28912 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 101 /Wednesday, May 27, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

1The issues relating to the other standards

addressed in the NPRM are discussed in today’s

companion notice.

pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction

Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.).

List of Subjects in 46 CFR Part 360

Government property, Maritime

carriers.

PART 360—[REMOVED]

Accordingly, under the authority of

46 App. U.S.C. 1114(b), 46 CFR part 360

is hereby removed in its entirety.

Dated: May 20, 1998.

By Order of the Maritime Administrator.

Joel C. Richard,

Secretary, Maritime Administration.

[FR Doc. 98–13878 Filed 5–26–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–81–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration

49 CFR Part 571

[Docket No. NHTSA–98–3837, Notice 1]

RIN 2127–AH07

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

Standards; Metric Conversion of Tire

Standards

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; technical

amendment.

SUMMARY: This document revises

selected Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

Standards (FMVSS) on tires by

converting English measurements

specified in those standards to metric

measurements. This is one of several

rulemaking actions that NHTSA is

undertaking to implement the Federal

policy that the metric system of

measurement is the preferred system of

weights and measures for United States

trade and commerce. The conversions

are not intended to make any changes in

the stringency of the affected FMVSS. A

companion final rule published in

today’s Federal Register converts, from

English measurements to metric

measurements, selected FMVSSs that do

not relate to tires.

This document also includes a

technical amendment to the standard on

tire selection and rims for motor

vehicles other than passenger cars so

that tire information provided on labels

may use abbreviations for units of

weight (mass) measurement.

DATE: This final rule is effective May 27,

2003. Optional early compliance with

the changes made in this final rule is

permitted beginning May 27, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Petitions for reconsideration

of this final rule should refer to the

docket and notice number cited in the

heading of this final rule and be

submitted to: Administrator, National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration,

400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington,

DC 20590. It is requested, but not

required, that 10 copies be submitted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.

Kevin Cavey, National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration, 400 Seventh

Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590. Mr.

Cavey’s telephone number is: (202) 366–

5271.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background Information

Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade

and Competitiveness Act (Pub. L. 100–

418), makes it United States (U.S.)

policy that the metric system of

measurement is the preferred system of

weights and measures for United States

trade and commerce. Executive Order

12770 directs Federal agencies to

comply with the Act by adopting a

conversion schedule for their programs

by September 30, 1992. In a Federal

Register document of April 21, 1992 (57

FR 14619), the National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration (NHTSA)

published its plan to use the metric

system in NHTSA programs, and

included an implementation schedule to

convert the Federal Motor Vehicle

Safety Standards (FMVSSs) to metric

measurements.

In a final rule published on March 15,

1995 (60 FR 13639), NHTSA completed

the first phase of metrication, converting

English measurements in the following

FMVSSs to the metric system: Standard

No. 102, Transmission shift lever

sequence, starter interlock, and

transmission braking effect; Standard

No. 103, Windshield defrosting and

defogging systems; Standard No. 104,

Windshield wiping and washing

systems; Standard No. 107, Reflecting

surfaces; Standard No. 110, Tire

selection and rims; Standard No. 112,

Headlamp concealment devices;

Standard No. 114, Theft protection;

Standard No. 115, Vehicle identification

number—basic requirements; Standard

No. 120, Tire selection and rims for

motor vehicles other than passenger

cars; Standard No. 124, Accelerator

control systems; Standard No. 126,

Truck-camper loading; Standard No.

205, Glazing materials; Standard No.

206, Door locks and door retention

components; Standard No. 207, Seating

systems; Standard No. 212, Windshield

mounting, and Standard No. 216, Roof

crush resistance.

In the March 14, 1995 final rule,

NHTSA established the following

principles for converting English system

measurements to the metric system:

(1) Equivalent conversions are

generally favored, not exact ones;

(2) The term ‘‘mass’’ is favored over

the term ‘‘weight,’’ except when

‘‘weight’’ is used as part of a defined

term;

(3) Force measurements are converted

by specifying in the regulatory language

the steps for making the conversion; and

(4) Dual measurements (i.e., both

English and metric measurements) are

used in a standard when it seems likely

that it will be read by persons not fully

accustomed to using the metric system.

NHTSA stated its intent to follow these

principles in future metrication

rulemakings.

II. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for

Second Phase

On April 21, 1997, NHTSA began its

second phase of metricating the

FMVSSs by publishing a notice of

proposed rulemaking to convert English

measurements in the following Federal

Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to the

metric system: Standard No. 101,

Controls and displays; Standard No.

109, New pneumatic tires; Standard No.

111, Rearview mirrors; Standard No.

116, Motor vehicle brake fluids;

Standard No. 117, Retreaded pneumatic

tires; Standard No. 119, New pneumatic

tires for vehicles other than passenger

cars; Standard No. 123, Motorcycle

controls and displays; Standard No. 201,

Occupant protection in interior impact;

Standard No. 202, Head restraints;

Standard No. 203, Impact protection for

the driver from the steering control

system; Standard No. 204, Steering

control rearward displacement;

Standard No. 209, Seat belt assemblies;

Standard No. 210, Seat belt assembly

anchorages; Standard No. 219,

Windshield zone intrusion; Standard

No. 220, School bus rollover protection;

Standard No. 222, School bus passenger

seating and crash protection; Standard

No. 301, Fuel system integrity; and

Standard No. 302, Flammability of

interior materials.

The agency raised issues concerning

the following proposed conversions: 1

Exact Versus Equivalent

Conversions—In the NPRM, NHTSA

stated that although it generally favors

the use of equivalent conversions, it will

not use equivalent conversions where

there is a specific safety need or other

reason to make an exact conversion. For
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 101 /Wednesday, May 27, 1998 /Rules and Regulations 28913

certain proposed conversions (i.e., ones

involving requirements that specify the

height of lettering, the minimum depth

to which the lettering must be

impressed, or the maximum height to

which it must be embossed), NHTSA

proposed exact conversions to minimize

the possibility of manufacturers having

to change molds and materials. NHTSA

also proposed exact conversions for

measurements in several non-tire

standards to avoid a possibility that the

standard would become more stringent

after the conversion.

Dual Measurements—The agency

stated its belief that converting some

tables so that they contain only metric

measurements may not be very

informative to American tire

manufacturers and retreaders and mirror

manufacturers, many of whom may be

more familiar with English

measurements. Accordingly, in the case

of the mirror and tire standards, NHTSA

proposed that the tables and regulatory

text provide both the English and metric

systems of measurement. Specifically,

for Standard No. 117, Retreaded

pneumatic tires, NHTSA proposed to

include both p.s.i. and kPa

measurements in Table I—‘‘Plies’’. For

Standard No. 119, New pneumatic tires

for vehicles other than passenger cars,

NHTSA proposed to provide both

English and metric measurements in

Table I—‘‘Strength Test Plunger

Diameter’’, Table II—‘‘Minimum Static

Breaking Energy’’, and Table III—

‘‘Endurance Test Schedule’’.

NHTSA sought public comment on

the proposal to use dual measurements

for the specified tables and on the

period of time after which use of the

English units of measurements should

be phased out.

Leadtime—NHTSA proposed that, if

made final, the changes proposed in the

NPRM take effect one year after the

publication of the final rule, with

manufacturers given the option to

comply immediately with the new

measurements. NHTSA stated its belief

that one year is enough lead time for

industry to make any necessary changes.

In the past, NHTSA has consistently

stated that it is not the agency’s intent

to impose unnecessary costs to

manufacturers as a result of the

metrication process. NHTSA stated it

was aware that if some of the proposed

changes in the tire standards were made

final, tire mold manufacturers would

have to change molds to accommodate

the new metric/English measurements.

Changing tire molds to accommodate

labeling with metric measurements

where the metric measurements are not

specified may result in manufacturers

incurring significant costs unless

sufficient leadtime is given so that

changes could be made when molds are

changed.

NHTSA specifically sought comment

on the amount of lead time that tire

manufacturers should be given so that

they could meet any changes that may

result if the amendments proposed in

NPRM are made final. NHTSA asked

whether one year is enough lead time to

permit tire manufacturers to purchase

new molds that would meet the

metricated standard.

III. Public Comments and NHTSA’s

Response

In response to the NPRM, NHTSA

received comments from 17

commenters. Several commenters

addressed only proposed metric

conversions in the tire standards: Japan

Automobile Tire Manufacturers’

Association, Goodyear, Rubber

Manufacturers’ Assn., Toyota, and the

European Tyre and Rim Technical

Organization. The following comments

were offered on Standard No. 109, New

pneumatic tires; Standard No. 117,

Retreaded pneumatic tires; and

Standard No. 119, New pneumatic tires

for vehicles other than passenger cars.

Most of the suggestions of

commenters for changes to the three tire

standards were to correct typographical

errors or to make the conversions more

consistent with established tire

industry, European or other

international standards. Many of the

commenters made identical suggestions

for changes. NHTSA has reviewed each

suggested change and determined

whether the change, if adopted, would

have a substantive effect on the tire

standard. The final rule incorporates the

suggested changes, except as noted

below.

The Rubber Manufacturers

Association (RMA), in a June 19, 1997

submission, made detailed comments

on proposed changes to Standards 109,

117, and 119. NHTSA has made almost

all of RMA’s suggested changes.

However, the agency is not making

RMA’s suggested changes for Standard

No. 119’s S6.5(d) and S6.5(e). S6.5

specifies information that must be

marked on tire sidewalls. That

information includes the maximum load

rating and corresponding inflation

pressure of the tire (S6.5(d)) and the

speed restriction of the tire, if 55 miles

per hour or less (S6.5(e)). RMA’s

recommendation would make it

optional, not mandatory, that the

S6.5(d) and (e) information on tires be

marked in metric and English system

units. RMA’s reason for its

recommendation is that virtually every

mold for tires regulated by Standard No.

119 would have to be restamped and

there is ‘‘no justification for that kind of

expense,’’ even if spread out over

several years.

In a submission dated August 28,

1997, RMA stated that its members

estimate a cost to the industry of $18.2

million dollars to make changes to tire

molds, if the one year implementation

date proposed in the NPRM is adopted.

The $18.2 million figure was calculated

by adding the estimates provided by

Goodyear, Michelin and BridgestoneFirestone (a total of $15 million) and

those provided by Dunlop, Continental,

and Cooper (a total of $3.2 million).

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company

also asked that NHTSA not require

metric markings for Standard No. 119.

Goodyear stated that adding metric

markings would mean that it would

have to ‘‘virtually have to restamp every

mold that currently exists for tires

covered’’ by Standard No. 119.

Goodyear stated that the restamping

would be a major expense and not

consistent with NHTSA’s desire not to

unduly burden tire manufactures.

NHTSA is not adopting RMA and

Goodyear’s request not to metricate

Standard No. 119. NHTSA has

undertaken this rulemaking to

implement the Federal policy that the

metric system of measurement is the

preferred system of weights and

measurements for United States trade

and commerce. The metrication policy

applies to all Federal Motor Vehicle

Safety Standards, including Standard

No. 119.

NHTSA notes that neither RMA nor

Goodyear provided information on a

leadtime for implementing the

metrication of Standard No. 119 that

would minimize the compliance burden

on the tire industry. Therefore, in order

to lessen the burden on tire

manufacturers, NHTSA will not make

the final rule effective in one year, as

proposed in the NPRM, but will delay

the effective date of the metricated tire

standards for five years. Optional

immediate compliance is also provided.

NHTSA believes that during the course

of five years, tire manufacturers will

have the opportunity to replace molds

as they become outmoded or worn out

with new molds that incorporate both

metric and English measurements.

IV. Technical Amendment to Standard

No. 120

In the NPRM, NHTSA did not propose

changes to Standard No. 120, Tire

selection and rims for motor vehicles

other than passenger cars. Nevertheless,

Rover Group Ltd. suggested that the

sample label titled ‘‘TRUCK

EXAMPLE—SUITABLE TIRE-RIM
28914 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 101 /Wednesday, May 27, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

CHOICE’’ (following S5.3.2 of Standard

No. 120) be amended to permit lower

case letters for KG, the abbreviation for

kilogram.

Land Rover’s comment indicates that

it believes ‘‘kilograms’’ used in the label

may be abbreviated as ‘‘kg’’. At present,

the label example specifies that units of

weight be spelled out, i.e., ‘‘kilogram’’

or ‘‘pound’’. However, NHTSA has

reexamined the label example and

determined that consumers will not be

confused by the abbreviations ‘‘kg’’ and

‘‘lbs’’ in lieu, respectively, of

‘‘kilograms’’ and ‘‘pounds.’’ Thus,

NHTSA in this final rule is also

amending the label example that follows

S5.3.2 of Standard No. 120 to permit

abbreviations for kilograms and pounds.

However, NHTSA is not specifying

that the abbreviation ‘‘kg’’ be in lower

case letters because S5.3 Label

information specifies that all

information provided be ‘‘lettered in

block capitals and numerals.’’ NHTSA

does not agree with Land Rover that

persons seeing an upper case ‘‘KG’’ on

the label will likely mistake this

abbreviation for ‘‘Kelvin Giga’’ (which

means Kelvin temperature of Celsius

+273° times 10 to the ninth power)

instead of the more common

‘‘kilogram.’’

V. Regulatory Impacts

A . Executive Order 12866 and DOT

Regulatory Policies and Procedures

NHTSA has examined the impact of

this rulemaking action under E.O. 12866

and the Department of Transportation’s

regulatory policies and procedures. This

rulemaking document was not reviewed

under E. O. 12866, ‘‘Regulatory

Planning and Review.’’ This action has

been determined to be not ‘‘significant’’

under DOT’s regulatory policies and

procedures.

In converting the Federal Motor

Vehicle Safety Standards from the

English to the metric measurement

system, the agency has made

conversions in a way that does not

substantively change the safety

performance required of motor vehicle

and motor vehicle equipment. As a

result of this rule, manufacturers now

providing consumer information (e.g.,

labeling) may incur minimal additional

costs since they will have to add metric

units to the information on their tires.

In order to ensure that tire

manufacturers can make the timing of

their addition of the metrics unit

information coincide with the timing of

the replacement of their tire molds as

they wear out and naturally reach the

end of their useful life, the agency is

providing five years of leadtime. The

impacts of this action will be so minor

that preparation of a full regulatory

evaluation for this proposed rule is not

warranted.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

The agency has considered the effects

of this rulemaking action under the

Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601

et seq.). I certify that this proposed rule

will not have a significant economic

impact on a substantial number of small

entities. As noted above, converting

from the English system to the metric

system will not require a change in the

performance of any tire. While tire

molds may have to be changed to

accommodate dual metric/English

labeling on tires, tire manufacturers can

schedule the change so that it coincides

with the normal retirement of tire molds

as they wear out.

NHTSA does not know of any U.S.

small businesses that manufacture tires.

The U.S. Small Business Administration

(SBA)’s small business size standard for

a tire manufacturer is at 13 CFR 121.601

Standard Industrial Classification Codes

and size standards. The Standard

Industrial Classification Code (SIC) for

manufacturers of tires and inner tubes is

3011. For SIC 3011, the SBA has

established a size standard of 1,000

employees or fewer.

C. Environmental Impacts

In accordance with the National

Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the

agency has considered the

environmental impacts of this

rulemaking action and determined that,

as a final rule, it will not have a

significant impact on the quality of the

human environment.

D. Federalism

This action has been analyzed in

accordance with the principles and

criteria contained in Executive Order

12612, and it has been determined that

the final rule does not have sufficient

federalism implications to warrant the

preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

E. Civil Justice Reform

This proposed rule will not have a

retroactive effect. Under 49 U.S.C.

section 30103, whenever a Federal

motor vehicle safety standard is in

effect, a state may not adopt or maintain

a safety standard applicable to the same

aspect of performance which is not

identical to the Federal standard. 49

U.S.C. section 30106 sets forth a

procedure for judicial review of final

rules establishing, amending or revoking

Federal motor vehicle safety standards.

That section does not require

submission of a petition for

reconsideration or other administrative

proceedings before parties may file suit

in court.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 571

Imports, Motor vehicle safety, Motor

vehicles, Rubber and rubber products,

Tires.

In consideration of the foregoing, the

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

(49 CFR Part 571), are amended as set

forth below.

PART 571—FEDERAL MOTOR

VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS

1. The authority citation for part 571

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115,

30117, and 30166; delegation of authority at

49 CFR 1.50.

2. Section 571.109 is amended by

revising in S4.2.1, paragraph (d);

revising S4.2.2.3.1; revising S4.2.2.3.2;

revising the first sentence of S4.3

Labeling Requirements introductory

paragraph; revising the first sentence of

S4.3.5; revising S5.2.2.1; revising

S5.3.2.1; revising S5.3.2.3; revising

S5.4.1.2; revising S5.4.2.1; revising

S5.4.2.2; revising S5.4.2.3; revising

S5.5.2; revising S5.5.3; and revising

S5.5.4 to read as follows:

§ 571.109 Standard No. 109, New

pneumatic tires.

* * * * *

S4.2.1. General. Each tire shall

conform to each of the following:

* * * * *

(d) It shall incorporate a tread wear

indicator that will provide a visual

indication that the tire has worn to a

tread depth of 1.6 mm (1⁄16 inch).

* * * * *

S4.2.2.3.1 When a tubeless tire that

has a maximum inflation pressure other

than 420 kPa (60 psi) is tested in

accordance with S5.2, the applied force

required to unseat the tire bead at the

point of contact shall be not less than:

(a) 6,670 N (1,500 pounds) for tires

with a designated section width of less

than 160 mm (6 inches);

(b) 8,890 N (2,000 pounds) for tires

with a designated section width of 160

mm (6 inches) or more but less than 205

mm (8 inches);

(c) 11,120 N (2,500 pounds) for tires

with a designated section width of 205

mm (8 inches) or more, using the

section width specified in a submission

made by an individual manufacturer,

pursuant to S4.4.1(a), or in one of the

publications described in S4.4.1(b) for

the applicable tire size designation and

type.

S4.2.2.3.2 When a tire that has a

maximum inflation pressure of 420 kPa
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 101 /Wednesday, May 27, 1998 /Rules and Regulations 28915

(60 psi) is tested in accordance with

S5.2, the applied force required to

unseat the bead at the point of contact

shall be not less than:

(a) 6,670 N (1,500 pounds) for tires

with a maximum load rating of less than

399 kg (880 pounds);

(b) 8,890 N (2,000 pounds) for tires

with a maximum load rating of 399 kg

(880 pounds) or more but less than 635

kg (1,400 pounds);

(c) 11,120 N (2,500 pounds) for tires

with a maximum load rating of 635 kg

(1,400 pounds) or more, using the

maximum load rating marked on the

sidewall of the tire.

* * * * *

S4.3 Labeling Requirements. Except

as provided in S4.3.1 and S4.3.2, each

tire shall have permanently molded into

or onto both sidewalls, in letters and

numerals not less than 2 mm (0.078

inches) high, the information shown in

paragraphs S4.3 (a) and (g). * * *

* * * * *

S4.3.5 If the maximum inflation

pressure of a tire is 420 kPa (60 psi), the

tire shall have permanently molded into

or onto both sidewalls, in letters and

numerals not less than 12.7 mm (1⁄2

inch), the words ‘‘Inflate to 420 kPa (60

psi)’’. * * *

* * * * *

S5.2.2.1 Apply a load through the

block to the tire’s outer sidewall at the

distance specified in Figure 1 for the

applicable wheel size at a rate of 50 mm

(2 inches) per minute, with the load arm

substantially parallel to the tire and rim

assembly at the time of engagement.

* * * * *

S5.3.2.1 Force a 19 mm (3⁄4 inch)

diameter cylindrical steel plunger with

a hemispherical end perpendicularly

into the tread rib as near to the

centerline as possible, avoiding

penetration into the tread groove, at the

rate of 50 mm (2 inches) per minute.

* * * * *

S5.3.2.3 Compute the breaking

energy for each test point by means of

one of the two following formulas:

W=[(F×P)/2]×10×3 (joules)

Where

W=Energy, in joules;

F=Force, Newtons; and

P=Penetration, mm; or

W=[(F×P)/2]

Where

W=Energy, inch-pounds;

F=Force, pounds; and

P=Penetration, inches.

* * * * *

S5.4.1.2 Condition the tire assembly

to 38°±3° C (100°±5° F) for at least three

hours.

* * * * *

S5.4.2.1 Mount the tire and wheel

assembly on a test axle and press it

against a flat-faced steel test wheel 1708

mm (67.23 inches) in diameter and at

least as wide as the section width of the

tire to be tested or an approved

equivalent test wheel, with the

applicable test load specified in the

table in S5.4.2.3 for the tire’s size

designation, type and maximum

permissible inflation pressure.

S5.4.2.2 During the test, the air

surrounding the test area shall be 38°±3°

C (100°±5° F).

S5.4.2.3 Conduct the test at 80

kilometers per hour (km/h)(50 miles per

hour) in accordance with the following

schedule without pressure adjustment

or other interruptions:

The loads for the following periods

are the specified percentage of the

maximum load rating marked on the tire

sidewall:

Percent

4 hours ............................................ 85

6 hours ............................................ 90

24 hours .......................................... 100

* * * * *

S5.5.2 Break in the tire by running it

for 2 hours at 80 km/h (50 mph).

S5.5.3 Allow to cool to 38°±3° C

(100°±5° F) and readjust the inflation

pressure to the applicable pressure

specified in Table II.

S5.5.4 Without readjusting inflation

pressure, test at 121 km/h (75 mph) for

30 minutes, 129 km/h (80 mph) for 30

minutes, and 137 km/h (85 mph) for 30

minutes.

