REGISTERED IMPORTER NEWSLETTER No. 14
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance
September 1999

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL)

Daytime running lights have been required on Canadian vehicles manufactured since December 1, 1989. As of February 10, 1993, FMVSS No. 108 allows DRLs that meet certain requirements as a manufacturer option. Many Canadian vehicles do not comply with FMVSS No. 108. RIs have stated that they are disconnecting the DRLs to achieve compliance with this standard however, they are failing to say so on their statements of conformity. When vehicle modification is required, the statement of conformity must reflect that the vehicle was modified to comply with FMVSS No. 108. We will begin monitoring statements of conformity submitted after October 1, 1999 to verify inclusion of modification to achieve conformity with FMVSS No. 108.

HIGH THEFT LIST FOR MY 2000

The final listing of model year 2000 high-theft vehicle lines was published in the Federal Register (64 FR 28110) on May 25, 1999. Vehicles on the high-theft list must have the required parts inscribed with the vehicle identification number prior to importation. A copy of the list is attached.

MAINTENANCE OF RI REGISTRATION

This will be your only reminder that it is time to submit the information required to renew your RI registration for FY 2000. The following information must be submitted for FY 2000 registration, which begins October 1, 1999, not later than October 31, 1999:

1. Check made payable to the Treasurer of the United States, or authorization to charge the $350 fee if we have approved you for credit card use,

2. Statement required by 49 CFR Part 592.5(e),

3. Warranty Insurance Policy for FY 2000 with notarized signatures,

4. Changes in any application information not previously reported.

Attachment 2 to Newsletter 12 is a sample of the required letter.

ODOMETER LABELS

When a vehicle is conformed to the requirements of FMVSS No. 101 by replacement of the odometer with a unit calibrated in miles, the odometer reading must be adjusted to reflect the reading on the unit being replaced, converted from kilometers to miles. This is done by multiplying the kilometer reading by .62. If the odometer reading cannot be reset to this figure, it must be adjusted to zero and a sticker must be applied to the left door frame specifying the mileage before replacement. For motorcycles, the sticker should be affixed to the headstock (area where the fork assembly attaches to the frame).

RECALL SEARCH

When using the Recall Database on the NHTSA web site to identify a recall, make sure the Make is entered properly. For example, if searching for a Ford Windstar, the make would be "Ford truck" not "Ford". If you only enter Ford the result will be incorrect. If you are not certain of the make use the pull-down menus.

RECALLS

Currently RIs are notified of vehicles which may be subject to recall on a quarterly basis by letter (hard copy). Some RIs have indicated that they would prefer to receive this information electronically to make the recall process easier. If you would prefer to receive this information electronically, in lieu of hard copy, please contact Ms. Rena Lee at 202-366-7982.

FEES

When paying by check, fees for processing conformity packages are due when the conformity package is submitted. Starting November 1, 1999, in an effort to reduce the number of checks you must write, we will begin billing on a monthly basis for the conformity packages received during the month. You will receive a monthly statement, due upon receipt, with the charges associated with each VIN. If payment is not received within 10 days, we will not process new conformity packages from you until payment is received. If you continue to fail to pay, action will be taken to suspend your registration.

MONTHLY FEE STATEMENTS

All conformity packages should identify whether payment will be by credit card or by monthly check. Effective November 1, 1999, all statements will be sent directly to the RI unless other arrangements are made and approved. Monthly statements for RI fees, whether you pay by credit card or by check, will be sent by e-mail if you have an e-mail address on file.