Possible Effects of FMVSS 301 on Motor Vehicle Development and Design

The Federal Motor Vehicle Standard 301 was introduced in 1968 with the requirements that in a frontal barrier collision at 30 mph allowable fuel leakage was limited to only 28 g or 28 g/min during and after the collision. For model years 1976 and 1977 only limited fuel leakage may occur during a frontal, ± 30° frontal barrier crash test, lateral and rear end collision with a 4,000-lb barrier and subsequent constrained rollover.

The changes of the FMVSS have necessitated major changes in the number of tests and vehicle equipment required. The question arises whether this additional cost in development work and for the vehicle is justified.