[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 133 (Thursday, July 12, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38017-38025]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-3382]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 571

[Docket No. NHTSA 2007-28694, Notice 1]
RIN 2127-AJ90


Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Tire Pressure Monitoring 
Systems

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; partial response to petitions for reconsideration.

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SUMMARY: This document responds in part to petitions for 
reconsideration of our statutorily-mandated rulemaking establishing a 
new Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) requiring 
installation in new light vehicles of a tire pressure monitoring system 
(TPMS) capable of detecting when one or more of a vehicle's tires is 
significantly under-inflated. We established the standard in a final 
rule published in April 2005. We responded to petitions for 
reconsideration of that final rule in a final rule published in 
September 2005. This final rule responds to the petition for 
reconsideration of our September 2005 final rule submitted by the 
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which raised a number of 
technical issues pertaining to the combined low tire pressure/TPMS 
malfunction indicator lamp. (The agency will respond subsequently in a 
separate notice to a second petition for reconsideration submitted by 
ETV Corporation Pty Limited.) We are granting the Alliance's petition, 
and through this document, we are amending the standard accordingly. We 
anticipate that today's amendments, which are of a minor technical 
nature, will not necessitate redesign of current TPMSs nor appreciably 
change the costs of compliance with the safety standard.

DATES: Effective Date: The amendments made in this final rule are 
effective August 13, 2007. Voluntary compliance is permitted 
immediately.
    Petitions for Reconsideration: If you wish to submit a petition for 
reconsideration for this rule, your petition must be received by August 
27, 2007. The agency will not consider redundant petitions.

ADDRESSES: Petitions for reconsideration should refer to the docket 
number above and be submitted to: Administrator, National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West 
Building, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20590.
    See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION portion of this document (Section 
VI; Rulemaking Analyses and Notices) for DOT's Privacy Act Statement 
regarding documents submitted to the agency's dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For non-legal issues, you may call Mr. 
George Soodoo or Mr. Samuel Daniel, Office of Crash Avoidance Standards 
(Telephone: 202-366-2720) (Fax: 202-366-4329).
    For legal issues, you may call Ms. Rebecca Schade, Office of Chief 
Counsel (Telephone: 202-366-2992) (Fax: 202-366-3820).
    You may send mail to these officials at the National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Summary of Decision
II. Background
    A. The TREAD Act
    B. Rulemaking History Prior to the April 2005 Final Rule
    C. The April 2005 Final Rule
    D. The September 2005 Final Rule; Response to Petitions for 
Reconsideration
III. New Petitions for Reconsideration
IV. Discussion and Analysis--TPMS Malfunction Indicator Lamp 
Telltale Requirements
V. Benefits and Costs
VI. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

I. Summary of Decision

    This document responds to a petition for reconsideration submitted 
by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance) related to our 
rulemaking establishing FMVSS No. 138, Tire Pressure Monitoring 
Systems, which was adopted in a final rule published in the Federal 
Register on April 8, 2005.\1\ The petitioner sought further amendments 
to the standard pertaining to matters that it deemed either to be 
insufficiently addressed by or newly arising from our September 2005 
final rule \2\ responding to petitions for reconsideration of the April 
2005 final rule. Specifically, the petitioner requested changes to the 
specifications for the TPMS malfunction warning provided by a combined 
low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction warning telltale (see section IV of 
this document for a complete discussion of issues raised in the 
petition and their resolution). We have decided to grant the petition 
for the reasons below. (We further note that a second petition for 
reconsideration was submitted by ETV Corporation Pty Limited (ETV), in 
response to which the agency is currently analyzing additional data. In 
order to prevent unnecessary delay in responding to the separate and 
distinct requests for amendment set forth in the Alliance's petition, 
we have decided to bifurcate our response to this latest round of 
petitions for reconsideration of the TPMS rulemaking. Accordingly, we 
have decided to respond to the ETV petition subsequently, as part of a 
separate document.)
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    \1\ 70 FR 18136 (April 8, 2005) (Docket No. NHTSA-2005-20586-1).
    \2\ 70 FR 53079 (Sept. 7, 2005) (Docket No. NHTSA-2005-22251-1).
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    After careful consideration of the Alliance's request and available 
data, the agency has decided to amend FMVSS No. 138 in response to one 
technical matter raised in this latest round of petitions for 
reconsideration, which involves the standard's requirements and test 
procedures related to operation of the combined low tire pressure/TPMS 
malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) telltale. Specifically, we have 
decided to retain the requirement for the system to detect a system 
malfunction and to initiate a 60-90 second flashing sequence by the 
combined TPMS telltale (followed by continuous illumination) within 20 
minutes of occurrence of that malfunction. However, we are amending the 
standard to provide that if the TPMS subsequently encounters 
additional, separate malfunctions, the TPMS may (but is not required 
to) initiate another flashing sequence for each distinct malfunction 
condition.
    As a related matter, we are amending the standard's test procedures 
to provide that only one malfunction will be simulated during each 
malfunction detection test (i.e., one per ignition cycle). Under the 
standard, the agency may still test for more than one malfunction, 
although each additional malfunction would be simulated in a

[[Page 38018]]

separate test during a different ignition cycle, rather than simulating 
multiple TPMS malfunctions simultaneously during the same ignition 
cycle.

Effective Date

    In light of the fact that the phase-in for FMVSS No. 138 commenced 
on October 5, 2005, we find that there is good cause to make these 
amendments effective 30 days after publication. The changes resulting 
from this final rule responding to the Alliance's petition for 
reconsideration generally involve requested technical modifications and 
clarifications to the standard. We believe that vehicle manufacturers 
and other interested stakeholders would benefit from rapid 
implementation of these amendments. We note, however, that vehicle 
manufacturers may voluntarily comply with the requirements of this 
final rule immediately.

