Interpretation ID: 10804RWKM

Mr. Bill Bristol Treadway America, Inc. 1633 East Vine Street, Suite 123 Kissimmee, FL 34744

Dear Mr. Bristol:

This responds to your request for a letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stating that tires with the letters "DOT" molded onto or into the sidewalls comply with all Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS). In the United States, Federal law requires tire manufacturers to certify that tires sold or imported into the United States comply with all applicable FMVSSs. There is no provision in the law for prior certification or approval by NHTSA, the United States agency responsible for the law's implementation. NHTSA enforces compliance with the safety standards by randomly inspecting tires and certification documentation, and by testing selected tires to ensure the validity of the tire companies' self-certification programs.

In response to your request, NHTSA states that all motor vehicle tires of any type or size manufactured by any of the following manufacturers and bearing the symbol "DOT" are recognized by the United States as having been certified by the manufacturers as being in conformity with all applicable FMVSSs:

Dunlop Tire Corporation (including Remington and Centennial) Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. Michelin (including PBM, Top A Private, Liberator, Defender, and Sears) General Tire (including Neral, GPX, HS Blem, and Semperit) Hercules (including Merit) Siam (including Mustang, Aswin, Extra Mileage, and Bus Special) Electra (including Esprit, Ironman, Turbo HP9000H, and Apache) Stomil (including Winchester) Vikrant

Any questions or requests for additional information regarding this matter may be directed to Walter Myers of my staff at this address or at (202) 366-2992.

Sincerely,

Samuel J. Dubbin Chief Counsel

Ref:571 d:1/26/96