49 C.F.R. PART 541—FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD
Title 49 - Transportation


Title 49: Transportation

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PART 541—FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD

Section Contents
§ 541.1   Scope.
§ 541.2   Purpose.
§ 541.3   Application.
§ 541.4   Definitions.
§ 541.5   Requirements for passenger motor vehicles.
§ 541.6   Requirements for replacement parts.
Appendix A to Part 541—Lines Subject to the Requirements of This Standard
Appendix A–I to Part 541—Lines With Antitheft Devices Which Are Exempted From the Parts-Marking Requirements of This Standard Pursuant to 49 CFR Part 543
Appendix A-II to Part 541—High-Theft Lines With Antitheft Devices Which Are Exempted In-Part From the Parts-Marking Requirements of This Standard Pursuant to 49 CFR Part 543
Appendix B to Part 541—Passenger Motor Vehicle Lines (Except Light-Duty Trucks) With Theft Rates Below the 1990/91 Median Theft Rate, Subject to the Requirements of This Standard
Appendix C to Part 541—Criteria for Selecting Lines Likely To Have High Theft Rates


Authority:  49 U.S.C. 33101, 33102, 33103, 33105; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.

Source:  50 FR 43190, Oct. 24, 1985, unless otherwise noted.

§ 541.1   Scope.
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This standard specifies performance requirements for identifying numbers or symbols to be placed on major parts of certain passenger motor vehicles.

§ 541.2   Purpose.
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The purpose of this standard is to reduce the incidence of motor vehicle thefts by facilitating the tracing and recovery of parts from stolen vehicles.

§ 541.3   Application.
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Link to an amendment published at 69 FR 17967, Apr. 6, 2004.

Link to a correction published at 69 FR 34612, June 22, 2004.

Link to a withdrawal published at 70 FR 28843, May 19, 2005.

Link to an amendment published at 70 FR 28851, May 19, 2005.

This standard applies to the following:

(a) Passenger motor vehicle parts identified in §541.5(a) that are present:

(1) In the passenger motor vehicle lines listed in appendix A of this part;

(2) Beginning with model year 1997, in passenger motor vehicle lines which NHTSA has finally determined, pursuant to 49 CFR part 542, to be high theft based on the 1990/91 median theft rate; and

(3) Beginning with model year 1997, in passenger motor vehicle lines listed in appendix B of this part.

(b) Replacement parts for passenger motor vehicle lines described in §541.3(a) (1) and (2), if the part is identified in §541.5(a).

[59 FR 64168, Dec. 13, 1994]

§ 541.4   Definitions.
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(a) Statutory terms. All terms defined in 49 U.S.C. chapter 331 are used in accordance with their statutory meanings unless otherwise defined in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) Other definitions. (1) Interior surface means, with respect to a vehicle part, a surface that is not directly exposed to sun and precipitation.

(2) Light-duty truck (LDT) means a motor vehicle, with motive power, except a trailer, designed primarily for the transportation of property or special purpose equipment, that is rated at 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less.

(3) Line means a name which a manufacturer applies to a group of motor vehicles of the same make which have the same body or chassis, or otherwise are similar in construction or design. A “line” may, for example, include 2-door, 4-door, station wagon, and hatchback vehicles of the same make.

(4) 1990/91 median theft rate means 3.5826 thefts per thousand vehicles produced.

(5) Multipurpose passenger vehicle (MPV) means a passenger motor vehicle which is constructed either on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road operation and which is rated at 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less.

(6) Passenger car is used as defined in §571.3 of this chapter.

(7) VIN means the vehicle identification number required by part 565 of this chapter.

[59 FR 64168, Dec. 13, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 29033, June 7, 1996]

§ 541.5   Requirements for passenger motor vehicles.
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Link to an amendment published at 69 FR 17967, Apr. 6, 2004.

(a) Each passenger motor vehicle subject to this standard must have an identifying number affixed or inscribed on each of the parts specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(18) inclusive, if the part is present on the passenger motor vehicle. In the case of passenger motor vehicles not originally manufactured to comply with applicable U.S. vehicle safety and bumper standards, each such motor vehicle subject to this standard must have an identifying number inscribed in a manner which conforms to paragraph (d)(2) of this section, on each of the parts specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(18), inclusive, if the part is present on the motor vehicle.

(1) Engine.

(2) Transmission.

(3) Right front fender.

(4) Left front fender.

(5) Hood.

(6) Right front door.

(7) Left front door.

(8) Right rear door.

(9) Left rear door.

(10) Sliding or cargo door(s).

(11) Front bumper.

