Interpretation ID: nht68-1.30

DATE: 08/20/68

FROM: ROBERT BRENNER FOR WILLIAM HADDON -- NHTSA

TO: Messrs. Quarles; Herriott; Clemons; Teschner & Noelke

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in response to your letter of July 23 to the attention of the Federal Highway Administrator enclosing product literature on the "Model 16" and "Cruiser" manufactured by your client, the M-B Company. You have asked what Federal motor vehicle safety standards apply to these vehicles.

Since the Model 16 line striper is "driven . . . by mechanical power" it is a "motor vehicle" within the meaning of section 102(3) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966. However, it does not fall into any of the vehicle types defined thus far, to which standards are applicable, and consequently there are no standards applicable to it at this time.

Section 255.3(b), quoted by you, defines a "truck" as "a motor vehicle with motive power, except a trailer, designed primarily for the transportation of property or special purpose equipment." The definition thus excludes all trailers, but would include the Cruiser which transports special purpose equipment necessary for street sweeping. Therefore, the Cruiser must conform to all Federal standards applicable to trucks.

I hope this answers your questions.

Sincerely

July 23, 1968

Federal Highway Administration Director

Attention Mr. Bridwell

Gentlemen:

We request that your office issue an interpretive ruling as to what requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, if any, certain products manufactured by the M-B Company must comply with. The products in question are the "Cruiser," and the "Model 16" Brochures illustrating these products and containing information about them are enclosed herewith.

We would in particular appreciate receiving answers to several specific questions:

1. In the definition of "Truck," contained in@255.3 of the regulations, does the word "except" refer only to "a trailer" or does it also refer to "designed previously for the transportation of property or special purpose equipment.

2. Do the devices contained on the "Cruiser" and "Model 16" constitute "special purpose equipment," within the meaning of this phrase as it is used in the aforesaid definition of "Truck?" 3. Does "Model 16" have "motive power" within the meaning of this phrase as it is used in the aforesaid definition of "Truck," since it does not have the normal type of a motor system found in trucks in that it does not have a battery or generator?

The primary practical problem M-B Company has is with regard to "Modes 16" which is designed to be inexpensive, light weight, and small. Therefore, it does not even have a generator or a battery, and thus necessarily, no lights. The absence of lights presented no practical problem, since it was designed solely or use in the daylight. If M-B Company must make "Model 16" comply with the lighting requirements for "Trucks," it will necessarily require "Model 16"'s design to be substantially altered.

We would appreciate receiving this interpretive ruling as soon as possible. M-B Company continues to manufacture the aforesaid products. Its uncertainty as to which of your department's standards, if any, these products must comply with, places it in a most difficult and uncomfortable position. If your department desires any additional information as to the aforesaid products, just contact us and we will supply it promptly.

Very truly yours,

QUARLES, HERRIOTT, CLEMONS, TESCHNER & NOELKE --

Charles S. Quarles

CC: L.P. Blumberg