Interpretation ID: nht75-3.29

DATE: 10/22/75

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Richard B. Dyson; NHTSA

TO: Koher Company

COPYEE: SENATOR PROXMIRE

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in response to your letter of September 29, 1975, to Senator Proxmire, concerning the regulations governing the production of motor vehicles, a copy of which was referred to this office.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues Federal motor vehicle safety standards to which motor vehicles must conform. In addition, the agency requires that the manufacturer certify that the vehicle as completed complies with applicable safety standards. A pamphlet summarizing the Federal motor vehicle safety standards is enclosed, along with a copy of the regulations governing vehicle certification. The safety standards themselves are set forth in their entirety in Part 571 of Volume 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

The NHTSA also investigates safety-related defects and noncompliances with safety standards in motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment. If the agency or the manufacturer determine that a safety-related defect or noncompliance exists, the manufacturer is obligated to notify the vehicle owners and remedy the problem without charge. A copy of the provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, which deal with the responsibilities of manufacturers for safety-related defects and noncompliances in their motor vehicles or item of vehicle equipment (15 U.S.C. @ 1411-1420) is also enclosed.

If you have any questions concerning a specific regulation or standard, please write.

United States Senate 10/7/75

To ensure proper handling please return all correspondence TO THE ATTENTION OF:

Geri Rosen

Respectfully referred to: Cong. Liaison DOT

Please respond to the attached inquiry in duplicate and return the enclosure. Thank you for your cooperation. (Illegible Word) U.S.S.

September 24, 1975

DEAR SENATOR:

Kohler Co. is investigating what would be involved in going into production on a very small, very fuel efficient, low-cost urban car suitable for shopping and commuting. We know there are several government agencies that have regulations controlling how you build a vehicle but we do not know what those regulations are or even what agencies we would have to contact. It is vitally important that we know all the regulations and wondered if you know some way we can obtain a copy of all the regulations from all the controlling bureaus. We would certainly appreciate your help in this quest.

YOURS TRULY,

Daniel J. Wahlen Director - Engines Engineering -- KOHLER CO.

Senator William Proxmire