WAIS Document Retrieval[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 49, Volume 5, Parts 400 to 999]

[Revised as of October 1, 1999]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 49CFR571.225]

[Page 647-679]

TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

CHAPTER V--NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC

SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT

OF TRANSPORTATION

PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents

Subpart B--Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

Sec. 571.225 Standard No. 225; Child restraint anchorage systems.

S1. Purpose and scope. This standard establishes requirements for

child restraint anchorage systems to ensure their proper location and

strength for the effective securing of child restraints, to reduce the

likelihood of the anchorage systems' failure, and to increase the

likelihood that child restraints are properly secured and thus more

fully achieve their potential effectiveness in motor vehicles.

S2. Application. This standard applies to passenger cars; to trucks

and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating

(GVWR) of 3,855 kilograms (8,500 pounds) or less, except walk-in van-

type vehicles and vehicles manufactured to be sold exclusively to the

U.S. Postal Service; and to buses (including school buses) with a GVWR

of 4,536 kg (10,000 lb) or less, except shuttle buses.

S3. Definitions.

Child restraint anchorage means any vehicle component, other than

Type I or Type II seat belts, that is involved in transferring loads

generated by a child restraint system to the vehicle structure.

Child restraint anchorage system means a vehicle system that is

designed for attaching a child restraint system to a vehicle at a

particular designated seating position, consisting of:

(a) Two lower anchorages meeting the requirements of S9; and

(b) A tether anchorage meeting the requirements of S6.

Child restraint fixture (CRF) means the fixture depicted in Figures

1 and 2 of this standard that simulates the dimensions of a child

restraint system, and that is used to determine the space required by

the child restraint system and the location and accessibility of the

lower anchorages.

Rear designated seating position means any designated seating

position (as that term is defined at Sec. 571.3) that is rearward of the

front seats(s).

Seat bight means the area close to and including the intersection of

the surfaces of the vehicle seat cushion and the seat back.

SFAD 1 means Static Force Application Device 1 shown in Figures 12

to 16 of this standard.

SFAD 2 means Static Force Application Device 2 shown in Figures 17

and 18 of this standard.

Shuttle bus means a bus with only one row of forward-facing seating

positions rearward of the driver's seat.

Tether anchorage means a user-ready, permanently installed vehicle

system that transfers loads from a tether strap through the tether hook

to the vehicle structure and that accepts a tether hook.

Tether strap means a strap that is secured to the rigid structure of

the seat back of a child restraint system, and is connected to a tether

hook that transfers the load from that system to the tether anchorage.

Tether hook means a device, illustrated in Figure 11 of Standard No.

213 (Sec. 571.213), used to attach a tether strap to a tether anchorage.

S4. General vehicle requirements.

S4.1 Each tether anchorage and each child restraint anchorage

system installed, either voluntarily or pursuant to this standard, in

any new vehicle manufactured on or after September 1, 1999, shall comply

with the configuration, location, marking and strength requirements of

this standard. The vehicle shall be delivered with written information,

in English, on how to appropriately use those anchorages and systems.

S4.2 For passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1999

and before September 1, 2000, not less than 80 percent of the

manufacturer's average annual production of vehicles (not including

convertibles), as set forth in S13, shall be equipped with a tether

anchorage as specified in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of S4.2, except as

provided in S5.

(a) Each vehicle with three or more forward-facing rear designated

seating positions shall be equipped with a tether anchorage conforming

to the requirements of S6 at no fewer than three forward-facing rear

designated

[[Page 648]]

seating positions. The tether anchorage of a child restraint anchorage

system may count towards the three required tether anchorages. In each

vehicle with a forward-facing rear designated seating position other

than an outboard designated seating position, at least one tether

anchorage (with or without the lower anchorages of a child restraint

anchorage system) shall be at such a designated seating position. In a

vehicle with three or more rows of seating positions, at least one of

the tether anchorages (with or without the lower anchorages of a child

restraint anchorage system) shall be installed at a forward-facing

seating position in the second row if such a forward-facing seating

position is available in that row.

(b) Each vehicle with not more than two forward-facing rear

designated seating positions shall be equipped with a tether anchorage

conforming to the requirements of S6 at each forward-facing rear

designated seating position. The tether anchorage of a child restraint

anchorage system may count toward the required tether anchorages.

position shall be equipped with a tether anchorage conforming to the

requirements of S6 at each front forward-facing passenger seating

position.

S4.3 Each vehicle manufactured on or after September 1, 2000 and

before September 1, 2002, shall be equipped as specified in paragraphs

(a) and (b) of S4.3, except as provided in S5.

(a) A specified percentage of each manufacturer's yearly production,

as set forth in S14, shall be equipped as follows:

(1) Each vehicle with three or more forward-facing rear designated

seating positions shall be equipped with a child restraint anchorage

system conforming to the requirements of S9 at not fewer than two

forward-facing rear designated seating positions. In a vehicle with

three or more rows of seating positions, at least one of the child

restraint anchorage systems shall be at a forward-facing seating

position in the second row if such a forward-facing seating position is

available in that row.

(2) Each vehicle with not more than two forward-facing rear

designated seating positions shall be equipped with a child restraint

anchorage system conforming to the requirements of S9 at each forward-

facing rear designated seating position.

(b) Each vehicle, including a vehicle that is counted toward the

percentage of a manufacturer's yearly production required to be equipped

with child restraint anchorage systems, shall be equipped as described

in S4.3(b)(1), (2) or (3).

