Automotive Safety Issues for Persons with Disabilities

NHTSA is the federal government agency with the authority to regulate the manufacture of automotive adaptive equipment and modified vehicles used by persons with disabilities.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in effect right now that affect persons with disabilities:

• Exclusion from automatic crash protection requirement of FMVSS 208 for light trucks and vans manufactured for operation by persons with disabilities. Details
• Exclusion from the Door Latch Standard (FMVSS 206) for side doors fitted with a wheelchair lift. Details
• Child restraints for children with disabilities may be tested with a tether strap. Details

Watch this space for announcements of proposals for new regulations or research results.