Interpretation ID: nht88-2.91

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 08/08/88

FROM: ALAN S. ELDAHR -- OPTIMUM BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES PRESIDENT

TO: ERICA JONES -- CHIEF COUNCIL NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 08/17/89 FROM STEPHEN P. WOOD -- NHTSA TO ALAN S. ELDAHR; REDBOOK A34; VSA 108 [A] [2] [A]; STANDARD 108

TEXT: Dear Ms. Jones:

Thank you for the information you sent us on Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. My company is interested in producing a small LED display reader board for use in private vehicles. The unit will measure approximately 1 1/2" x 12" and will display messages programmed by the driver.

This can be accomplished in one of two ways. First, we can incorporate both the LED display and the high mounted stop lamp into one unit. The unit will be mounted on the vertical center line (as required for the stop lamp). Messages will display until the service brakes are applied, at which time the stop lamp will come on as usual.

The second alternative is to produce the LED display as a separate unit, also to be placed in the rear window. This unit can either display messages continuously, or stop when service brakes are applied (as above).

Both units will comply with all other safety standards: photometric requirements, visibility ranges and bulb replacement, and neither shall impair the effectiveness of any other lighting equipment required by the Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

We would appreciate a reply with your comments and input on any problems you might forsee with our format or design.

Sincerely,