Interpretation ID: GF005203

Mr. Graham Wells, IV
Whites Tire & Rubber Company
PO Box 1469
Wilson, NC 27894

Dear Mr. Wells:

This is in response to your e-mail of August 2, 2004, in which you seek clarification of certain regulations pertaining to retreaded tires. Specifically, you ask what information is required on the sidewalls of retreaded tires for use on vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating greater than 10,000 pounds.

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 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 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 tires, to be labeled with Tire Identification Number (TIN) in order to facilitate a recall in the event of a defect. Under 574.5 (a) through (d), each TIN consists of (a) the manufacturers or retreaders identification code, (b) the tire size symbol, (c) optional tire type code, and (d) the date code; i.e. the week and year of manufacture.

With respect to maximum load and maximum pressure, no regulation requires retreaded tires (for vehicles other than passenger cars) to show 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

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