Interpretation ID: aiam3632
Engineering Manager
Performance Vehicles
Inc.
19747 Wolf Road
Mokena
IL 60448;
Dear Mr. Kleber: This is in reply to your letter of November 15, 1982, to Mr. Fairchil of this office, asking how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies the 'Trihawk' three-wheeled motor vehicle for purposes of the Federal motor vehicle safety standards and other regulations.; The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 1381 e seq.) defines a motor vehicle, in pertinent part, as 'any vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power manufactured primarily for use on the public streets, roads, and highways....' (1391(3)). From the brochure you enclosed, the Trihawk appears to be manufactured for use on the public roads and, hence, is subject to the Federal safety standards, and to other regulations such as those requiring notification and remedy in the event the vehicle fails to comply with any applicable safety standard or incorporates a safety-related defect (1411 et seq.).; Agency regulations (49 CFR Part 571.3(b)) define a 'motorcycle' as ' motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.' The standards applicable to 'motorcycles,' therefore, are those that the three-wheeled Trihawk must meet.; Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel