§571.208 Standard No. 208; Occupant crash protection
S1. Scope. This standard specifies performance requirements for the protection of vehicle occupants in crashes.
S2. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce the number of deaths of vehicle occupants, and the severity of injuries, by specifying vehicle crashworthiness requirements in terms of forces and accelerations measured on anthropomorphic dummies in test crashes, and by specifying equipment requirements for active and passive restraint systems.
S3. Application. (a) This standard applies to passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses. In addition, S9, Pressure vessels and explosive devices, applies to vessels designed to contain a pressurized fluid or gas, and to explosive devices, for use in the above types of motor vehicles as part of a system designed to provide protection to occupants in the event of a crash.
(b) Notwithstanding any language to the contrary, any vehicle manufactured after March 19, 1997, and before September 1, 2006, that is subject to a dynamic crash test requirement conducted with unbelted dummies may meet the requirements specified in S5.1.2 (a)(1), S5.1.2 (a)(2), or S13 instead of the applicable unbelted requirement, unless the vehicle is certified to meet the requirements specified in S14.5, S15, S17, S19, S21, S23, and S25.
(c) For vehicles which are certified to meet the requirements specified in S13 instead of the otherwise applicable dynamic crash test requirement conducted with unbelted dummies, compliance with S13 shall, for purposes of Standards No. 201, 203 and 209, be deemed as compliance with the unbelted frontal barrier requirements of S5.1.2.
S4. General requirements.
S4.1 Passenger cars.
S4.1.1 Passenger cars manufactured from
S4.1.1.1 First option—complete passive protection system. The vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5. by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.1.1.2 Second option—lap belt protection system with belt warning. The vehicle shall—
(a) At each designated seating position have a Type 1 seatbelt assembly or a Type 2 seatbelt assembly with a detachable upper torso portion that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard;
(b) At each front outboard designated seating position, have a seat belt warning system that conforms to S7.3; and
(c) Meet the frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1, in a perpendicular impact, with respect to anthropomorphic test devices in each front outboard designated seating position restrained only by Type 1 seat belt assemblies.
S4.1.1.3 Third option—lap and shoulder belt protection system with belt warning.
S4.1.1.3.1 Except for convertibles and open-body vehicles, the vehicle shall—
(a) At each front outboard designated seating position have a Type 2 seatbelt assembly that conforms to §571.209 and S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard, with either an integral or detachable upper torso portion, and a seatbelt warning system that conforms to S7.3;
(b) At each designated seating position other than the front outboard positions, have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to §571.209 and to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard; and
(c) When it perpendicularly impacts a fixed collision barrier, while moving longitudinally forward at any speed up to and including 30 m.p.h., under the test conditions of S8.1 with anthropomorphic test devices at each front outboard position restrained by Type 2 seatbelt assemblies, experience no complete separation of any load–bearing element of a seatbelt assembly or anchorage.
S4.1.1.3.2 Convertibles and open-body type vehicles shall at each designated seating position have a Type 1 or Type 2 seatbelt assembly that conforms to §571.209 and to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard, and at each front outboard designated seating position have a seatbelt warning system that conforms to S7.3.
S4.1.2 Passenger cars manufactured on or after
S4.1.2.1 First option—frontal/angular automatic protection system. The vehicle shall:
(a) At each front outboard designated seating position meet the frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1 by means that require no action by vehicle occupants;
(b) At the front center designated seating position and at each rear designated seating position have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209 and to S7.1 and S7.2; and
(c) Either. (1) Meet the lateral crash protection requirements of S5.2 and the rollover crash protection requirements of S5.3 by means that require no action by vehicle occupants; or
(c)(2) At each front outboard designated seating position have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209 and S7.1 through S7.3, and that meets the requirements of S5.1 with front test dummies as required by S5.1, restrained by the Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly (or the pelvic portion of any Type 2 seat belt assembly which has a detachable upper torso belt) in addition to the means that require no action by the vehicle occupant.
S4.1.2.2 Second option—head–on automatic protection system. The vehicle shall—
(a) At each designated seating position have a Type 1 seat belt assembly or Type 2 seat belt assembly with a detachable upper torso portion that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard.
