Interpretation ID: aiam3122

Mr. Charles F. Finn, Volkswagen of America, 27621 Parkview Boulevard, Warren, MI 48092; Mr. Charles F. Finn
Volkswagen of America
27621 Parkview Boulevard
Warren
MI 48092;

Dear Mr. Finn:#This responds to your letter requesting a interpretation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101-80, Controls and Displays. Specifically, you asked whether a 'barely discernible' light on the headlamp control, which is activated when the ignition is turned to the 'on' position, complies with the requirements of the standard. Under S5.3.3, 'any illumination that is provided in the passenger compartment when and only when the headlights are activated shall also be variable ....' Since the light in question is not activated when the headlamps are activated, it need not meet the intensity requirements of S5.3.3.#Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel;