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: 05-009244drnOpenMr. Mike Pruzin Chief Engineer Hitachi Cable Indiana, Inc. 5300 Grant Line Road New Albany, IN 47150 Dear Mr. Pruzin: This responds to your request for an interpretation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 106, Brake Hoses (49 CFR 571.106). You asked whether a change in the company manufacturing brake hoses necessitates a change in the manufacturer designation on the hose. As discussed below, under certain circumstances, brake hose may be labeled with the designation of a company which is the sponsor/manufacturer of the hose rather than the company which fabricates it. You informed us that Hitachi Cable Limited (HCL), a Japanese company, previously manufactured brake hose that it labeled HCL and supplied it to your company, Hitachi Cable Indiana, Inc. HCL subsequently entered into a licensing agreement with LG Cable, a Korean company, to, as you state: manufacture our hose using our designs and material specs. You wish to know if LG Cable can label the hose it manufactures with the same designation (HCL) used by HCL on the hose it manufactured, instead of labeling the hose with its own designation, LGC. Although you did not specify the brake hose type at issue, we assume that it is hydraulic brake hose. S5.2.2 of FMVSS No. 106 requires that each hydraulic brake hose be labeled, or cut from bulk hose that is labeled, with specified information. The specified information includes, among other things, a designation that identifies the manufacturer of the hose. The term "manufacturer" is defined by statute as "a person manufacturing or assembling motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment; or importing motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment for resale." 49 U.S.C. 30102. On several occasions, in the context of considering whether a particular entity may be considered the manufacturer of a motor vehicle, we have interpreted the term manufacturer broadly. In the 1985 notice of proposed rulemaking for the phase-in of the new automatic restraint requirements of FMVSS No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection, the agency acknowledged that there were instances in which a vehicle arguably could have more than one manufacturer. See 50 Fed. Reg. 14589, 14596 (April 12, 1985). The example we gave in explaining our position was a company, which we refer to as a "sponsor," that contracts with another manufacturer to produce a design exclusively for the sponsor. However, the agency went on to state, "the mere purchase of vehicles for resale by a company which is also a manufacturer of motor vehicles does not make the purchaser the manufacturer of those vehicles." Other examples are discussed in a December 10, 1992 letter to Erika Z. Jones, Esq. A copy of this letter is enclosed. We believe that the rationale of our interpretations regarding motor vehicle manufacturers is applicable to the situation you describe regarding motor vehicle equipment manufacturers. In particular, given the facts you provide, HCL may be considered the manufacturer of the brake hose at issue. HCL is not merely purchasing brake hose from LG Cable, but has entered into a licensing agreement with that company to manufacture hose using HCLs designs and material specs. Because HCL may be considered the sponsor/manufacturer of the brake hose, and assuming HCL has agreed to its being so designated, the hose may be labeled with HCLs designation. We note that, to the extent HCL provides for the hose to be labeled with its designation, it would be accepting responsibility as the manufacturer of the hose for purposes of NHTSAs regulations. This would include the responsibility to conduct any recall that may become necessary with regard to the hose. LG Cable would also be responsible as it would also be a manufacturer of the hose, since it is the entity that actually fabricates the hose. I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy Nakama at (202) 366-2992. Sincerely, Anthony M. Cooke Chief Counsel Enclosure ref:106 NCC-112:DNakama:mar::62992:OCC 009244 Cc: NCC-110 Subj/Chron, Docket Std. 106 NCC112:DNakama:mar:62992:OCC#05-009244 cc: NCC-112 Subj/chron, DN NVS-200, NVS-100 rewrittenEG [U:\NCC20\INTERP\106\009244drn-5.doc] Interps: Std. No. 106, Redbook (2) |
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ID: nht74-1.49OpenDATE: 05/10/74 FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; R. B. Dyson; NHTSA TO: Superior Trailer Works TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION TEXT: This responds to your April 22, 1974, question concerning the certification responsibility of a small manufacturer of trailers that must conform to Standard No. 121, Air brake systems. You ask if road testing of any or all vehicles produced would be necessary to satisfy the requirements. A manufacturer must "exercise due care" in certifying that the vehicles manufactured by him comply with the applicable standards (National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, @ 108(b)(2), 15 U.S.C. @ 1392(b)(2)). What constitutes due care in a particular