14. 2. 77 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities No C 37/1 
II 
(Preparatory  Acts) 
COMMISSION 
Proposal  for  a Council  Directive  on the  approximation  to the  laws  of the  Member 
States  relating  to tyres  for motor  vehicles  and  their  trailers 
(Submitted  by  the Commission  to  the Council  on 31 December  1976) 
THE  COUNCIL  OF  THE  EUROPEAN  COMMUNITIES, should  be  fitted  on  vehicles  but  also  their 
construction; 
Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the 
European  Economic  Community,  and  in particular 
Article  100  thereof, 
Having  regard  to the proposal  from  the Commission, 
Having  regard  to  the  opinion  of  the  European 
Parliament, 
Having  regard  to the  opinion  of the  Economic  and 
Social  Committee, 
Whereas  the  technical  requirements  which  motor 
vehicles  and  their  trailers  must  satisfy  pursuant  to 
national  laws  relate,  inter  alia,  to tyres; 
Whereas  these  requirements  differ  from  one  Member 
State  to another;  whereas  it is therefore  necessary 
that all Member  States  adopt  the  same  requirements 
either  in addition  t'o or in place  of their  existing 
rules,  in order  to allow,  in par..cular,  the  EEC  type-
approval  procedure  which  was  the  subject  of the 
Council  Directive  70/156/EEC  of 6 February  1970 
on the  approximation  of the  laws  of the  Member 
States  relating  to the type-approval  of motor  vehicles 
and their  trailers  ('),  to be introduced  in respect  of 
each  type  of vehicle; 
Whereas  rules  on tyres  should  lay down  common  re-
quirements  concerning  not  only  how  such  tyres Whereas,  consequently,  a common  procedure  for 
granting  an EEC  mark  to any  tyre  type  complying 
with  the  common  construction  and  test  requirements 
should  'be established;  whereas,  on the  Community 
level,  to ensure  the  free  movement  of tyres,  the con-
formity  of the  tyres  with  the  common  requirements 
is assumed  by the  affixing  on eaah  tyre  of an EEC 
mark  which  has  been  granted  to the  manufacturer 
in accordance  with  the  abovementioned  procedure; 
whereas  any  Member  State  may,  in order  to check 
the conformity  of the tyres  with  the  common  require-
ments,  carry  out  controls  at any  moment;  whereas, 
in the  case  of a statement  of a non-conformity,  the 
Member  States  shall  cake  the  necessary  steps  to 
ensure  the  conformity  of the  tyres  with  the  require-
ments.  These  measures  may  result  in the  withdrawal 
of the albovementioned  EEC  mark. 
Whereas  it is desirable  to take  into  account  the 
technical  requirements  adopted  by the  UN  Economic 
Commission  for  Europe  in its  Regulation  No  30 
('Uniform  Regulations  for  the  approval  of tyres  of 
motor  vehicles  and  their  trailers')  (2),  which  is 
annexed  to the  Agreement  of 20 March  1958  con-
cerning  the  adoption  of  uniform  conditions  for 
OJ No  L 42, 23. 2. 1970,  p. 1. (2) Economic  Commission  for  Europe  document 
E/ECE/324  . 
E/ECE/TRANS/505  j ev' Add  29, 1. 4. 1975. 
No C 37/2 Official  Journal  of the  European  Communities 14. 2. 77 
approval  and  reciprocal  recognition  of approval  for 
motor  vehicle  equipment  and  parts; 
Whereas  the  approximation  of national  laws  relating 
to motor  vehicles  entails  reciprocal  recognition  by 
Member  States  off the  checks  carried  out  by each  of 
them  on the  basis  of the common  requirements, 
HAS  ADOPTED  THIS  DIRECTIVE: 
Article  1 
For the purposes  of this  Directive: 
— 'vehicle'  means  any  motor  vehicle  in category  Mi 
(defined  in Annex  I to Council  Directive  70/156/ 
EEC  of 6 February  1970)  designed  for  use  on the 
road,  having  at least  four  wheels  and  a maximum 
design  speed  exceeding  25 km/h, 
— 'manufacturer'  means  the  holder  of the  trade 
name  or mark  of tyres, 
— 'tyre'  means  any  new  radial  of belted  cross-ply 
tyre intended  for  vehicles  designed  'for  a maxi-
mum  speed  less  or equal  to 210  km/h  or any 
new cross-ply  tyre  intended  for  vehicles  having 
a maximum  speed  less  or equal  to 200  km/h. 
Article  2 
The Member  States  shaill  grant,  /under  the  conditions 
of Annex  I, for  tyre  types  manufactured  according 
to the  requirements  of Annexes  II to VII  of this 
Directive  an EEC  mark  conforming  to the  model  in 
Annex  I. 
Article  3 
1. The  manufacturer  shall  mark  on  his  tyres  the 
EEC  mark  laid  down  in Article  2, certifying  thereby 
that they  satisfy  the requirements  of this  Directive. 
2. Member  States  shall  take  all  appropriate 
measures  to prevent  the  use  of marks  liable  to create 
confusion  between  tyres  which  satisfy  the  require-
ments  of this  Directive  and  other  devices. Article  4 
The competent  authorities  of a Member  State  shall, 
within  one  month  of issuing  an (EEC  mark,  notify  it 
to other  Member  SDates  using  the  form  shown  in 
Annex  VII  and,  if requested,  send  the  test  report  of 
any type  of tyre  bearing  the EEC  mark. 
Article  5 
1. The  Member  State  which  has  granted  the  EEC 
mark  shall  take  the  measures  required  in order  to 
verify  that  production  models  conform  to  the 
requirements  of  this  Directive,  in so  far  as  is 
necessary,  if need  foe  in cooperation  with  the  com-
petent  authorities  in the  other  Member  States.  For 
this purpose,  this  Member  State  may  at any  time 
control  the  conformity  of the  tyres  to the  require-
ments  of this  Directive. 
These  controls  are  carried  out  by a test  laboratory 
approved  by a Member  State.  The  Member  States 
may designate  manufacturers'  laboratories  as 
approved  test  laboratories. 
2. If this  Member  State  finds  that  a num'ber  of tyres 
do not  conform  to the  requirements  of this  Directive, 
it shall  take  the  necessary  measures  to ensure  that 
production  models  conform.  Where  there  is consistent 
failure  to conform,  these  measures  may  extent  to a 
withdrawal  of the  EEC  mark.  The  said  authorities 
shall  take  the  same  measures  if they  are  informed  by 
the competent  authorities  of another  Member  State 
of a similar  failure  to conform. 
3. The  competent  authorities  of the  Member  States 
shall  within  one  month  notify  each  other  using  the 
form  shown  in Annex  VIII  of any  withdrawal  of an 
EEC  mark  and  of the  reasons  for  such  a measure. 
This  notification  shall  also  be  made  to  the 
Commission. 
Article  6 
1. If,  on the  basis  of a substantiated  justification,  a 
Member  State  considers  that  a tyre  type  is dangerous 
although  complying  with  the  requirements  of this 
Directive,  it may  within  its  territory,  provisionally 
prohibit  the  marketing  of that  product  or subject  it 
14. 2. 77 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities No C 37/3 
to special  conditions.  It shall  immediately  inform  the 
other  Member  States  and  the  Commission  thereof, 
stating  the grounds  for its decision. 
2. The  Commission  shall,  wiithin  six weeks,  consult 
the Member  States  concerned,  following  which  it 
shaill  deliver  its opinion  without  delay  and  take  the 
appropriate  steps. 
3. If the Commission  is of the opinion  that  technical 
adaptations  to the  Directive  are  necessary,  such 
adaptations  shall  be  adopted  by  either  the 
Commission  or the Council  in accordance  with  the 
procedure  laid  down  in Article  11. In this  event,  the 
Member  State  which  has adopted  safeguard  measures 
may maintain  them  until  the entry  into  force  of the 
adaptations. 
Article  7 
Any decision  taken  pursuant  to the  provisions 
adopted  in implementation  of this  Directive,  implying 
a prohibition  of marketing  or df use shall  set out in 
detail  the reasons  on whicfh  it is based.  Such  decision 
shall  be notified  to the party  concerned,  who  shall 
at the  same  time  be informed  of the  remedies 
available  to him  under  the laws  in force  in the Mem-
ber States  and  of the  time  limits  allowed  for  the 
exercise  of such  remedies. 
Article  8 
Member  States  may  not  prohibit  or restrict  the 
placing  on the market  of tyres  bearing  the EEC  mark. 
Article  9 
Member  States  may  not  refuse  to grant  EEC  type-
approval  or national  type-approval  to a vehicle  on grounds  relating  to its tyres  if these  bear  the EEC 
mark  and  are fitted  in accordance  with  the require-
ments  laid down  An Annex  IX. 
Article  10 
Member  States  may  not  refuse  or prohibit  the sale, 
registration,  entry  into  service  or use of any  vehicle 
on grounds  relating  to its tyres  if these  bear  the EEC 
mark  and  are fitted  in accordance  with  the require-
ments  laid down  in Annex  IX. 
Article  11 
Any amendment  necessary  to adjust  the requirements 
of the Annexes  to take  account  of technical  progress 
shall  be adopted  in accordance  with  the procedure 
laid down  in Article  13 of Directive  70/156/BEC. 
Article  12 
1. Member  States  s'haill  adopt  and  publish  the pro-
visions  necessary  in order  to comply  with  this 
Directive  before  1 July  1978  and  shall  forthwith  in-
form  the Commission  thereof.  They  shall  apply  these 
provisions  with  effedt  from  1 October  1979. 
2. Once  this  Directive  has 'been  notified,  the Mem-
ber States  shall  also  ensure  that  the Commission  is 
informed,  in sufficient  time  for it to submit  its 
comments,  of any  draft  laws,  regulations  or adminis-
trative  provisions  which  they  propose  to adopt  in the 
field covered  (by this Directive. 
Article  13 
This Directive  is addressed  to the Member  States. 
i 
No C 37/4  Official  Journal  of the European  Communities  14.2.77 
List of Annexes 
Annex  I —  Conditions  for the issue  of the EEC  mark  and  EEC  marking 
Annex  II (*) —  Definitions,  markings,  specifications 
Annex  III (*) —  Arrangement  of tyre  markings 
Annex  IV (*) —  List  of load  capacity  index  symbols 
Annex  V (*) —  Method  of measuring  tyres 
Annex  VI (*) —  Procedure  for load/speed  performance  tests 
Annex  VII —  Model  for the notification  of the issue  or the refusal  of an EEC  mark  for 
one or more  tyre  types 
Annex  VIII  —  Model  for the statement  that  a tyre  type  bearing  an EEC  mark  does  not 
conform  to the requirements  of Directive  77/..  ./EEC 
Annex  IX —  Conditions  for the fitting  of tyres  to vehicles 
(*) The  technical  requirements  of this  Annex  are  similar  to those  of Regulation  No  30 of the  Economic  Commission  for 
Europe.  In particular,  the  breakdown  into  sections  is the  same.  For  this  reason,  where  a section  of Regulation  No  30 
has no counterpart  in this  Directive,  its number  is given  in brackets  for the  record. 
