Interpretation ID: nht69-1.12

DATE: 03/16/69

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Robert M. O'Mahoney; NHTSA

TO: Corporation Commission of Oaklahoma

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of April 15, 1969, in which you inquire about Federal regulation of brake fluid.

Brake fluid performance is regulated under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 116. Copies of the Act and the current standards are enclosed.

Under the Vehicle Safety/Act, manufacturers of motor vehicles and equipment (including brake fluid) that are covered by standards are fully responsible for ensuring that all of their products conform to the standards. The National Highway Safety Bureau conducts conformity tests of vehicles and equipment, either through its own personnel and facilities or under contract with other public or private testing organizations, but these are for enforcement purposes only.

The Bureau is conducting a continuing series of tests on brake fluid, that has included samples from a majority of the major manufacturers, and will include the remainder is the near future. If you need more detailed information concerning this testing program, I suggest that you contact Mr. Francis Armstrong, Director, Office of Performance Analysis, National Highway Safety Bureau, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C. 20591.

In answer to your Final question, Standard No. 116 applies to all brake fluid manufactured or sold in the United States, and is not Limited to that sold by automobile manufacturers or distributors.