Interpretation ID: aiam4179
Manager
Inventors Research Foundation
P.O. Box 02588
Portland
OR 97202;
Dear Mr. Sherman: This is in reply to your letter of June 30, 1986, with reference to th possible interest of this agency in an illuminated license plate holder which is lit when the ignition is turn on.; The agency does not 'approve' or promote proprietary items of lightin equipment. It does require illumination of the rear license plate in the manner set forth in SAE J587 October 81 (incorporated by reference in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 *Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment*) but there is no requirement for illumination of the front plate, however, consideration is being given to proposing the installation of a daytime running light on the front of vehicles, as Canada has recently done. Should the agency issue a formal proposal your client may wish to submit comments to the docket with reference to its device. Your client may also wish to examine current Federal rear lighting requirements to determine whether a vehicle equipped with its device would meet Standard No. 108. If so, it may wish to market the device as original or aftermarket equipment.; Sincerely, Erika Z. Jones, Chief Counsel