If you manufacture a sidecar (or any other piece of equipment that will be used on public roads) in Germany, it is my understanding that you MUST have a TÜV Certificate in order to meet their strict vehicle safety inspection standards.
I know that Motorcycle and Motor-Driven Cycle MANUFACTURERS must comply with U.S. Federal Standards (NHTSA) regarding Vehicle Identification, Emissions Compliance, Brakes, Lighting, Glazing (windshields), Tires, and so on.
But a chair doesn't have a "motor" and such being the case, are American Sidecar manufactures required to comply with any similar State and/or Federal Safety Regulations and/or Certifications or Approvals?
If so, what are they?
Lew Morris
Pismo Beach, California
Sidecars in the US are classified as an accessory, not a vehicle.
The usual manufacturers liability statutes do apply so their are some things that fall under these regulations such as DOT approved tires, lighting (if included) and windshield and window materials (if so equipped.
Some states have specific lighting requirements and fender coverage statutes but on Federal level there is little addressing sidecars. Probably since their use as an accessory affects a very small percentage of the motoring public.
Lonnie
