Interpretation ID: nht78-2.16
DATE: 06/02/78
FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; J. J. Levin, Jr.; NHTSA
TO: State of Delaware
TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION
TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of May 18, 1978 which asks the following questions:
"Is there a Motor Vehicle Safety Standard which requires all motorcycles to be equipped with turn signals, other than those expressly exempted under FMVSS 108 (whose speed atainable in 1 mile is 30 mph or less) S4.1.1.26?"
Yes. Paragraph S4.1.1 of Standard No. 108 requires, in part, that motor vehicles be equipped with the lamps specified in Table III. Turn signal lamps are required for motorcycles under Table III.
"Does the standard apply to only highway-use vehicles with trail-bikes exempted?"
Yes. The motorcycles covered by Standard No. 108 must be "motor vehicles" in the first instance, in order to be subject to the regulatory authority of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. A "motor vehicle" is one "manufactured primarily for use on the public streets, roads and highways". This would exclude a trail bike unless its manufacturer had certified it to meet all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards, indicating his intent that it be used on-road as well as off-road.
We are enclosing a copy of Standard No. 108 as you requested.
SINCERELY,
STATE OF DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
May 18, 1978
Joseph J. Levin, Chief Counsel National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Dear Mr. Levin:
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles would appreciate your assistance in determining the following:
Is there a Motor Vehicle Safety Standard which requires all motorcycles to be equipped with turn signals, other than those expressly exempted under FMVSS108 (whose speed attainable in 1 mile is 30 mph or less) S.4.1.1.26?
We would appreciate a copy if such a standard exists. Also, does the standard apply to only highway-use vehicles with trail-bikes exempted?
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Robert J. Voshell Director, Motor Vehicle Division