FMVSS 302 references several types of fabric

Specialty Fabrics Review | January 2009

Compiled by Juli Case

What can you tell me about MVSS 302?

You’re probably referring to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 302, also known as FMVSS 302, entitled “Flammability of Interior Materials.” It is a U.S. government specification and often referenced, despite being intended only for fabrics that are used in the interior of motor vehicles. Items covered under FMVSS 302 include things like seat covers, headliners and instrument panel padding.

As with other flammability specifications, there is no guarantee that if a fabric passes one flame test that it will pass another. If your fire marshal is asking about flammability and wants to see a certificate for another flammability specification, such as NFPA 701 or California State Fire Marshal Title 19, and all you have from your fabric supplier is FMVSS 302, you should ask if they’ve done the other fabric testing. You should also be aware that FMVSS 302 was not written for materials subject to weathering.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Assurance, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance

Juli Case is IFAI’s information and technical services manager.

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