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: aiam3955OpenMr. L. D. Pitts, Jr., P. O. Box 52592, Houston, TX 77002; Mr. L. D. Pitts Jr. P. O. Box 52592 Houston TX 77002; Dear Mr. Pitts: Thank you for your letter of March 12, 1985, asking about the effect o our regulations on a product you would like to manufacture. I hope the following discussion explains that effect.; You described your product, which you call a glare- shield, as 1/8-inch thick sheet of 'Lexan' plastic with a special scratch resistant coating. Your product is designed to be mounted inside a motor vehicle, as close to the windshield as possible, to reduce glare-related vision problems caused by the sun. You stated that your product would cover the entire windshield and is designed to be held in place by three or six latches. The latches can be released by the driver and the shield can be removed from the car.; Pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, we hav issued Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, *Glazing Materials,* (49 CFR 571.205) which specifies performance and location requirements for glazing used in vehicles. These requirements include specifications for minimum levels of light transmittance (70% in areas requisite for driving visibility, which includes all windows in passenger cars).; Any manufacturer, dealer or other person who installs tinting films o other sun screen devices, such as the one described in your letter, in *new* vehicles must certify that the vehicle as altered continues to comply with the requirements of the standard. Thus, for example, the light transmittance through the combination of the sun-screening material and the glazing must be at least 70 percent in the case of glazing used in windows requisite for driving visibility. Similarly, the combination must also meet the other applicable requirements of the standard, such as the abrasion resistance requirements.; After a vehicle is sold to the consumer, owners may themselves alte their vehicles as they please, so long as they adhere to all State requirements. Under Federal law, an owner may install any device regardless of whether the installation adversely affects light transmittance. The agency does, however, urge owners not to install equipment which would render inoperative the compliance of a vehicle with our standards. Individual States govern the operational use of vehicles by their owners and therefore it is within the authority of the States to preclude owners from using sun screens on their vehicles.; If a manufacturer, dealer, distributor or motor vehicle repair busines installs the sun screen device for the owner of a used vehicle, then S108(a)(2)(A) of the Vehicle Safety Act may apply. That section provides that none of those persons may knowingly render inoperative any device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment in compliance with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard. Violation of the 'render inoperative' provision can result in Federal civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation.; Sincerely, Jeffrey R. Miller, Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam4619OpenMr. David S. Hughes 3150 W. 4299 So. West Valley City, UT 84119; Mr. David S. Hughes 3150 W. 4299 So. West Valley City UT 84119; "Dear Mr. Hughes: This is in reply to your letter with respect to lighting fixture you wish to install on your trailer. Your diagram shows it to be a rectangular unit that displays 'Thanks Driver' or 'Thank You' as a courtesy message. The unit may be mounted on the rear of the trailer, 'between the safety bar under the floor of the trailer', or 'directly behind the mud flaps.' In either location, you state that it 'would be out of the way of any regulated light.' You are also interested in the possibility of selling the lamp. I regret the delay in responding. This agency has no authority to 'approve' or 'disapprove' individual items of lighting equipment. We can, however, advise you as to the relationship of your device to the Federal motor vehicle safety standard on lighting administered by this agency, and the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act under which the standard was issued. With respect to your installation of the lamp on your own truck, this agency has no regulations that would govern such an action. The acceptability of this device would be determined under the laws of the individual States in which a vehicle so equipped is registered and operated. We are unable to advise you on State law and recommend that you contact the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators for guidance, at 4600 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22203. We assume that your interest in selling the lamp is as an aftermarket accessory to truck owners. If the lamp is installed by the owner of the truck, once again there are no Federal standards that apply to it, only the laws of the individual States. However, if the lamp is installed by a manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or motor vehicle repair business, under Federal law its installation must not render inoperative, either in whole or in part, any of the lighting equipment required by the Federal lighting standard. To aid these parties in avoiding a violation of that prohibition, you should ensure the wiring does not interfere with theeffectiveness of the wiring of lamps installed in accordance with Federal requirements. Without a photo, we are unsure of the relationship of the location of the courtesy device in either of the two locations you have suggested to the location of other rear lights required by Federal law, such as identification lamps, clearance lamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, etc., though you have stated that it is 'out of the way' of them. However, your statement indicates that you recognize the importance of ensuring that the signal from a supplementary lamp not dilute the effectiveness of Federally-required lighting equipment, and we appreciate your concern. If you have further questions, we shall be pleased to answer them. Sincerely, Stephen P. Wood Acting Chief Counsel /"; |
