Interpretation ID: aiam0989
P.O. Box 138
Palmyra
Wisconsin 53156;
Dear Mr. Miner: Contact 6 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has sent us a copy of your lette asking that we respond to your questions.; In your letter you inquire as to the distribution of fines collecte from tire manufacturers as a result of their manufacturing tires that do not comply with the requirements of the Federal standard for passenger car tires (Standard No. 109).; Monies collected as settlement offers are transmitted to the genera funds of the United States Treasury.; The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, including the passenger ca tire standard, are minimum standards vehicle manufacturers and equipment manufacturers are required to meet. They are issued to give assurance that if the product in question meets the standards the public will have some protection against unreasonable risk of death or injury.; In addition to the question of civil penalties, manufacturers o non-conforming vehicles or tires are usually required to issue a defect notification and are urged to replace the defective equipment. Your complaint does not appear to be concerned with a safety related problem but rather with tires that you believe have not given you adequate treadwear. This is not area covered by existing standards, however, this agency has under consideration a quality grading regulation which would include grading requirements for the treadwear life of each tire manufactured after a given date.; Concerning your recommendation that Federal inspectors be placed i tire manufacturers' plants, has been considered at various times and the agency's present thinking is that the cost and manpower involved would not warrant this course of action.; Thank you for your interest in auto safety and your view in this area. Sincerely, Lawrence R. Schneider, Chief Counsel