Interpretation ID: nht91-5.19

DATE: August 9, 1991

FROM: Alonzo Bendolph

TO: Legal Counsel -- NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 9-9-91 from Paul Jackson Rice to Alonzo Bendolph (A38; Std. 205)

TEXT:

I am writing in regards to a business endeavor I plan to persue.

On August 08, 1991, your vehicle safety department was contacted regarding any possible regulations governing the placement of personalized stickers in the upper portion of the front and rear windsheilds of a vehicle. I was told that to get the proper interpretation of this matter that your department should be contact.

Essentially my business idea is this: I'd like to offer personalized stickers for the front and rear windsheild that would extend to both sides of car (frame to frame). The same sticker would be no greater than 6 inches in length. These same stickers would contains some of the following phrases listed below:

"My wife is #1" "young and single and I love to mingle" "Can't touch this"

These signs would be clear and containing no additional tint. Only the lettering would be visble.

In an efforts to get a definite answer as to the legality of these stickers, NY State dept of motor vehicles was contacted. I was told that all signs placed in the front and rear windshield other than inspection and registration are illegal. Inspite of this, many motorist proudly display such signs as Toyota, Honda, Chevy Blazer, and so on. Is this supposed law in New York a law that is enforced? Or is it just a law on the books - like jay walking and improper parking distance from the curves.

please supply written correspondence as to the NHTSA position relative to this issue. Hoping to hear from your office soon.