Interpretation ID: nht93-9.27

DATE: December 28, 1993

FROM: Lloyd Boshaw -- C.E.O., Auto Trim

TO: John Womack -- Acting Chief Consul, NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 1/21/94 from John Womack to Lloyd Boshaw (A42; Std. 108) and letter dated 8/31/90 from Paul Jackson Rice to David Holscher

TEXT:

We have a small business installing after market accessories for automobile dealers and customers. Among the accessories installed are the rear deck lid spoilers. We remain confused over the question should the Vehicle manufacturer's brake light in the rear window be disconnected when a spoiler is added (which has a brake light). This would mean you would be adding one additional brake light.

Our contacts with local agencies have indicated that they want and prefer the additional safety illumination from the added brake light in the spoiler.

The photographs and sketches will provide a clearer explanation.

In our effort to make sure we provide the finest service to our dealers we wanted to be sure we do not have a question concerning this matter.

The defined question is, When we add a spoiler to a vehicle (which has a brake light) must we disconnect the vehicle manufacturer's brake light in the rear window?

All logic that we can find says "no." Some concerns result from disconnecting the vehicle manufacturer's brake light in the rear window when it is not necessary. First, the additional brake light in the spoiler provides additional brake light illumination for safety. Disconnecting the vehicle manufacturer's brake light in the rear window creates a warning light in the instrument cluster to go on indicating a brake light is out. This can be overcome by relays etc. However, we believe the manufacturer's brake light and wiring should be left intact whenever possible. Only one large dealer and account has asked that we disconnect the light and we are awaiting your reply until we take on his account.

We are informed that spoilers are being installed all over the country without disconnecting the vehicle manufacturer's brake light.

As you know most small businesses are in tough times due to the current economy and in that fact we would like to ask you for an opinion or judgment as soon as possible so we may continue business with as little interruption as absolutely necessary, it will be greatly appreciated.