be used, and a permanently attached label that gives 
``quick look'' information on matters such as use instructions and 
information on registering the CRS.
    Under this final rule, the agency is amending the requirements that 
prescribe wording advising the consumer of the importance of 
registering their CRS and instructing how to register. NHTSA is 
adopting changes to stop prescribing the wording. Instead, CRS 
manufacturers are given leeway to use their own words to convey the 
importance of registering the CRS and to instruct how registration is 
achieved. NHTSA will allow statements instructing consumers to use 
electronic (or any other means) of registering, as long as instructions 
are provided on using the paper card for registering (including that 
the mail-in card is pre-addressed and that the postage is pre-paid). 
NHTSA will allow other means of electronic registration other than a 
web address, such as a QR code, tine URL, or similar.
    In this final rule, the agency is also removing restrictions on 
manufacturers on their use of size, font, color, layout, and attachment 
method of the information card portion. NHTSA is continuing a current 
provision that prohibits any other information unrelated to the 
registration of the CRS, such as advertising or warranty information.
    With the changes to the information card adopted in this final 
rule, NHTSA anticipates a change to the hour burden or costs associated 
with the revised information card, labels and printed instructions. 
Child restraint systems manufacturers produce, on average, a total of 
approximately 16,000,000 child restraint systems per year. NHTSA 
estimates there are 38 CRS manufacturers with 159 distinct CRS models.
    The hour burden associated with the revised label consists of the 
child restraint manufacturer: (a) designing the information card with 
statements to instruct how to register, encourage registration and 
optionally, how to register electronically and how the submitted 
information will be used; and (b) updating this information on the 
existing information card, label and printed instructions. NHTSA 
assumes for purposes of this analysis that each manufacturer would 
design the registration information on the information card, label and 
printed instructions 5 times per year, whether it is to use different 
registration card designs in different CRS models or to adapt the 
design to improve registrations. The agency estimates 50 hours of 
additional burden per child restraint manufacturer for the designing of 
the registration card (information card portion), labels and printed 
instructions that no longer have prescribed text (50 hours x 5 designs/
year x 38 CRS manufacturers = 9,599 hours annually).
    Estimated Additional Annual Burden: 9,500 hours.
    The burden of designing labels and printed instruction is minimal. 
CRS manufacturers use templates to include in their CRSs. The design of 
the basic label design is adjusted with necessary changes based on the 
different models. Specific CRS labels can readily be created through 
editing of text and insertion of updated diagrams. Therefore, there is 
no new annualized burden associated with label and instruction 
development.

[[Page 84578]]

    Comments are invited on: Whether the described collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the Department, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; the accuracy of the Department's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility 
and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize 
the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including 
the use of automated collection techniques of other forms of 
information technology.
    You may submit comments (identified by the DOT Docket ID Number 
above) by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 20590-0001 between 
9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
    Regardless of how you submit your comments, you should mention the 
docket number of this document. You may call the Docket at (202) 366-
9826. Please identify the proposed collection of information for which 
a comment is provided, by referencing its OMB clearance number. It is 
requested, but not required, that two copies of the comment be 
provided.
    Note that all comments received will be posted without change to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).

Incorporation by Reference

    In updating the standard seat assembly used in the FMVSS No. 213 
frontal test, NHTSA incorporates by reference a drawing package titled, 
``Parts List and Drawings, NHTSA Standard Seat Assembly; FMVSS No. 213, 
No. NHTSA-213-2021, Child Frontal Impact Sled'' dated March 2023, into 
FMVSS No. 213 (49 CFR 571.213). The drawing package consists of 
detailed drawings and other materials related to the standard seat 
assembly referenced in this final rule. Interested persons could use 
the drawing package to manufacture the standard seat assembly for their 
own use if they wished to do so.
    NHTSA has placed a copy of the drawing package in the docket for 
this final rule. Interested parties can download a copy of the drawing 
package or view the materials on-line by accessing www.Regulations.gov.
    This final rule also removes an incorporation by reference of SAE 
Recommended Practice J211, ``Instrumentation for Impact Tests,'' 
revised 1980, and replaces it with the 1995 version of J211 (J211/1) in 
FMVSS No. 213 and FMVSS No. 213b (49 CFR 571.213b). The SAE J211/1 
standard provides guidelines and recommendations for techniques of 
measurements used in impact tests to achieve uniformity in 
instrumentation practice and in reporting results. Signals from impact 
tests have to be filtered following the standard's guidelines to 
eliminate noise from sensor signals. Following J211/1 guidelines 
provides a basis for meaningful comparisons of test results from 
different sources. This final rule amends 49 CFR 571.5 to remove the 
reference to Sec.  571.213 from the SAE recommended practice J211, 
``Instrumentation for Impact Tests,'' revised 1980. Interested parties 
can obtain a copy of the SAE Recommended Practice J211/1 
``Instrumentation for Impact Test--Part 1--Electronic 
Instrumentation,'' from SAE International, 400 Commonwealth Drive, 
Warrendale, PA 15096. Telephone: (724) 776-4841, website: www.sae.org.
    This final rule also incorporates by reference the standard ASTM 
D3574-11 ``Standard Test Methods for Flexible Cellular Materials--Slab, 
Bonded, and Molded Urethane Foams'' in FMVSS No. 213b. ASTM D3574 is a 
standard method for testing flexible cellular urethane and polyurethane 
foams. ASTM D3574 is used to measure and evaluate flexible foam 
properties, including: density and indentation force deflection (IFD).
    This final rule incorporates by reference ASTM D1056-07, Standard 
Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials-Sponge or Expanded 
Rubber, into FMVSS No. 213b. ASTM D1056-07 is a standard for cellular 
materials, both Sponge (Open Cell) and Expanded (Closed Cell). ASTM 
D1056 specifies several different procedures for testing flexible 
cellular materials. The tests include a compression deflection test, 
accelerated aging tests, compression-deflection tests, an oil-immersion 
test (open-cell sponge); fluid immersion tests (closed cell); a water 
absorption test; density tests; and a low-temperature flex test.
    Interested parties can obtain a copy of the ASTM standards from 
ASTM International at 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West 
Conshohocken, PA. Telephone: (877) 909-2786, website: www.astm.org/.
    This final rule incorporates by reference the American Association 
of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Gray Scale for Color Change. 
AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change is used for assessing color change 
during color fastness testing. The scale is used for visual assessment 
to enable users to specify a rating from 1 to 5. Interested parties can 
obtain the AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change at PO Box 12215 Research 
Triangle Park, NC, USA. Telephone: (919) 549-8141, website: 
www.aatcc.org/.
    This final rule incorporates by reference Drawing No. 210-5000-
1(L), -2(R), Leg Assembly. The drawing shows the assembly and parts of 
the 3-year-old dummy (49 CFR part 572, subpart P) dummy's legs. The 
drawing can be found in Docket No. NHTSA-2001-11171-0004 in 
www.regulations.gov (https://www.regulations.gov/document/NHTSA-2001-11171-0004).
    The following standards appear in the amendatory text of this 
document and were previously approved for the locations in which they 
appear: Drawing Package, SAS-100-1000, Standard Seat Belt Assembly with 
Addendum A, Seat Base Weldment (consisting of drawings and a bill of 
materials), October 23, 1998; and Drawing Package, ``NHTSA Standard 
Seat Assembly; FMVSS No. 213, No. NHTSA-213-2003,'' (consisting of 
drawings and a bill of materials), June 3, 2003.

Severability

    The issue of severability of FMVSSs is addressed in 49 CFR 571.9. 
It provides that if any FMVSS or its application to any person or 
circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the part and the 
application of that standard to other persons or circumstances is 
unaffected.

Regulation Identifier Number

    The Department of Transportation assigns a regulation identifier 
number (RIN) to each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of 
Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The Regulatory Information 
Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in April and October of 
each year. You

[[Page 84579]]

may use the RIN contained in the heading at the beginning of this 
document to find this action in the Unified Agenda.

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?
    NHTSA has considered these questions and attempted to use plain 
language in writing this rule. Please inform the agency if you can 
suggest how NHTSA can improve its use of plain language.

How do I submit confidential business information?

    NHTSA is currently treating electronic submission as an acceptable 
method for submitting confidential business information to the agency 
under Part 512. If you claim that any of the information or documents 
provided in your submission constitutes confidential business 
information within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4) or are protected 
from disclosure pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1905, you may either submit your 
request via email or request a secure file transfer link from the 
Office of the Chief Counsel contact listed below. You must submit 
supporting information together with the materials that are the subject 
of the confidentiality request, in accordance with Part 512, to the 
Office of the Chief Counsel. Do not send a hardcopy of a request for 
confidential treatment to NHTSA's headquarters.
    Your request must include a request letter that contains supporting 
information, pursuant to Part 512.8. Your request must also include a 
certificate, pursuant to Part 512.4(b) and Part 512, Appendix A.
    You are required to submit one unredacted ``confidential version'' 
of the information for which you are seeking confidential treatment. 
Pursuant to Part 512.6, the words ``ENTIRE PAGE CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS 
INFORMATION'' or ``CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN 
BRACKETS'' (as applicable) must appear at the top of each page 
containing information claimed to be confidential. In the latter 
situation, where not all information on the page is claimed to be 
confidential, identify each item of information for which 
confidentiality is requested within brackets: ``[ ].''
    You are also required to submit one redacted ``public version'' of 
the information for which you are seeking confidential treatment. 
Pursuant to Part 512.5(a)(2), the redacted ``public version'' should 
include redactions of any information for which you are seeking 
confidential treatment (i.e., the only information that should be 
unredacted is information for which you are not seeking confidential 
treatment). For questions about a request for confidential treatment, 
please contact Dan Rabinovitz in the Office of the Chief Counsel at 
dot.gov">Daniel.Rabinovitz@dot.gov.

XVI. Appendices to the Preamble

Appendix A to the Preamble: Reproducibility Test Results

                                   Evenflo Embrace 35--CRABI--Infant--LA Only
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Sled  velocity         Test                          Chest  clip
           Test No.                 (mph)      acceleration  (g)       HIC36         3ms  (g)        RF  angle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR06-19-28...................            30.1               23.6             660            54.8              51
RR06-19-29...................            30.0               23.5             632            54.6              51
RR06-19-30...................            30.0               23.5             637            55.9              52
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan......................................            St. Dev            14.9             0.7             0.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           642.8            55.1            51.4
                                                             %CV             2.3             1.3             0.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA117.....................            29.8               21.2             609            51.2              55
UFSSA118.....................            29.7               21.1             640            55.0              53
UFSSA119.....................            29.8               21.2             602            50.9              57
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW..........................................            St. Dev            20.2             2.3             2.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           617.1            52.4            55.0
                                                             %CV             3.3             4.4             3.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_24....................            29.4               20.9             566            53.7              47
FR_RR1_26....................            29.4               21.1             617            58.7              44
FR_RR1_28....................            29.4               21.0             556            48.6              45
TRC..........................................            St. Dev            32.5             5.0             1.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           579.7            53.7            45.4
                                                             %CV             5.6             9.4             3.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests....................................            St. Dev            34.3             3.0             4.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           613.2            53.7            50.6
                                                             %CV             5.6             5.7             8.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 84580]]

                                    Evenflo Embrace 35--CRABI--Infant--SB3PT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Sled  velocity         Test                          Chest  clip
           Test No.                 (mph)      acceleration  (g)       HIC36         3ms  (g)        RF  angle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR02-20-12...................            30.0               23.2             560            47.2              50
RR02-20-13...................            29.7               22.9             567            46.9              52
RR02-20-14...................            29.7               23.0             557            46.0              51
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan......................................            St. Dev             5.2             0.6             0.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           561.2            46.7            51.2
                                                             %CV             0.9             1.3             1.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA210.....................            29.3               21.7             667            52.0              54
UFSSA211.....................            29.6               21.8             627            49.7              54
UFSSA212.....................            29.3               21.6             623            52.3              52
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW..........................................            St. Dev            24.4             1.4             1.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           639.0            51.3            53.6
                                                             %CV             3.8             2.7             2.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests....................................            St. Dev            45.4             2.7             1.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           600.1            49.0            52.4
                                                             %CV             7.6             5.6             3.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     Chicco Key Fit--CRABI--Infant--LA Only
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Sled  velocity         Test                          Chest  clip
           Test No.                 (mph)      acceleration  (g)       HIC36         3ms  (g)        RF  angle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR06-19-34...................            29.7               23.1             380            43.9              52
RR06-20-27...................            29.6               23.1             347            43.9              50
RR06-20-28...................            29.8               23.2             378            44.4              50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan......................................            St. Dev            18.7             0.3             1.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           368.1            44.1            51.0
                                                             %CV             5.1             0.7             2.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA120.....................            29.8               21.4             466            45.1              53
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW..........................................  .................  ..............  ..............  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_36....................            29.5               21.2             359            44.0              45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC..........................................  .................  ..............  ..............  ..............
All Tests....................................            St. Dev            46.7             0.5             3.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           385.9            44.3            50.1
                                                             %CV            12.1             1.1             6.7
                                                          SigmaL            13.1  ..............  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    Cosco Scenera Next--HIII 3YO--RF--LA Only
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Sled  velocity         Test                          Chest  clip
           Test No.                 (mph)      acceleration  (g)       HIC36         3ms  (g)        RF  angle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR02-20-09...................            30.0               23.2             394            42.7              66
RR02-20-10...................            29.7               23.0             376            40.6              64
RR02-20-11...................            29.7               23.0             386            39.7              67
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan......................................            St. Dev             9.4             1.5             1.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           385.4            41.0            65.6
                                                             %CV             2.4             3.7             2.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA201.....................            29.5               21.7             382            41.3              65
UFSSA202.....................            29.4               21.6             386            42.2              66
UFSSA203.....................            29.3               21.8             375            40.2              65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 84581]]

 
MCW..........................................            St. Dev             5.8             1.0             0.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           381.1            41.2            65.5
                                                             %CV             1.5             2.4             0.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR_PE_08..................            29.4               21.2             328            41.1              66
FR_RR_PE_10..................            29.4               21.2             342            42.5              63
FR_RR_PE_12..................            29.3               21.2             392            43.7              64
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC..........................................            St. Dev            33.7             1.3             1.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           354.0            42.4            64.3
                                                             %CV             9.5             3.1             2.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests....................................            St. Dev            23.0             1.3             1.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           373.5            41.6            65.2
                                                             %CV             6.2             3.1             1.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      Graco MyRide 65--HIII 3YO--RF--Type 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Sled  velocity         Test                          Chest  clip
           Test No.                 (mph)      acceleration  (g)       HIC36         3ms  (g)        RF  angle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR06-19-25...................            29.7               23.2             558            51.0              52
RR06-19-26...................            29.7               23.3             523            49.3              53
RR06-19-27...................            29.9               23.4             531            50.0              53
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan......................................            St. Dev            18.5             0.9             0.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           537.4            50.1            52.8
                                                             %CV             3.4             1.7             1.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA_111....................            29.8               21.3             432            47.4              61
UFSSA_112....................            29.8               21.4             451            49.9              60
UFSSA_113....................            29.7               21.2             459            49.7              61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW..........................................            St. Dev            13.6             1.4             0.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           447.5            49.0            60.5
                                                             %CV             3.0             2.9             1.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_02....................            29.5               21.2             475            48.5              62
FR_RR1_04....................            29.5               21.1             494            48.8              54
FR_RR1_06....................            29.5               21.0             494            50.2              55
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC..........................................            St. Dev            10.9             0.9             4.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           487.9            49.2            56.9
                                                             %CV             2.2             1.9             7.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests....................................            St. Dev            41.0             1.1             4.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average           490.9            49.4            56.7
                                                             %CV             8.3             2.2             7.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                         Cosco Scenera Next--HIII 3YO--FF--LATCH
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA139.............................................            30.0               21.3             382            36.9             603              NA
UFSSA140.............................................            30.0               21.3             432            37.3             618             647
UFSSA141.............................................            30.0               21.3             449            37.9             628             650
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW                                                                             St. Dev.            35.0             0.5            12.8             2.2
                                                                                 Average           420.9            37.4           616.3           648.5

[[Page 84582]]

 
                                                                                     %CV             8.3             1.3             2.1             0.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_37............................................            29.7               21.4             363            38.9             593              NA
FR_RR1_38............................................            29.6               21.3             384            40.4             591              NA
FR_RR1_39............................................            29.6               21.2             369            40.8             594              NA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC                                                                             St. Dev.            10.8             1.0             1.4
                                                                                 Average           372.0            40.1           592.6
                                                                                     %CV             2.9             2.5             0.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests                                                                       St. Dev.            35.4             1.6            15.4
                                                                                 Average           396.5            38.7           604.5
                                                                                     %CV             8.9             4.2             2.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                      Harmony Defender 360--HIII 3YO--FF--Type 2&T
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR02-20-08...........................................            29.9               23.1             499            49.1             593              NA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA142.............................................            30.1               21.3             328            44.3             579             689
UFSSA143.............................................            30.1               21.3             347            45.6             569             684
UFSSA144.............................................            30.0               21.2             343            43.3             568             682
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW                                                                             St. Dev.            10.5             1.2             5.9             3.5
                                                                                 Average           339.4            44.4           572.2           685.1
                                                                                     %CV             3.1             2.6             1.0             0.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR_PE_02..........................................            29.2               21.2             400            42.8             560             660
FR_RR_PE_06..........................................            29.3               21.2             373            41.8             570             674
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests                                                                       St. Dev.            62.9             2.6            11.4            11.1
                                                                                 Average           381.7            44.5           573.3           678.0
                                                                                     %CV            16.5             5.9             2.0             1.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  SigmaL             9.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                    Britax Marathon Clicktight--HIII 6YO--FF--LA Only
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR06-19-38...........................................            29.6               23.3             652            40.6             775             859
RR02-20-01...........................................            29.9               23.3             708            40.8             828             880
RR02-20-02...........................................            29.9               23.3             741            44.4             801             869
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan                                                                         St. Dev.            45.4             2.1            26.6            10.5
                                                                                 Average           700.3            41.9           801.2           869.4
                                                                                     %CV             6.5             5.1             3.3             1.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA138.............................................            29.9               21.2             771            43.8             764             819
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_31............................................            29.4               21.2             697            46.7             808             876
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests                                                                       St. Dev.            45.2             2.6            25.9            24.7
                                                                                 Average           713.8            43.3           795.2           860.7
                                                                                     %CV             6.3             6.0             3.3             2.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 84583]]

                                                          Evenflo SureRide--HIII 6YO--FF--LATCH
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA129.............................................            29.7               21.2             359            42.4             681             787
UFSSA130.............................................            29.9               21.2             434            45.0             635             785
UFSSA131.............................................            29.8               21.2             373            45.1             664             791
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW                                                                             St. Dev.            40.0             1.5            23.4             3.1
                                                                                 Average           389.0            44.2           660.0           787.6
                                                                                     %CV            10.3             3.4             3.5             0.4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_25............................................            29.4               21.1             366            42.7             649             773
FR_RR1_27............................................            29.4               21.0             334            42.6             648             772
FR_RR1_29............................................            29.5               21.2             359            42.9             638             765
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC                                                                             St. Dev.            17.1             0.1             6.2             4.6
                                                                                 Average           353.1            42.7           644.7           770.0
                                                                                     %CV             4.8             0.3             1.0             0.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests                                                                       St. Dev.            33.8             1.2            17.5            10.2
                                                                                 Average           371.0            43.4           652.4           778.8
                                                                                     %CV             9.1             2.9             2.7             1.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                         Graco Nautilus 65--HIII 6YO--FF--Type 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR04-19-01...........................................            29.4               22.8             456            44.6             648             732
RR04-19-04...........................................            30.1               23.3             490            45.6             669             732
RR05-19-09...........................................            29.8               23.5             474            45.7             666             742
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan                                                                         St. Dev.            16.8             0.6            11.5             5.4
                                                                                 Average           473.4            45.3           660.8           735.4
                                                                                     %CV             3.5             1.3             1.7             0.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA_105............................................            29.7               21.2             534            41.1             672             732
UFSSA_106............................................            29.8               21.4             587            44.3             675             742
UFSSA_110............................................            29.9               21.3             548            45.5             666             735
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW                                                                             St. Dev.            27.5             2.3             4.6             5.2
                                                                                 Average           556.4            43.6           671.2           736.1
                                                                                     %CV             4.9             5.2             0.7             0.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_01............................................            29.5               21.2             565            44.9             690             751
FR_RR1_03............................................            29.5               21.1             550            46.6             676             737
FR_RR1_05............................................            29.5               21.0             574            45.9             692             752
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC                                                                             St. Dev.            12.2             0.9             8.4             8.5
                                                                                 Average           562.8            45.8           685.9           746.5
                                                                                     %CV             2.2             1.9             1.2             1.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests                                                                       St. Dev.            46.5             1.6            13.2             7.8
                                                                                 Average           530.9            44.9           672.6           739.3
                                                                                     %CV             8.8             3.5             2.0             1.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                         Cosco Pronto HB--HIII 6YO--BPSB--Type 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR05-19-13...........................................            29.9               23.3             650            58.7             528             613
RR05-19-14...........................................            29.9               23.3             621            51.9             525             605
RR05-19-15...........................................            29.9               23.3             663            52.5             533             613
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan                                                                         St. Dev.            21.6             3.8             4.3             4.3
                                                                                 Average           645.1            54.4           528.7           610.1
                                                                                     %CV             3.4             7.0             0.8             0.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA135.............................................            29.9               21.1             550            49.8             551             593
UFSSA136.............................................            30.0               21.2             604            47.0             517             600

[[Page 84584]]

 
UFSSA137.............................................            29.9               21.2             534            44.7             527             594
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW                                                                             St. Dev.            36.6             2.5            17.9             3.8
                                                                                 Average           562.7            47.2           531.6           595.4
                                                                                     %CV             6.5             5.4             3.4             0.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_19............................................            29.2               20.7             573            45.4             566             617
FR_RR1_21............................................            29.3               20.8             606            45.3             568             619
FR_RR1_23............................................            29.4               20.9             566            46.2             564             611
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC                                                                             St. Dev.            21.1             0.5             2.1             4.4
                                                                                 Average           581.5            45.6           565.8           615.7
                                                                                     %CV             3.6             1.0             0.4             0.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests                                                                       St. Dev.            44.3             4.7            20.1             9.8
                                                                                 Average           596.4            49.1           542.0           607.0
                                                                                     %CV             7.4             9.5             3.7             1.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                            Graco Affix--HIII6YO BPS--Type 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR04-19-05...........................................            29.5               23.0             457            52.3             463             602
RR06-20-38...........................................            29.9               23.1             498            52.7             477             602
RR06-20-39...........................................            29.9               23.1             464            50.7             474             605
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan..............................................................            St. Dev            22.2             1.0             7.5             1.5
                                                                                 Average           473.2            51.9           471.0           603.0
                                                                                     %CV             4.7             2.0             1.6             0.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA132.............................................            29.9               21.1             519            48.0             475             587
UFSSA133.............................................            30.0               21.1             578            52.9             460             559
UFSSA134.............................................            30.1               21.1             563            52.5             486             598
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW..................................................................            St. Dev            30.5             2.7            12.9            20.5
                                                                                 Average           553.0            51.1           473.5           581.4
                                                                                     %CV             5.5             5.2             2.7             3.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_13............................................            29.3               20.8             485            53.9             482             591
FR_RR1_15............................................            29.4               20.9             459            52.7             482             592
FR_RR1_17............................................            29.4               20.8             537            53.8             501             596
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC..................................................................            St. Dev            40.0             0.7            11.1             2.4
                                                                                 Average           493.8            53.5           488.3           593.0
                                                                                     %CV             8.1             1.2             2.3             0.4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests............................................................            St. Dev            45.2             1.8            12.3            14.0
                                                                                 Average           506.7            52.2           477.6           592.4
                                                                                     %CV             8.9             3.5             2.6             2.4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                         Harmony Youth NB--HIII 6YO--BPS--Type 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR04-19-06...........................................            29.6               23.1             489            50.6             462             600
RR04-19-07...........................................            29.8               23.4             460            49.3             463             584
RR05-19-08...........................................            29.8               23.3             463            49.4             453             579
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan..............................................................            St. Dev            16.0             0.7             5.2            10.7
                                                                                 Average           470.2            49.8           459.2           587.5
                                                                                     %CV             3.4             1.4             1.1             1.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA_107............................................            29.7               21.3             493            49.5             468             578
UFSSA_108............................................            29.8               21.2             529            50.0             475             587
UFSSA_109............................................            29.6               21.2             536            51.2             476             587
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 84585]]

 
MCW..................................................................            St. Dev            23.2             0.8             4.5             5.1
                                                                                 Average           519.2            50.2           473.1           583.9
                                                                                     %CV             4.5             1.7             1.0             0.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_07............................................            29.2               20.8             409            46.3             476             579
FR_RR1_09............................................            29.3               21.0             476            48.7             455             590
FR_RR1_11............................................            29.2               21.0             489            48.4             468             585
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC..................................................................            St. Dev            43.3             1.3            10.8             5.3
                                                                                 Average           458.2            47.8           466.2           584.7
                                                                                     %CV             9.4             2.7             2.3             0.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests............................................................            St. Dev            38.1             1.4             8.8             6.7
                                                                                 Average           482.6            49.3           466.2           585.4
                                                                                     %CV             7.9             2.9             1.9             1.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                   Britax Frontier Clicktight--HIII 10YO--FF--Type 2&T
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR05-19-20...........................................            29.8               23.4             n/a            38.5             701             817
RR05-19-21...........................................            29.8               23.4             n/a            43.6             701             840
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan..............................................................  .................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA128.............................................            29.9               21.4             n/a            37.6             706             840
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW..................................................................  .................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_08............................................            29.2               20.8             n/a            41.3             714             825
FR_RR1_10............................................            29.3               21.0             n/a            42.3             729             816
FR_RR1_12............................................            29.2               21.0             n/a            38.3             720             822
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC..................................................................            St. Dev             n/a             2.1             7.2             4.4
                                                                                 Average             n/a            40.6           721.1           820.9
                                                                                     %CV             n/a             5.1             1.0             0.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests............................................................            St. Dev             n/a             2.5            11.3            10.7
                                                                                 Average             n/a            40.2           711.9           826.6
                                                                                     %CV             n/a             6.1             1.6             1.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                      Evenflo Big Kid LX HB--HIII 10YO--BPS--Type 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR05-19-16...........................................            29.8               23.2             n/a            43.3             525             693
RR05-19-17...........................................            29.9               23.3             n/a            42.6             518             644
RR05-19-18...........................................            29.7               23.1             n/a            44.0             515             690
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan..............................................................            St. Dev             n/a             0.7             5.6            27.4
                                                                                 Average             n/a            43.3           519.2           675.6
                                                                                     %CV             n/a             1.6             1.1             4.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UFSSA121.............................................            29.6               21.0             n/a            45.7             560             709
UFSSA122.............................................            29.7               21.1             n/a            47.0             540             712
UFSSA123.............................................            29.7               21.2             n/a            43.9             549             696
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCW..................................................................            St. Dev             n/a             1.6             9.9             8.5
                                                                                 Average             n/a            45.6           549.7           705.3
                                                                                     %CV             n/a             3.5             1.8             1.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR1_14............................................            29.3               20.8             n/a            42.5             557             671
FR_RR1_16............................................            29.4               20.9             n/a            43.2             562             669
FR_RR1_18............................................            29.4               20.8             n/a            43.3             556             671
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC..................................................................            St. Dev             n/a             0.4             3.3             1.0

[[Page 84586]]

 
                                                                                 Average             n/a            43.0           558.4           670.6
                                                                                     %CV             n/a             1.0             0.6             0.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Tests............................................................            St. Dev             n/a             1.5            18.8            21.7
                                                                                 Average             n/a            44.0           542.5           683.8
                                                                                     %CV             n/a             3.4             3.5             3.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix B to the Preamble: Repeatability Test Results

                  Cosco Scenera Next--Rear-Facing--12-Month-Old--Lower Anchor Only Installation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms
           Test No.                 (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)          RF angle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR02-20-15...................            29.7               23.0             329            42.5              57
RR02-20-16...................            29.8               23.1             336            42.1              59
RR02-20-17...................            29.8               23.1             305            37.7              61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan......................................            St. Dev            16.0             2.7             1.9
                                                         Average           323.2            40.7            59.1
                                                             %CV             5.0             6.6             3.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      Maxi Cosi Pria HIII--10-Year-Old Forward-Facing CRS--Type 2 Belt Installation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RR02-20-21...........................................            29.9               23.5             n/a            48.3             747             798
RR02-20-22...........................................            29.9               23.4             n/a            48.8             741             796
RR02-20-23...........................................            29.8               23.2             n/a            45.3             735             781
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calspan..............................................................            St. Dev             n/a             1.9             5.7             9.3
                                                                                 Average             n/a            47.5           741.0           791.7
                                                                                     %CV             n/a             3.9             0.8             1.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     Harmony Youth HIII-10-Year-Old--Belt-Positioning Seat--Type 2 Belt Installation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Sled velocity  Test acceleration                  Chest clip 3ms  Head excursion  Knee excursion
                       Test No.                             (mph)             (g)              HIC36            (g)            (mm)            (mm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FR_RR_PE_1...........................................            29.2               21.2             n/a            42.8             497             688
FR_RR_PE_3...........................................            29.3               21.2             n/a            43.5             483             675
FR_RR_PE_5...........................................            29.3               21.2             n/a            43.2             481             676
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRC..................................................................            St. Dev             n/a             0.4             9.1             7.0
                                                                                 Average             n/a            43.2           486.9           679.7
                                                                                     %CV             n/a             0.9             1.9             1.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 571

    Imports, Incorporation by Reference, Motor vehicle safety, Motor 
vehicles, and Tires.

    In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA amends 49 CFR part 571 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 1.95.

0
2. Section 571.5 is amended by:
0
a. Adding paragraph (b)(3);
0
b. Revising paragraph (d)(16);
0
c. Redesignating paragraphs (d)(22) through (38) as paragraphs (d)(23) 
through (39);
0
d. Adding new paragraph (d)(22) and paragraphs (k)(6) and (7); and
0
e. Revising paragraphs (l)(3) and (4).
    The additions and revisions read as follows:

Sec.  571.5   Matter incorporated by reference.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) AATCC Evaluation Procedure (EP) 1-2007, Gray Scale for Color 
Change, reaffirmed 2007; into Sec.  571.213b.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (16) ASTM D1056-07, Standard Specification for Flexible Cellular

[[Page 84587]]

Materials-Sponge or Expanded Rubber, approved March 1, 2007; into 
Sec. Sec.  571.213; 571.213b.
* * * * *
    (22) ASTM D3574-11, Standard Test Methods for Flexible Cellular 
Materials--Slab, Bonded, and Molded Urethane Foams, approved December 
1, 2011; into Sec.  571.213b.
* * * * *
    (k) * * *
    (6) NHTSA Standard Seat Assembly; FMVSS No. 213, No. NHTSA-213-
2021, Parts List and Drawings, NHTSA Standard Seat Assembly; FMVSS No. 
213, No. NHTSA-213-2021, Child Frontal Impact Sled, March 2023; into 
Sec.  571.213b.
    (7) Drawing No. 210-5000-1 (L), -2(R), Leg Assembly, Parts List and 
Drawings, Subpart P Hybrid III 3-year-old child crash test dummy, (H-
III3C, Alpha version), September 2001, Drawing No. 210-5000-1(L), -
2(R), Leg Assembly; into Sec.  571.213b.
    (l) * * *
    (3) SAE Recommended Practice J211, Instrumentation for Impact 
Tests, revised June 1980; into Sec.  571.218.
    (4) SAE Recommended Practice J211/1, Instrumentation for Impact 
Tests--Part 1--Electronic Instrumentation; revised March 1995; 
Sec. Sec.  571.202a; 571.208; 571.213; 571.213a; 571.213b; 571.218; 
571.403.
* * * * *

0
3. Section 571.213 is amended by
0
a. Revising the section heading and S3;
0
b. Adding in alphabetical order a definition for ``school bus child 
restraint system'' to S4;
0
c. Revising the table to S5.1.3.1(a) and adding table 2 to S5.1.3.1(a);
0
d. Revising the introductory text to S5.3.1(b);
0
e. Adding S5.3.1(c) and S5.3.2.1;
0
f. Revising S5.5.2(f) and S5.5.2(g)(1)(i);
0
g. Removing and reserving S5.5.2(l)(2),
0
h. Revising the introductory text of S5.5.2(l)(3)(i), and S5.6.1.7; 
S5.6.1.11, S5.6.2.2, and S5.8.1(a);
0
i. Adding section S5.8.1.1;
0
j. Revising the introductory text of S5.8.2(a);
0
k. Adding section S5.8.2.1;
0
l. Revising S5.9(a), S6.1.1(a)(2)(i)(B), S6.1.1(a)(2)(ii)(G), 
S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(B), and the introductory text of S10.2.3; and,
0
m. Adding figures 9a-2 and 9b-2 in alphanumeric order.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:

Sec.  571.213  Child restraint systems; Applicable unless a vehicle or 
child restraint system is certified to Sec.  571.213b.

* * * * *
    S3. Application. This standard applies to passenger cars, 
multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks and buses, and to child 
restraint systems for use in motor vehicles and aircraft, manufactured 
before December 5, 2026. FMVSS No. 213b applies to child restraint 
systems manufactured on or after December 5, 2026.
    S4. Definitions
* * * * *
    School bus child restraint system means an add-on child restraint 
system (including a harness) manufactured and sold only for use on 
school bus seats, that has a label conforming with S5.3.1(b). (This 
definition applies to child restraint systems manufactured on or after 
December 5, 2024.)
* * * * *

 Table 1 to S5.1.3.1(a)--Add-On Child Restraints That Can Be Used Forward-Facing Manufactured Before December 5,
                                                      2024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Explanatory note: in the
                                                                                        test specified in 2nd
                                                                                     column, the child restraint
 When this type of child restraint        Is tested in       These excursion limits    is attached to the test
                                        accordance with--             apply          seat assembly in the manner
                                                                                     described below, subject to
                                                                                          certain conditions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harnesses and restraints designed    S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A)....  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with lap belt; in
 for use by children with physical                            mm.                     addition, if a tether is
 disabilities.                                                                        provided, it is attached.
Harnesses labeled per S5.3.1(b)(i)   S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A)....  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with seat back
 through S5.3.1(b)(iii) and Figure                            mm.                     mount.
 12.
Belt-positioning seats.............  S6.1.2(a)(1)(ii)......  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with lap and
                                                              mm.                     shoulder belt; no tether
                                                                                      is attached.
All other child restraints (i.e.,    S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(B)....  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with a lap belt,
 other than harnesses, restraints                             mm.                     without a tether attached;
 designed for use by children with                                                    and,
 physical disabilities, harnesses                                                    Attached to lower
 manufactured exclusively for                                                         anchorages of a child
 school buses, and belt-positioning                                                   restraint anchorage
 seats).                                                                              system; no tether is
                                                                                      attached.
All other child restraints (i.e.,    S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A),     Head 720 mm; Knee 915   Attached with a lap belt,
 other than harnesses, restraints     S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(C).     mm.                     with a tether attached;
 designed for use by children with                                                    and,
 physical disabilities, harnesses                                                    Attached to lower
 labeled per S5.3.1(b)(i) through                                                     anchorages of child
 S5.3.1(b)(iii) and Figure 12, and                                                    restraint anchorage
 belt-positioning seats).                                                             system, with a tether
                                                                                      attached.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Table 2 to S5.1.3.1(a)--Add-On Child Restraints That Can Be Used Forward-Facing Manufactured On or After
                                                December 5, 2024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Explanatory note: in the
                                                                                        test specified in 2nd
                                                                                        column, the excursion
                                                                                       requirement must be met
                                          Is tested in       These excursion limits    when the child restraint
 When this type of child restraint      accordance with--             apply           system is attached to the
                                                                                      test seat assembly in the
                                                                                       manner described below,
                                                                                          subject to certain
                                                                                              conditions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harnesses and restraints designed    S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A)....  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with lap and
 for use by children with physical                            mm.                     shoulder belt; in
 disabilities.                                                                        addition, if a tether is
                                                                                      provided, it is attached.
School bus child restraint systems.  S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A)....  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with seat back
                                                              mm.                     mount, or, seat back, and,
                                                                                      seat pan mounts.