ANNEX  I 
CONDITIONS  FOR  THE  ISSUE  OF THE  EEC  MARK  AND  MARKING 
1. APPLICATION  FOR  EEC  MARK 
1.1. The  application  for an EEC  mark  for the tyre  type  or types  satisfying  the require-
ments  of this  Directive  shall  be submitted  by the manufacturer  or by his represen-
tative. 
1.2. It  shall  specify  the type  or types  of tyres  which  will  bear  the EEC  mark.  For 
each tyre  type  the application  shall  further  specify: 
1.2.1.  the  tyre-size  designation  as defined  in item  2.18.  of Annex  II; 
1.2.2.  the  trade  name  or mark; 
1.2.3.  the  space  to contain  the EEC  mark  as laid  down  in appendix  2 of this  Annex; 
1.2.4.  the  utilization  category  (road  or snow); 
1.2.5.  the  structure; 
1.2.6.  the  speed  category; 
1.2.7.  the  load-capacity  index  of the tyre; 
14.2.77 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities No C 37/5 
1.2.8.  whether  the tyre  is to be used  with  or without  an inner  tube; 
1.2.9.  whether  the tyre  is 'normal'  or 'reinforced'; 
1.2.10.  the  ply-rating  number  of diagonal  (bias-ply)  tyres; 
1.2.11.  the  overall  dimensions:  measuring  rim  width,  overall  diameter,  maximum  section 
width,  for tyre  types  already  existing  at the  notification  of this  Directive.  Over-
all section  width  outer  diameter  and  size  factor  for  tyre  types  of specifically 
United  States  series  established  by the 'Tyre  and  Rim  Association.  T &c RA'; 
1.2.12.  the  rims  on which  the tyre  can  be mounted; 
1.2.13.  the  measuring  rim  and  test  rim; 
1.2.14.  inflation  pressure  for measurement; 
1.2.15.  inflation  pressure  for testing  according  to items  1.2 and  1.3 of Annex  VI; 
1.2.16.  the  value  mentioned  in item  2.21  of Annex  II. 
1.3. On  request  of the  authorities  responsible  for  the  issue  of the  EEC  mark,  the 
manufacturer  or his representative  shall  also  submit: 
1.3.1.  a  complete  technical  file  for each  tyre  type  containing  in particular  the test  reports, 
drawing  or photographs  (three  copies)  of the  side  walls  and  of the  thread  of the 
tyre,  as well  as by a dimensioned  sketch  of the  cross-section  of the tyre  on which 
at least  the following  measurements  are  indicated:  overall  section  width,  section 
height,  outer  diameter,  nominal  rim  diameter,  measuring  rim  width  (see 
Appendix  I); 
1.3.2.  two  samples  for each  tyre  type. 
2. ISSUING  OF EEC  MARK 
2.1. If  the conditions  relating  to the issue  of the EEC  mark  are satisfied,  an EEC  issue 
number  will  be granted. 
2.2. The  manufacturer  or his  representative  may  apply  for  the  EEC  mark  to be 
extended  to include  modified  tyre  types  or other  tyre  types. 
3. EEC  MARKING 
The EEC  mark  shall  be made  up of a rectangle,  within  which  shall  be placed 
the letter  'e' in small  type,  followed  by the identification  number  or letters  of the 
country  which  has granted  this  mark. 
The numbers  or letters  of Member  States  are the following: 
1 for Germany, 
2 for France, 
3 for Italy, 
4 for Netherlands, 
6 for Belgium, 
11 for the United  Kingdom, 
13 for Luxembourg, 
DK for Denmark, 
IRL for Ireland. 
An asterisk  shall  be put  between  the  letter  'e' and  issuing  number  of the  EEC 
mark  and  between  this  number  and  the  identification  number  or letters  of the 
Member  State  which  has  granted  the EEC  mark. 
The rectangle  forming  the EEC  mark  shall  have  a minimum  length  of 48 mm  and 
a minimum  height  of 12 mm.  Letters  and  number(s)  shall  have  a minimum 
height  of 6 mm. 
Examples  of the EEC  mark  are given  in Appendix  2. 
No C 37/6 Official  Journal  of the  European  Communities 14. 2. 77 
Appendix  1 
(see item  1.3.1) 
Section 
height 
Measuring  rim width 
Section  width 
Outer 
diameter Rim 
diameter 
14. 2. 77 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities No C 37/7 
Appendix  2 
Examples  of an EEC  mark 
a > 48  mm  (min.) 
1 
4 r e-479-IRL V 
a 
8 
"A a  Jt*~-
Example  1:  a  64  mm 
The tyre  bearing  the EEC  mark  shown  above  is a tyre  satisfying  the EEC  require-
ments  (e),  for which  the  EEC  mark  has  been  granted  under  the  number  (479) 
in Ireland  ORL). 
J a 
T e«i46«i 1 i 
F 
i • 
a 1 i 
F 
Example  2: a  -- 64 mm 
The tyre  bearing  the EEC  mark  shown  above  is a tyre  satisfying  the EEC  require-
ments  (e),  for which  the  EEC  mark  has  been  granted  under  number  (146)  in 
Germany  (1). 
Note:  The  numbers  479  and  146  (issuing  numbers  of the EEC  mark  and  the number  1 
and the letters  IRL  (number  and  letters  of the Member  States  which  have  granted 
the EEC  mark)  are  for guidance  only. 
