FAQ > Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

• What are FMVSS Standards?

FMVSS stands for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. They are standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association relating to vehicle safety. A number of these standards set “minimum requirements” for windshield retention in vehicle accidents. Because the windshield is the most important safety restraint system in a vehicle, it's critical that the windshield not come out in an accident. If that were to occur, the passenger compartment would be compromised, occupants could be ejected and the roof could collapse. Any of these scenarios would result in serious injury and possibly death. As a result, FMVSS must be adhered to with every windshield installation. The only way to meet these standards is by strictly following the vehicle manufacturers preferred installation methods. These include, performing full cut out procedures, utilizing OEM glass where possible, properly applying the necessary primers and using only the approved adhesives that provide the proper retention as well as safest drive away times. FMVSS were created and are in place to save your life. Unfortunately, it's sad to say, not all auto glass companies comply to these standards.

FMVSS 208 is occupant crash protection which specifies equipment requirements for active and passive restraints, including air bags. There can be no separation of load bearing safety assemblies in a 30 mph barrier crash. This pertains to the windshield because the passenger side air bag deploys off the windshield in order to perform its safety function.

FMVSS 212 measures the windshield retention in a barrier crash. Every make and model vehicle is accelerated to 30 mph and crashed head on into a concrete barrier. The automobile must retain 75 percent of the windshield along the pinchweld perimeter. Some vehicle manufacturers require 100% retention in this severe crash test.

FMVSS 216 is the roof crush performance test. It measures the structural strength required to protect occupants in the event the vehicle rolls over. One and one-half times the unloaded vehicle weight or 6,000 lbs. (whichever is less) of force is applied at an angle to the roof. The roof structure can depress no more than five inches to pass.

FMVSS 219 is a windshield intrusion test that measures the windshields ability to keep a 15 lb. object traveling at 30 mph from entering the vehicle cabin. The glass and adhesive bond protects occupants from intrusion of external objects. The windshield can displace no more than 1/4" to pass.