NHTSA Issues NPRM on Modifications

Sept. 30, 2010
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend regulations to correct and expand a reference in an exemption relating to the Federal motor vehicle safety standard for side impact protection

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend regulations to correct and expand a reference in an exemption relating to the Federal motor vehicle safety standard for side impact protection.

The expanded exemption would facilitate the mobility of physically disabled drivers and passengers.

49 CFR part 595 subpart C sets forth exemptions to permit, under limited circumstances, vehicle modifications that take the vehicles out of compliance with certain FMVSSs when the vehicles are modified to be used by persons with disabilities after the first retail sale of the vehicle for purposes other than resale. The regulation was promulgated to facilitate the modification of motor vehicles so that persons with disabilities can drive or ride in them. The regulation involves information and disclosure requirements and limits the extent of modifications that may be made.

Comments should be submitted early enough to ensure that the Docket receives them not later than October 28.