(1) Each vehicle with three or more forward-facing rear designated

seating positions shall be equipped with a tether anchorage conforming

to the requirements of S6 at no fewer than three forward-facing rear

designated seating positions. The tether anchorage of a child restraint

anchorage system may count towards the three required tether anchorages.

In each vehicle with a forward-facing rear designated seating position

other than an outboard designated seating position, at least one tether

anchorage (with or without the lower anchorages of a child restraint

anchorage system) shall be at such a designated seating position. In a

vehicle with three or more rows of seating positions, at least one of

the tether anchorages (with or without the lower anchorages of a child

restraint anchorage system) shall be installed at a forward-facing

seating position in the second row if such a forward-facing seating

position is available in that row.

(2) Each vehicle with not more than two forward-facing rear

designated seating positions shall be equipped with a tether anchorage

conforming to the requirements of S6 at each forward-facing rear

designated seating position. The tether anchorage of a child restraint

anchorage system may count toward the required tether anchorages.

(3) Each vehicle without any forward-facing rear designated seating

position shall be equipped with a tether anchorage conforming to the

requirements of S6 at each front passenger seating position.

S4.4 Vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2002 shall be

equipped as specified in paragraphs (a)

[[Page 649]]

through (c) of S4.4, except as provided in S5.

(a) Each vehicle with three or more forward-facing rear designated

seating positions shall be equipped as specified in S4.4(a)(1) and (2).

(1) Each vehicle shall be equipped with a child restraint anchorage

system conforming to the requirements of S9 at not fewer than two

forward-facing rear designated seating positions. At least one of the

child restraint anchorage systems shall be installed at a forward-facing

seating position in the second row in each vehicle that has three or

more rows, if such a forward-facing seating position is available in

that row.

(2) Each vehicle shall be equipped with a tether anchorage

conforming to the requirements of S6 at a third forward-facing rear

designated seating position. The tether anchorage of a child restraint

anchorage system may count towards the third required tether anchorage.

In each vehicle with a forward-facing rear designated seating position

other than an outboard designated seating position, at least one tether

anchorage (with or without the lower anchorages of a child restraint

anchorage system) shall be at such a designated seating position.

(b) Each vehicle with not more than two forward-facing rear

designated seating positions shall be equipped with a child restraint

anchorage system conforming to the requirements of S9 at each forward-

facing rear designated seating position.

position shall be equipped with a tether anchorage conforming to the

requirements of S6 at each front forward-facing passenger seating

position.

S4.5 As an alternative to complying with the requirements of S4.2

through S4.4 that specify the number of tether anchorages that are

required in a vehicle and the designated seating positions for which

tether anchorages must be provided, a vehicle manufactured from

September 1, 1999 to August 31, 2001 may, at the manufacturer's option

(with said option irrevocably selected prior to, or at the time of,

certification of the vehicle), meet the requirements of this S4.5. This

alternative ceases to be available on and after September 1, 2001. A

tether anchorage conforming to the requirements of S6 shall be

installed--

(a) For each designated seating position, other than that of the

driver, in a vehicle that has only one row of designated seating

positions;

(b) For each forward-facing designated seating position in the

second row of seating positions in a passenger car or truck;

in the second row of seating positions in a multipurpose passenger

vehicle that has five or fewer designated seating positions; and,

(d) For each of any three forward-facing designated seating

positions that are located to the rear of the first row of designated

seating positions in a multipurpose passenger vehicle that has six or

more designated seating positions.

S5. General exceptions.

(a) Convertibles and school buses are excluded from the requirements

to be equipped with tether anchorages.

(b) A vehicle may be equipped with a built-in child restraint system

conforming to the requirements of Standard No. 213 (49 CFR 571.213)

instead of one of the required tether anchorages or child restraint

anchorage systems.

(c)(1) Each vehicle that--

(i) Does not have a rear designated seating position and that thus

meets the conditions in S4.5.4.1(a) of Standard No. 208 (Sec. 571.208);

and

(ii) Has an air bag on-off switch meeting the requirements of S4.5.4

of Standard No. 208 (Sec. 571.208), shall have a child restraint

anchorage system for a designated passenger seating position in the

front seat, instead of only a tether anchorage. In the case of

convertibles, the front designated passenger seating position need have

only the two lower anchorages meeting the requirements of S9 of this

standard.

(2) Each vehicle that--

(i) Has a rear designated seating position and meets the conditions

in S4.5.4.1(b) of Standard No. 208 (Sec. 571.208); and,

(ii) Has an air bag on-off switch meeting the requirements of S4.5.4

of Standard 208 (Sec. 571.208), shall have a

[[Page 650]]

child restraint anchorage system for a designated passenger seating

position in the front seat, instead of a child restraint anchorage

system that is required for the rear seat. In the case of convertibles,

the front designated passenger seating position need have only the two

lower anchorages meeting the requirements of S9 of this standard.

(d) A vehicle that does not have an air bag on-off switch meeting

the requirements of S4.5.4 of Standard No. 208 (Sec. 571.208), shall not

have any child restraint anchorage system installed at a front

designated seating position.

S6. Requirements for tether anchorages.

S6.1 Configuration of the tether anchorage. Each tether anchorage

shall:

(a) Permit the attachment of a tether hook of a child restraint

system meeting the configuration and geometry specified in Figure 11 of

Standard No. 213 (Sec. 571.213);

(b) Be accessible without the need for any tools other than a

screwdriver or coin;

and

(d) Be sealed to prevent the entry of exhaust fumes into the

passenger compartment.

S6.2 Location of the tether anchorage. A vehicle manufactured from

September 1, 1999 to August 31, 2001 may, at the manufacturer's option

(with said option irrevocably selected prior to, or at the time of,

certification of the vehicle), meet the requirements of S6.2.1 or

S6.2.2. Vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2001 must meet

the requirements of S6.2.1 of this standard.

S6.2.1 Subject to S6.2.1.1 and S6.2.1.2, the part of each tether

anchorage that attaches to a tether hook shall be located within the

shaded zone shown in Figures 3 to 7 of this standard of the designated

seating position for which it is installed, such that--

(a) The H-point of a three-dimensional H-point machine, that is

described in SAE Standard J826 (June 1992), (incorporation by reference;

see Sec. 571.5), and whose position relative to the shaded zone is

specified in Figures 3 to 7 of this standard, is located--

(1) At the actual H-point of the seat, as defined in section

2.2.11.3 of SAE Recommended Practice J1100 (June 1993), (incorporation

by reference; see Sec. 571.5), at the full rearward and downward

position of the seat; or

(2) In the case of a designated seating position that has a child

restraint anchorage system, midway between vertical longitudinal planes

passing through the lateral center of the bar in each of the two lower

anchorages of that system; and

(b) The back pan of the H-point machine is at the same angle from

the vertical as the vehicle seat back with the seat adjusted to its full

rearward and full downward position and the seat back in its most

upright position.

S6.2.1.1 In the case of passenger cars and multipurpose passenger

vehicles manufactured before September 1, 2004, the part of each user-

ready tether anchorage that attaches to a tether hook may, at the

manufacturer's option (with said option selected prior to, or at the

time of, certification of the vehicle), instead of complying with

S6.2.1, be located within the shaded zone shown in Figures 8 to 11 of

this standard of the designated seating position for which it is

installed, relative to the shoulder reference point of the three

dimensional H-point machine described in section 3.1 of SAE Standard

J826 (June 1992), (incorporation by reference; see Sec. 571.5), such

that--

(a) The H-point of the three dimensional H-point machine is

located--

(1) At the actual H-point of the seat, as defined in section

2.2.11.3 of SAE Recommended Practice J1100 (June 1993), (incorporation

by reference; see Sec. 571.5), at the full rearward and downward

position of the seat; or

(2) In the case of a designated seating position that has a child

restraint anchorage system, midway between vertical longitudinal planes

passing through the lateral center of the bar in each of the two lower

anchorages of that system; and

(b) The back pan of the H-point machine is at the same angle to the

vertical as the vehicle seat back with the seat adjusted to its full

rearward and full downward position and the seat back in its most

upright position.

S6.2.1.2 In the case of a vehicle that--

(a) Has a user-ready tether anchorage for which no part of the

shaded zone shown in Figures 3 to 7 of this standard

[[Page 651]]

of the designated seating position for which the anchorage is installed

is accessible without removing a seating component of the vehicle; and

(b) Has a tether strap routing device that is--

(1) Not less than 65 mm behind the torso line for that seating

position, in the case of a flexible routing device or a deployable

routing device, measured horizontally and in a vertical longitudinal

plane; or

(2) Not less than 100 mm behind the torso line for that seating

position, in the case of a fixed rigid routing device, measured

horizontally and in a vertical longitudinal plane, the part of that

anchorage that attaches to a tether hook may, at the manufacturer's

option (with said option selected prior to, or at the time of,

certification of the vehicle) be located outside that zone.

S6.2.2 Subject to S6.2.2.1 and S6.2.2.2, the portion of each user-

ready tether anchorage that is designed to bind with a tether strap hook

shall be located within the shaded zone shown in Figures 3 to 7 of this

standard of the designated seating position for which it is installed,

with reference to the H-point of a template described in section 3.1 of

SAE Standard J826 (June 1992) (incorporation by reference; see

Sec. 571.5), if:

(a) The H-point of the template is located--

(1) At the unique Design H-point of the designated seating position,

as defined in section 2.2.11.1 of SAE Recommended Practice J1100 (June

1993) (incorporation by reference; see Sec. 571.5), at the full downward

and full rearward position of the seat, or--

(2) In the case of a designated seating position that has a means of

affixing the lower portion of a child restraint system to the vehicle,

other than a vehicle seat belt, midway between the two lower restraint

system anchorages;

(b) The torso line of the template is at the same angle to the

transverse vertical plane as the vehicle seat back with the seat

adjusted to its full rearward and full downward position and the seat

back in its most upright position; and

that contains the H-point of the template.

S6.2.2.1 Until September 1, 2001, the portion of each user-ready

tether anchorage that is designed to bind with the tether strap hook may

be located in a passenger car or multipurpose passenger vehicle within

the shaded zone shown in Figures 8 to 11 of the designated seating

position for which it is installed, with reference to the shoulder

reference point of a template described in section 3.1 of SAE Standard

J826 (June 1992) (incorporation by reference; see Sec. 571.5), if:

(a) The H-point of the template is located--

(1) At the unique Design H-point of the designated seating position,

as defined in section 2.2.11.1 of SAE Recommended Practice J1100 (June

1993) (incorporation by reference; see Sec. 571.5), at the full downward

and full rearward position of the seat, or--

(2) In the case of a designated seating position that has a means of

affixing the lower portion of a child restraint system to the vehicle,

other than a vehicle seat belt, midway between the two lower restraint

system anchorages;

(b) The torso line of the template is at the same angle to the

vertical plane as the vehicle seat back with the seat adjusted to its

full rearward and full downward position and the seat back in its most

upright position; and

that contains the H-point of the template.

