Interpretation ID: nht70-2.20

DATE: 08/11/70

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Francis Armstrong; NHTSA

TO: Bruce Duncan Company Inc.

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of July 20, 1970, in which you request a ruling as to whether the Honda ATV is subject to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations promulgated as a result of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (the Act).

The descriptive literature furnished with your letter states that, "the machine looks to be street legal," and shows that the vehicle has lighting equipment. Therefore, the Honds ATV, as described, appears to be a "motor vehicle" within the meaning of Section 102(3) of the Act, and specifically a "motorcycle" as defined in 49 CFR 571.3(b). Motorcycle means a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.

We trust this will clarify the situation for you. We will be pleased to answer any additional questions that you might have.