Interpretation ID: nht76-2.1

DATE: 05/04/76

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Mark Schwimmer; NHTSA

TO: FILE

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: SUBJECT: TELEPHONE CONVERSATION CONCERNING STANDARD NO. 120, TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS

On April 20, 1976, I received a telephone call from Mr. John McCuen, an attorney for Kelsey-Hayes (313 941-2000). He asked the following questions concerning Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120:

1. "Is use of the 'DOT' symbol permitted on rims manufactured before the August 1, 1976, effective date for the standard's rim marking requirements?" I replied that the agency's present position is as it has been in the past, namely, that such use is not permitted. I added that this interpretation is being reevaluated.

2. "Some rims are capable of being used on passenger cars as well as on multipurpose passenger vehicles. Is it permissible to label such rims pursuant to Standard No. 120, even though some might then be mounted on passenger cars?" I requested that Mr. McCuen send in a request for a written interpretation of that aspect of the standard.

3. "May rims manufactured before August 1, 1976, be sold in the replacement market after that date?" I replied that they may.