[[Page 84588]]

 
Booster seats......................  S6.1.2(a)(1)(ii)......  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with lap and
                                                              mm.                     shoulder belt; no tether
                                                                                      is attached.
Child restraints other than          S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(B)....  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with a lap belt;
 harnesses, restraints designed for                           mm.                     without a tether attached.
 use by children with physical                                                       Attached to lower
 disabilities, school bus child                                                       anchorages of child
 restraint systems, and booster                                                       restraint anchorage
 seats.                                                                               system; with no tether
                                                                                      attached.
Child restraints other than          S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A),     Head 720 mm; Knee 915   Attached with a lap belt,
 harnesses, restraints designed for   S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(C).     mm.                     with a tether attached.
 use by children with physical                                                       Attached to lower
 disabilities, and school bus child                                                   anchorages of child
 restraint systems.                                                                   restraint anchorage
                                                                                      system, with a tether
                                                                                      attached.
Child restraints equipped with a     S6.1.2(a)(2)..........  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with lap belt, no
 fixed or movable surface described                           mm.                     tether is attached.
 in S5.2.2.2 that has belts that
 are not an integral part of that
 fixed or movable surface.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    S5.3.1 * * *
    (b) School bus child restraint systems (including harnesses 
manufactured for use on school bus seats) must have a label that 
conforms in content to Figure 12 and to the requirements of 
S5.3.1(b)(1) through S5.3.1(b)(3) of this standard. The label must be 
permanently affixed to the part of the school bus child restraint 
system, that attaches the system to a vehicle seat back.
* * * * *
    (c) The provision that add-on child restraint systems shall meet 
the requirements of this standard when installed solely by a Type 1 
belt applies to child restraint systems manufactured before September 
1, 2029. Except for harnesses, the requirement sunsets for child 
restraint systems manufactured on or after September 1, 2029. For 
harnesses, the requirement does not sunset and continues to apply to 
harnesses manufactured on or after September 1, 2029.
* * * * *
    S5.3.2.1 School bus child restraint systems manufactured on or 
after December 5, 2024, shall be capable of meeting the requirements of 
this standard when installed by seat back mount, or, seat back mount 
and seat pan mount.
* * * * *
    S5.5.2 * * *
    (f) For child restraint systems manufactured before December 5, 
2024, paragraph (f)(1) of this section applies. For child restraint 
systems manufactured on or after December 5, 2024, paragraph (f)(2) of 
this section applies.
    (1) One of the following statements, as appropriate, inserting the 
manufacturer's recommendations for the maximum mass of children who can 
safely occupy the system, except that booster seats shall not be 
recommended for children whose masses are less than 13.6 kg. For child 
restraint systems that can only be used as belt-positioning seats, 
manufacturers must include the maximum and minimum recommended height, 
but may delete the reference to weight:
    (i) Use only with children who weigh __ pounds (__ kg) or less and 
whose height is (insert values in English and metric units; use of word 
``mass'' in label is optional) or less; or
    (ii) Use only with children who weigh between __ and __ pounds 
(insert appropriate English and metric values; use of word ``mass'' is 
optional) and whose height is (insert appropriate values in English and 
metric units) or less and who are capable of sitting upright alone; or
    (iii) Use only with children who weigh between __ and __ pounds 
(insert appropriate English and metric values; use of word ``mass'' is 
optional) and whose height is (insert appropriate values in English and 
metric units) or less.
    (iv) Use only with children who weigh between __ and __ pounds 
(insert appropriate English and metric values; use of word ``mass'' is 
optional) and whose height is between __ and __ (insert appropriate 
values in English and metric units).
    (2) For child restraint systems manufactured on or after December 
5, 2024: Statements or a combination of statements and pictograms 
specifying the manufacturer's recommendations for the mass and height 
ranges (in English and metric units) of children who can safely occupy 
the system in each applicable mode (rear-facing, forward-facing, 
booster), except manufacturers shall not recommend forward-facing use 
for child restraint systems with internal harnesses for children of 
masses less than 12 kg (26.5 lb), and shall not recommend booster seats 
for children of masses less than 18.4 kg (40 lb).
    (g) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) As appropriate, the statements required by the following 
sections will be bulleted and placed after the statement required by 
5.5.2(g)(1) in the following order: 5.5.2(k)(1), 5.5.2(h), 5.5.2(j), 
and 5.5.2(i). For child restraint systems manufactured on or after 
December 5, 2024, the statements required by 5.5.2(f) and 5.5.2(k)(2) 
need not be included.
* * * * *
    (l) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) If the child restraint system is designed to meet the 
requirements of this standard when installed by the child restraint 
anchorage system according to S5.3.2, and if the sum of the weight of 
the child restraint system and the maximum child weight recommended for 
the child restraint when used with the restraint's internal harness or 
components is greater than 65 lb when used forward-facing or rear-
facing, include the following statement

[[Page 84589]]

on this installation diagram: ``Do not install by this method for a 
child weighing more than *.'' At the manufacturer's option, ``*'' is 
the child weight limit in English units in accordance with 
S5.5.2(l)(3)(i)(A), (B) or (C). The corresponding child weight limit in 
metric units may also be included in the statement at the 
manufacturer's option.
* * * * *
    S5.6.1.7(a) For child restraint systems manufactured before 
December 5, 2024, one of the following statements, inserting an address 
and a U.S. telephone number. If a manufacturer opts to provide a 
website on the registration card as permitted in Figure 9a of this 
section, the manufacturer must include the statement in paragraph 
S5.6.1.7(a)(2):
    (1) ``Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You 
must register this restraint to be reached in a recall. Send your name, 
address, email address if available (preceding four words are 
optional), and the restraint's model number and manufacturing date to 
(insert address) or call (insert a U.S. telephone number). For recall 
information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-
888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.NHTSA.gov.''
    (2) ``Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You 
must register this restraint to be reached in a recall. Send your name, 
address, email address if available (preceding four words are 
optional), and the restraint's model number and manufacturing date to 
(insert address) or call (insert telephone number) or register online 
at (insert website for electronic registration form). For recall 
information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-
888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.NHTSA.gov.''
    (b) For child restraint systems manufactured on or after December 
5, 2024, the child restraint system shall include statements informing 
the owner of the importance of registering the child restraint for 
recall purposes and instructing the owner how to register the child 
restraint at least by mail and by telephone, providing a U.S. telephone 
number. The following statement must also be provided: ``For recall 
information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-
888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.NHTSA.gov.''
* * * * *
    S5.6.1.11(a) For harnesses that are manufactured before December 5, 
2024, for use on school bus seats, the instructions must include the 
following statement:
    ``WARNING! This restraint must only be used on school bus seats. 
Entire seat directly behind must be unoccupied or have restrained 
occupants.'' The labeling requirement refers to a restrained occupant 
as: an occupant restrained by any user appropriate vehicle restraint or 
child restraint system (e.g., lap belt, lap and shoulder belt, booster, 
child seat, harness . . .).
    (b) For school bus child restraint systems manufactured on or after 
December 5, 2024, the instructions must include the following 
statement:
    ``WARNING! This restraint must only be used on school bus seats. 
Entire seat directly behind must be unoccupied or have restrained 
occupants.'' (The instruction's reference to a ``restrained occupant'' 
refers to an occupant restrained by any user-appropriate vehicle 
restraint or child restraint system (e.g., lap belt, lap and shoulder 
belt, booster seat or other child restraint system.)
* * * * *
    S5.6.2.2(a) For child restraint systems manufactured before 
December 5, 2024, the instructions for each built-in child restraint 
system other than a factory-installed restraint, shall include one of 
the following statements, inserting an address and a U.S. telephone 
number. If a manufacturer opts to provide a website on the registration 
card as permitted in Figure 9a of this section, the manufacturer must 
include the statement in S5.6.2.2(a)(2):
    (1) ``Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You 
must register this restraint to be reached in a recall. Send your name, 
address, email address if available (preceding four words are 
optional), and the restraint's model number and manufacturing date to 
(insert address) or call (insert a U.S. telephone number). For recall 
information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-
888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.NHTSA.gov.''
    (2) ``Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You 
must register this restraint to be reached in a recall. Send your name, 
address, email address if available (preceding four words are 
optional), and the restraint's model number and manufacturing date to 
(insert address) or call (insert U.S. telephone number) or register 
online at (insert website for electronic registration form). For recall 
information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-
888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.NHTSA.gov.''
    (b) For child restraint systems manufactured on or after December 
5, 2024, the instructions for each built-in child restraint system 
other than a factory-installed restraint shall include statements 
informing the owner of the importance of registering the child 
restraint for recall purposes and instructing the owner how to register 
the child restraint at least by mail and by telephone, providing a U.S. 
telephone number. The following statement must also be provided: ``For 
recall information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline 
at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.NHTSA.gov.''
* * * * *
    S5.8.1 * * *
    (a) For child restraint systems manufactured before December 5, 
2024, each child restraint system, except a factory-installed built-in 
restraint system, shall have a registration form attached to any 
surface of the restraint that contacts the dummy when the dummy is 
positioned in the system in accordance with S6.1.2 of Standard 213.
* * * * *
    S5.8.1.1 Upgraded attached registration form. For child restraint 
systems manufactured on or after December 5, 2024, each child restraint 
system, except a factory-installed built-in restraint system, shall 
have a registration form attached to any surface of the restraint that 
contacts the dummy when the dummy is positioned in the system in 
accordance with S6.1.2 of Standard 213. The form shall not have 
advertising or any information other than that related to registering 
the child restraint system.
    (a) Each attached registration form shall provide a mail-in 
postcard that conforms in size, and in basic content and format to the 
forms depicted in Figures 9a' and 9b' of this section.
    (1) The mail-in postcard shall:
    (i) Have a thickness of at least 0.007 inches and not more than 
0.0095 inches;
    (ii) Be pre-printed with the information identifying the child 
restraint system for recall purposes, such as the model name or number 
and date of manufacture (month, year) of the child restraint system to 
which the form is attached;
    (iii) Contain space for the owner to record his or her name, 
mailing address, email address (optional), telephone number (optional), 
and other pertinent information;
    (iv) Be addressed to the manufacturer, and be postage paid.
    (v) Be detachable from the information card without the use of 
scissors or other tools.

[[Page 84590]]

    (c) The registration form attached to the child restraint system 
shall also provide an information card with the following:
    (1) Informing the owner of the importance of registering the child 
restraint system; and,
    (2) Instructing the owner how to register the CRS.
    (3) Manufacturers must provide statements informing the purchaser 
that the registration card is pre-addressed and that postage has been 
paid.
    (4) Manufacturers may provide instructions to register the child 
restraint system electronically. If an electronic registration form is 
used or referenced, it must meet the requirements of S5.8.2 of this 
section.
    (5) Manufacturers may optionally provide statements to the owner 
explaining that the registration card is not a warranty card, and that 
the information collected from the owner will not be used for marketing 
purposes
    S5.8.2 * * *
    (a) Each electronic registration form provided for child restraint 
systems manufactured before December 5, 2024, shall:
* * * * *
    S5.8.2.1 Upgraded electronic registration form
    (a) Each electronic registration form provided for child restraint 
systems manufactured on or after December 5, 2024, shall:
    (1) Contain statements at the top of the form:
    (i) Informing the owner of the importance of registering the CRS; 
and,
    (ii) Instructing the owner how to register the CRS.
    (2) Provide as required registration fields, space for the 
purchaser to record the model name or number and date of manufacture 
(month, year) of the child restraint system, and space for the 
purchaser to record his or her name and mailing address. At the 
manufacturer's option, a space is provided for the purchaser to 
optionally record his or her email address. At the manufacturer's 
option, a space is provided for the purchaser to optionally record his 
or her telephone number.
    (b) No advertising or other information shall appear on the 
electronic registration form. However, manufacturers may optionally 
provide a statement to the owner explaining that the registration is 
not a warranty card, and that the information collected from the owner 
will not be used for marketing purposes.
    (c) The electronic registration form may provide information 
identifying the manufacturer or a link to the manufacturer's home page, 
a field to confirm submission, and a prompt to indicate any incomplete 
or invalid fields prior to submission.
    (d) If a manufacturer printed the electronic address (in form of a 
website (printed URL)) on the attached registration form provided 
pursuant to S5.8.1, the electronic registration form shall be accessed 
directly by the electronic address. Accessing the electronic address 
(in form of a website (printed URL) that contains the electronic 
registration form shall not cause additional screens or electronic 
banners to appear. In addition to the electronic address in form of a 
website, manufacturers may include a code (such as a QR code or 
similar) to access the electronic address.
    S5.9 * * *
    (a) Each add-on child restraint system other than a car bed, 
harness and belt-positioning seat, shall have components permanently 
attached to the system that enable the restraint to be securely 
fastened to the lower anchorages of the child restraint anchorage 
system specified in Standard No. 225 (Sec.  571.225) and depicted in 
Drawing Package SAS-100-1000, Standard Seat Belt Assembly with Addendum 
A or in Drawing Package, ``NHTSA Standard Seat Assembly; FMVSS No. 213, 
No. NHTSA-213-2003'' (both incorporated by reference, see Sec.  571.5). 
The components must be attached by use of a tool, such as a 
screwdriver. In the case of rear-facing child restraints with 
detachable bases, only the base is required to have the components.
* * * * *
    S6.1.1 * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (B) The platform is instrumented with an accelerometer and data 
processing system having a frequency response of 60 Hz channel 
frequency class as specified in SAE Recommended Practice J211/1, 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  571.5). The accelerometer 
sensitive axis is parallel to the direction of test platform travel.
* * * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (G) All instrumentation and data reduction are in conformance with 
SAE Recommended Practice J211/1 (1995), ``Instrumentation for Impact 
Tests,'' (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  571.5).
* * * * *
    S6.1.2 * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (B) Except for a child harness, a school bus child restraint 
system, and a restraint designed for use by children with physical 
disabilities, install the child restraint system at the center seating 
position of the standard seat assembly as in S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A), except 
that no tether strap (or any other supplemental device) is used.
* * * * *
    S10.2.3 Hybrid III 6-year-old in belt-positioning seats, Hybrid III 
weighted 6-year-old in belt-positioning seats, and Hybrid III 10-year-
old in belt-positioning seats. When using the Hybrid III 6-year-old 
(part 572, subpart N), the Hybrid III weighted 6-year-old (part 572, 
subpart S), or the Hybrid III 10-year-old (part 572, subpart T) in 
belt-positioning seats, position the dummy in accordance with S5.6.1 or 
S5.6.2, while conforming to the following:
* * * * *

[[Page 84591]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.005

* * * * *
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.006

* * * * *

0
4. Section 571.213b is added to read as follows:

Sec.  571.213b   Standard No. 213b; Child restraint systems; Mandatory 
applicability beginning December 5, 2026.

    S1. Scope. This standard specifies requirements for child restraint 
systems used in motor vehicles and aircraft.
    S2. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce the number 
of children killed or injured in motor vehicle crashes and in aircraft.
    S3. Application. This standard applies to passenger cars, 
multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks and buses, and to child 
restraint systems for use in motor vehicles and aircraft, manufactured 
on or after December 5, 2026.
    S4. Definitions--
    Add-on child restraint system means any portable child restraint 
system.
    Backless child restraint system means a child restraint system, 
other than a belt-positioning seat, that consists of a seating platform 
that does not extend up to provide a cushion for the child's back or 
head and has a structural element designed to restrain forward motion 
of the child's torso in a forward impact.
    Belt-positioning seat means a child restraint system that positions 
a child on a vehicle seat to improve the fit of a vehicle Type 2 belt 
system on the

[[Page 84592]]

child and that lacks any component, such as a belt system or a 
structural element, designed to restrain forward movement of the 
child's torso in a forward impact.
    Booster seat means either a backless child restraint system or a 
belt-positioning seat.
    Built-in child restraint system means a child restraint system that 
is designed to be an integral part of and permanently installed in a 
motor vehicle.
    Car bed means a child restraint system designed to restrain or 
position a child in the supine or prone position on a continuous flat 
surface.
    Child restraint anchorage system is defined in S3 of FMVSS No. 225 
(Sec.  571.225).
    Child restraint system means any device, except Type 1 or Type 2 
seat belts, designed for use in a motor vehicle or aircraft to 
restrain, seat, or position children who weigh 36 kilograms (kg) (80 
lb) or less.
    Contactable surface means any child restraint system surface (other 
than that of a belt, belt buckle, or belt adjustment hardware) that may 
contact any part of the head or torso of the appropriate test dummy, 
specified in S7, when a child restraint system is tested in accordance 
with S6.1.
    Factory-installed built-in child restraint system means a built-in 
child restraint system that has been or will be permanently installed 
in a motor vehicle before that vehicle is certified as a completed or 
altered vehicle in accordance with part 567 of this chapter.
    Harness means a combination pelvic and upper torso child restraint 
system that consists primarily of flexible material, such as straps, 
webbing or similar material, and that does not include a rigid seating 
structure for the child.
    Rear-facing child restraint system means a child restraint system, 
except a car bed, that positions a child to face in the direction 
opposite to the normal direction of travel of the motor vehicle.
    Representative aircraft passenger seat means either a Federal 
Aviation Administration approved production aircraft passenger seat or 
a simulated aircraft passenger seat conforming to Figure 6.
    School bus child restraint system means an add-on child restraint 
system (including a harness) manufactured and sold only for use on 
school bus seats, that has a label conforming with S5.3.1(b).
    Seat orientation reference line or SORL means the horizontal line 
through Point Z as illustrated in Figure 1A-1 and 1A-2.
    Specific vehicle shell means the actual vehicle model part into 
which the built-in child restraint system is or is intended to be 
fabricated, including the complete surroundings of the built-in system. 
If the built-in child restraint system is or is intended to be 
fabricated as part of any seat other than a front seat, these 
surroundings include the back of the seat in front, the interior rear 
side door panels and trim, the floor pan, adjacent pillars (e.g., the B 
and C pillars), and the ceiling. If the built-in system is or is 
intended to be fabricated as part of the front seat, these surroundings 
include the dashboard, the steering mechanism and its associated trim 
hardware, any levers and knobs installed on the floor or on a console, 
the interior front side door panels and trim, the front seat, the floor 
pan, the A pillars and the ceiling.
    Tether anchorage is defined in S3 of FMVSS No. 225 (Sec.  571.225).
    Tether hook is defined in S3 of FMVSS No. 225 (Sec.  571.225).
    Tether strap is defined in S3 of FMVSS No. 225 (Sec.  571.225).
    Torso means the portion of the body of a seated anthropomorphic 
test dummy, excluding the thighs, that lies between the top of the 
child restraint system seating surface and the top of the shoulders of 
the test dummy.
    S5. Requirements. (a) Each motor vehicle with a built-in child 
restraint system shall meet the requirements in this section when, as 
specified, tested in accordance with S6.1 and this paragraph.
    (b)(1) Each child restraint system manufactured for use in motor 
vehicles shall meet the requirements in this section when, as 
specified, tested in accordance with S6.1 and this paragraph. Each add-
on system shall meet the requirements at each of the restraint's seat 
back angle adjustment positions and restraint belt routing positions, 
when the restraint is oriented in the direction recommended by the 
manufacturer (e.g., forward, rearward or laterally) pursuant to S5.6, 
and tested with the test dummy specified in S7.
    (2) Each add-on child restraint system manufactured for use in 
motor vehicles, that is recommended for children in a weight range that 
includes weights up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) regardless of height, 
or for children in a height range that includes heights up to 1100 
millimeters (mm) regardless of weight, shall meet the requirements in 
this standard and the applicable side impact protection requirements in 
Standard No. 213a (Sec.  571.213a).
    (c) Each child restraint system manufactured for use in aircraft 
shall meet the requirements in this section and the additional 
requirements in S8.
    (d) Each child restraint system tested with a part 572 subpart S 
dummy need not meet S5.1.2 and S5.1.3.
    (e) Each child restraint system tested with a part 572 subpart T 
dummy need not meet S5.1.2.1(a).
    (f) Each child restraint system that is equipped with an internal 
harness or other internal components to restrain the child need not 
meet this standard when attached to the lower anchors of the child 
restraint anchorage system on the standard seat assembly if the sum of 
the weight of the child restraint system (in pounds) and the average 
weight of child represented by the test dummy used to test the child 
restraint system in accordance with S7 of this standard, shown in the 
table below, exceeds 65 pounds. Such a child restraint system must meet 
this standard when tested using its internal harness or components to 
restrain such a test dummy while installed using the means of 
installation specified in S5.3.2 of this standard.