No C 37/8 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities 14.2.77 
ANNEX  II 
DEFINITIONS,  MARKINGS,  SPECIFICATIONS 
(1) 
2. DEFINITIONS 
For the purposes  of this  Directive: 
2.1. 'type  of pneumatic  tyre'  means  a category  of pneumatic  tyres  which  do not differ 
in such  essential  respects  as: 
2.1.1.  trade  name  or mark; 
2.1.2.  tyre-size  designation; 
2.1.3.  the  utilization  category  (road  or snow); 
2.1.4.  structure  (diagonal  (bias-ply),  bias-belted,  radial-ply); 
2.1.5.  speed  category; 
2.1.6.  load-capacity  index; 
2.1.7.  tyre  transversal  section; 
2.2. 'snow  tyre'  means  a tyre  whose  tread  pattern  and  structure,  are  specifically 
designed  to ensure  additional  adhesion  in mud  and  fresh  or melted  snow.  The 
tread  pattern  consists  mainly  of groove  rib and/or  solid-block  elements  generally 
more  widely  spaced  than  on ordinary  road-type  tyres; 
2.3. 'structure'  of a pneumatic  tyre  means  the technical  characteristics  of the  tyre's 
carcass.  The  following  structures  are distinguished  in particular: 
2.3.1.  'diagonal'  or 'bias-ply'  describes  a pneumatic-tyre  structure  in which  the ply cords 
extend  to the bead  and  are laid  at alternate  angles  of substantially  less  than  90° 
to the centre  line of the tread; 
2.3.2.  'bias-belted'  describes  a pneumatic-tyre  structure  of diagonal  (bias-ply)  type  in 
which  the  carcass  is restricted  by a belt  comprising  two  or more  layers  of 
substantially  inextensible  cord  material  laid  at alternate  angles  smaller  than  those 
of the carcass; 
2.3.3.  'radial-ply'  describes  a pneumatic-tyre  structure  in which  the ply cords  extend  to 
the bead  and  are laid  at an angle  of substantially  90°  to the centre  line  of the 
tread,  the carcass  being  stabilized  by a circumferential  belt  comprising  two  or 
more  layers  of substantially  inextensible  cord  material; 
2.3.4.  'reinforced'  describes  a pneumatic  tyre  structure  in which  the  carcass  is more 
resistant  than  that  of the corresponding  normal  tyre; 
2.4. 'bead'  means  the part  of a pneumatic  tyre  which  is of such  shape  and  structure 
as to fit the rim and  maintain  the tyre  on it (*); 
2.5. 'cord'  means  the strands  forming  the fabric  of the plies  in the pneumatic  tyre  (*); 
2.6. 'ply'  means  a layer  of rubber-coated  parallel  cords  (*); 
2.7. 'carcass'  means  that  part  of a pneumatic  tyre  other  than  the tread  and  the rubber 
side walls  which,  when  inflated,  bears  the load  (*); 
2.8. 'tread'  means  that  part  of a pneumatic  tyre  which  comes  into  contact  with  the 
ground,  protects  the carcass  against  mechanical  damage  and  contributes  to ground 
adhesion  (*); 
(l) See  explanatory  figure. 
14. 2. 77 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities  No  C 37/9 
2.9. 'side  wall'  means  the  part  of a pneumatic  tyre  between  the  thread  and  the bead  ('); 
2.10.  'lower  zone'  means  the  part  of a pneumatic  tyre  between  the  maximal  section 
of the  tyre  and  the  part  which  is covered  by the  rim  trim; 
2.11.  'tread  groove'  means  the  space  between  two  adjacent  ribs  or blocks  in the  tread 
pattern  ('); 
2.12.  'section  width'  means  the  linear  distance  between  the  outsides  of the  side  walls 
of an inflated  pneumatic  tyre,  excluding  elevations  due  to labelling  (marking), 
decoration  or protective  bands  or ribs  (*); 
2.13.  'overall  width'  means  the  linear  distance  between  the  outsides  of the  side  walls 
of an  inflated  pneumatic  tyre,  including  labelling  (marking),  decoration  and 
protective  bands  or ribs  (*); 
2.14.  'section  height'  means  a distance  equal  to half  the  difference  between  the  outer 
diameter  of the  tyre  and  the  nominal  rim  diameter; 
2.15.  'nominal  aspect  ratio  H'  means  the  centuple  of the  number  obtained  by dividing 
the number  expressing  the  height  of the  section  in millimetres  by the  number 
expressing  the nominal  section  width  in millimetres; 
2.16.  'outer  diameter'  means  the overall  diameter  of an inflated  new  pneumatic  tyre  (*); 
2.17.  'size  factor'  means  the  sum  of the  outer  diameter  of the  tyre  and  the  section 
width,  both  measured  on the  measuring  rim; 
2.18.  'tyre-size  designation' 
2.18.1.  means  a designation  showing: 
2.18.1.1.  the  nominal  section  width  (in mm); 
2.18.1.2.  the  nominal  aspect  ratio;  and 
2.18.1.3.  a  conventional  figure  characterizing  the  nominal  diameter  of the  rim  and 
equivalent  to its diameter,  expressed  either  in inches  (figures  below  100)  or in 
millimetres  (figures  over  100).  The  two  figures  may  also  appear  together. 
2.18.2.  However,  for  tyre  type  already  existing  at the  notifications  of this  Directive,  the 
designation  may  be the designation  used  at the  moment  of this  notification. 
2.19.  'nominal  rim  diameter'  means  the  diameter  of the  rim  on which  a tyre  is designed 
to be mounted; 
2.20.  Vim'  means  the  support  for  a tyre-and-tube  assemby,  or for  a tubeless  tyre,  on 
which  the  tyre  beads  are  seated  ('); 
2.21.  'theoretical  rim'  means  the  notional  rim  whose  width  would  be equal  to x times 
the nominal  section  width  of a tyre;  the  value  'x'  must  be justified  by  the 
pneumatic  tyre  manufacturer; 
2.22.  'measuring  rim'  means  the rim  on which  a tyre  must  be fitted  for measurements; 
2.23.  'test  rim'  means  the  rim  on which  a tyre  must  be fitted  for testing; 
2.24.  'chunking'  means  the  breaking  away  of pieces  of rubber  from  the tread; 
2.25.  'cord  separation'  means  the parting  of the  cords  from  their  rubber  coating; 
2.26.  'ply  separation'  means  the  parting  of adjacent  plies; 
2.27.  'tread  separation'  means  the  pulling  away  of the  tread  from  the carcass; 
2.28.  'tread-wear  indicators'  mean  the  projections  within  the  tread-grooves  and  intended 
for showing  the  tread-grooves  wear; 
(*) See  explanatory  figure. 
No C 37/10 Official  Journal  of the  European  Communities 14. 2. 77 
2.29.  'load-capacity  index'  means  a digit  associated  with  the  maximum  load  which 
a tyre  can  support  at the  maximum  speed  fixed  for  its category.  The  list  of these 
indices  and  of the  corresponding  maximum  loads  is given  in Annex  IV; 
2.30.  'speed  category'  means: 
2.30.1.  in  relation  to an ordinary  (road-type)  tyre  the  category  in which  a tyre  is classified 
in conformity  with  the  requirements  specified  by the  manufacturer  for  its use,  it 
can be fitted  to a car  which  does  not  reach  a speed  higher  than  the  maximum 
speed  prescribed  for  that  category; 
2.30.2.  in  relation  to a snow  tyre  the  speed  category  in which  a snow  tyre  is classified 
in terms  of the  maximum  speed  at which  it can  run; 
2.30.3.  the  speed  categories  are as shown  in the table  below: 
Symbol  of the  speed  category Maximum  speed  (km/h) 
L 120 
M 130 
N 140 
P 150 
Q 160 
R 170 
S 180 
T 190 
U 200 
H 210 
3. MARKINGS 
3,1. Tyres  must  bear,  on both  side  walls  in the  case  of symmetric  tyres,  and  on the 
external  side  wall  in the case  of asymetric  tyres: 
3.1.1.  the  trade  name  or mark; 
3.1.2.  the  tyre-size  designation  as defined  in item  2.18  of this  Annex; 
3.1.3.  an  indication  of the  structure  as follows: 
3.1.3.1.  on  diagonal  (bias-ply)  tyres,  no marking  or the  letter  D; 
3.1.3.2.  on  radial-ply  tyres,  the letter  'R' placed  in front  of the  rim-diameter  marking,  and 
if desired  the  word  'RADIAL'; 
3.1.3.3.  on  bias-belted  tyres,  the  letter  'B' placed  in front  of the  rim-diameter  marking, 
and in addition  the  words  'BIAS-BELTED'; 
3.1.4.  an  indication  of the  tyre's  speed  category  in which  the  tyre  is classified  in the 
form  of a symbol  as shown  in item  2.30.3; 
3.1.5.  the  inscription  M + S or M.S  or M & S in the  case  of a snow  tyre; 
3.1.6.  the  load-capacity  index  as defined  in item  2.29; 
3.1.7.  the  word  'TUBELESS'  if  the  tyre  is designed  for  use  without  an inner  tube; 
3.1.8.  the  word  'REINFORCED'  if  the tyre  is a reinforced  tyre; 
14.2.77 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities No C 37/11 
3.2. Annex  III gives  an example  of the arrangement  of tyre  markings. 
3.3. The  tyre  shall  also  beat  the EEC  mark,  the model  of which  is given  in Appendix  2 
of Annex  I. This  mark  may  be affixed  only  on one  side  wall.  In the case  of 
asymetric  tyres  the mark  shall  be affixed  on the external  side  wall. 
3.4. The  markings  and the EEC  mark  referred  to in item  3.1 and 3.3 shall  be moulded 
onto  or into  the tyres.  They  shall  be clearly  legible  and  situated  on at least  one 
of the side  walls  in the low  part  of the tyre,  except  for the marking  referred 
to in item  3.1.1. 
(4) 
(5) 
6. SPECIFICATIONS 
6.1. Dimensions  of tyres 
6.1.1.  Section  width  of a tyre 
6.1.1.1.  The  section  width  shall  be calculated  by the following  formula: 
S = Sx + K (A-AO, 
where 
S is the 'section  width'  expressed  in millimetres  and  measured  on the measuring 
rim; 
Sj is the 'nominal  section  width'  (in millimetres)  as shown  on the side  wall  of the 
tyre in the designation  of the tyre  as prescribed; 
A is the width  (expressed  in millimetres)  of the measuring  rim,  as shown  by the 
manufacturer  in the descriptive  note;  and 
Ax is the width  (expressed  in millimetres)  of the theoretical  rim. 
The value  of Ax  shall  be taken  as being  equal  to the value  of Sx  multiplied  by 
the value  of x as justified  by the tyre  manufacturer,  and K shall  be equal  to 0 4. 
6.1.1.2.  However,  for tyre  types  already  existing  at the notification  of the Directive,  the 
section  width  shall  be allowed  to be that  given  by the manufacturer  in conformity 
to point  1.2.11  of Annex  I. 
