Interpretation ID: aiam3694
Director - Research & Engineering
Truck-Lite Co.
Inc.
310 East Elmwood Avenue
Falconer
NY 14733;
Dear Mr. Bennett: This is in response to your letter of April 12, 1983, asking for a interpretation of paragraph S4.6(b) of Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108.; This paragraph states in pertinent part that 'means may be provided t flash...side marker lamps for signalling purposes.' You have first asked whether the rear side marker can be made to flash. You have also asked whether this language may be interpreted as allowing both front and rear side marker lamps to be flashed. The answer to both questions is yes. In the absence of restrictive language, paragraph S4.6 may be interpreted as allowing flashing of either front or rear side marker lamps, or both sets of lamps.; You have also asked whether, where the rear side marker and taillam use the same optical source ('minor filament of a 1157 or similar bulb'), it is acceptable to have an overriding signal visible through the rear side marker lens when the turn signal lamp is actuated. The answer is yes. The standard's prohibition against optical combinations (paragraph S4.1.1) does not preclude this design.; We hope that this answers your questions. Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel