Interpretation ID: aiam1432
Maruka Machinery Corp. of America
420 Lexington Avenue
New York
NY 10017;
Dear Mr. Conway: This is in response to your letter of February 22, 1974, requestin information concerning three-wheel and light duty four-wheel vehicles.; As of January 1, 1974, motor vehicles of 1,000 pounds or less cur weight, other than trailers and motorcycles, became subject to Federal motor vehicle safety standards.; Currently, motorcycles are motor vehicles with motive power having seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. Any three-wheel vehicles that conform to this definition must meet all standards applicable to motorcycles. Those three-wheel vehicles that differ in some respect from the definition, must satisfy the requirements of either passenger car, truck, or multipurpose passenger vehicle standards, depending upon which are appropriate.; On November 27, 1973, the National Highway Traffic Safet Administration amended 49 CFR 571.3(b), Definitions, of the Federal motor vehicle safety standards, by revising the definition of 'motorcycle' (Notice enclosed). Petitions have been received in response to the final rule and are receiving careful consideration as the agency contemplates a possible further revision of the definition.; With regard to lightweight four-wheel vehicles, as of January 1, 1974 they must comply with all standards applicable to their vehicle type. There is no special category for lightweight four-wheel vehicles.; Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Assistant Chief Counsel