Interpretation ID: nht80-3.12

DATE: 06/25/80

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Frank Berndt; NHTSA

TO: Kansas Department of Transportation

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your June 2, 1980, letter asking whether a school bus that is to be sold to a school district in your State will meet the Federal minimum requirements applicable to gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) and gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).

To the best of my knowledge, the Federal government has no minimum specifications for GAWR or GVWR. Certainly, this agency does not specify minimum weight ratings. Our only requirement is that the GAWR and GVWR be appropriate for the size and weight of a vehicle taking into consideration the type of equipment installed on it. From the information that you have provided us, we cannot say that the vehicle in question would or would not comply with that requirement. It is the responsibility of the vehicle manufacturer to certify that its vehicles comply with the Federal safety standards. No school bus manufacturer can sell you a school bus that they know will not comply with the requirements.