Notices of petitions for temporary exemption from safety standards went through delegated legislation heard by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). At the time, technology was fairly limited in devices available to manufacturers such as a low voltage defroster. Safety standards didn’t take lightweight vehicles into account for door hinge requirements and limitation of low speeds for crash protection. Self canceling turn signals were not available for the steering wheel and column. There was some conflict regarding the definition of an ignition switch for gas vehicles versus a closed circuit for electric vehicles and the required location to insert a key.

1973 Safety Exemption

Petition for Temporary Exemption From Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

An initial petition was filed (38 FR 31556) and granted (39 FR 3710).

Sebring-Vanguard was granted the following exemptions:

• Windshield defrosting and defogging systems
• Self-canceling turn signals
• Conforming door latches and hinges
• Upper torso restraints

The NHTSA has determined that, by allowing production and sale of an electric vehicle, the exemption would facilitate the development and field evaluation of a low-emission vehicle. The impact of the exemption on motor vehicle safety should be minimal due to the limited nature of the exemption in scope and duration, and the low initial production of the CitiCar. The exemption will also allow the public the choice of transportation independent of available supplies of gasoline. For these reasons the NHTSA has also determined that the exemption is consistent with the public interest and the objectives of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

39 FR 3710

1975 Safety Exemption

Petition for Temporary Exemption From Motor Vehicles Safety Standards

A petition was filed (40 FR 17625) and granted (40 FR 29115) for public interest, objectives, and economic hardship.

Sebring-Vanguard was granted the following exemptions:

• Windshield defrosting and defogging systems.
• Theft protection and roll-away prevention.
• Door locks and door retention components.
• Side impact protection.

The Administrator therefore finds that an exemption would be consistent with the public interest and the objectives of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Because of the net losses the company has incurred to date and the effect that a denial would have, the Administrator further finds that compliance with the four standards would cause the petitioner substantial economic hardship.

40 FR 29115

1974 Support AM General Corp.

Sebring-Vanguard supported an AM General Corp. petition for Temporary Exemption From Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (39 FR 39489). They had contracted to produce 350 postal vehicles for the US Postal Service, of which 300 intended for use in Los Angeles would not have defrosters.

The petition was supported by Sebring-Vanguard, Inc., a manufacturer of electric-powered vehicles, which reiterated AM General’s concern on undue weight penalties. Sebring asked that particular attention be given AM General’s request “because it is the first time a major auto manufacturer” has taken a positive step toward future production of electric vehicles.

39 FR 39489

1976 Recall Exemption

Petition for Exemption From Notice and Recall for Inconsequential Noncompliance

A petition was filed (41 FR 52933) in regards to the seat-belt restraints in older models.

• Occupant Crash Protection

Federal Register

References

Public Law

Sec. 3, Pub L. 92-548, 86 Stat. 1159

Volume 86, Page 1159

To amend the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1973

https://uscode.house.gov/statviewer.htm?volume=86&page=1159

Sec. 102, Pub. L. 93-492, 88 Stat. 1470

Volume 88, Page 1470

To amend the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize
appropriations for the fiscal years 1975 and 1976;

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-88/pdf/STATUTE-88-Pg1470.pdf

United States Code

Title 5. Government Organization and Employees

• Part I. The Agencies Generally
  • Chapter 5. Administrative Procedure
    • Subchapter II. Administrative Procedure
      • Section 558. Imposition of Sanctions; determination of applications for licenses; suspension, revocation, and expiration of licenses.
        • 5 USC 558(c) – Conditions when application is made for a license required by law.

Title 15. Commerce and Trade

• Chapter 38. Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety (National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act)
  • 15 USC §1381 et seq. Repealed.
  • Sub-chapter I. Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
    • Part A. General Provisions
      • 15 USC §1410 – Repealed. Related to exemption from safety standards of motor vehicles. See section 30113 of Title 49 (General exemptions).
      • 15 USC §1417
        • §157

Federal Registry

Code of Federal Regulations

Title 49

Transportation

• Chapter A. Office of the Secretary of Transportation
  • Part 1. Organization and Delegation of Powers and Duties
    • Sub-part C. Delegations
      • 49 CFR §1.50 – Delegation to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator
      • 49 CFR §1.51 – Delegations to Federal Transit Administrator

Subtitle B. Other Regulations Relating to Transportation

• Chapter V. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Department of Transportation
    • Part 501. Organization and Delegation of Powers and Duties.
      • 49 CFR §501.8 – Delegations
    • Part 555. Temporary Exemption From Motor Vehicle Safety and Bumper Standards, Subpart A. General
      • 49 CFR §555.7 – Processing of Applications
    • Part 571. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Sub-part B. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
      • 49 CFR §571.101 – Controls and displays.
      • 49 CFR §571.103 – Windshield defrosting and defogging systems.
      • 49 CFR §571.108 – Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
        • S4.1.1.5 – Turn signal operating unit shall be self-canceling by steering wheel rotation, and support manual cancellation.
      • 49 CFR §571.114 – Theft protection and roll-away prevention.
      • 49 CFR §571.206 – Door locks and door retention components.
      • 49 CFR §571.208 – Occupant crash protection.
      • 49 CFR §571.214 – Side impact protection.

People

Robert L. Carter, Associate Administrator, Motor Vehicle Programs

James B. Gregory, Administrator

Locations

Sebring-Vanguard, Inc.
Sebring, Florida

Sebring Vanguard, Inc.
National sales office
Columbia, Maryland

Docket Section
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Room 5108
400 Seventh Street SW.
Washington, D.C. 20590

Docket Section
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Room 5221
400 Seventh Street SW.
Washington, D.C. 20590