II. Background

A. The TREAD Act

    Congress enacted the Transportation Recall Enhancement, 
Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000 \3\ on November 
1, 2000. Section 13 of that Act \4\ required the Secretary of 
Transportation, within one year of the statute's enactment, to complete 
a rulemaking ``to require a warning system in new motor vehicles to 
indicate to the operator when a tire is significantly under inflated.'' 
Section 13 also required the regulation to take effect within two years 
of the completion of the rulemaking. Responsibility for this rulemaking 
was delegated to NHTSA.
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    \3\ Pub. L. 106-414, 114 Stat. 1800 (2000).
    \4\ See 49 U.S.C. 30123 note (2003).
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B. Rulemaking History Prior to the April 2005 Final Rule

    Since passage of the TREAD Act, FMVSS No. 138 has had a protracted 
regulatory history. In summary, the agency published a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) \5\ on July 26, 2001, which was followed by 
a final rule \6\ published on June 5, 2002.
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    \5\ 66 FR 38982 (July 26, 2001) (Docket No. NHTSA-2000-8572-30).
    \6\ 67 FR 38704 (June 5, 2002) (Docket No. NHTSA-2000-8572-219).
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    After issuance of the June 2002 final rule, Public Citizen, Inc., 
New York Public Interest Research Group, and the Center for Auto Safety 
filed a lawsuit challenging certain aspects of the TPMS regulation. The 
Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (Second Circuit) issued its 
opinion in Public Citizen, Inc. v. Mineta \7\ on August 6, 2003, 
holding that the TREAD Act unambiguously mandates TPMSs capable of 
monitoring each tire up to a total of four tires. The Court's decision 
effectively precluded the one-tire, 30-percent under-inflation 
detection option in the June 5, 2002 final rule, or any similar option 
for a system that cannot detect under-inflation in any combination of 
tires up to four tires.
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    \7\ 340 F.3d 39 (2d Cir. 2003).
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    We note, however, that the Second Circuit was presented with a 
final rule that did not specify a requirement for TPMS operability with 
a spare tire, but the Court did not find fault with that aspect of the 
safety standard. Moreover, the petitioners in Public Citizen, Inc. v. 
Mineta did not object to that aspect of the TPMS final rule in their 
litigation filings.\8\ Instead, the Court's opinion explicitly 
sanctioned the agency's four-tire, 25 percent under-inflation detection 
option (without any provision requiring TPMS operability with spare 
tires), stating, ``We conclude that the agency's adoption of a one-
tire, 30 percent option was both contrary to law and arbitrary and 
capricious, and that the agency's adoption of the phase-in period and 
the four-tire, 25 percent option were not.'' \9\
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    \8\ The only reference to TPMS operability with spare tires was 
provided at page 7 of the petitioners' brief, which, in a 
description of different types of TPMSs, merely stated, ``Direct 
systems can also work with a spare tire.''
    \9\ Id. at 62.
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    Ultimately, the Court vacated the standard in its entirety and 
directed the agency to conduct further rulemaking. NHTSA published a 
final rule in the Federal Register on November 20, 2003, vacating FMVSS 
No. 138.\10\
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    \10\ 68 FR 65404 (Nov. 20, 2003) (Docket No. NHTSA-2003-16524-
1).
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    The agency commenced rulemaking efforts to re-establish FMVSS No. 
138 in a manner consistent with the Court's opinion and responsive to 
issues raised in earlier petitions for reconsideration, the majority of 
which remained relevant. To this end, the agency published a new NPRM 
\11\ on September 16, 2004, obtained and considered public comments, 
and published a final rule \12\ in the Federal Register on April 8, 
2005. (For a more complete discussion of the regulatory history of the 
TPMS rulemaking, readers should consult the June 5, 2002 final rule, 
the September 16, 2004 NPRM, and the April 2005 final rule.)
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    \11\ 69 FR 55896 (Sept. 16, 2004) (Docket No. NHTSA-2004-19054-
1).
    \12\ 70 FR 18136 (April 5, 2005) (Docket No. NHTSA-2005-20586-
1).
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C. The April 2005 Final Rule

    In re-establishing FMVSS No. 138, the April 2005 final rule 
required passenger cars, multi-purpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and 
buses with a GVWR of 4,536 kg (10,000 pounds) or less, except those 
with dual wheels on an axle, to be equipped with a TPMS to alert the 
driver when one or more of the vehicle's tires, up to all four of its 
tires, is significantly under-inflated.\13\ Subject to the phase-in 
schedule and the exceptions below, the final rule mandated compliance 
with the requirements of the standard, commencing with covered vehicles 
manufactured on or after October 5, 2005 (i.e., model year (MY) 2006). 
The standard is intended to be technology-neutral, so as to permit 
compliance with any available TPMS technology that meets the standard's 
performance requirements.
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    \13\ There are two types of TPMSs currently available, direct 
TPMSs and indirect TPMSs. Direct TPMSs have a pressure sensor in 
each wheel that transmits pressure information to a receiver. In 
contrast, indirect TPMSs do not have tire pressure sensors, but 
instead rely on the wheel speed sensors, typically a component of an 
anti-lock braking system, to detect and compare differences in the 
rotational speed of a vehicle's wheels, which correlate to 
differences in tire pressure.
    We anticipate that new types of TPMS technology may be developed 
in the future that will be capable of meeting the standard's 
requirements. For example, such systems might incorporate aspects of 
both direct and indirect TPMSs (i.e., hybrid systems). In concert 
with TPMS suppliers, tire manufacturers might be able to incorporate 
TPMS sensors directly into the tires themselves. In issuing a 
performance standard, NHTSA is cognizant of and seeks to encourage 
technological innovation.
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    The following points highlight the key provisions of the April 2005 
final rule.
     The TPMS is required to detect and to provide a warning to 
the driver within 20 minutes of when the pressure of one or more of the 
vehicle's tires, up to a total of four tires, is 25 percent or more 
below the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold inflation pressure 
for the tires, or a minimum level of pressure specified in the 
standard, whichever pressure is higher. These minimum activation 
pressures are included in Table 1 of FMVSS No. 138.
     The TPMS is not required to monitor the spare tire (if 
provided), either when it is stowed or when it is installed on the 
vehicle.
     The TPMS must include a low tire pressure warning telltale 
\14\ (yellow) that must detect (within 20 minutes) and remain 
illuminated as long as any of the vehicle's tires remain under-inflated 
(i.e., at a level below the standard's detection level for low tire 
pressure) and