6.1.2.  Outer  diameter  of a tyre 
6.1.2.1.  The  outer  diameter  of a tyre  shall  be calculated  by the following  formula: 
D = d + 0.02  (S, x Ra) 
where 
D is the outer  diameter  expressed  in millimetres; 
d is the conventional  figure  mentioned  previously  in item  2.18.1.3,  expressed 
in mm; 
Si is the nominal  section  width  (in millimetres);  and 
Ra is the nominal  aspect  ratio, 
all as shown  on the  side  wall  of the  tyre  designation  in conformity  with  the 
requirements  of item  3.4. 
6.1.2.2.  However,  tyre  types  already  existing  at the notification  of the  Directive,  it is 
accepted  that  the  outer  diameter  shall  be that  given  by the  manufacturer  in 
conformity  to item  1.2.11  of Annex  I. 
However,  these  provisions  do not  apply  to the tyres  for which,  the maximum 
outer  diameter  and a size factor  is given  in conformity  to item  1.2.11  of Annex  I. 
No C 37/12 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities 14.2.77 
6.1.3.  Method  of measuring  pneumatic  tyres 
The dimensions  of pneumatic  tyres  shall  be measured  by the procedure  described 
in Annex  VI. 
6.1.4.  Tyre  section  width  specifications 
6.1.4.1.  The  overall  width  of a tyre  may  be less  than  the  section  width  determined 
pursuant  to item  6.1.1. 
6.1.4.2.  It  may  exceed  that  value  by the following  percentages: 
6.1.4.2.1.  in  diagonal  (bias-ply)  tyres:  6°/o; 
6.1.4.2.2.  in  radial-ply  tyres:  4°/o. 
6.1.4.2.3.  in  addition,  if the tyre  has a special  protective  band,  the figures  as increased  by 
the above  tolerances  may  be exceeded  by 8 mm. 
6.1.4.2.4.  For  the tyres  for which  the maximum  outer  diameter  and  a size  factor  is given 
in conformity  to item  1.2.11  of Annex  I, the tolerances  quoted  in items  6.1.4.2.1 
and 6.1.4.2.2,  are 7%,  whatever  the tyre  structure. 
6.1.5.  Tyre  outer-diameter  specifications 
6.1.5.1.  The  outer  diameter  of a tyre  must  not differ  from  the value  determined  pursuant 
to item  6.1.2  by more  than: 
6.1.5.1.1.  ±  2% in the case  of normal  tyres; 
6.1.5.1.2.  —  2% and  -f 4%  in the case  of a snow  tyre.  These  provisions  shall  not apply 
to any  tyre  type  for which  the maximum  outer  diameter  and  a size  factor  are 
given  in conformity  to item  1.2.11  of Annex  I. 
6.2. Load/speed  performance  test 
6.2.1.  The  pneumatic  tyre  shall  undergo  a load/speed  performance  test  carried  out by 
the procedure  described  in Annex  VII. 
6.2.2.  A  tyre  which  after  undergoing  the load/speed  test  does  not  exhibit  any  tread 
separation,  ply separation,  cord  separation,  chunking  or broken  cords  shall  be 
deemed  to have  passed  the test. 
6.2.3.  The  outer  diameter  of the  tyre,  measured  six  hours  after  the  load/speed 
performance  test,  must  not differ  by more  than  ± 3-5%  from  the outer  diameter 
as measured  before  the test. 
6.3. Tread-wear  indicators 
6.3.1.  The  tread  of the pneumatic  tyre  shall  include  not  less  than  six approximately 
equally-spaced  transverse  rows  of wear  indicators,  and  situated  on the middle 
part of the tread  which  is equal  to three-quarters  of its width.  It must  not be 
possible  to confuse  these  projections  with  the join  mouldings  which  can  exist 
between  the ribs  or blocks  of the tread. 
6.3.2.  However,  in the case  of tyres  of dimensions  appropriate  for mounting  on rims 
of a nominal  diameter  of 12 or less,  four  rows  of tread-wear  indicators  shall 
be accepted. 
6.3.3.  The  wear  indicators  give  visual  warning  when  the depth  of the corresponding 
tread-grooves  has been  reduced  to 16 mm  (± 15°). 
(7) 
(8) 
(9) 
(10) 
(11) 
14. 2. 77 Official  Journal  of the  European  Communities  No  C 37/13 
Explanatory  figure 
(see item  2 of Annex  II) 
Tread  grooves Tread 
Cord 
Carcass 
Side  wall 
Outer 
diameter 
Bead Rim 
section  width 
overall  width 
No C 37/14 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities 14. 2.77 
ANNEX  III 
ARRANGEMENT  OF TYRE  MARKINGS 
Example  of the markings  to be borne  by tyres  placed  on the market  after  the notification 
of this  Directive 
A 
b | 185/70 
T R 14 JL _L JL 
89/T  I b I c TUBELESS  M + S I c 
t t 
JL 
253 | c 
T t 
b 6 mm 
c 
IV 
3 
3 
These  markings  define  a pneumatic  tyre: 
— having  a nominal  section  width  of 185, 
— having  a nominal  aspect  ratio  of 70, 
— of radial-ply  structure  (R), 
— having  a nominal  rim diameter  for which  the symbol  is 14, 
— having  a load  capacity  of 580 kg, corresponding  to load  index  89 in Annex  IV, 
— classified  in the speed  category  T (maximum  speed  190 km/h), 
— for fitting  without  an inner  tube  ('tubeless'), 
— of 'snow'  type, 
— manufactured  during  the 25th  week  of the year  19.3. 
