Interpretation ID: nht92-4.48

DATE: August 6, 1992

FROM: R.J. Misorski -- Director, Maintenance & Repair, Maersk Inc.

TO: Legal Council, NHTSA

COPYEE: A. Petrizzo, W. Drozd

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 8/21/92 from Paul J. Rice to R.J. Misorski (A39; Std. 108)

TEXT:

Attached is a copy of the Federal Register outlining your rule change that went into effect December 1, 1991.

The new rule now requires a minimum of 12 square inches of lens area for rear stop or turn signals on vehicles over 80" wide, regardless of the separation between lamps. We feel that equipment manufactured prior to December 1991 would be exempt from this ruling. Our interpretation of this new rule is that it only applies to equipment that is manufactured after December 1, 1991.

We would highly appreciate if you could confirm our understanding in writing in order that we may ensure compliance with our equipment fleet.

Attachment

Copy of page 20158 of the 5/15/90 Federal Register pertaining to 49 CFR Part 571, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment (action: final rule). (Text omitted)