Interpretation ID: aiam1257
Southwestern Transportation Company
P.O. Box 6187
Dallas
Texas 75222;
Dear Mr. King: This is in reply to your letter of July 18, 1973, requestin information on an NHTSA ruling that you understand prohibits tire companies from surrendering damaged tires to carriers for salvage purposes.; The NHTSA has not issued a ruling in the precise terms you describe However, a recent amendment (copy enclosed) to the Federal motor vehicle safety standard applicable to passenger car tires, Standard No. 109, could be viewed as having that effect. The amendment prohibits the sale, the offer for sale, or the introduction or delivery for introduction in interstate commerce of any tire designed for use on a passenger car that fails to meet the requirements of the standard, unless the tire is altered so that it cannot be used or repaired for use on a motor vehicle (including a trailer). Tire manufacturers may be understandably reluctant to claim that damaged tires will still conform to the safety standard, and when altered so that their use as motor vehicle equipment is prevented. This may reduce their value for salvage purposes. There is no specific prohibition to their surrender for use as salvage, however, and they may have salvage value if a purpose if a purpose, such as scrap, unrelated to motor vehicles is intended for them.; Sincerely, Richard B. Dyson, Assistant Chief Counsel