The draconian laws of the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) imposes to Renault 9 a series of  importants modifications. The five “crash tests” made in various angles (only one was necessary in France at that time) impose a reinforcement on the rockers panels, doors and roof. The bumpers are also bulkier, they must resist without damage to a 5 mph crash test. The safety administation impose to the R9 oversize brake drums, sealed-beam (bulbs and lenses are separated in Europe) , and side-marker lights which improve the visibility of the cars in the crossroads. The modifications do not stop here, to reduce pollution, the EPA constrained Renault to equip Alliance with a throttle body fuel injection (multi-point injection in California) and a catalytic converter, the car ran already with uleaded fuel. Safety, anti-pollution standards, the Americans were ahead !