Interpretation ID: GF0044754

Mr. Russ Hunt
C/O Snider Tire Inc.
PO Box 16046
Greensboro, NC 27416-6046

Dear Mr. Hunt:

This is in response to your e-mail of July 13, 2004, in which you seek clarification of certain regulations pertaining to retreaded tires. Specifically, you ask whether it is permissible to remove or obscure certain information originally located on the sidewall of a medium truck tire during the retreading process.

By way of background, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not provide approvals of motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment. Under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, manufacturers are required to certify that their vehicles and equipment meet applicable requirements. The issues raised by your letter are addressed below.

There is no FMVSS applicable to retreaded tires for vehicles other than passenger cars. However, 49 CFR 574.5 does require each tire sold in the United States, including retreaded medium truck tires, to be labeled with Tire Identification Number (TIN) in order to facilitate a recall in the event of a defect.

The DOT symbol located on the sidewall of a medium truck tire may either remain or be removed from that tire prior to retreading (see 574.5, enclosed).

With respect to other information located on the tire sidewall, including manufacturer name, ply rating, and maximum pressure, no regulation requires retreaded tires (for vehicles other than passenger cars) to show this information, and no regulation prohibits a retreader from removing this information.

I hope you find this information helpful. If you have further questions, you may contact Mr. George Feygin of my staff at (202) 366-2992.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Glassman
Chief Counsel

Enclosure
ref 574
d.9/7/04