S6.2.2.2 The portion of a user-ready tether anchorage in a vehicle

that is designed to bind with the tether strap hook may be located

outside the shaded zone referred to in S6.2.2, if no part of the shaded

zone is accessible without removing a seating component of the vehicle

and the vehicle is equipped with a routing device that--

(a) Ensures that the tether strap functions as if the portion of the

anchorage designed to bind with the tether strap hook were located

within the shaded zone;

(b) Is at least 65 mm behind the torso line, in the case of a non-

rigid-webbing-type routing device or a deployable routing device, or at

least 100 mm behind the torso line, in the case of a fixed rigid routing

device; and

[[Page 652]]

is of sufficient strength to withstand, with the user-ready tether

anchorage, the load referred to in S6.3.4 or S6.3.4.1, as applicable.

S6.3 Strength requirements for tether anchorages.Subject to S6.3.2,

a vehicle manufactured from September 1, 1999 to August 31, 2001 may, at

the manufacturer's option (with said option irrevocably selected prior

to, or at the time of, certification of the vehicle), meet the

requirements of S6.3.1 or S6.3.4. Subject to S6.3.2, vehicles

manufactured on or after September 1, 2001 must meet the requirements of

S6.3.1 of this standard.

S6.3.1 Subject to S6.3.2, when tested in accordance with S8, after

preloading the device with a force of 500 N, point X of the SFAD must

not be displaced horizontally more than 125 mm during the application of

the force.

S6.3.2 In vehicles manufactured before September 1, 2004, each

user-ready tether anchorage in a row of designated seating positions in

a passenger car may, at the manufacturer's option (with said option

selected prior to, or at the time of, certification of the vehicle),

instead of complying with S6.3.1, withstand the application of a force

of 5,300 N, when tested in accordance with S8.2, such that the anchorage

does not release the belt strap specified in S8.2 or allow any point on

the tether anchorage to be displaced more than 125 mm.

S6.3.3 In the case of a row of designated seating positions that

has more than one tether anchorage, the force referred to in S6.3.1 and

S6.3.2 may, at the agency's option, be applied simultaneously to each

tether anchorage. However, a particular tether anchorage need not meet

further requirements after the lower anchorages of the child restraint

anchorage system of the designated seating position at which the tether

anchorage is installed have met S9.4.

S6.3.4 Subject to subsections S6.3.4.1 and S6.3.4.2, every user-

ready tether anchorage in a row of designated seating positions shall,

when tested, withstand the application of a force of 10,000 N--

(a) Applied by means of one of the following types of test devices,

installed as a child restraint system would be installed in accordance

with the manufacturer's installation instructions, namely,

(1) SFAD 1, to test a tether anchorage at a designated seating

position that does not have a child restraint anchorage system; or

(2) SFAD 2, to test a tether anchorage at a designated seating

position that has a child restraint anchorage system;

(b) Applied--

(1) In a forward direction parallel to the vehicle's vertical

longitudinal plane through the X point on the test device, and,

(2) Initially, along a horizontal line or along any line below or

above that line that is at an angle to that line of not more than 5

degrees;

manufacturer, of not more than 30 seconds, at any onset force rate of

not more than 135 000 N/s; and

(d) Maintained at a 10,000 N level for one second.

S6.3.4.1 Until September 1, 2001, every user-ready tether anchorage

in a row of designated seating positions in a passenger car may, when

tested, subject to subsection S6.3.4.2, withstand the application of a

force of 5,300 N, which force shall be--

(a) Applied by means of a belt strap that--

(1) Extends not less than 250 mm forward from the vertical plane

touching the rear top edge of the vehicle seat back,

(2) Is fitted at one end with suitable hardware for applying the

force and at the other end with a bracket for the attachment of the

user-ready tether anchorage, and

(3) Passes over the top of the vehicle seat back as shown in Figure

19 of this standard;

(b) Applied--

(1) In a forward direction parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal

vertical plane, and

(2) Initially, along a horizontal line or along any line below that

line that is at an angle to that line of not more than 20 degrees;

[[Page 653]]

than 135,000 N/s; and

(d) Maintained at a 5,300 N level for one second.

S6.3.4.2 If the zones in which tether anchorages are located

overlap and if, in the overlap area, a user-ready tether anchorage is

installed that is designed to accept the tether strap hooks of two

restraint systems simultaneously, both portions of the tether anchorage

that are designed to bind with a tether strap hook shall withstand the

force referred to in subsection S6.3.4 or S6.3.4.1, as the case may be,

applied to both portions simultaneously.

S6.3.4.3 If a row of designated seating positions has more than one

user-ready tether anchorage, the force referred to in S6.3.4, S6.3.4.1

or S6.3.4.2, as the case may be, shall be applied simultaneously in the

manner specified in the relevant subsection.

S6.3.4.4 The strength requirement tests shall be conducted with the

vehicle seat adjusted to its full rearward and full downward position

and the seat back in its most upright position. When SFAD 2 is used in

testing and cannot be attached to the lower anchorages with the seat

back in this position, adjust the seat back as recommended by the

manufacturer in its instructions for attaching child restraints. If no

instructions are provided, adjust the seat back to the position that

enables SFAD 2 to attach to the lower anchorages that is the closest to

the most upright position.

