Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment

This document amends Standard No. 108, the Federal motor vehicle standard on lighting, to adopt new photometric requirements for motorcycle headlamps. The requirements will improve the objectivity of the aiming of their upper beam. The new photometric requirements are those of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J584 OCT93, added as a new Figure 32 to Standard No. 108. They will exist simultaneously with the current photometric requirements of SAE J584 April 1964 until September 1, 2000, when they become mandatory for new vehicle equipment. When being tested for photometric compliance with Figure 32, the upper beam of motorcycle headlamps will be aimed photoelectrically, instead of visually, as at present. The amendments will enhance motor vehicle safety by improving visibility for the motorcycle operator, and detectability of his or her machine.