The positioning  and  order  of the  markings  constituting  the  tyre  designation  shall  be the 
following: 
(a) the size  designation,  comprising  the nominal  section  width,  the nominal  aspect  ratio,  the 
speed-category  symbol,  the type-of-structure  symbol  (where  applicable)  and  the  nominal 
rim diameter,  shall  be grouped  as shown  in the above  example:  185/70  R 14; 
(b) the load  index  and  the symbol  of the speed  category  shall  be placed  near  the size  desig-
nation.  It may  either  precede  or follow  it or be placed  above  or below  it; 
(c) the symbols  'tubeless',  'reinforced',  and  'M + S' may  be at a distance  from  the size-desig-
nation  symbol. 
icity 
0 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
48 
49 
50 
51 
52 
53 
54 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities No C 37/15 
ANNEX  IV 
LIST  OF  LOAD-CAPACITY-INDEX  SYMBOLS 
Maximum  load  corresponding  to 
the maximum  speed  fixed  by the 
category  of type  (mass  expressed 
in kg) Load-capacity  index Maximum  load  corresponding  to 
the maximum  speed  fixed  by the 
category  of type  (mass  expressed 
in kg) 
45- 55 218 
46-2 56 224 
47-5 57 230 
487 58 236 
50 59 243 
51 5 60 250 
53 61 257 
545 62 265 
56 63 272 
58 64 280 
60 65 290 
61 5 66 300 
63 67 307 
65 68 315 
67 69 325 
69 70 335 
71 71 345 
73 72 355 
75 73 365 
77-5 74 375 
80 75 387 
825 76 400 
85 77 412 
87-5 78 425 
90 79 437 
925 80 450 
95 81 462 
975 82 475 
100 83 487 
103 84 500 
106 85 515 
109 86 530 
112 87 545 
115 88 560 
118 89 580 
121 90 600 
125 91 615 
128 92 630 
132 93 650 
136 94 670 
140 95 690 
145 96 710 
150 97 730 
155 98 750 
160 99 775 
165 100 800 
170 101 825 
175 102 850 
180 103 875 
185 104 900 
190 105 925 
195 106 950 
200 107 975 
206 108 1 000 
212 109 1 030 
No C 37/16 Official  Journal  of the  European  Communities 14.2.77 
Load-capacity  index Maximum  load  corresponding  to 
the maximum  speed  fixed  by the 
category  of type  (mass  expressed 
in kg) Load-capacity  index Maximum  load  corresponding  to 
the maximum  speed  fixed  by the 
category  of type  (mass  expressed 
in kg) 
110 1 060 116 1250 
111 1090 117 1285 
112 1 120 118 1320 
113 1 150 119 1 360 
114 1 180 120 1400 
115 1 215 
The formula  giving  the maximum  load  corresponding  to the value  LI = n is as follows: 
45 I t / 10  I =45  X (10292)" 
(7-r 
14. 2.77 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities No C 37/17 
ANNEX  V 
METHOD  OF MEASURING  PNEUMATIC  TYRES 
1.1. The  tyre  is mounted  on the measuring  rim specified  by the manufacturer  and  is 
inflated  to a pressure  of 3 to 3-5 bars. 
1.2. The  pressure  in the tyre  is then  reduced  as follows: 
1.2.1.  in  bias  — belted  tyres  to 17 bars; 
1.2.2.  in  diagonal  (bias-ply)  tyres  to: 
Ply-rating Pressure  (bars) 
Ply-rating 
L, M, N Speed  category 
P, Q, R, S T, U, H 
4 1-7 2-0 
6 2-1 2-4 2-6 
8 2*5 2-8 3-0 
1.2.3.  in  normal  radial  tyres  to 1.8 bar and 
1.2.4.  in  reinforced  radial  tyres  to 2.3 bars. 
2. The  tyre,  mounted  on its rim,  is conditioned  at the ambient  room  temperature 
for not  less  than  24 hours,  with  the  exception  referred  to in intern  6.2.3  of 
Annex  II. 
3. The  pressure  is readjusted  to that  specified  in item  1.2. 
4. The  overall  width  is measured  by caliper  at six equally-spaced  points,  account 
being  taken  of the  thickness  of the  protective  ribs  or bands.  The  highest 
measurements  so obtained  is taken  as the overall  width.  The  outer  diameter  is 
determined  by measuring  the maximum  circumference  and  dividing  the figure 
so obtained  by TZ (3-1416). 
No C 37/18 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities 14. 2.77 
ANNEX  VI 
PROCEDURE  FOR  LOAD/SPEED  PERFORMANCE  TESTS 
1. PREPARING  THE  TYRE 
1.1. A  new  tyre  is mounted  on the  test  rim  specified  by the manufacturer. 
1.2. It  is inflated  to the appropriate  pressure  as given  in the table  below: 
Test  pressure  (bars) 
Speed Diagonal  (bias-ply) 
tyres Radial  tyres Bias-belted 
tyres 
category 
4 Ply-rating 
6 8 Normal Reinforced Normal  and 
reinforced 
L, M, N 2-3 2-7 3-0 i— — — 
p, Q, R, s 2 6 3-0 3 3 2-6 3-0 2-6 
T, U, H 2-8 3 2 3-5 2-8 3-2 2-8 
The abovementioned  pressures  shall  be respected  for  test  wheels  with  a diameter 
of 2 m. For  test  wheels  with  a diameter  of 1 70 m the  pressure  value  shall 
be increased  by  5" n. 
1.3. The  manufacturer  may  request,  giving  reasons,  the  use  of inflation  pressure 
differing  from  those  given  under  item  1.2.  In such  a case  the  tyre  shall  be inflated 
to that  pressure. 
1.4. The  tyre-and-wheel  assembly  is conditioned  at test-room  temperature  for  not 
less than  three  hours. 
