Interpretation ID: aiam2119
Linnell
Choate & Webber
Attorneys at Law
83 Pleasant Street
Auburn
ME 04210;
Dear Mr. Linnell: This is in further reply to your letter of October 7, 1975, concernin regulations applicable to vehicles which a client of yours proposes to manufacture. A copy of your letter was forwarded to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by the Federal Highway Administration's Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety.; The NHTSA issues Federal motor vehicle safety standards to which moto vehicles must conform. In addition, the agency requires the manufacturer to certify that the vehicle as completed complies with applicable safety standards. A pamphlet summarizing the Federal motor vehicle safety standards is enclosed, along with a copy of the regulations governing vehicle certification and an information sheet entitled 'Where to Obtain Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations.' The safety standards themselves are set forth in their entirety in Part 571 of Volume 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.; The NHTSA also investigates safety-related defects and noncompliance with safety standards in motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment. If the agency or the manufacturer determine that a safety-related defect or noncompliance exists, the manufacturer is obligated to notify the vehicle owners and remedy the problem without charge. A copy of the provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, which deal with the responsibilities of manufacturers for safety-related defects and noncompliances in their motor vehicles or item of vehicle equipment (15 U.S.C. SS 1411-1420) is also enclosed.; If you have any questions concerning a specific regulation or standard please write.; Yours truly, Richard B. Dyson, Assistant Chief Counsel