Interpretation ID: nht92-5.33

DATE: July 1, 1992 EST

FROM: Charles L. Henry, Jr.

TO: Paul J. Rice -- Chief Council, NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 08/17/92 from Paul J. Rice to Charles Henry, Jr. (Std. 101; A39; Std. 108; VSA 108)

TEXT:

My partner and I will shortly begin marketing an electronic device for automatically shutting down the lighting circuits of an automobile or vehicle after a predetermined time period following the motor shut down. A patent is applied for and we are incorporated.

We were advised to have the device cleared by the consumer products safety commission but they say they don't control anything relating to auto safety and referred me to N.A.H.T.S.A.

I am told that your organization has no clearance procedures either but was advised that you might provide some sound advice.

We are aware that such devices are currently available as optional equipment on higher priced automobiles. Our device accomplishes this "automatic lights-out" function in a different way and will be initially sold to the auto "add-on" market at a reasonable price for do-it-yourselvers or installers.

Any advice you can provide will be greatly appreciated. We are trying to take all the steps necessary to protect our corp. and the public.