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Interpretation ID: 1982-1.7

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 01/20/82

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; F. Berndt; NHTSA

TO: David Traxler

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is to follow-up your telephone call of October 29, 1981, asking whether any Federal motor vehicle safety standards apply to "hatchback" door latches.

Safety Standard No. 206, Door Locks and Door Retention Components, includes requirements for side door latches. We have enclosed a copy of that standard for your convenience.

There are no Federal motor vehicle safety standards applicable to the rear latch of a hatchback. However, even in the absence of a safety standard, the defect provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act may be applicable. Sections 151 et seq. of the Act provide that manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment must notify owners of vehicles and equipment with safety-related defects and remedy those defects free of charge.

ENC.