95-28464. Replaceable Light Source Information; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 28, 1995)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 58522-58526]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-28464]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
    
    49 CFR Parts 564 and 571
    
    [Docket No. 85-15; Notice 17]
    RIN 2127-AF62
    
    
    Replaceable Light Source Information; 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 fiscal rule adopts amendments to Standard No. 108, the 
    Federal motor vehicle standard on lighting, to facilitate the transfer 
    by NHTSA of all dimensional and specification information on HB Type 
    replaceable light sources for headlamps from the Standard to Docket No. 
    93-11. This docket has been established as the information docket 
    specified in the regulations for replaceable light source information. 
    This regulatory action is intended to simplify Standard No. 108 while 
    ensuring consistent regulatory treatment of all headlamp replaceable 
    light sources. This final rule also adopts amendments to the 
    regulations for replaceable light source information.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: The amendments are effective January 29, 1996.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth O. Hardie, Office of Safety 
    Performance Standards, NHTSA (202-366-6987).
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule is based upon a notice of 
    proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that was published on March 16, 1995 (60 FR 
    14247). The NPRM proposed to amend Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 
    108 Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment to transfer all 
    dimensional and specification information on HB Type headlamp 
    replaceable light sources from the Standard to Docket No. 93-11, the 
    repository established for information on non-HB Types. Corresponding 
    amendments necessary to implement the transfer were also proposed for 
    the information regulation, 49 CFR part 564. For further information, 
    the reader is referred to the NPRM.
        Three comments were received on the NPRM. Two commenters, General 
    Motors Corporation (GM) and the American Automobile Manufacturers 
    Association (AAMA), supported the proposal. Advocates for Highway and 
    Auto Safety (Advocates) opposed it.
        GM said that it believes that the rule will simplify the approval 
    process and provide consistent treatment for replaceable light sources. 
    AAMA recommended modifications to address what it believes are minor 
    typographical errors and oversights. One of these oversights was the 
    omission of a sentence from 49 CFR 564.5(c) which stated that ``[u]pon 
    acceptance [of the information submitted], the Associate Administrator 
    files the information in Docket No. 93-11.'' NHTSA is ensuring that the 
    final rule contains the language inadvertently omitted from the NPRM. 
    AAMA also brought the agency's attention to an error in a final rule 
    amending paragraph S7.5(e)(2)(i)(B) published on February 13, 1995 
    (Docket No. 85-15; Notice 14; 60 FR 8199, at 8201) which referred to 
    the ``upper'' beam in a lower beam context. The paragraph is being 
    amended to refer to the ``lower'' beam.
        AAMA also had further comments of a minor nature to which NHTSA is 
    responding with amendments. In its view, the NPRM did not remove and 
    reserve Figure 3, and that if Figure 3 were removed, its reference in 
    paragraph S7.3.8(c)(2) needs to be deleted. NHTSA proposed the removal 
    and reservation of ``Figures 3-1 through 3-11'', intending to encompass 
    the entirety of Figure 3. However, ``Figure 3'' itself is the title to 
    Figures 3-1 through 3-11, and, if not specifically included in the 
    removal language, is apt to remain in the CFR text of Standard No. 108. 
    It is therefore being removed. The reference to ``Figure 3'' in 
    paragraph S7.3.8(c)(2) was erroneous in the first instance, and is 
    being changed to ``Figure 16'', Deflectometer, the Figure originally 
    intended.
        Under the NPRM, paragraph S7.7(b) would continue to require the use 
    of a white cover during the measurement of luminous flux for Types HB3 
    and HB4 replaceable light sources, but would no longer reference the 
    specific HB drawings (Figures 19-1 and 20-1) that depict the cover. To 
    avoid ambiguity, paragraph S7.7(b), as amended, will amplify that the 
    white cover is ``shown in the HB3 and HB4 drawings filed in Docket No. 
    93-11.''
        In addition, AAMA brought to the agency's attention that the 
    proposed revision to Figure 8 did not identify Distance ``A'' 
    referenced in Section S9. Figure 8, as adopted, will define the 
    reference plane and Distance ``A''.
        Finally, AAMA asked why it is necessary to specify marking of the 
    base of HB bulbs with HB Type designations, as proposed in paragraph 
    S7.7(a), when the transfer of the applicable Figures to part 564 also 
    transfers the HB 
    
