NHTSAFinal Rule
Anthropomorphic Test Devices: Hybrid III 5th Percentile Female Test Dummy; Incorporation by Reference
Transportation
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Summary
The federal government is officially adopting a new test dummy called the Hybrid III 5th Percentile Female that represents the size and body proportions of an average adult woman. This dummy will be used to test vehicle safety features like airbags and seatbelts to ensure cars protect women as effectively as they protect men.
Key Points
- 1Car manufacturers must now use a female-sized test dummy to evaluate whether safety features work properly for women, not just men
- 2The new test dummy represents a woman at the 5th percentile (smaller than average), filling a gap in safety testing that previously relied mainly on male-sized dummies
- 3This change affects all vehicle manufacturers designing and testing new cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the United States
- 4Better safety testing for women-sized bodies could lead to improved airbag placement, seatbelt design, and overall crash protection for female drivers and passengers
- 5The regulation makes this test dummy requirement official federal policy, meaning manufacturers must comply when developing new vehicles
Impact Assessment
If you are a vehicle manufacturer, you must redesign and retest safety systems using the new female-proportioned test dummy to ensure compliance with updated federal safety standards.
Impact Level
Significant
Geographic Scope
National
Compliance Cost
Moderate
Who is Affected
ManufacturersConsumers
Key Dates
Published
February 14, 2025
Regulatory Connections
Amends CFR Sections
49 CFR Part 571
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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