Interpretation ID: nht68-2.1

DATE: 02/07/68

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Robert M. O'Mahoney; NHTSA

TO: N.G. Davey

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in response to your letter of December 17 to the Director, National Highway Safety Bureau, in which you ask about the requirements of the Federal motor vehicle safety standards so that you may determine whether a Canadian made right hand drive automobile may be modified in accordance with them.

While it is not clear from your letter the status of your visa or how long you wish to have the car in the United States, a solution to your problem may be provided by the regulations governing the importation of motor vehicles subject to the Federal standards, which became effective on January 10. You will see from 19 C.F.R. section 12.80(b)(iv) of the regulations enclosed that a nonresident of the United States may import a nonconforming motor vehicle for personal use for a period of up to one year.

The Bureau has not been informed of the manner in which vehicles of Canadian manufacture, including those with right hand drive do not comply with the Federal standards. It would be best to communicate directly with the Canadian manufacturer as to the extent of modification necessary, should you not come within the 12.80(b)(iv) exception. For your information among domestic manufacturers, American Motors built a right hand drive passenger car during the 1967 model year for use by the United States Post Office Department, and it may be that this company plans production of a similar vehicle this year which would be available to you.

If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.