(12) Rear bumper.

(13) Right rear quarter panel (passenger cars).

(14) Left rear quarter panel (passenger cars).

(15) Right-side assembly (MPVs).

(16) Left-side assembly (MPVs).

(17) Pickup box, and/or cargo box (LDTs).

(18) Rear door(s) (both doors in case of double doors), decklid, tailgate, or hatchback (whichever is present).

(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section, the number required to be inscribed or affixed by paragraph (a) shall be the VIN of the passenger motor vehicle.

(2) In place of the VIN, manufacturers who were marking engines and/or transmissions with a VIN derivative consisting of at least the last eight characters of the VIN on October 24, 1984, may continue to mark engines and/or transmissions with such VIN derivative.

(3) In the case of passenger motor vehicles not originally manufactured to comply with U.S. vehicle safety and bumper standards, the number required to be inscribed by paragraph (a) of this section shall be the original vehicle identification number assigned to the motor vehicle by its original manufacturer in the country where the motor vehicle was originally produced or assembled.

(c) The characteristics of the number required to be affixed or inscribed by paragraph (a) of this section shall satisfy the size and style requirements set forth for vehicle certification labels in §567.4(g) of this chapter.

(d) The number required by paragraph (a) of this section must be affixed by means that comply with paragraph (d)(1) of this section or inscribed by means that comply with paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(1) Labels. (i) The number must be printed indelibly on a label, and the label must be permanently affixed to the passenger motor vehicle's part.

(ii) The number must be placed on each part specified in paragraph (a) of this section in a location such that the number is, if practicable, on an interior surface of the part as installed on the vehicle and in a location where it:

(A) Will not be damaged by the use of any tools necessary to install, adjust, or remove the part and any adjoining parts, or any portions thereof;

(B) Is on a portion of the part not likely to be damaged in a collision; and

(C) Will not be damaged or obscured during normal dealer preparation operations (including rustproofing and undercoating).

(iii) The number must be placed on each part specified in paragraph (a) of this section in a location that is visible without further disassembly once the part has been removed from the vehicle.

(iv) The number must be placed entirely within the target area specified by the original manufacturer for that part, pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section, on each part specified in paragraph (a) of this section.

(v) Removal of the label must—

(A) Cause the label to self-destruct by tearing or rendering the number on the label illegible, and

(B) Discernibly alter the appearance of that area of the part where the label was affixed by leaving residual parts of the label or adhesive in that area, so that investigators will have evidence that a label was originally present.

(vi) Alteration of the number on the label must leave traces of the original number or otherwise visibly alter the appearance of the label material.

(vii) The label and the number shall be resistant to counterfeiting.

(viii) The logo or some other unique identifier of the vehicle manufacturer must be placed in the material of the label in a manner such that alteration or removal of the logo visibly alters the appearance of the label.

(2) Other means of identification. (i) Removal or alteration of any portion of the number must visibly alter the appearance of the section of the vehicle part on which the identification is marked.

(ii) The number must be placed on each part specified in paragraph (a) of this section in a location that is visible without further disassembly once the part has been removed from the vehicle.

(iii) The number must be placed entirely within the target area specified by the original manufacturer for that part, pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section, on each part specified in paragraph (a) of this section.

(e) Target areas. (1) Each manufacturer that is the original producer who installs or assembles the covered major parts on a line shall designate a target area for the identifying numbers to be marked on each part specified in paragraph (a) of this section for each of its lines subject to this standard. The target area shall not exceed 50 percent of the surface area on the surface of the part on which the target area is located.

(2) Each manufacturer subject to paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall, not later than 30 days before the line is introduced into commerce, inform NHTSA in writing of the target areas designated for each line listed in appendix A. The information should be submitted to: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590.

(3) The target areas designated by the original vehicle manufacturer for a part on a line shall be maintained for the duration of the production of such line, unless a restyling of the part makes it no longer practicable to mark the part within the original target area. If there is such a restyling, the original vehicle manufacturer shall inform NHTSA of that fact and the new target area, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (e)(2) of this section.

[59 FR 64168, Dec. 13, 1994]

§ 541.6   Requirements for replacement parts.
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(a) Each replacement part for a part specified in §541.5(a) must have the registered trademark of the manufacturer of the replacement part, or some other unique identifier if the manufacturer does not have a registered trademark, and the letter “R” affixed or inscribed on such replacement part by means that comply with §541.5(d), except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section. In the case of replacement parts subject to the marking requirements of this section, which were not originally manufactured for sale in the United States, the importer of the part shall inscribe its registered trademark, or some other unique identifier if the importer does not have a registered trademark, and the letter “R” on the part by means that comply with §541.5(d)(2), except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section.