[[Page 38019]]

the vehicle's ignition locking system is in the ``On'' (``Run'') 
position.\15\ The TPMS's low tire pressure warning telltale must 
perform a bulb-check at vehicle start-up.
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    \14\ As part of the final rule, we added two versions of the 
TPMS low tire pressure telltale and a TPMS malfunction telltale to 
Table 2 of FMVSS No. 101, Controls and Displays (since changed to 
Table 1).
    \15\ We note that if a vehicle manufacturer elects to install a 
low tire pressure telltale that indicates which tire is under-
inflated, the telltale must correctly identify the under-inflated 
tire. (See S4.3.2, as contained in the April 2005 final rule.)
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     The TPMS is required to be certified as meeting the 
standard's performance requirements with the tires originally installed 
on the vehicle at the time of initial vehicle sale. This requirement 
reflects a change from the June 2002 final rule, which required vehicle 
manufacturers to certify compliance with any optional or replacement 
tires of the size(s) recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. This 
modification to the standard was because of new information 
demonstrating that a small number of aftermarket and replacement tires 
have construction characteristics that may prevent the continued proper 
functioning of the TPMS when original equipment tires are replaced and 
because of the difficulty in identifying those problematic tires.\16\
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    \16\ Available information at the time of the April 2005 final 
rule showed that a very small number of replacement tires (estimated 
at less than 0.5 percent of production) may have characteristics and 
material content that cause the vehicle's TPMS to exhibit functional 
problems. Specifically, the Rubber Manufacturers Association 
submitted information on the prevalence of tires with 
characteristics identified as potentially being incompatible with 
proper TPMS functioning, at least in some cases. These problems are 
primarily related to the tires' construction (e.g., high carbon 
content in low aspect-ratio tires, thicker sidewall, or steel body 
ply sidewall). According to the RMA, in 2002, light vehicle tires 
having either steel body ply cords (steel casing tires) or run-flat 
capability accounted for less than 0.5 percent of tires distributed 
in the United States. (See letter from Steven Butcher, Vice 
President, Rubber Manufacturers Association, to NHTSA (October 31, 
2003) (Docket No. NHTSA-2000-8572-282)).
    At that time, the agency also noted information showing that 
there were over four million TPMS-equipped vehicles. (See letter 
from Robert Strassburger, Vice President, Alliance of Automobile 
Manufacturers, to NHTSA (October 20, 2003) (Docket No. NHTSA-2000-
8572-277)). As discussed in the April 2005 final rule, neither the 
agency nor vehicle manufacturers had received reports indicating any 
significant performance problems with those TPMSs when replacement 
tires are installed on the vehicle (see 70 FR 18136, 18159 (April 8, 
2005)), and the agency is similarly unaware of any significant 
compatibility problems between aftermarket TPMSs and replacement 
tires (see 67 FR 38704, 38731 (June 5, 2002)). This information was 
generally consistent with the information above suggesting that the 
magnitude of the compatibility problem between TPMSs and replacement 
tires is likely to be a small one.
    However, neither the agency nor the commenters were able to 
identify a clear design solution for this problem, one which would 
pose an insurmountable certification challenge for vehicle 
manufacturers if the agency were to require ongoing TPMS operability 
with all replacement tires. However, in light of the agency's 
concern that TPMSs should continue to provide safety benefits in the 
foreseeable event of replacement tires subsequently being installed 
on the vehicle, the agency adopted its present approach requiring a 
TPMS malfunction indicator lamp, which can also detect the presence 
of replacement tires that are not compatible with the TPMS.
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    The agency acknowledged the practicability concerns associated with 
vehicle manufacturers' trying to identify existing and future 
replacement tires which could negatively impact the performance of 
TPMSs, particularly given that tire production is outside the vehicle 
manufacturers' control. Although we agreed that this situation could 
pose substantial difficulties in terms of compliance certification, we 
also stated our continued belief that a typical vehicle will outlast 
its original set of tires and that drivers should continue to have the 
opportunity to receive the benefits of the TPMS after the vehicle's 
original tires are replaced. Accordingly, the agency decided on a new 
approach intended to accommodate both concerns, specifically through a 
requirement for a TPMS malfunction indicator (discussed immediately 
below) that can detect when tires installed on the vehicle are 
incompatible with the TPMS.
     The TPMS must also include a TPMS malfunction indicator to 
alert the driver when the system is non-operational, and thus unable to 
provide the required low tire pressure warning.\17\ The TPMS 
malfunction indicator must detect a malfunction within 20 minutes of 
occurrence of a system malfunction and provide a warning to the driver. 
This final rule provided two options by which vehicle manufacturers may 
indicate a TPMS malfunction:
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    \17\ We note that the TPMS telltale(s) may be incorporated as 
part of a reconfigurable display, provided that all requirements of 
the standard are met.
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    (1) Installation of a separate, dedicated telltale (yellow) that 
illuminates upon detection of the malfunction and remains continuously 
illuminated as long as the ignition locking system is in the ``On'' 
(``Run'') position and the situation causing the malfunction remains 
uncorrected, or
    (2) Designing the low tire pressure telltale so that it flashes for 
a period of at least 60 seconds and no longer than 90 seconds when a 
malfunction is detected, after which the telltale must remain 
continuously illuminated as long as the ignition locking system is in 
the ``On'' (``Run'') position. This flashing and illumination sequence 
must be repeated upon each subsequent vehicle start-up until the 
situation causing the malfunction has been corrected.
    If the option for a separate telltale is selected, the TPMS 
malfunction telltale must perform a bulb-check at vehicle start-up.
    In implementing FMVSS No. 138, NHTSA adopted a two-year phase-in as 
part of the April 2005 final rule, with a schedule as follows: 20 
percent of a vehicle manufacturer's light vehicles are required to 
comply with the standard during the period from October 5, 2005 to 
August 31, 2006; 70 percent during the period from September 1, 2006 to 
August 31, 2007, and all light vehicles thereafter. The final rule also 
included provisions for carry-forward and carry-backward credits at the 
manufacturer's option, as well as special timing provisions for small 
volume manufacturers, final-stage manufacturers, and alterers.
    Vehicle manufacturers are not required to comply with the 
requirements related to the TPMS malfunction indicator (including 
associated owner's manual requirements) until September 1, 2007; 
however, at that point, all covered vehicles must meet all relevant 
requirements of the standard (i.e., no additional phase-in for MIL 
requirements). The final rule also included phase-in reporting 
requirements consistent with the phase-in schedule discussed above.

