81 FR 85478 - Vehicle Defect Reporting Requirements
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 228 (November 28, 2016)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 228 (November 28, 2016)
| Page Range | 85478-85488 | |
| FR Document | 2016-28125 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 228 (Monday, November 28, 2016)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 85478-85488] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-28125] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 49 CFR Part 575 [NHTSA-2015-0096] RIN 2127-AL33 Vehicle Defect Reporting Requirements AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NHTSA is proposing to require placing a label on the passenger side sun visor of light-duty vehicles that provides information about how to submit a safety-related motor vehicle defect complaint to NHTSA. This rulemaking also proposes updating the required information in 49 CFR 575.6 for defect reporting information in owner's manuals through the addition of the text developed for this proposal. This proposal responds to the mandate in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act of 2012 (MAP-21) that manufacturers be required to affix, in the glove compartment or in another readily accessible location on the vehicle, a sticker, decal, or other device that provides, in simple and understandable language, information about how to submit a safety- related motor vehicle defect complaint to NHTSA; and prominently print the information described above within the owner's manual. DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 27, 2017. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section on ``Public Participation'' for more information about written comments. ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. NHTSA-2015-0096, by any of the following methods:http://www.regulations.gov: Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Fax: NHTSA: (202) 493-2251. Mail: [cir] Docket Management Facility, M-30, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building, Ground Floor, Rm. W12-140, Washington, DC 20590, Attention Docket ID No. NHTSA-2015-0096. Hand Delivery: [cir] Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building, Ground Floor, Rm. W12-140, Washington, DC 20590, Attention [[Page 85479]] Docket ID No. NHTSA-2015-0096 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. Instructions: Regardless of how you submit comments, you should mention Docket ID No. NHTSA-2015-0096 or the Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) for this rulemaking. You may call the Docket Management Facility at 202-366-9826. For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the Public Participation heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. Note that all comments received will be posted, except as noted below, without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Docket: All documents in the dockets are listed in the http://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., confidential business information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in http://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Docket Management Facility, M-30, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building, Ground Floor, Rm. W12-140, Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Management Facility is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received in 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) or you may visit http://www.dot.gov/privacy.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical issues: Hisham Mohamed, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-0307. For legal issues: Ryan Hagen, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-2992. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Executive Summary II. Statutory Mandate III. Background IV. Alternatives Considered and Proposed for the Label V. Alternatives Considered and Proposed for the Owner's Manual Information VI. Costs VII. Benefits VIII. Enforcement and Compliance IX. Proposed Compliance Date X. Public Participation XI. Regulatory Notices and Analyses XII. Proposed Regulatory Text I. Executive Summary This rulemaking proposes to require placing a sticker, decal, or other device that provides, in simple and understandable language, information about how to submit a safety-related motor vehicle defect complaint to NHTSA on the passenger side sun visor. The agency believes that the sun visor is not only the most accessible of the locations considered, but also it is the most prominent location, which would allow for the most informational benefit to consumers. This rulemaking also proposes updating the defect reporting information manufactures are required to include in owner's manuals. This rulemaking proposes to move the requirement to a different section of the CFR. The benefits of the proposed rule, although not quantifiable, are anticipated to include: (1) improved messaging and information to consumers on how to submit a safety-related motor vehicle defect complaint to NHTSA; (2) increased consumer involvement in the motor vehicle defect reporting process; (3) reduced time between consumer awareness of a possible motor vehicle defect and industry response; (4) cost savings to the consumer through improved and timely defect-related response by the manufacturer; (5) reduction in the risk and incidence of injuries and fatalities attendant with the possible safety-related motor vehicle defect; (6) decreased motor vehicle property damage; (7) improvement in agency data-collection on potential safety problems in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment, and resultant decisions on whether to open an investigation; and, (8) cost savings to the industry by providing motor vehicle manufacturers with information that they may not yet have identified and gathered. While NHTSA believes that the benefits of this proposed rule would outweigh the costs, NHTSA notes that this rulemaking is required by statute and the agency is not required to determine that it is cost-beneficial. II. Statutory Mandate The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act of 2012 (MAP- 21) \1\ requires that NHTSA develop a rule to provide consumers with information, in simple and understandable language, on how to submit a safety-related motor vehicle defect complaint to NHTSA. This information is to be placed on a sticker, decal or other device affixed to each new vehicle and printed within the owner's manual. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Public Law 112-141. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 31306 of MAP-21 amended section 32302(d) of Chapter 323, Title 49, of the United States Code (U.S.C.). Chapter 323 codifies consumer information requirements initially established by the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1972 (Pub. L. 92-513). Section 31306 of MAP-21 requires that NHTSA develop a rulemaking to require passenger motor vehicle manufacturers (1) to affix, in the glove compartment or in another readily accessible location on the vehicle, a sticker, decal, or other device that provides, in simple and understandable language, information about how to submit a safety- related motor vehicle defect complaint to NHTSA; and (2) to prominently print the information described above by placing the text in Bold letters within the owner's manual. Section 31306 specifies that the above information must not be placed on the label required under section 3 of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15 U.S.C. 1232). The agency has interpreted Section 31306 as directing DOT (by delegation, NHTSA) to determine a readily accessible location in a passenger motor vehicle for the required information to be affixed (considering the glove compartment as one option), and to ensure that the information is conveyed in simple and understandable language via a sticker, decal, or other device. NHTSA believes that the determinations of whether to require (1) a particular location for the sticker, decal, or other device, (2) specified language to be used by all manufacturers, or (3) a particular location for the information in the owner's manual, are left to the agency's discretion. We have interpreted the terms ``sticker, decal, or other device,'' to be various forms of the term ``label.'' Thus, we use the term ``label'' throughout this proposal to refer to the various ways a manufacturer could place the required information on the vehicle. We believe this could be fulfilled either through an adhesive method, such as a label generally refers to, or through a printing method, where [[Page 85480]] text would be directly applied to a surface. This rulemaking satisfies this mandate by proposing to require manufacturers to place a label on the passenger side sun visor that provides concise information on how to submit a safety-related defect complaint to NHTSA. This rulemaking also proposes to require manufacturers to print the same information in the owner's manual. III. Background Motor vehicle safety is defined 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 non- operational safety of a motor vehicle.'' \2\ A defect includes ``any defect in performance, construction, a component, or material of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment.'' \3\ Generally, a safety defect is defined as a problem that exists in a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment that poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, and may exist in a group of vehicles of the same design or manufacture, or items of equipment of the same type and manufacture. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ 49 U.S.C. 30101(a)(8). \3\ 49 U.S.C. 30101(a)(2). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 \4\ (the Vehicle Safety Act) granted NHTSA the authority to investigate defects and to determine whether a defect exists. If a safety defect is discovered, the manufacturer must notify NHTSA, as well as vehicle or equipment owners, dealers, and distributors. If NHTSA determines that a defect creates an unreasonable safety risk, the agency may require a manufacturer to notify consumers, remedy a defect or issue a recall.5 6 The manufacturer is then required to remedy the problem at no charge to the owner. NHTSA monitors the manufacturer's corrective action to ensure successful completion of the recall campaign. Since the passage of the Vehicle Safety Act,\7\ 605 million cars, trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds, as well as nearly 59 million tires, 91 million items of motor vehicle equipment, and 60 million child safety seats have been recalled to correct safety defects.\8\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ Codified at 15 U.S.C. 1381 et seq. and recodified in 1994 as Chapter 30, Title 49, of the United States Code. \5\ A manufacturer of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment is required by 49 U.S.C. 30118(c) to notify the Secretary by certified mail, and the owners, purchasers, and dealers of the vehicle or equipment as provided in section 30119(d) of this section, if the manufacturer-- (1) learns the vehicle or equipment contains a defect and decides in good faith that the defect is related to motor vehicle safety; or (2) decides in good faith that the vehicle or equipment does not comply with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this chapter. Section 30119(d) provides notification procedures. Section 30120(a) of 49 U.S.C. provides that when notification is required under section 30118(c), the remedy shall be without charge when the vehicle or equipment is presented for remedy. NHTSA regulations at 49 CFR part 573 ``Defects and noncompliance responsibility and reports,'' and Part 577 ``Defects and noncompliance notification'' implement these statutory requirements. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30165, a manufacturer who violates any of the above-mentioned statutory or regulatory provisions is liable to the Government for a civil penalty. Until 1997 the maximum civil penalty was $1,000 per violation up to a maximum of $800,000 for a related series of violations. By a separate statutorily mandated regulation, since 1997 NHTSA has adjusted the Sec. 30165 civil penalties upward for inflation. 49 CFR part 578. The Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act, (Pub. L. 106-414), enacted in 2000 in light of the Firestone/Ford controversy, amended the Safety Act by, inter alia, raising those maximum civil penalties to $5,000 per violation and $15,000,000 for a related series of violations, and added criminal penalties (49 U.S.C. 30170) for violations of reporting requirements. MAP-21, enacted in 2012, increased the maximum civil penalty for a related series of violations to $35,000,000. The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), Public Law 114-94 (Dec. 4, 2015), increased maximum civil penalties to $21,000 per violation and $105,000,000 for a related series of violations. The increases in maximum civil penalties in the FAST Act become effective on the date on which the Secretary of Transportation certifies that NHTSA has completed a rulemaking to provide an interpretation of the penalty factors in 49 U.S.C. 30165. The higher civil penalty maximums in the Part 578, MAP-21, and the FAST Act amendments are not retroactive to violations that occurred before their enactments. \6\ Under the 1974 amendments to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Congress gave NHTSA broad new power to enforce recall decisions. These included new reporting requirements, increased penalties for noncompliance, and subpoena and plant inspection authority. \7\ During the period 1966 to 2014. \8\ 2014 Recall Annual Report--NHTSA. See report at http://www.safercar.gov/staticfiles/safercar/pdf/2014-annual-recalls-report.pdf (last accessed September 18, 2015). This data includes recalls that take place because the vehicles and equipment do not meet the requirements of applicable safety standards set by NHTSA. Manufacturers voluntarily initiate most recalls. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- To obtain information about potential safety defects in vehicles and equipment, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) receives data from a variety of sources including vehicle and equipment manufacturers, dealers, and consumer advocacy groups and forums. However, ODI relies heavily on information received from consumers who experience issues with their vehicles and equipment. ODI receives, on average, between 40,000 and 50,000 complaints from consumers each year. If a consumer thinks that his/her vehicle or equipment may have a safety-related defect, reporting it to NHTSA is an important first step to take to get the situation remedied and help make the nation's roads safer. If the agency receives similar reports from a number of consumers about the same product, this could indicate that a safety- related defect exists that could warrant the opening of an investigation. However, an analysis of one complaint may also lead to an investigation depending on the type of defect that is reported. In order to make it convenient for consumers to report any suspected safety-related defects to NHTSA, the agency offers three ways to file such complaints. Vehicle Safety Hotline NHTSA operates the United States Department of Transportation's Vehicle Safety Hotline telephone service to collect accurate and timely information from consumers on vehicle safety problems. Consumers can call 1-888-327-4236 or 1-800-424-9393 toll-free from anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands to register complaints or receive recall information about a vehicle. The Hotline also has Spanish-speaking representatives and offers a dedicated number, 1-800-424-9153, for use by persons with hearing impairments. When a consumer calls the Hotline to report a vehicle-related safety issue, the consumer is asked to provide certain critical information that NHTSA technical staff needs to evaluate the problem.\9\ The information that the consumer provides is filed on a Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) form, entered into the agency's consumer-complaint database, and forwarded to NHTSA technical staff for evaluation. VOQs filed through the Hotline are mailed to consumers for verification of data. In addition, consumers receive an explanation of how their questionnaire will be used. NHTSA may provide information from the questionnaire to the vehicle manufacturer. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \9\ The Privacy Act of 1974--Public Law 93-579, As Amended: This information is requested pursuant to the authority vested in the National Highway Traffic Safety Act and subsequent amendments. Consumers are under no obligation to respond to this questionnaire. Consumer response may be used to assist NHTSA in determining whether a manufacturer should take appropriate action to correct a safety defect. If NHTSA proceeds with administration enforcement or litigation against a manufacturer, consumer response, or statistical summary thereof, may be used in support of the agency's action. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 85481]] Safercar.gov Consumers can also report a vehicle safety issue to NHTSA online at its vehicle safety Web site: www.safercar.gov. The consumer can select ``Report Safety Problems'' within the Vehicle Owners section of the home page. The information that a consumer submits via the Web site is recorded in VOQ format, entered into NHTSA's consumer complaint database, and provided to NHTSA technical staff for evaluation. NHTSA may provide information from the questionnaire to the vehicle manufacturer. U.S. Mail A consumer can also report a defect by sending a letter to the agency via U.S. mail. SaferCar Mobile Application In March 2013, NHTSA launched its SaferCar mobile application that allows consumers to access important vehicle safety information from their mobile devices.\10\ To report a safety complaint to NHTSA through the SaferCar mobile application, a consumer who has a smart phone or a tablet can download the SaferCar application for free, scan in their vehicle identification number, and follow instructions to submit their complaint. The information collected through this mobile application is similar to that which is collected online at SaferCar.gov. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \10\ The current SaferCar mobile application is available for the iOS and Android mobile operating systems. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manufacturers are currently required to include the following text in all passenger vehicle owner's manuals: \11\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \11\ 49 CFR 575.6. If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying [INSERT NAME OF MANUFACTURER]. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or [INSERT NAME OF MANUFACTURER]. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll- free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov. NHTSA notes that this required text uses an outdated mailing address. The correct mailing address is: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation (NEF-100), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. The currently required text also does not advise vehicle users of the ability to file a complaint on the safercar.org Web site, or through the new safercar.gov mobile application. IV. Alternatives Considered and Proposed for the Label NHTSA first considered whether to require a particular location for the label containing defect reporting language, or whether to leave the location up to the manufacturer's discretion. Section 31306 does not specify whether the determination of location is to be made by the agency or the manufacturer. NHTSA acknowledges that differing vehicles designs may mean that the most accessible location for a label in a particular vehicle also differs. We also considered that there may be benefits to providing flexibility to manufacturers by allowing them to make the location determination. The agency believes that increased compliance flexibility often has the potential to lower costs while preserving manufacturer ability to design to consumer preferences. In this case, however, the benefits to increased manufacturer flexibility are believed to be minimal. The base estimated costs of implementing this proposal are believed to be low, and the agency does not believe that additional flexibility would be able to provide any significant further cost savings. In addition, the purpose of requiring such a label is to ensure that consumers encounter the information; to the extent that a manufacturer seeks to ``blend'' the label into preexisting vehicle designs, we believe this may detract from the purpose of the requirement. On the other hand, we believe a standardized location for defect reporting information would best further the purpose of Section 31306 by increasing the accessibility of the information through repeat consumer exposure and expectations. We anticipate that once the consumer has encountered the information in a particular vehicle location, he or she would be more likely to associate the information with the location and be able to access it again at a point when it is sought (such as after a safety incident has occurred or a defect suspected). Therefore, we are proposing to require a particular location for placement of the language by all manufacturers. NHTSA identified five locations on a vehicle where the placement of a label is likely to be practicable and the information displayed likely to be accessible to a consumer. The five options thus considered in this proposal are: (1) the passenger's sun visor; (2) the glove compartment; (3) the edge of the driver's door; (4) the driver's side B-pillar, and (5) the headliner above the sun visor. Section 31306 of MAP-21 (``. . . affix, in the glove compartment or in another readily accessible location on the vehicle . . .'') appears to suggest that the glove compartment may be the best location for the label, however, the selection of the location is left to the agency's discretion. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ``accessible'' as ``capable of being reached, easy to communicate, capable of being influenced, capable of being used or seen, or capable of being understood or appreciated.'' \12\ NHTSA notes that while Section 31306 does not mandate that the required location be determined to be the most accessible of all the options, Congress appears to have given the accessibility of the information the highest priority of potential factors. The agency notes that in the context of placing displays of information, the prominence of the placement directly influences the degree to which the information can be seen, and thus the degree to which the language can communicate and be understood. Prominence is thus an important element of accessibility when considering where to put a label. Therefore, NHTSA first focused its analysis on which prominent locations inside the vehicle could display information that would then be highly accessible to (i.e., reachable by) vehicle users. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ Merriam-Webster Online--http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accessible (last accessed January 23, 2013). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- First, NHTSA considered the glove compartment for prominence and accessibility, as this location was specifically suggested by Congress. We believe this location may have been suggested because of the common practice of storing documents such as the vehicle owner's manual, registration, and insurance information, which a driver is likely to reference in the event of an accident or problem with the vehicle. In addition, glove compartments face the vehicle occupants and are generally within a few feet of eye level, which may make information displayed within one more prominent than it would be in locations that are behind or to side of occupants, or further from eye level. However, the agency believes that the variety in current designs of glove [[Page 85482]] compartments may impact the degree of accessibility and prominence of information displayed within them. For example, we are aware of some designs that open on a simple hinge, similar to an envelope drop box, and others that open on a hinge that drops the compartment down below the dashboard. After consideration of the surface areas available for placement of a label within different glove compartment designs, we are concerned the variation in designs may make placement of a label inside the glove compartment more visible on some vehicles than others. Not all glove compartments appear to offer a prominent surface area on which to place a label with detailed reporting information. Additionally, we believe that consistency in visibility of the label across model types may make it more accessible and prominent to consumers through their past associations with labels in other vehicles. Next, NHTSA considered the passenger's side sun visor. This location was considered accessible and prominent, as it is situated in front of vehicle occupants not far from eye level. The suitability of this location for labels has previously been leveraged by the agency for both air bag labels and vehicle rollover labels. The air bag label, established under FMVSS 208 (Occupant Crash Protection), requires manufacturers to affix an air bag warning label to the sun visor at each seating position that is equipped with an inflatable restraint.\13\ 49 CFR part 575.105 (Vehicle Rollover) also requires that a rollover warning label be affixed at the driver's sun visor for utility vehicles.\14\ The rollover warning label may appear on either side of the visor, but if it appears on the same side as the air bag label, it must be separated from the air bag label by a certain distance. The air bag label may be affixed to either side of the sun visor. FMVSS 208 also specifies that no other information may appear on the same side of the sun visor to which the air bag warning label is affixed, except for the utility vehicle warning label, and no other information about the air bags or the need to wear seat belts may appear anywhere on sun visors.\15\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \13\ Sec. 571.208, Standard No. 208; Occupant crash protection. S4.5.1(b) Sun visor air bag warning label. (1) Except as provided in S4.5.1(b)(2), each vehicle shall have a label permanently affixed to either side of the sun visor, at the manufacturer's option, at each front outboard seating position that is equipped with an inflatable restraint. \14\ Sec. 575.105 Vehicle rollover. c) Definitions. Utility vehicles means multipurpose passenger vehicles (other than those which are passenger car derivatives) which have a wheelbase of 110 inches or less and special features for occasional off-road operation. \15\ Sec. 571.208. S4.5.1(b)(5) Limitations on additional labels. (i) Except for the information on an air bag maintenance label placed on the sun visor pursuant to S4.5.1(a) of this standard, or on a utility vehicle warning label placed on the sun visor that conforms in content, form, and sequence to the label shown in Figure 1 of 49 CFR 575.105, no other information shall appear on the same side of the sun visor to which the sun visor air bag warning label is affixed. (ii) Except for the information in an air bag alert label placed on the sun visor pursuant to S4.5.1(c) of this standard, or on a utility vehicle warning label placed on the sun visor that conforms in content, form, and sequence to the label shown in Figure 1 of 49 CFR 575.105, no other information about air bags or the need to wear seat belts shall appear anywhere on the sun visor. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- NHTSA considered that the label for information on how to contact NHTSA with a vehicle safety defect complaint could be affixed on the passenger's sun visor on the opposite side from the air bag warning label, which would allow for sufficient separation of the two labels. As each label would contain concise information, we believe that such separation from the pictogram of the air bag label would be sufficient to ensure that both labels display information prominently. We note that a similar setup exists on the driver side sun visor of utility vehicles, which bears either the air bag label on one side and the rollover warning label on the other side of the visor, or both labels on the same side. The agency is not aware of any negative impacts from the placement of two labels on one visor on those vehicles. NHTSA next considered the driver's side b-pillar or edge of the driver's door. In its tire safety information final rule,\16\ the agency agreed with manufacturers that there is a concern about the sufficiency of the space for the placement of the vehicle placard and tire inflation label in the door edge or B-pillar for some vehicles. As a result, in that rule, NHTSA added other alternative requirements to the requirement that the vehicle placard and tire inflation pressure label be located on the driver's side B-pillar.\17\ The agency remains concerned that the relatively limited space in these locations, combined with design variations, may detract from the prominence of a label with detailed reporting information. We also believe that the current vehicle placard and tire inflation pressure label are relatively technically specific, and by adding another label may crowd the messaging on how to reach NHTSA with a potential vehicle safety complaint. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \16\ 67 FR 69600, at 69617-69618. \17\ Id. at 69617. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finally, NHTSA considered the headliner above the sun visor. Like the sun visor, the headliner is a relatively accessible and prominent location, being in front of the vehicle occupants and not far from eye level. A label on either the headliner or the ``back'' side of the visor would only be visible when the visor was in the ``open'' (not stowed) position. As the headliner currently does not contain labels, a potential benefit to using this space for the defect label would be to avoid any confusion or crowding of information.\18\ The ability to require the label on the driver's side headliner, as opposed to the passenger's side sun visor may carry additional accessibility benefits by bringing the information closer to the driver, who is more likely to need or use the information. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \18\ Related, the headliner may provide for more consistency in label placement if manufacturers frequently vary whether to place the air bag label on the front or back side of the label. However, NHTSA believes that the variation in air bag label placement is likely due to manufacturer desire to limit the label visibility to when the visor is in the open position, and requiring a label on each side of the visor would make that concern irrelevant. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- However, a label on the back side of the visor would appear closer to eye level when the visor was in the open position. NHTSA is also concerned that the potential use of the driver's side headliner may introduce a crowding issue in utility vehicles, which would now have three informational labels in the same area on the driver's side (this could defeat any spacing benefit assumed for avoiding the use of the sun visor). In addition, the use of the visor for existing label requirements may make it more likely that a vehicle occupant would associate the visor with vehicle safety-related reference information and thus check it in the event of a safety problem. For these reasons, the agency believes a label on the headliner may be less prominent than one on the visor itself. For the above reasons, of the five locations considered, the agency's preferred alternative for placement of the sticker, decal, or other device is the passenger side sun visor. The agency also recognizes that the headliner above the sun visor may have similar benefits to the visor without some of the disadvantages of the visor. Therefore, the headliner is currently considered a close second to the preferred alternative. NHTSA invites comments on whether the passenger side sun visor is indeed the best easily accessible location for a label, as well as whether the agency should have considered additional locations within the vehicle. Commenters should provide detail on [[Page 85483]] which location is best and why. If additional locations are suggested, commenters are requested to provide information on the accessibility, prominence, and practicability of the suggested location. NHTSA also invites comments on whether its assumptions and assessment of the preferred location are reasonable. Commenters are requested to provide supporting information for their suggestions. Specified Language NHTSA also considered whether to require specified language to be printed on the label, or whether to leave the choice of language up to the vehicle manufacturer. Section 31306 of MAP-21 does not specify whether the choice of actual content is to be made by the agency or by the manufacturer. Given that information on how to submit a safety- related defect complaint is relatively straightforward, and does not vary by vehicle type or design, we do not see a benefit to leaving the choice of language up to the manufacturer. Conversely, we believe that requiring standardized language could prevent confusion or inaccuracies that customized language could produce. Further, standardized language may have the benefit of creating a phrase association for vehicle users that could help them remember which agency to contact with a safety- related concern whether or not they remember where the contact information is located within their vehicle. For these reasons, NHTSA is proposing standardized language for the decal, label, or other device. Next, NHTSA considered proposed content for the labels. Information on how to reach NHTSA with potential vehicle safety defect complaints is currently written in all passenger vehicle owner's manuals. Manufacturers are currently required to include the following text in all passenger vehicle owner's manuals: \19\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \19\ 49 CFR 575.6. If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying [INSERT NAME OF MANUFACTURER]. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or [INSERT NAME OF MANUFACTURER]. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll- free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov. Section 31306 of MAP-21 states that the label information must be ``in simple and understandable language.'' Given the currently required language, NHTSA interprets one purpose of the new requirement as relaying the same basic information to vehicle users in a more straightforward and condensed manner appropriate for a sticker or label. With that in mind, NHTSA developed the following proposed language for the consumer information label: Do you believe your vehicle has a safety-related problem? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) NEEDS to know. File your complaint with NHTSA today! Filing a complaint is easy: Online: http://www.safercar.gov Toll-free Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA, Office of Defects Investigation, NEF-100, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20077-9382. Information about how to keep your vehicle safe can be found at www.SaferCar.gov. NHTSA believes the above proposed language would be easily readable and comprehensible, and that by sticking to brief, standardized content, the proposed device would effectively inform consumers of how to file a potential vehicle safety defect. The agency believes that longer strings of information in this context are unnecessary, and may detract from a vehicle user's ability to internalize the information presented. The simple listing format above is intended to make it less likely that a vehicle user would miss the key message of the label or device. NHTSA requests comment on the language, including whether it provides the necessary information on how to contact NHTSA with vehicle safety-related complaints, and whether it is simple and understandable. Should the commenter have additional or revised language to propose, the agency requests detail as to what additional or revised language is recommended and how it is likely to fulfill the statutory purpose better than the proposed text. Label Design NHTSA believes the intent of Section 31306 of MAP-21 was to provide consumers with easily accessible and understandable information on how to contact the agency with any vehicle safety-related defects and complaints. NHTSA does not believe that the requirements under this rule are intended to increase a manufacturer burden beyond communicating the basic information on how to contact the agency with a vehicle safety-related defect complaint. With that in mind, NHTSA is proposing the following simple design requirements for the label, which are similar to the design requirements of the air bag warning label and the rollover warning label: \20\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \20\ See 49 CFR part 571.208; 49 CFR part 575.105, Vehicle Rollover. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The title must be in a bold black text. The message area must be white with black text. The pictograms must be black with a white background. The label must be appropriately sized so that it is legible, visible and prominent to the driver. NHTSA believes that these requirements communicate the information as intended in the statute in an accessible, readable, and comprehensive manner. NHTSA believes that a simple black and white label would effectively communicate the necessary information, and that requiring color on labels could create an unnecessary financial burden to some manufacturers. In regard to the font for the label, NHTSA is not proposing either a particular font face, font size, or case for the label. In existing label requirements (e.g., tire, rollover, and air bag), the agency has not encountered issues with leaving the font specifications up to manufacturers. However, NHTSA is proposing to specify that the text on the label be ``legible, visible, and prominent'' to the driver.\21\ NHTSA is also not proposing to specify a size, shape, or dimension for the label, in order to provide manufacturers the flexibility to design the placard and label in a manner that can be configured to each vehicle design. This flexibility is similar to that provided in other label requirements.\22\ A sample of the proposed label is as follows: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \21\ See 67 FR 69617. \22\ Id. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 85484]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP28NO16.007 NHTSA seeks comments on the proposed design of the label, including the current recommendation to keep the label in black and white without additional colors. If a comment requests that the labels have color, either on the background and/or in the content including text, the commenter should provide a detailed explanation as to the benefit such changes would provide to the consumer. NHTSA also seeks comment on the proposed content, as to whether the information is adequate to inform consumers on what actions to take should they feel they have a safety- related problem with their vehicle, and whether there is any undue burden that vehicle manufacturers may face under this proposal that the agency should consider. V. Alternatives Considered and Proposal for the Owner's Manual Information NHTSA considered whether to develop unique language for owner's manuals on how to submit a defect complaint, whether to use the same language in the manual as is required for the label, or whether to simply update the currently required owner's manual information with NHTSA's new address and SaferCar mobile application. NHTSA believes that the clearest way to read Section 31306(d)(1)(B) of MAP-21 (``prominently print the information described in [the label requirement] within the owner's manual'') is that Congress intended for the same essential information displayed in the label to be available in the owner's manual, but not necessarily that the label be exactly reproduced in the owner's manual. If Congress had intended for the label to be printed in both places, we believe it would have indicated so more directly by combining the two requirements, rather than refer to the required information more broadly as that ``described in'' the label requirement. Further, we believe that the greater space offered in owner's manuals allows for additional explanatory statements that may be useful to a consumer seeking more information on the defects reporting process. For the above reasons, NHTSA is proposing the following language for the owner's manual requirement: If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying [INSERT NAME OF MANUFACTURER]. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or [INSERT NAME OF MANUFACTURER]. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll- free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; download the SaferCar mobile application; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov. NHTSA is not proposing design requirements for the owner's manual information, beyond that it must be printed in a font size no smaller than 10 point type. NHTSA is also not proposing to require the owner's manual information to be printed in a particular section of the manual. We recognize that there may be some increased consumer exposure benefit to requiring the information to be printed in a standard design, and/or on a particular page of the manual. However, in the event of a safety- related issue with their vehicle, we believe it is common for a vehicle user to consult the table of contents within the manual for direction on their particular issue, and thus would be informed of where to find the information on how to submit a defect complaint. We also believe that manufacturers would be capable of fulfilling the statutory requirement to print the information prominently without the potential burden of redesigning their manual layouts to incorporate a standardized placement. NHTSA is also proposing to move the required language currently located in 49 CFR part 575.6 to 49 CFR 575.501 in order keep these like requirements in the same place. This section will provide manufacturers with the required safety-related defect reporting information in the owner's manual. As noted above, the current requirement does not include the most up-to-date reporting information, including the Safercar mobile application, and we believe that Congress developed the new owner's manual requirement with the intent that it would subsume the existing regulation. NHTSA requests comment on the proposal to use an updated version of the currently required owner's manual information, including whether this [[Page 85485]] would fulfill the statutory requirement. NHTSA also requests comment on whether to require specific design requirements and whether to require the owner's manual information in a particular section of the manual, and whether our assessment of the limited benefits of such additional requirements is accurate. Commenters are requested to provide detailed explanations for any recommendations. VI. Costs In determining estimated industry costs associated with this proposal, the agency investigated potential ``ball-park'' production cost and labor cost for labels and owner's manual information. For purposes of the label cost estimate, NHTSA estimates the one- time cost and recurring annual cost associated with producing a new, adhesive-type label that is separate from existing labels. NHTSA estimates that the one-time cost per manufacturer for development of the label is $22.67, assuming one hour of labor. The labor cost estimate is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Motor Vehicle Manufacturing average hourly wage of production workers.\23\ See Table 1. The total one-time industry cost to 22 manufacturers of passenger cars and light trucks is estimated at $586.74. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \23\ http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes519199.htm. Table 1--Estimated One-Time Manufacturer Cost for Label [2012 Dollars] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated labor Estimated labor Cost per One-time startup costs rate/hour hours manufacturer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Production Worker................ $26.67 1 $26.67 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We estimate the annual costs for producing the label as follows. NHTSA assumes a per-label cost of $0.04 and a labor value of $0.09 per label. To arrive at a labor value of $0.09, we estimate the average assembly line worker salary \24\ ($21.14) divided by 60 minutes, divided by 60 seconds = $0.0059 per second. We estimate that affixing the label on the sun visor would take approximately 15 seconds, based on the amount of time we assumed the average worker would take to open the vehicle door, position the sun visor, and affix the label. This also assumes that, like the VIN numbers, the label would be affixed to the vehicle after it is assembled. We assume that 16.5 million passenger vehicles will be sold per year.\25\ Based on the above, we estimate that the total annual industry cost for the label, including printing and labor, is $2.15 million. See Table 2. