Interpretation ID: nht81-3.27

DATE: 10/15/81

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Frank Berndt; NHTSA

TO: Colt Industries, Inc.

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your recent letter asking whether any Federal regulations apply to propane fuel systems designed for use in motor vehicles.

I am enclosing an information sheet which sets forth the implications under federal law of converting gasoline-powered vehicles to use propane or other types of gas, as well as a general discussion of auxiliary fuel tanks. From that discussion, you will see that there are no safety standards directly applicable to propane fuel systems on motor vehicles, if propane is the only fuel involved. There are, however, specifications under the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety regulations relating to propane fuel systems on commercial vehicles or to tanks used for shipment of propane gas in interstate commerce. If your tanks will be used on vehicles other than private vehicles, these regulations may be of interest to you. For further information, you may contact Mr. W. R. Piste of the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety (202-426-0033).

ENC.

Colt Industries Inc

August 17, 1981

Frank Bernt Chief Counsel National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Dear Mr. Bernt:

A division of Colt Industries is interested in developing and marketing a liquified propane gas fuel system for motor vehicles.

It is naturally of vital importance that we be familiar with any federal design, performance or private laboratory (United Laboratories) approval regulations that might exist. On this matter, our contact with NHTSA officials has uncovered no such regulations. Your comments would be most appreciated.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you should have any questions.

SINCERELY,

DON W. UPSON

cc: W. POTOROKA