Interpretation ID: aiam2118
President
Wisconsin Trailer Co.
Inc.
Richfield
WI 53076;
Dear Mr. Mueller: The Federal Highway Administration's Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety ha forwarded to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) your September 17, 1975, petition to establish a ruling that trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 50 tons or less are required to establish load-carrying capacity at a speed of 50 mph. Heavier trailers would be required to display signs of their maximum rated speed if less than 50 mph.; The NHTSA has already issued a ruling in this area, a copy of which i enclosed for your information. It requires that the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and GVWR on the vehicle certification plate be calculated on the basis of the vehicle's maximum attainable speed, or 60 mph, whichever is lower.; The NHTSA is also considering rulemaking to amend the definition o GAWR in conformity with this interpretation. Your letter will be considered as a comment on this rulemaking.; Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Acting Chief Counsel