Interpretation ID: 1983-2.4

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 05/11/83

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Frank Berndt; NHTSA

TO: Jim Martin Tire

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your letter to Mr. Kratzke of my staff asking about this agency's regulations applicable to regrooved tires. Specifically, you asked if a foreign casing must have a DOT symbol on the sidewall in order to be regrooved, what requirements apply to regrooved tires intended for a dealer's own use, and whether there are any restrictions on the use of regrooved tires in particular wheel locations.

49 CFR Part 569 (copy enclosed) specifies the requirements which must be met by all regrooved tires, except those intended solely for export and so tagged or labeled. The mechanics of importing casings for regrooving are explained in a previous letter of interpretation issued by the agency (copy enclosed). Once the casing is inside the customs territory of the United States, Part 569 specifies that the casing must be labeled "regroovable" on both sidewalls. This marking cannot be added to the sidewall by a regroover before regrooving, but must have been placed there by the original manufacturer or a prior retreader. It seems unlikely that foreign manufacturers or retreaders would so label their tires. This means that few, if any, imported foreign casings may legally be regrooved. As explained in the enclosed letter, there is no requirement that the DOT symbol appear on the sidewall of casings in order for the casings to be regrooved.

The requirements of Part 569 apply to all tires regrooved in the United States, and apply equally to tires regrooved for sale to another party and to tires regrooved for the regroover's own use (Part 569.7). Each violation of those requirements could subject the offender to a $ 1,000 civil penalty. Each illegally regrooved tire would be treated as a separate violation.

With respect to your question about restrictions on the application and wheel position of a regrooved tire, this agency has no regulations. The Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety of the Federal Highway Administration has issued a regulation applicable to carriers used in interstate commerce. That regulation prohibits the use of regrooved tires above a certain load-carrying capacity on the front wheels of trucks and truck tractors. If you further information concerning this subject, please contact Mr. Kenneth L. Pierson, Director, Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C. 20590.

Should you have any further questions regarding regrooved tires, please feel free to contact Mr. Kratzke at (202) 426-2992.

ENCLS.