Interpretation ID: aiam3777
Westfalische Metall Industrie KG
Hueck & Co.
Postfach 28 40
4780 Lippstadt
Germany;
Dear Mr. Wuddel: This is in reply to your letter of September 23, 1983, to Augus Burgett of this agency with respect to an illuminated plate positioned between the right and left rear lamps. The plate would be illuminated by a separate light source, and would 'expose the manufacturer's name and the vehicle type.' You have asked if such a plate would be allowed on the rear of the vehicle.; Paragraph S4.1.3 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 10 prohibits the installation of any motor vehicle equipment that impairs the effectiveness of lighting equipment required by Standard No. 108. Each lamp on the rear of a motor vehicle under Standard No. 108 serves an informational purpose, either to mark the vehicle (taillamps, license plate lamps, hazard warning signals) or to indicate vehicle action (stop lamps, turn signal lamps, backup lamps). It is imperative for purposes of safety that the function of each rear lamp be clearly understood by drivers following the vehicle. Addition of a light source or lamp other than that required by Standard No. 108 contains the potential either for confusion or to mask the effect of one of the required lighting devices. In general, the agency is opposed to any lighting devices on the rear of vehicles other than those required by the standard.; Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel