Interpretation ID: nht71-2.1

DATE: 02/02/71

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Rodolfo A. Diaz; NHTSA

TO: Department of Public Utilities and Transportation

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in further reply to your letter of December 14, 1970, concerning taxicab driver security.

It is our opinion that the facts presented do not warrant rule making action in the form of safety performance standards applicable to new vehicle manufacture.

There are available, however, manufacturing options that may be procured to satisfy operational requirements. Bullet resistant glass between the cab driver and holdup men is one that quickly comes to mind. Further, we have issued a notice of proposed rule making (on December 31, 1970, which proposes amendment to the glazing Standard No. 205, (36 PR 326), a copy of which is enclosed. This(Illegible Word), if carried to a rule, would allow high strength plastics such as cellulose acetate butyrate and polycarbonate in areas not necessary for driving visibility. Cellulose acetate butyrate and polycarbonate do not meet requirements of the glazing standard as presently written.

(Illegible Word) share your concern for the security of cab drivers who seem to be under constant threat of robbery. However, we feel that the matter is one of satisfying operational needs rather than safety performance requirements as dictated in the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.

Enclosure