* * * * *

3. In § 571.109, Figure 1—‘‘Bead

Unseating Fixture—Dimensions in

Inches’’, the Table titled ‘‘Figures for

Standard No. 109’’, Figure 2—‘‘Diagram

of Beat Unseating Block Dimensions in

Inches’’, and Figure 2A—‘‘Diagram of

Bead Unseating Block—Dimensions in

Inches’’ after S6, and preceding

Appendix A, are revised to read as

follows:

BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
28916 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 101 /Wednesday, May 27, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

BILLING CODE 4910–59–C

FIGURES FOR STANDARD 109

Wheel sizes

Dimension ‘‘A’’ for tires with maximum inflation pressure

Other than 60 psi Other than

420 kPa 60 psi 420 kPa

19 ...................................................... 13.00 in ............................................. 330 12.00 in ............................................. 305

18 ...................................................... 12.50 in ............................................. 318 11.40 in ............................................. 290

17 ...................................................... 12.00 in ............................................. 305 10.60 in ............................................. 269

16 ...................................................... 11.50 in ............................................. 292 9.90 in ............................................... 251

15 ...................................................... 11.00 in ............................................. 279 9.40 in ............................................... 239

14 ...................................................... 10.50 in ............................................. 267 8.90 in ............................................... 226

13 ...................................................... 10.00 in ............................................. 254 8.40 in ............................................... 213

12 ...................................................... 9.50 in ............................................... 241 ........................................................... ....................

11 ...................................................... 9.00 in ............................................... 229 ........................................................... ....................

10 ...................................................... 8.50 in ............................................... 216 ........................................................... ....................

320 .................................................... 8.50 in ............................................... 216 ........................................................... ....................

340 .................................................... 9.00 in ............................................... 229 ........................................................... ....................

345 .................................................... 9.25 in ............................................... 235 ........................................................... ....................

365 .................................................... 9.75 in ............................................... 248 ........................................................... ....................

370 .................................................... 10.00 in ............................................. 254 ........................................................... ....................

390 .................................................... 11.00 in ............................................. 279 ........................................................... ....................

415 .................................................... 11.50 in ............................................. 292 ........................................................... ....................

4001 ................................................... 10.25 in ............................................. 260 ........................................................... ....................

4251 ................................................... 10.75 in ............................................. 273 ........................................................... ....................

4501 ................................................... 11.25 in ............................................. 286 ........................................................... ....................

4751 ................................................... 11.75 in ............................................. 298 ........................................................... ....................

5001 ................................................... 12.25 in ............................................. 311

1For CT Tires only.

BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 101 /Wednesday, May 27, 1998 /Rules and Regulations 28917
28918 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 101 /Wednesday, May 27, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

BILLING CODE 4910–59–C
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 101 /Wednesday, May 27, 1998 /Rules and Regulations 28919

4. In § 571.109, in Appendix A, Table

1–A—‘‘For Bias Ply Tires with

Designated Section Width of 6 Inches

and Above’’, Table 1–B ‘‘For Bias Ply

Tires with Designated Section Width

Below 6 Inches’’, Table 1–C ‘‘For Radial

Ply Tires’’, Table 1–D ‘‘For Tires with 60

lb/in2 Maximum Permissible Inflation

Pressure and Maximum Load Rating

Below 880 Lb. And Above’’, and Table

1–E ‘‘For Tires With 60 lb/in2 Maximum

Permissible Inflation Pressure and

Maximum Load Rating Below 880 Lb’’

are revised to read as follows:

Appendix A—Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109

TABLE I–A.—FOR BIAS PLY TIRES WITH DESIGNATED SECTION WIDTH OF 152 MM (6 INCHES) AND ABOVE

Cord material 32 psi 36 psi 40 psi 240 kPa 280 kPa 300 kPa 340 kPa

Rayon:

(in-lbs) ................................................ 1,650 2,574 3,300 1,650 3,300 1,650 3,300

(joules) ............................................... 186 291 373 186 373 186 373

Nylon or polyester:

(in-lbs) ................................................ 2,600 3,900 5,200 2,600 5,200 2,600 5,200

(joules) ............................................... 294 441 588 294 588 294 588

TABLE I–B.—FOR BIAS PLY TIRES WITH DESIGNATED SECTION WIDTH BELOW 152 MM (6 INCHES)

Cord material 32 psi 36 psi 40 psi 240 kPa 280 kPa 300 kPa 340 kPA

Rayon:

(in-lbs) ................................................ 1,000 1,875 2,500 1,000 2,500 1,000 2,500

(joules) ............................................... 113 212 282 113 282 113 282

Nylon or polyester:

(in-lbs) ................................................ 1,950 2,925 3,900 1,950 3,900 1,950 3,900

(joules) ............................................... 220 330 441 220 441 220 441

TABLE I–C.—FOR RADIAL PLY TIRES

Size designation

Maximum permissible inflation

Tires other than CT tires CT tires

psi kPa kPa

32 36 40 240 280 300 340 350 290 330 350 390

Below 160 mm:

(in-lbs) ......................... 1,950 2,925 3,900 1,950 3,900 1,950 3,900 1,950 1,950 3,900 1,950 3,900

(joules) ......................... 220 330 441 220 441 220 441 220 220 441 220 441

160 mm or above:

(in-lbs) ......................... 2,600 3,900 5,200 2,600 5,200 2,600 5,200 2,600 2,600 5,200 2,600 5,200

(joules) ......................... 294 441 588 294 588 294 588 294 294 588 294 588

TABLE I–D.—FOR TIRES WITH 420 KPA (60 PSI) MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE INFLATION PRESSURE AND MAXIMUM LOAD

RATING 399 KG (880 LB) AND ABOVE

Cord material Inch-pounds joules (J)

Rayon ................................................................................................................................................................ 1,650 inch pounds 186 joules (J).

Nylon or Polyester ............................................................................................................................................. 2,600 inch pounds 294 joules (J).

TABLE I–E.—FOR TIRES WITH 420 KPA (60 PSI) MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE INFLATION PRESSURE AND MAXIMUM LOAD

RATING BELOW 399 KG (880 LB)

Cord material Inch-pounds joules (J)

Rayon ................................................................................................................................................................ 1,000 inch pounds 113 joules (J).

Nylon or Polyester ............................................................................................................................................. 1,950 inch pounds 220 joules (J).