D. The September 2005 Final Rule; Response to Petitions for 
Reconsideration

    NHTSA received a total of 17 petitions for reconsideration of the 
April 2005 final rule (two of which were subsequently withdrawn prior 
to issuance of the agency's decision). All of these petitions may be 
found in Docket No. NHTSA-2005-20586.
    The petitioners requested further amendments to the TPMS standard, 
most of which involved technical matters. These issues related to 
certain requirements of the April 2005 final rule, including: (1) The 
under-inflation detection level; (2) the under-inflation and 
malfunction detection times; (3) functioning of the TPMS with spare 
tires; (4) tire reserve load; (5) compliance testing conditions and 
procedures; (6) system disablement and reprogrammability; (7) telltale 
issues; (8) breadth of the malfunction detection requirement; (9) 
minimum activation pressure; (10) owner's manual requirements; (11) 
sharing of TPMS servicing information, and (12) phase-in calculations.
    In response to this first set of petitions, the agency published a 
final

[[Page 38020]]

rule in the Federal Register on September 7, 2005 that made a number of 
technical amendments to Standard No. 138, of which the following are 
relevant to the current petitions:
     While retaining the final rule's requirement for the TPMS 
malfunction indicator lamp to illuminate whenever there is a 
malfunction that affects the generation or transmission of control or 
response signals in the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system, the 
agency decided to amend the standard's test procedures to clarify that 
telltale lamps will not be disconnected because such malfunctions will 
be indicated during the bulb check(s) required under the standard.
     The rule amended the regulatory text in FMVSS No. 138 to 
clarify that for a combined low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction 
indicator telltale, the same flashing/continuous illumination sequence 
is required for one or more malfunctions that may affect the system 
simultaneously (i.e., no more than one flashing sequence per ignition 
cycle).

III. New Petitions for Reconsideration

    NHTSA received two petitions for reconsideration submitted in 
response to the September 2005 final rule for TPMS from ETV Corporation 
\18\ and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.\19\ These petitions 
may be found in Docket No. NHTSA-2005-22251. (As explained above, the 
agency will respond in a separate rulemaking document to the petition 
submitted by ETV Corporation; the amendments requested in the ETV 
petition will be discussed and addressed in that document. Accordingly, 
the balance of the discussion in this document will focus on the 
matters raised in the Alliance's petition for reconsideration.)
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    \18\ Docket No. NHTSA-2005-22251-2.
    \19\ Docket No. NHTSA-2005-22251-3.
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    As noted above, the Alliance's petition requested further 
amendments to FMVSS No. 138, primarily related to the specifications 
for the TPMS malfunction warning provided by a combined low tire 
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale. All of the issues raised in the 
Alliance's petition for reconsideration presently before us are 
addressed in the Discussion and Analysis section immediately below.

IV. Discussion and Analysis

TPMS Malfunction Indicator Lamp Telltale Requirements

    FMVSS No. 138 requires each TPMS to include a low tire pressure 
warning telltale that is mounted inside the occupant compartment in 
front of and in clear view of the driver and which is identified by one 
of the symbols for the ``Low Tire Pressure Telltale'' in Table 1 of 
FMVSS No. 101, Controls and Displays. The low tire pressure warning 
telltale is required to illuminate under the conditions specified in 
S4.2 of FMVSS No. 138, and it must also perform a check of lamp 
function when the ignition locking system is activated to the ``On'' 
(``Run'') position or a position between ``On'' (``Run'') and ``Start'' 
that is designated by the manufacturer as a check position. (See S4.3, 
as contained in the April 2005 final rule.)
    Under the final rule, the TPMS-equipped vehicle is also required to 
be equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator (beginning September 1, 
2007). This malfunction indicator may be provided either through a 
separate, dedicated telltale or through a combined low tire pressure/
TPMS malfunction telltale. For the separate TPMS MIL, the telltale must 
be mounted inside the occupant compartment in front of and in clear 
view of the driver and be identified by the word ``TPMS,'' as described 
under ``TPMS Malfunction Telltale'' in Table 1 of FMVSS No. 101. The 
dedicated TPMS malfunction telltale is required to illuminate under the 
conditions specified in S4.4 of FMVSS No. 138 for as long as the 
malfunction exists, and it must also perform a check of lamp function 
when the ignition locking system is activated to the ``On'' (``Run'') 
position or a position between ``On'' (``Run'') and ``Start'' that is 
designated by the manufacturer as a check position. (See S4.4(b), as 
contained in the April 2005 final rule.)
    If the vehicle manufacturer elects to provide a combination 
telltale, it must meet the requirements of S4.2 and S4.3, as discussed 
above, and paragraph S4.4(c)(2) of the standard in the April 2005 final 
rule, which required a TPMS malfunction to be indicated as follows:

    (2) Flashes for a period of at least 60 seconds but no longer 
than 90 seconds upon detection of any condition specified in S4.4(a) 
after the ignition locking system is activated to the ``On'' 
(``Run'') position. After this period of prescribed flashing, the 
telltale must remain continuously illuminated as long as the 
malfunction exists and the ignition locking system is in the ``On'' 
(``Run'') position. This flashing and illumination sequence must be 
repeated each time the ignition locking system is placed in the 
``On'' (``Run'') position until the situation causing the 
malfunction has been corrected.

    As discussed below, the Alliance's initial petition for rulemaking 
requested amendments related to the operation of the TPMS related 
telltale(s), one of which involved seeking clarification regarding how 
a combined TPMS telltale should operate when multiple malfunctions 
occur. The Alliance identified the following potential approaches: (1) 
Have one flashing sequence cover all TPMS malfunctions; (2) Have each 
malfunction trigger a separate warning, or (3) Extend the length of the 
flashing sequence to indicate more than one malfunction. The 
recommendation of the Alliance was to leave the choice among these 
approaches to vehicle manufacturer discretion.
    Regarding the issue of multiple malfunctions, we decided, in the 
September 2005 final rule, that for vehicles with a combined low tire 
pressure/TPMS malfunction warning indicator, the telltale must flash 
for a single period of at least 60 seconds, but no longer than 90 
seconds and then remain continuously illuminated. In that rule, we 
expressed our concern that permitting multiple flashing sequences could 
lead to consumer confusion and would undermine the consistency of the 
message provided across the vehicle fleet. We further stated that this 
flashing sequence is intended to alert the driver to any and all TPMS 
malfunctions detected by the system, and we expressed our belief that 
once a consumer is warned that a TPMS malfunction exists, that person 
would be expected to take the vehicle to a service professional to 
diagnose and correct the problem(s). This reaction is not likely to 
change depending upon the number of malfunctions, and we further stated 
that we anticipate that all conditions impairing operation of the TPMS 
would be resolved at that time. Accordingly, we amended the regulatory 
text of the standard to specify how multiple malfunctions would be 
indicated.
    Thus, in the September 2005 final rule, we made minor technical 
changes to S4.4(c)(2) of the standard to clarify this matter, which 
reads as follows:

    (2) When the ignition locking system is activated to the ``On'' 
(``Run'') position, flashes for a period of at least 60 seconds but 
no longer than 90 seconds upon detection of any condition(s) 
specified in S4.4(a). After this period of prescribed flashing, the 
telltale must remain continuously illuminated as long as a 
malfunction exists and the ignition locking system is in the ``On'' 
(``Run'') position. This flashing and illumination sequence must be 
repeated each time the ignition locking system is placed in the 
``On'' (``Run'') position until the situation(s) causing the 
malfunction(s) has (have) been corrected.


