Interpretation ID: aiam3682
Technical Manager
O.E.
Dunlop Tire Company
Box 1109
Buffalo
NY 14240;
Dear Attenhofer: This responds to your recent letter to Mr. Kratzke of my staff requesting an interpretation of 49 CFR Part 574, *Tire Identification and Recordkeeping*. Specifically, you asked if Dunlop could use a print type called OCR-A for the DOT symbol and the tire identification number.; Note 1 to Figure 1 of Part 574 specifies only four different prin types which may be used for the DOT symbol and identification number, none of which are OCR-A. However, Note 4 to Figure 1 states that other print type will be permitted if approved by this agency. We have examined the print type shown in the diagram attached to your letter and have no objections to your company printing the required information in OCR-A type.; In the final rule establishing Part 574 (35 FR 17257, November 10 1970), the agency explained that the reason for specifying only four print types which would be acceptable without advance agency approval was to ensure that the information would be easily readable by all persons. The OCR-A print type shown in the diagram attached to your letter is easily readable and thus satisfies our concerns in that regard. Accordingly, that print type is hereby approved.; Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel