Published in the December 2016 issue of
Washington Update
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a final rule (FR) designed to reduce the risk of pedestrian crashes, especially for the blind and visually impaired. Also, to satisfy the mandate in the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act (PSEA) of 2010, this FR establishes a new Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) setting minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles. This new standard requires hybrid and electric passenger cars, light trucks and vans, and low speed vehicles to produce sounds meeting the requirements of this standard. This FR applies to electric vehicles and to those hybrid vehicles capable of propulsion in any forward or reverse gear without the vehicle's internal combustion engine operating. This standard will help to ensure that blind, visually impaired, and other pedestrians are able to detect and recognize nearby hybrid and electric vehicles, as required by the PSEA. Initial compliance is required, in accordance with the phase-in schedule, on September 1, 2018. Full compliance is required on September 1, 2019. Agency Contact: Mike Pyne, 202-366-4171.
PUBLISHED: 12/14/2016; ACTION: Final Rule; REFERENCE: 81 FR 90416; REG: 49 CFR Parts 571 and 585 EFFECTIVE: February 13, 2017.
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