49 CFR Part 541 — Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard

PART 541—FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD Authority: 49 U.S.C. 33101, 33102, 33103, 33104, 33105 and 33106; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.95. Source: 50 FR 43190, Oct. 24, 1985, unless otherwise noted. § 541.1 Scope. This standard specifies performance requirements for identifying numbers or symbols to be placed on major parts of certain passenger motor vehicles. § 541.2 Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce the incidence of motor vehicle thefts by facilitating the tracing and recovery of parts from stolen vehicles. § 541.3 Application. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) and (c) of this section, this standard applies to the following: (1) Passenger motor vehicle parts identified in § 541.5(a) that are present in: (i) Passenger cars; and (ii) Multipurpose passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 pounds or less; and (iii) Light-duty trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 pounds or less, that NHTSA has determined to be high theft in accordance with 49 CFR 542.1; and (iv) Light duty trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 pounds or less, that NHTSA has determined to be subject to the requirements of this section in accordance with 49 CFR 542.2. (2) Replacement passenger motor vehicle parts identified in § 541.5(a) for vehicles listed in paragraphs (1)(i) to (iv) of this section. (b) Exclusions. (1) Passenger motor vehicle parts identified in § 541.5(a) that are present in vehicles manufactured by a motor vehicle manufacturer that manufactures fewer than 5,000 vehicles for sale in the United States each year. (2) Passenger motor vehicle parts identified in § 541.5(a) that are present in a line with an annual production of not more than 3,500 vehicles. (3) Passenger motor vehicle parts identified in § 541.5(a) that are present in light-duty trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 pounds or less, that NHTSA has determined to be subject to the requirements of this section in accordance with 49 CFR 542.2, if the vehicle line with which these light-duty trucks share majority of major interchangeable parts is exempt from parts marking requirements pursuant to part 543. (c) For vehicles listed in subparagraphs (1)(i) to (iv) of this section that are (1) not subject to the requirements of this standard until September 1, 2006, and (2) manufactured between September 1, 2006 and August 31, 2007; a manufacturer needs to meet the requirements of this part only for lines representing at least 50% of a manufacturer's total production of these vehicles. [70 FR 28851, May 19, 2005] § 541.4 Definitions. (a) Statutory terms. (b) Other definitions. Interior surface (2) Light-duty truck (LDT) (3) Line (4) 1990/91 median theft rate (5) Multipurpose passenger vehicle (MPV) (6) Passenger car (7) VIN [59 FR 64168, Dec. 13, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 29033, June 7, 1996] § 541.5 Requirements for passenger motor vehicles. (a) Each passenger motor vehicle subject to this standard must have an identifying number affixed or inscribed on each of the parts specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(18) inclusive, if the part is present on the passenger motor vehicle. In the case of passenger motor vehicles not originally manufactured to comply with applicable U.S. vehicle safety and bumper standards, each such motor vehicle subject to this standard must have an identifying number inscribed in a manner which conforms to paragraph (d)(2) of this section, on each of the parts specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(18), inclusive, if the part is present on the motor vehicle. (1) Engine. (2) Transmission. (3) Right front fender. (4) Left front fender. (5) Hood. (6) Right front door. (7) Left front door. (8) Right rear door. (9) Left rear door. (10) Sliding or cargo door(s). (11) Front bumper. (12) Rear bumper. (13) Right rear quarter panel (passenger cars). (14) Left rear quarter panel (passenger cars). (15) Right-side assembly (MPVs). (16) Left-side assembly (MPVs). (17) Pickup box, and/or cargo box (LDTs). (18) Rear door(s) (both doors in case of double doors), decklid, tailgate, or hatchback (whichever is present). (b)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section, the number required to be inscribed or affixed by paragraph (a) shall be the VIN of the passenger motor vehicle. (2) In place of the VIN, manufacturers who were marking engines and/or transmissions with a VIN derivative consisting of at