Federal regulators could ban on/off button for noise making devices on hybrids

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

New rules being currently developed by Federal regulators could ban on/off buttons for noise making devices on hybrid vehicles. A law signed by the President on Jan 4, requires noise-emitting devices on EVs and hybrids to combat dangers to pedestrians who are hearing impaired, given the silent nature of the cars traveling at low speeds.

Hyundai has taken steps already to remove the switch, after hearing of the NHTSA developments. “We were hearing that at some point NHTSA would not allow [the noise devices] to be turned off,” said Jim Trainor, a Hyundai spokesman. “We said, ‘Why put this thing out there now and have to redo it in a few months?'”

The law doesn’t require regulation to go into place for quite some time, and the NHTSA expects a final rule out within three years.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News