(b) At each front outboard designated seating position, meet the frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1, in a perpendicular impact, by means that require no action by vehicle occupants;
(c) At each front outboard designated seating position, meet the frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1, in a perpendicular impact, with a test device restrained by a Type 1 seat belt assembly; and
(d) At each front outboard designated seating position, have a seat belt warning system that conforms to S7.3.
S4.1.2.3 Third option—lap and shoulder belt protection system with belt warning.
S4.1.2.3.1 Except for convertibles and open-body vehicles, the vehicle shall—
(a) At each front outboard designated seating position have a seat belt assembly that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard, and a seat belt warning system that conforms to S7.3. The belt assembly shall be either a Type 2 seat belt assembly with a nondetachable shoulder belt that conforms to Standard No. 209 (§571.209 ), or a Type 1 seat belt assembly such that with a test device restrained by the assembly the vehicle meets the frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1 in a perpendicular impact.
(b) At any center front designated seating position, have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209 (§571.209) and to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard, and a seat belt warning system that conforms to S7.3; and
(c) At each other designated seating position, have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209 (§571.209 ) and S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard.
S4.1.2.3.2 Convertibles and open-body type vehicles shall at each designated seating position have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209 (§571.209) and to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard, and at each front designated seating position have a seat belt warning system that conforms to S7.3.
S4.1.3 Passenger cars manufactured on or after
S4.1.3.1 Passenger cars manufactured on or after
S4.1.3.1.1 Subject to S4.1.3.1.2 and S4.1.3.4, each passenger car
manufactured on or after
S4.1.3.1.2 Subject to S4.1.3.4 and S4.1.5, the amount of passenger cars, specified in S4.1.3.1.1 complying with the requirements of S4.1.2.1 shall be not less than 10% of:
(a) The average annual production of passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1983, and before September 1, 1986, by each manufacturer, or
(b) The manufacturer’s annual production of passenger cars during the period specified in S4.1.3.1.1.
S4.1.3.1.3 A manufacturer may exclude convertibles which do not comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, when it is calculating its average annual production under S4.1.3.1.2(a) or its annual production under S4.1.3.1.2(b).
S4.1.3.2 Passenger cars manufactured on or after
S4.1.3.2.1 Subject to S4.1.3.2.2 and S4.1.3.4, each passenger car
manufactured on or after
S4.1.3.2.2 Subject to S4.1.3.4 and S4.1.5, the amount of passenger cars specified in S4.1.3.2.1 complying with the requirements of S4.1.2.1. shall be not less than 25% of:
(a) The average annual production of passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1984, and before September 1, 1987, by each manufacturer, or
(b) The manufacturer’s annual production of passenger cars during the period specified in S4.1.3.2.1.
S4.1.3.2.3 A manufacturer may exclude convertibles which do not comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, when it is calculating its average annual production under S4.1.3.2.2(a) or its annual production under S4.1.3.2.2(b).
S4.1.3.3 Passenger cars manufactured on or after
S4.1.3.3.1 Subject to S4.1.3.3.2 and S4.1.3.4, each passenger car
manufactured on or after
S4.1.3.3.2 Subject to S4.1.3.4 and S4.1.5, the amount of passenger cars specified in S4.1.3.3.1 complying with the requirements of S4.1.2.1 shall be not less than 40% of:
(a) The average annual production of passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1985, and before September 1, 1988, by each manufacturer or
(b) The manufacturer’s annual production of passenger cars during the period specified in S4.1.3.3.1.
S4.1.3.3.3 A manufacturer may exclude convertibles which do not comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, when it is calculating its average annual production under S4.1.3.3.2(a) or its annual production under S4.1.3.3.2(b).
S4.1.3.4 Calculation of complying passenger cars.
(a) For the purposes of calculating the numbers of cars manufactured under S4.1.3.1.2, S4.1.3.2.2, or S4.1.3.3.2 to comply with S4.1.2.1:
(a)(1) Each car whose driver’s seating position complies with the requirements of S4.1.2.1(a) by means not including any type of seat belt and whose front right seating position will comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1(a) by any means is counted as 1.5 vehicles, and
(a)(2) Each car whose driver’s seating position complies with the requirements of S4.1.2.1(a) by means not including any type of seat belt and whose right front seat seating position is equipped with a manual Type 2 seat belt is counted as one vehicle.