(b) A replacement part subject to paragraph (a) of this section shall not be marked pursuant to §541.5.

(c) The trademark and the letter “R” required by paragraph (a) of this section must be at least one centimeter high.

(d) The trademark and the letter “R” required by paragraph (a) of this section must be placed entirely within the target area specified by the vehicle manufacturer, pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section.

(e) Target areas. (1) Each manufacturer that is the original producer or assembler of the vehicle for which the replacement part is designed shall designate a target area for the identifying symbols to be marked on each replacement part subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section. Such target areas shall not exceed 25 percent of the surface area of the surface on which the replacement part marking will appear.

(2) The boundaries of the target area designated under paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall be at least 10 centimeters at all points from the nearest boundaries of the target area designated for that part under §541.5(e) of this part.

(3) Each manufacturer subject to paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall inform NHTSA in writing of the target areas designated for each replacement part subject to paragraph (a) of this section, at the same time as it informs the agency of the target area designated for the original equipment parts of the line, pursuant to §541.5(e)(2) of this part. The information should be submitted to: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.

(4) The target area designated by the original vehicle manufacturer for the parts subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section shall be maintained for the duration of the production of such replacement part, unless a restyling of the part makes it no longer practicable to mark the part within the original target area. If there is such a restyling, the original vehicle manufacturer shall inform NHTSA of that fact and the new target area, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (e)(3) of this section.

(f) Each replacement part must bear the symbol “DOT” in letters at least one centimeter high within 5 centimeters of the trademark and of the letter “R”, and entirely within the target area specified under paragraph (d) of this section. The symbol “DOT” constitutes the manufacturer's certification that the replacement part conforms to the applicable theft prevention standard, and shall be inscribed or affixed by means that comply with paragraph (a) of this section. In the case of replacement parts subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, which were not originally manufactured for sale in the United States, the importer shall inscribe the “DOT” symbol before the part is imported into the United States.

Appendix A to Part 541—Lines Subject to the Requirements of This Standard
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Link to an amendment published at 69 FR 17967, Apr. 6, 2004.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------            Manufacturer                        Subject lines------------------------------------------------------------------------ALFA ROMEO.........................  Milano 161 and 164.BMW................................  Z3, Z8.CONSULIER..........................  Consulier GTP.DAEWOO.............................  Korando, Musso (MPV), Nubira (2000-                                      2002).DAIMLERCHRYSLER....................  Chrysler Cirrus, Chrysler Fifth                                      Avenue/Newport, Chrysler Laser,                                      Chrysler LeBaron/Town &                                      Country, Chrysler LeBaron GTS,                                      Chrysler's TC, Chrysler New Yorker                                      Fifth Avenue, Chrysler Sebring,                                      Dodge 600, Dodge Aries, Dodge                                      Avenger, Dodge Colt, Dodge                                      Daytona, Dodge Diplomat, Dodge                                      Lancer, Dodge Neon, Dodge Shadow,                                      Dodge Stratus, Dodge Stealth,                                      Eagle Summit, Eagle Talon, Jeep                                      Cherokee (MPV), Jeep Liberty                                      (MPV), Jeep Wrangler (MPV),                                      Plymouth Caravelle, Plymouth Colt,                                      Plymouth Laser, Plymouth Gran                                      Fury, Plymouth Neon, Plymouth                                      Reliant, Plymouth Sundance, and                                      Plymouth Breeze.FERRARI............................  Mondial 8, 328.FORD...............................  Ford Aspire, Ford Escort, Ford                                      Probe, Lincoln Continental,                                      Lincoln Mark, Mercury Capri,                                      Mercury Cougar, Merkur Scorpio,                                      and Merkur XR4Ti.GENERAL MOTORS.....................  Buick Electra, Buick Reatta, Buick                                      Skylark, Chevrolet Nova, Chevrolet                                      Blazer (MPV), Chevrolet Prizm,                                      Chevrolet S-10 Pickup, Geo Storm,                                      Chevrolet Tracker (MPV), GMC Jimmy                                      (MPV), GMC Sonoma Pickup,                                      Oldsmobile Achieva (1997-1998),                                      Oldsmobile Bravada, Oldsmobile                                      Cutlass, Oldsmobile Cutlass                                      Supreme (1988-1997), Oldsmobile                                      Intrigue, Pontiac Fiero, Saturn                                      Sports Coupe (1991-2002).HONDA..............................  Accord, CRV (MPV), Odyssey (MPV),                                      Passport, Pilot (MPV), Prelude,                                      S2000, Acura Integra, Acura MDX                                      (MPV), and Acura RSX.HYUNDAI............................  Accent, Sonata, Tiburon.ISUZU..............................  Amigo, Impulse, Rodeo, Rodeo Sport,                                      Stylus, Trooper/Trooper II,                                      VehiCross (MPV).JAGUAR.............................  XJ.KIA MOTORS.........................  Optima, Rio, Sephia (1998-2002),                                      Spectra.LOTUS..............................  Elan.MASERATI...........................  Biturbo, Quattroporte, 228.MAZDA..............................  626 (1987-2002), MX-3, MX-6.MERCEDES-BENZ......................  190 D, 190 E, 260E (1987-1989), 300                                      SE (1988-1991), 300 TD (1987), 300                                      SDL (1987), 300 SEL, 350 SDL (1990-                                      1991), 420 SEL (1987-1991), 560                                      SEL (1987-1991), 560 SEC (1987-                                      1991), 560 SL.MITSUBISHI.........................  Cordia, Eclipse, Lancer, Mirage,                                      Montero (MPV), Montero Sport                                      (MPV), Tredia, 3000GT.NISSAN.............................  240SX, Sentra/200SX, Xterra.PEUGEOT............................  405.PORSCHE............................  924S.SUBARU.............................  XT, SVX, Baja, Forester, Legacy                                      Outback (1995-2004).SUZUKI.............................  Aerio, X90 (MPV), Sidekick (1997-                                      1998), and Vitara/Grand Vitara                                      (MPV).TOYOTA.............................  Toyota 4-Runner (MPV), Toyota                                      Avalon, Toyota Camry, Toyota                                      Celica, Toyota Corolla/Corolla                                      Sport, Toyota Echo, Toyota                                      Highlander (MPV), Toyota Matrix                                      (MPV), Toyota MR2, Toyota MR2                                      Spyder, Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4                                      (MPV), Toyota Sienna (MPV), Toyota                                      Tercel, Lexus IS300, Lexus RX300                                      (MPV), Scion xA, Scion xB.VOLKSWAGEN.........................  Audi Quattro, Volkswagen Scirocco.------------------------------------------------------------------------

