Interpretation ID: nht90-1.85

TYPE: Interpretation-NHTSA

DATE: March 26, 1990

FROM: Malcolm B. Mathieson -- Vice President-Engineering, Thomas Built Buses, Inc.

TO: Erika Z. Jones -- Chief Counsel, NHTSA

TITLE: Re Application of FMVSS 217 non-school bus emergency exit requirements to School Buses.

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 3-30-90 from M.B. Mathieson to M.F. Trentacoste; Also attached to letter dated 8-8-89 from M.F. Trentacoste to K. Finkel; Also attached to letter dated 9-29-77 from J.J. Levin, Jr. to M.B. Mathieson; Also attached to le tter dated 7-5-84 from F. Berndt to R. Marion; Also attached to letter dated 3-23-90 from A.H. Brett to M.B. Mathieson; Also attached to letter dated 12-3-90 from P.J. Rice to M. B. Mathieson (A36; Std. 217)

TEXT:

This letter transmits a copy of correspondence from Thomas Built Buses, Inc. to the Federal Highway Administration, Office of Motor Carrier Standards regarding the application of FMVSS 217 non-school bus emergency exit requirements to school buses.

Thomas believes that we have correctly interpreted the application of FMVSS 217 in this instance. We would appreciate your office having the appropriate personnel review this matter and comment on the interpretations involved.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.