Interpretation ID: nht75-3.27

DATE: 11/20/75

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Richard B. Dyson; NHTSA

TO: Linnell; Choate & Webber

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in further reply to your letter of October 7, 1975, concerning 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 motor 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 non-compliances with safety standards in motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment. If the agency or the manufacturer determines 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 items of vehicle equipment (15 U.S.C. @@ 1411-1420) is also enclosed.

If you have any questions concerning a specific regulation or standard, please write.