[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 65 (Monday, April 6, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16854-16856]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8968]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
[Docket Number NHTSA-98-3700]


Reports, Forms, and Recordkeeping Requirements

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation.

ACTION: Request for public comment on proposed collections of 
information.

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SUMMARY: Before a Federal agency can collect certain information from 
the public, it must receive approval from the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB). Under procedures established by the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995, before seeking OMB approval, Federal agencies must solicit 
public comment on proposed collections of information, including 
extensions and reinstatement of previously approved collections.
    This document describes seven collections of information for which 
NHTSA intends to seek OMB approval.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 5, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments must refer to the docket notice numbers cited at 
the beginning of this notice and be submitted to Docket Management, 
Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20590. Please 
identify the proposed collection of information for which a comment is 
provided, by referencing its OMB clearance Number. It is requested, but 
not required, that 2 copies of the comment be provided. The Docket 
Section is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Complete copies of each request for 
collection of information may be obtained at no charge from Mr. Michael 
Robinson, NHTSA Information Collection Clearance Officer, 400 Seventh 
Street, S.W., Room 6123, NAD-40, Washington, D.C. 20590. Mr. Robinson's 
telephone number is (202) 366-9456. Please identify the relevant 
collection of information by referring to its OMB Control Number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 
before an agency submits a proposed collection of information to OMB 
for approval, it must first publish a document in the Federal Register 
providing a 60-day comment period and otherwise consult with members of 
the public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of 
information. The OMB has promulgated regulations describing what must 
be included in such a document. Under OMB's regulation (at 5CFR 
1320.8(d)), an agency must ask for public comment on the following:
    (i) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including 
whether the information will have practical utility;
    (ii) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) How to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected;
    (iv) How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic 
submission of responses.
    In compliance with these requirements, NHTSA asks for public 
comments on the following proposed collections of information:
    (1) Title: Brake Hose Manufacturing Identification, Safety Standard 
No. 106.
    OMB Control Number: 2127-0052.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Abstract: Under the authority of the National Traffic and Motor 
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, Title 15 United State Code 
1932, Section 103, authorizes the issuance of Federal Motor Vehicle 
Safety Standards, (FMVSS). The Act mandates that in issuing any Federal 
motor vehicle safety standards, the agency is to consider whether the 
standard is reasonable and appropriate for the particular type of motor 
vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment for which it is prescribed. 
Using this authority, Standard 106, Brake Hoses was issued. This 
standard specifies labeling and performance requirements for all motor 
vehicle brake hose assemblers, brake hoses and brake hose end fittings 
manufacturers for automotive vehicles. These entities must register 
their identification marks with NHTSA to comply with this standard.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 30 hours.
    Number of Respondents: 20
    (2) Title: 49 CFR 575.104, Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards.

    OMB Control Number: 2127-0519
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit
    Abstract: 49 United States Code 30123(e) states: ``the Secretary 
shall perscribe a uniform quality grading system for motor vehicle 
tires to help consumers make an informed choice when purchasing 
tires.'' Additionally, it states that there shall be cooperation 
between the NHTSA, the industry, and the Federal Trade Commission to 
the maximum extent practicable in efforts to eliminate deceptive and 
confusing tire nomenclature and marketing practices.
    With this mandate, the agency established 49 code of Federal 
Regulations (CFR) 575.104--Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards 
(UTQGS). To carry out this mandate, NHTSA established a grading system 
for tires based on three different characteristics--treadwear, 
traction, and temperature resistance.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 1,043,000 hours.
    Number of Respondents: 140
    (3) Title: Procedures for Selecting Lines to be Covered by the 
Theft Prevention Standard (49 CFR 542)

    OMB Control Number: 2127-0539.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Abstract: The Anti Car Theft Act of 1992 (amended the Motor Vehicle 
Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1984 (P.L.98-547) requires this collection 
of information. One component of the theft prevention package requires 
the Secretary of Transportation (delegated to the National Highway 
Traffic Safety

[[Page 16855]]

