Interpretation ID: nht80-1.8

DATE: 01/31/80

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; F. Berndt; NHTSA

TO: Doug Smith

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This responds to your December 6, 1979, letter asking questions about Standard No. 211, Wheel Nuts, Wheel Discs, and Hub Caps. In particular, you ask whether winged projections are permitted in a rim as long as they do not extend beyond the lip of a rim or the sidewall of a tire.

When the standard was issued, the agency concluded that winged projections could catch the clothing of children or pedestrians thereby posing a safety hazard. As a result, the standard prohibits the use of all winged projections regardless of the extent to which they extend from a rim. The standard, however, only prohibits winged projections and does not affect other projections from a rim.

SINCERELY,

December 6, 1979

Roger Tilton Office of Chief Counsel National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Dear Mr. Tilton:

After talking with you this after noon I'm writing for your ruling on wing projections covered in Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 211-S3.

I am of the opinion that if the knock off (winged projection) does not extends beyond the lip of the rim or the sidewall face of the tire mounted on the rim, it will be all right with the knock off in the center.

As I understand the ruling, it is designed to eliminate catching people or objects and dragging them into the wheel. By not extending beyond the lip of the rim or sidewall face the knock off would be safe.

Please return you ruling to me as soon as possible.

Doug Smith

Attachment Omitted.