Definitions and Clarifications on Stainless Steel Finishes
- Vehicles with stainless steel should have finishes that minimize glare, such as flat, dull, brush, or hairline finish.
- Painting the stainless steel parts/components/accessories with matching flat gray or flat silver gray paint is permitted as an option to eliminate glare.
Effective Date and Enforcement Timing
- The circular was published with a legal enforcement start date set fifteen days after due publication.
- Official due publication was on May 1, 1999, as per the implementing memorandum dated May 10, 1999.
- Premature enforcement prior to May 1, 1999, including arrests for painting components, was improper and should be rectified.
Registration and Compliance Deadlines
- From May 1, 1999, no motor vehicle failing to comply with the circular's requirements shall be accepted for original or renewal registration.
- Motor vehicles already registered by May 1, 1999, have until July 31, 1999, to make necessary alterations to comply.
- Alterations include changing stainless steel finish to flat, dull, brush, or hairline or painting affected parts with approved paint.
Legal Immunity During Compliance Period
- Owners/users who choose painting as an option to eliminate glare during the compliance period shall not be considered in violation of color change rules.
- They shall not be subject to arrest or apprehension for unauthorized color change during this period.
Enforcement Commencement
- Law enforcement officers are authorized to begin arrests and apprehensions of violators starting August 1, 1999.
Important Legal Concepts
- Premature enforcement of administrative rules is not legally binding and may lead to grievance from affected parties.
- The memorandum establishes a clear transition period allowing vehicle owners time to comply without penalty.
- The distinction between banning stainless vehicles outright versus regulating glare-causing finishes protects legitimate interests of manufacturers and vehicle owners.
Officer Guidance and Compliance
- The memorandum directs all concerned authorities and stakeholders to observe these guidelines strictly from the specified dates.
- Ensuring public safety by regulating glare while protecting lawful rights of vehicle owners is emphasized.