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \24\ http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes512099.htm. \25\ See 78 FR 55138. Table 2--Estimated Total Label Annual Industry Cost [2012 Dollars] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Labor value Cost w/out Industry Number of vehicles Cost of label per label labor $ Labor annual cost ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16.5 million.................... $0.04 $0.09 $660,000 $1,485,000 .............. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total cost.................. .............. .............. .............. .............. $2,145,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NHTSA developed the following cost estimates for the development and printing in simple and understandable language within the owner's manual, information about how to submit a safety-related motor vehicle defect complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. See Table 3. The cost of printing the page the size of the required text is estimated at $0.04. Multiplying $0.04 by 16.5 million vehicles results in an estimated annual cost to vehicle manufacturers of $660,000 for printing the page in the owner's manual. The one-time cost to manufacturers for the information in the owner's manual is negligible. Table 3--Estimated Owner's Manual Information Printing Cost [2012 Dollars] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual costs Rate Pages Cost ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Printing--per page.............................................. $0.04 1 $0.04 16.5 million number of vehicles................................. .............. .............. 660,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The estimated total annual recurring cost to vehicle manufacturers is $2.8 million ($2.15 million label cost + $0.66 million owner's manual cost). VII. Benefits As information on the effects of making defect reporting information more accessible to vehicle users is not available, the benefits of this proposed rule are not quantifiable. However, NHTSA believes that there would be several qualitative benefits of this action. Some of the anticipated benefits would fall to vehicle users. These benefits could be direct (improved consumer awareness and involvement) or indirect (fewer vehicle safety incidents or accidents across particular model types on account of an expanded or quickened defect reporting and response process). Other anticipated benefits would fall to agency and the industry in the form of efficiencies gained by closing information gaps. The anticipated benefits of this proposal include: [[Page 85486]] (1) Improved messaging and information to consumers on how to submit a safety-related motor vehicle defect complaint to NHTSA; (2) increased consumer involvement in the motor vehicle defect reporting process; (3) reduced time between consumer awareness of a possible motor vehicle defect and industry response; (4) cost savings to the consumer through improved and timely defect-related response by the manufacturer; (5) reduction in the risk and incident of injuries and fatalities attendant with the possible safety-related motor vehicle defect; (6) decrease in motor vehicle property damage; (7) improvement in agency data-collection on potential safety problems in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment, and resultant decisions on whether to open an investigation; and, (8) cost savings to the industry by providing motor vehicle manufacturers with information that they may not yet have identified and gathered. The agency believes that the benefits of this proposal would be higher than the costs. NHTSA requests comment on the benefits described here, and on any additional benefits and/or ways to quantify benefits. VIII. Compliance and Penalties In adding the 32302(d) requirements under MAP-21, Congress did not amend the existing compliance and civil penalty provisions in 49 U.S.C. Chapter 323; therefore, NHTSA tentatively concludes that those provisions apply for regulations promulgated under 32302(d). 49 U.S.C. 32308(a) states, in relevant part, that a person commits a violation of Chapter 323 if that person fails to provide the Secretary of Transportation (by delegation, the Administrator of NHTSA) with information requested in carrying out Chapter 323, or fails to comply with the applicable regulations prescribed under Chapter 323. 32308(b) prescribes a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation of 32308(a). IX. Proposed Compliance Date The proposed compliance date for label and owner's manual requirements is the first model year that occurs more than one year following the publication date of a final rule implementing this proposal. The compliance date adheres to the provision in Section 31306(d)(2) of MAP-21, which states that the above requirements ``shall apply to passenger motor vehicles manufactured in any model year beginning more than 1 year after the date on which a final rule is published.'' NHTSA believes the lead time proposed for the label may be necessary; however, early compliance would be encouraged. With regard to owner's manual information, NHTSA believes this amount of lead time is more than necessary. First, the agency is proposing standardized language. Additionally, in most cases, owner's manual information is developed, reviewed, and approved in an entirely digital environment, which significantly reduces lead time. Moreover, the agency is aware that some manufacturers have moved, or are in the process of moving, to full digital delivery of owner's manual information, where owner's manual information is delivered via a digital video disc (DVD) or some other digital format.\26\ In some of these cases, official vehicle manufacturer owner's manual information is available via the internet for reference; one manufacturer currently provides vehicle owners information via an electronic tablet device as the primary information source, with a more traditional paper version as a secondary method.\27\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \26\ ``Chrysler Phases Out Paper Owner's Manual'' http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/chrysler-does-away-with-paper-owners-manual/ (last accessed June 17, 2015). \27\ ``2012 Hyundai Equus Continues To Redefine Intelligent Luxury,'' http://www.hyundainews.com/us/en-us/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=32732&title=2012-hyundai-equus-continues-to-redefine-intelligent-luxury (last accessed February 5, 2016). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- NHTSA seeks comment on whether the proposed lead time is reasonable. If a commenter wishes the agency to provide additional lead time, NHTSA requests that the commenter provide specific explanations for why more lead time might be needed for which elements of the proposal. For example, if a commenter sought more lead time for the owner's manual requirements, NHTSA seeks any relevant details of the owner's manual publication process and associated timing, along with current and future media that would be used for the owner's manual information. X. Public Participation NHTSA requests comment on all aspects of this proposed rule. This section describes how you can participate in this process. A. How do I prepare and submit comments? 1. Further instructions for submitting comments to the NHTSA docket are described below: Your comments must be written and in English. To ensure that your comments are correctly filed in the docket, please include the Docket Number NHTSA-2015-0096 in your comments. Your comments must not be more than 15 pages long.\28\ NHTSA established this limit to encourage you to write your primary comments in a concise fashion. However, you may attach necessary additional documents, which are not subject to the page limit, to your comments. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \28\ 49 CFR 553.21. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you are submitting comments electronically as a PDF (Adobe) file, we ask that the documents submitted be scanned using the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) process, thus allowing the agency to search and copy certain portions of your submissions.\29\ Please note that pursuant to the Data Quality Act, in order for the substantive data to be relied upon and used by the agencies, it must meet the information quality standards set forth in the OMB and DOT Data Quality Act guidelines. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \29\ Optical character recognition (OCR) is the process of converting an image of text, such as a scanned paper document or electronic fax file, into computer-editable text. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accordingly, we encourage you to consult the guidelines in preparing your comments. OMB's guidelines may be accessed at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fedreg_reproducible (last accessed January 2, 2014), and DOT's guidelines may be accessed at http://regs.dot.gov (last accessed January 2, 2014). 2. Tips for Preparing Your Comments When submitting comments, please remember to: Identify the rulemaking by docket numbers and other identifying information (subject heading, Federal Register date and page number). Follow directions--the agencies may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number. Explain why you agree or disagree, suggest alternatives, and substitute language for your requested changes. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/or data that you used. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns and suggest alternatives. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified in the DATES section above. [[Page 85487]] XI. Regulatory Notices and Analyses A. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 NHTSA has considered the impact of this rulemaking action under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 and the Department of Transportation's regulatory policies and procedures. This action is not significant and therefore was not subject to review by OMB under Executive Order 12866. The benefits and costs of this proposal are described above. Because the proposed rule would, if adopted, would not be economically significant, the agency has not prepared a separate Preliminary Regulatory Evaluation. B. Regulatory Flexibility Act We estimate these proposed requirements would cost each small vehicle manufacturer approximately $0.13 per vehicle, or far less than 1% of the cost of one of these vehicles, and would therefore not appear to constitute a significant economic impact. Thus, NHTSA certifies that this rule, if adopted, would not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. C. Executive Order 13132 NHTSA does not believe that there would be sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism assessment. D. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform) Pursuant to Executive Order 12988, ``Civil Justice Reform,'' \30\ NHTSA has considered whether this rulemaking would have any retroactive effect. This proposed rule does not have any retroactive effect. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \30\ 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- E. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) For the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act, NHTSA has determined that implementation of this rulemaking action would not have any significant impact on the quality of the human environment. F. Paperwork Reduction Act The proposed rule does not implicate any information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501- 3520). G. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 NHTSA has determined that the requirements of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 do not apply to this rulemaking. H. National Technology Transfer Advancement Act Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) requires NHTSA to evaluate and use existing voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory activities unless doing so would be inconsistent with applicable law (e.g., the statutory provisions regarding NHTSA's vehicle safety authority) or otherwise impractical. NHTSA has not identified any existing voluntary consensus standards that could be used for this proposal. I. Plain Language Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 require 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 is not clear? Would a different format (grouping and order of sections, use of headings, paragraphing) make the rule easier to understand? Would more (but shorter) sections be better? Could we improve clarity by adding tables, lists, or diagrams? What else could we do to make the rule easier to understand? If you have any responses to these questions, please include them in your comments on this proposal. J. Privacy Act Anyone is able to search the electronic form for all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comments (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). For more information on DOT's implementation of the Privacy Act, please visit: http://www.dot.gov/privacy. 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). List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 575 Consumer protection, Motor vehicle safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Tires. Proposed Regulatory Text For the foregoing reasons, NHTSA proposes to amend 49 CFR part 575 as follows: PART 575--CONSUMER INFORMATION 0 1. The authority citation for part 575 is revised to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 32302, 32304A, 30111, 30115, 30117, 30123, 30166, 30181, 30182, 30183, and 32908, Pub. L. 104-414, 114 Stat. 1800, Pub. L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, Pub. L. 110-140, 121 Stat. 1492, Pub. L. 112-141, 126 Stat. 405, 15 U.S.C. 1232(g); delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.95. 0 2. Amend Sec. 575.6 by removing paragraph (a)(2) and redesignating paragraphs (a)(3) through (5) as paragraphs (a)(2) through (4). 0 3. Add Subpart F to read as follows: Subpart F--Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act; Consumer Information Authority: 49 U.S.C. 30101 et. seq., Sec. 31306, Pub. L. 112- 141, 126 Stat. 405, delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.95. Sec. 575.501 Safety defect reporting (a) Purpose and scope. This section requires manufacturers of passenger motor vehicles to affix a label that describes the process for submitting a complaint about a safety-related motor vehicle defect to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This section also requires manufacturers to include the same information in the owner's manual. (b) Application. This section applies to passenger motor vehicles under 10,000 lbs GVWR. (c) Required information-- (1) Label. (i) Each passenger motor vehicle must have a label permanently affixed to the passenger's sun visor. The label must not appear on the same side of the sun visor to which the sun visor air bag warning label is affixed, as required by S4.5.1(b)(5) of 49 CFR 571.208. The label must conform in content, form, and sequence to the label shown in Figure 1 of this section, and must comply with the following requirements: (A) The title must be in a bold black text. (B) The message area must have a white background and black text. (C) The pictograms must be black with a white background. (D) The label must be appropriately sized so that it is legible, visible, and prominent to the driver. (ii) When the safety defect reporting label required by paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section and the air bag alert label required by S4.5.1(c) of 49 CFR 571.208 are affixed to the same side of the passenger's sun visor, the pictogram of the air bag alert label must be separated [[Page 85488]] from the pictograms of the safety defect reporting label by text and: (A) The labels must be located such that the shortest distance from any of the lettering or graphics on the safety defect reporting label to any of the lettering or graphics on the air bag alert label is not less than 3 cm, or (B) If the safety defect reporting and air bag alert labels are each surrounded by a continuous solid-lined border, the shortest distance from the border of the safety defect reporting label to the border of the air bag alert label must be not less than 1 cm. (iii) At the option of the manufacturer, the requirement in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section for a permanently affixed label may instead be met by permanent marking and molding of the required information onto the specified location. (2) Owner's Manual. (i) The manufacturer of each passenger motor vehicle must provide to the purchaser, in writing in the English language and not less than 10 point type, the following statement in the owner's manual, or, if there is no owner's manual or the owner's manual is electronic, on a one-page document: If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying [INSERT NAME OF MANUFACTURER]. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424- 9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; download the SaferCar mobile application; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or [INSERT NAME OF MANUFACTURER]. (ii) The manufacturer must specify in the table of contents of the owner's manual the location of the statement required in paragraph (c)(2)(i). The heading in the table of contents must state ``Reporting Safety Defects.'' [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP28NO16.008 Issued in Washington, DC. Raymond R. Posten, Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. [FR Doc. 2016-28125 Filed 11-25-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
![85478 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 228 / Monday, November 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules
believe that any State, local, or Tribal J. Executive Order 12898: Federal DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
government would be impacted by this Actions To Address Environmental
rulemaking. As such, the requirements Justice in Minority Populations and National Highway Traffic Safety
of sections 202, 203, 204, or 205 of Low-Income Populations Administration
UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531–1538, do not
apply to this action. This action will not have 49 CFR Part 575
disproportionately high and adverse
E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism [NHTSA–2015–0096]
human health or environmental effects
on minority or low-income populations RIN 2127–AL33
This action will not have federalism
implications as specified in Executive as specified in Executive Order 12898
Vehicle Defect Reporting
Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). This
Requirements
1999), because it will not have action does not affect the level of
substantial direct effect on States, on the protection provided to human health or AGENCY: National Highway Traffic
relationship between the national the environment. Safety Administration (NHTSA),
government and the States, or on the Department of Transportation (DOT).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 721
distribution of power and ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
responsibilities among the various Environmental protection, Chemicals, (NPRM).
levels of government. Hazardous substances, Reporting and
SUMMARY: NHTSA is proposing to
F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation recordkeeping requirements.
require placing a label on the passenger
and Coordination With Indian Tribal Dated: November 14, 2016. side sun visor of light-duty vehicles that
Governments Jeffery T. Morris, provides information about how to
Acting Director, Office of Pollution Prevention submit a safety-related motor vehicle
This action does not have tribal
and Toxics. defect complaint to NHTSA. This
implications as specified in Executive
rulemaking also proposes updating the
Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9,
Therefore, it is proposed that 40 CFR required information in 49 CFR 575.6
2000), because it will not have any
chapter I be amended as follows: for defect reporting information in
effect on tribal governments, on the
owner’s manuals through the addition
relationship between the Federal
PART 721—[AMENDED] of the text developed for this proposal.
Government and the Indian tribes, or on
This proposal responds to the mandate
the distribution of power and
■ 1. The authority citation for part 721 in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the
responsibilities between the Federal
continues to read as follows: 21st Century Act of 2012 (MAP–21) that
Government and Indian tribes.
manufacturers be required to affix, in
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2604, 2607, and
G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of the glove compartment or in another
2625(c).
Children From Environmental Health readily accessible location on the
Risks and Safety Risks ■ 2. Add § 721.10925 to subpart E to vehicle, a sticker, decal, or other device
read as follows: that provides, in simple and
This action is not subject to Executive understandable language, information
Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, § 721.10925 Alkylpyrrolidones. about how to submit a safety-related
1997), because this action does not motor vehicle defect complaint to
address environmental health or safety (a) Chemical substance and
NHTSA; and prominently print the
risks, and EPA interprets Executive significant new uses subject to reporting.
information described above within the
Order 13045 as applying only to those (1) The chemical substances N-
owner’s manual.
regulatory actions that concern ethylpyrrolidone (CASRN 2687–91–4)
DATES: Comments must be received on
environmental health or safety risks that and N-isopropylpyrrolidone (CASRN
or before January 27, 2017. See the
EPA has reason to believe may 3772–26–7) are subject to reporting
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section on
disproportionately affect children, per under this section for the significant
‘‘Public Participation’’ for more
the definition of ‘‘covered regulatory new uses described in paragraph (a)(2)
information about written comments.
action’’ in section 2–202 of the of this section.
Executive Order. ADDRESSES: You may submit your
(2) The significant new uses are: comments, identified by Docket ID No.
H. Executive Order 13211: Actions (i) For N-ethylpyrrolidone (CASRN NHTSA–2015–0096, by any of the
Concerning Regulations That 2687–91–4), any use except for use as following methods:
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, reactant and in silicone seal remover, • http://www.regulations.gov: Follow
Distribution, or Use coatings, consumer and commercial the online instructions for submitting
paint primer, and adhesives. comments.
