On October 15, NHTSA issued a final rule regarding child restraint anchorage systems. The rule makes permanent a temporary exclusion issued by the agency in an interim final rule published on May 8,2004 to exclude funeral coaches (as defined in the rule) from the requirements. The rule takes effect Monday, November 15, 2004. Petitions for reconsideration should refer to the docket number and be sent to the administrator. For more information, click here.
On October 12, NHTSA published another final rule concerning child restraint anchorage systems, responding to a petition from Mercedes-Benz. The final rule gives manufacturers until Tuesday, March 1, 2005, to comply with the rule's non-stow ability requirements. For more information, click here.
On October 8, NHTSA denied a petition from Porsche to reconsider the final rule expanding the limited line exemption from the advanced air bag phase-in requirements. The agency stated that it does not believe manufacturers who can advance vehicle production sufficiently to use credits need the relief supplied by the exemption. More information is available here.
On October 8, NHTSA published a notice stating that it received a petition from Goodyear Tire & Rubber for inconsequential non-compliance covering approximately 3,500 tires manufactured in 2004. Goodyear believes that the noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety and that no corrective action is warranted. The comment period closes on Monday, November 8. For more information, click here.
Also on October 8, the agency published a notice of activities and request for comments concerning the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29). In this notice, NHTSA lists the schedule of public meetings and give status reports for several activities under the 1998 global agreement. The notice also asks for comments on several issues, including safety glazing materials, heavy duty vehicle exhaust emissions, installation of lighting devices, and the development of a global technical regulation (GTR) on head restraints. Comments must be received by Monday, November 8. More information is available here.
