Interpretation ID: aiam3657
No. 10 - 905 Chilco Street
Vancouver
British Columbia
Canada V6G 2R3;
Dear Mr. Crawford: This is in reply to your letter of January 10, 1983, to Secretary Lewi recommending that he make an 'administrative decision' that would exempt foreign manufacturers from compliance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations for vehicles conforming to standards of their country of origin, and which are produced in quantities 'up to 50,000 per year with engines not exceeding 65 cu. in. or 1100cc (sic).'; The Department does not have the legal authority to issue a directiv of this nature. The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires that all motor vehicles offered for sale in the United States meet all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards, unless temporarily exempted. No permanent exemption is authorized for any type of vehicle, and no discretionary power is provided for this purpose. Authority of a nature responsive to your request could be provided only by a Congressional amendment to the Act.; As a former principal of Jet Industries which was the beneficiary o one of the NHTSA temporary exemptions (No. 76-1) and an extension of it, you are aware that a mechanism exists by which you may participate in the American market in a manner that takes into account both your economic realities and our safety concerns.; Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel