Interpretation ID: nht91-4.34

DATE: July 1, 1991

FROM: Paul Jackson Rice -- Chief Counsel, NHTSA

TO: John Mayeda -- Marketing and Sales Coordinator, GRE America, Inc.

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 6-4-87 from Erika Z. Jones to Robert J. Heath; Also attached to letter dated 9-21-89 from Stephen P. Wood to Jim Bowen; Also attached to letter dated 1-7-89 from Erika Z. Jones to Koji Tokunaga (Std. 101); Also attached to letter dated 5-6-91 from John Mayeda to the Department of Transportation, NHTSA (OCC 6034)

TEXT:

This responds to your letter asking whether there are any laws or regulations that govern car stereos. You asked this question in the context of a stereo system that you are considering developing. The stereo would include a built-in television monitor.

I note that your letter and an enclosed drawing are stamped "Proprietary Information." In a May 30, 1991 telephone conversation, Elizabeth Barbour of my staff advised you that all NHTSA interpretation letters are a matter of public record, and that all incoming requests are also made public unless confidential treatment is requested and granted. You indicated your understanding of this policy and stated that you did not wish to request that the materials you submitted be treated confidentially.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does not have any safety standards specifically covering car stereos or television receivers. However, a car stereo or television receiver may include a source of illumination which is regulated by Standard No. 101, Controls and Displays. Further, the installation of a car stereo or television receiver could affect the compliance of a vehicle with a number of safety standards. I have enclosed copies of three letters which discuss these and a number of other issues relating to the installation of radios or television receivers in motor vehicles. They include a June 4, 1987 letter addressed to Pansonic, a January 7, 1988 letter addressed to Isuzu, and a September 21, 1989 letter addressed to Gulf Stream Coach.

I hope this information is helpful.