Administration (NHTSA) to promulgate a theft prevention standard for 
the designation of high-theft vehicle lines. Provisions delineating the 
information collection requirements include section 33104, which 
requires NHTSA to promulgate a rule for the identification of major 
component parts for vehicles having or expected to have a theft rate 
above the median rate for all new passenger motor vehicles (cars, MPVs, 
and light-duty trucks--6000 lbs GVWR and below) sold in the United 
States, as well as with major component parts that are interchangeable 
with those having high-theft rate.
    The specific lines and parts to be identified are to be selected by 
agreement between the manufacturer and the agency. If there is a 
disagreement of the selection, the statute states that the agency shall 
select such lines and parts, after notice to the manufacturer and an 
opportunity for written comment.
    The procedures, contained in Part 542 (1) and (2) will be applied 
to those lines introduced before or after the 1997 model year (MY).
    Estimated Annual Burden: 4216 hours.
    Number of Respondents: 34.
    (4) Title: Owner's Manual Requirements-Motor vehicle and Motor 
Vehicle Equipment (49 CFR 571.108, 205, 208, 210 and 575.105).

    OMB Control Number: 2127-0541.
    Affected Public: Individuals, Households, Business, other for-
profit, Not-for-profit, Farms, Federal Government and State, Local or 
Tribal Government.
    Abstract: 49 U.S.C. 30117 authorizes the Secretary to require that 
manufacturers provide technical information, as for example information 
directed for publication in a vehicle owner's manual, related to the 
performance and safety specified in the Federal motor vehicle safety 
standards for the purposes of educating the consumer and providing 
safeguards against improper use.
    Using this authority, the agency issued the following FMVSS and 
regulations, specifying that certain safety precautions regarding items 
of motor vehicle equipment appear in the owner's manual to aid the 
agency in achieving many of its safety goals.
FMVSS No. 108--Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment
    This standard requires that certain lamps and reflective devices 
with certain performance levels be installed on motor vehicles to 
assure that the roadway is properly illuminated, that vehicles can be 
readily seen, and the signals can be transmitted to other drivers 
sharing the road, during day, night and inclement weather. In this 
particular case, a new manner of headlamp aiming is being allowed 
whereby owners as well as traditional vehicle service personnel could 
aim their vehicle's headlamps using equipment that is an integral part 
of the headlamp system. Since the specific manner in which aim is to be 
performed is not regulated (only the performance of the devices is), 
aiming devices manufactured or installed by different vehicle and 
headlamp manufacturers may work in significantly different ways. As a 
consequence, instructions for proper use must be part of the vehicle as 
a label, or optionally, in the vehicle owner's manual.
Part 575 section 103--Camper Loading.
    This standard requires that manufacturers of slide-in campers 
designed to fit into the cargo bed of pickup trucks affix a label to 
each camper that contains information relating to certification, 
identification and proper loading, and to provide more detailed loading 
information in the owner's manual of the truck.
FMVSS No. 205--Glazing Materials
    This standard specifies requirement for all glazing material used 
in windshields, windows, and interior partitions of motor vehicles. Its 
purpose is to reduce the likelihood of lacerations and to minimize the 
possibility of occupants penetrating the windshield in collision. More 
detailed information regarding the care and maintenance of such glazing 
items, as the glass-plastic windshield is required to be placed in the 
owner's manual.
FMVSS No. 208--Occupant Crash Protection
    This standard specifies requirements for both active and passive 
occupant crash protection systems for passenger cars, multipurpose 
passenger vehicles, trucks and small buses. Certain safety features, 
such as air bags, or the care and maintenance of air bag systems, are 
required to be explained to the owner by means of the owner's manual. 
For example, the owner's manual must describe the vehicle's air bag 
system and provide precautionary information about the proper 
positioning of the occupants, including children. The owner's manual 
must also warn that no objects, such as shotguns carried in police 
cars, should be placed over or near the air bag covers.
FMVSS No. 210--Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages
    This standard specifies requirements for seat belt assembly 
anchorages to ensure effective occupant restraint and to reduce the 
likelihood of failure in collisions. Manufacturers of vehicles that are 
not equipped with lap belt assemblies at front outboard passenger 
seating positions suitable for securing child restraints are required 
to include information in the owner's manual on the correct location 
and placement of seat belt anchorages which will provide this 
protection.
Part 575--Section 105--Utility Vehicles
    This regulation requires manufacturers of utility vehicles to alert 
drivers that the particular handling maneuvering characteristics of 
utility vehicles require special driving practices when these vehicles 
are operated on paved roads. A statement is provided in the regulation 
which manufacturers shall include, in its entirety or equivalent form, 
in the owner's manual.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 1095.
    Number of Respondents: 120.
    (5) Title: Petitions for Exemption from the Vehicle Theft 
Prevention Standard, 49 CFR Part 543.

