Interpretation ID: nht72-2.31

DATE: 03/10/72

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; L. R. Schneider; NHTSA

TO: Strick Corp.

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of February 21, 1972 asking for reconsideration of the opinion expressed in our letter of October 6, 1971, concerning the location of the rear identification lamp cluster on trailers of your manufacture.

You are correct in saying that the requirement that Identification lamps be located" 'as close as practicable to the top of the vehicle' is subject to interpretation and individual judgment." We have expressed our opinion previously, and if you choose to mount your lights below the rear crossmember you should be prepared to demonstrate that this location is "as close as practicable to the top of the vehicle."

I enclose a copy of a recent amendment to Standard No. 108 permitting off-center spacing of identification lamps. Perhaps this will alleviate your problem to come extent.