NHTSA Interpretation File Search
Overview
NHTSA's Chief Counsel interprets the statutes that the agency administers and the standards and regulations that it issues. Members of the public may submit requests for interpretation, and the Chief Counsel will respond with a letter of interpretation. These interpretation letters look at the particular facts presented in the question and explain the agency’s opinion on how the law applies given those facts. These letters of interpretation are guidance documents. They do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. They are intended only to provide information to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
Understanding NHTSA’s Online Interpretation Files
NHTSA makes its letters of interpretation available to the public on this webpage.
An interpretation letter represents the opinion of the Chief Counsel based on the facts of individual cases at the time the letter was written. While these letters may be helpful in determining how the agency might answer a question that another person has if that question is similar to a previously considered question, do not assume that a prior interpretation will necessarily apply to your situation.
- Your facts may be sufficiently different from those presented in prior interpretations, such that the agency's answer to you might be different from the answer in the prior interpretation letter;
- Your situation may be completely new to the agency and not addressed in an existing interpretation letter;
- The agency's safety standards or regulations may have changed since the prior interpretation letter was written so that the agency's prior interpretation no longer applies; or
- Some combination of the above, or other, factors.
Searching NHTSA’s Online Interpretation Files
Before beginning a search, it’s important to understand how this online search works. Below we provide some examples of searches you can run. In some cases, the search results may include words similar to what you searched because it utilizes a fuzzy search algorithm.
Single word search
Example: car
Result: Any document containing that word.
Multiple word search
Example: car seat requirements
Result: Any document containing any of these words.
Connector word search
Example: car AND seat AND requirements
Result: Any document containing all of these words.
Note: Search operators such as AND or OR must be in all capital letters.
Phrase in double quotes
Example: "headlamp function"
Result: Any document with that phrase.
Conjunctive search
Example: functionally AND minima
Result: Any document with both of those words.
Wildcard
Example: headl*
Result: Any document with a word beginning with those letters (e.g., headlamp, headlight, headlamps).
Example: no*compl*
Result: Any document beginning with the letters “no” followed by the letters “compl” (e.g., noncompliance, non-complying).
Not
Example: headlamp NOT crash
Result: Any document containing the word “headlamp” and not the word “crash.”
Complex searches
You can combine search operators to write more targeted searches.
Note: The database does not currently support phrase searches with wildcards (e.g., “make* inoperative”).
Example: Headl* AND (supplement* OR auxiliary OR impair*)
Result: Any document containing words that are variants of “headlamp” (headlamp, headlights, etc.) and also containing a variant of “supplement” (supplement, supplemental, etc.) or “impair” (impair, impairment, etc.) or the word “auxiliary.”
Search Tool
NHTSA's Interpretation Files Search
| Interpretations | Date |
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ID: aiam0341OpenMrs. Barbara G. Rothschild, 2134 Springdale Drive, Columbus, GA 31906; Mrs. Barbara G. Rothschild 2134 Springdale Drive Columbus GA 31906; Dear Mrs. Rothschild: This is in reply to your letter of April 28, 1971, in which you aske whether modifications to a 'forced-action' belt could make it into a system that would satisfy the passive restraint requirements of Standard No. 208. Although we cannot at this time comment on the changes to which you refer, a passive belt system can be used to satisfy the requirement that protection be provided by means that require no action by vehicle occupants.; As you requested, we have enclosed copies of the Standard as publishe March 10, 1971.; Sincerely, Douglas W. Toms, Acting Administrator |