    OMB Control Number: 2127-0542.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Abstract: 49 U.S.C. Chapter 331 requires the Secretary of 
Transportation to promulgate a theft prevention standard to provide for 
the identification of certain motor vehicles and their major 
replacement parts to impede motor vehicle theft. 49 U.S.C. section 
33106 provides for an exemption to this identification process by 
petitions from manufactures who equip covered vehicles with standard 
original equipment anti theft devices, which the Secretary determines 
are likely to be as effective in reducing or deterring theft as the 
identification system.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 96 hours.
    Number of Respondents: 12.
    (6) Title: Production Reporting System for Side Impact Protection 
Compliance 949 CFR Part 586.

    OMB Control Number: 2127-0558.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Abstract: 15 U.S.C. 1392 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle 
Safety Act of 1966, authorizes the issuance of Federal Motor Vehicle 
Safety Standards (FMVSS). The agency, in prescribing a FMVSS, is to 
consider available relevant motor vehicle safety data, and to consult 
with the Vehicle

[[Page 16856]]

Equipment Safety Commission and other agencies as it deems appropriate. 
Further, the Act mandates that in issuing any FMVSS, the agency 
considers whether the standard is ``reasonable, practicable and 
appropriate for the particular type of motor vehicles or item of motor 
vehicle equipment for which it is prescribed,'' and whether such 
standards will contribute to carrying out the purpose of the Act. The 
Secretary is authorized to revoke such rules and regulations as she/he 
deems necessary to carry out this subchapter.
    Using this authority, the agency issued the original FMVSS No. 214, 
``Side Door Strength,'' in October 30, 1970. On October 30, 1990, NHTSA 
amended FMVSS No. 214 to require dynamic side impact testing of 
passenger cars. The requirements was phased-in over a three-year period 
beginning on September 1, 1993. The title of the new standard is FMVSS 
No. 214 ``Side Impact Protection.''
    Estimated Annual Burden: 936 hours.
    Number of Respondents: 26.
    (7) Title: Upper Interior Component Head Impact Protection Phase-in 
Reporting Requirements.

    OMB Control Number: 2127-0581.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Abstract: 15 U.S.C. 1392 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle 
Safety Act of 1966, authorizes the isuance of Federal Motor Vehicle 
Safety Standards (FMVSS). The agency, in prescribing a FMVSS, is to 
consider available relevant motor vehicle safety data, and to consult 
with the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission and other agencies as it 
deems appropriate. Further, the Act mandates that in issuing any FMVSS, 
the agency considers whether the standard is ``reasonable, practicable 
and appropriate for the particular type of motor vehicle or item of 
motor vehicle equipment for which it is prescribed,'' and whether such 
standards will contribute to carrying out the purpose of the Act. The 
Secretary is authorized to revoke such rules and regulations as she/he 
deems necessary to carry out this subchapter.
    Using this authority, the agency issued the original FMVV No. 201 
``Occupant Protection in Interior Impact'' in 1967 for passenger cars. 
In 1979, the agency extended the standard to multipurpose passenger 
vehicles, trucks and buses with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. Under 
the mandate of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
Authorization Act of 1991, the agency has amended FMVSS No. 201 to 
require improved head protection in impacts against the vehicle upper 
interior components. The final rule proposes three alternative 
implementation plans at manufacturers' option (1) 100% effective, 
beginning September 1 or 1999, (2) 10%, 25%, 40%, 70% and 100% phase-
in, beginning September 1 of 2002 for final stage manufacturers and 
alterers only. The phase-in plan requires all manufacturers to report 
achievement of annual production quotas for the first four years during 
the phase-in period. The report is due within the 60 days after August 
31 or each production year. After the repoort is received, requirements 
will cease and no further report will be required.

    Issued on: April 1, 1998.
L. Robert Shelton,
Associate Administrator for Safety Performance Standards.
[FR Doc. 98-8968 Filed 4-3-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P