Interpretation ID: 8257
527 Old Canyon Road
Fremont, CA 94536
Dear Mr. Vasko:
This is in reply to your letter of January 13, 1993, to the agency in which you call our attention to your invention, the "Front Brake Light System." You have informed us that your invention utilizes "the present turn signal lights . . . to notify the driver and or pedestrian in front of the vehicle that the vehicle is in a braking mode," and that this is accomplished with only the present circuitry. You wish to "open a dialogue" with us and will answer any questions we may have.
We do have some questions about this invention. As you know, the individual front turn signal lamps also operate in tandem as hazard warning signal lamps, and flash simultaneously when the hazard warning switch is activated. We assume that your invention flashes both front signal lamps when the brake pedal is applied, and request confirmation of our assumption. We would also appreciate knowing how this is accomplished without "necessity and expense of adding new, complicated apparatus" as you put it. If, on the other hand, the front signal lamps are activated in a steady-burning state, that would be of interest to us. Finally, we would appreciate your views as to how this device would enhance safety, as our concerns have been directed to warning those to the rear of the vehicle that it is about to stop, rather than those to the front.
When we have this information, we shall be pleased to provide you with an interpretation as to the relationship of your invention to the statutes and regulations that this agency administers. Sincerely,
John Womack Acting Chief Counsel
ref:l08 d:2/11/93