Interpretation ID: nht93-6.3

DATE: August 5, 1993

FROM: P. J. Harrington -- Assistant Chief, Northern Division, Dept. of California Highway Patrol

TO: Superintendent -- Potter Valley Community Unified School Dist.

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 2/9/94 from John Womack to Maurice Hannigan (A42; Std. 205) and letter dated 3/31/93 from John Womack to W. C. Burke

TEXT:

This is to inform you that California Highway patrol has received a written interpretation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding the marking requirements for replacement window glass in school buses. As you are aware, California has adopted the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for safety glass used in motor vehicles.

In their letter (copy enclosed), NHTSA states a person who cuts a section of glass to size for installation in a motor vehicle is considered a manufacturer and is, therefore, required to mark the glass. The only exception to this is if the cut section of glass still contains the original markings, in which case remarking that piece of glass is not necessary.

The markings required must contain the following information: (1) the words "American National Standard" or the characters "AS"; (2) a number identifying the item of glazing; (3) a model number assigned by the manufacturer identifying the type of construction of the glass; and (4) the manufacturer's trademark.

It is recommended you contact the installer of your glass to notify them of these findings and have the glass in your school buses inspected for the proper markings. To obtain a number as required by this Federal Standard, your installer should contact Mr. John Messcra of the NHTSA at (202) 366-5300.

We are allowing an extended period of time by which the glass must be properly marked and in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 205. The new compliance date is January 1, 1994. All school buses inspected by the California Highway Patrol after that date will not be certified if any of the glass is found not to comply with FMVSS 205.

Attached is an acknowledgement form. We would appreciate your Superintendent/Director, or designated alternate, completing and returning it to our office by September 1, 1993, in the addressed, postage paid envelope provided.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the Northern Division Motor Carrier Safety Unit at (916) 225-2098.