Interpretation ID: 1982-3.12

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 10/22/82

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Frank Berndt; NHTSA

TO: Ms. Dianne Palmer

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of September 14, 1982, on behalf of the Northstar Youth Organization asking for "authorization for our vehicles (buses & trucks) to operate on highways within the United States." You indicate that this group is planning "an extensive trip" through the States shortly.

The Department has no objection to occasional use of U.S. highways by foreign vehicles that do not conform to all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards but it has taken the position that vehicles used in cross-border activity on a daily basis should meet those standards. Your letter indicates that your planned trip may be a one-time occurrence. At the border your drivers may be asked by U.S. Customs officials to execute a Form HS-7, which applies to importation of vehicles not meeting U.S. standards. In this event, Box 5 should be checked which is a declaration that the importer is a non-resident of the U.S. importing the vehicle primarily for personal use for a period not exceeding one year, and that he will not sell it in the U.S. during that time. This should be sufficient to allow your group to enter the country and travel through it.

We hope that the trip will be both pleasant and educational for your youth group.

SINCERELY,

Northstar DRUM CORPS INC.

September 14, 1982

Department of Transportation Reciprocity & Insurance Section

Dear Sir:

On behalf of the Northstar Youth Organization of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, I hereby request authorization for our vehicles (buses & trucks) to operate on the highways within the United States.

Our vehicles are privately owned by the Organization and are used for the sole purpose of transporting the members of the Drum Corps and their equipment.

We are planning an extensive trip throughout the United States during the upcoming season and would like this information as soon as possible.

If anything further is required, please advise.

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Dianne Palmer