[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 31, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48539-48545]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-18633]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 571

[Docket No. NHTSA-2019-0074]


RIN 2127-AL87

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Technical Corrections and 
Clarifications Related to Tires and Rims

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document amends Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 
(FMVSS) No. 109, ``New pneumatic and certain specialty tires,'' in 
response to a petition for rulemaking from the Tire and Rim 
Association, to clarify the applicability of the FMVSSs to certain 
types of tires intended for use on trailers. Based on a review of prior 
amendments to FMVSS Nos. 109 and 119, ``New pneumatic tires for motor 
vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 4,536 
kilograms (10,000 pounds) and motorcycles.'' NHTSA concludes that it 
inadvertently made these tires subject to both FMVSS Nos. 109 and 119, 
when it was the Agency's intent to make them subject only to FMVSS No. 
119. This document corrects that error, and also includes 
nonsubstantive technical corrections to tire and rim regulations.

DATES: The effective date of this rule is September 30, 2021.
    Petitions for reconsideration: Petitions for reconsideration of 
this final rule must be received not later than October 15, 2021.

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 hand delivery or courier 
delivery, delivery is only possible between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 
Eastern time. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call 
(202) 366-9332 before coming.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Jasinski, Office of the Chief 
Counsel, by telephone at (202) 366-2992, and by fax at (202) 366-3820. 
You may send mail to this official at the National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Summary of the NPRM

    On August 21, 2019, NHTSA published in the Federal Register a 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing amendments to FMVSS No. 
109, in response to a petition from the Tire and Rim Association (TRA). 
TRA sought to clarify the applicability of the FMVSSs to certain types 
of tires intended for use on trailers (Special Trailer (ST) tires, Farm 
Implement (FI) tires, and tires with a rim diameter code of 12 or below 
(hereinafter, ``specialty tires'')), and sought other nonsubstantive 
technical amendments.\1\ The NPRM proposed to clarify NHTSA's intent to 
make specialty tires intended for use on trailers to be subject only to 
FMVSS No. 119.
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    \1\ 84 FR 43563.
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    In the NPRM, NHTSA acknowledged that in a January 2006 final 
rule,\2\ NHTSA stated its intent for specialty tires to be subject to 
FMVSS No. 119, but in an August 2007 final rule had inadvertently made 
specialty tires also subject to FMVSS No. 109.\3\ Further, NHTSA 
acknowledged that FMVSS No. 109 does not specify test conditions for 
specialty tires with maximum inflation pressures not specified in FMVSS 
No. 109. Without specified test pressures, NHTSA cannot test specialty 
tires for compliance with FMVSS No. 109. While this issue could be 
remedied by adding new test pressures to FMVSS No. 109, NHTSA stated 
its belief that making specialty tires subject to FMVSS No. 119 is 
preferable because FMVSS No. 119 specifies test conditions based on 
load range designations. Doing so would provide the tire industry 
flexibility to change maximum tire inflation pressures for specialty 
tires without first requesting regulatory changes from NHTSA.
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    \2\ 71 FR 877.
    \3\ 72 FR 49207.
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    Based on the foregoing, NHTSA proposed an amendment to FMVSS No. 
109 to remove references to specialty tires from the title and the 
``Application'' section. Second, NHTSA proposed to add a reference to 
specialty tires to the title of FMVSS No. 119. In addition, though not 
suggested by TRA, NHTSA proposed an amendment to the ``Scope'' section 
of FMVSS No. 119 to include a reference to specialty tires, to provide 
added clarity regarding the applicability of FMVSS No. 119 to specialty 
tires. Specialty tires are already listed in the ``Application'' 
section of FMVSS No. 119.

