Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00026:front:0:p19
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2019L00026
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 55214–57786

situated at a maximal distance of 2.5 mm from the contact surface. In the case of harness belt buckles, the latter requirement shall be regarded as satisfied if the contact area of the buckle with the wearer's body is comprised between 20 and 40 cm2.
              6.2.2.2. The buckle, even when not under tension, shall remain closed whatever the position of the vehicle. It shall not be possible to release the buckle inadvertently, accidentally or with a force of less than 1 daN. The buckle shall be easy to use and to grasp; when it is not under tension and when under the tension specified in paragraph 7.8.2. below, it shall be capable of being released by the wearer with a single simple movement of one hand in one direction; in addition, in the case of belt assemblies intended to be used for the front outboard seats, except in these harness belts, it shall also be capable of being engaged by the wearer with a simple movement of one hand in one direction. The buckle shall be released by pressing either a button or a similar device. The surface to which this pressure is applied shall have the following dimensions, with the button in the actual release position and when projected into a plane perpendicular to the button's initial direction of motion: for enclosed buttons, an area of not less than 4.5 cm2 and a width of not less than 15 mm; for non‑enclosed buttons, an area of not less than 2.5 cm2 and a width of not less than 10 mm. The buckle release area shall be coloured red. No other part of the buckle shall be of this color. When the seat is occupied, a red warning light as part of the buckle shall be permitted, if it is switched off by the action of buckling the seat belt. Lights illuminating the buckle in a colour other than red are not required to be switched off by the action of buckling the seat belt. These lights shall not illuminate the buckle in such a way that the perception of the red colour of the buckle release or the red of the warning light is affected.
              6.2.2.3. The buckle, when tested in accordance with paragraph 7.5.3. below, shall operate normally.
              6.2.2.4. The buckle shall be capable of withstanding repeated operation and, prior to the dynamic test specified in paragraph 7.7. below shall undergo 5,000 opening and closing cycles under normal conditions of use. In the case of harness belt buckles, this test may be carried out without all the tongues being introduced.
              6.2.2.5. The force required to open the buckle in the test as prescribed in paragraph 7.8. below shall