[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 194 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 62522]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-25408]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA 2002-13355; Notice 1]


Bridgestone/Firestone; Receipt of Application for Decision of 
Inconsequential Noncompliance

    Bridgestone/Firestone has determined that approximately 4,700 P235/
75R15 Dayton Timberline A/T tires do not meet the labeling requirements 
mandated by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 109, 
``New Pneumatic Tires.'' Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h), 
Bridgestone/Firestone has petitioned for a determination that this 
noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety and has filed 
an appropriate report pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573, ``Defect and 
Noncompliance Reports.''
    This notice of receipt of an application is published under 49 
U.S.C. 30118 and 30120 and does not represent any agency decision or 
other exercise of judgment concerning the merits of the application.
    The Sao Paulo, Brazil plant produced these noncompliant tires 
during the week 40 through and including week 49 of the year 2001. The 
subject tires were mismarked as ``Extra Load.'' The actual markings on 
the subject tires are:
    Max load 920 Kg (2028 lbs.) at 300 kPa (44 psi) max press, Extra 
Load. The correct markings should be:
    Max load 920 Kg (2028 lbs.) at 300 kPa (44 psi) max press.
    Bridgestone/Firestone believes that the noncompliance is 
inconsequential to motor vehicle safety for the following reasons:
    1. The subject tires with the exception of the ``Extra Load'' 
marking meet all the requirements of 49 CFR Section 571.109.
    2. The subject tires were tested by Bridgestone/Firestone and meet 
the requirements of high speed, endurance, strength, and bead unseat as 
defined in 49 CFR Section 571.109 for the ``Extra Load'' designation.
    3. The subject tires as shipped from the manufacturing plant were 
identified by tire labels and article number as standard load. Thus, 
the potential for sale of these tires as ``Extra Load'' is very small.
    Bridgestone/Firestone submits that mismarking of the subject tires 
should be deemed inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.
    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments on the application described above. Comments should refer to 
the docket number and be submitted to: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Management, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., Washington, DC 20590. It is requested that two copies be 
submitted.
    All comments received before the close of business on the closing 
date indicated below will be considered. The application and supporting 
materials, and all comments received after the closing date, will also 
be filed and will be considered to the extent possible. When the 
application is granted or denied, the notice will be published in the 
Federal Register pursuant to the authority indicated below. Comment 
closing date: November 6, 2002.

(49 U.S.C. 301118, 301120; delegations of authority at 49 CFR 1.50 
and 501.8)

    Issued on October 1, 2002.
Stephen R. Kratzke,
Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 02-25408 Filed 10-4-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P