Meaning of DOT certification mark
 

The meaning of the DOT certification mark is that the DOT acronym is used as a symbol to indicate that the product affixed with the DOT mark meets the main requirements specified in the relevant US DOT Directive (FMVSS MGP), and to confirm that the product has passed the corresponding test qualification/or the manufacturer's test statement, and truly becomes the pass for the product to be allowed to enter the North American market. Relevant regulations require the DOT certification mark of industrial products, no DOT certification mark, shall not be marketed, has been affixed to the DOT certification mark to enter the market products, found not to meet the safety requirements, to be ordered to recall from the market, continue to violate the provisions of the DOT certification mark, will be imposed a high fine forced to withdraw from the market.

DOT Certified Laboratory Testing procedures
 

For any FMVSS test program, a detailed OVSC laboratory test program must be progressively developed and continuously upgraded. FMVSS specifies minimum performance requirements and, broadly speaking, target tests that are required to demonstrate that the product meets. The OVSC Laboratory test procedure specifies the type of laboratory test equipment to be used, test tolerances, equipment scaling requirements, step-by-step instructions and checklists, and reporting requirements. The purpose of the test program is twofold:

 

1. It provides a detailed description of the requirements of the tests performed by the independent laboratory after all the tests have been performed by the Contractor. This is important to ensure the quality of the test results, which can lead to an owner's notice and remedial action along with civil penalties.

 

2. It provides a detailed description to vehicle and equipment manufacturers of how OVSC intends to demonstrate that affected products meet the minimum performance requirements for FMVSSs. Manufacturers can use the OVSC laboratory test program as a guide for their own certification and product supervision tests, and more appropriate tests are more stringent to ensure an adequate safety limit. OVSC does not have to test all requirements, but manufacturers should do so.

 

OVSC provides laboratory test procedures to contractor laboratories as a guide to obtain test data. Data is used to determine whether a vehicle or motorcycle equipment item meets the minimum performance requirements of FMVSS. The purpose of the OVSC Laboratory test program is to produce a consistent record of tests and data and to provide recommendations on the use of special equipment and procedures. If any Contractor observes a conflict between any part of an OVSC laboratory test procedure and FMVSS or sees an inadequacy in the laboratory test procedure, the Contractor is required to advise the Contracting laboratory's Technical representative (COTR) and resolve the conflict prior to testing.

 

Prior to commencement of the test plan, each contractor is required to submit a detailed test procedure to the COTR. The program must include a step-by-step description of the methods used. The Contractor's test procedures shall include a complete list of the make and model of the test equipment and a detailed checklist. The test equipment list should include tool accuracy and calibration data. All equipment shall be calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. There should be no contradiction between laboratory test procedures and contractor test internal test procedures. Written approval of the internal test procedure shall be obtained from the COTR prior to commencement of the test plan. OVSC Laboratory test procedures are not intended to limit or prevent the development and use of contractor test techniques or equipment for obtaining the required test data. These laboratory testing procedures are not approved or recommended for the use of any product or method. However, any request for such testing technology or equipment is subject to pre-approval by the COTR.

 

Note: OVSC laboratory testing procedures prepared for an independent laboratory to perform OVSC testing through a contract are not rules, regulations, or NHTSA interpretations of FMVSS. The laboratory testing procedure is not intended to limit the appropriate FMVSS (s) requirements. In some cases, OVSC laboratory test procedures do not include all minimum performance requirements for various FMVSS. Recognizing appropriate test tolerances, laboratory test procedures may specify test conditions that are less stringent than the standard minimum requirements. In addition, the OVSC may modify the laboratory test procedures without prior notice, and the COTR may direct or approve the contractor to depart from these procedures when the tests are carried out in a manner consistent with its own standards and within the scope of the contract. The laboratory testing program is not dependent on any rights and interests created by anyone. Therefore, if the manufacturer restricts its proof of testing procedures such as those described in the OVSC laboratory test, the conformity of the vehicle or motorcycle equipment item is not necessarily demonstrated.