96-22058. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 169 (Thursday, August 29, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 45359-45364]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-22058]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
    
    49 CFR Part 571
    
    [Docket No. 95-87; Notice 2]
    RIN 2127-AF78
    
    
    Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Lamps, Reflective Devices 
    and Associated Equipment
    
    AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This document amends Standard No. 108, the Federal motor 
    vehicle standard on lighting, to adopt new photometric requirements for 
    motorcycle headlamps. The requirements will improve the objectivity of 
    the aiming of their upper beam. The new photometric requirements are 
    those of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J584 OCT93, 
    added as a new Figure 32 to Standard No. 108. They will exist 
    simultaneously with the current photometric requirements of SAE J584 
    April 1964 until September 1, 2000, when they become mandatory for new 
    vehicle equipment. When being tested for photometric compliance with 
    Figure 32, the upper beam of motorcycle headlamps will be aimed 
    photoelectrically, instead of visually, as at present.
        The amendments will enhance motor vehicle safety by improving 
    visibility for the motorcycle operator, and detectability of his or her 
    machine.
    
    DATES: The final rule is effective October 15, 1996. Conformance with 
    its requirements is optional until September 1, 2000, when it becomes 
    mandatory.
        Petitions for reconsideration must be filed not later than October 
    15, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Petitions for reconsideration must refer to Docket No. 95-
    87; Notice 2 and be submitted to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh 
    Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jere Medlin, Office of Safety 
    Performance Standards, NHTSA (Telephone: 202-366-5276; FAX: 202-366-
    4329).
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, 
    and Associated Equipment, specifies requirements for motorcycle 
    headlamps. Principally, these are the specifications of SAE Standard 
    J584 April 1964, which have been incorporated by reference into 
    Standard No. 108.
    
    Petition for Rulemaking
    
        The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) petitioned for rulemaking to 
    amend Standard No. 108 to allow SAE Standard J584 OCT93 as an 
    alternative to SAE J584 April 1964. According to MIC, motorcycle 
    headlamps designed to conform to SAE J584 April 1964 have difficulty in 
    providing sufficient lower beam illumination directly in front of the 
    motorcycle, a need met by SAE J584 OCT93. Further, adoption of the 1993 
    requirements would allow manufacturers to install the same headlamp 
    design on motorcycles sold in the United States as are currently being 
    installed on motorcycles sold in 50 other countries.
    
    The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
    
        In response to MIC's petition, NHTSA published a notice of proposed 
    rulemaking (NPRM) on February 21, 1996 (61 FR 6616). NHTSA noted in the 
    NPRM that, although it had granted MIC's petition, SAE J584 OCT93 is 
    inappropriate for incorporation in full into Standard No. 108 because 
    J584 OCT93 contains three sets of photometric specifications for five 
    different classes of motorcycles. Standard No 108, on the other hand 
    (J584 April 1964), contains two sets of photometric specifications, 
    applicable to motorcycles and to motor driven cycles, i.e., motorcycles 
    with 5 horsepower or less.
    
    [[Page 45360]]
    
        The specifications of SAE J584 OCT93 that did appear appropriate to 
    NHTSA for inclusion in Standard No. 108 were the photometric 
    requirements of Table 2, essentially refinements of those contained in 
    the 1964 SAE standard applicable to motorcycles and to motor driven 
    cycles. The primary differences are that both the maxima and minima 
    candela are increased in J584 OCT93. Further, specifications are added 
    for seven new test points on the lower beam (five for motor driven 
    cycles), and seven on the upper beam (one for motor driven cycles). 
    This increase in performance over that provided by the 1964 
    specifications promises better visibility for the operator and 
    detectability by other motorists. This could reduce crashes for 
    motorcyclists. Because of this potential to enhance safety, NHTSA 
    tentatively concluded that the photometric requirements of Table 2 J584 
    OCT93 should become mandatory. In NHTSA's view, the permanent co-
    existence of two SAE standards, which prescribe different minima for 
    the same test points, would undermine efforts to enforce the new, 
    higher set of requirements.
        However, because SAE J584 OCT93 prescribes higher test point minima 
    than Standard No. 108's J584 April 1964, current motorcycle headlamps 
    cannot be certified to meet the new SAE specifications. Consequently, 
    NHTSA stated that it would be willing to allow a period of time in 
    which the two specifications would co-exist as options until industry 
    could retool for compliance with the newer ones. The agency was 
    uncertain as to the time needed for headlamp redesign. For this reason, 
    it proposed that the new requirements (contained in proposed Figure 31) 
    become mandatory not earlier than two years and not later than four 
    years after publication of the final rule, with optional compliance 
    permitted beginning 30 days after publication. NHTSA requested comments 
    on the appropriate lead time to make the proposed changes to motorcycle 
    headlamp photometry.
        On its own initiative, the agency reviewed the new and old SAE 
    requirements to determine if there were other areas in which motorcycle 
    headlamp performance could be enhanced. It found one such area. The 
    April 1964 version of SAE J584 allows the upper headlamp beam to be 
    aimed visually during the photometric test, while all subsequent 
    versions have specified that it be aimed photoelectrically. Because a 
    Federal motor vehicle safety standard by definition must be 
    ``objective'', NHTSA tentatively concluded that a requirement for 
    photoelectric aim of the upper beam would improve the objectivity of 
    Standard No. 108, and assist manufacturers in their determinations of 
    compliance for certification purposes. Therefore, it proposed that this 
    method of aiming be used in testing headlamps to the photometrics of 
    Figure 31.
        In summary, the agency stated that the two amendments would be 
    effectuated as follows. The amendments would be added to Standard No. 
    108 thirty days after publication of the final rule. At that time, a 
    manufacturer would have the choice of continuing to conform to the 1964 
    photometrics and visual determination of upper beam compliance, or to 
    conform to the photometrics of Figure 31 and photoelectric 
    determination of upper beam compliance. As of a date two to four years 
    after publication of the final rule, the manufacturer would be required 
    to conform to Figure 31 and photoelectric determination.
        Finally, the agency proposed to place all requirements pertaining 
    to the performance of motorcycle headlamps in S7, Headlighting 
    requirements, which currently incorporates all such requirements for 
    motor vehicles other than motorcycles. New paragraph S7.9 would 
    accomplish this purpose. Paragraphs S5.1.1.23, S5.1.1.24, and S5.6 
    (headlamp modulation systems) would become paragraphs S7.9.3, S7.9.5, 
    and S7.9.4, respectively.
    
    Comments on the NPRM
    
        Comments were received from MIC, Stanley Electric Co. Ltd. 
    (Stanley), Koito Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Koito), American Suzuki Motor 
    Corporation (Suzuki), and American Honda Motor Co. (Honda). Four 
    principal issues were raised.
        Leadtime. All commenters supported a leadtime of 4 years for 
    mandatory compliance with the requirements proposed by the NPRM, some 
    saying that it was ``appropriate'' and others that it was the 
    ``minimum'' required. A typical comment was that of Suzuki, which said 
    that in some cases, a leadtime of less than 4 years could require 
    costly headlamp redesign for motorcycles shortly before they are 
    replaced with new models. On the other hand, allowance of a 4-year lead 
    time would be adequate to modify existing product lines and incorporate 
    the new requirements in a cost effective manner.
        NHTSA has heeded these comments. Given the support for the maximum 
    leadtime proposed, and the likelihood that manufacturers will phase-in 
    compliance with the new requirements before that time, as they replace 
    existing models, mandatory compliance with the final rule will be 
    required as of September 1, 2000.
        Photometric Requirements. Koito and Suzuki opposed some of the 
    values proposed. Specifically, they requested that the maximum 
    intensity for upper beam headlamps at test point 4D-V be increased from 
    7,500 cd to 12,000 cd, and that the 75,000 cd maximum at any point be 
    removed, or replaced with a maximum of 112,500 cd. It supported its 
    position with the rationale that mainstream motorcycles in the United 
    States are equipped with two-lamp headlamp systems and that each lamp 
    is photometered separately. Then the values at the test points are 
    added. Also, Figure 17A of Standard No. 108 allows a value of 12,000 cd 
    at 4D-V, and a two-lamp system often exceeds a 7,500 cd value.
        These comments appear based upon a misunderstanding of Standard No. 
    108. When a motorcycle is equipped with a two-lamp headlamp system, 
    there is no summing of test point values in determining compliance. 
    Each headlamp for use on a motorcycle must comply with specified 
    photometrics for a single lamp, and not as a system of two headlamps. 
    Thus, the maximum values apply to a single headlamp, and not the system 
    of two headlamps as the commenters appear to believe.
        Therefore, there is no reason to increase the values in the final 
    rule from those originally proposed. Conversely, should a motorcycle be 
    equipped with a single headlamp incorporating dual light sources to 
    achieve either the upper or lower beam, the headlamp must be tested for 
    photometric compliance with both light sources energized 
    simultaneously, and the lamp must be designed to comply in this manner.
        Aftermarket Replacement Headlamps. MIC is concerned that lamp 
    manufacturers will be required to discontinue production of lamps for 
    the replacement aftermarket that do not conform to the new standard. In 
    its view, this could support a phase-in period longer than 4 years in 
    order to provide proper replacement lighting for older, in-use 
    motorcycles.
        NHTSA understands MIC's concern. The agency has reviewed paragraph 
    S5.8 Replacement Equipment of Standard No. 108. As a general rule, 
    lighting equipment intended to replace original equipment must ``be 
    designed to conform to this standard,'' meaning Standard No. 108 as in 
    effect on the date the replacement equipment is manufactured. 
    Subparagraphs of S5.8 provide exceptions to the general rule, and allow 
    turn signal lamps, taillamps, and stop lamps to meet the SAE
    
