Interpretation ID: 11697DRN
Project Manager, International
PIVCO AS
Stanseveien 4
N-0975 Oslo, Norway
Dear Mr. Malaterre:
This responds to your question whether the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires U.S. motor vehicles to carry the Standard No. 125 warning device. The answer is no.
As you indicated in your letter, Standard No. 125, Warning devices, establishes requirements for devices, without self-contained energy sources, that are designed to be carried in motor vehicles and used to warn approaching traffic of the presence of a stopped vehicles. Nothing in Standard No. 125 requires that a warning device be placed in a new motor vehicle.
Please note that the Federal Highway Administration, our sister agency in the U.S. Department of Transportation, establishes requirements for commercial vehicles and commercial drivers. That agency may have requirements for the Standard No. 125 device, when used in commercial vehicles. For information on warning device requirements for commercial vehicles, please contact: Mr. James E. Scapellato, Director, Office of Motor Carrier Research and Standards, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh St., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590.
In addition, some states may have requirements for use of the Standard No. 125 warning device. You may be able to receive relevant information about various state requirements from: Automotive Manufacturers Equipment Compliance Agency, Inc., 888 16th St., N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20006. Their telephone number is: (202) 898- 0145.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Dorothy Nakama of my staff at this address or at (202) 366-2992. Our FAX number is (202) 366-3820.
Sincerely,
Samuel J. Dubbin Chief Counsel ref:125 d:4/12/96