Interpretation ID: aiam1645
Manager of Engineering Services
Truck Body and Equipment Association
Inc.
5530 Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 1220
Washington
DC 20015;
Dear Mr. Crampton: This responds to your October 3, 1974, questions whether the exemptio for 24,000-pound axle vehicles from Standard No. 121, *Air brake systems*, until September 1, 1976, applies to fire fighting vehicles, and whether a tandem axle assembly consists of two 'axle systems' for purposes of our definition of 'Gross axle weight rating.'; The answer to both of your questions is yes. A fire fighting vehicl would qualify for exemption until 1976 if any of its axles has a gross axle weight rating of 24,000 pounds or more.; A tandem axle assembly, which we understand to mean a running rea assembly consisting of two axles and associated components, comprises two 'axle systems.' As we pointed out in the preamble to Notice 2 of Docket No. 74- 10, the term 'axle system' is used only to avoid confusion in situations where a suspension system does not employ an axle (39 FR 17550, May 17, 1974).; Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Acting Chief Counsel