Interpretation ID: nht72-1.28

DATE: 01/19/72

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; R. B. Dyson; NHTSA

TO: The Kelley-Springfield Tire Company

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of November 18, 1971, concerning the use of the word "fits" in the secondary size stamping on the sidewall of Kelley-Springfield manufactured tires.

It is true, as you indicate in your letter, that the NHTSA prefers the use of the word "replaces," as opposed to "fits." This is because the former term is more specific in describing what both terms are intended to indicate, namely, that one tire size designation has superseded another.

However, the NHTSA is of the opinion that the term "fits" may presently be used under Standard No. 109 in labeling the primary and alternative size designations, if the tire meets the dimensional and maximum load carrying capacities for both sizes.