MGA Launches New 225 Tools in Preparation for FMVSS 225 Updates

As part of recent updates to FMVSS 225, NHTSA will require vehicle manufacturers to follow a three-year phase-in period. During this transition, at least 20% of vehicles must comply by September 1, 2028; 50% by 2029; and full compliance by 2030. Early compliance is also optional, which offers a key advantage for seat manufacturers. By adopting the updated FMVSS 225 tools now, design teams can validate early, reduce risk, streamline transitions, and ensure compliance well ahead of the regulatory deadlines. To fully understand the specific changes included in the final rule, reference MGA’s article published April 2, 2025 on the final FMVSS 225 ruling.

The MGA Research team played a central role in the development of the FMVSS 225 Clearance Angle and Depth Tools by taking NHTSA’s original drawings and fabricating the first versions of both. Once complete, MGA engineers began measuring a range of vehicle seats to gather feedback, gain practical experience, and establish best practices for tool use. Through this process, the team identified opportunities to enhance the tools’ robustness and measurement accuracy. After incorporating these improvements, MGA produced updated versions for further evaluation and validation.

Building on its early involvement in supporting the FMVSS 225 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), MGA continued developing and refining prototype tools over time to ensure readiness for the final rule. Following the adoption of the updated standard, MGA initiated a production run of 15 complete tool sets. The first units have already been delivered to customers, with additional orders currently in progress.

To help the industry transition smoothly, MGA has hosted a series of interactive workshops with major OEMs as well as key suppliers. These hands-on sessions allowed engineering and validation teams to work directly with the updated Clearance Angle and Depth Tools, observe proper measurement techniques, and understand the intent behind the revised procedures.

Each workshop was tailored to the participants’ vehicle programs and real-world challenges, ensuring the discussions were practical, relevant, and immediately applicable. By facilitating open dialogue across multiple organizations, MGA has helped drive alignment on consistent practices, reduce interpretation gaps, and strengthen industry-wide confidence in the new testing approach.

Through these collaborative workshops, MGA continues to position itself as a trusted resource and partner, supporting OEMs and suppliers as they adapt to evolving requirements.

With decades of testing experience, MGA doesn’t just supply equipment—we deliver the expertise behind it. Our team offers technical guidance and training for customers using the FMVSS 225 tools, along with recommendations on proper application, maintenance, and best practices to support both regulatory compliance and real-world testing success.

Questions? Contact us today to get in touch with one of our engineers.

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