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ID: aiam2624OpenMr. Jerry W. McNeil, Director of Engineering, American Trailers, Inc., Box 26568, Oklahoma City, OK 73126; Mr. Jerry W. McNeil Director of Engineering American Trailers Inc. Box 26568 Oklahoma City OK 73126; Dear Mr. McNeil: This responds to your May 25, 1977, letter asking whether two sampl certification labels you submitted comply with the requirements of Part 567, *Certification*, and Standard No. 120, *Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars*.; The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does no issue advance approvals of compliance with Federal safety standards or regulations. The agency will, however, give you an informal opinion as to whether your labels appear to comply with the requirements. The two labels you submitted do not follow the format required by Part 567 for certification labels. Therefore, they do not appear to comply with the requirements. Your method of stating tire and rim sizes differs from that required in Part 567 and Standard No. 120. For example, you state your tire and rim information as follows: '10-20-F-Tires-7.5 Rims at 75 PSI Cold Dual.' By the requirements of Part 567 and Standard No. 120 as they apply to certification labels, this information should read: '10.00-20(F) tires, 20x7.5 rims, at 75 psi cold dual.' Further, the statement after GAWR 'maximum with minimum size tire-rims shown below' should be deleted from the certification label. I am enclosing a copy of Part 567 and Standard No. 120 for your information.; Sincerely, Joseph J. Levin, Jr., Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam2622OpenMr. Jerry W. McNeil, Director of Engineering, American Trailers, Inc., Box 26568, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73126; Mr. Jerry W. McNeil Director of Engineering American Trailers Inc. Box 26568 Oklahoma City Oklahoma 73126; Dear Mr McNeil: This responds to your May 25, 1977, letter asking whether two sampl certification labels you submitted comply with the requirements of Part 567, *Certification*, and Standard No. 120, *Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars*.; The National HIghway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does no issue advance approvals of compliance with Federal safety standards or regulations. The agency will, however, give you an informal opinion as to whether your labels appear to comply with the requirements. The two labels you submitted do not follow the format required by Part 567 for certification labels. Therefore, they do not appear to comply with the requirements. Your method of stating tire and rim sizes differs from that required in Part 567 and Standard No. 120. For example, you state your tire and rim information as follows: '10-20-f-Tires-7.5 Rims at 75 PSI Cold Dual.' By the requirements of Part 567 and Standard No. 120 as they apply to certification labels, this information should read: '10.00-20(f) tires, 20x7.5 rims, at 75 psi cold dual.' Further, the statement after GAWR 'maximum with minimum size tire-rims shown below' should be deleted from the certification label. I am enclosing a copy of Part 567 and Standard No. 120 for your information.; Sincerely, Joseph J. Levin, Jr., Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam3672OpenThe Honorable David L. Boren, United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510; The Honorable David L. Boren United States Senate Washington DC 20510; Dear Senator Boren: This responds to your recent letter requesting information on behalf o one of your constituents, Mr. John H. Kiser. Mr. Kiser is concerned about the growing practice of persons installing privacy glass' or one-way plastic films' on passenger car windows. He believes this is a dangerous practice because it prevents law enforcement officers and other drivers from seeing inside the vehicles. Mr. Kiser thinks there should be Federal laws to prevent such installations in passenger cars.; A Federal regulation already exists which, under certain circumstances precludes the practice referred to by Mr. Kiser. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has the authority to govern the manufacture of new motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. Pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, we have promulgated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, *Glazing Materials*, which specifies performance and location requirements for glazing used in vehicles. These requirements include specifications for minimum levels of light transmittance (70 percent in areas requisite for driving visibility, which includes all windows in passenger cars) and abrasion resistance. This specification for light transmittance precludes darkly-tinted windows in new automobiles.; The agency has stated in past interpretations that solar films such a the type referred to in Mr. Kiser's letter are not glazing materials themselves, and would not have to comply with Standard No. 205. However, installation of such films on new motor vehicles would be prohibited if the vehicle glazing no longer complied with the light transmittance or abrasion requirements of the standard. If a vehicle manufacturer or a dealer places the film on glazing in a vehicle prior to sale of the vehicle, that manufacturer or dealer has to certify that the glazing continues to be in compliance with the requirements of Standard No. 205. Section 108(a)(1) prohibits any person from offering for sale or selling any motor vehicle or equipment that fails to comply with applicable safety standards.; After a new vehicle has been sold to the consumer, he may alter hi vehicle as he pleases, so long as he adheres to all State requirements. Under Federal law, the owner could install the tinting film on glazing in his vehicle whether or not such installation adversely affected the light transmittance and abrasion resistance of his vehicle's glazing. It should be noted, however, that section 108(a)(2)(A) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that no manufacturer, distributor, dealer or motor vehicle repair business shall knowingly render inoperative any device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle in compliance with an applicable motor vehicle safety standard. Render inoperative' means to remove, disconnect or degrade the performance of a system or element of design installed pursuant to the Federal safety standards. Thus, none of those persons may knowingly install a solar film on a vehicle for its owner if that act would render inoperative the light transmittance or abrasion resistance of the vehicle glazing. Whether this would be the case would have to be determined by the person making the installation. Violation of this section can result in Federal civil penalties up to $1,000 for each violation.; The preceding discussion regarding tinting films would be equall applicable to one-way privacy glass,' if such glass did not have a luminous transmittance of at least 70 percent. This means that such glass could not be installed by a dealer on new passenger cars prior to their first sale, nor by the persons mentioned in section 108(a)(2)(A), on used vehicles, to replace complying glazing.; The individual States must govern the operational use of vehicles b their owners since the agency does not have authority in this area. Thus, it would be up to the States to preclude owners from applying films or one-way glass on their own vehicles. Mr. Kiser may wish to contact the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws (555 Clark Street, Evanston, Illinois 60204) to find out which States have laws that would preclude owners from placing solar film on their automobile windows.; I am enclosing a copy of Safety Standard No. 205 for Mr. Kiser' information. Please contact Hugh Oates of my staff if you have any further questions (202-426-2992).; Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam2455OpenMr. B. R. Weber, Executive Vice President, Wesbar Corporation, Box 577, West Bend, WI, 53095; Mr. B. R. Weber Executive Vice President Wesbar Corporation Box 577 West Bend WI 53095; Dear Mr. Weber: This is in reply to your letter of October 28, 1976, asking severa questions with respect to that portion of paragraph S4.4.1 of Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 which prohibits the optical combination of clearance and tail lamps. You have also expressed your concern, in a recent telephone conversation with Mr. Vinson of my staff, about the ACUTEK interpretation of October 22, 1976, to be discussed below.; The distinction between the hypothetical lamp in Question 2 of you letter of September 7, 1976, and the Acutek lamp is that there is no opaque barrier wall in the former, separating the tail lamp bulb and the clearance lamp bulb, while in the latter the barrier rises to the base of the bulb. Since Standard No. 108 does not require separate compartments (i.e., an opaque barrier) for tail lamps and clearance lamps, it is obvious that the prohibition against optical combination means that (a) a single bulb may not perform both functions and (b) a single bulb must not be perceived as performing both functions. This was the rationale behind Mr. Driver's advice to Acutek that the available data indicated 'that when the tail lamp bulb [on the Acutek lamp] is activated independently from the clearance lamp bulb, and vice versa, there is no appreciable amount of incidental light emitted from the lens of the clearance lamp,' and that 'the amount of light 'spill' appears to be so small that it would not be interpreted (by a driver following the vehicle on which it is installed) as illuminating the lens of the tail lamp when operated in the clearance lamp mode, and vice versa.'; If you apply this general principle to the questions you asked then think you will have the answers. The principle is necessarily dependent upon the candlepower output of any lamp to which it is applied, a value not given in your questions. Thus, the principle cannot be quantified and the determination of the extent of light spill is necessarily subjective, and certification is dependent upon a manufacturer's good faith in attempting to achieve compliance.; After reviewing this matter I must admit that I am curious as to th safety rationale behind the prohibition. Paragraph S4.4.1 had its genesis in a similar provision in Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety regulations (49 CFR 393.22(b)(3), formerly 393.22(c)) and was adopted in conformance with it. The Society of Automotive Engineers, however, does not prohibit combining these lamps. If clearance lamps are mounted below 72 inches--the maximum allowable mounting height for tail lamps--it may be that they could be combined with tail lamps, without