Section

[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR571.119]

[Page 363-371]

TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

OF TRANSPORTATION

PART 571--FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents

Subpart B--Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

Sec. 571.119 Standard No. 119; New pneumatic tires for vehicles other than passenger cars.

S1. Scope. This standard establishes performance and marking
requirements for tires for use on multipurpose passenger vehicles,
trucks, buses, trailers, and motorcycles.
S2. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to provide safe
operational

[[Page 364]]

performance levels for tires used on motor vehicles other than passenger
cars, and to place sufficient information on the tires to permit their
proper selection and use.
S3. Application. This standard applies to new pneumatic tires
designed for highway use on multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks,
buses, trailers, and motorcycles manufactured after 1948.
S4. Definitions. All terms defined in the Act and the rules and
standards issued under its authority are used as defined therein.
Light truck tire means a tire designated by its manuafacturer as
primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose
passenger vehicles.
Model rim assembly means a test device that (a) includes a rim which
conforms to the published dimensions of a commercially available rim,
(b) includes an air valve assembly when used for testing tubeless tires
or an innertube and flap (as required) when used for testing tubetype
tires, and (c) undergoes no permanent rim deformation and allows no loss
of air through the portion that it comprises of the tire-rim pressure
chamber when a tire is properly mounted on the assembly and subjected to
the requirements of this standard.
S5. Tire and rim matching information.
S5.1 Each manufacturer of tires shall ensure that a listing of the
rims that may be used with each tire that he produces is provided to the
public. For purposes of this section each rim listing shall include
dimensional specifications and a diagram of the rim. However a listing
compiled in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section need not
include dimensional specifications or a diagram of a rim if the rim's
dimensional specifications and diagram are contained in each listing
published in accordance with paragraph (b) of this standard. The listing
shall be in one of the following forms:
(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: Docket Section, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590; or
(b) Contained in publications, current at the date of manufacture of
the tire or any later date, of at least one of the following
organizations:

The Tire and Rim Association
The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation
Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers' Association, Inc.
Deutsche Industrie Norm
British Standards Institution
Scandinavian Tire and Rim Organization
The Tyre and Rim Association of Australia

S5.2 Information contained in a publication specified in S5.1(b)
which lists general categories of tires and rims by size designation,
type of construction, and/or intended use, shall be considered to be
manufacturer's information pursuant to S5.1 for the listed tires, unless
the publication itself or specific information provided according to
S5.1(a) indicates otherwise.
S6. Requirements. Each tire shall be capable of meeting any of the
applicable requirements set forth below, when mounted on a model rim
assembly corresponding to any rim designated by the tire manufacturer
for use with the tire in accordance with S5. However, a particular tire
need not meet further requirements after having been subjected to and
met the endurance test (S6.1), strength test (S6.2), or high speed
performance test (S6.3).
S6.1 Endurance.
S6.1.1 Prior to testing in accordance with the procedures of S7.2,
a tire shall exhibit no visual evidence of tread, sidewall, ply, cord,
innerliner, or bead separation, chunking, broken cords, cracking, or
open splices.
S6.1.2 When tested in accordance with the procedures of S7.2:
(a) There shall be no visual evidence of tread, sidewall, ply, cord,
innerliner, or bead separation, chunking, broken cords, cracking, or
open splices.
(b) The tire pressure at the end of the test shall be not less than
the initial pressure specified in S7.2(a).
S6.2 Strength. When tested in accordance with the procedures of
S7.3 a tire's average breaking energy value shall be not less than the
value specified in Table II for that tire's size and load range.

[[Page 365]]

