Interpretation ID: nht91-7.20

DATE: 11/26/91

FROM: KATHLEEN DEMETER -- ASSISTANT CHIEF COUNSEL FOR GENERAL LAW, NHTSA

TO: RICHARD LANGLAIS -- ENGINEER, PRELCO INC.

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 12-7-92 FROM RICHARD LANGLAIS TO MARVIN SHAW (OCC 8067); ALSO ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 2-23-93 FROM JOHN WOMACK TO RICHARD LANGLAIS (A40; STD. 205; PART S51)

TEXT: This is in response to your recent letter which requested information on obtaining a DOT number.

Before your company can begin importing automotive products into this country and prior to the assignment of a DOT identification number, you must provide an original letter of designation and acceptance by the designated party that complies with the provisions of 49 CFR @ 551.45. The required designation should be mailed to the Office of Chief Counsel, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Room 5219, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590, and must include the following information:

1. A certification that the designation is valid in form and binding on the manufacturer under the laws, corporate by-laws, or other requirements governing the making of the designation at the time and place where it is made;

2. The full legal name, principal place of business, and mailing address of the manufacturer;

3. Marks, trade names, or other designations of origin of any of the manufacturer's products which do not bear its name;

4. A statement that the designation shall remain in effect until withdrawn or replaced by the manufacturer;

5. A declaration of acceptance duly signed by the agent appointed, which must be a permanent resident of the United States and may be an individual, a firm, or a U.S. corporation;

6. The full legal name and address of the designated agent; and

7. The signature of one with authority to appoint the agent. The signer's name and title should be clearly indicated beneath the signature.

I have enclosed a copy of 49 CFR @ 551.45, and a sample of a properly executed designation of agent. If you have any questions about the requirements for the appointment of an agent, please do not hesitate to contact me.

For you information, I have also enclosed a handout which provides additional information for new manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment and a copy of federal regulations relevant to automotive glazing. If you have any questions concerning this information, please contact Mr. Clarke Harper, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Vehicle Safety Standards, Room 5320, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590.