(b) For the purposes of complying with S4.1.3.1.2, a passenger car may be counted if it:
(b)(1) Is manufactured on or after
(b)(2) Complies with S4.1.2.1.
(c) For the purposes of complying with S4.1.3.2.2, a passenger car may be counted if it:
(c)(1) Is manufactured on or after
(c)(2) Complies with S4.1.2.1, and
(c)(3) Is not counted toward compliance with S4.1.3.1.2
(d) For the purposes of complying with S4.1.3.3.2, a passenger car may be counted if it:
(d)(1) Is manufactured on or after
(d)(2) Complies with S4.1.2.1, and
(d)(3) Is not counted toward compliance with S4.1.3.1.2 or S4.1.3.2.2.
S4.1.3.5 Passenger cars produced by more than one manufacturer.
S4.1.3.5.1 For the purposes of calculating average annual production of passenger cars for each manufacturer and the amount of passenger cars manufactured by each manufacturer under S4.1.3.1.2, S4.1.3.2.2 or S4.1.3.3.2, a passenger car produced by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to a single manufacturer as follows, subject to S4.1.3.5.2:
(a) A passenger car which is imported shall be attributed to the importer.
(b) A passenger car manufactured in the
S4.1.3.5.2 A passenger car produced by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to any one of the vehicle’s manufacturers specified by an express written contract, reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under 49 CFR Part 585, between the manufacturer so specified and the manufacturer to which the vehicle would otherwise be attributed under S4.1.3.5.1.
S4.1.4 Passenger cars manufactured on or after
S4.1.4.1 Except as provided in S4.1.4.2, each passenger car manufactured on
or after
S4.1.4.2 (a) Each
passenger car, other than a convertible, manufactured before
(b) Except as provided in S4.1.4.2.1 and S4.1.4.2.2, each passenger car, other than a convertible, manufactured on or after September 1, 1990 and each convertible passenger car manufactured on or after September 1, 1991 shall be equipped with an integral Type 2 seat belt assembly at every forward-facing rear outboard designated seating position. Type 2 seat belt assemblies installed in compliance with this requirement shall comply with Standard No. 209 (49 CFR §571.209) and with S7.1 an S7.2 of this standard. If a Type 2 seat belt assembly installed in compliance with this requirement incorporates any webbing tension-relieving device, the vehicle owner’s manual shall include the information specified in S7.4.2(b) of this standard for the tension relieving device, and the vehicle shall comply with S7.4.2(c) of this standard.
(c) As used in this section, “rear outboard designated seating position” means any “outboard designated seating position” (as that term is defined at 49 CFR 571.3) that is rearward of the front seat(s), except any designated seating position adjacent to a walkway that is located between the seat and the near side of the vehicle and is designed to allow access to more rearward seating positions.
S4.1.4.2.1 Any rear outboard designated seating position with a seat that can be adjusted to be forward-facing and to face some other direction shall either:
(i) Meet the requirements of S4.1.4.2 with the seat in any position in which it can be occupied while the vehicle is in motion; or
(ii) When the seat is in its forward-facing position, have a Type 2 seat belt assembly with an upper torso restraint that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard and that adjusts by means of an emergency locking retractor that conforms with Standard No. 209 (49 CFR §571.209 ), which upper torso restraint may be detachable at the buckle, and, when the seat is in any position in which it can be occupied while the vehicle is in motion, have a Type 1 seat belt or the pelvic portion of a Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard.
S4.1.4.2.2 Any rear outboard designated seating position on a readily removable seat (that is, a seat designed to be easily removed and replaced by means installed by the manufacturer for that purpose) in a vehicle manufactured on or after September 1, 1992 shall meet the requirements of S4.1.4.2 and may use an upper torso belt that detaches at either its upper or lower anchorage points, but not both anchorage points, to meet those requirements. The means for detaching the upper torso belt may use a pushbutton action.
S4.1.5 Passenger cars manufactured on or after
S4.1.5.1 Frontal/angular automatic protection system.
(a) Each passenger car manufactured on or after
(a)(1) At each front outboard designated seating position meet the frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1 by means that require no action by vehicle occupants;
(a)(2) At any front designated seating positions that are not “outboard designated seating positions,” as that term is defined at 49 CFR 571.3, and at any rear designated seating positions that are not “rear outboard designated seating positions,” as that term is defined at S4.1.4.2(c) of this standard, have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209, and S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard; and
(a)(3) At each front designated seating position that is an “outboard designated seating position,” as that term is defined at 49 CFR 571.3, and at each forward facing rear designated seating position that is a “rear outboard designated seating positions,” as that term is defined at S4.1.4.2(c) of this standard, have a Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209 and S7.1 through S7.3 of this standard, and, in the case of the Type 2 seat belt assemblies installed at the front outboard designated seating positions, meet the frontal crash protection requirements with the appropriate anthropomorphic test dummy restrained by the Type 2 seat belt assembly in addition to the means that requires no action by the vehicle occupant.
(b) For the purposes of sections S4.1.5 through S4.1.5.3 and S4.2.6 through S4.2.6.2 of this standard, an inflatable restraint system means an air bag that is activated in a crash.
S4.1.5.2 Passenger cars manufactured on or after
S4.1.5.2.1 The amount of passenger cars complying with the requirement of S4.1.5.2.1(a)(1) by means of an inflatable restraint system at the driver’s and right front passenger’s position shall not be less than 95% of the manufacturer’s total production of passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1996, and before September 1, 1997. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this standard if its manufacture establishes that it did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity the requirement of this standard.
S4.1.5.2.2 Passenger cars produced by more than one manufacturer.
S4.1.5.2.2.1 For the purpose of calculating the production of passenger cars by each manufacturer during the period specified in S4.1.5.2, a passenger car produced by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to a single manufacturer as follows, subject to S4.1.5.2.2.2:
(a) A passenger car that is imported into the
(b) A passenger car manufactured within the
S4.1.5.2.2.2 A passenger car produced by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to any one of the vehicle’s manufacturers, as specified in an express written contract, reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pursuant to part 585 of this chapter, between the manufacturer so specified and the manufacturer to which the vehicle otherwise would be attributed, pursuant to S4.1.5.2.2.1.
S4.1.5.3 Passenger cars manufactured on or after
S4.1.5.4 Passenger cars certified to S14. Each passenger car certified to S14 shall, at each front outboard designated seating position, meet the applicable frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1.2(b) by means of an inflatable restraint system that requires no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.1.5.5 Passenger cars manufactured on or after
S4.1.5.5.1 Except as provided in S4.1.5.5.2, each passenger car shall have a Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209 and to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard at each rear designated seating position, except that side-facing designated seating positions shall have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to Standard No. 209 and to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard.
S4.1.5.5.2 Any inboard designated seating position on a seat for which the entire seat back can be folded (including the head restraints and any other part of the vehicle attached to the seat back) such that no part of the seat back extends above a horizontal plane located 250 mm above the highest SRP located on the seat may meet the requirements of S4.1.5.5.1 by use of a belt incorporating a release mechanism that detaches both the lap and shoulder portion at either the upper or lower anchorage point, but not both. The means of detachment shall be a key or key-like object.
S4.2 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. As used in this section, vehicles manufactured for operation by persons with disabilities means vehicles that incorporate a level change device (e.g., a wheelchair lift or ramp) for onloading or offloading an occupant in a wheelchair, an interior element of design intended to provide the vertical clearance necessary to permit a person in a wheelchair to move between the lift or ramp and the driver’s position or to occupy that position, and either an adaptive control or special driver seating accommodation to enable persons who have limited use of their arms or legs to operate a vehicle. For purposes of this definition, special driver seating accommodations include a driver’s seat easily removable with means installed for that purpose or with simple tools, or a driver’s seat with extended adjustment capability to allow a person to easily transfer from a wheelchair to the driver’s seat.
S4.2.1 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000
pounds or less, manufactured on or after
S4.2.1.1 First option—complete automatic protection system. The vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5 by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.2.1.2 Second option—belt system. The vehicle shall have seat belt assemblies that conform to Standard 209 (49 CFR §571.209 ) installed as follows:
(a) A Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly shall be installed for each designated seating position in convertibles, open–body type vehicles, and walk-in van-type trucks.