    [[Page 45361]]
    
    standard that applied to the original equipment they are intended to 
    replace, as an alternative to meeting the SAE requirements specified 
    for new vehicles in Tables I and III of Standard No. 108. It is to be 
    noted that motorcycle headlamps and all other required lamps and 
    reflectors are not among the exceptions. With respect to headlamps, 
    NHTSA notes that the replacement equipment provisions were adopted when 
    the only headlamps available were a limited number of sealed beam types 
    that were intended to be universal replacements.
        Because Standard No. 108 allows certain items of replacement 
    lighting equipment to meet either current specifications or those in 
    effect when the original lighting equipment was manufactured, NHTSA has 
    tentatively concluded that this alternative should be extended to all 
    items of lighting equipment, including headlamps. While the idea of 
    enhancing safety through upgrades in replacement equipment is 
    intuitively attractive, in some instances upgraded equipment may be 
    incompatible with the electrical systems of older vehicles. In 
    addition, many lamp designs are vehicle-specific, and it is costly to 
    lamp manufacturers to have to design lamps of identical dimensions to 
    two different performance requirements. An owner should not be denied 
    the chance to buy replacement equipment that is suitable for his or her 
    vehicle. At a minimum, this is replacement equipment equivalent to the 
    performance of the original equipment covered by the vehicle 
    manufacturer's certification of compliance. The owner should also be 
    offered the opportunity to purchase upgraded replacement equipment if 
    it is available for use on his or her vehicle.
        Accordingly, NHTSA intends to propose in the near future an 
    amendment to S5.8 sufficient to allow all replacement lighting 
    equipment to be designed to comply with either the requirements that 
    applied to original equipment, or to requirements for such equipment 
    that are in effect at the time the replacement equipment is 
    manufactured. However, because an amendment of this nature was not 
    proposed in the NPRM to this final rule, NHTSA cannot proceed to a 
    direct amendment in this document.
    
