Interpretation ID: nht81-1.3

DATE: 01/13/81

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; F. Berndt; NHTSA

TO: MMC Services Inc.

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your letter of October 14, 1980, regarding the warning devices required by Safety Standard No. 114, Theft Protection, and Safety Standard No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection. You ask whether the sound of a voice repeating the phrase "please pull out the ignition key" or "please fasten seat belt" at 2-3 second intervals could be used to satisfy the requirements of Standard No. 114 and Standard No. 208. You also ask whether a buzzer or chime that signals an unfastened seat belt or the presence of the key in the ignition could also be used to give the driver other warnings, such as turning off the headlights.

Standard No. 114 does not specify the nature of the warning that must be given to the driver in the event that the ignition key is left in the locking system. Thus the system you describe would comply with the rule. Note that the signal must be activated whenever the key has been left in the ignition and the driver's door is opened.

Standard No. 208 requires that the driver's seating position be equipped with a warning system that activates a continuous or intermittent audible signal for a period of not less than four (4) seconds and not more than eight (8) seconds. The signal must begin when the vehicle's ignition switch is in the "on" or "start" position and the driver's belt is not in use. If the system you have devised stops the warning only when the belt has been fastened, it would not comply with this rule. The signal must end within eight (8) seconds, irregardless of whether the driver's belt has been fastened. Regarding your specific question, an audible "voice" signal would be permitted under the standard.

The buzzers or chimes that are installed in accordance with Standard No. 214 or Standard No. 208 may also be used to warn the driver of other conditions.

We hope you find this information helpful. Please contact this office if you have any other questions.

Sincerely,

ATTACH.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION

October 14, 1980

Chief Counsel -- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Dear Sir;

Subject: Warning Device for FMVSS 114 and 208

This letter is for getting your interpretation to the following questions concerning the warning devices required by FMVSS 114 and 208.

1. Is it considered as complying with the requirements to use the voice sound such as "please pull out ignition key" or "please fasten seat belt" which is activated repeatedly with 2 or 3 seconds pause?

In order to avoid customers' unpleasant impression due to abrupt cut-off of the voice when the instruction is followed, these warning voices would be ceased after completing the phrase.

2. In case when adopting buzzer or chime sound as the warning of FMVSS 114 or 208, could the same sound be utilized as other additional warnings such as the headlamp turning-off?

For any questions regarding this letter, please contact with the following representative of ours in the U.S.A. and mail your response to him.

T. Shimada -- Senior Technical Manager, MMC Services Inc.; 3000 TOWN CENTER; SUITE 1960; SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN 48075; TELEPHONE NUMBER: 313/353-5444

Your early response would be highly appreciated.

Very truly yours,

Hidemi Ohya, Manager -- Homologation & Technical Liaison Section, Technical Administration Department