    [[Page 58523]]
    designations in the Figures' titles. Base marking of HB Types has 
    always been required under former paragraph S7.7(f). NHTSA believes 
    that it is important to continue to do so, to assist packages of 
    aftermarket bulbs in proper packaging, and to inform purchasers of the 
    contents of a replacement headlamp bulb package.
        Advocates, in essence, advanced the view that, when a manufacturer 
    first submits the specifications for a new design to NHTSA, the public 
    must evaluate the light source photometric performance characteristics 
    to determine if the light source for which specifications are submitted 
    is capable of meeting the photometric requirements of Standard No. 108. 
    NHTSA understands Advocates' continuing concern for sufficient 
    illumination of overhead signs by headlamps. However, Advocates' 
    comment reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how headlamps 
    provide illumination. Compliance with the photometrics of Standard No. 
    108 is not based upon performance of the light source alone. It is the 
    product of the partnership of the light source, the reflector, and the 
    lens. Standard No. 108 requires each headlamp to comply to its 
    photometric specifications when the appropriate part 564 light source 
    is used in the lens/reflector assembly. The headlamp will then be 
    certified by its manufacturer as complying with Standard No. 108. NHTSA 
    therefore assures Advocates that the process it recommends is not 
    required for motor vehicle safety. Accordingly, the proposal is being 
    adopted virtually as proposed.
        This final rule removes from Standard No. 108 those Figures and 
    text that specify dimensional, performance, and electrical 
    specifications for HB Types 1 through 5. NHTSA is placing this 
    information in Docket No. 93-11. The final rule also redefines 
    ``replaceable light source'' to mean an assembly of a capsule, base, 
    and terminals that is designed to conform to the dimensions, 
    specifications, and marking furnished with respect to it pursuant to 
    Appendix A of part 564. The section on replaceable light sources, S7.7, 
    is revised by removing paragraphs (a) through (e) which refer to the 
    Figures that are deleted. Paragraph (f), which relates to marking, is 
    incorporated into paragraph (h), which is redesignated paragraph (a). 
    Present paragraph (g) is transferred to the introductory text of S7.7, 
    and paragraphs (h) through (k) are redesignated (a) through (d) with 
    minor changes in text. A conforming amendment is made to S9.
        In addition, a conforming amendment is made to part 564 to remove 
    the present exclusion of replaceable light sources specified in S7.7 of 
    Standard No. 108.
    
    Effective Date
    
        The effective date of the final rule is January 29, 1996. Because 
    the final rule establishes no additional burden on any party and is 
    primarily of an administrative nature, it is hereby found for good 
    cause shown that an effective date for the amendments to Standard No. 
    108 that is earlier than 180 days after their issuance would be in the 
    public interest.
    
    Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
    
    Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
    
        The Office of Management and Budget has determined that it will not 
    review this rulemaking action under Executive Order 12866. It has been 
    determined that the rulemaking action is not significant under 
    Department of Transportation regulatory policies and procedures. The 
    purpose of the rulemaking action is an administrative one, to remove 
    regulatory material from Standard No. 108 which the agency will file in 
    a regulatory docket on the subject. Since the rule does not have any 
    significant cost or other impacts, preparation of a full regulatory 
    evaluation is not warranted.
    
    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 rule 
    will have a significant effect upon the environment. The design and 
    composition of headlamps or light sources 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 
    discussed 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 motor vehicles, headlamps, and light 
    sources, those affected by the rulemaking action, are generally not 
    small businesses within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 
    Further, small organizations and governmental jurisdictions will not be 
    significantly affected because the price of new vehicles, headlamps, 
    and light sources will not be impacted.
    
    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 (Executive Order 12778)
    
        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. Section 30161 of Title 49 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 Parts 564 and 571
    
        Motor vehicle safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
        In consideration of the foregoing, 49 CFR parts 564 and 571 are 
    amended as follows:
    
    PART 564--REPLACEABLE LIGHT SOURCE INFORMATION
    
        1. The authority citation for part 564 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117, 30166; delegation 
    of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.
    
        2. Section 564.5 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (c) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 564.5  Information filing; agency processing of filings.
    
        (a) Each manufacturer of a motor vehicle, original equipment 
    headlamp, or original equipment headlamp replaceable light source, 
    which intends to manufacture a replaceable light source as original 
    equipment or to incorporate a replaceable light source in its headlamps 
    or motor vehicles, shall furnish the information specified in Appendix 
    A of this part to: Associate Administrator for Safety Performance 
    Standards, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh 
    Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20590. Attn: Replaceable Light Source 
    
    [[Page 58524]]
    Information Docket No. 93-11, (unless the agency has already filed such 
    information in Docket No. 93-11).
    * * * * *
        (c) The Associate Administrator promptly reviews each submission 
    and informs the manufacturer not later than 30 days after its receipt 
    whether the submission has been accepted. Upon acceptance, the 
    Associate Administrator files the information in Docket No. 93-11. The 
    Associate Administrator does not accept any submission that does not 
    contain all the information specified in Appendix A of this part, or 
    whose accompanying information indicates that any new light source 
    which is the subject of a submission is interchangeable with any 
    replaceable light source for which the agency has previously filed 
    information in Docket No. 93-11.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS
    
        1. The authority citation for part 571 is revised to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30177, 30166; delegation 
    of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.
    
        2. Section 571.108 is amended by:
        a. revising the definition of ``Replaceable light source'' in 
    section S4 to read as set forth below;
        b. revising the third sentence of paragraph S7.3.8(c)(2) to read as 
    set forth below;
        c. revising paragraph S7.5(e)(2)(i)(B) to read as set forth below;
        d. revising paragraph S7.7 to read as set forth below;
        e. revising the last sentence of S9 as set forth below; and
        f. removing and reserving Figures 3, 3-1 through 3-11, 19, 19-1 
    through 19-5, 20, 20-1 through 20-5, 23-1 through 23-7, and 24-1 
    through 24-9.
        g. revising Figures 8 and 25 as set forth below.
    
    
    Sec. 571.108  Standard No. 108; Lamps, reflective devices, and 
    associated equipment.
    
    * * * * *
        S4  Definitions.
    * * * * *
        Replaceable light source means an assembly of a capsule, base and 
    terminals designed to conform to the dimensions, specifications and 
    markings furnished with respect to it pursuant to Appendix A of part 
    564 Replaceable Light Source Information of this chapter.
    * * * * *
        S7.3.8  Type G headlighting system.
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (2) * * * A special adapter (Figure 22) for the deflectometer 
    (Figure 16) shall be clamped onto the headlamp assembly. * * *
    * * * * *
        S7.5  Replaceable bulb headlamp system.
    * * * * *
        (e) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (i) * * *
        (B) By both light sources, designed to conform to the lower beam 
    requirements of Figure 17A.
    * * * * *
        S7.7  Replaceable light sources. Each replaceable light source 
    shall be designed to conform to the dimensions and electrical 
    specifications furnished with respect to it pursuant to part 564 of 
    this chapter, and shall conform to the following requirements:
        (a) If other than an HB Type, the light source shall be marked with 
    the bulb marking designation specified for it in compliance with 
    section VIII of Appendix A of part 564 of this chapter. The base of 
    each HB Type shall be marked with its HB Type designation. Each 
    replaceable light source shall also be marked with the symbol DOT and 
    with a name or trademark in accordance with paragraph S7.2.
        (b) The measurement of maximum power and luminous flux that is 
    submitted in compliance with section VII of Appendix A of part 564 of 
    this chapter shall be made in accordance with this paragraph. The 
    filament shall be seasoned before measurement of either. Measurement 
    shall be made with the direct current test voltage regulated within one 
    quarter of one percent. The test voltage shall be design voltage, 
    12.8v. The measurement of luminous flux shall be in accordance with the 
    Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, LM-45; IES Approved 
    Method for Electrical and Photometric Measurements of General Service 
    Incandescent Filament Lamps (April 1980), shall be made with the black 
    cap installed on Type HB1, Type HB2, Type HB4, and Type HB5, and on any 
    other replaceable light source so designed, and shall be made with the 
    electrical conductor and light source base shrouded with an opaque 
    white cover, except for the portion normally located within the 
    interior of the lamp housing. The measurement of luminous flux for the 
    Types HB3 and HB4 shall be made with the base covered with a white 
    cover as shown in the drawings for Types HB3 and HB4 filed in Docket 
    No. 93-11. (The white cover is used to eliminate the likelihood of 
    incorrect lumen measurement that will occur should the reflectance of 
    the light source base and electrical connector be low).
        (c) The capsule, lead wires and/or terminals, and seal on each Type 
    HB1, Type HB3, Type HB4, and Type HB5 light source, and on any other 
    replaceable light source which uses a seal, shall be installed in a 
    pressure chamber as shown in Figure 25 so as to provide an airtight 
    seal. The diameter of the aperture in Figure 25 on a replaceable light 
    source (other than an HB Type) shall be that figure furnished for such 
    light source in compliance with Section IV.B of Appendix A of part 564 
    of this chapter. An airtight seal exists when no air bubbles appear on 
    the low pressure (connector) side after the light source has been 
    immersed in water for one minute while inserted in a cylindrical 
    aperture specified for the light source, and subjected to an air 
    pressure of 70kPa (10 P.S.I.G.) on the glass capsule side.
        (d) After the force deflection test conducted in accordance with 
    S9, the permanent deflection of the glass envelope shall not exceed 
    0.13 mm in the direction of the applied force.
    * * * * *
        S9  Deflection test for replaceable light sources. * * * Distance 
    `A' for a replaceable light source other than an HB Type shall be the 
    dimension provided in accordance with Appendix A of part 564 of this 
    chapter, section I.A.1 if the light source has a lower beam filament, 
    or as specified in section I.B.1 if the light source has only an upper 
    beam filament.
    * * * * *
    
    BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
    
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    BILLING CODE 4910-59-C
    
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    BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
    * * * * *
        Issued on: November 13, 1995.
    Howard M. Smolkin,
    Executive Director.
    [FR Doc. 95-28464 Filed 11-27-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-59-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
1/29/1996
Published:
11/28/1995
Department:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
95-28464
Dates:
The amendments are effective January 29, 1996.
Pages:
58522-58526 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 85-15, Notice 17
RINs:
2127-AF62: Replaceable Light Source Information: Transfer of
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2127-AF62/replaceable-light-source-information-transfer-of
PDF File:
95-28464.pdf
CFR: (2)
49 CFR 564.5
49 CFR 571.108