Federal Register #2026-17469

NHTSA Petition and Research Study Notice: Spartan Fire Emergency Vehicles and HMI Study

This notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) addresses a regulatory petition and a research study: - Regulatory Petition - NHTSA received a petition from Spartan Fire, LLC regarding noncompliance of certain emergency vehicles with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. - The affected vehicles are 35 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metro Star models (model years 2015-2023). - The noncompliance involves backup lamps exceeding the maximum allowed photometric intensity. - Spartan Fire, LLC argues this is inconsequential to safety due to enhanced visibility needs for emergency vehicles. - No procurement of products or services is requested; the notice is for public comment. - Research Study Announcement - NHTSA seeks approval for a new information collection to study driver interactions with vehicles featuring novel human-machine interface (HMI) designs. - The study will involve up to 35 licensed drivers in Phoenix, AZ, using GoPro cameras, eye trackers, questionnaires, and interviews. - The study is a one-time experiment, not a procurement opportunity. - OEMs and Vendors - Spartan Fire, LLC is the only OEM mentioned. - Products/Services - Emergency vehicles: Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metro Star (35 units). - Research study: Novel HMI designs tested by 35 drivers. - Notable Requirements - Petition relates to regulatory compliance, not acquisition. - Research study involves voluntary participation and data collection, not product or service procurement.

Description

This notice announces the receipt of a petition from Spartan Fire, LLC regarding certain model year 2015-2023 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Spartan Fire Metro Star emergency vehicles that do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. Spartan has petitioned for a decision that the noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety. Comments on the petition are invited by September 28, 2026. The petition concerns backup lamps that may exceed the maximum photometric intensity allowed, and Spartan argues this is beneficial for visibility and conspicuity in emergency situations.

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