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ID: aiam5513OpenThe Honorable Tillie K. Fowler Member, U.S. House of Representatives 4452 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32207; The Honorable Tillie K. Fowler Member U.S. House of Representatives 4452 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville FL 32207; "Your Reference: 95-0167-J Dear Congresswoman Fowler: Thank you fo your letter on behalf of your constituent, Mr. Dail Taylor of St. Augustine, Florida. Mr. Taylor requested assistance, stating that his company would have to stop manufacturing passenger motor vehicles if the vehicles must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSSs). I appreciate the concerns of Mr. Taylor as a small businessman and offer the following information. In order to protect motorists and their passengers, a Federal statute requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue FMVSSs regulating motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. Mr. Taylor's company, Goodlife Motor Company, wrote to NHTSA asking whether their 'super golf cars' were motor vehicles and therefore subject to the FMVSSs. NHTSA's Chief Counsel responded by letter that the answer was 'yes'. We were informed that the 'super golf cars' are intended for use on public roads. NHTSA has two criteria for determining whether a vehicle that regularly uses the public roads is considered to be a 'motor vehicle.' A vehicle is not a motor vehicle if it meets both of the following criteria: the vehicle has an abnormal configuration distinguishing it from other vehicles, and the vehicle cannot attain speeds over 20 miles per hour (mph). The 'super golf cars' do not meet either criterion. We have determined that because the vehicles resemble passenger cars, they do not have an abnormal configuration. As to speed, we note that the top speed of the vehicles, 29 mph, is approximately the speed at which NHTSA conducts crash tests to see whether vehicles meet certain safety standards. It is also a speed at which vehicle occupants can readily suffer serious or even fatal injuries in a crash. We note further that older adults are more susceptible than younger adults to injury in motor vehicle crashes. This is particularly important since we understand that one of the primary expected uses of the 'super golf car' is in retirement communities. As motor vehicles, the 'super golf cars' must meet the FMVSS. As the president of a small business, Mr. Taylor has a number of compliance options. First, he can comply with the current safety standards. I appreciate that the costs of compliance would be significant. Second, Mr. Taylor may petition NHTSA to initiate rulemaking to amend the current safety standards to accommodate any special compliance problems that a small car might experience. NHTSA has authority to establish different levels of requirements for vehicles of different sizes. However, it lacks the authority to vary the stringency of requirements based on the size of a vehicle manufacturer. Third, NHTSA has authority to grant temporary exemptions to small manufacturers. Mr. Taylor may petition for a temporary exemption from one or more of the safety standards. However, as we explained to Mr. Taylor, temporary exemptions are primarily granted as an interim measure to give small manufacturers a chance to come into compliance. Further, the exemptions are typically given for only a select number of the standards applicable to an exempted vehicle. Across-the-board exemptions from all standards have not been granted. Mr. Taylor may himself prepare and submit any petition. We have enclosed copies of our regulations regarding petitions for rulemaking and petitions for exemption. If Mr. Taylor has any questions or needs further information on how to proceed under any of the three options discussed above, we will gladly provide assistance. Please ask him to contact Taylor Vinson at (202)366-2992. Sincerely, Carol Stroebel, Director Intergovernmental Affairs Enclosures"; |
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ID: aiam0711OpenMr. Clifford C. Oliver, Vice President, GO Industries, 4805 Bruce Crescent, Newport Beach, CA 92660; Mr. Clifford C. Oliver Vice President GO Industries 4805 Bruce Crescent Newport Beach CA 92660; Dear Mr. Oliver: This is in reply to your letter of April 26, 1972, requesting a opinion as to whether 'Abcite,' a product of the Dupont Company, may be used in campers and 'mini-mobile homes.'; Whether a particular glazing material may be used in motor vehicles o campers depends upon whether the material meets the requirements of Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, 'Glazing Materials' (49 CFR 571.205), which incorporates, as you indicate, the American National Standards Institute Standard Z26.1-1966. That standard also specifies the locations in motor vehicles where specific materials may be used.; Standard No. 205 does not apply to trailers. While we are not familia with the phrase 'mini-mobile home,' we consider mobile homes to be trailers, and the standard does not apply to them. With respect to campers, Standard No. 205 allows the use of any material meeting the requirements of Z26 in any location except for forward-facing windows. Forward-facing camper windows may not be manufactured of item 6 and item 7 material (AS6, AS7), but may be manufactured of any of the other materials (AS1-AS5, AS8-AS11) that meets the requirements of Z26.; Whether Abcite conforms to the requirements for glazing allowed to b used in campers is a determination that should be made in the first instance by its manufacturer, Dupont. If the manufacturer determines that such use is within the requirements of Standard No. 205, he is required by section 114 of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act to certify that the material conforms to the requirements of the standard. He is also required by the marking requirements in Section 6 of Z26.1-1966 to indicate on the material its AS designation. Any material that is so certified can be used in the camper locations listed on the standard as appropriate for that designated type.; Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Assistant Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam1803OpenMr. J. T. Roberts, Vice President - Sales, Gerard, Inc., 3300 Turman Drive (Atlanta), Norcross, GA 30071; Mr. J. T. Roberts Vice President - Sales Gerard Inc. 3300 Turman Drive (Atlanta) Norcross GA 30071; Dear Mr. Roberts: This is in reply to your letter of February 4, 1975, requestin information on forms and information to be used in complying with NHTSA Certification regulations (49 CFR Part 567, 568) and Manufacturer Identification regulations (49 CFR Part 566).; There are no special forms which the NHTSA provides for manufacturer for purposes of compliance with these requirements. Part 566 information may be furnished on a business letterhead. Part 567 and 568 information should be furnished in any form which complies with the prescribed requirements. Although the Certification requirements may be modified as the result of litigation, the NHTSA will consider compliance with the published requirements to meet any manufacturer's responsibilities for Certification under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (15 U.S.C. S 1403).; If you have further questions, please feel free to write again. Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Acting Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam1229OpenSeymour Charles, M.D., Physicians for Automotive Safety, 50 Union Avenue, Irvington, NJ 07111; Seymour Charles M.D. Physicians for Automotive Safety 50 Union Avenue Irvington NJ 07111; Dear Mr.(sic) Charles: This is in reply to your letter of July 12, 1973, concerning children' car harnesses and car seats.; In response to your inquiry about the Auto-babe' car harness, it i our opinion that the harness is a Type III seat belt assembly under Standard No. 209 and we presently are investigating the product as an apparent noncompliance with the standard.; The next stage in the rulemaking on child restraints will be reache this fall with a notice of proposed rulemaking on dynamic test requirements. We will be interested to have your comments on this proposal when it is issued.; Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Acting Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam3214OpenMr. Aldo Fozzati, Fiat Motors of North America, Parklane Towers West, Suite 1210, Dearborn, MI 48126; Mr. Aldo Fozzati Fiat Motors of North America Parklane Towers West Suite 1210 Dearborn MI 48126; Dear Mr. Fozzati: This is in response to your letter of November 15, 1979, requestin that paragraph S8.1.9 of Safety Standard No. 208, *Occupant Crash Protection*, be corrected to change the phrase 'size 11EE shoe' to 'size 11E shoe.' I am sorry for the delay in this response.; Size '11EE' shoes are specified in the standard to allow eas application of the shoes to the test dummy's feet. If the feet of the dummy are of the absolute maximum width allowed by the standard, some size '11E' shoes are very difficult to apply. However, the agency does not believe that use of either '11E' or '11EE' shoes will cause a variation in test results. Therefore, a manufacturer should be safe in using either size. Mr. Radovich was incorrect in his statement that size '11EE' shoes are not available on the market. Size '11EE' shoes can be obtained from the Freeman Shoe Company, the Bostonian Shoe Company and other companies by special order.; For the reason stated above, we do not anticipate amending the standar to specify that shoe size should be '11E'. However, if you have any data or other information indicating that test results can vary between use of size '11E' or size '11EE' shoes, we would certainly appreciate seeing the data.; Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam1383OpenMr. H. W. Gerth, Assistant Vice President, Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc., One Mercedes Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645; Mr. H. W. Gerth Assistant Vice President Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc. One Mercedes Drive Montvale NJ 07645; Dear Mr. Gerth: Subject:>>>Recall Campaign - Mercedes-Benz Model 450SE/SEL wit Possible Incorrect Routing of the Brake Line<<<; The letter which you have sent to first purchasers does not meet th requirements of 49 CFR Part 577, 'Defect Notification,' (copy enclosed) in the following respects. Section 577.4(b) requires a specific statement to be made, concluded with the identifying criteria of motor vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment found to contain the defect. In this case, therefore, the sentence should read substantially as follows: 'Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc., has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the model 450 SE and 450 SEL Mercedes-Benz automobile.' Your letter also fails to evaluate the risk to traffic safety related to the defect in accordance with section 577.4(d). Finally, your letter does not estimate the day that parts will be supplied to dealers (577.4(e)(1)(ii)). If parts are presently available the letter should so state.; It is necessary for you to revise this letter as we have indicated an to provide this office and the owners who have not already responded to this campaign with a copy of the revised letter.; Failure to comply with this regulation can result in the imposition o civil penalties and injunctive sanctions.; If you desire further information, please contact Messrs. James Murra or Marx Elliott of this office (202) 426- 2840.; Sincerely, Andrew G. Detrick, Acting Director, Office of Defect Investigation, Motor Vehicle Programs; |
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ID: aiam2956OpenClarence W. Woody, Maryland Department of Transportation, 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062; Clarence W. Woody Maryland Department of Transportation 6601 Ritchie Highway N.E. Glen Burnie MD 21062; Dear Mr. Woody: This is in response to your letter of January 19, 1978, asking whethe the odometer statement is required for transfers between dealers which take place prior to the sale of a vehicle to an individual. The answer is no. Exemption 580.5(b) (49 CFR S 580.5(b)) states; >>>A transferor of a new vehicle prior to its first transfer fo purposes other than resale need not disclose the vehicle's odometer mileage.<<<; This statement is intended to exclude all transfers of new vehicle prior to the first sale to a customer. For example, when the manufacturer transfers the vehicle to a dealer, no statement needs to be issued because the transfer is for resale purposes. If that dealer makes a trade with another dealer, no disclosure statement needs to be issued because this transfer is also for resale purposes. The second dealer is purchasing the vehicle merely to resell it. If that dealer then sells the vehicle to a customer, private or commercial, who is going to use that vehicle for some purpose other than reselling it immediately, then a disclosure statement needs to be issued. This transfer is the first transfer of the vehicle for a purpose other than resale. Beginning with this first transfer to a customer, each transfer of the vehicle from then on must be accompanied by a disclosure statement.; The Federal law does not, however, prohibit the State from requirin such disclosures. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration supports all affirmative steps which the States take with regard to combating odometer misrepresentation.; Sincerely, John Womack, Assistant Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam1679OpenMr. Kenneth Winiarski, Field Enterprises Education Corp., Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654; Mr. Kenneth Winiarski Field Enterprises Education Corp. Merchandise Mart Plaza Chicago IL 60654; Dear Mr. Winiarski: Your letter of October 8, 1974, to Mr. Bobby Boaz has been forwarded t this office for reply. You appear to be interested in obtaining some general statements regarding the applicability of motor vehicle safety standards to different types of motor vehicles.; We attempt to apply each Federal motor vehicle safety standard to a wide a range of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment as is reasonable, practicable and appropriate. It is not entirely accurate, however, to say that the standards apply to the performance of equipment which vehicles are required to have. The standards are divided conceptually into three types: those which apply to new vehicles, those which apply to motor vehicle equipment (*e.g.* tires, child seats, etc.) and those which apply to both vehicles and equipment. In the case of a standard which applies to vehicles, the tests employed by the standard can take into account vehicle structure, weight, and design. In other words it is the method by which equipment is integrated into a vehicle that is important, rather than the performance of the equipment taken alone.; Standards which apply to vehicles specify the particular vehicle type to which they apply. Most early vehicle standards applied only to passenger cars. Since that time we have attempted to expand the applicability of some of these standards to other vehicle types. In each case, as I indicated above, a standard must be reasonable, practicable, and appropriate for the type of vehicle to which it is applied. In some cases, this is a matter of technology as you suggest. In others, however, the question may be one of safety need. For example, some standards do not apply to trailers (*e.g.