Interpretation ID: nht75-3.24

DATE: 05/16/75

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Richard B. Dyson; NHTSA

TO: P. H. Plastics Inc.

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in response to your letter of April 11, 1975, requesting information concerning the registration of certain vehicle types and laws relating to maximum length, width, and weight of vehicles.

It is unclear from your letter what you mean by "registration certificate." The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Pub. L. 89-563) requires that all vehicles used on United States highways be certified by their manufacturer as complying with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. 49 CFR Part 567 and 568 specify the manner in which this certification must be accomplished. If by "registration certificate" you are referring to the necessary licensing of a vehicle for operation on United States roadways, I suggest you contact the States in which you would be operating your vehicles for the answers to your questions.

The questions you ask relating to "special licenses" for 3-axle vans and transportation of your own raw materials and products are also unclear. As I stated above, NHTSA regulations only require that you certify the compliance of your vehicles with all applicable motor vehicle safety standards. We do not limit the type of products that may be imported into this country.

With regard to your question concerning maximum limitations on trailer and van length, width, and weight, this agency has no regulations which restrict the size of vehicles. As long as they meet the performance criteria established in our various safety standards, they have satisfied the provisions of the Traffic Safety Act. States generally have a limitation on the size of vehicles that operate on their roadways. Therefore, for this reason also, I suggest that you contact the States whose laws might affect the use of your vehicles within the United States.