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 14.5-in nominal
rim diameter or less marked load range A, B, C, or D.
S6.4 Treadwear indicators. Except as specified below, each tire
shall have at least six treadwear indicators spaced approximately
equally around the circumference of the tire that enable a person
inspecting the tire to determine visually whether the tire has worn to a
tread depth of one-sixteenth of an inch. Tires with 12-inch or smaller
rim diameter shall have at least three such treadwear indicators.
Motorcycle tires shall have at least three such indicators which permit
visual determination that the tire has worn to a tread depth of one-
thirty-second of an inch.
S6.5 Tire markings. Except as specified below, each tire shall be
marked on each sidewall with the information specified in paragraphs (a)
through (j) of this section. The markings shall be placed between the
maximum section width (exclusive of sidewall decorations or curb ribs)
and the bead on at least one sidewall, unless the maximum section width
of the tire is located in an area which is not more than one-fourth of
the distance from the bead to the shoulder of the tire. If the maximum
section width falls within that area, the markings shall appear between
the bead and a point one-half the distance from the bead to the shoulder
of the tire, on at least one sidewall. The markings shall be in letters
and numerals not less than 0.078 inch high and raised above or sunk
below the tire surface not less than 0.015 inch, except that the marking
depth shall be not less than 0.010 inch in the case of motorcycle tires.
The tire identification and the DOT symbol labeling shall comply with
part 574 of this chapter. Markings may appear on only one sidewall and
the entire sidewall area may be used in the case of motorcycle tires and
recreational, boat, baggage, and special trailer tires.
(a) The symbol DOT, which shall constitute a certification that the
tire conforms to applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. This
symbol may be marked on only one sidewall.
(b) The tire identification number required by part 574 of this
chapter. This number may be marked on only one sidewall.
(c) The tire size designation as listed in the documents and
publications designated in S5.1.
(d) The maximum load rating and corresponding inflation pressure of
the tire, shown as follows:

(Mark on tires rated for single and dual load):
Max load single ------ lbs at ------ psi cold.
Max load dual ------ lbs at ------ psi cold.
(Mark on tires rated only for single load:)
Max load ------ lbs at ------ psi cold.

(e) The speed restriction of the tire, if 55 mi/h or less, shown as
follows:

Max speed ------ mph.

(f) The actual number of plies and the composition of the ply cord
material in the sidewall and, if different, in the tread area;
(g) The words ``tubeless'' or ``tube type'' as applicable.
(h) The word ``regroovable'' if the tire is designed for regrooving.
(i) The word ``radial'' if a radial tire.
(j) The letter designating the tire load range.
S6.6 Maximum load rating. If the maximum load rating for a
particular tire size is shown in one or more of the publications
described in S5.1(b), each tire of that size designation shall have a
maximum load rating that is not less than the published maximum load
rating, or if there are differing published ratings for the same tire
size designation, not less than the lowest published maximum load rating
for the size designation.
S7. Test procedures.
S7.1 General conditions.
S7.1.1 The tests are performed using an appropriate new tube, tube
valve and flap assembly (as required) that allows no loss of air for
testing of tube-type tires under S7.2, S7.3, and S7.4, and tubeless
tires under S7.3.
S7.1.2 The tire must be capable of meeting the requirements of S7.2
and S7.4 when conditioned to a temperature of 95 deg.F for 3 hours
before the test is conducted, and with an ambient temperature maintained
at 95 deg.F during all

[[Page 366]]

phases of testing. The tire must be capable of meeting the requirements
of S7.3 when conditioned at a temperature of 70 deg.F for 3 hours
before the test is conducted.
S7.2 Endurance. (a) Mount the tire on a model rim assembly and
inflate it to the inflation pressure corresponding to the maximum load
rating marked on the tire. Use a single maximum load value when the tire
is marked with both single and dual maximum load.
(b) After conditioning the tire-rim assembly in accordance with
S7.1.2, adjust the tire pressure to that specified in (a) immediately
before mounting the tire rim assembly.
(c) Mount the tire-rim assembly on an axle and press it against a
flat-faced steel test wheel that is 67.23 inches in diameter and at
least as wide as the tread of the tire.
(d) Apply the test load and rotate the test wheel as indicated in
Table III for the type of tire tested conducting each successive phase
of the test without interruption.
(e) Immediately after running the tire the required time, measure
the tire inflation pressure. Remove the tire from the model rim
assembly, and inspect the tire.
S7.3 Strength. (a) Mount the tire on a model rim assembly and
inflate it to the pressure corresponding to the maximum load, or maximum
dual load where there is both a single and dual load marked on the tire.
If the tire is tubeless, a tube may be inserted to prevent loss of air
during the test in the event of puncture.
(b) After conditioning the tire-rim assembly in accordance with
S7.1.2, adjust the tire pressure to that specified in (a).
(c) Force a cylindrical steel plunger, with a hemispherical end and
of the diameter specified in Table I for the tire size, perpendicularly
into a raised tread element as near as possible to the centerline of the
tread, at a rate of 2 inches per minute, until the tire breaks or the
plunger is stopped by the rim.
(d) Record the force and the distance of penetration just before the
tire breaks, or if it fails to break, just before the plunger is stopped
by the rim.
(e) Repeat the plunger application at 72 deg. intervals around the
circumference of the tire, until five measurements are made. However, in
the case of tires of 12-in rim diameter or less, repeat the plunger
application at 120 deg. intervals around the circumference of the tire,
until three measurements are made.
(f) Compute the breaking energy for each test point by the following
formula:

W = (FP / 2)

where:

W = Breaking energy,
F = Force in pounds, and
P = Penetration in inches.

