Interpretation ID: nht68-2.32

DATE: 10/10/68

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Eugene B. Laskin; NHTSA

TO: Marti; O'Cara; Dalton and Bruckner

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: Your letter of September 16, 1968, addressed to Mr. George C. Nield of the National Highway Safety Bureau has been forwarded to my office for reply.

From the brief description presented in your letter, it would appear that the proposed Cushman motor vehicle would be considered a "passenger car" under the definitions included in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. At the present time, the standards do not apply to vehicles of 1,000 pounds or less curb weight. However, we are presently contemplating amendment of the Standards to include such vehicles in the near future as presented in the Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making published October 14, 1967. The rated horsepower of the engine is not relevant in determining applicability of the standards.

Enclosed is a copy of the Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making for your perusal.