    Request To Delete the Out-of-Focus Test Requirement
    
        Suzuki asked for removal of the out-of-focus test, saying that it 
    represents an outdated and unnecessary requirement made obsolete by the 
    SAE and technological advances. It submits in support of its request 
    the fact that the out-of-focus test no longer appears in the current 
    versions of SAE J584 and J575. Koito requested that motorcycle 
    headlamps equipped with bulbs either specified in SAE J1577 
    ``Replaceable Motorcycle Headlamp Bulbs'' or listed in part 564's 
    Docket No. 93-11 be excluded from the out-of-focus test specified in 
    SAE J584 April 1964. The reason for this request is that these bulbs 
    have specified filament tolerance dimensions. Further, it argued that 
    this test is not required in most other countries and contradicts 
    international harmonization.
        The issue of excluding certain types of bulbs from the out-of-focus 
    test was not raised in the NPRM, but NHTSA wishes to discuss it here.
        In brief, Standard No. 108 requires that headlamps designed to 
    comply with motorcycle photometrics meet the out-of-focus test 
    specified in Paragraph K of SAE Standard J575d ``Tests for Motor 
    Vehicle Lighting Devices and Components'', August 1967. Paragraph K 
    requires that photometric tests be conducted for each of four out-of-
    focus filament positions, except that the complete distribution may be 
    omitted. Headlamps designed for use on motor vehicles other than 
    motorcycles are also required to comply with the photometric 
    performance requirements when equipped with any complying bulb. This 
    means compliance at l00 percent of the allowable filament tolerances in 
    any possible combination. Such a test is needed to ensure that 
    photometric requirements are achievable with any mass produced headlamp 
    bulb. Additionally, NHTSA notes that, while not referenced in Standard 
    No. 108, the current version of SAE J1383 JUN90 ``Performance 
    Requirements for Motor Vehicle Headlamps'' has an out-of-focus test.
        The first issue presented concerns SAE J1577. NHTSA notes that this 
    standard about motorcycle light sources has not been proposed for 
    incorporation or incorporated into Standard No. 108. In fact, there are 
    no specifications at all in Standard No. 108 for motorcycle headlamp 
    light sources. The standard simply specifies the photometrics that must 
    be met by motorcycle headlamps.
        The second issue that Koito raises in essence concerns the use of a 
    bulb in a motorcycle headlamp that was designed for vehicles other than 
    motorcycles. The filament tolerance range of such bulbs is specified in 
    part 564, to be sure, but only for non-motorcycle applications.
        In the absence of any specifications for motorcycle headlamp light 
    sources, NHTSA believes that the out-of-focus test must be retained, 
    even for those non-motorcycle headlamp light sources which may be 
    acceptable for use in vehicles other than motorcycles.
        These performance requirements associated with photometric 
    performance and filament location (through compliance with the out-of-
    focus test) have been in effect since January 1, 1969, the date on 
    which Standard No. 108 became effective for motorcycles. The fact that 
    many other countries may not have similar procedures reflects the 
    difference between NHTSA's self-certification scheme and the type 
    approval system of those countries. Under the laws of these countries, 
    it may be a violation to manufacture, sell, or install a bulb if it has 
    not been approved by the government. Because lamp performance cannot be 
    assured without either an out-of-focus test, or direct regulation of 
    the bulb, the out-of-focus test cannot be deleted without a 
    corresponding change adding discrete types of motorcycle headlamp 
    bulbs.
        In summary, today in the United States, photometric compliance is 
    achieved with marketplace replaceable light sources whose filament 
    locations are not subject to Federal rules. This offers significant 
    design freedom in the marketplace which would be lost if the dimensions 
    of each existing and new bulb had to be regulated. NHTSA has no present 
    intention of engaging in rulemaking that would regulate the dimensions 
    of motorcycle headlamp light sources.
        Clarification. Paragraph S6.1 states that, unless otherwise stated 
    in Standard No. 108 and with the exceptions noted in S6.1, the SAE 
    Standards and Recommended Practices referenced in Standard No. 108 are 
    those in the 1970 SAE Handbook. One of the exceptions is that ``[f]or 
    headlamps, unless otherwise specified in this standard, the version of 
    SAE Standard J575 is DEC88''. NHTSA wishes to clarify that this does 
    not include motorcycle headlamps, and that the version of J575 that 
    applies to motorcycle headlamps is that of the 1970 Handbook (SAE 
    J575d, August 1967). The final rule, therefore, contains an appropriate 
    amendment of S6.1.
    
    Effective Dates
    
        In order to allow compliance with an optional requirement at the 
    earliest possible time, it is hereby found, for good cause shown, that 
    an effective date earlier than 180 days after issuance of the final 
    rule is in the public interest. Accordingly, the final rule is 
    effective 45 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
        Because the commenters indicated that a 4-year leadtime is the 
    earliest
    
    [[Page 45362]]
    
    practicable date upon which they can meet a mandatory standard, good 
    cause is shown for an effective date later than one year after issuance 
    of the final rule, and compliance with the photometric requirements of 
    the final rule becomes mandatory on September 1, 2000.
    
    Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
    
        Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures. 
    This rulemaking action was not reviewed under Executive Order 12866. 
    Further, it has been determined that the rulemaking action is not 
    significant under Department of Transportation regulatory policies and 
    procedures. NHTSA currently anticipates that the costs of the final 
    rule will be so minimal as not to warrant preparation of a full 
    regulatory evaluation. Headlamps are changed as part of styling; as 
    long as adequate leadtime is allowed, no costs should be incurred. 
    However, for comments on this assumption, NHTSA asked for comments on 
    the costs and other impacts associated with a two to four-year leadtime 
    for mandatory compliance with a final rule, and said that if the 
    comments received indicate that the impacts are more than minimal, 
    NHTSA would prepare a full regulatory evaluation before issuing a final 
    rule. MIC stated that if the costs of compliance were amortized over a 
    minimum implementation period of four years, the impact would be 
    sufficiently reduced so as to support the agency not preparing a full 
    regulatory evaluation. The agency is providing a compliance period of 
    four years in the final rule.
        National Environmental Policy Act. NHTSA has analyzed this 
    rulemaking action for the purposes of the National Environmental Policy 
    Act. It is not anticipated that the final rule will have a significant 
    effect upon the environment. The composition of motorcycle headlamps 
    will not change from those presently in production.
        Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agency has also considered the 
    impacts of this rulemaking action in relation to the Regulatory 
    Flexibility Act. For the reasons stated above and below, I certify that 
    this rulemaking action will not have a significant economic impact upon 
    a substantial number of small entities. Accordingly, no regulatory 
    flexibility analysis has been prepared. Manufacturers of motorcycles 
    and their headlamps, those affected by the rulemaking action, are 
    generally not small businesses within the meaning of the Regulatory 
    Flexibility Act. The agency does not anticipate that the cost of 
    headlamps will increase as a result of this rulemaking action.
        Executive Order 12612 (Federalism). This rulemaking action has also 
    been analyzed in accordance with the principles and criteria contained 
    in Executive Order 12612, and NHTSA has determined that this rulemaking 
    action does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        Civil Justice. The final rule will not have any retroactive effect. 
    Under 49 U.S.C. 30103, whenever a Federal motor vehicle safety standard 
    is in effect, a state may not adopt or maintain a safety standard 
    applicable to the same aspect of performance which is not identical to 
    the Federal standard. 49 U.S.C. 30161 sets forth a procedure for 
    judicial review of final rules establishing, amending or revoking 
    Federal motor vehicle safety standards. That section does not require 
    submission of a petition for reconsideration or other administrative 
    proceedings before parties may file suit in court.
    
    List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 571
    
        Imports, Motor vehicle safety, Motor vehicles.
    
    PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS
    
        In consideration of the foregoing, 49 CFR part 571 is amended as 
    follows:
        1. The authority citation for part 571 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117 and 30166; 
    delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.
    
        2. Section 571.108 is amended by
        (a) Removing and reserving paragraphs S5.1.1.23, S5.1.1.24, S5.6, 
    S5.6.1 and S5.6.2;
        (b) Revising the penultimate sentence of paragraph S6.1 to read as 
    follows;
        (c) Adding new paragraphs S7.9, S7.9.1 through S7.9.4, S7.9.4.1, 
    S7.9.4.2, and S7.9.5 to read as follows;
        (d) Adding in numerical order Figure 32; and
        (e) Amending Table III by revising the text immediately following 
    the Table heading and by revising the entry for headlamps, to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 571.108  Standard No. 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices, and 
    Associated Equipment.
    
