Interpretation ID: nht72-4.39

DATE: 12/07/72

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Richard B. Dyson; NHTSA

TO: Bluefield Mack Trucks Inc.

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of November 17, 1972, requesting information on alteration, and installation of fifth wheels, on new trucks.

Persons who install fifth wheels on new trucks are generally considered to be "final-stage manufacturers" under NHTSA Certification regulations, and are required to certify that vehicles on which they install the fifth wheel conform to applicable Federal standards. The NHTSA has recently proposed requirements regarding persons who alter completed vehicles, and a copy of this proposal is enclosed.

Copies of NHTSA requirements may be obtained as indicated on the enclosure, "Where to Obtain Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations." The regulations regarding the certification of motor vehicles are found at Parts 567 and 568 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, (Item 1) and of the volume, "Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations" (Item 3).