[[Page 48540]]

    NHTSA also proposed amendments to Table III in FMVSS No. 119, the 
endurance test schedule, which had been included in a prior NPRM 
proposing upgrades to FMVSS No. 119.\4\ These included technical 
corrections to Table III of FMVSS No. 119 to include items that have 
been inadvertently omitted from the table through amendments to the 
standard, including those pertinent to specialty tires. The NPRM 
proposed correcting the omission of load range C, D, M, and N for 
speed-restricted service tires, load range A through E and M from the 
list of ``All other'' tires, and missing footnotes.
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    \4\ 75 FR 60036 (Sep. 29, 2010). These proposals did not receive 
adverse comments responding to that NPRM.
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    The August 2019 NPRM also included several nonsubstantive technical 
amendments:
     A corresponding amendment to FMVSS No. 110 to remove a 
reference to FMVSS No. 109 as a standard under which specialty tires 
could be certified.
     Clarification that tires manufactured for vehicles 
manufactured in the year 1975 are subject to FMVSS No. 109.
     The reinsertion of a footnote in Table II of FMVSS No. 119 
that had inadvertently been omitted, stating that the minimum breaking 
energy requirements for rayon cord tires is 60 percent of those listed 
in the Table II.\5\
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    \5\ This amendment had been proposed previously in a January 10, 
2013 Supplemental NPRM and NHTSA received no adverse comment. See 78 
FR 2236.
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     Formatting changes and revised headings in Table II of 
FMVSS No. 119 to make the table easier to read.\6\
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    \6\ Id.
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     Correction of the formula in S7.3(f)(1) of FMVSS No. 119 
for computing breaking energy of a tire when using metric units.\7\
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    \7\ Id.
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     Correction of the values for total number of revolutions 
of the test wheel during the endurance test in Table III of FMVSS No. 
119.
     Clarification that deep tread (18/32 inch or greater) 
light truck tires are excluded from FMVSS No. 139. NHTSA had previously 
determined that such tires should be subject to FMVSS No. 119.\8\
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    \8\ Supra note 2.
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     Clarification that FMVSS No. 139 excludes tires with rim 
diameters of 12 inches and below, not 8 inches as it currently is 
stated. Tires with rim diameters between 8 and 12 inches are considered 
specialty tires that will be subject only to FMVSS No. 119.
     The insertion of a missing heading referencing light truck 
tires with a nominal cross section <= 295 mm (11.5 inches) in the 
tables setting forth the test pressure for the high speed performance 
test, the tire endurance test, and the low inflation pressure 
performance test for light trucks in FMVSS No. 139.
     Correction of NHTSA's current address in FMVSS No. 110 and 
FMVSS No. 139.
     Typographical errors in the application section of FMVSS 
No. 110.

II. Summary of the Comments Received and NHTSA's Response

    NHTSA received three comments in response to the August 2019 NPRM, 
one from the Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association (JATMA) 
and two separate comments from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association 
(USTMA), both of which are trade associations representing tire 
manufacturers.
    JATMA's comment supported the proposal. However, JATMA also sought 
an amendment to S5.5.1 of FMVSS No. 139 ``to reflect new Tire 
Identification Number [TIN] stipulated in 49 CFR part 574.5.'' \9\ 
Although JATMA does not specify precisely what in S5.5.1 of FMVSS No. 
139 it wants amended, NHTSA believes that JATMA is likely referring to 
the reference to an ``optional code.''
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    \9\ JATMA comments, Docket No. NHTSA-2019-0074-0002, at 1.
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    NHTSA is not accepting this suggested amendment from JATMA in the 
final rule. In an April 13, 2015 final rule, NHTSA updated the TIN 
requirements to standardize the length of the TIN to 13 symbols for new 
tires, making no part of the TIN optional.\10\ However, compliance with 
these new requirements is optional until April 13, 2025 for most new 
tire manufacturers. Until that date, some tire manufacturers may be 
following the older TIN content requirements, which include an optional 
code. Therefore, NHTSA will not consider removing the references to an 
optional code in FMVSS No. 139, as suggested by JATMA, until after 
April 13, 2025.
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    \10\ 80 FR 19553.
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    USTMA's first comment was supportive of the proposal. However, it 
noted that the heading of section III.A in the NPRM referred to the 
``Date of Manufacture of Tires Subject to FMVSS No. 109.'' USTMA noted 
that the applicability of FMVSS No. 109 hinges on the date of 
manufacture of the vehicle rather than the date of manufacture of the 
tire. USTMA is correct. However, as they noted in their comment, the 
text following the heading referred to the applicability of FMVSS No. 
109 correctly.
    USTMA submitted a second comment identifying a typographical error 
in FMVSS No. 119 not discussed in the NPRM. FMVSS No. 119, S6.3 sets 
forth requirements for the high speed performance test and refers to 
test procedures specified in S7.3. However, USTMA observed that the 
test procedures for the high speed performance test in FMVSS No. 119 
are actually located in S7.4. USTMA requested that NHTSA correct this 
typographical error. NHTSA agrees that this is a typographical error 
and is correcting the error in this final rule.\11\
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    \11\ NHTSA finds that there is good cause to exempt this 
amendment from the notice-and-comment procedure usually undertaken 
prior to adopting amendments. Advance notice of this amendment is 
unnecessary because this is merely a correction of an obvious 
typographical error.
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    Finally, NHTSA has reviewed the updates and clarifications in the 
proposal and has found that one additional change to the presentation 
of Table II of FMVSS No. 119 would be helpful. Specifically, NHTSA is 
separating the column containing light truck tires and tubeless tires 
with rim diameter code 17.5 or smaller into two separate columns. 
Although these tires use the same plunger size and have the same 
performance requirements for any given load range, including them in 
the same column made the column heading either ambiguous or too long. 
This nonsubstantive change should ease reader understanding.

III. Final Rule

    For the reasons stated in the August 2019 NPRM, NHTSA is adopting 
all of the amendments proposed in the August 2019 NPRM except for the 
modification to Table II of FMVSS No. 119 discussed in the prior 
paragraph. The Agency is also amending S6.3 of FMVSS No. 119 to correct 
a typographical error, as discussed in the response to the comment from 
USTMA.

IV. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

A. Executive Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, and DOT Rulemaking 
Procedures

    NHTSA has considered the impact of this rulemaking action under 
Executive Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, and the Department of 
Transportation's administrative rulemaking procedures. This rulemaking 
is not considered significant and was not reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget under E.O. 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review.''
    This rule clarifies the applicability of the FMVSSs to tires 
intended for use on

[[Page 48541]]

trailers and makes other technical amendments. It will not result in 
any costs nor will it have any impact on safety.

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 the rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. SBREFA amended the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to provide a statement of 
the factual basis for certifying that a rule would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    NHTSA has considered the effects of this final rule under the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act. I certify that this rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
This rule will directly impact manufacturers of tires. Although we 
believe some manufacturers affected by this rule are considered small 
businesses, we do not believe this rule will have a significant 
economic impact on those manufacturers. This final rule makes only 
minor technical changes to the FMVSSs, and does not affect the 
substantive requirements of the FMVSSs. This rule will not impose any 
costs upon manufacturers and instead, will relieve any confusion that 
may exist regarding the applicability of FMVSS No. 109 to specialty 
tires.

C. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    NHTSA has examined this 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 
the rulemaking would not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant consultation with State and local officials or the preparation 
of a federalism summary impact statement. The final rule would 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.''
    NHTSA rules can preempt in two ways. First, the National Traffic 
and Motor Vehicle Safety Act contains an express preemption provision: 
When a motor vehicle safety standard is in effect under this chapter, a 
State or a political subdivision of a State may prescribe or continue 
in effect a standard applicable to the same aspect of performance of a 
motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment only if the standard is 
identical to the standard prescribed under this chapter. 49 U.S.C. 
30103(b)(1). It is this statutory command by Congress that preempts any 
non-identical State legislative and administrative law addressing the 
same aspect of performance.
    The express preemption provision described above is subject to a 
savings clause under which ``[c]ompliance with a motor vehicle safety 
standard prescribed under this chapter does not exempt a person from 
liability at common law.'' 49 U.S.C. 30103(e). Pursuant to this 
provision, State common law tort causes of action against motor vehicle 
manufacturers that might otherwise be preempted by the express 
preemption provision are generally preserved. However, the Supreme 
Court has recognized the possibility, in some instances, of implied 
preemption of such State common law tort causes of action by virtue of 
NHTSA's rules, even if not expressly preempted. This second way that 
NHTSA rules can preempt is dependent upon there being an actual 
conflict between an FMVSS and the higher standard that would 
effectively be imposed on motor vehicle manufacturers if someone 
obtained a State common law tort judgment against the manufacturer, 
notwithstanding the manufacturer's compliance with the NHTSA standard. 
Because most NHTSA standards established by an FMVSS are minimum 
standards, a State common law tort cause of action that seeks to impose 
a higher standard on motor vehicle manufacturers will generally not be 
preempted. However, if and when such a conflict does exist--for 
example, when the standard at issue is both a minimum and a maximum 
standard--the State common law tort cause of action is impliedly 
preempted. See Geier v. American Honda Motor Co., 529 U.S. 861 (2000).
    Pursuant to Executive Order 13132 and 12988, NHTSA has considered 
whether this rule could or should preempt State common law causes of 
action. The Agency's ability to announce its conclusion regarding the 
preemptive effect of one of its rules reduces the likelihood that 
preemption will be an issue in any subsequent tort litigation.
    To this end, the Agency has examined the nature (e.g., the language 
and structure of the regulatory text) and objectives of this rule and 
finds that this rule, like many NHTSA rules, prescribes only a minimum 
safety standard. As such, NHTSA does not intend that this rule preempt 
State tort law that effectively would impose a higher standard on motor 
vehicle manufacturers than that established by today's rule. 
Establishment of a higher standard by means of State tort law would not 
conflict with the minimum standard announced here. Without any 
conflict, there could not be any implied preemption of a State common 
law tort cause of action.

D. 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; Feb. 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) specifies 
whether administrative proceedings are to be required before parties 
file suit in court; (6) 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 issue of 
preemption is discussed above. NHTSA notes further that there is no 
requirement that individuals submit a petition for reconsideration or 
pursue other administrative proceedings before they may file suit in 
court.

E. Protection of Children From Environmental Health and Safety Risks

    Executive Order 13045, ``Protection of Children from Environmental 
Health and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 19855, April 23, 1997), applies to any 
rule that: (1)

[[Page 48542]]

Is determined to be ``economically significant'' as defined under 
Executive Order 12866, and (2) concerns an environmental, health, or 
safety risk that the agency has reason to believe may have a 
disproportionate effect on children. If the regulatory action meets 
both criteria, the Agency must evaluate the environmental health or 
safety effects of the planned rule on children, and explain why the 
planned regulation is preferable to other potentially effective and 
reasonably feasible alternatives considered by the Agency.
    This rule is not economically significant as defined under 
Executive Order 12866. Further, this rulemaking is not expected to have 
a disproportionate health or safety impact on children. Consequently, 
no further analysis is required under Executive Order 13045.

F. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), a person is not 
required to respond to a collection of information by a Federal agency 
unless the collection displays a valid OMB control number. There is no 
information collection requirement associated with this rule.

G. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act (NTTAA) requires NHTSA to evaluate and use existing voluntary 
consensus standards in its regulatory activities unless doing so would 
be inconsistent with applicable law (e.g., the statutory provisions 
regarding NHTSA's vehicle safety authority) or otherwise impractical. 
Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards developed or 
adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. Technical standards 
are defined by the NTTAA as ``performance-based or design-specific 
technical specification and related management systems practices.'' 
They pertain to ``products and processes, such as size, strength, or 
technical performance of a product, process or material.''
    Examples of organizations generally regarded as voluntary consensus 
standards bodies include ASTM International, the Society of Automotive 
Engineers (SAE), and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). 
If NHTSA does not use available and potentially applicable voluntary 
consensus standards, we are required by the Act to provide Congress, 
through OMB, an explanation of the reasons for not using such 
standards.
    There are no voluntary consensus standards developed by voluntary 
consensus standards bodies pertaining to this rule.

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 annually (adjusted for inflation with base year of 
1995). Before promulgating a NHTSA rule for which a written statement 
is needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires the Agency to 
identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives 
and 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 the Agency 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 
of why that alternative was not adopted.
    This final rule would not result in any expenditure by State, 
local, or tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 
million, adjusted for inflation.

I. 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.

J. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs designated this rule 
as not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

K. 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.

L. Privacy Act

    Please note that anyone can search the electronic form of all 
documents received into any of our dockets by the name of the 
individual submitting the document (or signing the document, 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 19477-78), or online at 
https://www.transportation.gov/privacy/.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 571

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

    In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA amends 49 CFR part 571 as 
follows:

PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS

0
1. The authority citation for part 571 of Title 49 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117, and 30166; 
delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.95.


0
2. Amend Sec.  571.109 by revising the section heading and paragraph S2 
to read as follows:


Sec.  571.109  Standard No. 109; New pneumatic tires for vehicles 
manufactured from 1949 to 1975, bias ply tires, and T-type spare tires.

* * * * *
    S2. Application. This standard applies to new pneumatic radial 
tires for use on passenger cars manufactured from 1949 through 1975, 
new pneumatic bias ply tires, and T-type spare tires. However, it does 
not apply to any tire that has been so altered so as to render 
impossible its use, or its repair for use, as motor vehicle equipment.
* * * * *

0
3. Amend Sec.  571.110 by revising paragraphs S2, S4.1(b)(2), and 
S4.4.2(e)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  571.110  Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation 
vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles 
with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less.

* * * * *
    S2. Application. This standard applies to motor vehicles with a 
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) 
or less, except for motorcycles, and to non-pneumatic spare tire 
assemblies for those vehicles.
* * * * *
    S4.1 * * *

[[Page 48543]]

    (b) * * *
    (2) Trailers may be equipped with ST tires, FI tires, or tires with 
a rim diameter code of 12 or below that meet the requirements of Sec.  
571.119.
* * * * *
    S4.4.2 * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) Any manufacturer that elects to express the date of manufacture 
by means of a symbol shall notify NHTSA in writing of the full names 
and addresses of all manufacturers and brand name owners utilizing that 
symbol and the name and address of the trademark owner of that symbol, 
if any. The notification shall describe in narrative form and in detail 
how the month, day, and year or the month and year are depicted by the 
symbol. Such description shall include an actual size graphic depiction 
of the symbol, showing and/or explaining the interrelationship of the 
component parts of the symbol as they will appear on the rim or single 
piece wheel disc, including dimensional specifications, and where the 
symbol will be located on the rim or single piece wheel disc. The 
notification shall be received by NHTSA not less than 60 calendar days 
before the first use of the symbol. The notification shall be mailed to 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, West Building, 1200 New 
Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590. All information provided to NHTSA 
under this paragraph will be placed in the public docket.
* * * * *

0
4. Amend Sec.  571.119 by:
0
a. Revising the section heading.
0
b. Revising paragraph S1.
0
c. Revising paragraph S6.3.
0
d. Revising paragraph S7.3(f)(1) and (2).
0
e. Revising Table II--Minimum Static Breaking Energy.
0
f. Revising Table III--Endurance Test Schedule.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  571.119   Standard No. 119; New pneumatic tires for motor 
vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds), 
specialty tires, and tires for motorcycles.

* * * * *
    S1. Scope. This standard establishes performance and marking 
requirements for tires for use on motor vehicles with a GVWR of more 
than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds), specialty tires, and tires for 
motorcycles.
* * * * *
    S6.3 High speed performance. When tested in accordance with the 
procedures of S7.4, a tire shall meet the requirements set forth in 
S6.1.1 and S6.1.2(a) and (b). However, this requirement applies only to 
motorcycle tires and to non-speed-restricted tires of nominal rim 
diameter code 14.5 or less marked load range A, B, C, or D.
* * * * *
    S7.3 * * *
    (f) * * *
(1) W = [(F x P)/2] x 10-3

Where:

W = Breaking energy in joules (J),
F = Force in newtons (N), and
P = Penetration in millimeters (mm),

or;

(2) W = (F x P)/2

Where:

W = Breaking energy in inch-pounds (in-lb),
F = Force in pounds (lb), and
P = Penetration in inches (in).
* * * * *

[[Page 48544]]



                                                                                                Table II--Minimum Static Breaking Energy
                                                                                                  [Joules (J) and Inch-Pounds (in-lb)]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Tires other than light truck, motorcycle, 12 rim diameter code or smaller
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tire characteristic                                            Motorcycle
                                                           All 12 rim diameter
                                                             code or smaller
                                                            except motorcycle
                                                           Light Truck greater
                                                          than 12 rim diameter
                                                                  code
                                                            Tube type greater than 12 rim diameter
                                                                             code
                                                            Tubeless 17.5 rim
                                                            diameter code or
                                                                 smaller
                                                            Tubeless greater than 17.5 rim diameter
                                                                             code
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plunger diameter                                            7.94 mm   \5/16\''   19.05 mm    \3/4\''   19.05 mm    \3/4\''   31.75 mm  1 \1/4\''   38.10 mm  1 \1/2\''   19.05 mm    \3/4\''   31.75 mm  1 \1/4\''   38.10 mm  1 \1/2\''
(mm and inches)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breaking Energy                                                   J      in-lb          J      in-lb          J      in-lb          J      in-lb          J      in-lb          J      in-lb          J      in-lb          J      in-lb
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Load Range:
    A...................................................         16        150         67        600        225      2,000  .........  .........  .........  .........        225      2,000  .........  .........  .........  .........
    B...................................................         33        300        135      1,200        293      2,600  .........  .........  .........  .........        293      2,600  .........  .........  .........  .........
    C...................................................         45        400        203      1,800        361      3,200        768      6,800  .........  .........        361      3,200        576      5,100  .........  .........
    D...................................................  .........  .........        271      2,400        514      4,550        892      7,900  .........  .........        514      4,550        734      6,500  .........  .........
    E...................................................  .........  .........        338      3,000        576      5,100      1,412     12,500  .........  .........        576      5,100        971      8,600  .........  .........
    F...................................................  .........  .........        406      3,600        644      5,700      1,785     15,800  .........  .........        644      5,700      1,412     12,500  .........  .........
    G...................................................  .........  .........  .........  .........        711      6,300  .........  .........      2,282     20,200        711      6,300  .........  .........      1,694     15,000
    H...................................................  .........  .........  .........  .........        768      6,800  .........  .........      2,598     23,000        768      6,800  .........  .........      2,090     18,500
    J...................................................  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........      2,824     25,000  .........  .........  .........  .........      2,203     19,500
    L...................................................  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........      3,050     27,000  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........
    M...................................................  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........      3,220     28,500  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........
    N...................................................  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........      3,389     30,000  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: For rayon cord tires, applicable energy values are 60 percent of those in table.


[[Page 48545]]


                                                           Table III--Endurance Test Schedule
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Test wheel speed        Test load: Percent of maximum load
                                                                        --------------------------                 rating                   Total test
               Description                          Load range                                    ---------------------------------------   revolution
                                                                             km/h         r/m       Step I (7   Step II (16    Step III     (thousands)
                                                                                                      hours)       hours)     (24 hours)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speed-restricted service:
    90 km/h (55 mph).....................  All.........................           40          125           66           84          101           352.5
    80 km/h (50 mph).....................  C, D........................           48          150           75           97          114           423.0
                                           E, F, G, H, J, L, M, N......           32          100           66           84          101           282.0
    56 km/h (35 mph).....................  All.........................           24           75           66           84          101           211.5
Motorcycle...............................  All.........................           80          250       \a\100       \b\108          117           510.0
All other................................  A, B, C, D..................           80          250        \a\75        \b\97          114           510.0
                                           E...........................           64          200           70           88          106           564.0
                                           F...........................           64          200           66           84          101           564.0
                                           G...........................           56          175           66           84          101           493.5
                                           H, J, L, M, N...............           48          150           66           84          101           423.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ 4 hours for tire sizes subject to high speed requirements S6.3.
\b\ 6 hours for tire sizes subject to high speed requirements S6.3.

* * * * *

0
5. Amend Sec.  571.139 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph S2;
0
b. Revising paragraph S4.1.1(a);
0
c. Revising paragraph S6.2.1.1.1;
0
d. Revising paragraph S6.3.1.1.1; and
0
e. Revising paragraph S6.4.1.1.1.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  571.139   Standard No. 139; New pneumatic radial tires for light 
vehicles.

* * * * *
    S2 Application. This standard applies to new pneumatic radial tires 
for use on motor vehicles (other than motorcycles and low speed 
vehicles) that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 
pounds or less and that were manufactured after 1975. This standard 
does not apply to special tires (ST) for trailers in highway service, 
tires for use on farm implements (FI) in agricultural service with 
intermittent highway use, tires with rim diameters of 12 inches and 
below, T-type temporary use spare tires with radial construction, and 
light truck tires with a tread depth of 18/32 inch or greater.
* * * * *
    S4.1.1 * * *
    (a) Listed by manufacturer name or brand name in a document 
furnished to dealers of the manufacturer's tires, to any person upon 
request, and in duplicate to the Docket Section (No. NHTSA-2009-0117), 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, West Building, 1200 New 
Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590; or
* * * * *
    S6.2.1.1.1 Mount the tire on a test rim and inflate it to the 
pressure specified for the tire in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Test
                      Tire application                         pressure
                                                                (kPa)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Passenger car tires:
    Standard load..........................................          220
    Extra load.............................................          260
Light truck tires with a nominal cross section <=295 mm
 (11.5 inches):
    Load Range C...........................................          320
    Load Range D...........................................          410
    Load Range E...........................................          500
Light truck tires with a nominal cross section >295 mm
 (11.5 inches)
    Load Range C...........................................          230
    Load Range D...........................................          320
    Load Range E...........................................          410
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    S6.3.1.1.1 Mount the tire on a test rim and inflate it to the 
pressure specified for the tire in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Test
                      Tire application                         pressure
                                                                (kPa)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Passenger car tires:
    Standard load..........................................          180
    Extra load.............................................          220
Light truck tires with a nominal cross section <=295 mm
 (11.5 inches)
    Load Range C...........................................          260
    Load Range D...........................................          340
    Load Range E...........................................          410
Light truck tires with a nominal cross section >295 mm
 (11.5 inches)
    Load Range C...........................................          190
    Load Range D...........................................          260
    Load Range E...........................................          340
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    S6.4.1.1.1 This test is conducted following completion of the tire 
endurance test using the same tire and rim assembly tested in 
accordance with S6.3 with the tire deflated to the following 
appropriate pressure:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Test
                      Tire application                         pressure
                                                                (kPa)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Passenger car tires....................................
    Standard load..........................................          140
    Extra load.............................................          160
Light truck tires with a nominal cross section <=295 mm
 (11.5 inches)
    Load Range C...........................................          200
    Load Range D...........................................          260
    Load Range E...........................................          320
Light truck tires with a nominal cross section >295 mm
 (11.5 inches)
    Load Range C...........................................          150
    Load Range D...........................................          200
    Load Range E...........................................          260
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, under authority delegated in 49 CFR 
1.95 and 501.5.
Steven S. Cliff,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2021-18633 Filed 8-30-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P