case depends on all relevant facts, including such things as the time to elapse before a new effective date, the availability of test equipment to small manufacturers, the limitations of current technology, and above all the diligence evidenced by the manufacturer. A small manufacturer of standard and custom trailers might fulfill his due care responsibility to assure that each of his trailers is capable of meeting the standard in several ways. For example, he could establish categories of models which share a common brake and axle system and certify them all on the basis of tests on the most adverse configuration in the category. Calculations should be written down in such a case to establish that reasonable care was taken in these decisions. Alternatively, joint testing might be undertaken with a trade association or with a major supplier of brake and axle components. In the case of standard models, you might be able to rely on the supplier's warranty of his products' capacities. Neither of these methods would require road testing of each vehicle manufactured, nor would every model have to be road tested. A manufacturer must simply satisfy himself that the trailer is capable of meeting the stopping performance requirements if it were tested by the NHTSA. Yours truly, ATTACH. April 22, 1974 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Attn: James B. Gregory, Administrator Gentlemen: We are a small trailer manufacturing firm currently producing approximately 100 trailers per year. These trailers are predominantly standard models (with some variations in body length and height), however, we also manufacture some custom trailers, principally low beds. We do not manufacture brakes or axles or air system components, instead we purchase a complete axle-brake assembly and the air components, and assemble them into a trailer chassis. Under the Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121 we will, of course, install components that meet the new requirements. We are in the process of determining all the changes that we will be required to make under MVSS 121 and would appreciate clarification of the following: 1. Will we be required to road test complete trailers or will the inclusion of all certified components satify the requirements of the law? 2. If road testing of the complete trailer is required, is it required of every trailer produced, or would the test of a single prototype of a standard model be sufficient for all other trailers of the same model? 3. What road testing would be required for custom trailers that vary widely in length, width, height, capacity, etc.? We have contacted several California trailer manufacturers, and they are in the same position that we find ourselves, i.e., no testing facilities of our own and without knowledge of any independent testing facility offering such a service. The size of the facilities required would make it all but impossible for any but a very large business firm to construct a special facility. We are including some literature that will show the variations in equipment that we manufacture. Your earliest possible comments would be greatly appreciated. Very truly yours, SUPERIOR TRAILER WORKS Charles R. Richards -- President |
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ID: nht76-4.16OpenDATE: 11/10/76 FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; F. Berndt; NHTSA TO: Midland-Ross Corporation TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION TEXT: This responds to Midland-Ross' September 30, 1976, question whether the "method" specified by Compliance Testing, Inc., in its December 8, 1975, Technical Proposal for Solicitation NHTSA-6-A212 is consistent with the laboratory procedure contemplated by the NHTSA for its test contractors in evaluating the compliance of air-braked vehicles with Standard No. 121, Air Brake Systems. The NHTSA laboratory procedure for compliance contractors in the case of Standard No. 121 states in relevant part: PROCEDURE: A. Physically locate check valve or equivalent device. B. Following manufacturer's recommendation, check the check valve or equivalent device for proper function without disconnecting any air line or fitting. Describe method and technique used. The Compliance Testing, Inc. (CTI) solicitation was evaluated along with other proposals and has been accepted by the NHTSA. The "method" set forth by CTI as its intended course of action in evaluating the compliance of valves in accordance with the requirements of S5.1.2.3 will not appear in the manual produced for NHTSA compliance testing. I would like to note in closing that this letter does not constitute an interpretation of the requirements of Standard No. 121. Although the laboratory procedure sets forth the method by which contractors satisfy NHTSA contracts, it does not mean that a vehicle need not meet the requirements of the standard when tested according to its terms by other methods. MIDLAND-ROSS September 8, 1976 Salvatore J. Nicolosi -- Office of Contracts and Procurement, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Gentlemen: Subject: Laboratory Procedures for Air Brake Systems, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, Report #TP-121-00 Midland-Ross Corporation is a manufacturer of air brake actuation equipment for heavy duty trucks. We therefore manufacture components which are used by truck manufacturers for compliance with FMVSS 121. We are asking for interpretation of the requirements for check valves. In the subject procedures, issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Standards Enforcement Motor Vehicle Programs, Section 1.3.2 states: "This procedure must be followed by any contractor conducting FMVSS 121 tests for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration." Section 5.7 REQUIREMENT S5.1.2.3 -- SERVICE RESERVOIR SYSTEM AIR LOSS TEST states" "Each service reservoir system shall be protected against loss of air pressure due to failure or leakage in the system between the service reservoir and the source of air pressure, by check valves or equivalent devices whose proper functioning can be checked without disconnecting any air line or fitting." Under the same section PROCEDURE A and B: "A. Physically locate check valve or equivalent devices. B. Following the Manufacturer's recommendation, check the check valve or equivalent device for proper function without disconnecting any air line or fitting. Describe method and technique used." (Underscoring added.) In the submission by Compliance Testing Inc., which we understand was accepted, the Contractor states: "Method: 1. Build up air in system to maximum 2. Open bleed valve in supply tank 3. Monitor for 10 minutes pressure in primary and secondary tanks - no loss of air allowed" We submit that on the surface this appears to be not in compliance with requirements of TP121.00 and we would like to have a clear interpretation of what the contractor plans to do with these valves in checking them for leakage. We submit that zero leakage is a physical impossibility and must be interpreted in terms of the accuracy of the equipment being used for measurement. Further we submit that the contractor is obligated to test for compliance "following the Manufacturer's recommendation" which we in turn would consider to be the engineering specification for the appropriate valve. We request that this question be clarified and the NHTSA position be stated so that erroneous claims of non-compliance can be avoided. An early response would be appreciated. Sincerely, M. J. Denholm -- Director of Engineering, Power Controls Div. cc: J. Brewster, M-R; D. Gross, M-R; F. Nawalanic, M-R; A. Beier, IHC; R. MADISON |
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ID: 004718asOpenJean Beaulieu, Eng. Automotive Consultant 21 Emilien Frenette Ste-Therese (Quebec) J7E 5K6 Canada Dear Mr. Beaulieu: This responds to your letter requesting an interpretation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 500, Low Speed Vehicles. Specifically, you ask whether your clients vehicle must meet the State of New Yorks requirement that low speed vehicles (LSVs) be equipped with lighting equipment compliant with FMVSS No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. As explained below, pending the establishment by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of performance requirements for required LSV lighting equipment, mirrors, and parking brakes, States may adopt and apply their own performance requirements. As such, based upon your representations concerning the nature and scope of the relevant New York State statute, on which NHTSA expressly does not state an opinion, we conclude that your client would be responsible for meeting the New York regulations. Let us begin by stating that this office has no special knowledge or expertise with respect to individual State laws. Our answer will address only the requirements of the laws and regulations administered by this agency. By way of background, the NHTSA is authorized to issue FMVSSs that set performance requirements for new motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment (see 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301). Generally, under Federal law (49 U.S.C. 30103(b)(1)), when a Federal safety standard is in effect, a State may prescribe its own standard applicable to the same aspect of performance only if the standard is identical to the [Federal] standard In the original LSV final rule (see 63 FR 33194), NHTSA determined that States were preempted from adopting performance requirements for most of the types of equipment required by Standard No. 500.[1] However, in a September 1, 2000 response to petitions for reconsideration, NHTSA reversed this position and specifically stated that it was not asserting preemption with regards to performance requirements of required LSV lighting equipment, mirrors, and parking brakes.[2] In that rulemaking, NHTSA stated that: [W]e agree that the states may adopt and apply their own performance requirements for required LSV lighting equipment, mirrors, and parking brakes until we have established performance requirements for those items of equipment.[3] Thus, until NHTSA establishes applicable performance requirements, if New York were to require additional performance requirements for vehicle lighting equipment, it would not be preempted by Federal law. If you have any more questions, contact Ari Scott of my staff at (202) 366-2992. Sincerely, Anthony M. Cooke Chief Counsel ref:500 d.1/10/07 |