any detriment to safety, and at a saving to the consumer. Perhaps you would like to comment on this.; Sincerely, Frank A. Berndt, Acting Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam3925OpenMr. Jeffrey Richard, JBR Manufacturing, P.O. Box 415, Fairfield, IA 52556; Mr. Jeffrey Richard JBR Manufacturing P.O. Box 415 Fairfield IA 52556; Dear Mr. Richard: This responds to your letter inquiring about the Federal safet standards that would apply to a product you are planning to sell. You stated that the product is a 6 inch by a 4 inch sheet of 1/8 inch thick semi-transparent rubber that is held on a side window of a vehicle by four suction cups. The purpose of the sheet is to shield vehicle occupants from the sun. The following discussion explains the applicability of our safety standards to your sun screen.; Pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, we hav issued Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, *Glazing Materials,* (49 CFR 571.205) which specifies performance and location requirements for glazing used in vehicles. These requirements include specifications for minimum levels of light transmittance (70% in areas requisite for driving visibility, which includes all windows in passenger cars).; Any manufacturer, dealer or other person who installs tinting films o other sun screen devices, such as those described in your letter, in *new* vehicles must certify that the vehicle as altered, continues to comply with the requirements of the standard. Thus, for example, the light transmittance through the combination of the sun-screening material and the glazing must be at least 70 percent in the case of glazing used in windows requisite for driving visibility. Similarly, the combination must also meet the other applicable requirements of the standard, such as the abrasion resistance requirements.; After a vehicle is sold to the consumer, owners may alter thei vehicles as they please, so long as they adhere to all State requirements. Under Federal law, an owner may install any device regardless of whether the installation adversely affects light transmittance. The agency does, however, urge owners not to install equipment which would render inoperative the compliance of a vehicle with our standards. Individual States govern the operational use of vehicles by their owners and therefore it is within the authority of the States to preclude owners from applying sun screens on their vehicles.; If a manufacturer, dealer, distributor or motor vehicle repair busines installs the sun screen device for the owner of a used vehicle, then S108(a)(2)(A) of the Vehicle Safety Act may apply. That section provides that none of those persons may knowingly render inoperative any device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment in compliance with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard. Violation of the 'render inoperative' provision can result in Federal civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation.; I am enclosing the sample of your product you sent with your letter. I you need further information, the agency will be glad to provide it.; Sincerely, Jeffrey R. Miller, Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam4628OpenMr. Robert W. Kahle 4111 Blood Road Metamora, MI 48455; Mr. Robert W. Kahle 4111 Blood Road Metamora MI 48455; "Dear Mr. Kahle: This responds to your letters to Mr. Jettner of ou Office of Vehicle Safety Standards asking about the application of Federal safety standards to your manufacture of an 'aftermarket' head restraint for light trucks. Your letters have been referred to my office for reply. I regret the delay in responding. You ask whether you need this agency's approval of your product. The answer is no. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is authorized by the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (copy enclosed) to issue Federal motor vehicle safety standards that set performance requirements for new motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment. NHTSA is not authorized to certify or approve motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment for compliance with our Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Instead, under the Safety Act, each manufacturer of a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment is required to certify that its products meet all applicable safety standards. There is currently no Federal motor vehicle safety standard that is directly applicable to the product you wish to manufacture and sell. Our standard for head restraints (Standard No. 202) applies only to completed new passenger cars and not to a head restraints sold as an item of 'aftermarket' equipment for pickup trucks. However, there are other Federal laws that indirectly affect your manufacture and sale of the head restraint device. Under the Safety Act, your product is considered to be an item of motor vehicle equipment. As a manufacturer of motor vehicle equipment, you are subject to the requirements in sections 151-159 of the Safety Act concerning the recall and remedy of products with defects relating to motor vehicle safety. I have enclosed an information sheet that briefly describes those responsibilities. In the event that you or NHTSA determines that your head restraints contain a safety related defect, you would be responsible for notifying purchasers of the defective equipment and remedying the problem free of charge. A commercial business that installs your head restraint would be subject to provisions of the Safety Act that affect whether the business may install your product on a vehicle. Section 108(a)(2)(A) of