[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 230 (Friday, November 28, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72358-72369]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-28094]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 574

[Docket No. NHTSA-2008-0187]
RIN 2127-AK11


Tire Registration and Recordkeeping

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In this final rule, we are amending our tire identification 
and recordkeeping regulation to codify existing interpretations 
regarding opportunities for electronic registration of tire sales and 
leases and to create new opportunities for the public to use electronic 
means to register new tires. This regulation requires manufacturer-
owned tire distributors and dealers to register the names and addresses 
of the people to whom they sell or lease new tires, and currently 
specifies the use of standardized paper forms for this purpose. It also 
requires independent distributors and dealers to provide purchasers 
with standardized registration forms, with the tire identification 
number filled in, that they can complete and mail to the manufacturer 
or its designee. Today's rule accommodates and facilitates Internet and 
other electronic registration of tires, including voluntary 
registration of tires by independent dealers.

DATES: This final rule takes effect January 27, 2009. Optional 
immediate compliance with this final rule is permitted as of November 
28, 2008.
    Petitions for reconsideration: Petitions for reconsideration of 
this final rule must be received not later than January 12, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Petitions for reconsideration of this final rule must refer 
to the docket and notice number set forth above and be submitted to the 
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For non-legal issues, Mr. Jeff Woods,

[[Page 72359]]

Vehicle Dynamics Division, Office of Vehicle Safety Standards 
(Telephone: 202-366-6206) (Fax: 202-366-7002). Mr. Woods' mailing 
address is National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NVS-122, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    For legal issues, Ms. Dorothy Nakama, Office of the Chief Counsel 
(Telephone: 202-366-2992) (Fax: 202-366-3820). Ms. Nakama's mailing 
address is National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NCC-112, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Overview
II. Background--Tire Registration Requirements
III. January 2008 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    A. Tires Sold by Independent Tire Dealers--Alternative Means of 
Tire Registration
    B. Tires Sold by Dealers Controlled by Tire Manufacturers--
Electronic Tire Registration
IV. Public Comments and NHTSA's Response
V. Final Rule
VI. Statutory Basis for the Final Rule
VII. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
    A. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    C. National Environmental Policy Act
    D. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)
    E. Civil Justice Reform
    F. Paperwork Reduction Act
    G. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
    H. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    I. Plain Language
    J. Regulation Identifier Number
    K. Privacy Act

I. Overview

    In today's final rule, we are amending Part 574, Tire 
Identification and Recordkeeping, to codify existing interpretations 
regarding opportunities for electronic registration of tire sales and 
leases and to create new opportunities for the public to use electronic 
means to register new tires. Part 574 requires manufacturer-owned tire 
distributors and dealers to register the names and addresses of the 
people to whom they sell or lease new tires, and currently specifies 
the use of standardized paper forms for this purpose. It also requires 
independent distributors and dealers to provide purchasers with 
standardized registration forms, with the tire identification filled 
in, that purchasers can complete and mail to the manufacturer or its 
designee.
    Under the final rule, we make the following changes concerning 
registration of tires sold by independent dealers and dealers owned or 
controlled by tire manufacturers:

Independent Tire Dealers

     Use of electronic instead of paper registration. Dealers 
may, in lieu of providing a paper registration form to the consumer, 
voluntarily register a tire by Internet or other electronic means, so 
long as such means were authorized by the tire manufacturer.
     Informing consumers of opportunities for electronic 
registration. If dealers use standardized paper registration forms, 
they may use one that identifies a Web site and/or other means (e.g., a 
telephone number) authorized by the tire manufacturer by which the 
consumer could register the tires instead of mailing in the form.
     Added flexibility in paper registration. Dealers have the 
option of providing to the consumer a mailable standardized paper 
registration form that includes the tire identification number (TIN) 
and the dealer's name and address (this is the current requirement set 
forth in Part 574), or using the same standardized paper registration 
form, but voluntarily completing the form and registering the tire by 
sending the form to the tire manufacturer or its designee.
     Added flexibility in designing paper registration forms. 
The figures showing the standardized paper registration form are 
removed from the CFR. Some requirements that were expressed by 
referring to the forms in the regulatory text are added to the 
regulatory text, but the regulation no longer specifies as many details 
concerning the format of the forms.

Dealers Owned or Controlled by Tire Manufacturers

     Added flexibility in designing paper registration forms. 
The regulation clarifies that dealers owned or controlled by tire 
manufacturers may register tires by electronic means, consistent with a 
past agency interpretation. The figure showing the form used for these 
tires is also removed from the CFR.
    This final rule does not impose new obligations on tire dealers or 
tire manufacturers. Instead, it accommodates and facilitates Internet 
and other electronic registration of tires, including voluntary 
registration of tires by independent dealers. The rule also clarifies 
that tire manufacturers must meet requirements concerning retention of 
information for registration information submitted to them by 
electronic or other means they authorize, in addition to that submitted 
to them on the standardized paper forms.

II. Background--Tire Registration Requirements

    As originally enacted, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle 
Safety Act of 1966 (now codified at Title 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 Motor 
Vehicle Safety) did not include a requirement for tire registration. 
However, in May 1970, Congress amended the law to mandate that every 
tire manufacturer shall maintain records of the names and addresses of 
the first purchaser of tires produced by that manufacturer.\1\ NHTSA 
was given the authority to establish procedures to be followed by 
manufacturers in establishing and maintaining such records, including 
procedures to be followed by distributors and dealers to assist 
manufacturers in securing the names and addresses of first purchasers. 
The names and addresses of purchasers and lessors are used by a tire or 
vehicle manufacturer to contact those people in the event that the tire 
manufacturer must conduct a campaign to recall and remedy tires that 
either fail to comply with an applicable Federal motor vehicle safety 
standard or to have a safety-related defect.
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    \1\ Public Law 91-265.
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    Pursuant to this authority, in a final rule published in the 
Federal Register (35 FR 17257) on November 10, 1970, NHTSA established 
the initial tire identification and recordkeeping requirements of 49 
CFR part 574. The rule required all tire dealers to record the name and 
address of the purchaser to whom they sold the tire, along with the 
dealer's name and address, and forward that information to the tire 
manufacturer.
    However, under the Motor Vehicle Safety and Cost Savings 
Authorization Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97-331), Congress amended the Safety 
Act to mandate that the obligations of independent distributors and 
dealers be limited to giving ``a registration form (containing the tire 
identification number) to the first purchaser.'' The tire purchaser 
could then mail the form to the tire manufacturer. Congress also 
mandated that NHTSA should prescribe a standardized registration form 
and that tire manufacturers had to ensure that they gave sufficient 
copies of these forms to their dealers.
    Congress adopted these amendments after the House Committee on 
Energy and Commerce found in its report on the 1982 amendments that 
tire dealers whose business was owned or controlled by a tire 
manufacturer (these

[[Page 72360]]

dealers accounted for just under \1/3\ of tire sales) registered 
between 80 and 90 percent of the tires they sold.\2\ At that time, 
however, independent tire dealers, which accounted for more than \2/3\ 
of tire sales, registered only 20 percent of the tires they sold.
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    \2\ H.R. Rep. No. 576, 97th Cong. 2d Sess. 8-9 (1982).
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    The changes mandated by the 1982 amendments were established in an 
interim final rule published on May 19, 1983 (48 CFR 22572). The 
regulation required tire manufacturers to provide both independent and 
non-independent distributors and dealers with standardized tire 
registration forms. The regulation specified the exact content of the 
forms given to independent distributors and dealers, and that no other 
information may appear on the forms.\3\ When an independent distributor 
or dealer sells or leases a tire to a consumer, the distributor or 
dealer must fill in the tire identification number and its name and 
address on a registration form and give the form to the consumer. The 
consumer may then fill in his or her name and address, add a stamp and 
mail the form to the manufacturer or its designee. In a follow-up final 
rule published on February 8, 1984 (49 FR 4755), the agency made slight 
revisions to the tire registration form to improve its clarity and also 
reduced the size of the form so that it could be mailed using post card 
postage.
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    \3\ July 18, 2003 letter from Jacqueline Glassman to Ann Wilson 
of RMA. Letter is available at: http://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/onlinetireregistration.html.
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    As part of the agency's implementation of the Transportation Recall 
Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act (Pub. L. 
106-414) that was enacted on November 1, 2000, the agency increased the 
tire registration record retention requirements for tire manufacturers 
from three years to five years. The record retention period was 
extended in a final rule published in the Federal Register (67 FR 
45822) on July 10, 2002.

III. January 2008 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    On January 24, 2008 (73 FR 4157), NHTSA published in the Federal 
Register, a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the part 574 
tire registration procedures to facilitate Internet and other 
electronic registration of tires by independent tire dealers. For a 
full explanation of these issues, please refer to the NPRM on pages 
4158 through 4161.
    Specifically, under our proposal:
     Independent tire dealers could, in lieu of providing a 
paper registration form to the consumer, voluntarily register a tire by 
Internet or other electronic means, so long as such means were 
authorized by the tire manufacturer. These dealers would also have the 
option of providing to the consumer the mailable standardized paper 
registration form that includes the tire identification number (TIN) 
and the dealer's name and address (this is the current requirement set 
forth in part 574), or using the same standardized paper registration 
form, but voluntarily completing the form and registering the tire by 
sending the form to the tire manufacturer or its designee.
     The standardized paper registration form would be 
permitted to identify a Web site authorized by the tire manufacturer at 
which the consumer could register the tires instead of mailing in the 
form.
     We proposed to remove the figures showing the standardized 
paper registration form from the CFR. Some requirements that were 
expressed by referring to the forms in the regulatory text would be 
added to the regulatory text, but we proposed that the regulation would 
no longer specify as many details concerning the format of the forms.
     We also proposed regulatory text that would clarify that 
dealers owned or controlled by tire manufacturers may register tires by 
electronic means, consistent with a past agency interpretation. The 
figure showing the form used for these tires was also proposed to be 
removed.
    We stated that our proposal was not intended to impose new 
obligations on tire dealers or tire manufacturers. Instead, it would 
accommodate and facilitate Internet and other electronic registration 
of tires, including voluntary registration of tires by independent 
dealers. We noted that we were proposing a provision that would clarify 
that tire manufacturers must meet requirements concerning retention of 
information for registration information submitted to them by 
electronic or other means they authorize, in addition to that submitted 
to them on the standardized paper forms.
    The details of our proposal were as follows:

A. Tires Sold by Independent Tire Dealers--Alternative Means of Tire 
Registration

    A number of issues concerning electronic registration of tires 
arose between 2005 and 2007 in connection with obtaining clearance of 
tire registration requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. In a 
March 21, 2007 (722 FR 1334) Federal Register notice, we stated that we 
were considering revisions to update 49 CFR part 574 to allow, to the 
extent consistent with the agency's authority, for use of electronic 
and other possible means of registering new tires at the point of sale.
    The statutory requirements relevant to independent tire dealers are 
found at 49 U.S.C. 30117(b)(2)(B), which reads as follows:

    The Secretary shall require each distributor and dealer whose 
business is not owned or controlled by a manufacturer of tires to 
give a registration form (containing the tire identification number) 
to the first purchaser of a tire. The Secretary shall prescribe the 
form, which shall be standardized for all tires and designed to 
allow the purchaser to complete and return it directly to the 
manufacturer of the tire. The manufacturer shall give sufficient 
copies of forms to distributors and dealers.

Given the pre-Internet date of enactment of the statute, the statutory 
provision appears to contemplate a mail-in paper form (``the 
manufacturer shall give sufficient copies of forms to distributors and 
dealers''). Also, the legislative history (House report \4\) refers to 
forms that are suitable for mailing and addressed to the manufacturer 
or its designee.
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    \4\ H.R. Rep. No. 97-576, p. 8.
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    One relevant issue is the effect of voluntary tire registration by 
independent tire dealers on their obligations under section 
30117(b)(2)(B). While the statute provides for a program in which 
purchasers of tires from independent tire dealers may register their 
tires by returning a form to the tire manufacturer, a 1983 NHTSA letter 
to Congressman Timothy Wirth \5\ addressed the situation in which 
independent tire dealers may wish to register tires voluntarily for 
consumers. Invoking the principles of equitable interpretation, the 
agency concluded that voluntary registration would partially relieve 
independent dealers of their statutory obligations. Under those 
principles, a statutory requirement need not be literally applied in 
instances in which the underlying Congressional intent is otherwise 
satisfied. More specifically, the agency stated:

    \5\ February 1983 letter from Diane K. Steed to the Honorable 
Timothy E. Wirth. Letter is available at: http://isearch.nhtsa.gov/gm/83/1983-1.12.html.
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    Based on the principles of equitable interpretation, we believe 
that an independent tire dealer or distributor who (1) registers 
tires by computer; (2) attaches a computer-printed invoice 
containing all of the information necessary for registration to a 
blank standardized registration form; and (3) furnishes the two 
documents to the customer when the tires are purchased; fully

[[Page 72361]]

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satisfies the tire registration amendments. * * *

    While, as discussed below, we now believe that this interpretation 
goes to some extent beyond what is necessary to satisfy Congressional 
intent, we believe the basic principle is correct. In particular, if an 
independent tire dealer voluntarily registers tires for the consumer, 
it serves no purpose to require the full procedures necessary to enable 
consumers to also register those tires.
    Several other issues are whether the statute can be interpreted to 
permit the use of electronic forms in lieu of paper forms and, assuming 
that the answer to that issue is ``yes,'' the meaning of the statutory 
command to ``* * * give a registration form (containing the tire 
identification number) to the first purchaser * * *'' in the context of 
electronic forms. As to the term ``form,'' it could be interpreted 
broadly enough to include electronic as well as paper forms, 
notwithstanding the statutory language and legislative history 
mentioned above that suggests the forms are to be paper ones.
    As to the term ``give,'' it could readily be interpreted in the 
context of the statute to mean physically provide either ``take away'' 
means of registration (i.e., mailable form) or means of ``on-the-spot'' 
registration (i.e., an in-store computer terminal accessible to 
purchaser). It is not apparent how the term could be further 
interpreted to mean simply inform the purchaser about the opportunity 
to use means not physically present in the dealer's store (e.g., use of 
a computer terminal located at the purchaser's home or elsewhere.) It 
is even less apparent how such further interpretation could be given 
the term ``give'' given the additional requirement that the form given 
the purchaser ``* * * contain the tire identification number * * *''
    A possible scenario that could be viewed as meeting all of the 
statutory requirements would be one in which the purchaser was provided 
access to a computer at the dealership where the screen showed the form 
with the tire identification numbers already filled in, and the 
purchaser could register the tires with the manufacturer by entering 
his or her name and address and clicking on a button to register the 
tires. In preparing the NPRM, we did not know whether manufacturers and 
dealerships would be interested in an option along these lines, but 
noted that we were requesting comments on this type of approach. We 
also noted that a number of approaches for electronic registration by 
purchasers would appear not to meet these statutory requirements, but 
could be viewed as supplemental means of transmitting tire registration 
to manufacturers.
    In the NPRM, after discussing the statutory requirements, we stated 
our belief: (1) The regulation must include a basic procedure 
consistent with the statutory requirement that enables purchasers of 
tires from independent tire dealers to register their tires by 
returning a form with the TIN already filled in to the tire 
manufacturer; (2) the regulation may provide options under which an 
independent tire dealer may voluntarily register tires for consumers, 
in which case the dealer need not meet the full procedures necessary to 
enable consumers to register those tires; and (3) the regulation may 
accommodate means that tire manufacturers may provide for tire 
registration (e.g., Internet registration) that consumers may use 
instead of mailing in the form.

Voluntary Registration by Independent Dealers

    After reviewing our 1983 interpretation to Congressman Wirth, we 
stated our belief that it went to some extent beyond what was necessary 
to satisfy Congressional intent. In particular, we stated our belief 
that electronic registration of the tires by independent dealers would 
satisfy the statutory requirements, without the need to provide an 
additional blank form to the purchaser. The purpose of the statutory 
requirement is to enable the purchaser to register the tire purchase 
with the manufacturer. As such, if the dealer registers the tires 
electronically for the purchaser and provides a blank form to the 
purchaser, confusion could result, since the purchaser might think 
there was a need to submit the paper form to the manufacturer.
    Regarding the statement in the interpretation that the purchaser be 
given a computer-printed invoice with the information on the tire 
registration paper form, we stated our belief that that statement also 
exceeds what is necessary. The tire registration information is kept by 
the tire manufacturer (or its designee). There is no need for the 
purchaser to separately be given that information. Instead of 
duplicating the required information on the invoice given to the 
purchaser, we stated our belief that a written statement on the invoice 
regarding the registration of the tires by the dealer would be 
sufficient to inform the consumer that the tires have been registered.
    We therefore proposed that independent tire dealers have the option 
of voluntarily electronically registering tires with the tire 
manufacturer. We noted, however, that whether this option can be used 
depended on the tire manufacturer's providing a means to receive this 
information electronically, or designating an agent to do so for it. We 
stated we were not aware of what specific means might be used to 
provide electronic registration, such as specific software that 
identifies tire sales and then automatically uses the Internet to 
transmit the information to the tire manufacturer or its designee. 
However, we stated our belief that many company-controlled tire dealers 
have autonomous systems in place to register the tires as part of the 
sales transaction. Such systems do not require additional or separate 
actions by sales personnel to register the tires. The agency welcomed 
additional details on the methods that are currently in place and also 
other methods that might be used, including how independent tire 
dealers may be able to register tires electronically.
    Our proposal also included an option in which independent tire 
dealers could use the standardized paper registration form, but 
voluntarily complete the form and register the tires by sending the 
form to the tire manufacturer or its designee.
    One issue that arises with independent dealers being permitted to 
register tires voluntarily for consumers is whether they could charge a 
separate registration fee. Tentatively concluding that this should not 
be permitted, as it could discourage registration and cause confusion, 
we requested comments on this issue.
    Another issue that arises with electronic registration of tires is 
the security of the information being transmitted. The proposed 
regulatory text would require that electronic registration be by secure 
means, e.g., use of https on the Web. We requested comments on the need 
for such a provision, and whether it should be more specific. We noted 
that in September 2005 we decided not to include an ``encryption'' 
requirement for electronic registration of child safety seats.\6\
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    \6\ 70 FR 53569, 53572-73, September 9, 2005.
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    We noted that registration by independent tire dealers would be 
voluntary. Nothing in the proposed rulemaking would require independent 
tire dealers to register tires for the purchaser.
    For the new electronic registration requirements, NHTSA also 
proposed to permit the tire manufacturer to designate a third party to 
collect or store the tire registration information. Such third party 
designation is currently

[[Page 72362]]

allowed for the paper registration forms under 574.7, and we stated we 
were not aware of any reason not to extend third party designation to 
electronic tire registration methods.

Alternative Means of Registration by Tire Purchasers

    Consistent with a 2003 interpretation letter to RMA, we included in 
the proposed regulatory text a provision stating that tire 
manufacturers may voluntarily provide means for tire registration via 
the Internet, by telephone or other electronic means.
    Based in part on comments to NHTSA's requests for comment to extend 
OMB approval for the Part 574 collection of information, we tentatively 
concluded that including, at the tire manufacturer's option, a Web site 
address for purchasers to register tires could facilitate registration 
for tire purchasers, and also improve the quality of information 
received by the tire manufacturer.
    We checked several tire manufacturers' Web sites, for both widely-
known tire brands and lesser-known tire brands, and found in all but 
one case that the tire manufacturers already have Web site-based tire 
registration capability. Inclusion of Web site registration information 
would be performed at the option of the tire manufacturer. We proposed 
simple text to keep information on the form to a minimum: ``Instead of 
mailing this form, you can register online at [insert tire 
manufacturer's Web site address]''. This proposed language deviated 
slightly from the FMVSS No. 213 Child restraint systems, text which 
includes references to registering online on both sides of the form, 
although the text on the mailing label side of that form is on a part 
of the form that is removed prior to mailing. However, the tire 
registration form is not of that design, and much of the form space is 
needed for recording the tire identification numbers. We sought 
comments on the proposed text and location of the optional Web site 
registration information.

Other Possible Options for Tire Registration

    We requested comments on whether the regulation should specify 
additional options for registering tires sold by independent tire 
dealers that would be consistent with our statutory authority. Several 
options were discussed in the NPRM at page 4163.

Registration Forms

    As discussed above, for tires sold by independent tire dealers, 
NHTSA is required by statute to prescribe a standardized tire 
registration form for all tires. Specifically, 49 U.S.C. 30117(b)(2)(B) 
provides ``(t)he Secretary shall prescribe the form, which shall be 
standardized for all tires * * *.''
    The statute provides that tire manufacturers must give sufficient 
copies of the registration forms to distributors and dealers. Also, 
Part 574.8 permits distributors and dealers to use registration forms 
obtained from other sources.
    Pursuant to the requirement to prescribe a standardized tire 
registration form, NHTSA has adopted requirements through rulemaking 
and placed them in Part 574. The details of some of the requirements, 
including size and data elements, are set in the regulatory text. The 
details of certain other requirements are not set out in the regulatory 
text. Instead, the regulatory text requires that forms conform in 
content and format to the forms depicted in the figures included in 
Part 574. See 574.7(a)(2).
    To promote flexibility, in the NPRM, we proposed to remove the 
figures showing the forms in Part 574. To ensure that the forms remain 
standardized, we proposed to add some requirements to the regulatory 
text that are currently expressed by referring to the figures, but with 
fewer details concerning format. We also proposed to update the size 
standards to reflect the current U.S. Postal Service's ``Domestic Mail 
Manual'' (Updated 12-6-07) at Section 6.3 ``Cards Claimed at Card 
Rates,'' that specifies physical standards that postcards must meet in 
order to be eligible for mailing at card rates.
    Under our proposal, on the address side of the form, the following 
would continue to be required to be provided: The name and address of 
the manufacturer or its designee, and, in the upper right hand corner, 
the statement: ``Affix a postcard stamp.''
    The other side of the form would continue to include the tire 
manufacturer's name (unless it already appears on the address side), 
and the statement: ``IMPORTANT, In case of a recall, we can reach you 
only if we have your name and address.'' There would also continue to 
be a statement indicating that sending in the card will add a person to 
the manufacturer's recall list. However, we proposed that the 
regulation no longer specify that the statement indicate that a person 
``must'' send in the card to be on the recall list, since manufacturers 
may provide alternative means of registering tires.
    Under our proposal, if a tire manufacturer provides a Web site 
where its tires can be registered, it may (but is not required to) 
include the following sentences: ``Instead of mailing this form, you 
can register online at [insert tire manufacturer's registration Web 
site address]''.
    The form would also include the text: ``Do it today.''
    The form would also continue to include space for recording the 
tire identification numbers for six tires. There would also continue to 
be shading to distinguish between areas of the form to be filled in by 
sellers and customers.
    As indicated above, under our proposal, the regulation would no 
longer specify as many details concerning the format of the form.
    We requested comments on the removal of these figures and on what 
requirements expressed by reference to the figures should be added to 
the regulatory text.