(b) In vehicles manufactured for operation by persons with disabilities, a Type 2 or Type 2A seat belt assembly shall be installed for the driver’s seating position, a Type 2 seat belt assembly shall be installed for each other outboard designated seating position that includes the windshield header within the head impact area, and a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly shall be installed for each other designated seating position.
(c) In all vehicles except those for which requirements are specified in S4.2.1.2 (a) or (b), a Type 2 seat belt assembly shall be installed for each outboard designated seating position that includes the windshield header within the head impact area, and a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly shall be installed for each other designated seating position.
S4.2.2 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500
pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less,
manufactured on or after
S4.2.3 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles manufactured on or
after
S4.2.4 Rear outboard seating positions in trucks and multipurpose
passenger vehicles manufactured on or after
S4.2.4.1 As used in this section—
(a) [Removed and Reserved]
(b) Rear outboard designated seating position means any “outboard designated seating position” (as that term is defined at 49 CFR 571.3) that is rearward of the front seat(s), except any designated seating positions adjacent to a walkway located between the seat and the side of the vehicle, which walkway is designed to allow access to more rearward seating positions.
S4.2.4.2 Any rear outboard designated seating position with a seat that can be adjusted to be forward–facing and to face some other direction shall either:
(i) Meet the requirements of S4.2.4 with the seat in any position in which it can be occupied while the vehicle is in motion; or
(ii) When the seat is in its forward-facing position, have a Type 2 seat belt assembly with an upper torso restraint that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard and that adjusts by means of an emergency locking retractor that conforms with Standard No 209 (49 CFR §571.209 ), which upper torso restraint may be detachable at the buckle, and, when the seat is in any position in which it can be occupied while the vehicle is in motion, have a Type 1 seat belt or the pelvic portion of a Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard.
S4.2.4.3 Any rear outboard designated seating position on a readily removable seat (that is, a seat designed to be easily removed and replaced by means installed by the manufacturer for that purpose) in a vehicle manufactured on or after September 1, 1992, shall meet the requirements of S4.2.4 and may use an upper torso belt that detaches at either its upper or lower anchorage point, but not both anchorage points, to meet those requirements. The means for detaching the upper torso belt may use a pushbutton action.
S4.2.5 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of
8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less
manufactured on or after
S4.2.5.1 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR
of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less
manufactured on or after
S4.2.5.1.1 Subject to S4.2.5.1.2 and S4.2.5.5 and except as provided in S4.2.4, each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle, other than walk-in van-type trucks, vehicles designed to be exclusively sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles manufactured for operation by persons with disabilities, with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less that is manufactured on or after September 1, 1994 and before September 1, 1995, shall comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, S4.1.2.2, or S4.1.2.3 (as specified for passenger cars). A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity with the requirement of standard.
S4.2.5.1.2 Subject to S4.2.5.5, the amount of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles specified in S4.2.5.1.1 complying with S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars) shall be not less than 20% of:
(a) The average annual production of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1991, and before September 1, 1994, by each manufacturer that produced such vehicles during each of those annual production periods, or
(b) The manufacturer’s total production of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less during the period specified in S4.2.5.1.1.
S4.2.5.2 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR
of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less
manufactured on or after
S4.2.5.2.1 Subject to S4.2.5.2.2 and S4.2.5.5 and except as provided in S4.2.4, each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle, other than walk-in van-type trucks, vehicles designed to be exclusively sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles manufactured for operation by persons with disabilities, with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less that is manufactured on or after September 1, 1995 and before September 1, 1996, shall comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, S4.1.2.2, or S4.1.2.3 (as specified for passenger cars). A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity with the requirement of this standard.
S4.2.5.2.2 Subject to S4.2.5.5, the amount of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles specified in S4.2.5.2.1 complying with S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars) shall be not less than 50% of:
(a) The average annual production of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1992, and before September 1, 1995, by each manufacturer that produced such vehicles during each of those annual production periods, or
(b) The manufacturer’s total production of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less during the period specified in S4.2.5.2.1.
S4.2.5.3 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR
of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less
manufactured on or after
S4.2.5.3.1 Subject to S4.2.5.3.2 and S4.2.5.5 and except as provided in S4.2.4, each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle, other than walk-in van-type trucks, vehicles designed to be exclusively sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles manufactured for operation by persons with disabilities, with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less that is manufactured on or after September 1, 1996 and before September 1, 1997, shall comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, S4.1.2.2, or S4.1.2.3 (as specified for passenger cars). A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity with the requirement of this standard.
