Interpretation ID: nht91-1.10

DATE: January 3, 1991

FROM: Gene Schlanger -- President, ROC Capital, Inc.

TO: Taylor Vinson -- Legal Counsel, NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 2-26-91 from Paul Jackson Rice to Gene Schlanger (A37; Std. 108)

TEXT:

We have developed a lighted sign (frame size 4 inches high x 23 inches wide) for Automobiles, with letters 2 inches high x 18 inches wide, that are illuminated by LEDs (light emitting diodes). Messages can be customized by the operator via a small, keyboard and stored in the key- board for instant recall by the driver or passenger. The sign can be designed to scroll messages from left to right along the face of the sign or if that is deemed legally inappropriate, the messages can remain stationary on the sign, with the changes in the message that just fade in and fade out. The sign is designed to be mounted inside the car, either on a rear or side window. If that is deemed legally inappropriate the sign can be designed to be placed outside on the roof of the auto, as would commonly seen lighted pizza signs on delivery cars, etc. ie: Domino's. The LEDS donot project beam, as would a headlight or directional light and donot flash, but instead allow the message to be read in day or night by passengers in other cars, or persons on the street, who are either to the rear or side, depending upon where the sign is mounted. We plan to program the sign, so that whenever it is turned on, it will automatically show an initial message saying: DRIVE SAFELY AND PLEASE DONOT TAILGATE. This sign would be sold to the general public.

We would appreciate receiving your opinion, as to whether a sign of this nature is within federal and/or state regulations, which may be applicable.

I look forward to hearing from you and to receiving any other information you feel may be helpful.