United States of America issued a correction to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, refining anchorages requirements for seat belt systems by preserving subordinate text in paragraph S6, ensuring only the introductory text is revised.
US Corrects Seat Belt Anchorage Rules
A technical fix clarifies which text is updated in a key safety standard.
What changed
Introductory text of paragraph S6 in FMVSS No. 210 is revised.
All subordinate text and graphics in paragraph S6 are preserved.
Who it affects
Vehicle manufacturers must follow the clarified wording for seat belt anchorage requirements.
Key dates
Compliance Answer: Correction to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 210 – Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages
Direct Answer
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a correction to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 210 to refine the amendatory instructions for seat belt assembly anchorages. The correction ensures that only the introductory text of paragraph S6 is revised, while preserving all subordinate text and graphics within that section1. This action was taken to clarify the scope of changes following a final rule published on June 3, 2026, which removed unnecessary regulatory text from FMVSS No. 2102.
Regulation Analysis
1. Background and Purpose
- On May 30, 2025, NHTSA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) (Docket No. NHTSA–2025–0037, RIN 2127–AM88) proposing to remove outdated regulatory text from FMVSS No. 210, specifically targeting requirements with obsolete applicability dates (e.g., September 1, 1987, and October 21, 2011)2.
- The agency received no public comments on the proposal, and the final rule was adopted without amendment2.
- A subsequent correction notice (published June 9, 2026) addressed an error in the amendatory instructions of the final rule, ensuring that only the introductory text of paragraph S6 was revised, while subordinate text and graphics in S6 remained intact1.
2. Key Changes to FMVSS No. 210
The correction modifies the amendatory instructions to § 571.210 as follows:
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Effective Date | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| FMVSS No. 210, § 571.210 | – Revises paragraphs S4.1.2(a), S4.1.3.1, and the introductory text of S4.1.3.2 to remove obsolete references2. – Corrects amendatory instruction 2.c to specify that only the introductory text of S6 is revised, preserving subordinate text/graphics1. – Removes redundant date-based requirements (e.g., post-1987/2011 applicability)2. | July 6, 2026 | 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117, 30166; 49 CFR 1.952. |
3. Specific Provisions Affected
- S4.1.2(a): Clarifies seat belt anchorage requirements for vehicles with automatic restraints that cannot secure child restraint systems2.
- S4.1.3.1–S4.1.3.5: Updates school bus seat belt anchorage requirements, including:
- S6 (Owner’s Manual Information): The correction ensures subordinate text/graphics (e.g., details on anchorage locations, strength tests) are not deleted1.
4. Compliance and Enforcement
- No retroactive effect: The rule does not alter the applicability of 49 U.S.C. 30122, which prohibits tampering with FMVSS-compliant devices2.
- Preemption: State or local standards must be identical to FMVSS No. 210 to avoid preemption under 49 U.S.C. 30103(b)(1)2.
- Petitions for Reconsideration: Must be submitted by July 20, 20262.
5. Regulatory Impact
- No significant economic impact: NHTSA certified that the rule (removing obsolete text) does not impose substantial costs on small entities2.
- Deregulatory action: Aligns with Executive Order 14192 (reducing regulatory burdens)2.
- No unfunded mandates: Complies with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act2.
Summary Answer
NHTSA’s correction to FMVSS No. 210 (Docket No. NHTSA–2025–0037) refines the amendatory instructions to revise only the introductory text of paragraph S6, preserving subordinate text and graphics1. The final rule, effective July 6, 2026, removes obsolete regulatory text (e.g., post-1987/2011 date references) and clarifies seat belt anchorage requirements for vehicles and school buses2. The changes do not alter substantive safety standards but streamline compliance by eliminating redundant provisions2. Manufacturers must ensure anchorages meet updated requirements while adhering to preemption rules under 49 U.S.C. 301032. Petitions for reconsideration are due by July 20, 20262.
Sources
- ↩ WTO TBT notification 26-03054 — United States of America https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/USA/26_03054_00_e.pdf
- ↩ members.wto.org — final measure / 26 02982 00 e https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/USA/final_measure/26_02982_00_e.pdf