Registration Rates

    We sought comments on the current registration rates of tires sold 
by independent tire dealers. Commenters were asked to provide 
information concerning the total number of such tires that are sold and 
the number of those tires that are currently being registered by each 
alternative means, e.g., the number of tires registered by returning 
the paper form, the number registered using the tire manufacturer's Web 
site, etc. We requested that commenters provide the specific basis for 
any numbers or rates that are provided. We also requested comments on 
how and why these registration rates may change if the agency adopts 
the proposed rule.

B. Tires Sold by Dealers Controlled by Tire Manufacturers--Electronic 
Tire Registration

    In the NPRM, we noted that the tire registration form in Figure 4 
of Part 574 is the form that is to be filled out by company-controlled 
tire dealers and returned to the manufacturer upon the sale of new 
tires. We noted that we have no data on the continued use of this form, 
or what percentage of company-controlled dealers continue to use this 
form versus submit the registration information to the tire 
manufacturer using electronic means.
    We reiterated that we have previously provided an interpretation 
letter to the RMA (July 18, 2003 agency letter) stating that while 
company-controlled dealers are permitted to register tires 
electronically:

    This interpretation does not relieve non-independent 
distributors and dealers from the requirements of section 574.8(b) 
that they themselves record the purchaser's name and address, the 
tire identification number(s) of

[[Page 72363]]

the tire(s) sold, and a suitable identification of themselves as the 
selling dealer on a tire registration form and return the completed 
forms to the tire manufacturers or their designees. While we would 
interpret Part 574 to permit non-independent distributors and 
dealers to accomplish these tasks by electronic means, they may not 
transfer this responsibility to consumers.

    In the NPRM, we proposed to include a provision expressly 
reflecting this existing option in the Part 574 requirements. 
Specifically, we proposed that electronic means be permitted as an 
alternative to the paper registration forms specified in Sec.  
574.7(b).
    In the NPRM, we also noted that as to Part 574's requirements for 
these forms, requirements concerning data elements are set forth in the 
regulatory text, and the regulatory text also specifies that the forms 
must be similar in format and size to that in Figure 4. We noted that 
the statutory requirement that NHTSA prescribe a standardized tire 
registration form does not apply to ones for tires sold by dealers 
controlled by tire manufacturers.
    To promote flexibility, in the NPRM, we proposed to remove Figure 4 
showing the registration forms to be used. We proposed to add several 
requirements currently expressed by reference to the figure, and leave 
all other details to the tire manufacturer. Under our proposal, the 
form would continue to be required to include:
     A statement indicating where the form should be returned, 
including the name and mailing address of the manufacturer or its 
designee.
     The tire manufacturers' logo or other identification, if 
the manufacturer is not identified as part of the statement indicating 
where the form should be returned.
     The statement: ``IMPORTANT; FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES TIRE 
IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS MUST BE REGISTERED.''
    We sought comments on the removal of this figure and on what 
requirements expressed by reference to the figure should be added to 
the regulatory text.

IV. Public Comments and NHTSA's Response

    In response to the January 2008 NPRM, NHTSA received comments from: 
CIMS; Dealer Tire; the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers 
(NATM); the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA); the Rubber 
Manufacturers Association (RMA); Ms. Barbara Sachau; Safety Research 
and Strategies, Inc. (SRS); the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 
Office of Advocacy; Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA); TBC 
Corporation; and the Tire Industry Association (TIA).
    Commenters generally supported our proposal, with some offering 
suggestions they believed would improve the rule. A number of 
commenters urged that we issue the final rule as soon as possible. 
While some commenters raised other issues about Part 574, none opposed 
our proposal.
    RMA stated that it fully supports the proposed changes and urged 
the agency to issue the final rule in its entirety, and as 
expeditiously as possible. TIA stated that it enthusiastically supports 
the proposed changes. SEMA stated that it strongly supports the 
proposed rule.
    SBA stated that it ``strongly supports the proposed rule'' and did 
not suggest any changes to the proposal. SBA stated that it heard from 
``a number of small businesses representing automobile and tire dealers 
who have expressed strong support for NHTSA's proposed rule.'' SBA 
further stated that the current tire registration program was nominated 
``as a regulation in need of review and reform under Advocacy's new 
Regulatory Review and Reform (r3) Initiative.'' SBA concluded that 
while Part 574 ``was not selected as one of our final `Top 10' r3 rules 
for 2008, it likely would have been if not for NHTSA's timely proposed 
rule that does exactly what the r3 submitter sought--for NHTSA to 
modernize its rule to allow for Internet registration of tires.''
    NADA generally supported the proposed rule. It offered three 
suggestions. First, tire manufacturers should be allowed to voluntarily 
list on their forms as many electronic filing methods as they choose 
(e.g., Web site, phone, fax, etc.). NADA stated that this appears to be 
provided for by proposed Sec.  574.7(e), but not by Sec.  
574.7(a)(2)(iii)(B)(4), which it said should be revised commensurately. 
NADA stated that Sec.  574.8(a)(1)(iii) should be revised to indicate 
that independent tire dealers may voluntarily register tires by any 
electronic manner listed on the form or by such other means as may be 
authorized by a tire manufacturer.
    After considering this comment, NHTSA agrees that tire 
manufacturers should be permitted to voluntarily list on their forms as 
many electronic filing methods as they choose, and that independent 
tire dealers may voluntarily register by any electronic manner listed 
on the form or by such other means as may be authorized by a tire 
manufacturer. We agree that this will help maximize the rate of 
electronic tire registration. We have amended Sec.  
574.7(a)(2)(iii)(B)(4) to now read tire manufacturers may voluntarily 
provide means for tire registration via the Internet, by telephone, or 
other electronic means. If a tire manufacturer voluntarily provides a 
Web site or other means by which its tires can be registered, it may 
(but is not required to) include a sentence listing one or more such 
means, beginning with the phrase ``Instead of mailing this form, you 
can * * *'' Example: Instead of mailing this form, you can register 
online at [insert tire manufacturer's registration Web site address].
    We are amending Sec.  574.8(a)(1)(iii) to read electronically 
transmit the following information on the tire registration form by any 
means listed on the form by the tire manufacturer, or by such other 
means as may be authorized by the tire manufacturer, to the tire 
manufacturer or its designee, using secure means (e.g., https on the 
Web), at no charge to the tire purchaser and within 30 days of the date 
of sale or lease:
    NADA's second comment was that while NHTSA need not mandate that 
independent tire dealers inform purchasers or get their permission 
before voluntarily registering on their behalf, nothing in the final 
rule should prevent independent tire dealers from doing so. NHTSA notes 
that the final rule does not prevent independent tire dealers from 
doing this.
    Third, NADA recommended that to more ``appropriately distinguish 
between the different registration options, NHTSA should redraft Sec.  
574.8(a)(1) to read `independent distributor and each independent 
dealer selling or leasing new tires to tire purchasers or lessors 
(hereinafter referred to as `tire purchasers') shall comply with 
paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. In the alternative, independent 
distributors and independent dealers may elect to voluntarily comply 
with paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) or (a)(2)(iii) of this section.' ''
    NHTSA has decided not to adopt this recommendation. We believe the 
language proposed in the NPRM is clear in this area.
    In the NPRM,\7\ we asked whether, if independent tire dealers 
voluntarily registered tires for their customers, they should be able 
to charge a separate registration fee. We tentatively concluded that 
this should not be permitted, as it could discourage registration and 
cause confusion. In response, CIMS and TIA agreed with the agency and 
both opposed permitting fees for independent tire dealers to 
voluntarily register tires for their

[[Page 72364]]

customers. No other comments on this issue were received. Thus, in this 
final rule, we will not permit independent tire dealers to impose fees 
for voluntarily registering tires for their customers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See page 4163.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Besides its recommendation that NHTSA not permit independent tire 
dealers to charge customers to register their tires for them, TIA 
opposed mandatory installation of computer terminals in dealer 
showrooms for use of consumers to register their tires. TIA, however, 
did not object to voluntary installation of such computer terminals. In 
this final rule, we do not require independent dealers to provide 
computer terminals for use of its customers to register their new 
tires. However, nothing in this final rule prohibits independent 
dealers from voluntarily providing such computer terminals for their 
customers.
    CIMS commented in support of the proposed changes to Part 574. It 
further recommended that in order to avoid confusion, NHTSA should 
``leave no doubt about the following points'':
     Tire registration is still the law
     Tire dealers must still provide every customer with a tire 
registration form or
     Tire dealers must complete the registration process 
electronically on behalf of the customer.
    NHTSA notes that independent tire dealers will also have the option 
of voluntarily completing the paper form and registering the tire by 
sending the form to the tire manufacturer or its designee. The agency 
agrees, however, with CIMS that it is important that independent tire 
dealers understand their responsibilities. We are currently developing 
information specifically for tire dealers similar to what the agency 
has now on NHTSA's Web site: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov, for 
manufacturers.
    SRS commented that the ``current proposal does not do enough to 
close the considerable gaps that remain between tire recordkeeping, 
consumer notification in recalls, and the ability of the tire service 
professional to capture recalled tires.'' It recommended that NHTSA 
initiate rulemaking to promote adoption of Radio Frequency 
Identification Tags (RFID). SRS stated that if embedded in tires, RFIDs 
could contain all of the information now in TINs. When combined with 
scanners at service locations and a recall database, consumers and 
technicians can easily determine whether a given tire has been 
recalled.
    While identification of recalled tires through RFIDs is an 
interesting concept, the agency notes that it could supplement but not 
replace tire registration, given the current statutory requirement. 
Moreover, we note that there are many issues that would need to be 
addressed in order to implement such a program. Some of the issues 
include the need to develop the technology and the infrastructure to 
ensure RFID tags installed in tires from all manufacturers can be read 
with a standard scanner, the availability of standardized software for 
the scanner, and the availability of such scanners at tire dealers, 
including gas stations and car dealerships that sell new tires. While 
we decline to initiate rulemaking in this area, we note that nothing in 
the rule prevents tire manufacturers, dealers and parties such as 
service centers from creating networks using RFIDs.
    NATM stated that it has no fundamental objection to and supports 
what it called the important reform included in our proposal, but 
argued that in order to materially improve the effectiveness of future 
defective tire safety recall campaigns, the agency ``must totally 
revamp Part 574.'' That organization stated that NHTSA's approach 
overlooks what it referred to as second-tier recordkeeping 
requirements, those impacting the motor vehicle manufacturer, and in 
particular, the trailer manufacturer of light- and medium-duty 
trailers. NATM stated:

    The absence of coordination between tire and trailer 
manufacturers and the lack of clarity in the rules governing their 
respective recordkeeping roles are at the heart of the problem of 
second-tier tire record keeping. To address this fundamental problem 
NHTSA must revise Part 574 top to bottom, redesigning it to 
facilitate integrating the tire manufacturers and distributors into 
the complete tire recordkeeping chain by requiring and fostering 
coordination and cooperation among all tire suppliers and customers 
throughout the OEM chain of distribution down to the point of sale 
when the retail purchaser takes possession of his or her new motor 
vehicle, whether automobile, truck, or trailer.

    NATM raised a variety of issues and made a number of suggestions 
related to this general area.
    In the January 2008 NPRM, NHTSA proposed only to change 
requirements concerning the means by which information about the retail 
customers of new tires is collected, i.e., to facilitate electronic 
registration of tires. We did not propose to change the basic nature or 
scope of Part 574 or requirements concerning the various 
responsibilities of tire manufacturers, dealers, and distributors, 
motor vehicle manufacturers, etc.
    Because NATM's comment addresses requirements that NHTSA did not 
propose to change, its suggestions are largely outside the scope of 
this rulemaking. In its comment, NATM cited a statement in the preamble 
that the agency intended the scope of the proposal to be broad. 
However, in the sentence immediately preceding that statement, the 
agency stated that it was requesting comments on whether the regulation 
should specify additional options for registering tires sold by 
independent tire dealers that would be consistent with our statutory 
authority. Nothing in our proposal indicated that we were considering 
totally ``revamping'' Part 574.
    One of NATM's suggestions was that we amend Sec.  574.10 to extend 
the electronic communication option to motor vehicle manufacturers. 
That section requires motor vehicle manufacturers to maintain records 
concerning tires and purchasers. However, it does not specify how these 
records must be maintained, and thus does not prevent motor vehicle 
manufacturers from using electronic methods.
    While we will consider NATM's comment advocating a significant 
revision of Part 574 as a suggestion for future rulemaking, we will not 
consider that request as part of this rulemaking.

V. Final Rule

    For the reasons discussed above, we are adopting as a final rule 
the requirements we proposed in our January 2008, with minor 
adjustments. As explained in our discussion of the comments from NADA, 
we have amended Sec.  574(a)(2)(iii)(B)(4) and Sec.  574.8(a)(1)(iii) 
in light of its recommendations. In general, the commenters to the NPRM 
agreed with the proposal. Thus, no other changes have been made to the 
regulatory text proposed in the NPRM.

VI. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

A. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    NHTSA has considered the impact of this rulemaking action under 
Executive Order 12866 and the Department of Transportation's regulatory 
policies and procedures. This rulemaking action has been determined not 
to be significant under that Executive Order or those policies and 
procedures.
    In this document, NHTSA amends Part 574 to permit collection of the 
names and addresses of first purchasers of new tires by Internet and 
other electronic means. Nothing in this final rule requires any tire 
dealer to use these new electronic procedures. All collection of the 
names and addresses of first purchasers of new tires may continue to be 
collected by the existing means utilizing paper forms. However,

[[Page 72365]]

we believe that permitting electronic means of tire registration will 
increase the rate of registrations, which will in turn increase the 
effectiveness of future tire recalls and thus improve motor vehicle 
safety.
    There are some cost impacts associated with increased registrations 
of tires by electronic means. Since the new options are voluntary, we 
do not know the extent to which they will be utilized by independent 
tire dealers and tire manufacturers. However, we are providing the 
following analysis to show the cost impacts.

Increased Registrations by Consumers Using the Internet

    Under today's final rule, tire manufacturers can provide, on a 
voluntary basis, Internet registration information on the tire 
registration form that is given to purchasers by independent tire 
dealers. Consumers can then register their tires online instead of 
filling out the paper form and mailing it to the tire manufacturer or 
its designee. The cost of printing this information on the form is 
negligible, and therefore there is no cost increase to tire 
manufacturers that are responsible for printing the forms and providing 
them to independent tire dealers. However, the tire manufacturers 
offering the option of Internet-based tire registration on their Web 
sites will incur some cost to include a registration site. The agency 
has found that most tire manufacturers already have tire registration 
sites included on their Web sites. Web site registration will save 
consumers the cost of a postcard postage stamp, and will save costs for 
tire manufacturers because they (or their designee) will not have to 
transcribe the information on the paper forms into a tire registration 
database.
    In the table which follows, we are providing estimates of the 
monetized costs associated with various rates of increased tire 
registration using the Internet. Under this scenario, paper forms will 
continue to be provided to purchasers, but the additional registrations 
will occur via the Internet rather than by the forms being mailed in. 
Therefore, although tire registrations will increase, mailing and other 
costs associated with the paper form will remain the same. We assume, 
for purposes of these estimates, that the costs associated with the 
current level of tire registration will not change. The additional 
costs associated with this scenario will be the time consumers spend 
registering tires via the Internet that they otherwise would not 
register. We also assume that because the tire registration information 
is collected using purely electronic means, there is no additional 
labor burden for the tire manufacturer for recordkeeping associated 
with these additional registrations. To monetize the costs of consumers 
filling out paper forms or using the Internet, a labor rate of $14.61 
per hour is used.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ The median hourly rate among all occupations, May 2006, 
according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; see http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#b00-0000.

  Consumer Cost Projections Associated With Increased Tire Registrations With Consumers Registering Tires Using
                                                  the Internet
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Future tire registrations using internet-based
                                                                             registration by consumers
                                                   Current tire  -----------------------------------------------
                                                   registrations    10 Percent      15 Percent      20 Percent
                                                                     increase        increase        increase
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consumer Hour Burden Estimates:
    Number of Consumers.........................      10,000,000      11,000,000      11,500,000      12,000,000
    Total Tire Registrations....................      54,000,000      59,400,000      62,100,000      64,800,000
    Tire Registration Hours.....................         225,000         247,500         258,750         270,000
    Monetized Costs (Consumer time valued at @        $3,287,250      $3,615,975      $3,780,338      $3,944,700
     $14.61/Hour)...............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Voluntary Registration by Independent Tire Dealers

    Under today's final rule, independent tire dealers may voluntarily 
register tires for consumers by electronic means, if this is authorized 
by the tire manufacturer. Dealers that do this will incur additional 
costs to upgrade their computer systems, with both initial startup 
costs and then costs for periodic maintenance of the systems. We assume 
that many independent tire dealers, especially the larger ones, already 
collect tire purchaser information as part of the sales process. For 
these manufacturers, we believe it may be possible to upgrade the sales 
system to include automatic electronic registration on behalf of the 
purchaser. We do not know the details of how this process may work, 
which will be up to the tire manufacturer and the independent tire 
dealers. The process might also include companies designated by the 
tire manufacturers to provide services in this area. We also do not 
know what actual startup and annual costs might be to independent tire 
dealers. However, once these systems are installed, tire registration 
rates could be 100 percent for tires sold through these large 
independent dealers. This compares with overall current registration 
rates of 10 percent for tires sold through independent dealers.
    The costs associated with voluntary tire registration by 
independent tire dealers will be offset, or partially offset, by the 
fact that these dealers will no longer need to provide paper forms to 
consumers, or fill out these forms with tire identification numbers.
    The agency has estimated that there are a total of 59,000 tire 
dealers in the U.S., including 13,000 that are company-controlled 
dealers. The remaining 46,000 tire dealers include 20,000 car and truck 
dealers and 26,000 independent tire dealers.
    There are two unknowns for estimating the cost impacts on 
independent tire dealers--how many independent dealers will voluntarily 
upgrade computer systems to register tires, and what the cost of these 
computer systems will be in terms of initial cost and annual 
maintenance. Each year, a number of independent dealers will install or 
upgrade computer systems, and they continue to maintain their systems 
in subsequent years. We assume that an initial installation cost of 
providing an upgraded system is $750 and that annual maintenance 
thereafter is $200. We do not know whether each tire manufacturer will 
work directly with each independent tire dealer, or whether third party 
designees will provide an interface service for all tire manufacturers 
and independent tire dealers. We note that third party

[[Page 72366]]

designees can provide efficiencies of having a single contact company 
that can be the interface for an independent tire dealer and multiple 
tire manufacturers.
    We are providing cost estimates assuming that 30 percent of 
independent tire dealers will participate in such a voluntary program, 
with 10 percent beginning the first year (4,600 dealers), an additional 
10 percent beginning the second year, and the third 10 percent 
beginning the third year. These costs can be summarized as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Startup costs      Annual
                              Year                                 for computer     maintenance     Total cost
                                                                      systems          costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009............................................................         $3.45 M               0         $3.45 M
2010............................................................          3.45 M          0.92 M          4.37 M
2011............................................................          3.45 M          1.84 M          5.29 M
2012 and Beyond.................................................               0          2.76 M          2.76 M
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since the final rule establishes collection of information 
procedures to be used entirely at the discretion of the tire dealer, 
and the estimated paperwork burdens of tire dealers electing to use 
these procedures are not expected to exceed $100 million annually, the 
agency does not consider this rulemaking to be ``economically 
significant,'' as defined by E.O. 12866. Moreover, the impacts are 
sufficiently small that the agency has not prepared a full regulatory 
evaluation.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) of 1996), whenever an agency is required to publish a notice 
of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make 
available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that 
describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small 
businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). 
The Small Business Administration's regulations at 13 CFR part 121 
define a small business, in part, as a business entity ``which operates 
primarily within the United States.'' (13 CFR 121.105(a)). No 
regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency 
certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities. The SBREFA amended the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to provide a 
statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule will not have 
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    NHTSA has considered the effects of this rulemaking action under 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act. As explained above, NHTSA amends Part 
574 by permitting collection of the names and addresses of first 
purchasers of new tires by Internet and other computerized means. 
Electronic collection is permitted in place of paper forms. This 
regulatory flexibility analysis does not apply to manufacturer-owned 
tire dealers, because they are not considered small businesses under 
SBA's affiliation rule at 5 CFR 121.103(a)(1) which states in part: 
``Concerns and entities are affiliates of each other when one controls 
or has the power to control the other * * *'' The tire manufacturer 
either ``controls or has the power to control'' dealerships that it 
owns.
    Under SBA's size standard regulations (at 5 CFR part 121), ``tire 
dealers'' are classified under North American Industry Classification 
System (NAICS) Code 441320 with a size standard of average yearly sales 
of $6 million. ``New car dealers'' are classified under NAICS Code 
441110 with a size standard of average yearly sales of $24.5 million. 
``Used car dealers'' are classified under NAICS Code 441120 with a size 
standard of average yearly sales of $19.5 million.
    In its February 27, 2006 comments to NHTSA, NADA stated that of its 
``20,000 franchised automobile and truck dealers who sell new and used 
motor vehicles,'' a ``significant number are small businesses as 
defined by the SBA.'' At that time, NADA did not specify the number 
that would be considered ``small businesses.'' In the Federal Register 
of March 21, 2007 (54 FR 133440), we estimated the number of 
independent tire dealers to be 26,000. In the January 2008 NPRM to 
amend Part 574, we stated our assumption that all NADA members are 
small businesses and that therefore, the total number of independent 
tire dealers that are small businesses would be 46,000.
    In its comment to the NPRM, NADA provided a clarification, stating 
that ``NADA suggests that approximately 40 percent of the 22,000 
dealerships nationwide fall within SBA's current small business 
definition in annual gross receipts 73 FR 4166.'' NADA was referring to 
that part of its membership that is independent motor vehicle dealers. 
Forty percent of 22,000 is 8,800 or the number of NADA members that are 
small businesses. The previous estimate of 26,000 tire dealers plus 
NADA's small business (and therefore independent) motor vehicle dealers 
numbering 8,800 equals 34,800 small business independent tire dealers. 
34,800 is a smaller figure than the 46,000 small business independent 
tire dealers estimated in the NPRM.
    I hereby certify that this final rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The factual 
basis for the certification is that this final rule will not 
substantively change existing 49 CFR part 574 requirements for small 
businesses that are independent tire dealers. Adherence to the 
electronic collection of information procedures is voluntary for 
independent tire dealers. The statement on the paper form giving Web 
site information about online registration of new tires or other 
electronic means of registration (and the paper form itself) are to be 
provided by the tire manufacturer. If independent dealers choose not to 
adopt electronic tire registration procedures, the responsibilities of 
the independent dealer remains the same, i.e., to pass out the paper 
forms to first purchasers of new tires.

