Understanding Vehicle Safety, Part 1: FMVSS 100 Series Explained 

Jan 29, 2025

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), outline critical requirements for vehicles sold in the United States. 

There are three different categories of FMVSS tests:

  • The 100 series tests, which define the crash avoidance features of the vehicle.
  • The 200 series tests that define crashworthiness requirements.
  • The 300 series tests, which define post-crash survivability requirements.

In this first installment of a three-part series, we will be taking a deeper dive into the FMVSS 100 series level tests supported at MGA.

Dealing largely with vehicle components such as lighting, visibility, braking, and traction, our support with the FMVSS 100 series has focused on these components’ reliability during critical conditions for crash avoidance. Historically these components have been of mechanical nature. As technology has become more integrated into the automotive world, there are new challenges to meet requirements, particularly for FMVSS 111 & FMVSS 114.

Technological Shifts in FMVSS 100 Series

The integration of components like rearview cameras and key cards onto vehicle stands are prime examples of newer technologies that are making their way into vehicles. For FMVSS 111 focusing on rearview visibility, backup cameras have surged in prevalence owing to both regulation requirements and consumer demand. In doing so, FMVSS 111 has evolved to accommodate the rise of high-resolution cameras, wide-angle lenses, and varying environmental conditions like rain or fog.

Within FMVSS 114 there have been a lot of technological changes, one of which corresponds directly to the theft protection portion of the standard.  A large part of theft protection is intertwined with the vehicle key, which has had many forms over its history. Modern key technology has shifted from traditional keys to key fobs, key cards, and even phone applications. FMVSS 114 must balance convenience with security, ensuring these systems prevent theft while keeping vehicles accessible to their owners.

 

MGA’s current FMVSS 100 series supported testing:

FMVSS 101 - Controls & Displays

This standard outlines the requirements for location, identification, color, and illumination of motor vehicle controls, telltales, and indicators. This standard encompasses factors such as readability, brightness levels, and clarity of information presented, all of which are helpful for maintaining driver attention and minimizing distractions on the road.

FMVSS 102 - Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect

This standard specifies the transmission shift position sequence in order to reduce the likelihood of shifting errors; a starter interlock to prevent starter engagement by the driver when the transmission is in any drive position; and for a braking effect of automatic transmissions to provide supplemental braking at speeds below 40kph (25mph).

FMVSS 103 - Windshield Defog/Defrost & FMVSS 104 - Windshield Wiping/Washing

These standards outline the requirements for defrosting and defogging systems, as well as the windshield wiping and washing systems.

FMVSS 111 - Rear Visibility

This standard includes the whole suite of rear visibility devices and systems. This includes the side mirrors, rearview mirrors, and rear-view camera.

FMVSS 113 - Hood Latch System

This standard is focused on the requirement for providing a hood latch system or systems. Front hoods that partially obstruct or fully block the driver’s view when opened must incorporate a dual latch system on them in case one of the latches fail, the other latch will keep the hood closed while the vehicle is in motion.

FMVSS 114 - Theft Protection & Rollaway Prevention

This standard outlines vehicle performance requirements intended to reduce the incidence of crashes resulting from theft and accidental rollaway.

FMVSS 118 - Power-Operated Window, Partition, & Roof Panel Systems

This standard includes requirements for power operated windows, partition, and roof panel systems to minimize the likelihood of injury from their accidental operation.

FMVSS 124 - Accelerator Control Systems

This standard forms the guideline for the return of a vehicle’s throttle to the idle position when the driver removes the actuating force from the accelerator control, or in the event of a severance or disconnection of the system.

A2LA Accreditation

MGA has been a trusted leader in FMVSS 100 series testing for years, holding A2LA accreditation for critical standards such as FMVSS 101, 102, and 114. This recognition underscores our commitment to delivering highly accurate and reliable testing for the safety features that define modern vehicles. MGA's capability is further recognized in conducting comprehensive testing for vehicle controls, lighting, rear-view visibility, and theft protection systems, as mentioned above.

 

MGA Advantage

MGA offers unparalleled expertise in FMVSS 100 series regulations, backed by advanced testing facilities and cutting-edge technology. Our tailored testing solutions ensure that every vehicle component is evaluated with precision, meeting industry standards and helping automakers stay ahead of regulatory demands. This includes:

  • Extensive and specialized expertise with a deep understanding of the regulations of the FMVSS 100 series.
  • MGA utilizes advanced testing facilities and the latest equipment which allows for precise and reliable evaluation of vehicle components and systems.
  • Tailored testing solutions to address specific designs and to record many kinds of data
  • Secure, confidential test sites with key card access and private conference rooms.

 

With every innovation that comes out in the automotive sphere, there are always challenges to face. As automakers strive to implement novel designs and innovations into their vehicles, the FMVSS standards must be kept in mind. With decades of experience in vehicle homologation and active participation in safety regulatory bodies, MGA is well positioned to provide its customers with the guidance necessary to navigate through these new integrations. 

Have questions or need more details on FMVSS 100 series testing? Reach out today by completing our contact form, and our experts will be happy to assist you!

 

 

 

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