Interpretation ID: nht73-5.27

DATE: 10/18/73

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; R. B. Dyson for L. R. Schneider; NHTSA

TO: Schultz, Evans and Burns

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of September 28, 1973 to Secretary Brinegar, concerning outside rear view mirrors.

The existing standard (No. 111) on Rearview Mirrors, is found in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations @ 571.111. Paragraph S3.2 establishes requirements for outside mirrors. This standard applies to all passenger cars and multipurpose passenger vehicles manufactured since January 1, 1968, and establishes requirements for original equipment mirrors. It does not apply to mirrors manufactured for the aftermarket.

SINCERELY,

SCHULTZ, EWAN AND BURNS

September 28, 1973

Claude S. Brinegar, Secretary of Transportation

Dear Sir:

I am anticipating a possible suit against one of the American automotive manufacturers. The basis of this suit would be the dangerous design and manufacture of an outside side view mirror.

Pursuant to the Federal Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Law Chapter 38 USCA @ 1392(a), your office is to establish motor vehicle safety standards. I would greatly appreciate all standards promulgated by your office pertaining to side view mirrors which were in effect for the 1973 model year.

Yours truly,

William C. Burns