NHTSA Harmonizes Anti-Theft Standard Exemption for Immobilizers With Canadian Requirements

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration set new procedures for obtaining exemptions from the vehicle theft prevention standard for vehicles equipped with immobilizers, in a final rule issued Sept. 29 (here). The agency is streamlining the exemption procedure for immobilizer-equipped vehicles by adding performance criteria that “closely follow” Canadian performance requirements, NHTSA said. “After this final rule, it would be sufficient for a manufacturer seeking the exemption of some of its vehicles to provide data showing that the device meets the performance criteria, as well as a statement that the device is durable and reliable,” it said. “Adopting these performance criteria for immobilizers bring[s] the U.S. anti-theft requirements more into line with those of Canada.” The final rule takes effect Nov. 28.