2007 |
ID: GFES04-2-000636Open
The Honorable John J. Duncan, Jr. Dear Congressman Duncan: Thank you for your letter on behalf of your constituent, Mr. Jon Schaffer. By way of background, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is authorized to issue motor vehicle safety standards that apply to the manufacture and sale of new motors and new motor vehicle equipment, in order to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries that result from motor vehicle crashes. The Federal standard applicable to lighting equipment is FMVSS No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment.The relevant section of that standard reads as follows:
In short, S5.5.10(d) of FMVSS No. 108 mandates that all lamps be steady burning, unless otherwise permitted. In the present case, stop lamps do not fall under any exception enumerated in S5.5.10 (a) through (c). Accordingly, stop lamps must be steady burning and cannot be flashing. We believe that motor vehicle safety is best promoted by standardization of lighting signals. The information currently provided by signal lamps, such as stop lamps, is well understood by the driving public, is instantly recognized and unambiguously informative. While we recognize that a new idea for the operation of signal lighting might improve safety, we have taken the position that, given the safety benefits associated with the standardized operation and meaning of required lighting, the burden is on the proponents of a new signaling idea to demonstrate that the use of the new idea would yield a positive safety benefit large enough to more than offset the adverse safety effects of giving up the standardized operation and meaning of signal lights. We have enclosed a copy of a November 4, 1998, Federal Register notice which fully explains our policies concerning evaluating new signal lighting ideas. In his letter to your office, Mr. Schaffer mentioned a Tennessee law permitting flashing stop lamps on motorcycles.For your reference, enclosed please find our January 14, 2004, letter to the manager of City of Memphis Motor Vehicle Inspection Bureau, in which we inform him that FMVSS No. 108 does not permit flashing stop lamps on motorcycles. With respect to Mr. Schaffers question about Federal preemption of State laws, 49 U.S.C. 30103(b)(1) provides in pertinent part:
This means that, under 49 U.S.C. 30103(b)(1), a State cannot authorize flashing stop lamps since the applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standard prohibits such lighting devices. We further note that installation of a non-steady burning lamp by a manufacturer, dealer, distributor, or motor vehicle repair business after the initial sale is subject to the restrictions of 49 U.S.C. 30122, which prohibits "making inoperative, in whole or in part" any part of a device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle in compliance with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard. Depending on the circumstances, installation of a non-steady burning lamp after the initial sale of a vehicle could be viewed as a violation of this "make inoperative" provision. I hope you find this information helpful. If you need further assistance, please contact Stephen Wood, Assistant Chief Counsel for Vehicle Safety Standards and Harmonization,at (202) 366-2992. Sincerely, Jacqueline Glassman Enclosures |
2004 |
ID: 10855-2Open Terrence S. Lockman, Investigator Dear Mr. Lockman: This responds to your request for an interpretation whether a Model Year (MY) 1981 Versa Sweeper road sweeper is a "motor vehicle" and therefore subject to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSSs) that were in effect when the vehicle was manufactured. Further, you ask whether the Versa Sweeper had to comply with requirements for an occupant restraint system or for rollover protection. You explained that you are conducting an investigation, and that "At the time in question, the vehicle was being used in a construction zone, to sweep debris off the roadway." I note, before beginning, that your letter had asked for certain information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). NHTSA separately answered your FOIA request by letter dated May 22, 1995, from Ms. Heidi Coleman of my staff, Assistant Chief Counsel for General Law. Yours is an unusual interpretation request. Typically, questions concerning whether a vehicle is a motor vehicle are raised around the time of manufacture of a vehicle or its importation into the country, and by a person knowledgeable about the intended use of the vehicle, such as the vehicle's manufacturer. In contrast, your question asks about another entity's vehicle 14 years after the vehicle's manufacture, which makes our response more difficult. We cannot say for certain what principles would have applied in 1981 concerning the Versa Sweeper, and