Reports, Forms, and Recordkeeping Requirements

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