S7. Test conditions for testing tether anchorages.

The test conditions described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of S7 apply

to the test procedures in S8.

(a) Vehicle seats are adjusted to their full rearward and full

downward position and the seat back is placed in its most upright

position. When SFAD 2 is used in testing and cannot be attached to the

lower anchorages with the seat back in this position, adjust the seat

back as recommended by the manufacturer in its instructions for

attaching child restraints. If no instructions are provided, adjust the

seat back to the position that enables SFAD 2 to attach to the lower

anchorages that is the closest to the most upright position.

(b) Head restraints are adjusted in accordance with the

manufacturer's instructions, provided pursuant to S12, as to how the

head restraints should be adjusted when using the child restraint

anchorage system. If instructions with regard to head restraint

adjustment are not provided pursuant to S12, the head restraints are

adjusted to any position.

S8. Test procedures. Each vehicle shall meet the requirements of

S6.3.1 and S6.3.3 when tested according to the following procedures.

Where a range of values is specified, the vehicle shall be able to meet

the requirements at all points within the range. For testing specified

in the procedures, the SFAD used in the test is connected to the

anchorage by means of a steel cable that is fitted at one end with a

high strength steel tether hook for attachment to the tether anchorage.

The tether hook meets the specifications in Standard No. 213

(Sec. 571.213) as to the configuration and geometry of tether hooks

required by that standard. A second steel cable is connected to the X

point through which the test force is applied.

S8.1 Apply the force specified in S6.3.1 as follows--

(a) Use the following specified test device, as appropriate:

(1) SFAD 1, to test a tether anchorage at a designated seating

position that does not have a child restraint anchorage system; or,

(2) SFAD 2, to test a tether anchorage at a designated seating

position that has a child restraint anchorage system.

(b) Attach the SFAD 1 to the vehicle seat using the vehicle belts or

the SFAD 2 to the lower anchorages of the child restraint anchorage

system, as appropriate, and attach the test device to the tether

anchorage, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions provided

pursuant to S12 of this standard. For the testing specified in this

procedure, if SFAD 1 cannot be attached using the vehicle belts because

of the location of the vehicle belt buckle, the test device shall be

attached by material whose breaking strength is equal to or greater than

the breaking strength of the webbing for the seat belt assembly

installed as original

[[Page 654]]

equipment at that seating position. The geometry of the attachment shall

duplicate the geometry, at the pre-load point, of the attachment of the

originally installed seat belt assembly. All belt systems used to attach

SFAD 1 shall be tightened to a tension of not less than 53.5 N and not

more than 67 N, as measured by a load cell used on the webbing portion

of the belt. A rearward force of 135 N <plus-minus> 15 N shall be

applied to the center of the lower front crossmember of SFAD 2 to press

the device against the seat back as the fore-aft position of the

rearward extensions of the SFAD is adjusted to remove any slack or

tension.

(1) Initially, in a forward direction in a vertical longitudinal

plane and through the Point X on the test device; and

(2) Initially, along a line through the X point and at an angle of

10 <plus-minus> 5 degrees above the horizontal. Apply a preload force of

500 N to measure the angle; and then

(3) Increase the pull force as linearly as practicable to a full

force application of 15,000 N in not less than 24 seconds and not more

than 30 seconds, and maintain at a 15,000 N level for 1 second.

S8.2 Apply the force specified in S6.3.2 as follows:

(a) Attach a belt strap, and tether hook, to the user-ready tether

anchorage. The belt strap extends not less than 250 mm forward from the

vertical transverse plane touching the rear top edge of the vehicle seat

back, and passes over the top of the vehicle seat back as shown in

Figure 19 of this standard;

(b) Apply the force at the end of the belt strap--

(1) Initially, in a forward direction in a vertical longitudinal

plane that is parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal centerline;

(2) Initially, along a horizontal line or along any line below or

above that line that is at an angle to that line of not more than 20

degrees;

(3) So that the force is attained within 30 seconds, at any onset

rate of not more than 135,000 N/s; and

(4) Maintained at a 5,300 N level for a minimum of 1 second.

S9 Requirements for the lower anchorages of the child restraint

anchorage system. As an alternative to complying with the requirements

of S9, a vehicle manufactured from September 1, 1999 to August 31, 2002

may, at the manufacturer's option (with said option irrevocably selected

prior to, or at the time of, certification of the vehicle), meet the

requirements in S15 of this standard. Vehicles manufactured on or after

September 1, 2002 must meet the requirements of S9 of this standard.

S9.1 Configuration of the lower anchorages

S9.1.1 The lower anchorages shall consist of two bars that--

(a) Are 6 mm <plus-minus> .1 mm in diameter;

(b) Are straight, horizontal and transverse, and whose centroidal

longitudinal axes are collinear;

(d) Can be connected to, over their entire length, as specified in

paragraph S9.1.1(c), by the connectors of a child restraint system;

(e) Are 280 mm <plus-minus>1 mm apart, measured from the center of

the length of one bar to the center of the length of the other bar;

(f) Are an integral and permanent part of the vehicle or vehicle

seat; and

(g) Are rigidly attached to the vehicle such that they will not

deform more than 5 mm when subjected to a 100 N force in any direction.

S9.2 Location of the lower anchorages.