1.5. The  tyre  pressure  is readjusted  to that  specified  in item  1.2 or 1.3. 
2. CARRYING  OUT  THE  TEST 
2.1. The  tyre-and-wheel  assembly  is mounted  on a test  axle  and  pressed  against  the 
outer  face  of a flat-faced  test  wheel  1-70  m to 2 m in diameter. 
2.2. A  load  equal  to 80%  of the  tyre's  load  capacity,  as shown,  in the  list  in 
Annex  IV,  opposite  the  load  index  given  on the  side  wall  of the  tyre,  is applied 
to an axle. 
2.3. Throughout  the  test  the  tyre  pressure  must  not  be corrected  and  the  test  load 
must  be kept  constant. 
2.4. During  the  test  the  temperature  in the  test-room  must  be maintained  at between 
20 0 and  30 °. 
2.5. The  test  is carried  out  without  interruption  in conformity  with  the  following 
particulars: 
2.5.1.  Time  taken  to pass  from  zero  speed  to initial  test  speed:  10 minutes. 
2.5.2.  Initial  test  speed:  prescribed  maximum  speed  for the type  of tyre,  less  40 km/h. 
2.5.3.  Successive  speed  increments:  10 km/h. 
2.5.4.  Duration  of test  at each  speed  step  except  the last:  10 minutes. 
2.5.5.  Duration  of test  at last  speed  step:  20 minutes. 
2.5.6.  Maximum  test  speed:  prescribed  maximum  speed  for the type  of tyre. 
3. EQUIVALENT  TEST  METHODS 
If a method  other  than  that  described  in item  2 above  is used,  its equivalence 
must  be demonstrated. 
14. 2. 77 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities No C 37/19 
ANNEX 
(Maximum  format  A 4 
MODEL  FOR  THE  NOTIFICATION  OF  THE  ISSUE  OR  THE  REFUSAL  OF AN  EEC  MARK 
FOR  ONE  OR  MORE  TYRE  TYPES 
Number  of EEC  mark  (  extension)  (') 
1. Trade  name  or mark  of the  tyre 
2. Manufacturer's  name  and  address 
3. If applicable,  name  and  address  of manufacturer's  representative 
4. Request  for  EEC  mark  made  on 
5. Where  applicable,  the technical  service  and  test  laboratory  approved  for  purposes  of veri-
fication  of conformity 
6. If applicable,  the date  of report  issued  by that  service 
7. If applicable,  the  number  of report  issued  by that  service 
8. List  of tyre  types  for which  the  EEC  mark  has  been  issued/refused  (2) 
9. EEC  mark  has  been  granted/refused  (2) 
10. Place 
11. Date 
12. Signature 
The following  documents  are  annexed  to this  notifications  (3): VII 
(210x297  mm)). 
Name  of the  competent 
authority 
(1) State,  when  appropriate,  whether  first,  second  etc.  extension  of an EEC  mark. 
(a) Delete  items  not  applicable.  v 
(2) To  be completed,  if necessary. 
No C 37/20 Official  Journal  of the  European  Communities 14. 2. 77 
ANNEX  Vlll 
(Maximum  format:  A 4 (210  x297  mm)) 
Name  of competent 
authority 
MODEL  FOR  THE  STATEMENT  THAT  A TYRE  TYPE  BEARING  AN  EEC  MARK  DOES 
NOT  CONFORM  TO  THE  REQUIREMENTS  OF  DIRECTIVE  77/.../EEC 
1. Trade  name  or mark  of the  tyre 
2. Manufacturer's  name  and  address 
3. If applicable,  name  and  address  of manufacturer's  representative 
4. Number  of EEC  mark 
5. Marking  on the  tyre 
6. The  manufacturer  has  been  obliged  to withdraw  from  circulation  the  tyres  which  do not 
conform 
7. The  EEC  mark  has  been  withdrawn  for  this  tyre  type  on 
8. Reasons  for  this  measure 
9. Place 
10. Date 
11. Signature 
14. 2. 77 Official  Journal  of the European  Communities No C 37/21 
ANNEX  IX 
CONDITIONS  RELATING  TO  THE  FITTING  OF TYRES  TO VEHICLES 
Vehicle  tyres  must  meet  the following  requirements: 
1. All  of the  tyres  fitted  to a vehicle  must  be identical  as far as the  provisions 
of paragraphs  2.1.3  to 2.1.5  of Annex  II are concerned.  In addition,  tyres  on the 
same  axis  must  be of the same  type  within  the meaning  of Annex  II, item  2.1. 
2. The  load  capacity  as defined  in Annex  II, 2.29  must  be: 
2.1. in  the case  of tyres  of the same  type  being  fitted  to the vehicle: 
2.1.1.  at  least  equal  to half  of the  maximum  technically  permissible  weight  for  the 
most  heavily-loaded  axle,  as declared  by the vehicle  manufacturer; 
2.1.2.  however,  in the  case  of axles  fitted  with  twin  tyres,  the load  capacity  must  be 
at least  equal  to 1-27  times  the maximum  technically  permissible  weight  for the 
most  heavily-loaded  axle,  as declared  by the vehicle  manufacturer. 
2.2. at  least  equal  to half  of the  maximum  technically  permissible  weight  for  the 
axle under  consideration,  as declared  by the  vehicule  manufacturer,  in the  case 
of tyres  of two  different  dimensions  being  fitted  to the vehicle. 
3. For  on-highway  tyres,  the  maximum  speed,  as defined  in Annex  II, item  2.30 
must  be at least  equal  to the maximum  design  speed  of the vehicle. 
4. The  tyre  fitted  to the  spare  wheel  of a vehicle  must  be identical  to one  of the 
tyres  fitted  to the vehicle.