C. National Environmental Policy Act

    NHTSA has analyzed this rulemaking action for the purposes of the 
National Environmental Policy Act. The agency has determined that 
implementation of this action would not have any significant impact on 
the quality of the human environment.

D. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    NHTSA has examined today's final rule pursuant to Executive Order 
13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and concluded that no additional 
consultation with States, local governments or their representatives is 
mandated beyond the rulemaking process. The agency has concluded that 
this final rule does not have federalism

[[Page 72367]]

implications because the rule will not have ``substantial direct 
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.''

E. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    With respect to the review of the promulgation of a new regulation, 
section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil Justice Reform'' (61 FR 
4729, February 7, 1996) requires that Executive agencies make every 
reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies 
the preemptive effect; (2) clearly specifies the effect on existing 
Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for 
affected conduct, while promoting simplification and burden reduction; 
(4) clearly specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately 
defines key terms; and (7) addresses other important issues affecting 
clarity and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the 
Attorney General. This document is consistent with that requirement.
    Pursuant to this Order, NHTSA notes as follows. The Federalism 
effect of this final rule is discussed above. NHTSA notes further that 
there is no requirement that individuals submit a petition for 
reconsideration or pursue other administrative proceeding before they 
may file suit in court.

F. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a person is not required 
to respond to a collection of information by a Federal agency unless 
the collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
control number. These final changes to the tire registration and 
recordkeeping rule affect the scope of the rule's ``collection of 
information,'' as that term is defined by OMB at 5 CFR part 1320. In 
the January 24, 2008 NPRM (see pages 4167-4168), we described how the 
proposed rule would affect the scope of the collection of information. 
Given that the various proposed options would be voluntary, we stated 
we did not know to what extent they would be utilized by independent 
tire dealers, tire manufacturers and consumers. Therefore, based on the 
available information, we provided the following estimates of burden.
    The same information (name and address of the purchaser) would be 
collected regardless of the format, paper form, or typing in 
information on a company Web site. Because some people type faster and 
some people write faster, we stated our belief that the amount of time 
it will take to provide information about the name and address of the 
purchaser would be very roughly the same, regardless of the format. To 
the extent more consumers registered their tires, actual burdens 
realized could thus increase concomitantly with the higher registration 
rates. On the other hand, it may be possible for tire manufacturers and 
independent tire dealers to develop electronic systems, tied in with 
the systems used for monitoring inventory and recording sales 
information, that could automatically register the tires with the tire 
manufacturer at little additional cost.
    We stated our belief that virtually all recordkeeping by tire 
manufacturers is already done electronically. We estimated that it 
takes roughly 25,000 hours to transfer handwritten data to an 
electronic format for storage. Because, with Web site-based 
information, there would be no change in format (i.e., going from 
electronic reporting to electronic storage), we stated our belief that 
there would be virtually no burden hours imposed in transferring 
information provided on a tire manufacturer's Web site to a 
recordkeeping site. For these reasons, we stated our belief that the 
recordkeeping burden hours would remain at 25,000 hours.
    We solicited comments on the proposed changes in the collection of 
information associated with Part 574 and on our analysis of how the 
changes will affect the number of burden hours affecting the public. We 
provided a 60-day comment period on the proposed collection of 
information.
    We received no comments specifically addressing this Paperwork 
Reduction Act analysis. Therefore, when this final rule takes effect, 
the total annual tire registration and recordkeeping hours associated 
with Part 574 (OMB Clearance No. 2127-0050) will remain at 250,000 
hours per year.

G. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272) 
directs NHTSA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory 
activities unless doing so would be inconsistent with applicable law or 
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical 
standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling 
procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by 
voluntary consensus standards bodies, such as the Society of Automotive 
Engineers (SAE). The NTTAA directs the agency to provide Congress, 
through the OMB, explanations when we decide not to use available and 
applicable voluntary consensus standards.
    After carefully reviewing the available information, NHTSA has 
determined that there are no voluntary consensus standards relevant to 
this rulemaking, as the information to be collected and sent to tire 
manufacturers is needed only in the event of a tire recall. 
Accordingly, this rule is in compliance with Section 12(d) of NTTAA.

H. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) 
requires Federal agencies to prepare a written assessment of the costs, 
benefits, and other effects of proposed or final rules that include a 
Federal mandate likely to result in the expenditure by State, local or 
tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of more 
than $100 million in any one year (adjusted for inflation with base 
year of 1995). Before promulgating a rule for which a written statement 
is needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires NHTSA to identify 
and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and to 
adopt the least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome 
alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule. The provisions of 
section 205 do not apply when they are inconsistent with applicable 
law. Moreover, section 205 allows NHTSA to adopt an alternative other 
than the least costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome 
alternative if the agency publishes with the final rule an explanation 
why that alternative was not adopted.
    This final rule will not result in the expenditure by State, local, 
or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of 
more than $100 million annually. Accordingly, the agency has not 
prepared an Unfunded Mandates assessment.

I. Plain Language

    Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write all rules in 
plain language. Application of the principles of plain language 
includes consideration of the following questions:

--Have we organized the material to suit the public's needs?
--Are the requirements in the rule clearly stated?
--Does the rule contain technical language or jargon that is not clear?

[[Page 72368]]

--Would a different format (grouping and order of sections, use of 
headings, paragraphing) make the rule easier to understand?
--Would more (but shorter) sections be better?
--Could we improve clarity by adding tables, lists, or diagrams?
--What else could we do to make this rulemaking easier to understand?

    If you have any responses to these questions, please include them 
in comments to the docket number cited in the heading of this final 
rule.

J. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)

    The Department of Transportation assigns a regulation identifier 
number (RIN) to each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of 
Federal Regulations. The Regulatory Information Service Center 
publishes the Unified Agenda in April and October of each year. You may 
use the RIN contained in the heading at the beginning of this document 
to find this action in the Unified Agenda.

K. Privacy Act

    Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-19478) or you may visit http://docketsinfo.dot.gov/.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 574

    Labeling, Motor vehicle safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, and Tires.


0
In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA amends 49 CFR part 574 as 
follows:

PART 574--TIRE IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDKEEPING

0
1. The authority for part 574 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117 and 30166; 
delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.


