Interpretation ID: GF004235

The Honorable Mike Crapo
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Crapo:

Thank you for your letter regarding a November 18, 2002, final rule on tire safety information issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) pursuant to the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act (the TREAD Act).You were concerned that the agency had not responded to petitions for reconsideration of the rule and thus had not addressed questions about the rules application to trailer manufacturers.

We are pleased to inform you that on June 3, 2004, NHTSA responded to the petitions for reconsideration of the November 2002 final rule (69 FR 31306). Our response specifically clarified the labeling requirements for trailer manufacturers (the discussion can be found on page 31313 of the document, copy enclosed).This June 2004 final rule should answer all the questions and concerns of the trailer manufacturing industry.We note that the effective date for the final rule on tire safety information has been delayed until September 1, 2005.

If you or your constituents have any further questions regarding this rulemaking, you may contact Scott Brenner, Associate Administrator for External Affairs, at (202) 366-2566.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Glassman
Chief Counsel

Enclosure
ref:110
d.6/25/04