Interpretation ID: nht81-1.41

DATE: 03/16/81

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; F. Berndt; NHTSA

TO: Columbia Manufacturing Company

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT:

MAR 16 1981

NOA-30

Mr. David R. Stevens Quality Control Manager Columbia Manufacturing Company Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

Dear Mr. Stevens:

In response to your recent letter, this is to advise you that the 4 mm height requirement for vehicle identification numbers (VIN) does not apply to mopeds (S4.3.1, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 115, 49 CFR 571.115). The letters and number used must be clear, however (S4.3). You should also be aware that if the VIN is to appear on the certification label, it must be at least three thirty-seconds of an inch high (49 CFR 567.4(g)).

Sincerely,

Frank Berndt Chief Counsel

December 29, 1980

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION 400 Seventh Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20590

Attn: Mr. Fred Schwartz

Dear Mr. Schwartz:

This is to confirm our phone conversation in that we may use a 3/32 character height for our V.I.N., and that the 4 mm character height doesn't apply to mopeds.

Please find enclosed a sample of cur new V.I.N.

Sincerely,

David R. Stevens Quality Control Manager

DRS/aco

Enc.