Search Results for agency_names:"National Highway Traffic Safety Administration"

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking for public comments on their updated draft document, Cybersecurity Best Practices for the Safety of Modern Vehicles. This document is a revision of their 2016 guidance and focuses on improving vehicle cybersecurity with an emphasis on safety. NHTSA's recommendations are voluntary and aim to guide the automotive industry in managing cybersecurity risks in motor vehicles. The Agency is seeking feedback on the draft update, which includes new best practices addressing evolving cybersecurity challenges in vehicle electronics, software, and wireless connectivity.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced new guidelines for State Highway Safety Offices to follow in their Highway Safety Plans. These guidelines outline updated performance measures aimed at improving traffic safety. The performance measures are categorized into universal, strategic core, and state-developed, allowing states flexibility to address their specific safety concerns while focusing on national issues like fatalities and injuries. These changes aim to enhance transparency, improve program outcomes, and reduce burdens on states.

Michelin North America found that certain spare tires labeled Michelin TEX T195/65R22 do not fully meet the standards required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109 because they were marked with incorrect inflation pressures. The company reported this issue in May 2024 and requested that the noncompliance be considered minor and not affecting motor vehicle safety. The tires incorrectly show an inflation pressure of 350 kPa instead of the correct 420 kPa in one of the marked locations. Despite this mistake, Michelin argues that the tires are safe at both pressures and has taken steps to fix the issue on new tires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reviewing this petition but has not made any decision yet.

Daimler Truck North America, LLC (DTNA) discovered that a 2022 Western Star truck does not meet certain safety standards for electronic stability control. They believe this is not a significant safety issue because the system is only turned off in off-road settings where it’s less effective. DTNA has requested that they not be penalized or required to notify owners about this noncompliance, as they argue that disabling the system is necessary for safe driving on uneven terrains. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received this petition and is considering DTNA’s request.

Hercules Tire & Rubber Company found that some of their trailer tires had a misprint in the tire identification number (TIN), which showed the wrong manufacturing date. They asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to allow the misprinted TIN because they believe it doesn't pose a safety risk. NHTSA agreed, stating that consumers would likely recognize the error and not use the tires longer than they should. As a result, Hercules doesn't have to notify customers or offer a free fix for the error, though dealers still can't sell the tires knowing they have this issue.

Michelin North America, Inc. discovered that some of its replacement tires have a labeling issue where a code is printed backward. This error does not affect the tires' safety or performance. After reviewing Michelin's request, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration agreed that this issue is not a significant safety concern. Therefore, Michelin is not required to notify tire owners or provide a remedy for this minor labeling mistake.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition to allow the importation of 1997 Jeep Wrangler vehicles that did not originally meet U.S. safety standards. The petitioner, Wallace Environmental Testing Laboratories, claims the non-U.S. certified vehicles are substantially similar to U.S. versions and can be modified to meet the required safety standards. Public comments on the petition are invited by February 3, 2021.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the Department of Transportation, announced a new study to examine how Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) systems help drivers respond better. They plan to collect information from up to 80 drivers and want feedback from the public by May 9, 2025. The aim is to improve safety features in cars, reducing crashes by preventing lane departures. NHTSA will later release a report with their findings.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a final rule amending the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 to enhance seat belt warning systems. The rule requires new warnings for rear seats and updates existing ones for the driver and front passenger seats in vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less. It mandates that these warnings be visible and audible to encourage seat belt use, aiming to address safety concerns and reduce injuries and fatalities. These changes must be implemented by September 1, 2027, for rear seat warnings and by September 1, 2026, for front seat warnings, with manufacturers given two years to comply.

Mercedes-Benz discovered that some of their 2019-2020 model vehicles have brake warning lights that are slightly smaller than required by safety standards. After filing a report, they asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to decide if this issue is minor and doesn't affect safety. NHTSA agreed with Mercedes-Benz, stating that the smaller size of the warning lights doesn't significantly impact safety, as they are still visible and correctly convey their message. Therefore, Mercedes-Benz does not need to alert customers or fix the issue for free.