On January 6, 1997, NHTSA published a final rule in the Federal Register (62 FR 798) extending until September 1, 2000 the time period during which vehicle manufacturers are permitted to offer manual on-off switches for the passenger-side air bag for vehicles without rear seats or with rear seats that are too small to accommodate rear facing infant seats. The agency extended the option from an earlier date so that manufacturers would have more time to implement better, automatic solutions.
GM requested the agency to reconsider its position regarding this "sunset" date. That company essentially argued that there is still considerable uncertainty as to whether such automatic solutions will be available by September 1, 2000.
NHTSA has decided to grant GM's petition. In today's proposal for advanced air bags, the agency is proposing, among other things, to require automatic means for ensuring that passenger air bags do not pose a risk to children in rear facing infant seats. In developing this proposal, the agency has considered the lead time needed to implement these solutions. The agency has therefore tentatively concluded that it should extend the date for this "sunset" so that the temporary amendment would expire as the upgraded performance requirements are phased in.
During the proposed phase-in, manual on-off switches would not be available for any vehicles certified to the upgraded requirements, but would be available for other vehicles if those vehicles do not have rear seats or have rear seats that are too small to accommodate rear facing infant seats.
