Interpretation ID: aiam2947
President
United Bus Sales
Inc.
6700 S. Garfield Avenue
Bell Gardens
CA 90201;
Dear Mr. Ives: This responds to your November 6, 1978, letter asking for a interpretation of the warning buzzer requirement of Standard No. 217, *Bus Window Retention and Release*.; The standard requires a warning buzzer to sound when an emergency doo release mechanism is not in the closed position and the vehicle's ignition is on. From conversations with you and our Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, we have determined that your rear emergency door uses a warning buzzer that sounds when the door release mechanism is not in the closed position unless someone continues to exert pressure to hold the door closed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration considers such a warning device to be in compliance with the standard. The purpose of the warning alarm is to warn passengers and the driver when a door is accidentally left in the open condition while the vehicle ignition is in the on position. You device appears to meet the intent of the standard.; We have discussed this issue with Mr. Jerry Alexander of the Californi Highway Patrol, and he has indicated that he will accept our determination. We are sending him a copy of this letter for his information.; Sincerely, Joseph J. Levin, Jr., Chief Counsel