This action is not a ‘‘significant • Fax: NHTSA: (202) 493–2251.
energy action’’ as defined in Executive (ii) For N-isopropylpyrrolidone • Mail:
Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, (CASRN 3772–26–7), any use. Æ Docket Management Facility, M–30,
2001), because it is not likely to have (b) [Reserved] U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200
any effect on energy supply, New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building,
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
[FR Doc. 2016–28565 Filed 11–25–16; 8:45 am]
distribution, or use. Ground Floor, Rm. W12–140,
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
I. National Technology Transfer and Washington, DC 20590, Attention
Advancement Act (NTTAA) Docket ID No. NHTSA–2015–0096.
• Hand Delivery:
This rulemaking does not involve any Æ Department of Transportation, 1200
technical standards, and is therefore not New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building,
subject to considerations under section Ground Floor, Rm. W12–140,
12(d) of NTTAA, 15 U.S.C.272 note. Washington, DC 20590, Attention
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Nov 25, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\28NOP1.SGM 28NOP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_85706/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 228 / Monday, November 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules 85481
Safercar.gov Department of Transportation, National is likely to be practicable and the
Consumers can also report a vehicle Highway Traffic Safety Administration, information displayed likely to be
safety issue to NHTSA online at its Office of Defects Investigation (NEF– accessible to a consumer. The five
vehicle safety Web site: 100), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., options thus considered in this proposal
www.safercar.gov. The consumer can Washington, DC 20590. are: (1) the passenger’s sun visor; (2) the
select ‘‘Report Safety Problems’’ within The currently required text also does glove compartment; (3) the edge of the
the Vehicle Owners section of the home not advise vehicle users of the ability to driver’s door; (4) the driver’s side B-
page. The information that a consumer file a complaint on the safercar.org Web pillar, and (5) the headliner above the
submits via the Web site is recorded in site, or through the new safercar.gov sun visor. Section 31306 of MAP–21
VOQ format, entered into NHTSA’s mobile application. (‘‘. . . affix, in the glove compartment
consumer complaint database, and IV. Alternatives Considered and or in another readily accessible location
provided to NHTSA technical staff for Proposed for the Label on the vehicle . . .’’) appears to suggest
evaluation. NHTSA may provide that the glove compartment may be the
NHTSA first considered whether to best location for the label, however, the
information from the questionnaire to require a particular location for the label
the vehicle manufacturer. selection of the location is left to the
containing defect reporting language, or agency’s discretion.
U.S. Mail whether to leave the location up to the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines
manufacturer’s discretion. Section ‘‘accessible’’ as ‘‘capable of being
A consumer can also report a defect
31306 does not specify whether the reached, easy to communicate, capable
by sending a letter to the agency via U.S.
determination of location is to be made of being influenced, capable of being
mail.
by the agency or the manufacturer. used or seen, or capable of being
SaferCar Mobile Application NHTSA acknowledges that differing understood or appreciated.’’ 12 NHTSA
In March 2013, NHTSA launched its vehicles designs may mean that the notes that while Section 31306 does not
SaferCar mobile application that allows most accessible location for a label in a mandate that the required location be
consumers to access important vehicle particular vehicle also differs. We also determined to be the most accessible of
safety information from their mobile considered that there may be benefits to all the options, Congress appears to
devices.10 To report a safety complaint providing flexibility to manufacturers have given the accessibility of the
to NHTSA through the SaferCar mobile by allowing them to make the location information the highest priority of
application, a consumer who has a determination. The agency believes that potential factors. The agency notes that
smart phone or a tablet can download increased compliance flexibility often in the context of placing displays of
the SaferCar application for free, scan in has the potential to lower costs while information, the prominence of the
their vehicle identification number, and preserving manufacturer ability to placement directly influences the degree
follow instructions to submit their design to consumer preferences. In this to which the information can be seen,
complaint. The information collected case, however, the benefits to increased and thus the degree to which the
through this mobile application is manufacturer flexibility are believed to language can communicate and be
be minimal. The base estimated costs of understood. Prominence is thus an
similar to that which is collected online
implementing this proposal are believed important element of accessibility when
at SaferCar.gov.
Manufacturers are currently required to be low, and the agency does not considering where to put a label.
to include the following text in all believe that additional flexibility would Therefore, NHTSA first focused its
passenger vehicle owner’s manuals: 11 be able to provide any significant analysis on which prominent locations
further cost savings. In addition, the inside the vehicle could display
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect purpose of requiring such a label is to
which could cause a crash or could cause information that would then be highly
ensure that consumers encounter the accessible to (i.e., reachable by) vehicle
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety information; to the extent that a users.
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to manufacturer seeks to ‘‘blend’’ the label First, NHTSA considered the glove
notifying [INSERT NAME OF into preexisting vehicle designs, we compartment for prominence and
MANUFACTURER]. believe this may detract from the accessibility, as this location was
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it purpose of the requirement.
may open an investigation, and if it finds specifically suggested by Congress. We
On the other hand, we believe a believe this location may have been
that a safety defect exists in a group of standardized location for defect
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy suggested because of the common
reporting information would best practice of storing documents such as
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become
involved in individual problems between further the purpose of Section 31306 by the vehicle owner’s manual,
you, your dealer, or [INSERT NAME OF increasing the accessibility of the registration, and insurance information,
MANUFACTURER]. information through repeat consumer which a driver is likely to reference in
To contact NHTSA, you may call the exposure and expectations. We the event of an accident or problem with
Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1–888–327– anticipate that once the consumer has
4236 (TTY: 1–800–424–9153); go to http:// the vehicle. In addition, glove
encountered the information in a compartments face the vehicle
www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, particular vehicle location, he or she
NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., occupants and are generally within a
Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain would be more likely to associate the few feet of eye level, which may make
other information about motor vehicle safety information with the location and be information displayed within one more
able to access it again at a point when
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from http://www.safercar.gov. prominent than it would be in locations
it is sought (such as after a safety that are behind or to side of occupants,
NHTSA notes that this required text
incident has occurred or a defect or further from eye level.
uses an outdated mailing address. The
suspected). Therefore, we are proposing However, the agency believes that the
correct mailing address is: U.S.
to require a particular location for variety in current designs of glove
10 The current SaferCar mobile application is
placement of the language by all
available for the iOS and Android mobile operating manufacturers. 12 Merriam-Webster Online—http://
systems. NHTSA identified five locations on a www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accessible
11 49 CFR 575.6. vehicle where the placement of a label (last accessed January 23, 2013).
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 228 / Monday, November 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules 85483
which location is best and why. If To contact NHTSA, you may call the language is recommended and how it is
additional locations are suggested, Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1–888–327– likely to fulfill the statutory purpose
commenters are requested to provide 4236 (TTY: 1–800–424–9153); go to http:// better than the proposed text.
information on the accessibility, www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator,
NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street SW., Label Design
prominence, and practicability of the Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain
suggested location. NHTSA also invites other information about motor vehicle safety NHTSA believes the intent of Section
comments on whether its assumptions from http://www.safercar.gov. 31306 of MAP–21 was to provide
and assessment of the preferred location consumers with easily accessible and
Section 31306 of MAP–21 states that
are reasonable. Commenters are understandable information on how to
the label information must be ‘‘in
requested to provide supporting contact the agency with any vehicle
simple and understandable language.’’
information for their suggestions. safety-related defects and complaints.
Given the currently required language,
NHTSA does not believe that the
Specified Language NHTSA interprets one purpose of the
requirements under this rule are
NHTSA also considered whether to new requirement as relaying the same
intended to increase a manufacturer
require specified language to be printed basic information to vehicle users in a
burden beyond communicating the
on the label, or whether to leave the more straightforward and condensed
basic information on how to contact the
choice of language up to the vehicle manner appropriate for a sticker or
agency with a vehicle safety-related
manufacturer. Section 31306 of MAP–21 label. With that in mind, NHTSA
defect complaint.
does not specify whether the choice of developed the following proposed
language for the consumer information With that in mind, NHTSA is
actual content is to be made by the proposing the following simple design
agency or by the manufacturer. Given label:
requirements for the label, which are
that information on how to submit a Do you believe your vehicle has a safety- similar to the design requirements of the
safety-related defect complaint is related problem? air bag warning label and the rollover
relatively straightforward, and does not warning label: 20
The National Highway Traffic Safety
vary by vehicle type or design, we do • The title must be in a bold black
Administration (NHTSA) NEEDS to
not see a benefit to leaving the choice text.
know.
of language up to the manufacturer.