least the last eight characters of the VIN on October 24, 1984, may continue to mark engines and/or transmissions with such VIN derivative. (3) In the case of passenger motor vehicles not originally manufactured to comply with U.S. vehicle safety and bumper standards, the number required to be inscribed by paragraph (a) of this section shall be the original vehicle identification number assigned to the motor vehicle by its original manufacturer in the country where the motor vehicle was originally produced or assembled. (c) The characteristics of the number required to be affixed or inscribed by paragraph (a) of this section shall satisfy the size and style requirements set forth for vehicle certification labels in § 567.4(g) of this chapter. (d) The number required by paragraph (a) of this section must be affixed by means that comply with paragraph (d)(1) of this section or inscribed by means that comply with paragraph (d)(2) of this section. (1) Labels. (ii) The number must be placed on each part specified in paragraph (a) of this section in a location such that the number is, if practicable, on an interior surface of the part as installed on the vehicle and in a location where it: (A) Will not be damaged by the use of any tools necessary to install, adjust, or remove the part and any adjoining parts, or any portions thereof; (B) Is on a portion of the part not likely to be damaged in a collision; and (C) Will not be damaged or obscured during normal dealer preparation operations (including rustproofing and undercoating). (iii) The number must be placed on each part specified in paragraph (a) of this section in a location that is visible without further disassembly once the part has been removed from the vehicle. (iv) The number must be placed entirely within the target area specified by the original manufacturer for that part, pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section, on each part specified in paragraph (a) of this section. (v) Removal of the label must— (A) Cause the label to self-destruct by tearing or rendering the number on the label illegible, and (B) Discernibly alter the appearance of that area of the part where the label was affixed by leaving residual parts of the label or adhesive in that area, so that investigators will have evidence that a label was originally present. (vi) Alteration of the number on the label must leave traces of the original number or otherwise visibly alter the appearance of the label material. (vii) The label and the number shall be resistant to counterfeiting. (viii) The logo or some other unique identifier of the vehicle manufacturer must be placed in the material of the label in a manner such that alteration or removal of the logo visibly alters the appearance of the label. (2) Other means of identification. (ii) The number must be placed on each part specified in paragraph (a) of this section in a location that is visible without further disassembly once the part has been removed from the vehicle. (iii) The number must be placed entirely within the target area specified by the original manufacturer for that part, pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section, on each part specified in paragraph (a) of this section. (e) Target areas. (2) Each manufacturer subject to paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall, not later than 30 days before the line is introduced into commerce, inform NHTSA in writing of the target areas designated for each line subject to this standard. In those instances where a manufacturer has submitted this target area information to NHTSA with a request for confidential treatment pursuant to 49 CFR part 512, the manufacturer must also submit a complete copy of the target area information within seven (7) days after the information becomes public, or the new line is released for sale to the public, whichever comes first. The information must be submitted to: Docket Management, Room W12-140, West Building, Ground Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590 by any of the following methods. In all cases, the docket number for the submission, (Docket No. NHTSA-2009-0069) must be cited. (i) Electronic submission to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. (ii) By U.S. Mail: (iii) Hand delivery or by courier: Telephone: (iv) By Fax transmission: (3) The target areas designated by the original vehicle manufacturer for a part on a line shall be maintained for the duration of the production of such line, unless a restyling of the part makes it no longer practicable to mark the part within the original target area. If there