Interpretation ID: nht91-4.39

DATE: July 5, 1991

FROM: Debby Funk

TO: Paul Jackson Rice -- Chief Counsel, NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 7-30-91 from Paul Jackson Rice to Debby Funk (A38; Std. 108; VSA 108(a)(2)(A))

TEXT:

Thank you for your thorough and informative response to my inquiry regarding regulations governing the display of lighted signs in vehicles in my letter to you June 4, 1991.

Since you kindly offered to answer any further questions I might have, your response did leave me unclear on one point in particular.

In your letter you state that "the Vehicle Safety Act does not prohibit owners from modifying their vehicles in any manner they choose, even if the modification creates a noncompliance." And then you went on to say that "Our regulations do prohibit combining the center highmounted stop lamp with any other lamp or device such as a lighted display sign."

Does this mean that it would be illegal for the owner of a vehicle that has a center highmounted stop lamp to install an additional rear window brake light? (Anywhere in the back window?)

I have one additional question if you would be so kind to answer as I have been unsuccessful in finding the answer in the Federal Code book at my local library. What is F.M.S.S. 108?

Thank you again for your time and considerate help in this endeavor.