Interpretation ID: nht74-3.2

DATE: 07/02/74

FROM: ROBERT L. CARTER -- NHTSA MOTOR VEHICLE PROGRAMS

TO: J.M. CRAIG -- GATOR TRAILER CORPORATION

TITLE: NONE

TEXT: Dear Mr. Craig:

This is in reply to your letter of May 30, 1974, describing your pontoon boat trailer and asking if it is permissible to offer a ". . . clamp on light bar at the rear along with front side marker amber lighting for installation forward on the pontoon boat itself?" As you point out "This would mean that the user would have to install the lighting each time a rig is put on the highway."

Your proposed installation arrangement does not appear to be in conformance with paragraph S4.3.1 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, which requires that lighting and reflective devices be securely mounted on a rigid part of the vehicle. If the cargo partially obscures the[Illegible Words] the required lighting devices on the trailer.[Illegible Words] regulations would govern any additional, temporarily attached lighting devices on the cargo.

We trust this answers your question.

Sincerely,