Interpretation ID: aiam1959
Manager
Vehicle Safety Activities
Sheller-Globe Corporation
2885 St. Johns Avenue
Lima
OH 45804;
Dear Mr. Semark: This responds to Sheller-Globe's June 16, 1975, request for a statemen of the requirements for 1976-model multi-purpose passenger vehicles (MPV's) specified by Standard No. 208, *Occupant crash protection*.; Section S4.3 of the standard sets out the requirements for MPV's with gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds. These requirements are the same in the future as at present.; Section S4.2 sets out the requirements for MPV's with a GVWR of 10,00 pounds or less (S4.2.1 for vehicles until August 15, 1975, and S4.2.2 for vehicles on or after August 15, 1975 until August 15, 1977). As the standard is presently effective, S4.2.2 will require that most MPV's of 10,000 pounds or less be equipped with the same seat belts and warning systems as presently installed in passenger cars. I have enclosed a copy of those requirements as they were revised October 29, 1974 (40 FR 38380, October 31, 1974). Also enclosed is a *Federal Register* notice of December 6, 1974, that sets out the associated warning system reguirements (sic) (40 FR 42692, December 6, 1974). The only MPV's excepted from these requirements are forward control vehicles, convertibles, open-body type vehicles, walk-in van-type trucks, motor homes, and vehicles carrying chassis-mount campers. They will continue to be required to meet the requirements of S4.2.1.2 as presently in effect.; The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently propose that a manufacturer have the option of meeting the requirements of S4.2.1 or S4.2.2 until January 1, 1976. I enclose a copy of that proposal, which includes a preamble discussion of the reasons for this proposal. A final determination will appear in the *Federal Register*.; Sincerely, James C. Schultz, Chief Counsel