Interpretation ID: 2894o
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
Akron, OH 44316-0001
Dear Mr. Dahl:
This responds to your letter of June 1, 1988, seeking an interpretation of 49 CFR Part 574, Tire Identification and Recordkeeping. Specifically, you asked whether Goodyear could engrave its mold for the Tire Identification Number with a style of characters that was not specifically authorized in the Notes following Figure 1 of 574.5.
Note 1 to Figure 1 of Part 574 specifies only four different print types which may be used for the DOT symbol and tire identification number. The style of print that you wish to use is not one of these designated styles. Nevertheless, Note 4 to Figure 1 states that other print types will be permitted if approved by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). The agency has examined the print type shown in the diagram attached to your letter and has no objections to your company printing the required information in the print type you submitted.
You should be aware that in the final rule establishing Part 574 (35 FR 17257, November 10, 1970), NHTSA 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 print type that you submitted is easily readable and thus satisfies our concerns in that regard. Accordingly, NHTSA approves your print type.
Sincerely,
Erika Z. Jones Chief Counsel ref:574 d:8/26/88