  Table 1 to S5(f)--Average Weight of Child Represented by Various Test
                                 Dummies
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Average weight
                                                             of child
      Test dummy (specified in S7 of this standard)       represented by
                                                            test dummy
                                                             (pounds)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRABI 12-month-old infant dummy (49 CFR Part 572,                     22
 Subpart R).............................................
Hybrid III 3-year-old dummy (49 CFR Part 572, Subpart P)              31
Hybrid III 6-year-old dummy (49 CFR Part 572, Subpart N)              45
Hybrid III 6-year-old weighted dummy (49 CFR Part 572                 62
 Subpart S).............................................
Hybrid II 6-year-old dummy (49, CFR Part 572, Subpart I)              45
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) Each add-on child restraint system manufactured for use in 
motor vehicles, that is recommended for children in a weight range that 
includes weights less than 18 kilograms (40 pounds) regardless of 
height, or for children in a height range that includes heights less 
than 1100 millimeters regardless of weight, shall meet the requirements 
in this standard and the applicable side impact protection requirements 
in Standard No. 213a (Sec.  571.213a).
    S5.1 Dynamic performance.
    S5.1.1 Child restraint system integrity. When tested in accordance

[[Page 84593]]

with S6.1, each child restraint system shall meet the requirements of 
paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.
    (a) Exhibit no complete separation of any load bearing structural 
element and no partial separation exposing either surfaces with a 
radius of less than \1/4\ inch or surfaces with protrusions greater 
than \3/8\ inch above the immediate adjacent surrounding contactable 
surface of any structural element of the system.
    (b)(1) If adjustable to different positions, remain in the same 
adjustment position during the testing that it was in immediately 
before the testing, except as otherwise specified in paragraph (b)(2).
    (2)(i) Subject to paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, a rear-
facing child restraint system may have a means for repositioning the 
seating surface of the system that allows the system's occupant to move 
from a reclined position to an upright position and back to a reclined 
position during testing.
    (ii) No opening that is exposed and is larger than \1/4\ inch 
before the testing shall become smaller during the testing as a result 
of the movement of the seating surface relative to the restraint system 
as a whole.
    (c) If a front facing child restraint system, not allow the angle 
between the system's back support surfaces for the child and the 
system's seating surface to be less than 45 degrees at the completion 
of the test.
    S5.1.2 Injury criteria.
    S5.1.2.1 When tested in accordance with S6.1 and with the test 
dummies specified in S7, each child restraint system shall:
    (a) Limit the resultant acceleration at the location of the 
accelerometer mounted in the test dummy head such that, 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 maximum calculated head injury criterion (HIC36) shall not exceed 
1,000, determined using the resultant head acceleration at the center 
of gravity of the dummy head, a, expressed as a multiple of g (the 
acceleration of gravity), calculated using the expression below. The 
HIC calculation shall be calculated within the first 175 milliseconds 
of the sled acceleration that is within the acceleration corridor in 
Figure 2, when testing with the HIII-6YO dummy in a backless child 
restraint system.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.007

    (b) The resultant acceleration calculated from the output of the 
thoracic instrumentation shall not exceed 60 g's, except for intervals 
whose cumulative duration is not more than 3 milliseconds.
    S5.1.2.2 [Reserved.]
    S5.1.3 Occupant excursion. When tested in accordance with S6.1 and 
the requirements specified in this section, each child restraint system 
shall meet the applicable excursion limit requirements specified in 
S5.1.3.1-S5.1.3.3.
    S5.1.3.1 Child restraint systems other than rear-facing ones and 
car beds. Each child restraint system, other than a rear-facing child 
restraint system or a car bed, shall retain the test dummy's torso 
within the system.
    (a) For each add-on child restraint system:
    (1) No portion of the test dummy's head shall pass through a 
vertical transverse plane that is 720 mm or 813 mm (as specified in the 
table in this S5.1.3.1) forward of point Z on the standard seat 
assembly, measured along the center SORL (as illustrated in figure 1B-1 
and 1B-2 of this standard); and
    (2) Neither knee pivot point shall pass through a vertical 
transverse plane that is 915 mm forward of point Z on the standard seat 
assembly, measured along the center SORL.

                 Table 2 to S5.1.3.1(a)--Add-On Child Restraints That Can Be Used Forward-Facing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Explanatory note: in the
                                                                                        test specified in 2nd
                                                                                        column, the excursion
                                                                                       requirement must be met
 When this type of child restraint        Is tested in       These excursion limits    when the child restraint
               system                   accordance with--             apply           system is attached to the
                                                                                      test seat assembly in the
                                                                                       manner described below,
                                                                                          subject to certain
                                                                                              conditions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harnesses and restraints designed    S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A)....  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with lap and
 for use by children with physical                            mm.                     shoulder belt; in
 disabilities.                                                                        addition, if a tether is
                                                                                      provided, it is attached.
School bus child restraint systems.  S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A)....  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with seat back
                                                              mm.                     mount, or seat back and
                                                                                      seat pan mounts.
Booster seats......................  S6.1.2(a)(1)(ii)......  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with lap and
                                                              mm.                     shoulder belt; no tether
                                                                                      is attached.
Child restraint systems other than   S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(B)....  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with a lap belt;
 harnesses, restraints designed for                           mm.                     without a tether attached.
 use by children with physical                                                       Attached with a lap and
 disabilities, school bus child                                                       shoulder belt; without a
 restraint systems, and booster                                                       tether attached.
 seats.                                                                              Attached to lower
                                                                                      anchorages of child
                                                                                      restraint anchorage
                                                                                      system; without a tether
                                                                                      attached.

[[Page 84594]]

 
Child restraint systems other than   S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A),     Head 720 mm; Knee 915   Attached with a lap belt,
 harnesses, restraints designed for   S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(C).     mm.                     with a tether attached.
 use by children with physical                                                       Attached with a lap and
 disabilities, school bus child                                                       shoulder belt, with a
 restraint systems.                                                                   tether attached.
                                                                                     Attached to lower
                                                                                      anchorages of child
                                                                                      restraint anchorage
                                                                                      system, with a tether
                                                                                      attached.
Child restraint systems equipped     S6.1.2(a)(2)..........  Head 813 mm; Knee 915   Attached with lap belt or
 with a fixed or movable surface                              mm.                     lap and shoulder belt or
 described in S5.2.2.2 that has                                                       lower anchorages of child
 belts that are not an integral                                                       restraint anchorage
 part of that fixed or movable                                                        system; no tether is
 surface.                                                                             attached.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) In the case of a built-in child restraint system, neither knee 
pivot point shall, at any time during the dynamic test, pass through a 
vertical transverse plane that is 305 mm forward of the initial pre-
test position of the respective knee pivot point, measured along a 
horizontal line that passes through the knee pivot point and is 
parallel to the vertical longitudinal plane that passes through the 
vehicle's longitudinal centerline.
    S5.1.3.2 Rear-facing child restraint systems. In the case of each 
rear-facing child restraint system, all portions of the test dummy's 
torso shall be retained within the system and neither of the target 
points on either side of the dummy's head and on the transverse axis 
passing through the center of mass of the dummy's head and 
perpendicular to the head's midsagittal plane, shall pass through the 
transverse orthogonal planes whose intersection contains the forward-
most and top-most points on the child restraint system surfaces 
(illustrated in Figure 1C in this section).
    S5.1.3.3 Car beds. In the case of car beds, all portions of the 
test dummy's head and torso shall be retained within the confines of 
the car bed.
    S5.1.4 Back support angle. When a rear-facing child restraint 
system is tested in accordance with S6.1, the angle between the 
system's back support surface for the child and the vertical shall not 
exceed 70 degrees.
    S5.2 Force distribution.
    S5.2.1 Minimum head support surface--child restraint systems other 
than car beds.
    S5.2.1.1 Except as provided in S5.2.1.2, each child restraint 
system other than a car bed shall provide restraint against rearward 
movement of the head of the child (rearward in relation to the child) 
by means of a continuous seat back which is an integral part of the 
system and which--
    (a) Has a height, measured along the system seat back surface for 
the child in the vertical longitudinal plane passing through the 
longitudinal centerline of the child restraint systems from the lowest 
point on the system seating surface that is contacted by the buttocks 
of the seated dummy, as follows:

                         Table 3 to S5.2.1.1(a)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Weight \1\                         Height \2\(mm)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not more than 18 kg.....................................             500
More than 18 kg.........................................             560
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ When a child restraint system is recommended under S5.5 for use by
  children of the above weights.
\2\ The height of the portion of the system seat back providing head
  restraint shall not be less than the above.

    (b) Has a width of not less than 8 inches, measured in the 
horizontal plane at the height specified in paragraph (a) of this 
section. Except that a child restraint system with side supports 
extending at least 4 inches forward from the padded surface of the 
portion of the restraint system provided for support of the child's 
head may have a width of not less than 6 inches, measured in the 
horizontal plane at the height specified in paragraph (a) of this 
section.
    (c) Limits the rearward rotation of the test dummy head so that the 
angle between the head and torso of the dummy specified in S7 when 
tested in accordance with S6.1 is not more than 45 degrees greater than 
the angle between the head and torso after the dummy has been placed in 
the system in accordance with S6.1.2.3 and before the system is tested 
in accordance with S6.1.
    S5.2.1.2 The applicability of the requirements of S5.2.1.1 to a 
front-facing child restraint system, and the conformance of any child 
restraint system other than a car bed to those requirements, is 
determined using the largest of the test dummies specified in S7 for 
use in testing that restraint, provided that the 6-year-old dummy 
described in subpart I or subpart N of part 572 of this title and the 
10-year-old dummy described in subpart T of part 572 of this title, are 
not used to determine the applicability of or compliance with S5.2.1.1. 
A front facing child restraint system is not required to comply with 
S5.2.1.1 if the target point on either side of the dummy's head is 
below a horizontal plane tangent to the top of--
    (a) The standard seat assembly, in the case of an add-on child 
restraint system, when the dummy is positioned in the system and the 
system is installed on the assembly in accordance with S6.1.2.
    (b) The vehicle seat, in the case of a built-in child restraint 
system, when the system is activated and the dummy is positioned in the 
system in accordance with S6.1.2.
    S5.2.2 Torso impact protection. Each child restraint system other 
than a car bed shall comply with the applicable requirements of 
S5.2.2.1 and S5.2.2.2.
    S5.2.2.1 (a) The system surface provided for the support of the 
child's back shall be flat or concave and have a continuous surface 
area of not less than 85 square inches.
    (b) Each system surface provided for support of the side of the 
child's torso shall be flat or concave and have a continuous surface of 
not less than 24 square inches for systems recommended for children 
weighing 20 pounds or more, or 48 square inches for systems recommended 
for children weighing less than 20 pounds.

[[Page 84595]]

    (c) Each horizontal cross section of each system surface designed 
to restrain forward movement of the child's torso shall be flat or 
concave and each vertical longitudinal cross section shall be flat or 
convex with a radius of curvature of the underlying structure of not 
less than 2 inches.
    S5.2.2.2 Each forward-facing child restraint system shall have no 
fixed or movable surface--
    (a) Directly forward of the dummy and intersected by a horizontal 
line--
    (1) Parallel to the SORL, in the case of the add-on child restraint 
system, or
    (2) Parallel to a vertical plane through the longitudinal center 
line of the vehicle seat, in the case of a built-in child restraint 
system, and,
    (b) Passing through any portion of the dummy, except for surfaces 
which restrain the dummy when the system is tested in accordance with 
S6.1.2(a)(2), so that the child restraint system shall conform to the 
requirements of S5.1.2 and S5.1.3.1.
    S5.2.3 [Reserved]
    S5.2.4 Protrusion limitation. Any portion of a rigid structural 
component within or underlying a contactable surface, or any portion of 
a child restraint system surface that is subject to the requirements of 
S5.2.3 shall, with any padding or other flexible overlay material 
removed, have a height above any immediately adjacent restraint system 
surface of not more than \3/8\ inch and no exposed edge with a radius 
of less than \1/4\ inch.
    S5.3 Installation.
    S5.3.1 Add-on child restraint systems shall meet either (a) or (b), 
as appropriate.
    (a) Except for components designed to attach to a child restraint 
anchorage system, each add-on child restraint system must not have any 
means designed for attaching the system to a vehicle seat cushion or 
vehicle seat back and any component (except belts) that is designed to 
be inserted between the vehicle seat cushion and vehicle seat back.
    (b) School bus child restraint systems (including harnesses 
manufactured for use on school bus seats) must have a label that 
conforms in content to Figure 12 and to the requirements of 
S5.3.1(b)(1) through S5.3.1(b)(3) of this standard. The label must be 
permanently affixed to the part of the school bus child restraint 
system, that attaches the system to a vehicle seat back.
    (1) The label must be plainly visible when installed and easily 
readable.
    (2) The message area must be white with black text. The message 
area must be no less than 20 square centimeters.
    (3) The pictogram shall be gray and black with a red circle and 
slash on a white background. The pictogram shall be no less than 20 mm 
in diameter.
    (c) The provision that add-on child restraint systems shall meet 
the requirements of this standard when installed solely by a Type 1 
belt applies to child restraint systems manufactured before September 
1, 2029. Except for harnesses, the requirement sunsets for child 
restraint systems manufactured on or after September 1, 2029. For 
harnesses, the requirement does not sunset and continues to apply to 
harnesses manufactured on or after September 1, 2029.
    S5.3.2 Each add-on child restraint system shall be capable of 
meeting the requirements of this standard when installed solely by each 
of the means indicated in the following table for the particular type 
of child restraint system:

                      Table 4 for S5.3.2 Means of Installation for Child Restraint Systems
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Seat
                                                                                Lower                     back
                      Type 1 seat                 Type 2 seat                anchorages       Lower      mount,
   Type of add-on    belt assembly  Type 1 seat  belt assembly    Type 2    of the child   anchorages   or, seat
  child restraint    plus a tether      belt     plus a tether   seat belt    restraint   of the child    back
       system        anchorage, if    assembly   anchorage, if   assembly     anchorage     restraint    mount,
                         needed                      needed                  system plus    anchorage     and,
                                                                            a tether, if     system     seat pan
                                                                               needed                     mount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
School bus child     .............  ...........  .............  ..........  ............  ............  X
 restraint systems
Harnesses            X              ...........  .............  ..........  ............  ............  ........
Car beds             .............  X            .............  X           ............  ............  ........
Rear-facing          .............  X            .............  X           ............  X             ........
 restraints
Booster seats        .............  ...........  .............  X           ............  ............  ........
All other child      X              X            X              X           X             X             ........
 restraint systems
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    S5.3.3 Car beds. Each car bed shall be designed to be installed on 
a vehicle seat so that the car bed's longitudinal axis is perpendicular 
to a vertical longitudinal plane through the longitudinal axis of the 
vehicle.
    S5.4 Belts, belt buckles, and belt webbing.
    S5.4.1 Performance requirements.
    S5.4.1.1 [Reserved.]
    S5.4.1.2 The webbing of belts provided with a child restraint 
system and used to attach the system to the vehicle or to restrain the 
child within the system shall--
    (a) Have a minimum breaking strength for new webbing of not less 
than 15,000 N in the case of webbing used to secure a child restraint 
system to the vehicle, including the tether and lower anchorages of a 
child restraint anchorage system, and not less than 11,000 N in the 
case of the webbing used to secure a child to a child restraint system 
when tested in accordance with S5.1 of FMVSS No. 209. Each value shall 
be not less than the 15,000 N and 11,000 N applicable breaking strength 
requirements, but the median value shall be used for determining the 
retention of breaking strength in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c)(1) and (2) 
of this section. ``New webbing'' means webbing that has not been 
exposed to abrasion, light or micro-organisms as specified elsewhere in 
this section.
    (b)(1) After being subjected to abrasion as specified in S5.1(d) or 
S5.3(c) of FMVSS 209 (Sec.  571.209), have a breaking strength of not 
less than 75 percent of the new webbing strength, when tested in 
accordance with S5.1(b) of FMVSS 209.
    (2) A mass of 2.35 .05 kg shall be used in the test 
procedure in S5.1(d) of FMVSS 209 for webbing, including webbing to 
secure a child restraint system to the tether and lower anchorages of a 
child restraint anchorage system, except that a mass of 1.5 .05 kg shall be used for webbing in pelvic and upper torso 
restraints of a

