Honda Given Limited Accessibility Waiver for Rear Entertainment Systems

Honda received a 20-month waiver of the accessible user interface requirements covering rear entertainment systems for its Odyssey, Pilot and Acura MDX models for 2017 through 2019. An FCC Media Bureau order Thursday in docket 12-108 requires that Honda file status reports on July 20 and Jan. 20 with the Media and Consumer and Governmental Affairs bureaus on its work integrating accessible technology for rear entertainment systems in its vehicles. The National Federation of the Blind opposed the waiver request petition, saying the carmaker had ample time to design systems to meet FCC rules. The bureau said it's only a limited waiver, and not granting it would mean the company would have to suspend production and sales of vehicles to make hardware and software changes, or alternately, it would have to cease offering rear entertainment systems altogether.