    * * * * *
        S5.1.1.23  [Reserved]
        S5.1.1.24   [Reserved]
    * * * * *
        S5.6  [Reserved]
        S5.6.1-S5.6.2  [Reserved]
    * * * * *
        S6  Subreferenced SAE Standards and Recommended Practices
        S6.1  * * * For headlamps other than motorcycle headlamps, unless 
    otherwise specified in this standard, the version of SAE Standard J575 
    is DEC88, and the version of SAE Standard J602 is OCT80. * * *
    * * * * *
        S7  Headlighting requirements.
    * * * * *
        S7.9  Motorcycles. Each motorcycle shall be equipped with a 
    headlighting system designed to conform to the following requirements.
        S7.9.1  A motorcycle manufactured before September 1, 2000, may be 
    equipped with--
        (a) A headlighting system designed to conform to SAE Standard J584 
    Motorcycle Headlamps April 1964, or to SAE Standard J584 April 1964 
    with the photometric specifications of Figure 32 and the upper beam 
    aimability specifications of paragraph S7.9.3; or
        (b) One half of any headlighting system specified in S7.1 through 
    S7.6 which provides both a full upper beam and full lower beam. Where 
    more than one lamp must be used, the lamps shall be mounted vertically, 
    with the lower beam as high as practicable.
        S7.9.2  A motorcycle manufactured on or after September 1, 2000, 
    shall be equipped with--
        (a) A headlighting system designed to conform to SAE Standard J584 
    Motorcycle Headlamps April 1964 with the photometric specifications of 
    Figure 32 and the upper beam aimability specifications of paragraph 
    S7.9.3; or
        (b) A headlighting system that conforms to S7.9.1(b).
        S7.9.3  The upper beam of a multiple beam headlamp designed to 
    conform to the photometric requirements of Figure 32 shall be aimed 
    photoelectrically during the photometric test in the manner prescribed 
    in SAE Standard J584 OCT93 Motorcycle Headlamps.
        S7.9.4  Motorcycle headlamp modulation system.
        S7.9.4.1  A headlamp on a motorcycle may be wired to modulate 
    either the upper beam or the lower beam from its maximum intensity to a 
    lesser intensity, provided that:
        (a) The rate of modulation shall be 240  40 cycles per 
    minute.
        (b) The headlamp shall be operated at maximum power for 50 to 70 
    percent of each cycle.
        (c) The lowest intensity at any test point shall be not less than 
    17 percent of the maximum intensity measured at the same point.
        (d) The modulator switch shall be wired in the power lead of the 
    beam filament being modulated and not in the ground side of the 
    circuit.
        (e) Means shall be provided so that both the lower beam and upper 
    beam
    
    [[Page 45363]]
    
    remain operable in the event of a modulator failure.
        (f) The system shall include a sensor mounted with the axis of its 
    sensing element perpendicular to a horizontal plane. Headlamp 
    modulation shall cease whenever the level of light emitted by a 
    tungsten filament light operating at 3000 deg. Kelvin is either less 
    than 270 lux (25 foot-candles) of direct light for upward pointing 
    sensors or less than 60 lux (5.6 foot-candles) of reflected light for 
    downward pointing sensors. The light is measured by a silicon cell type 
    light meter that is located at the sensor and pointing in the same 
    direction as the sensor. A Kodak Gray Card (Kodak R-27) is placed at 
    ground level to simulate the road surface in testing downward pointing 
    sensors.
        (g) When tested in accordance with the test profile shown in Figure 
    9, the voltage drop across the modulator when the lamp is on at all 
    test conditions for 12 volt systems and 6 volt systems shall not be 
    greater than .45 volt. The modulator shall meet all the provisions of 
    the standard after completion of the test profile shown in Figure 9.
        (h) Means shall be provided so that both the lower and upper beam 
    function at design voltage when the headlamp control switch is in 
    either the lower or upper beam position when the modulator is off.
        S7.9.4.2(a)  Each motorcycle headlamp modulator not intended as 
    original equipment, or its container, shall be labeled with the maximum 
    wattage, and the minimum wattage appropriate for its use. Additionally, 
    each such modulator shall comply with S7.9.4.1 (a) through (g) when 
    connected to a headlamp of the maximum rated power and a headlamp of 
    the minimum rated power, and shall provide means so that the modulated 
    beam functions at design voltage when the modulator is off.
        (b) Instructions, with a diagram, shall be provided for mounting 
    the light sensor including location on the motorcycle, distance above 
    the road surface, and orientation with respect to the light.
        S7.9.5  Each replaceable bulb headlamp that is designed to meet the 
    photometric requirements of paragraph S7.9.1(a) or paragraph S7.9.2(a) 
    and that is equipped with a light source other than a replaceable light 
    source meeting the requirements of paragraph S7.7, shall have the word 
    ``motorcycle'' permanently marked on the lens in characters not less 
    than 0.114 in. (3 mm) in height.
    * * * * *
    