5. Section 571.117 is amended by revising S6.3 to read as follows:

§ 571.117 Standard No. 117, Retreaded pneumatic tires.

* * * * *
28920 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 101 /Wednesday, May 27, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

S6.3 Each retreaded tire shall bear permanent labeling through molding, branding, or other method that will produce

a permanent label, or through the retention of the original casing labeling, in at least one location on the tire sidewall,

in letters and numbers not less than 2 mm (0.078 inch) high, consisting of the following information:

* * * * *

6. In § 571.117, Table I—‘‘Plies’’ is revised to read as follows:

TABLE I.—PLIES

Tire Size

2ply–4ply (4 ply rating) 4 ply (6 ply rating) 4 ply (8 ply rating)

Maximum load Maximum Inflation Pressure Maximum load Maximum Inflation Pressure Maximum load Maximum Inflation Pressure

lb kg psi kPa lb kg psi kPa lb kg psi kPa

6.00–13 ............................... 1010 458 32 220 1080 499 36 250 1140 517 40 275

6.50–13 ............................... 1150 552 32 220 1230 558 36 250 1300 590 40 275

7.00–13 ............................... 1270 576 32 220 1360 617 36 250 1440 653 40 275

6.45–14 ............................... 1120 508 32 220 1200 544 36 250 1270 576 40 275

6.95–14 ............................... 1230 558 32 220 1310 594 36 250 1390 630 40 275

7.35–14 ............................... 1360 617 32 220 1450 658 36 250 1540 698 40 275

7.75–14 ............................... 1500 680 32 220 1600 726 36 250 1690 767 40 275

8.25–14 ............................... 1620 735 32 220 1730 785 36 250 1830 830 40 275

8.55–14 ............................... 1770 803 32 220 1890 857 36 250 2000 907 40 275

8.85–14 ............................... 1860 844 32 220 1990 903 36 250 2100 953 40 275

5.60–15 ............................... 0970 440 32 220 1040 472 36 250 1105 501 40 275

5.90–15 ............................... 1050 476 32 220 1130 513 36 250 1200 544 40 275

6.85–15 ............................... 1230 558 32 220 1320 599 36 250 1390 630 40 275

7.35–15 ............................... 1390 630 32 220 1480 671 36 250 1570 712 40 275

7.75–15 ............................... 1490 676 32 220 1590 721 36 250 1690 767 40 275

8.15–15 ............................... 1610 730 32 220 1720 780 36 250 1820 826 40 275

8.25–15 ............................... 1620 735 32 220 1730 785 36 250 1830 830 40 275

8.45–15 ............................... 1740 789 32 220 1860 844 36 250 1970 894 40 275

8.55–15 ............................... 1770 803 32 220 1890 857 36 250 2000 907 40 275

8.85–15 ............................... 1860 844 32 220 1980 898 36 250 2100 953 40 275

9.00–15 ............................... 1900 862 32 220 2030 721 36 250 2150 975 40 275

9.15–15 ............................... 1970 894 32 220 2100 953 36 250 2230 1012 40 275

8.90–15 ............................... 2210 1002 32 220 2360 1070 36 250 2500 1134 40 275

A70–13 ............................... 1060 481 32 220 1130 513 36 250 1200 544 40 275

D70–13 ............................... 1320 599 32 220 1410 640 36 250 1490 676 40 275

D70–14 ............................... 1320 599 32 220 1410 640 36 250 1490 676 40 275

E70–14 ............................... 1400 635 32 220 1490 676 36 250 1580 717 40 275

F70–14 ............................... 1500 680 32 220 1610 730 36 250 1700 771 40 275

G70–14 ............................... 1620 735 32 220 1730 785 36 250 1830 830 40 275

H70–14 ............................... 177 803 32 220 1890 857 36 250 2010 912 40 275

J70–14 ................................ 1860 844 32 220 1980 898 36 250 2100 953 40 275

L70–14 ................................ 1970 894 32 220 2180 989 36 250 2230 1012 40 275

C70–15 ............................... 1230 558 32 220 1320 599 36 250 1390 630 40 275

D70–15 ............................... 1320 599 32 220 1410 640 36 250 1490 676 40 275

E70–15 ............................... 1400 635 32 220 1490 676 36 250 1580 717 40 275

F70–15 ............................... 1500 680 32 220 1610 730 36 250 1700 771 40 275

G70–15 ............................... 1620 735 32 220 1730 785 36 250 1830 830 40 275

H70–15 ............................... 1770 803 32 220 1890 857 36 250 2010 912 40 275

J70–15 ................................ 1860 844 32 220 1980 898 36 250 2100 953 40 275

K70–15 ............................... 1900 862 32 220 2030 721 36 250 2150 975 40 275

L70–15 ................................ 1970 894 32 220 2100 953 36 250 2230 1012 40 275

165–13 ................................ 1050 476 32 220 1130 513 36 250 1200 544 40 275

175–13 ................................ 1150 552 32 220 1240 562 36 250 1350 612 40 275

185–13 ................................ 1270 576 32 220 1390 630 36 250 1510 685 40 275

155R13 ............................... 950 431 32 220 1015 460 36 250 1075 488 40 275

155R14 ............................... 1010 458 32 220 1080 499 36 250 1140 517 40 275

155R14 ............................... 1015 460 32 220 1085 492 36 250 1150 552 40 275

165R13 ............................... 1010 458 32 220 1080 499 36 250 1140 517 40 275

165R14 ............................... 1120 508 32 220 1200 544 36 250 1370 621 40 275

165R15 ............................... 1130 513 32 220 1200 544 36 250 1270 576 40 275

175R14 ............................... 1230 558 32 220 1310 594 36 250 1390 630 40 275

185R14 ............................... 1360 617 32 220 1450 658 36 250 1540 698 40 275

185/70R13 .......................... 1090 494 32 220 1140 517 36 250 1190 540 40 275

145–14 1 .............................. 865 392 32 220 905 411 36 250 935 424 40 275