File your complaint with NHTSA • The message area must be white
Conversely, we believe that requiring
today! Filing a complaint is easy: with black text.
standardized language could prevent
confusion or inaccuracies that Online: http://www.safercar.gov • The pictograms must be black with
Toll-free Hotline: 1–888–327–4236 a white background.
customized language could produce.
Further, standardized language may
(TTY: 1–800–424–9153) • The label must be appropriately
Mail: U.S. Department of sized so that it is legible, visible and
have the benefit of creating a phrase Transportation, NHTSA, Office of
association for vehicle users that could prominent to the driver.
Defects Investigation, NEF–100, 1200 NHTSA believes that these
help them remember which agency to New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
contact with a safety-related concern requirements communicate the
DC 20077–9382. information as intended in the statute in
whether or not they remember where
the contact information is located Information about how to keep your an accessible, readable, and
within their vehicle. For these reasons, vehicle safe can be found at comprehensive manner. NHTSA
NHTSA is proposing standardized www.SaferCar.gov. believes that a simple black and white
language for the decal, label, or other NHTSA believes the above proposed label would effectively communicate
device. language would be easily readable and the necessary information, and that
Next, NHTSA considered proposed comprehensible, and that by sticking to requiring color on labels could create an
content for the labels. Information on brief, standardized content, the unnecessary financial burden to some
how to reach NHTSA with potential proposed device would effectively manufacturers. In regard to the font for
vehicle safety defect complaints is inform consumers of how to file a the label, NHTSA is not proposing
currently written in all passenger potential vehicle safety defect. The either a particular font face, font size, or
vehicle owner’s manuals. Manufacturers agency believes that longer strings of case for the label. In existing label
are currently required to include the information in this context are requirements (e.g., tire, rollover, and air
following text in all passenger vehicle unnecessary, and may detract from a bag), the agency has not encountered
owner’s manuals: 19 vehicle user’s ability to internalize the issues with leaving the font
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect information presented. The simple specifications up to manufacturers.
which could cause a crash or could cause listing format above is intended to make However, NHTSA is proposing to
injury or death, you should immediately it less likely that a vehicle user would specify that the text on the label be
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety miss the key message of the label or ‘‘legible, visible, and prominent’’ to the
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to device. driver.21 NHTSA is also not proposing
notifying [INSERT NAME OF NHTSA requests comment on the to specify a size, shape, or dimension
MANUFACTURER]. language, including whether it provides for the label, in order to provide
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it the necessary information on how to manufacturers the flexibility to design
may open an investigation, and if it finds contact NHTSA with vehicle safety- the placard and label in a manner that
that a safety defect exists in a group of
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
related complaints, and whether it is can be configured to each vehicle
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become simple and understandable. Should the design. This flexibility is similar to that
involved in individual problems between commenter have additional or revised provided in other label requirements.22
you, your dealer, or [INSERT NAME OF language to propose, the agency requests A sample of the proposed label is as
MANUFACTURER]. detail as to what additional or revised follows:
19 49 CFR 575.6. 20 See 49 CFR part 571.208; 49 CFR part 575.105, 21 See 67 FR 69617.
Vehicle Rollover. 22 Id.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 228 / Monday, November 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules 85485
would fulfill the statutory requirement. VI. Costs existing labels. NHTSA estimates that
NHTSA also requests comment on In determining estimated industry the one-time cost per manufacturer for
whether to require specific design costs associated with this proposal, the development of the label is $22.67,
requirements and whether to require the agency investigated potential ‘‘ball- assuming one hour of labor. The labor
owner’s manual information in a park’’ production cost and labor cost for cost estimate is based on the Bureau of
particular section of the manual, and labels and owner’s manual information. Labor Statistics Motor Vehicle
whether our assessment of the limited For purposes of the label cost Manufacturing average hourly wage of
benefits of such additional requirements estimate, NHTSA estimates the one-time production workers.23 See Table 1. The
is accurate. Commenters are requested cost and recurring annual cost total one-time industry cost to 22
to provide detailed explanations for any associated with producing a new, manufacturers of passenger cars and
recommendations. adhesive-type label that is separate from light trucks is estimated at $586.74.
TABLE 1—ESTIMATED ONE-TIME MANUFACTURER COST FOR LABEL
[2012 Dollars]
Estimated Estimated Cost per
One-time startup costs labor labor manufacturer
rate/hour hours
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Production Worker ........................................................................ $26.67 1 $26.67
We estimate the annual costs for estimate that affixing the label on the after it is assembled. We assume that
producing the label as follows. NHTSA sun visor would take approximately 15 16.5 million passenger vehicles will be
assumes a per-label cost of $0.04 and a seconds, based on the amount of time sold per year.25 Based on the above, we
labor value of $0.09 per label. To arrive we assumed the average worker would estimate that the total annual industry
at a labor value of $0.09, we estimate the take to open the vehicle door, position cost for the label, including printing and
average assembly line worker salary 24 the sun visor, and affix the label. This labor, is $2.15 million. See Table 2.
($21.14) divided by 60 minutes, divided also assumes that, like the VIN numbers,
by 60 seconds = $0.0059 per second. We the label would be affixed to the vehicle
TABLE 2—ESTIMATED TOTAL LABEL ANNUAL INDUSTRY COST
[2012 Dollars]
Labor value Cost w/out Industry
Number of vehicles Cost of label $ Labor
per label labor annual cost
16.5 million ........................................................................... $0.04 $0.09 $660,000 $1,485,000 ........................
Total cost ...................................................................... ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ $2,145,000
NHTSA developed the following cost complaint to the National Highway cost to vehicle manufacturers of
estimates for the development and Traffic Safety Administration. See Table $660,000 for printing the page in the
printing in simple and understandable 3. The cost of printing the page the size owner’s manual. The one-time cost to
language within the owner’s manual, of the required text is estimated at manufacturers for the information in the
information about how to submit a $0.04. Multiplying $0.04 by 16.5 million owner’s manual is negligible.
safety-related motor vehicle defect vehicles results in an estimated annual
TABLE 3—ESTIMATED OWNER’S MANUAL INFORMATION PRINTING COST
[2012 Dollars]
Annual costs Rate Pages Cost
Printing—per page ....................................................................................................................... $0.04 1 $0.04
16.5 million number of vehicles ................................................................................................... ........................ ........................ 660,000
The estimated total annual recurring available, the benefits of this proposed incidents or accidents across particular
cost to vehicle manufacturers is $2.8 rule are not quantifiable. However, model types on account of an expanded
million ($2.15 million label cost + $0.66 NHTSA believes that there would be or quickened defect reporting and
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
million owner’s manual cost). several qualitative benefits of this response process). Other anticipated
action. Some of the anticipated benefits benefits would fall to agency and the
VII. Benefits would fall to vehicle users. These industry in the form of efficiencies
As information on the effects of benefits could be direct (improved gained by closing information gaps. The
making defect reporting information consumer awareness and involvement) anticipated benefits of this proposal
more accessible to vehicle users is not or indirect (fewer vehicle safety include:
23 http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes519199.htm. 24 http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes512099.htm. 25 See 78 FR 55138.
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Document Created: 2018-02-14 08:35:50
Document Modified: 2018-02-14 08:35:50
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | Comments must be received on or before January 27, 2017. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section on ``Public Participation'' for more information about written comments. | |
| Contact | For technical issues: Hisham Mohamed, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-0307. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 85478 | |
| RIN Number | 2127-AL33 | |
| CFR Associated | Consumer Protection; Motor Vehicle Safety; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Tires |
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