the Act states: 'No manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or motor vehicle repair business shall knowingly render inoperative ... any device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment in compliance with an applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standard ...' This section requires manufacturers, distributors, dealers or motor vehicle repair businesses (i.e., any person holding him or herself out to the public as in the business of repairing motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment for compensation) installing your head restraint device on new or used vehicles to ensure that the addition of the apparatus would not negatively affect the compliance of any component or design on a vehicle with applicable Federal safety standards. For example, the commercial entity must ensure that the addition of the device does not degrade from the safety provided by flammable-resistant materials in the vehicle's interior compartment which have been installed in accordance with Standard No. 302, Flammability of Interior Materials (copy enclosed). Installation of rapidly burning materials could vitiate the compliance of the materials which were present in the vehicle at the time of its sale to the first consumer and were certified as meeting FMVSS No. 302. Section 109 of the Act specifies a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation of /108. However, the prohibitions of /108(a)(2)(A) do not apply to the actions of a vehicle owner in adding to or otherwise modifying his or her vehicle. Thus, a vehicle owner would not violate the Safety Act by installing the head restraint, even if doing so would negatively affect some safety feature in his or her vehicle. You ask for a copy of an 'order' requiring head restraints on new pick-up trucks in 1991. Please note that NHTSA has thus far only proposed to require head restraints in new light trucks and vans (10,000 pounds or less gross vehicle weight rating), and has proposed a September 1, 1991 effective date for the requirement, if the proposed rule is adopted. I have enclosed a copy of the proposal for your information. We expect to announce the agency's next step in the rulemaking proceeding shortly. I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to contact us if you have further questions. Sincerely, Stephen P. Wood Acting Chief Counsel Enclosures"; |
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ID: aiam2103OpenMr. Claud Riggs, Mountain States Tire Dealers Association, 1230 Pontiac Street, Denver, Colorado 80220; Mr. Claud Riggs Mountain States Tire Dealers Association 1230 Pontiac Street Denver Colorado 80220; Dear Mr. Riggs: Please forgive the delay in responding to your letter of May 1, 1975 which included a list of information items you believe are required to appear on retreaded tires pursuant to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 117, *Retreaded Pneumatic Tires*.; With the following qualifications, you list is correct: >>>1. The tire must be labeled with the symbol 'DOT' followed by th letter 'R', and other information required by 49 CFR Part 574.5, *Tire Identification and Recordkeeping*, as a certification that the tire complies with Standard No. 117. This requirement is distinct from and in addition to the requirement that the casing retain the 'DOT' symbol from its original manufacturer.; 2. The words 'bias/belted' are not required, because the actual numbe of plies in the sidewall and, if different, in the tread area, are now required to appear.; 3. Tube-type and tubeless tires must be labeled with the specific wor 'tube-type' and 'tubeless', respectively.; 4. The items listed in your third group may appear in a paper labe only if that label is not easily removable.<<<; For your convenience, I have enclosed a copy of Standard No. 117. Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Assistant Chief Counsel |
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ID: aiam0603OpenMr. G. Utsunomiya, Liaison Engineer, Chief, Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd., 3841 Mystic Valley Drive, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48013; Mr. G. Utsunomiya Liaison Engineer Chief Toyo Kogyo Co. Ltd. 3841 Mystic Valley Drive Bloomfield Hills MI 48013; Dear Mr. Utsunomiya: This is in reply to your letter of January 28, 1972, in which you lis specific interior components and ask whether they are required to comply with Standard No. 302, 'Flammability of Interior Materials.' You state that these components are not designed to be energy absorbing in some vehicles.; With regard to the parcel shelf and scarf plate, as we indicated to yo in our letter of September 24, 1971, these components appear to closely resemble or to be merely different descriptions of items that are enumerated in S4.1 of Standard No. 302. If so, they must comply with the requirements. We also mentioned to you in that latter than seaming welt and seaming rubber should be considered as part of the component to which it is attached, and for which it provides a seam.; With regard to the other items you list, you should consider th language of S4.1 that reads, '. . . other interior materials . . . designed to absorb energy on contact by occupants in the event of a crash.' If in fact, as you indicate, these components are not so designed, then they need not meet the requirements of the standard. I would add that NHTSA is presently reviewing this requirement, and it may be modified in the near future.; Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Assistant Chief Counsel |
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.