(g) Determine the average breaking energy value for the tire by
computing the average of the values obtained in accordance with
paragraph (f).
S7.4 High speed performance. (a) Perform steps (a) through (c) of
S7.2.
(b) Apply a force of 88 percent of the maximum load rating marked on
the tire (use single maximum load value when the tire is marked with
both single and dual maximum loads), and rotate the test wheel at 250
rpm for 2 hours.
(c) Remove the load, allow the tire to cool to 95 deg.F., and then
adjust the pressure to that marked on the tire for single tire use.
(d) Reapply the same load, and without interruption or readjustment
of inflation pressure, rotate the test wheel at 375 rpm for 30 minutes,
then at 400 rpm for 30 minutes, and then at 425 rpm for 30 minutes.
(e) Immediately after running the tire the required time, measure
the tire inflation pressure. Remove the tire from the model rim
assembly, and inspect the tire.

Table I--Strength Test Plunger Diameter
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plunger
diameter
(inches)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tire type:
Light truck............................................... \3/4\
Motorcycle................................................ \5/16\

[[Page 367]]

Tires for 12-inch or smaller rims, except motorcycle...... \3/4\
Tires other than the above types:
Tubeless:
17.5-inch or smaller rims............................... \3/4\
Larger than 17.5-inch rims:
Load range F or less.................................. 1\1/4\
Load range over F..................................... 1\1/2\
Tube type:
Load range F or less.................................... 1\1/4\
Load range over F....................................... 1\1/2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table II--Minimum Static Breaking Energy (inch-pounds)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Load range Light
----------------------------------------------------- truck,
All 12 17.5
inch or inch or Tube Tubeless Tube Tubeless
Tire characteristic Motorcycle smaller smaller type type
rim size rim
tubless
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plunger diameter (inch)................. \5/16\ \3/4\ 1\1/4\ 1\1/2\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A....................................... 150 600 2,000 ........ ........ ........ ........
B....................................... 300 1,200 2,600 ........ ........ ........ ........
C....................................... 400 1,800 3,200 6,800 5,100 ........ ........
D....................................... .......... 2,400 4,550 7,900 6,500 ........ ........
E....................................... .......... 3,000 5,100 12,500 8,600 ........ ........
F....................................... .......... 3,600 5,700 15,800 12,500 ........ ........
G....................................... .......... ........ 6,300 ........ ........ 20,200 15,000
H....................................... .......... ........ 6,800 ........ ........ 23,000 18,500
J....................................... .......... ........ ........ ........ ........ 25,000 19,500
L....................................... .......... ........ ........ ........ ........ 27,000 ........
M....................................... .......... ........ ........ ........ ........ 28,500 ........
N....................................... .......... ........ ........ ........ ........ 30,000 ........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: For rayon cord tires, applicable energy values are 60 percent of those in table.

Table III--Endurance Test Schedule
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test load: Percent of maximum load
Test wheel rating Total best
Description Load range speed (r/ ------------------------------------ revolutions
m) II--16 III--24 (thousands)
I--7 hours hours hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speed-restricted service (miles
per hour):
55........................... All............... 125 66 84 101 352.0
50........................... C,D............... 150 75 97 114 423.0
E,F,G,H,J,L....... 100 66 84 101 282.5
35........................... All............... 75 66 84 101 211.0
Motorcycle..................... All............... 250 \1\ 100 \2\ 108 117 510.0
All other...................... A,B,C,D........... 250 \1\ 75 \2\ 97 114 ...........
E................. 200 70 88 106 564.0
F................. 200 66 84 101 564.0
G................. 175 66 84 101 493.5 --
H,J,L,N........... 150 66 84 101 423.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 4 hr. for tire sizes subject to high speed requirements (S6.3).
\2\ 6 hr. for tire sizes subject to high speed requirements (S6.3).