S9.2.1 With adjustable seats adjusted as described in S9.2.2, each

lower anchorage bar shall be located so that a vertical transverse plane

tangent to the front surface of the bar is:

(a) Not more than 70 mm behind the corresponding point Z of the CRF,

measured parallel to the bottom surface of the CRF and in a vertical

longitudinal plane, while the CRF is pressed against the seat back by

the rearward application of a horizontal force of 5 N at point A on the

CRF; and

(b) Not less than 120 mm behind the vehicle seating reference point,

measured horizontally and in a vertical longitudinal plane.

S9.2.2 Adjustable seats are adjusted as follows:

(a) Place adjustable seat backs in the manufacturer's nominal design

riding

[[Page 655]]

position in the manner specified by the manufacturer; and

(b) Place adjustable seats in the full rearward and full downward

position.

S9.3 Adequate fit of the lower anchorages. Each vehicle and each

child restraint anchorage system in that vehicle shall be designed such

that the CRF can be placed inside the vehicle and attached to the lower

anchorages of each child restraint anchorage system, with adjustable

seats adjusted as described in S9.3(a) and (b).

(a) Place adjustable seat backs in the manufacturer's nominal design

riding position in the manner specified by the manufacturer; and

(b) Place adjustable seats in the full rearward and full downward

position.

side, back and top frames of the CRF may be removed for installation in

the vehicle, as indicated in Figure 1A of this standard.

S9.4 Strength of the lower anchorages.

S9.4.1 When tested in accordance with S11, the lower anchorages

shall not allow point X on SFAD 2 to be displaced horizontally more than

125 mm, after preloading the device, when--

(a) A force of 11,000 N is applied in a forward direction in a

vertical longitudinal plane that is parallel (0 <plus-minus> 5 degrees)

to the vehicle's longitudinal centerline; and

(b) A force of 5,000 N is applied in a lateral direction in a

vertical longitudinal plane that is 75<plus-minus>5 degrees to either

side of a vertical longitudinal plane that is parallel to the vehicle's

longitudinal centerline.

S9.4.1.1 Forces described in S9.4.1(a), forward direction, shall be

applied with an initial force application angle of 10 <plus-minus> 5

degrees above the horizontal. Forces described in S9.4.1(b), lateral

direction, shall be applied horizontally (0 <plus-minus> 5 degrees).

S9.4.2 In the case of vehicle seat assemblies equipped with more

than one child restraint anchorage system, at the agency's option, each

child restraint anchorage system may be tested simultaneously or

sequentially. Sequential testing may, at the agency's option, include

testing one system to the requirement of S9.4.1(a) and another system to

S9.4.1(b). However, the lower anchorages of a particular child restraint

anchorage system need not meet further requirements after having met

S9.4.1(a) or either lateral pull requirement in S9.4.1(b), tested to any

of these requirements at the agency's option.

S9.5 Marking and conspicuity of the lower anchorages. Each vehicle

shall comply with S9.5(a) or (b).

(a) Above each bar installed pursuant to S4, the vehicle shall be

permanently marked with a circle:

(1) That is not less than 13 mm in diameter;

(2) Whose color contrasts with its background; and

(3) That is located on each seat back such that its center is not

less than 50 mm and not more than 75 mm above the bar, and in the

vertical longitudinal plane that passes through the center of the bar.

(b) The vehicle shall be configured such that each of the bars

installed pursuant to S4 is visible, without the compression of the seat

cushion or seat back, when the bar is viewed, in a vertical longitudinal

plane passing through the center of the bar, along a line making an

upward 30 degree angle with a horizontal plane.

S10. Test conditions for testing the lower anchorages. The test

conditions described in this paragraph apply to the test procedures in

S11.

(a) Vehicle seats are adjusted to their full rearward and full

downward position and the seat back in its most upright position.

(b) Head restraints are adjusted in accordance with the

manufacturer's instructions, provided pursuant to S12, as to how the

head restraints should be adjusted when using the child restraint

anchorage system. If instructions with regard to head restraint

adjustment are not provided pursuant to S12, the head restraints are

adjusted to any position.

S11. Test procedure. Each vehicle shall meet the requirements of

S9.4 when tested according to the following procedures. Where a range of

values is specified, the vehicle shall be able to meet the requirements

at all points within the range.

(a) Forward force direction. Place SFAD 2 in the vehicle seating

position

[[Page 656]]

and attach it to the two lower anchorages of the child restraint

anchorage system. Do not attach the tether anchorage. A rearward force

of 135 <plus-minus> 15 N shall be applied to the center of the lower

front crossbar of SFAD 2 to press the device against the seat back as

the fore-aft position of the rearward extensions of the SFAD is adjusted

to remove any slack or tension. Apply a preload force of 500 N at point

X of the test device. Increase the pull force as linearly as practicable

to a full force application of 11,000 N in not less than 24 seconds and

not more than 30 seconds, and maintain at an 11,000 N level for 10

seconds.

(b) Lateral force direction. Place SFAD 2 in the vehicle seating

position and attach it to the two lower anchorages of the child

restraint anchorage system. Do not attach the tether anchorage. A

rearward force of 135 <plus-minus> 15 N shall be applied to the center

of the lower front crossbar of SFAD 2 to press the device against the

seat back as the fore-aft position of the rearward extensions of the

SFAD is adjusted to remove any slack or tension. Apply a preload force

of 500 N at point X of the test device. Increase the pull force as

linearly as practicable to a full force application of 5,000 N in not

less than 24 seconds and not more than 30 seconds, and maintain at a

5,000 N level for 10 seconds.

S12. Written instructions. The vehicle must provide written

instructions, in English, for using the tether anchorages and the child

restraint anchorage system in the vehicle. If the vehicle has an owner's

manual, the instructions must be in that manual. The instructions shall:

(a) Indicate which seating positions in the vehicle are equipped

with tether anchorages and child restraint anchorage systems;

(b) In the case of vehicles required to be marked as specified in

paragraphs S4.1, S9.5(a), or S15.4, explain the meaning of markings

provided to locate the lower anchorages of child restraint anchorage

systems; and

including diagrams, for properly attaching a child restraint system's

tether strap to the tether anchorages.

S13. Tether anchorage phase-in requirements for passenger cars

manufactured on or after September 1, 1999 and before September 1, 2000.

S13.1 Passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1999 and

before September 1, 2000 shall comply with S13.1.1 through S13.2. At

anytime during the production year ending August 31, 2000, each

manufacturer shall, upon request from the Office of Vehicle Safety

Compliance, provide information identifying the passenger cars (by make,

model and vehicle identification number) that have been certified as

complying with the tether anchorage requirements of this standard. The

manufacturer's designation of a passenger car as a certified vehicle is

irrevocable.

S13.1.1 Subject to S13.2, for passenger cars manufactured on or

after September 1, 1999 and before September 1, 2000, the number of

vehicles complying with S4.2 shall be not less than 80 percent of:

(a) The manufacturer's average annual production of passenger cars

manufactured on or after September 1, 1996 and before September 1, 1999;

(b) The manufacturer's production of passenger cars manufactured on

or after September 1, 1999 and before September 1, 2000.

S13.1.2 For the purpose of calculating average annual production of

vehicles for each manufacturer and the number of vehicles manufactured

by each manufacturer under S13.1.1, a vehicle produced by more than one

manufacturer shall be attributed to a single manufacturer as provided in

S13.1.2(a) through (c), subject to S13.2.

(a) A vehicle which is imported shall be attributed to the importer.

(b) A vehicle manufactured in the United States by more than one

manufacturer, one of which also markets the vehicle, shall be attributed

to the manufacturer which markets the vehicle.

attributed to any one of the vehicle's manufacturers specified by an

express written contract, reported to the National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration under 49 CFR part 596, between the manufacturer so

specified and the manufacturer to which the vehicle would

[[Page 657]]

otherwise be attributed under S13.1.2(a) or (b).

S13.2 For the purposes of calculating average annual production of

passenger cars for each manufacturer and the number of passenger cars

manufactured by each manufacturer under S13.1, each passenger car that

is excluded from the requirement to provide tether anchorages is not

counted.

S14. Lower anchorages phase-in requirements for vehicles

manufactured on or after September 1, 2000 and before September 1, 2002.

S14.1 Vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2000 and

before September 1, 2002 shall comply with S14.1.1 through S14.1.2. At

anytime during the production years ending August 31, 2001, and August

31, 2002, each manufacturer shall, upon request from the Office of

Vehicle Safety Compliance, provide information identifying the vehicles

(by make, model and vehicle identification number) that have been

certified as complying with the child restraint anchorage requirements

of this standard. The manufacturer's designation of a vehicle as a

certified vehicle is irrevocable.

S14.1.1 Vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2000 and

before September 1, 2001. Subject to S14.4, for vehicles manufactured on

or after September 1, 2000 and before September 1, 2001, the number of

vehicles complying with S4.3 shall be not less than 20 percent of:

(a) The manufacturer's average annual production of vehicles

manufactured on or after September 1, 1997 and before September 1, 2000;

(b) The manufacturer's production on or after September 1, 2000 and

before September 1, 2001.

S14.1.2 Vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2001 and

before September 1, 2002. Subject to S14.4, for vehicles manufactured on

or after September 1, 2001 and before September 1, 2002, the number of

vehicles complying with S4.3 shall be not less than 50 percent of:

(a) The manufacturer's average annual production of vehicles

manufactured on or after September 1, 1998 and before September 1, 2001;

(b) The manufacturer's production on or after September 1, 2001 and

before September 1, 2002.

S14.2 Vehicles produced by more than one manufacturer.

S14.2.1 For the purpose of calculating average annual production of

vehicles for each manufacturer and the number of vehicles manufactured

by each manufacturer under S14.1.1 through S14.1.2, a vehicle produced

by more than one manufacturer shall be attributed to a single

manufacturer as follows, subject to S14.2.2.

(a) A vehicle which is imported shall be attributed to the importer.

(b) A vehicle manufactured in the United States by more than one

manufacturer, one of which also markets the vehicle, shall be attributed

to the manufacturer which markets the vehicle.

S14.2.2 A vehicle produced by more than one manufacturer shall be

attributed to any one of the vehicle's manufacturers specified by an

express written contract, reported to the National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration under 49 CFR part 596, between the manufacturer so

specified and the manufacturer to which the vehicle would otherwise be

attributed under S14.2.1.

S14.3 Alternative phase-in schedule for final-stage manufacturers

and alterers. A final-stage manufacturer or alterer may, at its option,

comply with the requirements set forth in S14.3 (a) and (b) instead of

complying with the requirements set forth in S14.1.1 through S14.1.2.

(a) Vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2000 and before

September 1, 2002 are not required to comply with the requirements

specified in this standard.

(b) Vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2002 shall comply

with the requirements specified in this standard.