0
2. Section 574.7 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3), 
removing figures 3a, 3b, and 4 immediately following paragraph (d), and 
adding new paragraphs (e) and (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  574.7  Information requirements--tire manufacturers, new tire 
brand name owners.

    (a)(1) * * *
    (2) Each tire registration form provided to independent 
distributors and dealers pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
shall contain space for recording the information specified in 
paragraphs (a)(4)(i) through (a)(4)(iii) of this section. Each form 
shall:
    (i) Have the following physical characteristics:
    (A) Be rectangular;
    (B) Be not less than 3\1/2\ inches high, 5 inches long, and 0.007 
inches thick;
    (C) Be not more than 4\1/4\ inches high, 6 inches long, and 0.016 
inch thick.
    (ii) On the address side of the form, be addressed with the name 
and address of the manufacturer or its designee, and include, in the 
upper right hand corner, the statement ``Affix a postcard stamp.''
    (iii) On the other side of the form:
    (A) Include the tire manufacturer's name, unless it appears on the 
address side of the form;
    (B) Include a statement explaining the purpose of the form and how 
a consumer may register tires. The statement shall:
    (1) Include the heading ``IMPORTANT''.
    (2) Include the sentence: ``In case of a recall, we can reach you 
only if we have your name and address.''
    (3) Indicate that sending in the card will add a person to the 
manufacturer's recall list.
    (4) A tire manufacturer may voluntarily provide means for tire 
registration via the Internet, by telephone or other electronic means. 
If a tire manufacturer voluntarily provides a Web site or other means 
by which its tires can be registered, it may (but is not required to) 
include a sentence listing one or more such means, beginning with the 
phrase ``Instead of mailing this form, you can * * *.'' Example: 
Instead of mailing this form, you can register online at [insert tire 
manufacturer's registration Web site address].
    (5) Include the sentence: ``Do it today.''
    (C) Include space for recording tire identification numbers for six 
tires.
    (D) Use shading to distinguish between areas of the form to be 
filled in by sellers and customers.
    (1) Include the statement: ``Shaded areas must be filled in by 
seller.''
    (2) The areas of the form for recording tire identification numbers 
and information about the seller of the tires must be shaded.
    (3) The area of the form for recording the customer name and 
address must not be shaded.
    (E) Include, in the top right corner, the phrase ``OMB Control No. 
2127-0050''.
    (3) Each tire registration form provided to distributors and 
dealers that are not independent distributors or dealers pursuant to 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section must contain space for recording the 
information specified in paragraphs (a)(4)(i) through (a)(4)(iii) of 
this section. Each form must include:
    (A) A statement indicating where the form should be returned, 
including the name and mailing address of the manufacturer or its 
designee.
    (B) The tire manufacturers' logo or other identification, if the 
manufacturer is not identified as part of the statement indicating 
where the form should be returned.
    (C) The statement: ``IMPORTANT: FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES TIRE 
IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS MUST BE REGISTERED''.
    (D) In the top right corner, the phrase ``OMB Control No. 2127-
0050''.
* * * * *
    (e) Tire manufacturers may voluntarily provide means for tire 
registration via the Internet, by telephone or other electronic means.
    (f) Each tire manufacturer shall meet the requirements of 
paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this section with respect to tire 
registration information submitted to it or its designee by any means 
authorized by the manufacturer in addition to the use of registration 
forms.

0
3. Section 574.8 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  574.8  Information requirements--tire distributors and dealers.

    (a) Independent distributors and dealers.
    (1) Each independent distributor and each independent dealer 
selling or leasing new tires to tire purchasers or lessors (hereinafter 
referred to in this section as ``tire purchasers'') shall comply with 
paragraph (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) or (a)(1)(iii) of this section:
    (i) At the time of sale or lease of the tire, provide each tire 
purchaser with a paper tire registration form on which the distributor 
or dealer has recorded the following information:
    (A) The entire tire identification number of the tire(s) sold or 
leased to the tire purchaser, and
    (B) The distributor's or dealer's name and street address. In lieu 
of the street address, and if one is available, the distributor or 
dealer's e-mail address or Web site may be recorded. Other means of 
identifying the distributor or dealer known to the manufacturer may 
also be used.
    (ii) Record the following information on a paper tire registration 
form and return it to the tire manufacturer, or its designee, on behalf 
of the tire purchaser, at no charge to the tire purchaser and

[[Page 72369]]

within 30 days of the date of sale or lease:
    (A) The purchaser's name and address,
    (B) The entire tire identification number of the tire(s) sold or 
leased to the tire purchaser, and
    (C) The distributor's or dealer's name and street address. In lieu 
of the street address, and if one is available, the distributor or 
dealer's e-mail address or Web site may be recorded. Other means of 
identifying the distributor or dealer known to the manufacturer may 
also be used.
    (iii) Electronically transmit the following information on the tire 
registration form by any means listed on the form by the tire 
manufacturer, or by such other means as may be authorized by the tire 
manufacturer, to the tire manufacturer or its designee, using secure 
means (e.g., https on the Web), at no charge to the tire purchaser and 
within 30 days of the date of sale or lease:
    (A) The purchaser's name and address,
    (B) The entire tire identification number of the tire(s) sold or 
leased to the tire purchaser, and
    (C) The distributor's or dealer's name and street address. In lieu 
of the street address, and if one is available, the distributor or 
dealer's e-mail address or Web site may be recorded. Other means of 
identifying the distributor or dealer known to the manufacturer may 
also be used.
    (2) Each independent distributor or dealer that complies with 
paragraph (a)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section shall use either the tire 
registration forms provided by the tire manufacturers pursuant to Sec.  
574.7(a) or registration forms obtained from another source. Paper 
forms obtained from other sources must comply with the requirements 
specified in Sec.  574.7(a) for forms provided by tire manufacturers to 
independent distributors and dealers.
    (3) Multiple tire sales or leases by the same tire purchaser may be 
recorded on a single paper registration form or in a single Web site 
transaction.
    (4) Each independent distributor or dealer that is complying with 
paragraph (a)(1)(iii) with respect to a sale or lease shall include a 
statement to that effect on the invoice for that sale or lease and 
provide the invoice to the tire purchaser.
    (b) Other distributors and dealers.
    (1) Each distributor and each dealer, other than an independent 
distributor or dealer, selling new tires to tire purchasers:
    (i) shall submit, using paper registration forms or, if authorized 
by the tire manufacturer, secure electronic means, the information 
specified in Sec.  574.7(a)(4) to the manufacturer of the tires sold, 
or to the manufacturer's designee.
    (ii) shall submit the information specified in Sec.  574.7(a)(4) to 
the tire manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee, not less often 
than every 30 days. A distributor or dealer selling fewer than 40 tires 
of all makes, types and sizes during a 30 day period may wait until a 
total of 40 new tires is sold. In no event may more than six months 
elapse before the Sec.  574.7(a)(4) information is forwarded to the 
respective tire manufacturers or their designees.
    (c) Each distributor and each dealer selling new tires to other 
tire distributors or dealers shall supply to the distributor or dealer 
a means to record the information specified in Sec.  574.7(a)(4), 
unless such means has been provided to that distributor or dealer by 
another person or by a manufacturer.
    (d) Each distributor and each dealer shall immediately stop selling 
any group of tires when so directed by a notification issued pursuant 
to 49 U.S.C. 30118, Notification of defects and noncompliance.

    Issued on: November 19, 2008.
David Kelly,
Acting Administrator.
 [FR Doc. E8-28094 Filed 11-26-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P