our knowledge of the vehicle is limited to the information you provided. Thus, a conclusive answer is beyond our reach. We can make the following observations, however. NHTSA applies several principles when making a determination of whether a vehicle is a motor vehicle. Section 102(3) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act defined a motor vehicle as "a vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power and manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways . . . ." We are not certain, based on the information you provided, that the Versa Sweeper was manufactured for use on public highways. The literature you sent indicates that the Versa Sweeper is intended for "road maintenance sweeping and highway preparation cleaning." It appears that the vehicle might be a construction vehicle. Moreover, you indicated that the vehicle was being used in a construction zone "at the time in question." Construction-related vehicles generally are "motor vehicles" for purposes of our statute if they frequently use the highway going to and from job sites and stay at a job site for only a limited time. With regard to the 1981 Versa Sweeper, its use of the highway is unclear. Assuming the Versa Sweeper had regularly used the highway, NHTSA's longstanding position has been that vehicles of unusual configuration that are incapable of obtaining speeds greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) are not required to comply with the FMVSSs. It is unclear how this principle applies to a 1981 Versa Sweeper. The material you enclosed indicates that the Versa Sweeper has "Infinitely variable speeds from 0-30 miles per hour...." It is unclear whether this means each Versa Sweeper can attain a speed of 30 mph or whether some, but not all, can. A Versa Sweeper that had a maximum speed of less than 20 mph is excluded. One that went over 20 mph might not have been. You ask about requirements for occupant restraints and rollover protection. The agency has stated that "street sweepers"--that are motor vehicles--are trucks. In 1981, FMVSS No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection (49 CFR '571.208), required open-bodied light trucks to have a lap belt system. There was no rollover requirement. If you have any further questions, please contact Ms. Dorothy Nakama of my staff at (202) 366-2992. Sincerely, John Womack Acting Chief Counsel ref:VSA102(3) d:8/2/95 In 1994, the Safety Act was recodified, without substantial change, at 49 U.S.C. 30101 et seq. The motor vehicle" definition is set forth in section 30102(a).
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1995 |
ID: nht95-5.46OpenTYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA DATE: August 2, 1995 FROM: John Womack -- Acting Chief Counsel, NHTSA TO: Terrence S. Lockman -- Investigator, Levin, Middlebrooks, Mabie, Thomas, Mayes & Mitchell, P.A., Attorneys-at-Law TITLE: NONE ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO 4/10/95 LETTER FROM TERRENCE, S. LOCKMAN TO NHTSA CHIEF COUNSEL (OCC 10855) TEXT: Dear Mr. Lockman: This responds to your request for an interpretation whether a Model Year (MY) 1981 Versa Sweeper road sweeper is a "motor vehicle" and therefore subject to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSSs) that were in effect when the vehicle was manufactured. Further, you ask whether the Versa Sweeper had to comply with requirements for an occupant restraint system or for rollover protection. You explained that you are conducting an investigation, and that "At the time in question, the vehicle was being used in a construction zone, to sweep debris off the roadway." I note, before beginning, that your letter had asked for certain information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). NHTSA separately answered your FOIA request by letter dated May 22, 1995, from Ms. Heidi Coleman of my staff, Assistant Chief Counsel for General Law. Yours is an unusual interpretation request. Typically, questions concerning whether a vehicle is a motor vehicle are raised around the time of manufacture of a vehicle or its importation into the country, and by a person knowledgeable about the intended use of the vehicle, such as the vehicle's manufacturer. In contrast, your question asks about another entity's vehicle 14 years after the vehicle's manufacture, which makes our response more difficult. We cannot say for certain what principles would have applied in 1981 concerning the Versa Sweeper, and our knowledge of the vehicle is limited to the information you provided. Thus, a conclusive answer is beyond our reach. We can make the following observations, however. NHTSA applies several principles when making a determination of whether a vehicle is a motor vehicle. Section 102(3) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act n1 defined a motor vehicle as "a vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power and manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways . . ." We are not certain, based on the information you provided, that the Versa Sweeper was manufactured for use on public highways. The literature you