Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards: No. 204; Steering Control Rearward Displacement
Summary
The federal government is proposing a new safety rule for cars that limits how far the steering wheel can move backward into the driver's space during a crash. This rule aims to protect drivers from serious chest and abdominal injuries caused by the steering wheel pushing into their bodies during accidents.
Key Points
- 1The rule sets maximum limits on how far steering wheels can move backward when a car crashes
- 2It applies to new cars and trucks sold in the United States
- 3The goal is to reduce driver injuries and deaths from steering wheel impacts during collisions
- 4Car manufacturers will need to redesign steering column systems to meet the new safety requirements
- 5Public comments are being accepted until July 30, 2025, before the rule becomes final
Impact Assessment
If you are a car manufacturer, this means you must redesign steering column assemblies to limit rearward displacement during crashes, increasing vehicle production costs that may be passed to consumers.
National
Significant
Key Dates
May 30, 2025
Regulatory Connections
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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