[70 FR 20483, Apr. 20, 2005]

Appendix A–I to Part 541—Lines With Antitheft Devices Which Are Exempted From the Parts-Marking Requirements of This Standard Pursuant to 49 CFR Part 543
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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------           Manufacturer                         Subject lines------------------------------------------------------------------------BMW...............................  MINI.                                    X5.                                    Z4.                                    3 Car Line.                                    5 Car Line.                                    6 Car Line.                                    7 Car Line.DAIMLERCHRYSLER...................  300C.\2\                                    Jeep Grand Cherokee.                                    Chrysler Conquest.                                    Chrysler Town and Country MPV.                                    Dodge Charger.\1\FORD MOTOR CO.....................  Focus.\2\                                    Lincoln Town Car.                                    Mustang.                                    Mercury Sable (2001-2004).                                    Mercury Grand Marquis.                                    Taurus (2000-2004).GENERAL MOTORS....................  Buick Lucerne.                                    Buick LeSabre.                                    Buick LaCrosse/Century.                                    Buick Park Avenue.                                    Buick Regal/Century.                                    Cadillac DTS/Deville.                                    Cadillac STS/Seville.                                    Chevrolet Cavalier.                                    Chevrolet Classic.                                    Chevrolet Cobalt.\3\                                    Chevrolet Corvette.                                    Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo.                                    Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carlo (1996-                                     1999).                                    Chevrolet Malibu (2001-2003).                                    Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx.\2\                                    Chevrolet Uplander.                                    Chevrolet Venture (2002-2004).                                    Oldsmobile Alero.                                    Oldsmobile Aurora.                                    Pontiac Bonneville.                                    Pontiac G6.\1\                                    Pontiac Grand Am.                                    Pontiac Grand Prix.                                    Pontiac Sunfire.HONDA.............................  Acura CL.                                    Acura NSX.                                    Acura RL.                                    Acura TL.ISUZU.............................  Axiom.JAGUAR............................  XK.MAZDA.............................  3.\2\                                    6.                                    CX-7.\1\                                    MX-5 Miata.                                    RX-7/8.                                    Millenia.MERCEDES-BENZ.....................  SL-Class (the models within this                                     line are):                                    300SL.                                    500SL.                                    600SL.                                    SL500.                                    SL550.                                    SL600.                                    SL55.                                    SL65.                                    S-Class/CL-Class \1\ (the models                                     within this line are):                                    S450.                                    S500.                                    S550.                                    S600.                                    S55.                                    S65.                                    CL500.                                    CL600.                                    CL55.                                    CL65.                                    C-Class (the models within this line                                     are):                                    C220/230.                                    C240.                                    C280/320.                                    C36/43/55.                                    E-Class/CLS Class \2\ (the models                                     within this line are):                                    E320/E320DT CDi.                                    E350/E500/E55.                                    CLS500/CLS55.MITSUBISHI........................  Endeavor \2\.                                    Galant.                                    Diamante.NISSAN............................  Altima.                                    Maxima.                                    Pathfinder.                                    Quest.\2\                                    Sentra.\1\                                    350Z.                                    Infiniti G35.                                    Infiniti I30.                                    Infiniti J30.                                    Infiniti M30.                                    Infiniti M45.                                    Infiniti QX4.                                    Infiniti Q45.PORSCHE...........................  911.                                    Boxster/Cayman.SAAB..............................  9-3.SUBARU............................  B9 Tribeca.\2\SUZUKI............................  XL-7.\1\TOYOTA............................  Lexus ES.                                    Lexus GS.                                    Lexus LS.                                    Lexus SC.VOLKSWAGEN........................  Audi 5000S.                                    Audi A4.\1\                                    Audi Allroad.                                    A6.                                    Cabrio.                                    Golf/GTI.                                    Jetta.                                    Passat.------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ Granted an exemption from the partsmarking requirements beginning  with MY 2007.\2\ Granted an exemption from the partsmarking requirements beginning  with MY 2006.\3\ Granted an exemption from the partsmarking requirements beginning  with MY 2005.

[71 FR 20024, Apr. 19, 2006]

Appendix A-II to Part 541—High-Theft Lines With Antitheft Devices Which Are Exempted In-Part From the Parts-Marking Requirements of This Standard Pursuant to 49 CFR Part 543
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Link to an amendment published at 69 FR 17967, Apr. 6, 2004.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------         Manufacturers            Subject lines      Parts to be marked------------------------------------------------------------------------General Motors................  Cadillac Eldorado  Engine, Transmission.                                Cadillac Concours  Engine, Transmission.                                Oldsmobile Ninety- Engine, Transmission.                                 Eight.                                Pontiac Firebird.  Engine, Transmission.                                Chevrolet Camaro.  Engine, Transmission.                                Oldsmobile Eighty- Engine, Transmission.                                 Eight.------------------------------------------------------------------------

[66 FR 40625, Aug. 3, 2001]

Appendix B to Part 541—Passenger Motor Vehicle Lines (Except Light-Duty Trucks) With Theft Rates Below the 1990/91 Median Theft Rate, Subject to the Requirements of This Standard
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Link to an amendment published at 69 FR 17967, Apr. 6, 2004.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------               Manufacturer                        Subject lines------------------------------------------------------------------------Ford.....................................  Crown Victoria.General Motors...........................  Chevrolet Astro (MPV).                                           GMC Safari (MPV).Honda....................................  Civic.------------------------------------------------------------------------

[66 FR 40625, Aug. 3, 2001]

Appendix C to Part 541—Criteria for Selecting Lines Likely To Have High Theft Rates
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Link to an amendment published at 69 FR 17967, Apr. 6, 2004.

Link to a correction published at 69 FR 34613, June 22, 2004.

Scope

These criteria specify the factors the Administrator will take into account in determining whether a new line is likely to have a high theft rate, and, therefore, whether such line will be subject to the requirements of this theft prevention standard.

Purpose

The purpose of these criteria is to enable the Administrator to select, by agreement with the manufacturer, if possible, those new lines which are likely to have high theft rates.

Application

These criteria apply to lines of passenger motor vehicles initially introduced into commerce on or after January 1, 1983.

Methodology

These criteria will be applied to each line initially introduced into commerce on or after January 1, 1983. The likely theft rate for such lines will be determined in relation to the national median theft rate for 1983 and 1984. If the line is determined to be likely to have a theft rate above the national median, the Administrator will select such line for coverage under this theft prevention standard.

Criteria

1. Retail price of the vehicle line.

2. Vehicle image or marketing strategy.

3. Vehicle lines with which the new line is intended to compete, and the theft rates of such lines.

4. Vehicle line(s), if any, which the new line is intended to replace, and the theft rate(s) of such line(s).

5. Presence or absence of any new theft prevention devices or systems.

6. Preliminary theft rate for the line, if it can be determined on the basis of currently available data.

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