sent indicates that the Versa Sweeper is intended for "road maintenance sweeping and highway preparation cleaning." It appears that the vehicle might be a construction vehicle. Moreover, you indicated that the vehicle was being used in a construction zone "at the time in question." Construction-related vehicles generally are "motor vehicles" for purposes of our statute if they frequently use the highway going to and from job sites and stay at a job site for only a limited time. With regard to the 1981 Versa Sweeper, its use of the highway is unclear. n1 In 1994, the Safety Act was recodified, without substantial change, at 49 U.S.C. 30101 et seq. The motor vehicle" definition is set forth in section 30102(a). Assuming the Versa Sweeper had regularly used the highway, NHTSA's longstanding position has been that vehicles of unusual configuration that are incapable of obtaining speeds greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) are not required to comply with the FMVSSs. It is unclear how this principle applies to a 1989 Versa Sweeper has "Indefinitely variable speeds from 0-30 miles per hour. . ." It is unclear whether this means each Versa Sweeper can attain a speed of 30 mph or whether some, but not all, can. A Versa Sweeper that had a maximum speed of less than 20 mph is excluded. One that went over 20 mph might not have been. You ask about requirements for occupant restraints and rollover protection. The agency has stated that "street sweepers" -- that are motor vehicles -- are trucks. In 1981, FMVSS No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection (49 CFR @ 571.208), required open-bodied light trucks to have a lap belt system. There was no rollover requirement. If you have any further questions, please contact Ms. Dorothy Nakama of my staff at (202) 366-2992. |
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ID: nht80-1.34OpenDATE: 03/18/80 FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; F. Berndt; NHTSA TO: G. Mack Industries, Ltd. TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of February 18, 1980, asking about the legality in the United States of a lamp with the words "DON'T PASS" which you are presently manufacturing for school buses in Canada. The lamp is intended for mounting on both the front and rear of the bus. Such a lamp is not required in this country under Federal law. Its use as original equipment on U.S. school buses would not be prohibited by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment, since its installation would not appear to impair the effectiveness of required lighting equipment. Its legality would be determined by that of the State in which the bus is registered and operated, and therefore, you should contact the individual State for their opinion in this matter. SINCERELY, G. MACK INDUSTRIES LTD. February 18, 1980 Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Dear Sir: In a letter I received from Mr. David Soule he suggested that I write you directly as to finding out the legality of our "DON'T PASS" light, we are presently manufacturing for the school buses in Canada. The "DON'T PASS" light features consist of one or two flashing thirty-five candlepower seal beam units or six thirty two candlepower bulbs. The base is made out of A.B.S. a hard tough space age material that is weather resistant, and is suited for outdoor applications. The lens is made out of san and is a chemical scratch resistant plastic. Dimensions are 10" x5" x2" with a simple six screw molding which will adapt to any school bus. As to the electrical hook up we are presently using the four way flashing switch. Enclosed is a picture and a newspaper clipping as to our headway we have made in Canada. Appreciating your valued opinion in your early reply as to our position in the United States. I remain, J. Leftrook Jr. President ENC. The Big Safety Lamp has been included in the Manitoba school bus specifications and the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act has been amended to give approval of the light. It is now in use in all of the 52 Manitoba school divisions. Application to have the lamp made standard equipment will go before the next meeting of the Canadian Standards Association. The lamp which is produced for the company by Melet Plastic Ltd., 670 Golspie Street, Winnipeg, is injection moulded on custom made steel dies. The lens is made of SAN, a scratch and chemical resistant plastic, and the back of the unit is made of ABS, a hard, tough, space age material that is weather resistant and specially suited to outdoor applications. Gerry Leftrook is optimistic about the future. Negotiations are underway to have the light standardized in the United States as well as Canada. It is estimated that there are some 25,000 school buses operating in Canada and 348,000 in the United States. Production of new buses has been projected at about 7,000 per year in Canada and 35,000 per year in the United States over the next five years. The light can be adapted to transport trailers and trucks, house trailers and campers, all of which provide a wide market potential. (Graphics omitted) |