S4.2.5.3.2 Subject to S4.2.5.5, the amount of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles specified in S4.2.5.3.1 complying with S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars) shall be not less than 90% of:
(a) The average annual production of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1993, and before September 1, 1996, by each manufacturer that produced such vehicles during each of those annual production periods, or
(b) The manufacturer’s total production of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less during the period specified in S4.2.5.3.1.
S4.2.5.4 Alternative phase-in schedule. A manufacturer may, at its option, comply with the requirements of this section instead of complying with the requirements set forth in S4.2.5.1, S4.2.5.2, and S4.2.5.3.
(a) Except as provided in S4.2.4, each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle, other than walk-in van-type trucks, vehicles designed to be exclusively sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles manufactured for operation by persons with disabilities, with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less that is manufactured on or after September 1, 1994, and before September 1, 1995, shall comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1, S4.1.2.2, or S4.1.2.3 (as specified for passenger cars).
(b) Except as provided in S4.2.4, each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle, other than walk-in van-type trucks, vehicles designed to be exclusively sold to the U.S. Postal Service, and vehicles manufactured for operation by persons with disabilities, with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less that is manufactured on or after September 1, 1995, shall comply with the requirements of S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars) of this standard. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity with the requirement of this standard.
(c) Each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1995, but before September 1, 1998, whose driver’s seating position complies with the requirements of S4.1.2.1(a) of this standard by means not including any type of seat belt and whose right front passenger’s seating position is equipped with a manual Type 2 seat belt that complies with S5.1 of this standard, with the seat belt assembly adjusted in accordance with S7.4.2, shall be counted as a vehicle complying with S4.1.2.1.
S4.2.5.5 Calculation of complying trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less.
(a) For the purposes of the calculations required in S4.2.5.1.2, S4.2.5.2.2, and S4.2.5.3.2 of the number of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less that comply with S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars):
(a)(1) Each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less whose driver’s seating position complies with the requirements of S4.1.2.1(a) by means not including any type of seat belt and whose front right seating position complies with the requirements of S4.1.2.1(a) by any means is counted as 1.5 vehicles, and
(a)(2) Each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less whose driver’s seating position complies with the requirements of S4.1.2.1(a) by means not including any type of seat belt and whose right front passenger’s seating position is equipped with a manual Type 2 seat belt that complies with S5.1 of this standard, with the seat belt assembly adjusted in accordance with S7.4.2, is counted as one vehicle.
(a)(3) Each truck, bus, and multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less that is manufactured in two or more stages or that is altered (within the meaning of §567.7 of this chapter) after having previously been certified in accordance with Part 567 of this chapter is not subject to the requirements of S4.2.5.1.2, S4.2.5.2.2, and S4.2.5.3.2. Such vehicles may be excluded from all calculations of compliance with S4.2.5.1.2, S4.2.5.2.2, and S4.2.5.3.2.
(b) For the purposes of complying with S4.2.5.1.2, a truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less may be counted if it:
(b)(1) Is manufactured on or after
(b)(2) Is certified as complying with S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars).
(c) For the purposes of complying with S4.2.5.2.2, a truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less may be counted if it:
(c)(1) Is manufactured on or after
(c)(2) Is certified as complying with S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars), and
(c)(3) Is not counted toward compliance with S4.2.5.1.2.
(d) For the purposes of complying with S4.2.5.3.2, a truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less may be counted if it:
(d)(1) Is manufactured on or after
(d)(2) Is certified as complying with S4.1.2.1 (as specified for passenger cars), and
(d)(3) Is not counted toward compliance with S4.2.5.1.2 or S4.2.5.2.2.
S4.2.5.6 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less produced by more than one manufacturer.
S4.2.5.6.1 For the purposes of calculating average annual production for each manufacturer and the amount of vehicles manufactured by each manufacturer under S4.2.5.1.2, S4.2.5.2.2, or S4.2.5.3.2, a truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less produced by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to a single manufacturer as follows, subject to S4.2.5.6.2:
(a) A vehicle that is imported shall be attributed to the importer.
