FMVSS 141: Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that makes amendments to Federal Motor Vehicle Standard (FMVSS) 141 to allow manufacturers of hybrid and electric vehicles (HEVs) to install a number of driver-selectable pedestrian alert sounds in each HEV they manufacture. This proposal responds to a petition for reconsideration of the FMVSS No. 141 final rule published December 14, 2016. NHTSA is proposing to remove the limit to the number of compliant sounds that a manufacturer may choose to install in a vehicle. Drivers would be able to select the sound they prefer from the set of sounds installed in the vehicle. NHTSA is also seeking comment on whether interested parties believe that the agency should establish a limit to the number of compliant sounds from which a driver may select that a manufacturer may choose to install in a vehicle. This document also makes technical changes. Agency Contact Thomas Healy 202-366-2992. Submit comments on or before November 1, 2019.

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