Interpretation ID: 77-1.31

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 02/23/77

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; F. Berndt; NHTSA

TO: Silver Thread Studios

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your February 1, 1977, letter requesting information concerning the Federal regulations that would be applicable to glazing for use in van-type vehicles. Your assumption that the glazing regulation is not applicable to plastic material used for porthole windows and sun-roofs in vans is incorrect.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, Glazing Materials, 49 CFR 571.205, specifies requirements for all glazing materials for use in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. The standard specifies the types of glazing that may be used in various locations in vehicles and, in addition, specifies performance requirements for each type of glazing. Although the standard does permit the use of plastic glazing in side windows and sun-roofs of van-type vehicles, the plastic glazing must meet specified performance requirements.

I am enclosing a copy of Standard No. 205 (and the ANS Z26 standard that is incorporated by reference in Standard No. 205) for your information. From the standard you will be able to determine the various types of glazing that may be used for side windows and sun-roofs in vans.

SINCERELY

SILVER THREAD STUDIOS

February 1, 1977

Office of Chief Council National Highway Transportation Safety

Mr. Rodness of your White Plains office referred me to you.

We are planning to manufacture windows for vans and would like to know which windows are required by law to be made of safety glass. More specifically, we are interested in the laws pertaining to portholes, sun-roofs and rear windows.

Portholes are those windows of varied design (such as heart shaped, etc.) currently made of plastic material and positioned on the side of the van to allow light in the rear of the van. Sun-roofs are those windows installed on the roof which can be opened to allow air in the rear of the van.

Both of these windows are currently made of plastic material, and I believe that safety glass regulations do not apply to them.

Could you please comment on this.

Thank you for your cooperation. I remain

Steven Katz