*, Standard No. 302, 'Flammability of interior materials') or to equipment for use in trailers (No. 205, 'Glazing materials') because State laws prohibit people from riding in trailers. In this regard standards can also be directed at particular vehicle types to alleviate safety problems particular to them. A good example of this is Standard No. 217, 'Bus window retention and release.'; Your statements regarding seat belts and the applicability of Standard No. 208, 209, and 210 are not correct. While these requirements are somewhat complex, I believe an appropriate summary would be that seat belts and anchorages are required at all permanent seating positions including lateral or rearward positions, in all motor vehicles except trailers, motorcycles, and the passenger seats in buses.; Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Acting Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam4181OpenMr. Harry H. Kazakian, President, Corleone International Traders, Inc., P.O. Box 3417, Los Angeles, CA 90028; Mr. Harry H. Kazakian President Corleone International Traders Inc. P.O. Box 3417 Los Angeles CA 90028; Dear Mr. Kazakian: This is in reply to your letter of April 29, 1986, to which wa attached a 'Magic Eyes Brake Light'. This device consists of two small lamps whose primary functions are to flash automatically 'upon catching light within safety range and when the car's brake is in use'. The purpose of the device is to reduce rear end collisions. The artwork on the package shows the lamps mounted at the base of the rear window on either side of the vehicle's vertical centerline. You asked that your letter be treated as a petition for rulemaking to require the device as original equipment or for the aftermarket.; I regret that we have decided to deny your petition that the device b required as original equipment. The agency's research has shown that the most effective device for reducing rear end collisions is the single center high-mounted stop lamp, and the agency now requires that device to be installed as original equipment on passenger cars. You have presented no facts that demonstrate that an amendment of the nature you have requested is necessary. Although the agency has specified no requirements for aftermarket supplementary stop lamps (other than those that replace original equipment), on the basis of the agency's research, we believe that aftermarket equipment should meet as closely as possible the specifications for original equipment. Therefore, we are also denying your petition for aftermarket equipment.; We would like to advise you that there are no Federal restrictions o the importation and sale of 'Magic Eyes'. However, any State may impose its own restrictions on the use of this lamp on roads within its borders, and you should consult these laws before selling the device.; As a final note, the copy for model JA 201 on the package states 'T comply with latest United States' regulations, this single lamp lights on automatically upon catching light within safety range and when the car's brake is in use'. Please delete the reference to United States regulations on your packages. The single lamp required by the United States is steady burning and has but one function, to indicate application of the brake pedal. It cannot be combined with any other light or device. In comparison, your lamp has two functions, and appears to flash in each.; As an accessory item of motor vehicle equipment, your lamp is subjec to the notification and remedy provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This means that if a safety related defect occurs in th (sic) lamp, the manufacturer or importer is obligated to inform dealers, distributors and purchasers to repair, repurchase, or replace the item. We are returning your device with this letter.; Sincerely, Barry Felrice, Associate Administrator for Rulemaking |
Request an Interpretation
You may email your request to Interpretations.NHTSA@dot.gov or send your request in hard copy to:
The Chief Counsel
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, W41-326
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590
If you want to talk to someone at NHTSA about what a request for interpretation should include, call the Office of the Chief Counsel at 202-366-2992.
Please note that NHTSA’s response will be made available in this online database, and that the incoming interpretation request may also be made publicly available.