is such a restyling, the original vehicle manufacturer shall inform NHTSA of that fact and the new target area, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (e)(2) of this section. [59 FR 64168, Dec. 13, 1994, as amended at 69 FR 17967, Apr. 6, 2004; 76 FR 24403, May 2, 2011] § 541.6 Requirements for replacement parts. (a) Each replacement part for a part specified in § 541.5(a) must have the registered trademark of the manufacturer of the replacement part, or some other unique identifier if the manufacturer does not have a registered trademark, and the letter “R” affixed or inscribed on such replacement part by means that comply with § 541.5(d), except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section. In the case of replacement parts subject to the marking requirements of this section, which were not originally manufactured for sale in the United States, the importer of the part shall inscribe its registered trademark, or some other unique identifier if the importer does not have a registered trademark, and the letter “R” on the part by means that comply with § 541.5(d)(2), except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section. (b) A replacement part subject to paragraph (a) of this section shall not be marked pursuant to § 541.5. (c) The trademark and the letter “R” required by paragraph (a) of this section must be at least one centimeter high. (d) The trademark and the letter “R” required by paragraph (a) of this section must be placed entirely within the target area specified by the vehicle manufacturer, pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section. (e) Target areas. (2) The boundaries of the target area designated under paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall be at least 10 centimeters at all points from the nearest boundaries of the target area designated for that part under § 541.5(e) of this part. (3) Each manufacturer subject to paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall inform NHTSA in writing of the target areas designated for each replacement part subject to paragraph (a) of this section, at the same time as it informs the agency of the target area designated for the original equipment parts of the line, pursuant to § 541.5(e)(2) of this part. In those instances where a manufacturer has submitted this target area information to NHTSA with a request for confidential treatment under 49 CFR part 512, the manufacturer shall also submit a complete copy of the target area information within seven (7) days after the information has become public or the new line has been released for sale to the public, whichever comes first. The information should be submitted to: Docket Management, Room W12-140, Ground Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590 by any of the following methods. In all cases, the docket number for the submission, (Docket No. NHTSA-2009-0069) must be cited. (i) Electronic submission to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. (ii) By U.S. Mail: (iii) Hand delivery or by courier: Telephone: (iv) By Fax transmission: (4) The target area designated by the original vehicle manufacturer for the parts subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section shall be maintained for the duration of the production of such replacement part, unless a restyling of the part makes it no longer practicable to mark the part within the original target area. If there is such a restyling, the original vehicle manufacturer shall inform NHTSA of that fact and the new target area, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (e)(3) of this section. (f) Each replacement part must bear the symbol “DOT” in letters at least one centimeter high within 5 centimeters of the trademark and of the letter “R”, and entirely within the target area specified under paragraph (d) of this section. The symbol “DOT” constitutes the manufacturer's certification that the replacement part conforms to the applicable theft prevention standard, and shall be inscribed or affixed by means that comply with paragraph (a) of this section. In the case of replacement parts subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, which were not originally manufactured for sale in the United States, the importer shall inscribe the “DOT” symbol before the part is imported into the United States. [50 FR 43190, Oct. 24, 1985, as amended at 76 FR 24403, May 2, 2011] Appendix A to Part 541 [Reserved] Appendix A-I to Part 541—Lines With Antitheft Devices Which Are Exempted From the Parts-Marking Requirements of This Standard Pursuant to 49 CFR Part 543 Manufacturer Subject