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ID: nht73-5.19OpenDATE: 03/09/73 FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Richard B. Dyson; NHTSA TO: General Motors Corporation TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of February 8, 1973, concerning the use of a "comfort clip" on the shoulder belt portion of GM's 1974 seat belt system. In response to questions from other manufacturers concerning the use of high friction buckles in continuous loop belt systems, we have indicated that the requirement of Standard 208 that the belts adjust to fit specified occupants precludes the use of such buckles. In the case of systems with separate lap and shoulder belt retractors, however, the shoulder belt does not affect the tension in the lap belt and therefore does not present the risk of submarining that exists with the single loop systems. Accordingly, we are of the opinion that a comfort clip would be acceptable under S7.1.1 of the standard, so long as the shoulder belt is otherwise capable of adjustment as required by S7.1.1. At a meeting with you on this subject on January 24, 1973, the NHTSA expressed its concern about possible reductions in shoulder belt effectiveness due to excessive belt slack. On the whole, we find that this possibility is more than offset by the prospects of greater usage due to the added convenience of the system with the clip. However, we strongly support your proposal to include instructions for the use of the clip both on the clip itself and in the owner's manual. |
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ID: nht74-4.26OpenDATE: DATE:05/07/74 FROM: FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Lawrence R. Schneider; NHTSA TO: TO: Perkasie Vulcanizing Co., Inc. TITLE: TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of March 25, 1974, asking whether, consitently with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 117, maximum permissible load may be labeled in two lines, viz.: MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE LOAD XXXXXXXX LBS. You ask further whether there is a maximum height requirement for the lettering used in the label. Standard No. 117 does not specify labeling format, and the two-line format you submit conforms to the standard. Paragraphs S6.3.1 and S6.3.2 of Standard No. 117 require all safety labeling, both permanent and affixed, to be at least 0.078 inches in height. No other requirements regarding labeling size are specified. PERKASIE VULCANIZING CO., INC. [Illegible Words] SUBJECT: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards FMVSS-117 - Auto Tire Retreads In our letter to you dated January 4, 1974 on the subject we gave you information regarding the requirement that on February 1, 1974 certain information must be permanently molded into or onto the sidewall of an auto tire retread. As you may have noticed in news releases, the U.S. Court of Appeals on January 8, 1974 modified the requirements as to what information must appear on the sidewall. The result is -- on Auto Tire Retreads all that is required as of February 1, 1974 is -- "Maximum permissible load" This information must be permanently molded into or onto the sidewall of Auto Tire Retreads. All the other information such as tire size, inflation pressure, ply rating, tubeless or tube type, bias ply, bias/belted or radial must be on the tire, or may be labeled onto the tire, either permanently or by the addition of a label that is not easily removable, during the retreading process as we mentioned in a previous letter to you dated May 9, 1973, may still be used. We will keep you advised of future rulings or changes. TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION DATE:05/07/74 FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Lawr JAS. H. MATTHEWS & CO. February 18, 1974 Perkesie Vulcanizing Company ATTENTION: Ralph Perkesie SUBJECT: Retread Law FMVSS-117 In response to our phone conversation recently in which you had requested us to investigate the retread law FMVSS-117 concerning the character size and length as specified in this law for the labeling of the maximum permissible load designation. It is our position that we can not presume to interpret or have access to this particular law. This specification should be interpreted by the department of transportation with Perkesie Vulcanizing Company. Any questions concerning this particular law or its' requirements stated in this law should be passed upon the department of transportation. We hope that you can understand that the Jas. H. Matthews & Company is simply the supplier of the tags as specified by a customer. If these tags must meet a specific regulation or a variance of this regulation, this must be interpreted by the customer. We have our facilities at your disposal in supplying and fulfilling your particular requirements for tags once these specifications have been determined. We hope this information is of value to you and if we can be of any further service to you in any way please do not hesitate to contact us. C. R. Parfitt Industry Specialist |
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.