Interpretation ID: nht73-3.41

DATE: 03/08/73

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Robert L. Carter; NHTSA

TO: Mrs. Gussie Peer

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: Your recent letter to the National Transportation Safety Board concerning bus window glass has been referred to me for reply.

Safety glazing in buses is regulated by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205. In general, the windows in the vicinity of passengers may be either laminated safety glass or tempered safety glass, or rigid plastics, if the windows are readily removable. Hence, the Federal standard does not prohibit manufacturers from using glazing materials that perform as you suggest.

In the past few years, manufacturers have expressed interest in providing passengers with protection from missiles thrown at buses. I expect to see an increase in the use of materials that conform with your suggestion.

I am enclosing a summary of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for your information.