(b) A vehicle that is manufactured in the
S4.2.5.6.2 A truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle with GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less produced by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to any one of the vehicle’s manufacturers specified in an express written contract, reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under 49 CFR part 585, between the manufacturer so specified and the manufacturer to which the vehicle would otherwise be attributed under S4.2.5.6.1.
S4.2.6 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of
8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less
manufactured on or after
S4.2.6.1 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR
of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less
manufactured on or after
S4.2.6.1.1 The amount of trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles complying with the requirements of S4.1.5.1(a)(1) of this standard by means of an inflatable restraint system shall be not less than 80% of the manufacturer’s total combined production of subject vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 1997 and before September 1, 1998. Each truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less manufactured on or after September 1, 1997, and before September 1, 1998, whose driver’s seating position complies with the requirements of S4.1.5.1(a)(1) by means of an inflatable restraint system and whose right front passenger’s seating position is equipped with a manual Type 2 seat belt assembly that complies with S5.1 of this standard with the seat belt assembly adjusted in accordance with S7.4.2 of this standard, shall be counted as a vehicle complying with S4.1.5.1(a)(1) by means of an inflatable restraint system. A vehicle shall not be deemed to be in noncompliance with this standard if its manufacturer establishes that it did not have reason to know in the exercise of due care that such vehicle is not in conformity with the requirements of this standard.
S4.2.6.1.2 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less produced by more than one manufacturer.
S4.2.6.1.2.1 For the purpose of calculating the production by each manufacturer during the period specified in S4.2.6.1.1, a truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less produced by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to a single manufacturer as follows, subject to S4.2.6.1.2.2:
(a) A vehicle that is imported into the
(b) A vehicle manufactured within the
S4.2.6.1.2.2 A truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle produced by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to any one of the vehicle’s manufacturers, as specified in an express written contract, reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pursuant to part 585 of this chapter, between the manufacturer so specified and the manufacturer to which the vehicle otherwise would be attributed, pursuant to S4.2.6.1.2.1.
S4.2.6.2 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR
of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less
manufactured on or after
S4.2.6.3 Trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles certified to S14. Each truck, bus, or multipurpose passenger vehicle with a GVWR of 3,855 kg (8,500 lb) or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 2,495 kg (5,500 lb) or less certified to S14 shall, at each front outboard designated seating position, meet the applicable frontal crash protection requirements of S5.1.2(b) by means of an inflatable restraint system that requires no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.2.7 Rear seating positions in trucks, and multipurpose passenger
vehicles manufactured on or after
S4.2.7.1 Except as provided in S4.2.7.2, S4.2.7.3, S4.2.7.4, S4.2.7.5, and S4.2.7.6, each truck and each multipurpose passenger vehicle, other than a motor home, a walk-in van-type truck, or a vehicle designed to be sold exclusively to the U.S. Postal Service with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg) or less, or a vehicle carrying chassis-mount camper with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500-10,000 lbs. (3,855-4,536 kg), shall be equipped with a Type 2 seat belt assembly at every rear designated seating position other than a side-facing position, except that Type 2 seat belt assemblies installed in compliance with this requirement shall conform to Standard No. 209 (49 CFR 571.209) and with S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard. If a Type 2 seat belt assembly installed in conformity to this requirement incorporates any webbing tension-relieving device, the vehicle owner's manual shall include the information specified in S7.4.2(b) of this standard for the tension relieving device, and the vehicle shall conform to S7.4.2(c) of this standard. Side-facing designated seating positions shall be equipped, at the manufacturer's option, with a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms with S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard.
S4.2.7.2 Any rear designated seating position with a seat that can be adjusted to be forward-or rear-facing and to face some other direction shall either:
(a) Meet the requirements of S4.2.7.1 with the seat in any position in which it can be occupied while the vehicle is in motion; or
(b) When the seat is in its forward-facing and/or rear-facing position or within ± 30 degrees of either position, have a Type 2 seat belt assembly with an upper torso restraint that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard and that adjusts by means of an emergency locking retractor that conforms to Standard No. 209 (49 CFR 571.209), which upper torso restraint may be detachable at either the buckle or the upper anchorage, but not both, and, when the seat is in any other position in which it can be occupied while the vehicle is in motion, have a Type 1 seat belt or the pelvic portion of a Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard.
S4.2.7.3 Any rear designated seating position on a readily removable seat (i.e., a seat designed to be easily removed and replaced by means installed by the manufacturer for that purpose) may meet the requirements of S4.2.7.1 by use of a belt incorporating a release mechanism that detaches both the lap and shoulder portion at either the upper or lower anchorage point, but not both. The means of detachment shall be a key or key-like object.
S4.2.7.4 Any inboard designated seating position on a seat for which the entire seat back can be folded such that no part of the seat back extends above a horizontal plane located 250 mm above the highest SRP located on the seat may meet the requirements of S4.2.7.1 by use of a belt incorporating a release mechanism that detaches both the lap and shoulder portion at either the upper or lower anchorage point, but not both. The means of detachment shall be a key or key-like object.
S4.2.7.5 Any rear designated seating position adjacent to a walkway located between the seat and the side of the vehicle, which walkway is designed to allow access to more rearward designated seating positions may meet the requirements of S4.2.7.1 by use of a belt incorporating a release mechanism that detaches both the lap and shoulder portion at either the upper or lower anchorage point, but not both. The means of detachment shall be a key or key-like object.
S4.2.7.6 Any rear side-facing designated seating position shall have a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to S7.1 and S7.2 of this standard.
S4.3 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles, with GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds.
S4.3.1 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of more
than 10,000 pounds, manufactured in or after
S4.3.1.1 First option—complete passenger protection system. The vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5 by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.3.1.2 Second option—belt system. The vehicle shall, at each designated seating position, have either a Type 1 or a Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to S571.209.
S4.3.2 Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a GVWR of more
than 10,000 pounds, manufactured on or after
S4.3.2.1 First option—complete passenger protection system. The vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5 by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.3.2.2 Second option—belt system. The vehicle shall, at each designated seating position, have either a Type 1 or a Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to §571.209 of this part and S7.2 of this Standard. A Type 1 belt assembly or the pelvic portion of a dual retractor Type 2 belt assembly installed at a front outboard seating position shall include either an emergency locking retractor or an automatic locking retractor. If a seat belt assembly installed at a front outboard seating position includes an automatic locking retractor for the lap belt or the lap belt portion, that seat belt assembly shall comply with the following:
(a) An automatic locking retractor used at a front outboard seating position that has some type of suspension system for the seat shall be attached to the seat structure that moves as the suspension system functions.
(b) The lap belt or lap belt portion of a seat belt assembly equipped with an automatic locking retractor that is installed at a front outboard seating position must allow at least ½ inch, but less than 3 inches, of webbing movement before retracting webbing to the next locking position.
(c) Compliance with S4.3.2.2(b) of this standard is determined as follows:
(c)(1) The seat belt assembly is buckled and the retractor end of the seat belt assembly is anchored to a horizontal surface. The webbing for the lap belt or lap belt portion of the seat belt assembly is extended to 75% of its length and the retractor is locked after the initial adjustment.
(c)(2) A load of 20 pounds is applied to the free end of the lap belt or the lap belt portion of the belt assembly (i.e., the end that is not anchored to the horizontal surface) in the direction away from the retractor. The position of the free end of the belt assembly is recorded.
(c)(3) Within a 30 second period, the 20 pound load is slowly decreased, until the retractor moves to the next locking position. The position of the free end of the belt assembly is recorded again.
(c)(4) The difference between the two positions recorded for the free end of the belt assembly shall be at least ¾ inch but less than 3 inches.
S4.4 Buses.
S4.4.1 Buses manufactured on or after
S4.4.1.1 First option—complete passenger protection system—driver only. The vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5, with respect to an anthropomorphic test dummy in the driver’s designated seating position, by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.4.1.2 Second option—belt system—driver only. The vehicle shall, at the driver’s designated seating position, have either a Type 1 or a Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to S571.209.
S4.4.2 Buses manufactured on or after
S4.4.2.1 First option—complete passenger protection system—driver only. The vehicle shall meet the crash protection requirements of S5, with respect to an anthropomorphic test dummy in the driver’s designated seating position, by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.
S4.4.2.2 Second option—belt system—driver only. The vehicle shall, at the driver’s designated seating position, have either a Type 1 or a Type 2 seat belt assembly that conforms to