145–15 ................................ 895 406 32 220 940 426 36 250 975 442 40 275

195–15 ................................ 1550 703 32 220 1680 762 36 250 1820 826 40 275

205–15 ................................ 1770 803 32 220 1840 835 36 250 2000 907 40 275

1 Dash Radial—Not an ‘‘R’’ Radial.
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 101 /Wednesday, May 27, 1998 /Rules and Regulations 28921

7. Section 571.119 is amended by

revising S6.3; revising S6.4; revising in

S6.5, the introductory paragraph and

paragraphs (d) and (e); revising S7.1.2;

revising in S7.2, paragraph (c); revising

in S7.3, paragraphs (c), (e), and (f); and

revising in S7.4, paragraph (c) to read as

follows:

§ 571.119 Standard No. 119, New

pneumatic tires for vehicles other than

passenger cars.

* * * * *

S6.3 High speed performance. When

tested in accordance with the

procedures of S7.3, a tire shall meet the

requirements set forth in S6.1.1 and

S6.1.2(a) and (b). However, this

requirement applies only to motorcycle

tires and to non-speed-restricted tires of

nominal rim diameter code 14.5 or less

marked load range A, B, C, or D.

S6.4 Treadwear indicators. Except

as specified in this paragraph, each tire

shall have at least six treadwear

indicators spaced approximately equally

around the circumference of the tire that

enable a person inspecting the tire to

determine visually whether the tire has

worn to a tread depth of 1.6 mm (onesixteenth of an inch). Tires with a rim

diameter code of 12 or smaller shall

have at least three such treadwear

indicators. Motorcycle tires shall have at

least three such indicators which permit

visual determination that the tire has

worn to a tread depth of 0.8 mm (onethirty-second of an inch).

S6.5 Tire markings. Except as

specified in this paragraph, each tire

shall be marked on each sidewall with

the information specified in paragraphs

(a) through (j) of this section. The

markings shall be placed between the

maximum section width (exclusive of

sidewall decorations or curb ribs) and

the bead on at least one sidewall, unless

the maximum section width of the tire

is located in an area which is not more

than one-fourth of the distance from the

bead to the shoulder of the tire. If the

maximum section width falls within

that area, the markings shall appear

between the bead and a point one-half

the distance from the bead to the

shoulder of the tire, on at least one

sidewall. The markings shall be in

letters and numerals not less than 2 mm

(0.078 inch) high and raised above or

sunk below the tire surface not less that

0.4 mm (0.015 inch), except that the

marking depth shall be not less than

0.25mm (0.010 inch) in the case of

motorcycle tires. The tire identification

and the DOT symbol labeling shall

comply with part 574 of this chapter.

Markings may appear on only one

sidewall and the entire sidewall area

may be used in the case of motorcycle

tires and recreational, boat, baggage, and

special trailer tires.

* * * * *

(d) The maximum load rating and

corresponding inflation pressure of the

tire, shown as follows:

(Mark on tires rated for single and dual

load): Max load single llkg (lllb) at

llkPa (llpsi) cold. Max load dual llkg

(lllb) at llkPa (llpsi) cold.

(Mark on tires rated only for single load):

Max load llkg (lllb) at llkPa (llpsi)

cold.

(e) The speed restriction of the tire, if

88 km/h (55 mph) or less, shown as

follows:

Max speed llkm/h (llmph).

* * * * *

S7.1.2 The tire must be capable of

meeting the requirements of S7.2 and

S7.4 when conditioned to a temperature

of 35° C (95° F) for 3 hours before the

test is conducted, and with an ambient

temperature maintained at 35° C (95° F)

during all phases of testing. The tire

must be capable of meeting the

requirements of S7.3 when conditioned

at a temperature of 21° C (70° F) for 3

hours before the test is conducted.

S7.2 Endurance.

* * * * *

(c) Mount the tire-rim assembly on an

axle and press it against a flat-faced

steel test wheel that is 1708 mm (67.23

inches) in diameter and at least as wide

as the tread of the tire.

* * * * *

S7.3 Strength.

* * * * *

(c) Force a cylindrical steel plunger,

with a hemispherical end and of the

diameter specified in Table I for the tire

size, perpendicularly into a raised tread

element as near as possible to the

centerline of the tread, at a rate of 50

mm (2 inches) per minute, until the tire

breaks or the plunger is stopped by the

rim.

* * * * *

(e) Repeat the plunger application at

72° intervals around the circumference

of the tire, until five measurements are

made. However, in the case of tires of

12 inch rim diameter code or smaller,

repeat the plunger application at 120°

intervals around the circumference of

the tire, until three measurements are

made.

(f) Compute the breaking energy for

each test point by one of the two

following formulas:

(1) W = [(F × P)/2] × 10¥3 (joules)

Where:

W = Breaking energy (in joules) (kJ)

F = Force in newtons (N) and

P = Penetration in millimeters (mm), or;

(2) W = (FP/2)

Where:

W = Breaking energy in inch-pounds,

F = Force in pounds,

P = Penetration in inches.

* * * * *

S7.4 High speed performance.

* * * * *

(c) Remove the load, allow the tire to

cool to 35° C (95° F), and then adjust the

pressure to that marked on the tire for

single tire use.

* * * * *

8. In § 571.119, Table I—‘‘Strength

Test Plunger Diameter’’, Table II—

‘‘Minimum Static Breaking Energy

(Inch-Pounds)’’, and Table III—

‘‘Endurance Test Schedule’’ that follow

paragraph (e) of S7.4 is revised to read

as follows:

TABLE I.—STRENGTH TEST PLUNGER DIAMETER

Plunger diameter

(mm) (inches)

Tire type:

Light truck ................................................................................................................................................................. 19.05 3⁄4

Motorcycle ................................................................................................................................................................. .................... 5⁄16

Tires for 12 rim diameter code or smaller rims except motorcycle .......................................................................... 19.05 3⁄4

Tires other than the above types:

Tubeless:

17.5 diameter code or smaller rims ................................................................................................................... 19.05 3⁄4

Larger than 17.5 rim diameter code rims:

Load range F or less ......................................................................................................................................... 31.75 11⁄4

Load range over F ............................................................................................................................................. 38.10 11⁄2
28922 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 101 /Wednesday, May 27, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

TABLE I.—STRENGTH TEST PLUNGER DIAMETER—Continued

Plunger diameter

(mm) (inches)

Tube type:

Load range F or less ......................................................................................................................................... 31.75 11⁄4

Load range over F ............................................................................................................................................. 38.10 11⁄2

TABLE II.—MINIMUM STATIC BREAKING ENERGY (JOULES (J)* AND INCH-POUNDS (INCH-LBS))

Load range All 12 rim diameter code or

smaller rim size

Light truck 17.5

rim diameter

code or smaller

rim tubeless

Tube type Tubeless Tube type Tubeless

Tire characteristic Motorcycle

19.05 J

3⁄4′′

inchlbs 19.05 J

3⁄4′′

inchlbs

31.75 J

11⁄4′′ inchlbs

J inchlbs 38.10 J

11⁄2′′ inchlbs

J inchlbs Plunger diameter (mm and

inches)

7.94 J

5⁄16′′

inchlbs

A ........................................... 16 150 67 600 225 2,000 ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............

B ........................................... 33 300 135 1,200 293 2,600 ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............

C ........................................... 45 400 203 1,800 361 3,200 768 6,800 576 5,100 ............ ............ ............ ............

D ........................................... ............ ............ 271 2,400 514 4,550 892 7,900 734 6,500 ............ ............ ............ ............

E ........................................... ............ ............ 338 3,000 576 5,100 1,412 12,500 971 8,600 ............ ............ ............ ............

F ........................................... ............ ............ 406 3,600 644 5,700 1,785 15,800 1,412 12,500 ............ ............ ............ ............

G .......................................... ............ ............ ............ ............ 711 6,300 ............ ............ ............ ............ 2,282 20,200 1,694 15,000

H ........................................... ............ ............ ............ ............ 768 6,800 ............ ............ ............ ............ 2,598 23,000 2,090 18,500

J ........................................... ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ 2,824 25,000 2,203 19,500

L ........................................... ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ 3,050 27,000 ............ ............

M .......................................... ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ 3,220 28,500 ............ ............

N ........................................... ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ ............ 3,389 30,000 ............ ............

NOTE: For rayon cord tires, applicable energy values are 60 percent of those in table.

*J measurements are rounded down to the nearest whole number.

TABLE III.—ENDURANCE TEST SCHEDULE

Description Load range Test wheel

speed (r/m)

Test load: Percent of maximum load

rating Total best

revolutions

(thousands) I—7 hours II—16 hours III—24

hours

Speed restricted service:

88 km/h (55 mph) ...............................................

80 km/h (50 mph) ............................................... All ..................... 125 66 84 101 352.0

C, D .................. 150 75 97 114 432.0

56 km/h (35 mph) ............................................... E, F, G, H, J, L 100 66 84 101 282.5

Motorcycle .................................................................. All ..................... 75 66 84 101 211.0

All other ...................................................................... All ..................... 250 1 100 2 108 117 510.0

A, B, C, D ......... 250 75 2 97 114 ....................

E ....................... 200 70 88 106 546.0

F ....................... 200 66 84 101 564.0

G ....................... 175 66 84 101 493.5

H, J, L, N .......... 150 66 84 101 423.5

1 4 hr., for tire sizes subject to high speed requirements (S6.3).

2 6 hr., for tire sizes subject to high speed requirements (S6.3).

§ 571.120 [Amended]

9. Section 571.120 is amended by

revising ‘‘TRUCK EXAMPLE—

SUITABLE TIRE-RIM CHOICE’’ at the

end of S5.3.2, and before S5.3.3, to read

as follows:

S5.3.2. Rims.

* * * * *

TRUCK EXAMPLE—SUITABLE TIRE–RIM

CHOICE

GVWR: 7,840 KG (17,289 LB)

GAWR: FRONT—2,850 KG (6,280 LB) WITH

7.50–20(D) TIRES, 20 X 6.00 RIMS AT 520

KPA (75 PSI) COLD SINGLE

GAWR: REAR—4,990 KG (11,000 LB) WITH

7.50–20(D) TIRES, 20 X 6.00 RIMS, AT 450

KPA (65 PSI) COLD DUAL

GVWR: 13,280 KG (29,279 LB)

GAWR: FRONT—4,826 KG (10,640 LB)

WITH 10.00–20(F) TIRES, 20 X 7.50 RIMS,

AT 620 KPA (90 PSI) COLD SINGLE

GAWR: REAR—8,454 KG (18,639 LB) WITH

10.00–20(F) TIRES, 20 X 2.70 RIMS, AT

550 KPA (80 PSI) COLD DUAL

* * * * *

Issued: May 13, 1998.

Ricardo Martinez,

Administrator.

[FR Doc. 98–13432 Filed 5–26–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–59–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration

49 CFR Part 571

[Docket No. NHTSA–98–3836]

RIN 2127–AG55

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

Standards; Metric Conversion

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.