                     Figure 32--Motorcycle and Motor-Driven Cycle Headlamp Photometric Requirements                 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Test Points (deg.)                                                           Motor-Driven Cycle
    ----------------------------------------------------     Motorcycle      Motor-Driven Cycle    with Single Lamp 
               Up or Down               Left or Right         (candela)           (candela)       System  (candela) 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Lower Beam                                                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1.5U...........................  1R to R...........  1400-MAX..........  1400-MAX                               
    1.5U...........................  1R to 3R..........  ..................  ..................  1400-MAX.          
    1U.............................  1.5L to L.........  700-MAX...........  700-MAX...........  700-MAX.           
    0.5U...........................  1.5L to L.........  1000-MAX..........  1000-MAX..........  1000-MAX.          
    0.5U...........................  1R to 3R..........  2700-MAX..........  2700-MAX..........  2700-MAX.          
    1.5D...........................  9L and 9R.........  700-MIN                                                    
    2D.............................  0.0R..............  7000-MIN..........  5000-MIN..........  4000-MIN.          
    2D.............................  3L and 3R.........  4000-MIN..........  3000-MIN..........  3000-MIN.          
    2D.............................  6L and 6R.........  1500-MIN..........  1500-MIN..........  1500-MIN.          
    2D.............................  12L and 12R.......  700-MIN                                                    
    3D.............................  6L and 6R.........  800-MIN...........  800-MIN                                
    4D.............................  0.0R..............  2000-MIN..........  2000-MIN..........  1000-MIN.          
    4D.............................  4R................  12500-MAX.........  12500-MAX.........  12500-MAX.         
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Upper Beam                                                   
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2U.............................  0.0R..............  1000-MIN                                                   
    1U.............................  3L and 3R.........  2000-MIN..........  2000-MIN.                              
    0.0U...........................  0.0R..............  12500-MIN.........  10000-MIN.                             
    0.5D...........................  0.0R..............  20000-MIN.........  20000-MIN.                             
    0.5D...........................  3L and 3R.........  10000-MIN.........  5000-MIN.                              
    0.5D...........................  6L and 6R.........  3300-MIN..........  2000-MIN.                              
    0.5D...........................  9L and 9R.........  1500-MIN                                                   
    0.5D...........................  12L and 12R.......  800-MIN                                                    
    1D.............................  0.0R..............  17500-MIN.........  15000-MIN.                             
    2D.............................  0.0R..............  5000-MIN..........  5000-MIN.                              
    3D.............................  0.0R..............  2500-MIN..........  2500-MIN.                              
    3D.............................  6L and 6R.........  ..................  800-MIN.                               
    3D.............................  9L and 9R.........  1500-MIN                                                   
    3D.............................  12L and 12R.......  300-MIN                                                    
    4D.............................  0.0R..............  1500-MIN                                                   
    4D.............................  0.0R..............  7500-MAX..........  7500-MAX.                              
    ANYWHERE.......................  ANYWHERE..........  75000-MAX.........  75000-MAX.                             
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    * * * * *
    
    [[Page 45364]]
    
    
    
                                  Table III--Required Motor Vehicle Lighting Equipment                              
      [All Passenger Cars and Motorcycles, and Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles, Trucks, Buses and Trailers of Less  
                                        Than 80 (2032) Inches (M) Overall Width]                                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Passenger cars,                                                                 
                                     multipurpose                                         Applicable SAE standard or
                                       passenger                                          recommended practice (See 
                 Item                  vehicles,         Trailers         Motorcycles      S5 for subreferenced SAE 
                                      trucks, and                                                 materials)        
                                         buses                                                                      
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Headlamps....................  See S7..........  None............  See S7.9........  J566 January 1960.         
                                                                                                                    
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
                                                            *                                                       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    * * * * *
        Issued on: August 23, 1996.
    Ricardo Martinez,
    Administrator.
    [FR Doc. 96-22058 Filed 8-28-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
10/15/1996
Published:
08/29/1996
Department:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
96-22058
Dates:
The final rule is effective October 15, 1996. Conformance with its requirements is optional until September 1, 2000, when it becomes mandatory.
Pages:
45359-45364 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 95-87, Notice 2
RINs:
2127-AF78: Alternative Motorcycle Headlamp Performance Requirements
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2127-AF78/alternative-motorcycle-headlamp-performance-requirements
PDF File:
96-22058.pdf
CFR: (1)
49 CFR 571.108