Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Door Locks and Door Retention Components

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This final rule amends the Federal motor vehicle safety standard pertaining to door locks and door retention components. This rule extends the standard's requirements, currently applicable only to side doors, to the back doors of passenger cars and multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPV) so equipped, including hatchbacks, station wagons, sport utility vehicles, and passenger vans, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,536 kilograms (kg) (10,000 pounds) or less. Further, to allow for differences between side doors and back doors, including the different directions in which they open in relation to the vehicle, this rule amends certain performance requirements and test procedures to make them appropriate for back doors. Extension of the standard to back doors will reduce the likelihood of occupants being ejected through the back doors of vehicles in the event of a crash, thereby reducing fatalities and serious injuries.