Interpretation ID: nht80-1.41

DATE: 03/26/80

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Frank Berndt; NHTSA

TO: David Williams

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: I would like to clarify my remarks of March 17, 1980, with respect to the applicability of Federal motor vehicle safety standards to imported vehicles.

In that letter I implied that there was a prohibition against importing cars that didn't meet Federal standards and that such vehicles had to comply with standards in effect on the date of importation. Actually, a nonconforming vehicle may be imported under bond if it will be brought into compliance within 120 days of entry with all applicable standards in effect on the date of its manufacture.