Interpretation ID: 17176.ztv

Ms. Erika Polltzer
Director of Marketing
Resort Vehicles International Ltd.
83-85 Queen's Gate
London SW7 5JX
England

Dear Ms. Polltzer:

This replies to your fax of January 16, 1998, with respect to three-wheeled electric vehicles.

You have asked for information on the safety standards required for three-wheeled vehicles. Our agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, establishes manufacturing standards for motor vehicles. These are known as the Federal motor vehicle safety standards, and must be met by all vehicles that are imported and sold in the United States. All vehicles with two and three wheels are defined as "motorcycles" for purposes of the Federal safety standards. If a vehicle with two or three wheels develops five horsepower or less, as mopeds do, it may also be known as a "motor driven cycle" for compliance with certain aspects of the "motorcycle" safety standards.

I enclose an information package, "Requirements for Motorcycle Manufacturers" that lists the Federal safety standards that apply to "motorcycles" and tells you how you may obtain copies.

The individual states in the United States, such as Florida, may prescribe state safety standards that are identical to the Federal standards, and additional state standards for aspects of performance not covered by the Federal safety standards, such as horns. We do not require seat belts for three-wheeled vehicles.

There are no Federal requirements on how a vehicle is to be used. Use of a vehicle is a matter of state law. Thus, a state has the authority to require that its operator and passengers wear helmets. We regret that we are unable to advise you on the laws of each of our states, such as Florida, California, and Arizona, and recommend that you write the Department of Motor Vehicles in each of these states for assistance.

If you have further questions, we will be pleased to answer them.

Sincerely,
John Womack
Acting Chief Counsel
Enclosure
ref:VSA
d.5/22/98