[[Page 84596]]

belt assembly used in a child restraint system. The mass is shown as 
(B) in Figure 2 of FMVSS 209.
    (c)(1) After exposure to the light of a carbon arc and tested by 
the procedure specified in S5.1(e) of FMVSS 209 (Sec.  571.209), have a 
breaking strength of not less than 60 percent of the new webbing, and 
shall have a color retention not less than No. 2 on the AATCC Gray 
Scale for Color Change (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  571.5).
    (2) After being subjected to micro-organisms and tested by the 
procedures specified in S5.1(f) of FMVSS 209 (Sec.  571.209), shall 
have a breaking strength not less than 85 percent of the new webbing.
    (d) If contactable by the test dummy torso when the system is 
tested in accordance with S6.1, have a width of not less than 1\1/2\ 
inches when measured in accordance with S5.4.1.3.
    S5.4.1.3 Width test procedure. Condition the webbing for 24 hours 
in an atmosphere of any relative humidity between 48 and 67 percent, 
and any ambient temperature between 70[deg] and 77 [deg]F. Measure belt 
webbing width under a tension of 5 pounds applied lengthwise.
    S5.4.2 Belt buckles and belt adjustment hardware. Each belt buckle 
and item of belt adjustment hardware used in a child restraint system 
shall conform to the requirements of S4.3(a) and S4.3(b) of FMVSS No. 
209 (Sec.  571.209).
    S5.4.3 Belt Restraint.
    S5.4.3.1 General. Each belt that is part of a child restraint 
system and that is designed to restrain a child using the system shall 
be adjustable to snugly fit any child whose height and weight are 
within the ranges recommended in accordance with S5.5.2(f) and who is 
positioned in the system in accordance with the instructions required 
by S5.6.
    S5.4.3.2 Direct restraint. Except for belt-positioning seats, each 
belt that is part of a child restraint system and that is designed to 
restrain a child using the system and to attach the system to the 
vehicle, and each Type 1 and lap portion of a Type 2 vehicle belt that 
is used to attach the system to the vehicle shall, when tested in 
accordance with S6.1, impose no loads on the child that result from the 
mass of the system, or--
    (a) In the case of an add-on child restraint system, from the mass 
of the seat back of the standard seat assembly specified in S6.1, or
    (b) In the case of a built-in child restraint system, from the mass 
of any part of the vehicle into which the child restraint system is 
built.
    S5.4.3.3 Seating systems. Except for child restraint systems 
subject to S5.4.3.4, each child restraint system that is designed for 
use by a child in a seated position and that has belts designed to 
restrain the child, shall, with the test dummy specified in S7 
positioned in the system in accordance with S10 provide:
    (a) Upper torso restraint in the form of:
    (i) Belts passing over each shoulder of the child, or
    (ii) A fixed or movable surface that complies with S5.2.2.1(c), and
    (b) Lower torso restraint in the form of:
    (i) A lap belt assembly making an angle between 45[deg] and 90[deg] 
with the child restraint system seating surface at the lap belt 
attachment points, or
    (ii) A fixed or movable surface that complies with S5.2.2.1(c), and
    (c) In the case of each seating system recommended for children 
whose masses are more than 10 kg, crotch restraint in the form of:
    (i) A crotch belt connectable to the lap belt or other device used 
to restrain the lower torso, or
    (ii) A fixed or movable surface that complies with S5.2.2.1(c).
    S5.4.3.4 Harnesses. Each child harness shall:
    (a) Provide upper torso restraint, including belts passing over 
each shoulder of the child;
    (b) Provide lower torso restraint by means of lap and crotch belt; 
and
    (c) Prevent a child of any height for which the restraint is 
recommended for use pursuant to S5.5.2(f) from standing upright on the 
vehicle seat when the child is placed in the device in accordance with 
the instructions required by S5.6.
    S5.4.3.5 Buckle release. Any buckle in a child restraint system 
belt assembly designed to restrain a child using the system shall:
    (a) When tested in accordance with S6.2.1 prior to the dynamic test 
of S6.1, not release when a force of less than 40 newtons (N) is 
applied and shall release when a force of not more than 62 N is 
applied;
    (b) After the dynamic test of S6.1, when tested in accordance with 
the appropriate sections of S6.2, release when a force of not more than 
71 N is applied, provided, however, that the conformance of any child 
restraint system to this requirement is determined using the largest of 
the test dummies specified in S7 for use in testing that restraint when 
the restraint is facing forward, rearward, and/or laterally;
    (c) Meet the requirements of S4.3(d)(2) of FMVSS No. 209 (Sec.  
571.209), except that the minimum surface area for child restraint 
system buckles designed for push button application shall be 0.6 square 
inch;
    (d) Meet the requirements of S4.3(g) of FMVSS No. 209 (Sec.  
571.209) when tested in accordance with S5.2(g) of FMVSS No. 209; and
    (e) Not release during the testing specified in S6.1.
    S5.5 Labeling. Any labels or written instructions provided in 
addition to those required by this section shall not obscure or confuse 
the meaning of the required information or be otherwise misleading to 
the consumer. Any labels or written instructions other than in the 
English language shall be an accurate translation of English labels or 
written instructions.
    S5.5.1 Each add-on child restraint system shall be permanently 
labeled with the information specified in S5.5.2(a) through (m).
    S5.5.2 The information specified in paragraphs (a) through (m) of 
this section shall be stated in the English language and lettered in 
letters and numbers that are not smaller than 10 point type. Unless 
otherwise specified, the information shall be labeled on a white 
background with black text. Unless written in all capitals, the 
information shall be stated in sentence capitalization.
    (a) The model name or number of the system.
    (b) The manufacturer's name. A distributor's name may be used 
instead if the distributor assumes responsibility for all duties and 
liabilities imposed on the manufacturer with respect to the system by 
the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, as amended.
    (c) The statement: ``Manufactured in __,'' inserting the month and 
year of manufacture.
    (d) The place of manufacture (city and State, or foreign country). 
However, if the manufacturer uses the name of the distributor, then it 
shall state the location (city and State, or foreign country) of the 
principal offices of the distributor.
    (e) The statement: ``This child restraint system conforms to all 
applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.''
    (f) Statements or a combination of statements and pictograms 
specifying the manufacturer's recommendations for the weight and height 
ranges (in English and metric units) of children who can safely occupy 
the system in each applicable mode (rear-facing, forward-facing, 
booster), except manufacturers shall not recommend that child restraint 
systems with internal harnesses be used forward-facing with children of 
weights less than 12 kg (26.5 lb), and shall not

[[Page 84597]]

recommend that booster seats be used by children of weights less than 
18.4 kg (40 lb).
    (g) The statements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2):
    (1) A heading as specified in S5.5.2(k)(3)(i), with the statement 
``WARNING! DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur,'' capitalized as written 
and followed by bulleted statements in the following order:
    (i) As appropriate, the statements required by the following 
sections will be bulleted and placed after the statement required by 
5.5.2(g)(1) in the following order: 5.5.2(k)(1), 5.5.2(h), 5.5.2(j), 
and 5.5.2(i).
    (ii) Secure this child restraint with the vehicle's child restraint 
anchorage system, if available, or with a vehicle belt. [For car beds, 
harnesses, and belt-positioning seats, the first part of the statement 
regarding attachment by the child restraint anchorage system is 
optional.] [For belt-positioning seats, the second part of the 
statement regarding attachment by the vehicle belt does not apply.] 
Child restraint systems equipped with internal harnesses to restrain 
the child and with components to attach to a child restraint anchorage 
system and for which the combined weight of the child restraint system 
and the maximum recommended child weight for use with internal 
harnesses exceeds 65 pounds, must be labeled with the following 
statement: ``Do not use the lower anchors of the child restraint 
anchorage system (LATCH system) to attach this child restraint when 
restraining a child weighing more than * [*insert a recommended weight 
value in English and metric units such that the sum of the recommended 
weight value and the weight of the child restraint system does not 
exceed 65 pounds (29.5 kg)] with the internal harnesses of the child 
restraint.''
    (iii) Follow all instructions on this child restraint and in the 
written instructions located (insert storage location on the restraint 
for the manufacturer's installation instruction booklet or sheet).
    (iv) Register your child restraint with the manufacturer.
    (2) At the manufacturer's option, the phrase ``DEATH or SERIOUS 
INJURY can occur'' in the heading can be on either a white or yellow 
background.
    (3) More than one label may be used for the required bulleted 
statements. Multiple labels shall be placed one above the other unless 
that arrangement is precluded by insufficient space or shape of the 
child restraint system. In that case, multiple labels shall be placed 
side by side. When using multiple labels, the mandated warnings must be 
in the correct order when read from top to bottom. If the labels are 
side-by-side, then the mandated warnings must appear top to bottom of 
the leftmost label, then top to bottom of the next label to its right, 
and so on. There shall be no intervening labels and the required 
heading shall only appear on the first label in the sequence.
    (h) In the case of each child restraint system that has belts 
designed to restrain children using them and which do not adjust 
automatically to fit the child: Snugly adjust the belts provided with 
this child restraint around your child.
    (i)(1) For a booster seat that is recommended for use with either a 
vehicle's Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly, one of the following 
statements, as appropriate:
    (i) Use only the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt system when 
restraining the child in this booster seat; or,
    (ii) Use only the vehicle's lap belt system, or the lap belt part 
of a lap/shoulder belt system with the shoulder belt placed behind the 
child, when restraining the child in this seat.
    (2)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this section, 
for a booster seat which is recommended for use with both a vehicle's 
Type 1 and Type 2 seat belt assemblies, the following statement: Use 
only the vehicle's lap belt system, or the lap belt part of a lap/
shoulder belt system with the shoulder belt placed behind the child, 
when restraining the child with the (insert description of the system 
element provided to restrain forward movement of the child's torso when 
used with a lap belt (e.g., shield)), and only the vehicle's lap and 
shoulder belt system when using the booster without the (insert above 
description).
    (ii) A booster seat which is recommended for use with both a 
vehicle's Type 1 and Type 2 seat belt assemblies is not subject to 
S5.5.2(i)(2)(i) if, when the booster is used with the shield or similar 
component, the booster will cause the shoulder belt to be located in a 
position other than in front of the child when the booster is 
installed. However, such a booster shall be labeled with a warning to 
use the booster with the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt system when 
using the booster without a shield.
    (j) In the case of each child restraint system equipped with a top 
anchorage strap, the statement: Secure the top anchorage strap provided 
with this child restraint.
    (k)(1) In the case of each rear-facing child restraint system that 
is designed for infants only, the statement: Use only in a rear-facing 
position when using it in the vehicle.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (3) Except as provided in (k)(4) of this section, each child 
restraint system that can be used in a rear-facing position shall have 
a label that conforms in content to Figure 10 and to the requirements 
of S5.5.2(k)(3)(i) through S5.5.2(k)(3)(iii) of this standard 
permanently affixed to the outer surface of the cushion or padding in 
or adjacent to the area where a child's head would rest, so that the 
label is plainly visible and easily readable.
    (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 square cm.
    (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 in 
diameter.
    (4) If a child restraint system is equipped with a device that 
deactivates the passenger-side air bag in a vehicle when and only when 
the child restraint is installed in the vehicle and provides a signal, 
for at least 60 seconds after deactivation, that the air bag is 
deactivated, the label specified in Figure 10 may include the phrase 
``unless air bag is off'' after ``on front seat with air bag.''
    (1) An installation diagram showing the child restraint system 
installed in:
    (1) A seating position equipped with a continuous-loop lap/shoulder 
belt;
    (2) For child restraint systems manufactured before September 1, 
2029, a seating position equipped with only a lap belt, as specified in 
the manufacturer's instructions; and
    (3) A seating position equipped with a child restraint anchorage 
system. For child restraint systems the following paragraphs (l)(3)(i) 
and (ii) of this section apply, as appropriate.
    (i) If the child restraint system is designed to meet the 
requirements of this standard when installed by the child restraint 
anchorage system according to S5.3.2, and if the sum of the weight of 
the child restraint system and the maximum child weight recommended for 
the child restraint system when used with the restraint's internal 
harness or components is greater than 65 lb when used forward-facing or 
rear-facing, include the following statement on this installation 
diagram: ``Do not install by this method for a child weighing more than 
*.'' At the manufacturer's option, ``*'' is the child weight limit in 
English units in accordance with S5.5.2(l)(3)(i)(A), (B), or (C). The 
corresponding child weight limit in metric units may also be

[[Page 84598]]

included in the statement at the manufacturer's option.
    (A) For forward-facing and rear-facing child restraint systems, * 
is less than or equal to 65 minus child restraint system weight 
(pounds).
    (B) For forward-facing child restraint systems, * is the child 
weight limit specified in the following table corresponding to the 
value CW, calculated as 65 minus child restraint system weight 
(pounds).

   Table 5 to S5.5.2(l)(3)(i)(B)--Maximum Child Weight Limit for Lower
     Anchor Use for Forward-Facing Child Restraint System--Rounding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Child weight
    CW = 65 - child restraint system weight  (pounds)       limit ``*''
                                                             (pounds)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 < CW <= 25...........................................              25
25 < CW <= 30...........................................              30
30 < CW <= 35...........................................              35
35 < CW <= 40...........................................              40
40 < CW <= 45...........................................              45
45 < CW <= 50...........................................              50
50 < CW <= 55...........................................              55
55 < CW <= 60...........................................              60
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (C) For rear-facing child restraint systems, * is the child weight 
limit specified in the following table corresponding to the value CW, 
calculated as 60 minus child restraint system weight (pounds).

   Table 6 to S5.5.2(l)(3)(i)(C)--Maximum Child Weight Limit for Lower
       Anchor Use for Rear-Facing Child Restraint System--Rounding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Child weight
    CW = 60 - child restraint system weight  (pounds)       limit ``*''
                                                             (pounds)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 < CW <= 20...........................................              20
20 < CW <= 25...........................................              25
25 < CW <= 30...........................................              30
30 < CW <= 35...........................................              35
35 < CW <= 40...........................................              40
40 < CW <= 45...........................................              45
45 < CW <= 50...........................................              50
50 < CW <= 55...........................................              55
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) For child restraint systems designed to meet the requirements 
of this standard when installed forward-facing and rear-facing using 
the child restraint anchorage system according to S5.3.2, the following 
applies:
    (A) If separate installation diagrams are provided for the child 
restraint system installed forward-facing and rear-facing, 
S5.5.2(l)(3)(i) applies to each of the installation diagrams.
    (B) If only one installation diagram is provided and if a statement 
specifying a child weight limit is required in only rear-facing or 
forward-facing mode pursuant to S5.5.2(l)(3)(i), then the diagram shall 
depict installation in that mode along with the corresponding child 
weight limit in accordance with S5.5.2(l)(3)(i).
    (C) If a statement specifying a child weight limit is required for 
the child restraint system installed forward-facing and rear-facing 
pursuant to S5.5.2(l)(3)(i) and only one installation diagram is 
provided, then the child weight limit shall be in accordance with 
S5.5.2(l)(3)(i)(A) or the lesser of the child weight limits described 
in S5.5.2(l)(3)(i)(B) and (C).
    (m) Statements informing the owner of the importance of registering 
the child restraint system for recall purposes and instructing the 
owner how to register the child restraint system at least by both mail 
and telephone, providing a U.S. telephone number. The following 
statement must also be provided: ``For recall information, call the 
U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-
424-9153), or go to www.NHTSA.gov.''
    (n) Child restraint systems, other than belt-positioning seats, 
harnesses and backless child restraint systems, may be certified as 
complying with the provisions of S8. Child restraint systems that are 
so certified shall be labeled with the statement ``This Restraint is 
Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft.'' Belt-positioning 
seats, harnesses and backless child restraint systems shall be labeled 
with the statement ``This Restraint is Not Certified for Use in 
Aircraft.'' The statement required by this paragraph shall be in red 
lettering and shall be placed after the certification statement 
required by S5.5.2(e).
    S5.5.3 The information specified in S5.5.2(f) through (l) shall be 
located on the add-on child restraint system so that it is visible when 
the system is installed as specified in S5.6.1, except that for child 
restraint systems with a detachable base, the installation diagrams 
specified in S5.5.2(l) are required to be visible only when the base 
alone is installed.
    S5.5.4 (a) Each built-in child restraint system other than a 
factory-installed built-in restraint shall be permanently labeled with 
the information specified in S5.5.5 (a) through (l). The information 
specified in S5.5.5(a) through (j) and in S5.5.5(l) shall be visible 
when the system is activated for use.
    (b) Each factory-installed built-in child restraint system shall be 
permanently labeled with the information specified in S5.5.5(f) through 
(j) and S5.5.5(l), so that the information is visible when the 
restraint is activated for use. The information shall also be included 
in the vehicle owner's manual.
    S5.5.5 The information specified in paragraphs (a) through (l) of 
this section that is required by S5.5.4 for the built-in child 
restraint systems shall be in English and lettered in letters and 
numbers using a not smaller than 10-point type. Unless specified 
otherwise, the information shall be labeled on a white background with 
black text. Unless written in all capitals, the information shall be 
stated in sentence capitalization.
    (a) The model name or number of the system.
    (b) The manufacturer's name. A distributor's or dealer's name may 
be used instead if the distributor or dealer assumes responsibility for 
all duties and liabilities imposed on the manufacturer with respect to 
the system by the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, as 
amended.
    (c) The statement: ``Manufactured in ____,'' inserting the month 
and year of manufacture.
    (d) The place of manufacture (city and State, or foreign country). 
However, if the manufacturer uses the name of the distributor or 
dealer, then it shall state the location (city and State, or foreign 
country) of the principal offices of the distributor or dealer.
    (e) The statement: ``This child restraint system conforms to all 
applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.''
    (f) Statements or a combination of statements and pictograms 
specifying the manufacturer's recommendations for the weight and height 
ranges (in English and metric units) of children who can safely occupy 
the system in each applicable mode (rear-facing, forward-facing, 
booster), except manufacturers shall not recommend forward-facing child 
restraint systems with internal harnesses for children of weights less 
than 12 kg (26.5 lb), and shall not recommend booster seats for 
children of weights less than 18.4 kg (40 lb).
    (g) The heading and statement specified in paragraph (1), and if 
appropriate, the statements in paragraph (2) and (3). If used, the 
statements in paragraphs (2) and (3) shall be bulleted and precede the 
bulleted statement required by paragraph (1) after the heading.
    (1) A heading as specified in S5.5.2(k)(3)(i), with the statement 
``WARNING! DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur,'' capitalized as written 
and followed by the bulleted

[[Page 84599]]

statement: Follow all instructions on the child restraint and in the 
vehicle's owner's manual. At the manufacturer's option, the phrase 
``DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur'' in the heading can be on either a 
white or yellow background.
    (2) In the case of each built-in child restraint system which is 
not intended for use in motor vehicles in certain adjustment positions 
or under certain circumstances, an appropriate statement of the 
manufacturers restrictions regarding those positions or circumstances.
    (3) As appropriate, the statements required by the following 
sections will be bulleted and placed after the statement required by 
5.5.5(g)(1) in the following order: 5.5.5(g)(2), 5.5.5(f), S5.5.5(h) 
and S5.5.5(i).
    (h) In the case of each built-in child restraint system that has 
belts designed to restrain children using them and which do not adjust 
automatically to fit the child: Snugly adjust the belts provided with 
this child restraint around your child.
    (i) In the case of each built-in child restraint which can be used 
in a rear-facing position, the following statement: Place an infant in 
a rear-facing position in this child restraint.
    (j) A diagram or diagrams showing the fully activated child 
restraint system in infant and/or child configurations.
    (k) One of the following statements, inserting an address and a 
U.S. telephone number. If a manufacturer opts to provide a website on 
the registration card as permitted in Figure 9a of this section, the 
manufacturer must include the statement in paragraph (k)(2) of this 
section:
    (1) ``Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You 
must register this restraint to be reached in a recall. Send your name, 
address, email address if available (preceding four words are 
optional), and the restraint's model number and manufacturing date to 
(insert address) or call (insert a U.S. telephone number). For recall 
information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-
888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov.''
    (2) ``Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You 
must register this restraint to be reached in a recall. Send your name, 
address, email address if available (preceding four words are 
optional), and the restraint's model number and manufacturing date to 
(insert address) or call (insert telephone number) or register online 
at (insert website for electronic registration form). For recall 
information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-
888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov.''
    (l) In the case of a built-in belt-positioning seat that uses 
either the vehicle's Type 1 or Type 2 belt systems or both, a statement 
describing the manufacturer's recommendations for the maximum height 
and weight of children who can safely occupy the system and how the 
booster should be used (e.g., with or without shield) with the 
different vehicle belt systems.
    S5.6 Printed instructions for proper use. Any labels or written 
instructions provided in addition to those required by this section 
shall not obscure or confuse the meaning of the required information or 
be otherwise misleading to the consumer. Any labels or written 
instructions other than in the English language shall be an accurate 
translation of English labels or written instructions. Unless written 
in all capitals, the information required by S5.6.1 through S5.6.3 
shall be stated in sentence capitalization.
    S5.6.1 Add-on child restraint systems. Each add-on child restraint 
system shall be accompanied by printed installation instructions in 
English that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for 
installing the system in motor vehicles, securing the system in the 
vehicles, positioning a child in the system, and adjusting the system 
to fit the child. For each child restraint system that has components 
for attaching to a tether anchorage or a child restraint anchorage 
system, the installation instructions shall include a step-by-step 
procedure, including diagrams, for properly attaching to that anchorage 
or system.
    S5.6.1.1 In a vehicle with rear designated seating positions, the 
instructions shall alert vehicle owners that, according to accident 
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear 
seating positions than in the front seating positions.
    S5.6.1.2 The instructions shall specify in general terms the types 
of vehicles, the types of seating positions, and the types of vehicle 
seat belts with which the add-on child restraint system can or cannot 
be used.
    S5.6.1.3 The instructions shall explain the primary consequences of 
not following the warnings required to be labeled on the child 
restraint system in accordance with S5.5.2(g) through (k).
    S5.6.1.4 The instructions for each car bed shall explain that the 
car bed should be positioned in such a way that the child's head is 
near the center of the vehicle.
    S5.6.1.5 The instructions shall state that add-on child restraint 
systems should be securely belted to the vehicle, even when they are 
not occupied, since in a crash an unsecured child restraint system may 
injure other occupants.
    S5.6.1.6 Each add-on child restraint system shall have a location 
on the restraint for storing the manufacturer's instructions.
    S5.6.1.7 Child restraint systems shall include statements informing 
the owner of the importance of registering the child restraint system 
for recall purposes and instructing the owner how to register the child 
restraint system at least by mail and by telephone, providing a U.S. 
telephone number. The following statement must also be provided: ``For 
recall information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline 
at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.NHTSA.gov.''
    S5.6.1.8 In the case of each child restraint system that can be 
used in a position so that it is facing the rear of the vehicle, the 
instructions shall provide a warning against using restraints rear-
facing at seating positions equipped with air bags, and shall explain 
the reasons for, and consequences of not following the warning. The 
instructions shall also include a statement that owners of vehicles 
with front passenger-side air bags should refer to their vehicle 
owner's manual for child restraint system installation instructions.
    S5.6.1.9 In the case of each rear-facing child restraint system 
that has a means for repositioning the seating surface of the system 
that allows the system's occupant to move from a reclined position to 
an upright position during dynamic testing, the instructions shall 
include a warning against impeding the ability of the restraint to 
change adjustment position.
    S5.6.1.10 (a) For instructions for a booster seat that is 
recommended for use with either a vehicle's Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt 
assembly, one of the following statements, as appropriate, and the 
reasons for the statement:
    (1) Warning! Use only the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt system 
when restraining the child in this booster seat; or,
    (2) Warning! Use only the vehicle's lap belt system, or the lap 
belt part of a lap/shoulder belt system with the shoulder belt placed 
behind the child, when restraining the child in this seat.
    (b)(1) Except as provided in S5.6.1.10(b)(2), the instructions for 
a booster seat that is recommended for use with both a vehicle's Type 1 
and Type 2 seat belt assemblies shall include the following statement 
and the reasons therefor: Warning! Use only the vehicle's lap belt 
system, or the lap belt

[[Page 84600]]

part of a lap/shoulder belt system with the shoulder belt placed behind 
the child, when restraining the child with the (insert description of 
the system element provided to restrain forward movement of the child's 
torso when used with a lap belt (e.g., shield)), and only the vehicle's 
lap and shoulder belt system when using this booster without the 
(insert above description).
    (2) A booster seat which is recommended for use with both a 
vehicle's Type 1 and Type 2 seat belt assemblies is not subject to 
S5.6.1.10(b)(1) if, when the booster is used with the shield or similar 
component, the booster will cause the shoulder belt to be located in a 
position other than in front of the child when the booster is 
installed. However, the instructions for such a booster shall include a 
warning to use the booster with the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt 
system when using the booster without a shield.
    (c) The instructions for belt-positioning seats shall include the 
statement, ``This restraint is not certified for aircraft use,'' and 
the reasons for this statement.
    S5.6.1.11 For school bus child restraint systems, the instructions 
must include the following statement:
    ``WARNING! This restraint must only be used on school bus seats. 
Entire seat directly behind must be unoccupied or have restrained 
occupants.'' (The instruction's reference to a ``restrained occupant'' 
refers to an occupant restrained by any user-appropriate vehicle 
restraint or child restraint system (e.g., lap belt, lap and shoulder 
belt, booster seat or other child restraint system.)
    S5.6.1.12 If the child restraint system is designed to meet the 
requirements of this standard when installed by the child restraint 
anchorage system according to S5.3.2, the installation diagram showing 
the child restraint system installed using a child restraint anchorage 
system must meet the specifications in S5.5.2(l)(3).
    S5.6.2 Built-in child restraint systems. (a) Each built-in child 
restraint system shall be accompanied by printed instructions in 
English that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for 
activating the restraint system, positioning a child in the system, 
adjusting the restraint and, if provided, the restraint harness to fit 
the child. The instructions for each built-in car bed shall explain 
that the child should be positioned in the bed in such a way that the 
child's head is near the center of the vehicle.
    (b) Each motor vehicle equipped with a factory-installed built-in 
child restraint system shall have the information specified in 
paragraph (a) of this section included in its vehicle owner's manual.
    S5.6.2.1 The instructions shall explain the primary consequences of 
not following the manufacturer's warnings for proper use of the child 
restraint system in accordance with S5.5.5(f) through (i).
    S5.6.2.2 The instructions for each built-in child restraint system 
other than a factory-installed restraint shall include statements 
informing the owner of the importance of registering the child 
restraint system for recall purposes and instructing the owner how to 
register the child restraint system at least by mail and by telephone, 
providing a U.S. telephone number. The following statement must also be 
provided: ``For recall information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle 
Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to 
www.NHTSA.gov.''
    S5.6.2.3 Each built-in child restraint system other than a factory-
installed built-in restraint, shall have a location on the restraint 
for storing the instructions.
    S5.6.2.4 Each built-in child restraint system, other than a system 
that has been installed in a vehicle or a factory-installed built-in 
system that is designed for a specific vehicle model and seating 
position, shall be accompanied by instructions in English that provide 
a step-by-step procedure for installing the system in a motor vehicle. 
The instructions shall specify the types of vehicles and the seating 
positions into which the restraint can or cannot be installed. The 
instructions for each car bed shall explain that the bed should be 
installed so that the child's head will be near the center of the 
vehicle.
    S5.6.2.5 In the case of a built-in belt-positioning seat that uses 
either the vehicle's Type 1 or Type 2 belt systems or both, the 
instructions shall include a statement describing the manufacturer's 
recommendations for the maximum height and weight of children who can 
safely occupy the system and how the booster must be used with the 
vehicle belt systems appropriate for the booster seat. The instructions 
shall explain the consequences of not following the directions. The 
instructions shall specify that, if the booster seat is recommended for 
use with only the lap-belt part of a Type 2 assembly, the shoulder belt 
portion of the assembly must be placed behind the child.
    S5.6.3 Add-on and built-in child restraint systems. In the case of 
each child restraint system that has belts designed to restrain 
children using them and which do not adjust automatically to fit the 
child, the printed instructions shall include the following statement: 
A snug strap should not allow any slack. It lies in a relatively 
straight line without sagging. It does not press on the child's flesh 
or push the child's body into an unnatural position.
    S5.7 Flammability. Each material used in a child restraint system 
shall conform to the requirements of S4 of FMVSS No. 302 (571.302). In 
the case of a built-in child restraint system, the requirements of S4 
of FMVSS No. 302 shall be met in both the ``in-use'' and ``stowed'' 
positions.
    S5.8 Information requirements--attached registration form and 
electronic registration form.
    S5.8.1 Attached registration form. (a) Each child restraint system, 
except a factory-installed built-in restraint system, shall have a 
registration form attached to any surface of the restraint that 
contacts the dummy when the dummy is positioned in the system in 
accordance with S6.1.2 of Standard 213. The form shall not have 
advertising or any information other than that related to registering 
the child restraint system.
    (b) Each attached registration form shall provide a mail-in 
postcard that conforms in size, and in basic content and format to the 
forms depicted in Figures 9a' and 9b' of this section.
    (1) The mail-in postcard shall:
    (i) Have a thickness of at least 0.007 inches and not more than 
0.0095 inches;
    (ii) Be pre-printed with the information identifying the child 
restraint system for recall purposes, such as the model name or number 
and date of manufacture (month, year) of the child restraint system to 
which the form is attached;
    (iii) Contain space for the owner to record his or her name, 
mailing address, email address (optional), telephone number (optional) 
and other pertinent information;
    (iv) Be addressed to the manufacturer, and be postage paid.
    (v) Be detachable from the information card without the use of 
scissors or other tools.
    (c) The registration form attached to the child restraint system 
shall also provide an information card with the following:
    (1) Informing the owner of the importance of registering the child 
restraint system; and,
    (2) Instructing the owner how to register the CRS.
    (3) Manufacturers must provide statements informing the purchaser 
that the registration card is pre-addressed and that postage has been 
paid.
    (4) Manufacturers may provide instructions to register the child

[[Page 84601]]

restraint system electronically. If an electronic registration form is 
used or referenced, it must meet the requirements of S5.8.2 of this 
section.
    (5) Manufacturers may optionally provide statements to the owner 
explaining that the registration card is not a warranty card, and that 
the information collected from the owner will not be used for marketing 
purposes.
    S5.8.2 Electronic registration form. (a) Each electronic 
registration form must meet the requirements of this S5.8.2. Each form 
shall:
    (1) Contain statements at the top of the form:
    (i) Informing the owner of the importance of registering the CRS; 
and,
    (ii) Instructing the owner how to register the CRS.
    (2) Provide as required registration fields, space for the 
purchaser to record the model name or number and date of manufacture 
(month, year) of the child restraint system, and space for the 
purchaser to record his or her name and mailing address. At the 
manufacturer's option, a space is provided for the purchaser to 
optionally record his or her email address. At the manufacturer's 
option, a space is provided for the purchaser to optionally record his 
or her telephone number.
    (b) No advertising or other information shall appear on the 
electronic registration form. However, manufacturers may optionally 
provide statements to the owner explaining that the registration is not 
for a warranty, and that the information collected from the owner will 
not be used for marketing purposes.
    (c) The electronic registration form may provide information 
identifying the manufacturer or a link to the manufacturer's home page, 
a field to confirm submission, and a prompt to indicate any incomplete 
or invalid fields prior to submission.
    (d) If a manufacturer printed the electronic address (in form of a 
website (printed URL)) on the attached registration form provided 
pursuant to S5.8.1, the electronic registration form shall be accessed 
directly by the electronic address. Accessing the electronic address 
(in form of a website (printed URL)) that contains the electronic 
registration form shall not cause additional screens or electronic 
banners to appear. In addition to the electronic address in the form of 
a website, manufacturers may include a code (such as QR code or 
similar) to access the electronic address.
    S5.9 Attachment to child restraint anchorage system. (a) Each add-
on child restraint system other than a car bed, harness and belt-
positioning seat, shall have components permanently attached to the 
system that enable the restraint to be securely fastened to the lower 
anchorages of the child restraint anchorage system specified in 
Standard No. 225 (Sec.  571.225) and depicted in NHTSA Standard Seat 
Assembly; FMVSS No. 213, No. NHTSA-213-2021, (March 2023) (incorporated 
by reference, see Sec.  571.5). The components must be attached by use 
of a tool, such as a screwdriver. In the case of rear-facing child 
restraint systems with detachable bases, only the base is required to 
have the components.
    (b) In the case of each child restraint system that has components 
for attaching the system to a tether anchorage, those components shall 
include a tether hook that conforms to the configuration and geometry 
specified in Figure 11 of this standard.
    (c) In the case of each child restraint system that has components, 
including belt webbing, for attaching the system to a tether anchorage 
or to a child restraint anchorage system, the belt webbing shall be 
adjustable so that the child restraint system can be tightly attached 
to the vehicle.
    (d) Each child restraint system with components that enable the 
restraint to be securely fastened to the lower anchorages of a child 
restraint anchorage system, other than a system with hooks for 
attaching to the lower anchorages, shall provide either an indication 
when each attachment to the lower anchorages becomes fully latched or 
attached, or a visual indication that all attachments to the lower 
anchorages are fully latched or attached. Visual indications shall be 
detectable under normal daylight lighting conditions.
    S6 Test conditions and procedures.
    S6.1 Dynamic systems test for child restraint systems.
    The test conditions described in S6.1.1 apply to the dynamic 
systems test. The test procedure for the dynamic systems test is 
specified in S6.1.2. The test dummy specified in S7 is placed in the 
test specimen (child restraint system), clothed as described in S9 and 
positioned according to S10.
    S6.1.1 Test conditions--(a) Test devices. (1) Add-on child 
restraint systems. The test device for add-on child restraint systems 
is a standard seat assembly consisting of a simulated vehicle rear seat 
which is depicted in NHTSA Standard Seat Assembly; FMVSS No. 213, No. 
NHTSA-213-2021 (March 2023) (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  
571.5). The assembly is mounted on a dynamic test platform so that the 
center SORL of the seat is parallel to the direction of the test 
platform travel and so that movement between the base of the assembly 
and the platform is prevented. As illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B of 
this standard, attached to the seat belt anchorage points provided on 
the standard seat assembly is a Type 1 or a Type 2 seat belt assembly. 
The seat belt assembly meets the requirements of Standard No. 209 
(Sec.  571.209) and has webbing with a width of not more than 2 inches, 
and are attached to the anchorage points without the use of retractors 
or reels of any kind. As illustrated in Figures 1A' and 1B' of this 
standard, attached to the standard seat assembly is a child restraint 
anchorage system conforming to the specifications of Standard No. 225 
(Sec.  571.225). The indentation force deflection (IFD) characteristics 
of the seat pan cushion and seat back cushion are described in drawing 
numbers 3021-233 and 3021-248 in the NHTSA Standard Seat Assembly; 
FMVSS No. 213, No. NHTSA-213-2021, (March 2023) (incorporated by 
reference; see Sec.  571.5); the IFD is measured on the full size 
cushion samples using the test methodology and apparatus described in 
ASTM Standard D3574-11 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  571.5) at 
50% indentation.
    (2) The test device for built-in child restraint systems is either 
the specific vehicle shell or the specific vehicle.
    (i) Specific vehicle shell. (A) The specific vehicle shell, if 
selected for testing, is mounted on a dynamic test platform so that the 
longitudinal center line of the shell is parallel to the direction of 
the test platform travel and so that movement between the base of the 
shell and the platform is prevented. 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 position, the closest adjustment 
position to the rear of the midpoint is used. Adjustable seat backs are 
in the manufacturer's nominal design riding position. If such a 
position is not specified, the seat back is positioned so that the 
longitudinal center line of the child test dummy's neck is vertical, 
and if an instrumented test dummy is used, the accelerometer surfaces 
in the dummy's head and thorax, as positioned in the vehicle, are 
horizontal. If the vehicle seat is equipped with adjustable head 
restraints, each is adjusted to its highest adjustment position.
    (B) The platform is instrumented with an accelerometer and data 
processing system having a frequency response of 60 Hz channel 
frequency class as

[[Page 84602]]

specified in SAE Recommended Practice J211/1, (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  571.5). The accelerometer sensitive axis is 
parallel to the direction of test platform travel.
    (ii) Specific vehicle. For built-in child restraint systems, an 
alternate test device is the specific vehicle into which the built-in 
system is fabricated. The following test conditions apply to this 
alternate test device.
    (A) The vehicle is loaded to its unloaded vehicle weight plus its 
rated cargo and luggage capacity weight, secured in the luggage area, 
plus the appropriate child test dummy and, at the vehicle 
manufacturer's option, an anthropomorphic test dummy which conforms to 
the requirements of subpart B or subpart E of part 572 of this title 
for a 50th percentile adult male dummy placed in the front outboard 
seating position. If the built-in child restraint system is installed 
at one of the seating positions otherwise requiring the placement of a 
part 572 test dummy, then in the frontal barrier crash specified in 
paragraph (c) of this section, the appropriate child test dummy shall 
be substituted for the part 572 adult dummy, but only at that seating 
position. The fuel tank is filled to any level from 90 to 95 percent of 
capacity.
    (B) Adjustable seats are in the adjustment position midway between 
the forward-most and rearmost positions, and if separately adjustable 
in a vehicle direction, are at the lowest position. If an adjustment 
position does not exist midway between the forward-most and rearmost 
positions, the closest adjustment position to the rear of the midpoint 
is used.
    (C) Adjustable seat backs are in the manufacturer's nominal design 
riding position. If a nominal position is not specified, the seat back 
is positioned so that the longitudinal center line of the child test 
dummy's neck is vertical, and if an anthropomorphic test dummy is used, 
the accelerometer surfaces in the test dummy's head and thorax, as 
positioned in the vehicle, are horizontal. If the vehicle is equipped 
with adjustable head restraints, each is adjusted to its highest 
adjustment position.
    (D) Movable vehicle windows and vents are, at the manufacturer's 
option, placed in the fully closed position.
    (E) Convertibles and open-body type vehicles have the top, if any, 
in place in the closed passenger compartment configuration.
    (F) Doors are fully closed and latched but not locked.
    (G) All instrumentation and data reduction are in conformance with 
SAE Recommended Practice J211/1, (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
571.5).
    (b) The tests are frontal barrier impact simulations of the test 
platform or frontal barrier crashes of the specific vehicles as 
specified in S5.1 of Sec.  571.208 and for:
    (1) Test Configuration I, are at a velocity change of 48 km/h with 
the acceleration of the test platform entirely within the curve shown 
in Figure 2, or for the specific vehicle test with the deceleration 
produced in a 48 km/h frontal barrier crash.
    (2) Test Configuration II, are set at a velocity change of 32 km/h 
with the acceleration of the test platform entirely within the curve 
shown in Figure 3, or for the specific vehicle test, with the 
deceleration produced in a 32 km/h frontal barrier crash.
    (c) As illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B of this standard, attached 
to the seat belt anchorage points provided on the standard seat 
assembly are Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assemblies. These seat belt 
assemblies meet the requirements of Standard No. 209 (Sec.  571.209) 
and have webbing with a width of not more than 2 inches, and are 
attached to the anchorage points without the use of retractors or reels 
of any kind. As illustrated in Figures 1A' and 1B' of this standard, 
attached to the standard seat assembly is a child restraint anchorage 
system conforming to the specifications of Standard No. 225 (Sec.  
571.225).
    (d)(1) When using the test dummy specified in 49 CFR part 572, 
subparts I and K, performance tests under S6.1 are conducted at any 
ambient temperature from 19 [deg]C to 26 [deg]C and at any relative 
humidity from 10 percent to 70 percent.
    (2) When using the test dummies specified in 49 CFR part 572, 
subpart N, P, R or T, performance tests under S6.1 are conducted at any 
ambient temperature from 20.6 [deg]C to 22.2 [deg]C and at any relative 
humidity from 10 percent to 70 percent.
    (e) In the case of add-on child restraint systems, the restraint 
shall meet the requirements of S5 at each of its seat back angle 
adjustment positions and restraint belt routing positions, when the 
restraint is oriented in the direction recommended by the manufacturer 
(e.g., forward, rearward or laterally) pursuant to S5.6, and tested 
with the test dummy specified in S7.
    S6.1.2 Dynamic test procedure. (a) Activate the built-in child 
restraint system or attach the add-on child restraint system to the 
seat assembly in any of the following manners, at the agency's option.
    (1) Test configuration I. (i) Child restraint systems other than 
booster seats. At the agency's option, attach the child restraint in 
any of the following manners specified in S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A) through 
(D), unless otherwise specified in this standard. The child restraint 
system must meet the requirements of the standard when attached in any 
of these manners, subject to S6.1.2.
    (A) Install the child restraint system on the standard seat 
assembly, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions provided 
with the system pursuant to S5.6.1, except that, at the agency's 
option, the standard lap belt is used or the lap and shoulder belt is 
used. If provided, a tether strap may be used, but only if the 
manufacturer's instructions instruct consumers to use it. Attach the 
school bus child restraint system in accordance with the manufacturer's 
instructions provided with the system pursuant to S5.6.1, e.g., the 
seat back mount or seat back and seat pan mount are used.
    (B) Except for a child harness, a school bus child restraint 
system, and a restraint designed for use by children with physical 
disabilities, install the child restraint system on the standard seat 
assembly as in S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(A), except that no tether strap (or any 
other supplemental device) is used.
    (C) Install the child restraint system using the child restraint 
anchorage system on the standard seat assembly in accordance with the 
manufacturer's instructions provided with the system pursuant to 
S5.6.1. The tether strap, if one is provided, is attached to the tether 
anchorage.
    (D) Install the child restraint system using only the lower 
anchorages of the child restraint anchorage system as in 
S6.1.2(a)(1)(i)(C). No tether strap (or any other supplemental device) 
is used.
    (ii) Booster seats. A booster seat is placed on the standard seat 
assembly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions provided 
with the system pursuant to S5.6.1. The booster seat is dynamically 
tested using only the standard vehicle lap and shoulder belt and no 
tether (or any other supplemental device). At NHTSA's option, the ATD 
Head Protection Device depicted in NHTSA Standard Seat Assembly; FMVSS 
No. 213, No. NHTSA-213-2021, (March 2023), (incorporated by reference, 
see Sec.  571.5) can be used when testing backless child restraint 
systems. Place the booster seat on the standard seat assembly such that 
the center plane of the booster seat is parallel and aligned to the 
center plane of the standard seat assembly and the base of the booster 
seat is flat on the standard seat assembly cushion. Move the booster 
seat rearward on the standard seat assembly until some part

[[Page 84603]]

of the booster seat touches the standard seat assembly back. Keep the 
booster seat and the seating position center plane aligned as much as 
possible. Apply 133 N (30 pounds) of force to the front of the booster 
seat rearward into the standard seat assembly and release.
    (iii) In the case of each built-in child restraint system, activate 
the restraint in the specific vehicle shell or the specific vehicle, in 
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions provided in accordance 
with S5.6.2.
    (2) Test configuration II. (i) In the case of each add-on child 
restraint system which is equipped with a fixed or movable surface 
described in S5.2.2.2, install the add-on child restraint system onto 
the standard seat assembly using only the standard seat lap belt or the 
lap and shoulder belt to secure the system to the standard seat, or at 
NHTSA's option, only the lower anchorages of the child restraint 
anchorage system. Do not attach the top tether.
    (ii) In the case of each built-in child restraint system which is 
equipped with a fixed or movable surface described in S5.2.2.2 that has 
belts that are not an integral part of that fixed or movable surface, 
activate the system in the specific vehicle shell or the specific 
vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions provided in 
accordance with S5.6.2.
    (b) Select any dummy specified in S7 for testing systems for use by 
children of any height or any weight for which the system is 
recommended in accordance with S5.5. The dummy is assembled, clothed 
and prepared as specified in S7 and S9 and part 572 of this chapter, as 
appropriate.
    (c) Place the dummy in the child restraint system. Position it, and 
attach the child restraint system belts, if appropriate, as specified 
in S10.
    (d)(1) The belts of add-on systems other than belt-positioning 
seats are adjusted as follows.
    (i) Shoulder and pelvic belts that directly restrain the dummy are 
adjusted as follows: Tighten the belt system used to restrain the child 
within the child restraint system to any tension of not less than 9 
Newtons and not more than 18 Newtons on the webbing at the top of each 
dummy shoulder and the pelvic region.
    (ii) All Type 1 or Type 2 belt systems used to attach an add-on 
child restraint system to the standard seat assembly are tightened to 
any tension of not less than 53.5 N and not more than 67 N. Tighten any 
provided additional anchorage belt (top tether) to any tension of not 
less than 45 Newtons and not more than 53.5 Newtons. All belt systems 
used to attach a school bus child restraint system are also tightened 
to any tension of not less than 53.5 N and not more than 67 N.
    (iii) When using the child restraint anchorage system to attach the 
child restraint system to the standard seat assembly, tighten the belt 
systems of the lower anchorage attachments used to attach the restraint 
to the standard seat assembly to any tension of not less than 53.5 
Newtons and not more than 67 Newtons and tighten the belt of the top 
tether attachment used to attach the restraint to the standard seat 
assembly to any tension of not less than 45 Newtons and not more than 
53.5 Newtons.
    (2) The belts of add-on belt-positioning seats are adjusted as 
follows.
    (i) The lap portion of Type 2 belt systems used to restrain the 
dummy is tightened to a tension of not less than 9 N and not more than 
18 N.
    (ii) The shoulder portion of Type 2 belt systems used to restrain 
the dummy is tightened to a tension of not less than 9 N and not more 
than 18 N.
    (3) The belts of built-in child restraint systems are adjusted as 
follows.
    (i) The lap portion of Type 2 belt systems used to restrain the 
dummy is tightened to a tension of not less than 9 N and not more than 
18 N.
    (ii) The shoulder portion of Type 2 belt systems used to restrain 
the dummy is tightened to a tension of not less than 9 N and not more 
than 18 N.
    (iii) For built-in child restraint systems, if provided, shoulder 
and pelvic belts that directly restrain the dummy are adjusted as 
follows. Tighten the belt system used to restrain the child within the 
child restraint system to any tension of not less than 9 Newtons and 
not more than 18 Newtons on the webbing at the top of each dummy 
shoulder and the pelvic region.
    (e) Accelerate the test platform to simulate frontal impact in 
accordance with Test Configuration I or II, as appropriate.
    (f) Determine conformance with the requirements in S5.1.
    S6.2 Buckle release test procedure. The belt assembly buckles used 
in any child restraint system shall be tested in accordance with S6.2.1 
through S6.2.4 inclusive.
    S6.2.1 Before conducting the testing specified in S6.1, place the 
loaded buckle on a hard, flat, horizontal surface. Each belt end of the 
buckle shall be pre-loaded in the following manner. The anchor end of 
the buckle shall be loaded with a 9 N force in the direction away from 
the buckle. In the case of buckles designed to secure a single latch 
plate, the belt latch plate end of the buckle shall be pre-loaded with 
a 9 N force in the direction away from the buckle. In the case of 
buckles designed to secure two or more latch plates, the belt latch 
plate ends of the buckle shall be loaded equally so that the total load 
is 9 N, in the direction away from the buckle. For pushbutton-release 
buckles, the release force shall be applied by a conical surface (cone 
angle not exceeding 90 degrees). For pushbutton-release mechanisms with 
a fixed edge (referred to in Figure 7 as ``hinged button''), the 
release force shall be applied at the centerline of the button, 3 mm 
away from the movable edge directly opposite the fixed edge, and in the 
direction that produces maximum releasing effect. For pushbutton-
release mechanisms with no fixed edge (referred to in Figure 7 as 
``floating button''), the release force shall be applied at the center 
of the release mechanism in the direction that produces the maximum 
releasing effect. For all other buckle release mechanisms, the force 
shall be applied on the centerline of the buckle lever or finger tab in 
the direction that produces the maximum releasing effect. Measure the 
force required to release the buckle. Figure 7 illustrates the loading 
for the different buckles and the point where the release force should 
be applied, and Figure 8 illustrates the conical surface used to apply 
the release force to pushbutton-release buckles.
    S6.2.2 After completion of the testing specified in S6.1 and before 
the buckle is unlatched, tie a self-adjusting sling to each wrist and 
ankle of the test dummy in the manner illustrated in Figure 4, without 
disturbing the belted dummy and the child restraint system.
    S6.2.3 Pull the sling tied to the dummy restrained in the child 
restraint system and apply the following force: 50 N for a system 
tested with a newborn dummy (49 CFR part 572, subpart K); 90 N for a 
system tested with a 12-month-old dummy (49 CFR part 572, subpart R); 
200 N for a system tested with a 3-year-old dummy (49 CFR part 572, 
subpart P); 270 N for a system tested with a 6-year-old dummy (49 CFR 
part 572, subpart N or I); 350 N for a system tested with a weighted 6-
year-old dummy (49 CFR part 572, subpart S); or 437 N for a system 
tested with a 10-year-old dummy (49 CFR part 572, subpart T). The force 
is applied in the manner illustrated in Figure 4 and as follows:
    (a) Add-on child restraint systems. For an add-on child restraint 
system other than a car bed, apply the specified force by pulling the 
sling horizontally and parallel to the SORL of the standard seat 
assembly. For a car bed, apply the force by pulling the sling 
vertically.

[[Page 84604]]

    (b) Built-in child restraint systems. For a built-in child 
restraint systems other than a car bed, apply the force by pulling the 
sling parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the specific vehicle 
shell or the specific vehicle. In the case of a car bed, apply the 
force by pulling the sling vertically.
    S6.2.4 While applying the force specified in S6.2.3, and using the 
device shown in Figure 8 for pushbutton-release buckles, apply the 
release force in the manner and location specified in S6.2.1, for that 
type of buckle. Measure the force required to release the buckle.
    S6.3 [Reserved]
    S7 Test dummies. (Subparts referenced in this section are of part 
572 of this chapter.)
    S7.1 Dummy selection. Select any dummy specified in S7.1.1, S7.1.2 
or S7.1.3, as appropriate, for testing systems for use by children of 
the height (regardless of weight) or weight (regardless of height) for 
which the system is recommended in accordance with S5.5. A child 
restraint system that meets the criteria in two or more of the 
following paragraphs in S7 may be tested with any of the test dummies 
specified in those paragraphs.
    S7.1.1 [Reserved]
    S7.1.2 Child restraints systems are subject to the following 
provisions and S7.1.3.
    (a) A child restraint system that is recommended by its 
manufacturer in accordance with S5.5 for use either by children in a 
specified weight range that includes any children having a weight of 
not greater than 5 kg (11 lb) regardless of height, or by children in a 
specified height range that includes any children whose height is not 
greater than 650 mm regardless of weight, is tested with a 49 CFR part 
572 subpart K dummy (newborn infant dummy).
    (b) A child restraint system that is recommended by its 
manufacturer in accordance with S5.5 for use either by children in a 
specified weight range that includes any children having a weight 
greater than 5 kg (11 lb) but not greater than 10 kg (22 lb) regardless 
of height, or by children in a specified height range that includes any 
children whose height is greater than 650 mm but not greater than 750 
mm regardless of weight, is tested with a 49 CFR part 572 subpart K 
dummy (newborn infant dummy), and a part 572 subpart R dummy (CRABI 12-
month-old test dummy).
    (c) A child restraint system that is recommended by its 
manufacturer in accordance with S5.5 for use either by children in a 
specified weight range that includes any children having a weight 
greater than 10 kg (22 lb) but not greater than 13.6 kg (30 lb) 
regardless of height, or by children in a specified height range that 
includes any children whose height is greater than 750 mm but not 
greater than 870 mm regardless of weight, is tested with a part 572 
subpart R dummy (CRABI 12-month-old test dummy), provided, however, 
that the CRABI 12-month-old dummy is not used to test a forward-facing 
child restraint system.
    (d) A child restraint system that is recommended by its 
manufacturer in accordance with S5.5 for use either by children in a 
specified weight range that includes any children having a weight 
greater than 13.6 kg (30 lb) but not greater than 18.2 kg (40 lb) 
regardless of height, or by children in a specified height range that 
includes any children whose height is greater than 870 mm but not 
greater than 1100 mm regardless of weight, is tested with a 49 CFR part 
572, subpart P dummy (Hybrid III 3-year-old dummy).
    (e) A child restraint system that is recommended by its 
manufacturer in accordance with S5.5 for use either by children in a 
specified weight range that includes any children having a weight 
greater than 18.2 kg (40 lb) but not greater than 22.7 kg (50 lb) 
regardless of height, or by children in a specified height range that 
includes any children whose height is greater than 1100 mm but not 
greater than 1250 mm regardless of weight, is tested with a 49 CFR part 
572, subpart N dummy (Hybrid III 6-year-old dummy).
    (f) A child restraint system that is recommended by its 
manufacturer in accordance with S5.5 for use either by children in a 
specified weight range that includes any children having a weight 
greater than 22.7 kg (50 lb) but not greater than 30 kg (65 lb) 
regardless of height, or by children in a specified height range that 
includes any children whose height is greater than 1100 mm but not 
greater than 1250 mm regardless of weight, is tested with a 49 CFR part 
572, subpart N dummy (Hybrid III 6-year-old dummy) and with a part 572, 
subpart S dummy (Hybrid III 6-year-old weighted dummy).
    (g) A child restraint system that is recommended by its 
manufacturer in accordance with S5.5 for use either by children in a 
specified weight range that includes any children having a weight 
greater than 30 kg (65 lb) regardless of height, or by children in a 
specified height range that includes any children whose height is 
greater than 1250 mm regardless of weight, is tested with a 49 CFR part 
572, subpart T dummy (Hybrid III 10-year-old dummy).
    S8 Requirements, test conditions, and procedures for child 
restraint systems manufactured for use in aircraft. Each child 
restraint system manufactured for use in both motor vehicles and 
aircraft must comply with all of the applicable requirements specified 
in Section S5 and with the additional requirements specified in S8.1 
and S8.2.
    S8.1 Installation instructions. Each child restraint system 
manufactured for use in aircraft shall be accompanied by printed 
instructions in English that provide a step-by-step procedure, 
including diagrams, for installing the system in aircraft passenger 
seats, securing a child in the system when it is installed in aircraft, 
and adjusting the system to fit the child.
    S8.2 Inversion test. When tested in accordance with S8.2.1 through 
S8.2.5, each child restraint system manufactured for use in aircraft 
shall meet the requirements of S8.2.1 through S8.2.6. The manufacturer 
may, at its option, use any seat which is a representative aircraft 
passenger seat within the meaning of S4. Each system shall meet the 
requirements at each of the restraint's seat back angle adjustment 
positions and restraint belt routing positions, when the restraint is 
oriented in the direction recommended by the manufacturer (e.g., facing 
forward, rearward or laterally) pursuant to S8.1, and tested with the 
test dummy specified in S7. If the manufacturer recommendations do not 
include instructions for orienting the restraint in aircraft when the 
restraint seat back angle is adjusted to any position, position the 
restraint on the aircraft seat by following the instructions (provided 
in accordance with S5.6) for orienting the restraint in motor vehicles.
    S8.2.1 A standard seat assembly consisting of a representative 
aircraft passenger seat shall be positioned and adjusted so that its 
horizontal and vertical orientation and its seat back angle are the 
same as shown in Figure 6.
    S8.2.2 The child restraint system shall be attached to the 
representative aircraft passenger seat using, at the manufacturer's 
option, any Federal Aviation Administration approved aircraft safety 
belt, according to the restraint manufacturer's instructions for 
attaching the restraint to an aircraft seat. No supplementary anchorage 
belts or tether straps may be attached; however, Federal Aviation 
Administration approved safety belt extensions may be used.
    S8.2.3 In accordance with S10, place in the child restraint system 
any dummy specified in S7 for testing systems for use by children of 
the heights and weights for which the system is

[[Page 84605]]

recommended in accordance with S5.5 and S8.1.
    S8.2.4 If provided, shoulder and pelvic belts that directly 
restrain the dummy shall be adjusted in accordance with S6.1.2.
    S8.2.5 The combination of representative aircraft passenger seat, 
child restraint system, and test dummy shall be rotated forward around 
a horizontal axis which is contained in the median transverse vertical 
plane of the seating surface portion of the aircraft seat and is 
located 25 mm below the bottom of the seat frame, at a speed of 35 to 
45 degrees per second, to an angle of 180 degrees. The rotation shall 
be stopped when it reaches that angle and the seat shall be held in 
this position for three seconds. The child restraint system shall not 
fall out of the aircraft safety belt nor shall the test dummy fall out 
of the child restraint system at any time during the rotation or the 
three second period. The specified rate of rotation shall be attained 
in not less than one half second and not more than one second, and the 
rotating combination shall be brought to a stop in not less than one 
half second and not more than one second.
    S8.2.6 Repeat the procedures set forth in S8.2.1 through S8.2.4. 
The combination of the representative aircraft passenger seat, child 
restraint system, and test dummy shall be rotated sideways around a 
horizontal axis which is contained in the median longitudinal vertical 
plane of the seating surface portion of the aircraft seat and is 
located 25 mm below the bottom of the seat frame, at a speed of 35 to 
45 degrees per second, to an angle of 180 degrees. The rotation shall 
be stopped when it reaches that angle and the seat shall be held in 
this position for three seconds. The child restraint system shall not 
fall out of the aircraft safety belt nor shall the test dummy fall out 
of the child restraint system at any time during the rotation or the 
three second period. The specified rate of rotation shall be attained 
in not less than one half second and not more than one second, and the 
rotating combination shall be brought to a stop in not less than one 
half second and not more than one second.
    S9 Dummy clothing and preparation.
    S9.1 Type of clothing.
    (a) Newborn dummy (49 CFR part 572, subpart K). When used in 
testing under this standard, the dummy is unclothed.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) 12-month-old dummy (49 CFR part 572, subpart R). When used in 
testing under this standard, the dummy specified in 49 CFR part 572, 
subpart R, is clothed in a cotton-polyester based tight fitting 
sweatshirt with long sleeves and ankle long pants whose combined weight 
is not more than 0.25 kg.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) Hybrid III 3-year-old dummy (49 CFR part 572, subpart P). When 
used in testing under this standard, the dummy specified in 49 CFR part 
572, subpart P, is clothed as specified in that subpart, except that 
the shoes are children's size 8 canvas oxford style sneakers weighing 
not more than 0.26 kg each.
    (f) Hybrid III 6-year-old dummy (49 CFR part 572, subpart N) and 
Hybrid III 6-year-old weighted dummy (49 CFR part 572, subpart S), and 
Hybrid III 10-year-old dummy (49 CFR part 572, subpart T). When used in 
testing under this standard, the dummies specified in 49 CFR part 572, 
subparts N and S, are clothed as specified in subpart N and with child 
or youth size 13 M sneakers weighing not more than 0.45 kg each. When 
used in testing under this standard, the dummy specified in 49 CFR part 
572, subpart T, is clothed as specified in subpart T and with youth 
size 3 sneakers weighing not more than 0.6 kg each.
    S9.2 Preparing clothing. Clothing other than the shoes is machined-
washed in 71 [deg]C to 82 [deg]C and machine-dried at 49 [deg]C to 60 
[deg]C for 30 minutes.
    S9.3 Preparing dummies. (Subparts referenced in this section are of 
part 572 of this chapter.)
    S9.3.1 When using the test dummy conforming to subpart K, prepare 
the dummy as specified in this paragraph. Before being used in testing 
under this standard, the dummy must be conditioned at any ambient 
temperature from 19 [deg]C to 25.5 [deg]C and at any relative humidity 
from 10 percent to 70 percent, for at least 4 hours.
    S9.3.2 When using the test dummies conforming to subparts N, P, R, 
S or T, prepare the dummies as specified in this paragraph. Before 
being used in testing under this standard, dummies must be conditioned 
at any ambient temperature from 20.6[deg] to 22.2 [deg]C and at any 
relative humidity from 10 percent to 70 percent, for at least 4 hours.
    S10 Positioning the dummy and attaching the system belts.
    S10.1 Car beds. Place the test dummy in the car bed in the supine 
position with its midsagittal plane perpendicular to the center SORL of 
the standard seat assembly, in the case of an add-on car bed, or 
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the specific vehicle shell or 
the specific vehicle, in the case of a built-in car bed. Position the 
dummy within the car bed in accordance with the instructions for child 
positioning that the bed manufacturer provided with the bed in 
accordance with S5.6.
    S10.2 Restraints other than car beds.
    S10.2.1 Newborn dummy and 12-month-old dummy. Position the test 
dummy according to the instructions for child positioning that the 
manufacturer provided with the system under S5.6.1 or S5.6.2, while 
conforming to the following:
    (a) [Reserved]
    (b) When testing rear-facing child restraint systems, place the 
newborn, or 12-month-old dummy in the child restraint system so that 
the back of the dummy torso contacts the back support surface of the 
system. For a child restraint system which is equipped with a fixed or 
movable surface described in S5.2.2.2 which is being tested under the 
conditions of test configuration II, do not attach any of the child 
restraint system belts unless they are an integral part of the fixed or 
movable surface. For all other child restraint systems and for a child 
restraint system with a fixed or movable surface which is being tested 
under the conditions of test configuration I, attach all appropriate 
child restraint system belts and tighten them as specified in S6.1.2. 
Attach all appropriate vehicle belts and tighten them as specified in 
S6.1.2. Position each movable surface in accordance with the 
instructions that the manufacturer provided under S5.6.1 or S5.6.2. If 
the dummy's head does not remain in the proper position, tape it 
against the front of the seat back surface of the system by means of a 
single thickness of 6 mm-wide paper masking tape placed across the 
center of the dummy's face.
    (c) When testing rear-facing child restraint systems, extend the 
dummy's arms vertically upwards and then rotate each arm downward 
toward the dummy's lower body until the arm contacts a surface of the 
child restraint system or the standard seat assembly in the case of an 
add-on child restraint system, or the specific vehicle shell or the 
specific vehicle, in the case of a built-in child restraint system. 
Ensure that no arm is restrained from movement in other than the 
downward direction, by any part of the system or the belts used to 
anchor the system to the standard seat assembly, the specific shell, or 
the specific vehicle.
    S10.2.2 Other dummies generally. When using: (1) the Hybrid III 3-
year-old (part 572, subpart P), and Hybrid III weighted 6-year-old 
(part 572, subpart S) in child restraint systems including belt-
positioning seats; (2) the Hybrid III 6-year-old (part 572, subpart N) 
and the Hybrid III 10-year-old (part 572, subpart

[[Page 84606]]

T) in child restraint systems other than belt-positioning seats, 
position the dummy in accordance with S5.6.1 or S5.6.2, while 
conforming to the following:
    (a) Holding the test dummy torso upright until it contacts the 
system's design seating surface, place the test dummy in the seated 
position within the system with the midsagittal plane of the test dummy 
head--
    (1) Coincident with the center SORL of the standard seating 
assembly, in the case of the add-on child restraint system, or
    (2) Vertical and parallel to the longitudinal center line of the 
specific vehicle, in the case of a built-in child restraint system.
    (b) Extend the arms of the test dummy as far as possible in the 
upward vertical direction. Extend the legs of the dummy as far as 
possible in the forward horizontal direction, with the dummy feet 
perpendicular to the center line of the lower legs.
    (c) Using a flat square surface with an area of 2580 square 
millimeters, apply a force of 178 N, perpendicular to:
    (1) The plane of the back of the standard seat assembly, in the 
case of an add-on system, or
    (2) The back of the vehicle seat in the specific vehicle shell or 
the specific vehicle, in the case of a built-in system, first against 
the dummy crotch and then at the dummy thorax in the midsagittal plane 
of the dummy. For a child restraint system with a fixed or movable 
surface described in S5.2.2.2, which is being tested under the 
conditions of test configuration II, do not attach any of the child 
restraint system belts unless they are an integral part of the fixed or 
movable surface. For all other child restraint systems and for a child 
restraint system with a fixed or movable surface which is being tested 
under the conditions of test configuration I, attach all appropriate 
child restraint system belts and tighten them as specified in S6.1.2. 
Attach all appropriate vehicle belts and tighten them as specified in 
S6.1.2. Position each movable surface in accordance with the 
instructions that the manufacturer provided under S5.6.1 or S5.6.2.
    (d) After the steps specified in paragraph (c) of this section, 
rotate each dummy limb downwards in the plane parallel to the dummy's 
midsagittal plane until the limb contacts a surface of the child 
restraint system or the standard seat assembly, in the case of an add-
on system, or the specific vehicle shell or specific vehicle, in the 
case of a built-in system, as appropriate. Position the limbs, if 
necessary, so that limb placement does not inhibit torso or head 
movement in tests conducted under S6.
    (e) Additional provisions when using the Hybrid III 3-year-old 
(part 572, subpart P) dummy in a rear-facing child restraint system.
    (1) When using the Hybrid III 3-year-old dummy in a rear-facing 
child restraint system with an internal harness or other components to 
restrain the child, remove the knee stop screw (as shown in drawing 
210-6516 of Drawing No. 210-5000-1 (L),-2(R), Leg Assembly in subpart P 
of part 572 of this chapter (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
571.5) from the right and left knee so as to let the knees hyperextend.
    (2) Place the subpart P dummy in the child restraint system being 
tested so that the back of the dummy torso contacts the back support 
surface of the system. For a child restraint system equipped with a 
fixed or movable surface described in S5.2.2.2 that is being tested 
under the conditions of test configuration II, do not attach any of the 
child restraint system belts unless they are an integral part of the 
fixed or movable surface. For all other child restraint systems and for 
a child restraint system with a fixed or movable surface that is being 
tested under the conditions of test configuration I, attach all 
appropriate child restraint system belts and tighten them as specified 
in S6.1.2. Attach all appropriate vehicle belts and tighten them as 
specified in S6.1.2. Position each movable surface in accordance with 
the instructions that the manufacturer provided under S5.6.1 or S5.6.2.
    S10.2.3 Hybrid III 6-year-old in belt-positioning seats, Hybrid III 
weighted 6-year-old in belt-positioning seats, and Hybrid III 10-year-
old in belt-positioning seats. When using the Hybrid III 6-year-old 
(part 572, subpart N), the Hybrid III weighted 6-year-old (part 572, 
subpart S), or the Hybrid III 10-year-old (part 572, subpart T) in 
belt-positioning seats, position the dummy in accordance with S5.6.1 or 
S5.6.2, while conforming to the following:
    (a) Prepare the dummy. (1) When using the Hybrid III 10-year-old 
dummy, prepare the dummy according to the following:
    (i) Set the dummy's neck angle at the SP-16 setting (``SP'' means 
standard procedure), see Figure 14a.
    (ii) Set the dummy's lumbar angle at the SP-12 setting, see Figure 
14b. This is done by aligning the notch on the lumbar adjustment 
bracket with the SP-12 notch on the lumbar attachment.
    (iii) Adjust the limb joints to 1-2 g while the torso is in the 
seated position.
    (iv) Apply double-sided tape to the surface of a lap shield, which 
is a piece of translucent silicone rubber 3 mm 0.5 mm thick 
(50A durometer) cut to the dimensions specified in Figure 13 in this 
section. Place the lap shield on the pelvis of the dummy. Align the top 
of the lap shield with the superior anterior edge of the pelvis skin. 
Attach the lap shield to the dummy.
    (v) Apply double-sided tape to one side of a pelvis positioning 
pad, which is a 125 x 95 x 20 mm (2 mm tolerance in each of 
the three dimensions) piece of closed cell (Type 2 according to ASTM 
D1056-07) (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  571.5) foam or rubber 
cut from material having the following specifications: compression 
resistance between 9 to 17 psi in a compression-deflection test 
specified in ASTM D1056-07 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  
571.5), and a density of 7 to 12.5 lb/ft\3\. Center the long axis of 
the pad on the posterior of the pelvis with the top edge of the foam 
aligned with the superior edge of the pelvis skin. Attach the pelvis 
positioning pad to the dummy.
    (vi) Dress and prepare the dummy according to S9.
    (2) When using the Hybrid III 6-year-old dummy and the Hybrid III 
weighted 6-year-old dummy, prepare the dummy according to the 
following:
    (i) If necessary, adjust the limb joints to 1-2 g while the torso 
is in the seated position.
    (ii) Apply double-sided tape to the surface of a lap shield, which 
is a piece of translucent silicone rubber 3 mm thick 0.5 mm 
thick (50A durometer) cut to the dimensions specified in Figure 13. 
Place the lap shield on the pelvis of the dummy. Align the top of the 
lap shield with the superior anterior edge of the pelvis skin. Attach 
the lap shield to the dummy.
    (iii) Dress and prepare the dummy according to S9.
    (b) Position the belt-positioning seat. Position the belt-
positioning seat according to S6.1.2(a)(1)(ii).
    (c) Position the dummy. Position the dummy in the belt-positioning 
seat.
    (1) Place the dummy on the seat cushion of the belt-positioning 
seat such that the plane of the posterior pelvis is parallel to the 
plane of the seat back of the belt-positioning seat, standard seat 
assembly or vehicle seat back, but not touching. Pick up and move the 
dummy rearward, maintaining the parallel planes, until the pelvis 
positioning pad, if used, or the pelvis or back of the dummy and the 
back of the belt-positioning seat or the back of the standard seat 
assembly, are in minimal contact.
    (2) Straighten and align the arm segments horizontally, then rotate 
the

[[Page 84607]]

arms upward at the shoulder as far as possible without contacting the 
belt-positioning seat. Straighten and align the legs horizontally and 
extend the lower legs as far as possible in the forward horizontal 
direction, with the feet perpendicular to the centerline of the lower 
legs.
    (3) Using a flat square surface with an area of 2580 square 
millimeters, apply a force of 178 N (40 lb) first against the dummy 
crotch and then against the dummy thorax on the midsagittal plane of 
the dummy, perpendicular to:
    (i) The plane of the back of the belt-positioning seat, in the case 
of a belt-positioning seat with a back, or,
    (ii) The plane of the back of the standard seat assembly or vehicle 
seat, in the case of a backless belt-positioning seat or built-in 
booster.
    (4) Rotate the arms of the dummy down so that they are 
perpendicular to the torso.
    (5) Bend the knees until the back of the lower legs are in minimal 
contact with the belt-positioning seat, standard seat assembly or 
vehicle seat. Position the legs such that the outer edges of the knees 
are 180 10 mm apart for the Hybrid III 6-year-old dummy and 
220 10 mm apart for the Hybrid III 10-year-old dummy. 
Position the feet such that the soles are perpendicular to the 
centerline of the lower legs. In the case of a belt-positioning seat 
with a back, adjust the dummy so that the shoulders are parallel to a 
line connecting the shoulder belt guides. This can be accomplished by 
leaning the torso such that the dummy's head and neck are centered on 
the backrest components of the belt-positioning seat. In case of a 
backless child restraint system, adjust the dummy's torso so that the 
head is as close to laterally level as possible.
    (d) Apply the belt. Attach the vehicle belts and tighten them as 
specified in S6.1.2.
    (e) Dummy final positioning. (1) Check the leg, feet, thorax and 
head positions and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the 
positions described in S10.2.3(c)(5). Position the legs, if necessary, 
so that the leg placement does not inhibit thorax movement in tests 
conducted under S6.
    (2) Rotate each dummy arm downwards in the plane parallel to the 
dummy's midsagittal plane until the arm contacts a surface of the child 
restraint system or the standard seat assembly, in the case of an add-
on system, or the specific vehicle shell or specific vehicle, in the 
case of a built-in system, as appropriate. Position the arms, if 
necessary, so that the arm placement does not inhibit torso or head 
movement in tests conducted under S6.
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P

Figure 1A-1 to Sec.  571.213b--Seat Orientation Reference Line and Seat 
Belt Anchorage Point Locations on the Standard Seat Assembly
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.008

[[Page 84608]]

Figure 1A-2 to Sec.  571.213b--Seat Orientation Reference Line and 
Location of the Lower Anchorages of the Child Restraint Anchorate 
System on the Standard Seat Assembly
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.009

[[Page 84609]]

Figure 1B-1 to Sec.  571.213b--Location of Shoulder Belt Upper and 
Lower Guide Loops and Forward Excursion Limits on the Standard Seat 
Assembly
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.010

[[Page 84610]]

Figure 1B-2 to Sec.  571.213b--Location of the Child Restraint 
Anchorages and Forward Excursion Limits on the Standard Seat Assembly
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.011

[[Page 84611]]

Figure 1C to Sec.  571.213b--Rear-Facing Child Restraint Forward and 
Upper Head Excursion Limits
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.012

[[Page 84612]]

Figure 2 to Sec.  571.213b
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.013

[[Page 84613]]

Figure 3 to Sec.  571.213b
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.014

[[Page 84614]]

Figure 4 to Sec.  571.213b--Buckle Release Test
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.015

[[Page 84615]]

Figure 5[Reserved]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.016

[[Page 84616]]

Figure 7 to Sec.  571.213b--Pre-Impact Buckle Release Force Test Set-up
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.017

[[Page 84617]]

Figure 8 to Sec.  571.213b--Release Force Application Device-Push 
Button Release Buckles
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.018

[[Page 84618]]

Figure 9a to Sec.  571.213b--Registration Form for Child Restraint 
Systems--Product Identification Number and Purchaser Information Side
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.019

Figure 9b to Sec.  571.213b--Registration Form for Child Restraint 
Systems--Address Side
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.020

[[Page 84619]]

Figure 10 to Sec.  571.213b--Label on Child Seat Where Child's Head 
Rests
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.021

[[Page 84620]]

Figure 11 to Sec.  571.213b--Interface Profile of Tether Hook
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.022

[[Page 84621]]

Figure 12 to Sec.  571.213b--Label on Harness Component That Attaches 
to School Bus Seat Back
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.023

[[Page 84622]]

Figure 13 to Sec.  571.213b--Lap Shield
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.024

Figure 14a to Sec.  571.213b--HIII-10C Dummy Neck Angle Setting is SP-
16 Degrees
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.025

[[Page 84623]]

Figure 14b to Sec.  571.213b--HIII-10C Dummy Lumbar Angle Setting is 
SP-12 Degrees
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05DE23.026

    Issued under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.95 and 501.8.
Ann E. Carlson,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2023-26082 Filed 12-4-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-C