Interpretation ID: aiam2674

Mr. Joseph A. Labert, President, Sharon Recreation World, Inc., 3960 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14225; Mr. Joseph A. Labert
President
Sharon Recreation World
Inc.
3960 Union Road
Cheektowaga
NY 14225;

Dear Mr. Labert: This is in response to your letter of September 1, 1977, concerning th permissibility of installing hitches which inhibit the shock absorbing capability of vehicle bumpers.; The attachment of hitches to motor vehicle bumpers will not constitut a violation of any Federal motor vehicle safety standard. The testing requirements of the Federal safety standard that applies to bumpers (Standard No. 215, *Exterior Protection*) specify that trailer hitches are to be removed prior to testing for compliance. Thus, it is only necessary that the vehicle comply with the standard when the trailer hitch is not attached.; Sincerely, Joseph J. Levin, Jr., Chief Counsel