[[Page 38021]]


    In its second petition for reconsideration,\20\ the Alliance asked 
the agency to further clarify S4.4(c)(2). The Alliance asserted that 
that provision does not appear, on its face, to preclude initiation of 
a second flashing sequence during the same ignition cycle if the system 
detects a subsequent TPMS malfunction. However, as the Alliance stated 
in its petition, the preamble to the September 2005 final rule made 
clear the agency's intention to permit only a single flashing sequence 
per ignition cycle for the combined low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction 
telltale. The Alliance's second petition provided new information which 
more fully explained the nature of its concerns with S4.4(c)(2) and the 
anticipated impact that the agency's current provision would have on 
the automobile industry, if NHTSA were to continue to limit the TPMS 
malfunction indicator in a combined telltale to a single flashing 
sequence in one ignition cycle, even if subsequent TPMS malfunctions 
are detected.
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    \20\ The Alliance raised this issue in an October 24, 2005 
letter to the agency, which it alternatively asked to be treated as 
a request for a letter of interpretation pertaining to S4.4(c)(2) or 
a petition for rulemaking (Docket No. NHTSA-2005-22251-3). In a 
letter dated December 21, 2005, NHTSA responded that the language of 
the regulation and the portion of the preamble dealing with 
S4.4(c)(2), when read together, left little ambiguity in terms of 
how the agency would interpret that provision, so the agency stated 
its intention to treat the Alliance's letter as a petition for 
reconsideration of the September 2005 final rule (see Docket No. 
NHTSA-2005-22251-9).
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    According to the Alliance, the agency's current approach is unduly 
restrictive and would prevent a number of current system design 
architectures from complying with the standard's TPMS malfunction 
indicator requirements. The Alliance stated that many current vehicle 
architectures utilize ``distributed logic,'' in which the TPMS telltale 
can be independently commanded from different parts of the system. In 
terms of the system's operation, the Alliance further explained that 
the combined TPMS telltale, which is located in the instrument cluster, 
may be commanded to flash by the multi-function control module, or, if 
it loses communications with the multi-function control module, the 
telltale recognizes the loss and initiates a flash sequence.
    The Alliance stated that in most cases, a TPMS fault detected by a 
multi-function control module will initiate a flash sequence per the 
current requirements of S4.4(c)(2), but in extremely rare instances, 
communication between the multi-function control module and the 
telltale may be lost, which would result in a second flashing sequence 
during the same ignition cycle. However, the Alliance acknowledged that 
in such situations, subsequent ignition cycles would produce only a 
single flashing sequence due to such lost communications. (General 
Motors North America (General Motors) submitted supplemental 
information in support of the Alliance's petition intended to 
illustrate instances in which sequential faults in the TPMS could 
trigger the MIL to flash more than once during an ignition cycle.\21\)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ The General Motors submission explained the fault scenarios 
discussed in the Alliance's petition through a series of block 
diagrams of a generic TPMS showing a tire pressure sensor, a TPMS 
receiver, and a display controller. (See Docket No. NHTSA-2005-
22251-13.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Alliance argued that a requirement that a second flashing 
sequence never occur during the same ignition cycle would prohibit the 
use of a distributed logic and could, in effect, require all fault 
detection and control logic to be located at the telltale location. 
According to the Alliance, such system redesigns would not be 
practicable prior to the September 1, 2007 mandatory compliance date 
for the TPMS malfunction indicator requirements.
    In addition, the Alliance argued that no additional safety benefits 
would result from requiring system redesigns to ensure that combined 
TPMS malfunction indicators are limited to a single flashing sequence 
during each ignition cycle. The Alliance stated that the agency did not 
provide any data or study to show that multiple telltale flashing 
sequences resulting from multiple malfunctions would cause consumer 
confusion. Instead, the Alliance countered that current, voluntary TPMS 
malfunction systems operating in the manner described above have been 
in production for more than two years, and there has been no apparent 
consumer confusion.
    Furthermore, the Alliance argued that consumer confusion is 
unlikely, because multiple TPMS malfunctions during the same ignition 
cycle are expected to be highly infrequent events. (We note that Ford 
Motor Company (Ford) submitted confidential data showing the frequency 
of multiple TPMS malfunctions that would trigger a second MIL flashing 
sequence, an occurrence which the data showed to be an extremely rare 
event.\22\)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ Docket No. NHTSA-2005-20586-15.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based upon the above reasoning, the Alliance's petition requested 
that the agency permit, but not require, subsequent flash sequences 
when the initial malfunction is followed by others in the same ignition 
cycle, and it urged the agency to amend S4.4(c)(2) to read as follows:

    (2) When the ignition locking system is activated to the ``On'' 
(``Run'') position, flashes for a period of at least 60 seconds but 
no longer than 90 seconds upon detection of any singular condition 
specified in S4.4(a). After this period of prescribed flashing, the 
telltale must remain continuously illuminated as long as a 
malfunction exists and the ignition locking system is in the ``On'' 
(``Run'') position. This flashing and illumination sequence must be 
repeated each time the ignition locking system is placed in the 
``On'' (``Run'') position until the situation(s) causing the 
malfunction(s) has (have) been corrected. Subsequent malfunctions 
occurring during any key cycle may, but are not required to, 
reinitiate the prescribed flashing sequence at any time.

(Emphasis in original)

    After carefully considering the new information presented in the 
Alliance's second petition and the supporting information provided by 
General Motors and Ford, we have decided to amend the standard's 
requirements and test procedures related to operation of the combined 
low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction indicator telltale. Specifically, we 
have decided to retain the requirement for the system to detect a 
system malfunction and to initiate a 60-90 second flashing sequence for 
the TPMS combined telltale (followed by continuous illumination) within 
20 minutes of occurrence of that malfunction. However, we are amending 
the standard to provide that if the TPMS subsequently encounters 
additional, separate malfunctions, the TPMS may, but is not required 
to, initiate another flashing sequence for each distinct malfunction 
condition. As a related matter, we are amending the standard's test 
procedures to provide that only one malfunction will be simulated 
during each malfunction detection test (i.e., one per ignition cycle). 
Under the standard, the agency may still test for more than one 
malfunction, although this would be in separate tests during different 
ignition cycles, rather than simulating multiple TPMS malfunctions 
during the same ignition cycle. We are adopting this approach for the 
reasons that follow.
    Based upon the latest information provided by the Alliance and 
certain of its members, the agency now better understands the technical 
difficulties associated with requiring TPMSs with a combined telltale 
to limit the MIL flashing sequence to once per ignition cycle in the 
event of multiple, independent malfunctions. Redesigning affected TPMSs 
to overcome this technical limitation may not be

[[Page 38022]]

practicable prior to the September 1, 2007 compliance deadline for the 
MIL.
    Furthermore, the new information provided by Ford suggests that a 
second TPMS malfunction within an ignition cycle is likely to be an 
extremely rare event. A third TPMS malfunction within a given ignition 
cycle is likely to be a matter of only theoretical concern. 
Accordingly, we believe that the occurrence of more than one flashing 
sequence would be highly infrequent and, therefore, would not pose a 
nuisance to drivers or lead to considerable confusion. Although 
operation of the combined telltale may not be entirely uniform across 
the vehicle fleet, the message will nonetheless remain highly 
consistent, given the expected rarity of multiple TPMS malfunctions. 
Thus, in light of the data provided, we do not believe the potential 
delay that might accompany a strict limitation to one MIL flashing 
sequence for a combined telltale is warranted.
    Because we have decided to grant the request in the Alliance's 
petition to permit more than one MIL flash sequence during a given 
ignition cycle, it is no longer necessary to retain that aspect of 
S6(k) which provides for simulation of multiple TPMS malfunctions at 
the same time (i.e., to ensure that the combined TPMS telltale is 
limited to a single flashing sequence per ignition cycle). The system 
is still required to detect any TPMS malfunction, as required under 
S4.4(a). Accordingly, we have decided to amend the standard's test 
procedures to limit simulation of TPMS malfunctions to one per ignition 
cycle, which is consistent with the methodology employed in other 
Federal motor vehicle safety standards (e.g., FMVSS No. 105, Hydraulic 
and Electric Brake Systems (S7.9, Service brake system test--partial 
failure), FMVSS No. 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems (S7.10, Hydraulic 
circuit failure)). This modification will also simplify testing under 
the standard. However, the agency reiterates its intention to preserve 
its ability to test for more than one type of TPMS malfunction. We 
believe that such a provision is necessary to ensure the robustness of 
the system, although this objective will now be achieved by simulating 
different malfunctions during different ignition cycles, rather than 
multiple malfunctions during the same ignition cycle.

V. Benefits and Costs

    Section VI of the April 2005 final rule summarized the costs 
associated with the TPMS standard, as more fully described in the Final 
Regulatory Impact Analysis (FRIA)\23\ accompanying the final rule. The 
FRIA addresses the full range of anticipated costs related to TPMSs, 
including the cost of different TPMS technologies, overall vehicle 
costs, maintenance costs, testing costs, and opportunity costs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ Docket No. NHTSA-2005-20586-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In summary, the FRIA estimated that the average incremental cost 
for all vehicles to meet the standard's requirements would range from 
$48.44-$69.89 per vehicle, depending upon the specific technology 
chosen for compliance. Since approximately 17 million vehicles are 
produced for sale in the U.S. each year, the total annual vehicle cost 
is expected to range from approximately $823-$1,188 million per year. 
The agency estimated that the net cost per vehicle would be $26.63-
$100.25 (assuming a one-percent TPMS malfunction rate for replacement 
tires) and that the total annual net cost would be approximately $453-
$1,704 million.
    The agency has determined that the technical amendments resulting 
from this final rule responding to the Alliance's petition for 
reconsideration will not appreciably change the costs and benefits 
reported in the FRIA. Accordingly, the agency has decided that the 
estimates in that document remain valid and that additional analysis is 
not required.

VI. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

A. Vehicle Safety Act

    Under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, Motor Vehicle Safety (49 U.S.C. 30101 
et seq.), the Secretary of Transportation is responsible for 
prescribing motor vehicle safety standards that are practicable, meet 
the need for motor vehicle safety, and are stated in objective 
terms.\24\ These motor vehicle safety standards set the minimum level 
of performance for a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment to be 
considered safe.\25\ When prescribing such standards, the Secretary 
must consider all relevant, available motor vehicle safety 
information.\26\ The Secretary also must consider whether a proposed 
standard is reasonable, practicable, and appropriate for the type of 
motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment for which it is prescribed and 
the extent to which the standard will further the statutory purpose of 
reducing traffic accidents and associated deaths.\27\ The 
responsibility for promulgation of Federal motor vehicle safety 
standards has been delegated to NHTSA.\28\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ 49 U.S.C. 30111(a).
    \25\ 49 U.S.C. 30102(a)(9).
    \26\ 49 U.S.C. 30111(b).
    \27\ Id.
    \28\ 49 U.S.C. 105 and 322; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 
1.50.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As noted previously, section 13 of the TREAD Act mandated a 
regulation to require a tire pressure monitoring system in new 
vehicles. In satisfaction of this congressional directive, NHTSA 
established FMVSS No. 138, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, in a final 
rule published in the Federal Register on April 8, 2005. The agency 
received 17 petitions for reconsideration of the final rule (two of 
which were subsequently withdrawn), the agency published a final rule 
responding to petitions for reconsideration in the Federal Register on 
September 7, 2005, and the agency received two additional petitions for 
reconsideration in response to this latest TPMS rulemaking (one of 
which is addressed here). Most of these petitions requested amendments 
involving technical modifications. In this final rule partially 
responding to petitions for reconsideration, the agency carefully 
considered the statutory requirements of both the TREAD Act and 49 
U.S.C. Chapter 301.
    First, this final rule reflects the agency's careful consideration 
and analysis of all issues raised in the Alliance's petition for 
reconsideration. In responding to the issues raised in the petition, 
the agency considered all relevant motor vehicle safety information. In 
preparing this document, the agency carefully evaluated relevant, 
available research, testing results, and other information related to 
various TPMS technologies. In sum, this document reflects our 
consideration of all relevant, available motor vehicle safety 
information.
    Second, to ensure that the TPMS requirements remain practicable, 
the agency evaluated the potential impacts of the petition's requested 
actions in light of the cost, availability, and suitability of various 
TPMSs, consistent with our safety objectives and the requirements of 
the TREAD Act. As noted above, most of the changes contained in this 
final rule involve relatively minor modifications to the April 2005 and 
September 2005 final rules for TPMS. In sum, we believe that this final 
rule partially responding to petitions for reconsideration is 
practicable and will maintain the benefits of the TPMS standard, 
including prevention of deaths and injuries associated with 
significantly under-inflated tires, increased tread life, fuel economy 
savings, and savings associated with avoidance of property

[[Page 38023]]

damage and travel delays (i.e., from crashes prevented by the TPMS).
    Third, the regulatory text following this preamble is stated in 
objective terms in order to specify precisely what performance is 
required and how performance will be tested to ensure compliance with 
the standard. Specifically, this final rule makes minor modifications 
to the performance requirements for operation of the TPMS, in terms of 
providing warnings related to system malfunction. The standard's test 
procedures continues to carefully delineate how testing will be 
conducted, including malfunction testing. The agency continues to 
believe that this test procedure is sufficiently objective and would 
not result in any uncertainty as to whether a given vehicle satisfies 
the requirements of the TPMS standard.
    Fourth, we believe that this final rule partially responding to 
petitions for reconsideration will meet the need for motor vehicle 
safety by making certain modifications that will enhance the ability of 
the TPMS standard to provide a warning to the driver when the system 
becomes non-operational, thereby permitting the driver to take 
corrective action in a timely fashion and potentially averting crash-
related injuries.
    Finally, we believe that this final rule partially responding to 
petitions for reconsideration is reasonable and appropriate for motor 
vehicles subject to the applicable requirements. As discussed elsewhere 
in this notice, the modifications to the standard resulting from this 
final rule will further the agency's efforts to address Congress' 
concern that significantly under-inflated tires could lead to tire 
failures resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. Under the TREAD 
Act, Congress mandated installation of a system in new vehicles to 
alert the driver when a tire is significantly under-inflated, and NHTSA 
has determined that TPMSs meeting the requirements of this final rule 
offer an effective countermeasure in these situations. Accordingly, we 
believe that this final rule is appropriate for covered vehicles that 
are or would become subject to these provisions of FMVSS No. 138 
because it furthers the agency's objective of preventing deaths and 
serious injuries associated with significantly under-inflated tires.

B. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (58 FR 
51735, October 4, 1993), provides for making determinations whether a 
regulatory action is ``significant'' and therefore subject to OMB 
review and to the requirements of the Executive Order. The Order 
defines a ``significant regulatory action'' as one that is likely to 
result in a rule that may:
    (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or 
adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local, or Tribal governments or 
communities;
    (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
action taken or planned by another agency;
    (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
thereof; or
    (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
the Executive Order.
    Although the April 2005 final rule was determined to be 
economically significant, this final rule partially responding to 
petitions for reconsideration involves only relatively minor technical 
amendments to FMVSS No. 138. Accordingly, this rulemaking document was 
not reviewed under E.O. 12866. Further, this action has been determined 
to be ``not significant'' under the Department of Transportation's 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures. The agency has estimated that the 
incremental costs associated with the minor modifications to the 
standard resulting from this final rule will not appreciably change the 
costs of compliance with FMVSS No. 138. Accordingly, the figures 
presented in the Final Regulatory Impact Analysis, docketed along with 
the April 2005 final rule, remain apposite without modification.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) of 1996), whenever an agency is required to publish a notice 
of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make 
available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that 
describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small 
businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). 
The Small Business Administration's regulations at 13 CFR Part 121 
define a small business, in part, as a business entity ``which operates 
primarily within the United States.'' (13 CFR 121.105(a)). No 
regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency 
certifies the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. SBREFA amended the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to provide a statement of 
the factual basis for certifying that a rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    NHTSA has considered the effects of this final rule under the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act. I certify that this final rule would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The rationale for this certification is that the present 
final rule partially responding to petitions for reconsideration only 
makes minor technical modifications to the safety standard for TPMS. As 
discussed in detail in the April 2005 final rule establishing FMVSS No. 
138, we do not anticipate that the TPMS standard will have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, 
and nothing in this final rule would change either that assessment or 
its underlying reasoning.

D. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    NHTSA has examined today's final rule pursuant to Executive Order 
13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and concluded that no additional 
consultation with States, local governments, or their representatives 
is mandated beyond the rulemaking process. The agency has concluded 
that the rule does not have federalism implications, because the rule 
does not have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and the responsibilities among the various levels 
of government.''
    Further, no consultation is needed to discuss the preemptive effect 
of today's rule. NHTSA rules can have preemptive effect in at least two 
ways. First, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act contains 
an express preemptive provision: ``When a motor vehicle safety standard 
is in effect under this chapter, a State or a political subdivision of 
a State may prescribe or continue in effect a standard applicable to 
the same aspect of performance of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle 
equipment only if the standard is identical to the standard prescribed 
under this chapter.'' 49 U.S.C. 30102(b)(1). In addition, we note that 
the final rule establishing a safety standard for tire pressure 
monitoring systems was mandated by Congress, pursuant to section 13 of 
the TREAD Act. It is this statutory commands that preempts State law, 
not today's

[[Page 38024]]

rulemaking, so consultation would be inappropriate.
    In addition to the express pre-emption noted above, the Supreme 
Court has also recognized that State requirements imposed on motor 
vehicle manufacturers, including sanctions imposed by State tort law, 
can stand as an obstacle to the accomplishment and execution of a NHTSA 
safety standard. When such a conflict is discerned, the Supremacy 
Clause of the Constitution makes their State requirements 
unenforceable. See Geier v. American Honda Motor Co., 529 U.S. 861 
(2000). NHTSA has not outlined such potential State requirements in 
today's rulemaking, however, in part because such conflicts can arise 
in varied contexts, but it is conceivable that such a conflict may 
become clear through subsequent experience with today's standard and 
test regime. NHTSA may opine on such conflicts in the future, if 
warranted. See id. at 883-86.

E. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    With respect to the review of the promulgation of a new regulation, 
section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil Justice Reform'' (61 FR 
4729, February 7, 1996) requires that Executive agencies make every 
reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies 
the pre-emptive effect; (2) clearly specifies the effect on existing 
Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for 
affected conduct, while promoting simplification and burden reduction; 
(4) clearly specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately 
defines key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting 
clarity and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the 
Attorney General. This document is consistent with that requirement. 
Pursuant to this Order, NHTSA notes as follows. The pre-emptive effect 
of this rule is discussed above. NHTSA notes further that there is no 
requirement that individuals submit a petition for reconsideration or 
pursue other administrative proceeding before they may file suit in 
court.

F. Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health and Safety Risks)

    Executive Order 13045, ``Protection of Children from Environmental 
Health and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 19855, April 23, 1997), applies to any 
rule that: (1) Is determined to be ``economically significant'' as 
defined under Executive Order 12866, and (2) concerns an environmental, 
health, or safety risk that the agency has reason to believe may have a 
disproportionate effect on children. If the regulatory action meets 
both criteria, the agency must evaluate the environmental health or 
safety effects of the planned rule on children, and explain why the 
planned regulation is preferable to other potentially effective and 
reasonably feasible alternatives considered by the agency.
    This final rule partially responding to petitions for 
reconsideration is not an economically significant regulatory action 
under Executive Order 12866, and furthermore, the problems associated 
with underinflated tires equally impact all persons riding in a 
vehicle, regardless of age. Consequently, this final rule does not 
involve decisions based upon health and safety risks that 
disproportionately affect children, as would necessitate further 
analysis under Executive Order 13045.

G. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), a person is not 
required to respond to a collection of information by a Federal agency 
unless the collection displays a valid OMB control number. As part of 
the April 2005 final rule, each of the estimated 21 affected vehicle 
manufacturers is required to provide one phase-in report for each of 
two years, beginning in the fall of 2006.
    Pursuant to the June 5, 2002 TPMS final rule, the OMB approved the 
collection of information ``Phase-In Production Reporting Requirements 
for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems,'' assigning it Control No. 2127-
0631 (expiration 6/30/06). NHTSA has been given OMB clearance to 
collect a total of 42 hours a year (2 hours per respondent) for the 
TPMS phase-in reporting. NHTSA subsequently requested and was granted 
an OMB extension of this clearance (expiration 9/30/09).
    However, the present final rule partially responding to petitions 
for reconsideration does not contain any additional information 
collection requirements beyond those contained in the April 2005 final 
rule.

H. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, (15 U.S.C. 272) directs the 
agency to evaluate and use voluntary consensus standards in its 
regulatory activities unless doing so would be inconsistent with 
applicable law or is otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus 
standards are technical standards (e.g., materials specifications, test 
methods, sampling procedures, and business practices) that are 
developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies, such as 
the Society of Automotive Engineers. The NTTAA directs us to provide 
Congress (through OMB) with explanations when we decide not to use 
available and applicable voluntary consensus standards. The NTTAA does 
not apply to symbols.
    There are no voluntary consensus standards related to TPMS 
available at this time. However, NHTSA will consider any such standards 
as they become available.

I. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) 
requires federal agencies to prepare a written assessment of the costs, 
benefits, and other effects of proposed or final rules that include a 
Federal mandate likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, or 
tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of more 
than $100 million annually (adjusted for inflation with base year of 
1995 (so currently about $118 million in 2004 dollars)). Before 
promulgating a NHTSA rule for which a written statement is needed, 
section 205 of the UMRA generally requires the agency to identify and 
consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and adopt the 
least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome alternative that 
achieves the objectives of the rule. The provisions of section 205 do 
not apply when they are inconsistent with applicable law. Moreover, 
section 205 allows the agency to adopt an alternative other than the 
least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome alternative if 
the agency publishes with the final rule an explanation of why that 
alternative was not adopted.
    As discussed in that notice, the April 2005 final rule establishing 
FMVSS No. 138 is not expected to result in the expenditure by State, 
local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, of more than $118 
million annually, but it is expected to result in an expenditure of 
that magnitude by vehicle manufacturers and/or their suppliers. In that 
final rule, NHTSA adopted a performance requirement for a system with a 
four-tire, 25-percent under-inflation detection capability; we believe 
that this approach is consistent with safety and the mandate in the 
TREAD Act, and it should provide a number of technological choices, 
thereby offering broad flexibility to minimize costs of compliance with 
the standard.

[[Page 38025]]

    In contrast, the present final rule partially responding to 
petitions for reconsideration only makes technical modifications to the 
standard. Therefore, we do not believe that this final rule will 
appreciably change the costs of compliance with FMVSS No. 138. 
Therefore, the agency has not prepared an economic assessment pursuant 
to the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

J. National Environmental Policy Act

    NHTSA has analyzed this rulemaking action for the purposes of the 
National Environmental Policy Act. The agency has determined that 
implementation of this action will not have any significant impact on 
the quality of the human environment.

K. Regulatory Identifier Number (RIN)

    The Department of Transportation assigns a regulation identifier 
number (RIN) to each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of 
Federal Regulations. The Regulatory Information Service Center 
publishes the Unified Agenda in April and October of each year. You may 
use the RIN contained in the heading at the beginning of this document 
to find this action in the Unified Agenda.

L. Privacy Act

    Please note that anyone is able to search the electronic form of 
all comments received into 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 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78), or 
you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR part 571

    Motor vehicle safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Tires.

0
In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA is amending 49 CFR part 571 as 
follows:

PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS

0
1. The authority citation for Part 571 of Title 49 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117, and 30166; 
delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.


0
2. Section 571.138 is amended by revising paragraphs S4.4(c)(2) and 
S6(k), and adding paragraph S6(o) to read as follows:


Sec.  571.138  Standard No. 138; Tire pressure monitoring systems.

* * * * *
    S4.4 TPMS malfunction.
* * * * *
    (c) Combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale. * * *
* * * * *
    (2) Flashes for a period of at least 60 seconds but no longer than 
90 seconds upon detection of any condition specified in S4.4(a) after 
the ignition locking system is activated to the ``On'' (``Run'') 
position. After each period of prescribed flashing, the telltale must 
remain continuously illuminated as long as a malfunction exists and the 
ignition locking system is in the ``On'' (``Run'') position. This 
flashing and illumination sequence must be repeated each time the 
ignition locking system is placed in the ``On'' (``Run'') position 
until the situation causing the malfunction has been corrected. 
Multiple malfunctions occurring during any ignition cycle may, but are 
not required to, reinitiate the prescribed flashing sequence.
* * * * *
    S6 Test procedures.
* * * * *
    (k) Simulate one TPMS malfunction by disconnecting the power source 
to any TPMS component, disconnecting any electrical connection between 
TPMS components, or installing a tire or wheel on the vehicle that is 
incompatible with the TPMS. When simulating a TPMS malfunction, the 
electrical connections for the telltale lamps are not to be 
disconnected.
* * * * *
    (o) The test may be repeated using the test procedures in 
paragraphs S6(k)-(n), with each such test limited to simulation of a 
single malfunction.
* * * * *

    Issued: July 5, 2007.
Nicole R. Nason,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 07-3382 Filed 7-6-07; 4:34 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P