Interpretation ID: nht89-3.12

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: OCTOBER 11, 1989

FROM: GARY R. BALANZA

TO: OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE -- NHTSA

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 4-9-90 TO GARY R. BALANZA FROM STEPHEN P. WOOD; (A35; STD. 108; VSA 108 (a)(2)(A) TEXT:

Aloha! My name is Gary Balanza and I reside in Honolulu, in the state of Hawaii.

I am in the process of submitting an application to the U.S. patent office.

The required lighting on motor vehicles is regulated through FMVSS-108.

Since my invention, PINLIGHTS, is a non-required lighting system, I need the N.H.T.S.A.s legal opinion whether this such lighting system will or will not interfere with the standard equipment.

Thank you.

P.S. Please respond immediately, your reply is urgently needed to proceed with the necessary paperwork, thanks again.)

Attachment

PURPOSE AND DISCUSSION OF SAFETY

Accidents and deaths on public roads and highways pose a very serious human and economical problem with major deleterious effects on public welfare.

There is a vital need for the development and promotion of automotive safety equipment and education.

Therefore, I feel that night driving will be demonstrably and scientifically much safer with additional auxiliary lighting systems.

My reason is this, I am in the process of applying for a patent that incorporates a streamlined lighting system that when illuminated, will light up the entire length of a vehicle.

With PINLIGHTS, it is much more visible to see a line of light than the standard auxiliary lamps currently available on motor vehicles.

Given these reasons, please grant me written permission for research and development purposes. I also request that your administration to set standards or guidelines I am able to follow.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

I. SUBJECT: Pinlights (Tradename in process of being applied for)

II. DESCRIPTION: Pinlights is an auxiliary lamp system custom/ mass produced to fit an automobile's side contours. It involves:

A. Creating a cavity on the sides of a vehicle. B. Connecting and wiring of the lighting. C. Covering the sides with one of the many plastics available.

III. VARIATIONS: Please specify, I leave the answers up to the board or committee. 1. Number of stripes allowed on a car. 2. Colors allowed on a car. 3. Maximum brightness allowable.