[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 9, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6923-6924]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-2470]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA 2005-20046; Notice 1]


Bridgestone/Firestone North America Tire, LLC. Receipt of 
Application for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance

    Bridgestone/Firestone North America Tire, LLC has determined that 
approximately 323 size 445/50R22.5 20 Ply, Load Range `L', Bridgestone 
S892 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.'' FMVSS No. 109 (S4.3(c)) requires that each tire shall have 
permanently molded into or onto both sidewalls the maximum load rating 
of the tire.
    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 noncompliance with S4.3(c) relates to the sidewall markings. 
Bridgestone/Firestone Tochigi, Japan Plant produced approximately 323 
tires with incorrect markings. The noncompliant tires were marked: 
``Max Load 4540 Kg (10,000 lbs.)@ 790 kPa (115 psi).'' The correct 
marking required by FMVSS No. 109 is as follows: ``Max Load 4625 Kg 
(10,200 lbs.)@ 830 kPa (120 psi).''
    Bridgestone/Firestone believes that the noncompliance described 
herein is inconsequential as it relates to motor

[[Page 6924]]

vehicle safety because these tires are typically used on vehicles with 
tandem axles having a maximum load carrying capacity of 8,500 lbs. per 
tire (one side of the axle). Thus the tires can easily accommodate the 
load they will likely carry. The difference between actual and correct 
stampings is minimal compared to the practical 8,500 lbs. per tire 
application. Therefore, Bridgestone/Firestone believes this 
noncompliance is particularly unlikely to have an adverse affect on 
motor vehicle safety and is clearly inconsequential in that regard. The 
noncompliant tires meet or exceed all performance requirements of FMVSS 
No. 109 and will have no impact on the operational performance or 
safety of vehicles on which these tires are mounted.
    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: March 11, 2005.

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

    Issued on: February 2, 2005.
Stephen R. Kratzke,
Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 05-2470 Filed 2-8-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P