Interpretation ID: nht80-3.34

DATE: 08/06/80

FROM: F. Berndt; NHTSA

TO: British Standards Institution

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in response to your letter of June 24, 1980, regarding Safety Standard No. 205, Glazing Materials. It is your impression that the standard specified different AS numbers for glazing in vehicles depending on whether the vehicle is capable of exceeding speeds of 20 mph. You inquired whether such a speed capability distinction applies to "off-highway" vehicles such as a 180 degree backhoe/loader is not a motor vehicle, the standard is inapplicable. Our last letter to you, dated April 10, 1980, explained which vehicles are included under the definition of motor vehicles.

Although the vehicle's speed capability has no bearing on what type glazing is required, it may be a factor in determining the applicability of our standards. As stated in our last letter, vehicles incapable of attaining speeds in excess of 20 mph and whose configuration distinguishes them from the traffic flow are not considered motor vehicles and are thus outside of our statutory authority.