Interpretation ID: nht81-2.8

DATE: 03/24/81

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; F. Berndt; NHTSA

TO: International Traders

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your February 17, 1981, letter in which you requested information from this agency concerning "the grading standards applicable to truck tires." We have issued Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (49 Code of Federal Regulations @ 575.104) for passenger car tires which specify labeling information concerning the tire's treadwear, traction and heat resistance. However, these grading standards apply only to passenger car tires and, therefore, would not be applicable to the truck tires you purchase.

There are, however, performance requirements applicable to truck tires, set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 119 (49 Code of Federal Regulations @ 571.119), a copy of which is enclosed. The manufacturer of the truck tire must certify that the imported tire complies with the requirements of this standard by labeling the symbol "DOT" on the sidewall of the tire, according to the requirement of section S6.5(a) of the enclosed standard. This information may not be especially helpful to your company in comparing the price quotations, since every tire must have this certification to be legally imported into the United States.

Should you need any further information concerning the requirements applicable to truck tires, please feel free to contact Mr. Stephen Kratzke of my staff at (202) 426-2992.

Sincerely,

ATTACH.

INTERNATIONAL TRADERS

February 17, 1981

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration -- Chief Counsel

Dear Sir:

We are in the process of gathering quotations for the import of truck tires for resale to heavy hauling trucking companies in the United States. We would appreciate receiving from you the grading standards for these tires.

If you have any forms that are necessary for us to complete for you, please send these as well.

Thank you.

Very truly yours, Rusty D. Hitch