Interpretation ID: nht68-1.37

DATE: 01/11/68

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Robert M. O'Mahoney; NHTSA

TO: United States Auto Club

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: Secretary Boyd has asked that we reply to your letter of November 27, 1967. Your letter raises questions concerning joint regulations to be issued by the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Transportation governing the importation of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment subject to motor vehicle safety standards.

You are correct in your understanding that the Act was not intended to apply to vehicles prepared for auto racing or race tracks and not intended for use on the public streets or highways.

The question you raised concerning the use of the words "by bona fide auto vehicle manufacturers" has also been raised by others who have commented on the proposed regulations. Accordingly, you will note that the regulations, a copy of which is attached, have been changed so as to eliminate this phraseology and make it clearer that vehicles intended for "competition" and which "will not be sold or licensed for use on the public roads" may be admitted. This provision will not require an affidavit on the part of the importer but merely a declaration to this effect.

We believe that the regulations, as amended, will provide for the unhampered entry of foreign built race cars for the Indianapolis 500 race and other USAC sanctioned events.