(Secs. 113, 201, 80 Stat. 718 (15 U.S.C. 1402, 1421); secs. 103, 112,
119, 201, 203, Pub. L. 89-563, 80 Stat. 718 (15 U.S.C. 1392, 1401, 1421,
1423); delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50)

[38 FR 31301, Nov. 13, 1973, as amended at 39 FR 4087, Feb. 1, 1974; 39
FR 5192, Feb. 11, 1974; 39 FR 12105, Apr. 3, 1974; 39 FR 19481, June 3,
1974; 40 FR 5530, Feb. 6, 1975; 43 FR 30542, July 17, 1978; 43 FR 50441,
Oct. 30, 1978; 48 FR 25209, June 6, 1983; 50 FR 10773, Mar. 18, 1985; 54
FR 38386, Sept. 18, 1989; 61 FR 29494, June 11, 1996]

[[Page 368]]

Effective Date Note: At 63 FR 28921, May 27, 1998, Sec. 571.119 was
amended by revising S6.3 and S6.4; revising in S6.5, the introductory
paragraph and paragraphs (d) and (e); revising S7.1.2; revising in S7.2,
paragraph (c); revising in S7.3, paragraphs (c), (e), and (f); and
revising in S7.4, paragraph (c), and by revising Table I--``Strength
Test Plunger Diameter'', Table II--``Minimum Static Breaking Energy
(Inch-Pounds)'', and Table III--``Endurance Test Schedule'' that follow
paragraph (e) of S7.4, effective May 27, 2003. For the convenience of
the user, the revised text follows:

Sec. 571.119 Standard No. 119, New pneumatic tires for vehicles other
than passenger cars.

* * * * *

S6.3 High speed performance. When tested in accordance with the
procedures of S7.3, 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.
S6.4 Treadwear indicators. Except as specified in this paragraph,
each tire shall have at least six treadwear indicators spaced
approximately equally around the circumference of the tire that enable a
person inspecting the tire to determine visually whether the tire has
worn to a tread depth of 1.6 mm (one-sixteenth of an inch). Tires with a
rim diameter code of 12 or smaller shall have at least three such
treadwear indicators. Motorcycle tires shall have at least three such
indicators which permit visual determination that the tire has worn to a
tread depth of 0.8 mm (one-thirty-second of an inch).
S6.5 Tire markings. Except as specified in this paragraph, each
tire shall be marked on each sidewall with the information specified in
paragraphs (a) through (j) of this section. The markings shall be placed
between the maximum section width (exclusive of sidewall decorations or
curb ribs) and the bead on at least one sidewall, unless the maximum
section width of the tire is located in an area which is not more than
one-fourth of the distance from the bead to the shoulder of the tire. If
the maximum section width falls within that area, the markings shall
appear between the bead and a point one-half the distance from the bead
to the shoulder of the tire, on at least one sidewall. The markings
shall be in letters and numerals not less than 2 mm (0.078 inch) high
and raised above or sunk below the tire surface not less that 0.4 mm
(0.015 inch), except that the marking depth shall be not less than
0.25mm (0.010 inch) in the case of motorcycle tires. The tire
identification and the DOT symbol labeling shall comply with part 574 of
this chapter. Markings may appear on only one sidewall and the entire
sidewall area may be used in the case of motorcycle tires and
recreational, boat, baggage, and special trailer tires.

* * * * *

(d) The maximum load rating and corresponding inflation pressure of
the tire, shown as follows:

(Mark on tires rated for single and dual load): Max load single ----
kg (----lb) at ----kPa (----psi) cold. Max load dual ----kg (----lb) at
----kPa (----psi) cold.
(Mark on tires rated only for single load): Max load ----kg (----lb)
at ----kPa (----psi) cold.

(e) The speed restriction of the tire, if 88 km/h (55 mph) or less,
shown as follows:

Max speed ----km/h (----mph).

* * * * *

S7.1.2 The tire must be capable of meeting the requirements of S7.2
and S7.4 when conditioned to a temperature of 35 deg.C (95 deg.F) for
3 hours before the test is conducted, and with an ambient temperature
maintained at 35 deg.C (95 deg.F) during all phases of testing. The
tire must be capable of meeting the requirements of S7.3 when
conditioned at a temperature of 21 deg.C (70 deg.F) for 3 hours before
the test is conducted.
S7.2 Endurance.

* * * * *

(c) Mount the tire-rim assembly on an axle and press it against a
flat-faced steel test wheel that is 1708 mm (67.23 inches) in diameter
and at least as wide as the tread of the tire.

* * * * *

S7.3 Strength.

* * * * *

(c) Force a cylindrical steel plunger, with a hemispherical end and
of the diameter specified in Table I for the tire size, perpendicularly
into a raised tread element as near as possible to the centerline of the
tread, at a rate of 50 mm (2 inches) per minute, until the tire breaks
or the plunger is stopped by the rim.

* * * * *

(e) Repeat the plunger application at 72 deg. intervals around the
circumference of the tire, until five measurements are made.

[[Page 369]]

However, in the case of tires of 12 inch rim diameter code or smaller,
repeat the plunger application at 120 deg. intervals around the
circumference of the tire, until three measurements are made.
(f) Compute the breaking energy for each test point by one of the
two following formulas:

(1) W = [(F x P)/2] x 10^-3 (joules)

Where:

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

(2) W = (FP/2)

Where:
W = Breaking energy in inch-pounds,
F = Force in pounds,
P = Penetration in inches.

* * * * *

S7.4 High speed performance.

* * * * *

(c) Remove the load, allow the tire to cool to 35 deg.C (95
deg.F), and then adjust the pressure to that marked on the tire for
single tire use.

* * * * *

Table I.--Strength Test Plunger Diameter
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plunger diameter
-------------------------
(mm) (inches)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tire type:
Light truck............................... 19.05 \3/4\
Motorcycle................................ ........... \5/16\
Tires for 12 rim diameter code or smaller 19.05 \3/4\
rims except motorcycle...................
Tires other than the above types:
Tubeless:
17.5 diameter code or smaller rims.... 19.05 \3/4\
Larger than 17.5 rim diameter code rims:
Load range F or less.................. 31.75 1\1/4\
Load range over F..................... 38.10 1\1/2\
Tube type:
Load range F or less.................. 31.75 1\1/4\
Load range over F..................... 38.10 1\1/2\
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 370]]

Table II.--Minimum Static Breaking Energy (Joules (J) and Inch-Pounds (inch-lbs))
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Load range All 12 rim diameter Light truck 17.5 rim Tube type Tubeless Tube type Tubeless
------------------------------------------------------------- code or smaller rim diameter code or -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tire characteristic Motorcycle size smaller rim tubeless
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1\1/4\ inch-lbs J inch- 38.10 J eq> inch-lbs J inch-
Plunger diameter (mm and inches) 7.94 J eq> inch-lbs 19.05 J eq> inch-lbs 19.05 J eq> inch-lbs lbs lbs

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.................................. 16 150 67 600 225 2,000 ....... ............. ....... ....... ....... ............. ....... .......
B.................................. 33 300 135 1,200 293 2,600 ....... ............. ....... ....... ....... ............. ....... .......
C.................................. 45 400 203 1,800 361 3,200 768 6,800 576 5,100 ....... ............. ....... .......
D.................................. ....... .............. 271 2,400 514 4,550 892 7,900 734 6,500 ....... ............. ....... .......
E.................................. ....... .............. 338 3,000 576 5,100 1,412 12,500 971 8,600 ....... ............. ....... .......
F.................................. ....... .............. 406 3,600 644 5,700 1,785 15,800 1,412 12,500 ....... ............. ....... .......
G.................................. ....... .............. ....... ............. 711 6,300 ....... ............. ....... ....... 2,282 20,200 1,694 15,000
H.................................. ....... .............. ....... ............. 768 6,800 ....... ............. ....... ....... 2,598 23,000 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.
*J measurements are rounded down to the nearest whole number.

[[Page 371]]

Table III.--Endurance Test Schedule
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test load: Percent of maximum load
rating Total best
Description Load range Test wheel --------------------------------------- revolutions
speed (r/m) II--16 III--24 (thousands)
I--7 hours hours hours
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speed restricted service:
88 km/h (55 mph)...........................
80 km/h (50 mph)........................... All................................... 125 66 84 101 352.0
C, D.................................. 150 75 97 114 432.0
56 km/h (35 mph)........................... E, F, G, H, J, L...................... 100 66 84 101 282.5
Motorcycle..................................... All................................... 75 66 84 101 211.0
All other...................................... All................................... 250 \1\ 100 \2\ 108 117 510.0
A, B, C, D............................ 250 75 \2\ 97 114 ...........
E..................................... 200 70 88 106 546.0
F..................................... 200 66 84 101 564.0
G..................................... 175 66 84 101 493.5
H, J, L, N............................ 150 66 84 101 423.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 4 hr., for tire sizes subject to high speed requirements (S6.3).
\2\ 6 hr., for tire sizes subject to high speed requirements (S6.3).