lines BMW MINI, MINI Countryman (MPV), X1 (MPV), X2 (MPV), X3 (MPV), X4 (MPV), X5 (MPV), Z4, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series. CHRYSLER 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Dart, Dodge Journey, Fiat 500, Fiat 124 Spider, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee (MPV), Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler JK, 2 FORD MOTOR CO Bronco Sport, 1 GENERAL MOTORS Buick Encore, Buick Verano, Cadillac ATS, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac XTS, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Bolt, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo, Chevrolet Sonic, Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Trailblazer, 1 HONDA Accord, Acura TLX, Acura MDX, Civic, CR-V, HR-V, 1 HYUNDAI Genesis G70, Genesis G80, 3 1 JAGUAR F-Type, XE, XF, XJ, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover E-Pace, Land Rover F-Pace, Land Rover I-Pace, 1 KIA Niro, Stinger. MASERATI Ghibli, Levante (SUV), Quattroporte. MAZDA 2, 3, 6, CX-3, CX-5, CX-9, CX-30, 1 MERCEDES-BENZ smart Line Chassis, smart USA fortwo. SL-Line Chassis (SL-Class), (the models within this line are): SL400/SL450, SL550, SL 63/AMG, SL 65/AMG. SLK-Line Chassis (SLK-Class/SLC-Class) (the models within this line are): SLK 250, SLK 300, SLK 350, SLK 55 AMG, SLC 300 AMG, SLC 43. S-Line Chassis (S/CL/S-Coupe Class/S-Class Cabriolet/Mercedes Maybach) (the models within this line are): S400 Hybrid, S550, S600, S63 AMG, S65 AMG, Mercedes-Maybach S560, Mercedes-Maybach S650, CL550, CL600, CL63 AMG, CL65 AMG. NGCC Chassis Line (CLA/GLA/B-Class/A-Class) (the models within this line are): A220, B250e, CLA250, CLA45 AMG, GLA250, GLA45 AMG. C-Line Chassis (C-Class/CLK/GLK-Class/GLC-Class) (the models within this line are): C63 AMG, C240, C250, C300, C350, CLK 350, CLK 550, CLK 63AMG, GLK250, GLK350. E-Line Chassis (E-Class/CLS Class) (the models within this line are): E55, E63 AMG, E350 BLUETEC, E320/E320DT CDi, E350/E500/E550, E400 HYBRID, CLS400, CLS500/550, CLS55 AMG, CLS63 AMG. MITSUBISHI Eclipse Cross, Outlander, Outlander Sport, Mirage. NISSAN Altima, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Rogue, Kicks, Sentra, Infiniti Q70, Infiniti Q50/60, Infiniti QX50, 5 PORSCHE 911, Boxster/Cayman, Macan, Panamera, Taycan. SUBARU Ascent, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX, XV Crosstrek/Crosstrek. 4 TESLA Model 3, Model S, Model X, Model Y. TOYOTA Avalon, Camry, Corolla, C-HR, Highlander, Lexus ES, Lexus GS, Lexus LS, Lexus NX, Lexus RX, Prius, RAV4, Sienna, Venza. 1 VOLKSWAGEN Atlas, Beetle, ID.4, 1 VOLVO S60. 1 2 3 4 5 [88 FR 77227, Nov. 9, 2023] Appendix A-II to Part 541 [Reserved] Appendix B to Part 541—Light Duty Truck Lines With Theft Rates Below the 1990/91 Median Theft Rate, Subject to the Requirements of This Standard Manufacturer Subject lines None [69 FR 17967, Apr. 6, 2004] Appendix C to Part 541—Criteria for Selecting Light Duty Truck Lines Likely To Have High Theft Rates Scope These criteria specify the factors the Administrator will take into account in determining whether a new line is likely to have a high theft rate, and, therefore, whether such line will be subject to the requirements of this theft prevention standard. Purpose The purpose of these criteria is to enable the Administrator to select, by agreement with the manufacturer, if possible, those new lines which are likely to have high theft rates. Application These criteria apply to lines of passenger motor vehicles initially introduced into commerce on or after September 1, 2006. Methodology These criteria will be applied to each line initially introduced into commerce on or after September 1, 2006. The likely theft rate for such lines will be determined in relation to the national median theft rate for 1990 and 1991. If the line is determined to be likely to have a theft rate above the national median, the Administrator will select such line for coverage under this theft prevention standard. Criteria 1. Retail price of the vehicle line. 2. Vehicle image or marketing strategy. 3. Vehicle lines with which the new line is intended to compete, and the theft rates of such lines. 4. Vehicle line(s), if any, which the new line is intended to replace, and the theft rate(s) of such line(s). 5. Presence or absence of any new theft prevention devices or systems. 6. Preliminary theft rate for the line, if it can be determined on the basis of currently available data. [50 FR 43190, Oct. 24, 1985, as amended at 69 FR 17967, Apr. 6, 2004; 69 FR 34613, June 22, 2004]

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