Interpretation ID: nht74-1.29

DATE: 08/13/74

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Robert L. Carter; NHTSA

TO: Mr. Eric L. Clabourgh

COPYEE: L. OWEN

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your recent letter to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, concerning the placement of front turn signal lamps on fire trucks.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" (copy enclosed) requires that front turn signal lamps be located "at or near the front and be spaced "as far apart as practicable." We would, therefore, have no objection to moving the front turn signal lamps on the fire truck from the side to the front. Locating the lamps on the front could also reduce the chance of damage to them, which might occur if they were located on the side.

Sincerely,

ATTACH.

Administrator And Counsel N.H.T.S.A. Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

I am in need of urgent information deciding a standard, specifically, standard 108, I understand, applies to big trucks. All effective 1-1-68. Soon we, the city of (Illegible Word) town commissioners, will receive a fire truck chassis made by international and the rest by the American fire apparatus co. of (Illegible Word), Iowa.

In a few months it will be delivered and it was bought with (Illegible Words) sharing money.

We are in debate! the Fire (Illegible Text)

(Graphics omitted)

These International beauties won't make the taxpayers see red.

Fires and fire departments come in a lot of different sizes -- and so do international Fire Truck chassis.

There's one to fit your budget, sure, but more important they'll also fit the kind of community you serve and the kinds of fires you fight.

I like the CARGOSTAR(R) top right, a short wheel base lets you turn in tight spots. The cab-over design gives you better visibility, and the cab also tilts forward for quicker, handier engine access. You can get it equipped the way you want it, with power to pump up to 1,250 gallons a minute.

On the left is a customized FLEETSTAR* chassis it comes with GVW ratings from 23,000 to 54,000 pounds and pound for pound it's the most efficient, economical fire-fighter around.

Down front is international's LOADSTAR* it can be customized as an assist-type vehicle, rescue truck pumper, or ladder truck. And this one has an engine and fuel capacity big enough to keep on working till the smoke clears.

(Graphics omitted)