Crash ratings are typically determined by three factors:
- How heavy the vehicle is
- How fast the vehicle is travelling
- How far past the barrier the vehicle travels
K-Ratings (old ratings)
The K-ratings were developed in 1985 (revised 2003) by the Department of State . The product was given certification based on how far the front bumper of a 15,000 lb. vehicle travelled past the barrier. The K-ratings also limited certification to 50' or less past the barrier.
M-Ratings (new ratings)
The new M-ratings have since replaced K-ratings and are governed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The primary difference is that certification is given based on how far the payload travels past the barrier. Additionally there is no limit to how far the vehicle can travel past the barrier to be certified. According to the ASTM, anything that travels beyond 98.41' can be given a P4 certification.
The following infographic displays cerifitied and engineered (denoted by *) products.