S14.4 For the purposes of calculating average annual production of

vehicles for each manufacturer and the number of vehicles manufactured

by each manufacturer under S14.1.1 and S14.1.2, each vehicle that is

excluded from the requirement to provide child restraint anchorage

systems is not counted.

[[Page 658]]

S15 Alternative to complying with the requirements of S9. As an

alternative to complying with the requirements of S9, a vehicle

manufactured from September 1, 1999 to August 31, 2002 may, at the

manufacturer's option (with said option irrevocably selected prior to,

or at the time of, certification of the vehicle), meet the requirements

in S15 of this standard. Vehicles manufactured on or after September 1,

2002 must meet the requirements of S9 of this standard.

S15.1 Dimensions and installation requirements.

S15.1.1 General. The vehicle anchorages are positioned near the

seat bight. The location of the anchorages is defined with respect to

the CRF. If the vehicle seat is adjustable, it is adjusted as

recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for use with child restraint

systems.

S15.1.2 Anchorage dimensions and location.

S15.1.2.1 The lower anchorages shall consist of two bars that--

(a) Are 6 mm <plus-minus> .1 mm in diameter;

(b) Are straight, horizontal and transverse;

(d) Can be connected to, over their entire length, as specified in

paragraph S15.1.2.1(c), by the connectors of a child restraint system;

(e) Are 280 mm apart, measured from the center of the length of one

bar to the center of the length of the other bar; and

(f) Are an integral and permanent part of the vehicle or vehicle

seat.

S15.1.2.2 (a) The anchorage bars are located at the vehicle seating

position with the aid of and with respect to the CRF rearward

extensions, with the CRF placed against or near the vehicle seat back.

With the CRF attached to the anchorages and resting on the seat cushion,

the bottom surface shall have attitude angles within the limits in the

following table, angles measured relative to the vehicle horizontal,

longitudinal and transverse reference planes.

Table to S15.1.2.2(a)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pitch...................................................... 15 deg.

<plus-

minus> 10 d

Roll....................................................... 0 deg.

<plus-

minus> 5 de

Yaw........................................................ 0 deg.

<plus-

minus> 10 d

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: An explanation of the above angles is given in Figure 1.

(b) With adjustable seats adjusted as described in S15.1.2.2(c),

each lower anchorage bar shall be located so that a vertical transverse

plane intersecting the center of the bar is:

(1) Not more than 70 mm behind point Z of the CRF, measured parallel

to the bottom surface of the CRF and to the center of the bar, with the

CRF rear surface against the seat back; and

(2) Not less than 120 mm behind the vehicle seating reference point,

measured horizontally and to the center of the bar. (Note: To facilitate

installation of the CRF in a vehicle seat, the CRF may be constructed of

smaller separable parts and assembled in the vehicle seat.

Alternatively, vehicle components may be removed to allow access.)

manufacturer for use with child restraint systems.

S15.2 Static Strength Requirements.

S15.2.1 The strength of the anchorages shall be determined using

the procedure of S15.3 to apply forces to the SFAD 2, installed in the

vehicle seating position and engaged with the anchorages. The vehicle

seat shall be installed in the vehicle, or in sufficient parts of the

vehicle so as to be representative of the strength and rigidity of the

vehicle structure. If the seat is adjustable, it shall be placed in the

position recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for use with child

restraint systems. If no adjusted position is recommended, the seat

shall be placed in any position, at the agency's option.

S15.2.2 Horizontal excursion of point X during application of the 8

kN and 5 kN forces shall be not more than 125 mm, after preloading the

device.

S15.3 Forces and directions.

S15.3.1 A rearward force of 135 N <plus-minus> 15 N shall be

applied to the center of the lower front crossbar of SFAD 2 to press the

device against the seat back as the fore-aft position of the rearward

extensions of the SFAD is adjusted to remove any slack or tension.

Forces shall

[[Page 659]]

be applied to SFAD 2 in forward and lateral directions according to the

following table.

Table to S15.3.1.--Directions of Test Forces

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forward..................... 0 deg. <plus-minus> 8 kN <plus-minus>

5 deg.. 0.25 kN

Lateral..................... 75 deg. <plus-minus> 5 kN <plus-minus>

5 deg. (to both 0.25 kN

sides of straight

forward).

------------------------------------------------------------------------

S15.3.2 Forces in the forward direction shall be applied with an

initial force application angle of 10 <plus-minus> 5 degrees above the

horizontal. Lateral forces shall be applied horizontally (0 deg.

<plus-minus> 5 deg.). A pre-load force of 500 N <plus-minus> 25 N shall

be applied at the prescribed loading point (point X) in Figure 17. The

force shall be increased to 8 kN <plus-minus> 0.25 kN for forward tests,

or to 5 kN <plus-minus> 0.25 kN for lateral tests. Full application of

the force shall be achieved within a time period of 2 seconds or less.

The force shall be maintained for a period of 0.25 seconds <plus-minus>

0.05 seconds.

S15.3.3 If anchorages for more than one child restraint anchorage

system are installed in the vehicle seat assembly and not directly into

the vehicle structure, the forces described in S15.3 shall be applied

simultaneously to SFADs engaged with the anchorages at each seating

position.

S15.4 Marking and conspicuity of the lower anchorages. At least one

anchorage bar (when deployed for use), one guidance fixture, or one seat

marking feature shall be readily visible to the person installing a CRF.

Storable anchorages shall be provided with a telltale or label that is

visible when the anchorage is stored.

[[Page 660]]

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[64 FR 10823, Mar. 5, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 47587, Aug. 31, 1999]