The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a "notice of proposed rulemaking" regarding the establishment of a new federal motor vehicle safety standard mandating tire pressure monitoring systems.
It also is asking for comments on the proposed rule. The comments must be received on or before November 15, 2004.
As part of its proposal, NHTSA is requiring the following:
* installation of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in new light vehicles.
* systems "capable of four-tire, 25% under-inflation detection."
A prior version of the standard, adopted by the agency in June 2002 in response to a mandate in the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act, was vacated by a decision issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit of New York in August 2003.
The point of contention between NHTSA and the court was the use of indirect tire pressure monitoring systems. In its original resolution, NHTSA said either direct or indirect systems were fine; the court said direct systems were the only way to go.
NHTSA says this proposed rule is consistent with the Court of Appeals´ decision.
The transcript of the proposed rule can be found in today´s Federal Register.
