Interpretation ID: aiam4055
Esq.
General Counsel
Hyundai Motor America
7373 Hunt Avenue
P.O. Box 2669
Garden Grove
CA 92642- 2669;
Dear Mr. O'Neill: This responds to your letter asking about the requirements of FMVSS No 101, *Controls and Displays*, concerning the color of the highbeam telltale. You stated that while Table 2 of the standard indicates that a manufacturer has the option of choosing a green or blue telltale, your review of competitive vehicles shows that virtually all have chosen blue telltales. You asked whether NHTSA has taken any position as to whether one color is preferable to the other. You also asked for comment on whether NHTSA has any reasonable anticipation of changing this requirement.; I would note that in the past NHTSA required the highbeam telltale t be blue. That color was selected primarily to promote international harmonization of standards regulating vehicle controls and displays. Blue is the color requirement of the International Standards Organization, the Economic Commission for Europe, and the European Economic Community.; On January 21, 1982, NHTSA amended Standard No. 101 to permit green a an alternative to blue (47 FR 2996). The purpose of the change was to allow the use of light emitting diode technology, which at that time could not produce the color blue. While we do not have a preference as such as to how manufacturers choose to meet our standards, we would note that use of the color blue tends to promote international harmonization.; On September 12, 1985, NHTSA published in the Federal Register (50 F 37240) a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend FMVSS No. 101. Among other things, the proposal concerns color requirements for electronic displays. See 50 FR 37244. We have enclosed a copy of the notice for your convenience.; I hope this information is helpful. Sincerely, Erika Z. Jones, Chief Counsel