Interpretation ID: 86-2.1

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 02/28/86

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Erika Z. Jones; NHTSA

TO: Mr. Steward Stanley

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT:

Mr. Steward Stanley Junge Baking Company 3102 Ohio Place Joplin, MO 64801

Dear Mr. Stanley:

This responds to your letter dated November 8, 1985, inquiring whether Federal motor vehicle safety standards and regulation apply to electric vehicles. They do so apply.

This agency administers the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 1391, et seq. (the Act). Under the Act. NHTSA issues Federal motor vehicle safety standards and regulations for motor vehicles and their equipment. Under section 102(3) of the Act, a motor vehicle means "any vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power manufactured primarily for use on the public streets, roads, and highways, except any vehicle operated exclusively on a rail or rails. Therefore, since electric vehicles are "drawn by mechanical power," they must comply with Federal requirements.

Enclosed are an information sheet for new manufacturers, a form for ordering copies of safety standards and regulations, and a copy of 49 Part 555. Under Part 555, manufacturers of motor vehicles may apply for a temporary exemption from these safety standards, for a period up to three years, if the exemption would facilitate the development or field evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle and would not unreasonably degrade the safety of such vehicle. A copy of a report prepared by this agency. "Applicability of Federal Motor Vehicle Standards to Electric and Hybrid Vehicles," is also enclosed.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Sincerely,

Erika Z. Jones Chief Counsel Enclosures

Administrator Nat'l. Highway Traffic Safety Adm. 400 Seventh Street, S. W. Washington, D. C.

I am told that your office has no rules or regulations (other than bodies be equipped with seat belts) as pertains to Electric Vehicles.

If it is true I would appreciate you confirming that otherwise I would like to have a copy of that provision that deals with such vehicles.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Stewart Stanley 3102 Ohio Place Joplin, Mo. 64801

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