Interpretation ID: aiam4287
Manager
Certification Regulations Section
Technical Department
Ichikoh Industries
Ltd.
80 Itado
Isehara- City
Kanagawa Pref. 259-11
Japan;
Dear Mr. Hori: This is in reply to your letter of January 12, 1987, with reference t a lamp that is used as both an identification lamp, and as a clearance lamp. Currently the lamp projects its amber beam forward as much of the remainder of the lens is painted black. You have asked if it is permissible to remove the black paint, as a result of which the lamp will emit light in other directions.; Standard No. 108 does not prohibit removal of the black paint. Th lamp, of course, must meet the photometric requirements for a clearance lamp, or for an identification lamp if it is used as part of the three lamp array. We call your attention to paragraph 3.4 of SAE Standard J592e, July 1972, incorporated by reference in Standard No. 108. It states that 'The H-V axis of a clearance or identification lamp shall be taken as parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.' The lamp depicted in your sketch appears to conflict with this requirement. Further, if the lamp is mounted as shown in the sketch, it would appear that no light will be visible, except in that half of the pattern on the lens side of the lamp base.; I hope that this answers your question. Sincerely, Erika Z. Jones, Chief Counsel