BMW of North America, LLC, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance, 12410-12412 [2011-5036]
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srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES
12410
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2011 / Notices
driving with their vision impairment,
demonstrating the likelihood that they
have adapted their driving skills to
accommodate their condition. As the
applicants’ ample driving histories with
their vision deficiencies are good
predictors of future performance,
FMCSA concludes their ability to drive
safely can be projected into the future.
We believe that the applicants’
intrastate driving experience and history
provide an adequate basis for predicting
their ability to drive safely in interstate
commerce. Intrastate driving, like
interstate operations, involves
substantial driving on highways on the
interstate system and on other roads
built to interstate standards. Moreover,
driving in congested urban areas
exposes the driver to more pedestrian
and vehicular traffic than exists on
interstate highways. Faster reaction to
traffic and traffic signals is generally
required because distances between
them are more compact. These
conditions tax visual capacity and
driver response just as intensely as
interstate driving conditions. The
veteran drivers in this proceeding have
operated CMVs safely under those
conditions for at least 3 years, most for
much longer. Their experience and
driving records lead us to believe that
each applicant is capable of operating in
interstate commerce as safely as he/she
has been performing in intrastate
commerce. Consequently, FMCSA finds
that exempting these applicants from
the vision standard in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(10) is likely to achieve a level
of safety equal to that existing without
the exemption. For this reason, the
Agency is granting the exemptions for
the 2-year period allowed by 49 U.S.C.
31136(e) and 31315 to the 16 applicants
listed in the notice of January 10, 2011
(76 FR 1493).
We recognize that the vision of an
applicant may change and affect his/her
ability to operate a CMV as safely as in
the past. As a condition of the
exemption, therefore, FMCSA will
impose requirements on the 16
individuals consistent with the
grandfathering provisions applied to
drivers who participated in the
Agency’s vision waiver program.
Those requirements are found at 49
CFR 391.64(b) and include the
following: (1) That each individual be
physically examined every year (a) by
an ophthalmologist or optometrist who
attests that the vision in the better eye
continues to meet the standard in 49
CFR 391.41(b)(10), and (b) by a medical
examiner who attests that the individual
is otherwise physically qualified under
49 CFR 391.41; (2) that each individual
provide a copy of the ophthalmologist’s
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17:54 Mar 04, 2011
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or optometrist’s report to the medical
examiner at the time of the annual
medical examination; and (3) that each
individual provide a copy of the annual
medical certification to the employer for
retention in the driver’s qualification
file, or keep a copy in his/her driver’s
qualification file if he/she is selfemployed. The driver must also have a
copy of the certification when driving,
for presentation to a duly authorized
Federal, State, or local enforcement
official.
Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received one comment in this
proceeding. The comment was
considered and discussed below.
Ms. Tanya Lyons of the Delaware
DMV medical section was in favor of
granting a Federal vision exemption to
Thomas S. Roth, she indicated that he
has had a clear safety driving record
since he became a CDL license holder in
the State of Delaware.
Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the 16
exemption applications, FMCSA
exempts Michael L. Ballantyne, Terry
Brown, Delbert M. Carson, Wingson
Chang, Richard C. Dickinson, Richard
A. Guthrie, Kennth L. Handy, Thomas J.
Ivins, Bryon K. Lavender, Victor M.
McCants, William K. Otwell, Donald R.
Pointer, Steve A. Reece, Thomas S.
Roth, Mark A. Steckmyer, and James M.
Tennyson from the vision requirement
in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), subject to the
requirements cited above (49 CFR
391.64(b)).
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315, each exemption will be valid
for 2 years unless revoked earlier by
FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked
if: (1) The person fails to comply with
the terms and conditions of the
exemption; (2) the exemption has
resulted in a lower level of safety than
was maintained before it was granted; or
(3) continuation of the exemption would
not be consistent with the goals and
objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136 and 31315.
If the exemption is still effective at the
end of the 2-year period, the person may
apply to FMCSA for a renewal under
procedures in effect at that time.
Issued on: February 25, 2011.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator, Office of Policy.
[FR Doc. 2011–4941 Filed 3–4–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
[Docket No. NHTSA–2010–0180; Notice 1]
BMW of North America, LLC, Receipt
of Petition for Decision of
Inconsequential Noncompliance
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) 1
a subsidiary of BMW AG, Munich,
Germany, has determined that certain
BMW vehicles equipped with ‘‘run-flat’’
tires do not fully comply with
paragraphs S4.3(c) and S4.3(d) of 49
CFR 571.110, Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 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. BMW filed an
appropriate report pursuant to 49 CFR
Part 573, Defect and Noncompliance
Responsibility and Reports dated
November 2, 2010.
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and
30120(h) (see implementing rule at 49
CFR part 556), BMW has petitioned for
an exemption from the notification and
remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C.
Chapter 301 on the basis that this
noncompliance is inconsequential to
motor vehicle safety.
This notice of receipt of BMW’s,
petition is published under 49 U.S.C.
30118 and 30120 and does not represent
any agency decision or other exercise of
judgment concerning the merits of the
petition.
BMW estimates that approximately
54,200 vehicles equipped with ‘‘run flat’’
tires are affected. The affected vehicle
models are certain: Model Year 2008–
2011 BMW X5 SAV multipurpose
passenger vehicles, manufactured from
February 2, 2008 through October 26,
2010; Model Year 2008–2011 BMW X6
SAC multipurpose passenger vehicles,
manufactured from September 19, 2008
through October 26, 2010; and 2011
BMW 5–Series, BMW 5–Series Gran
Turismo, and BMW 7–Series passenger
cars, manufactured from September 1,
2010 through October 26, 2010.
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) notes that the
statutory provisions (49 U.S.C. 30118(d)
and 30120(h)) that permit manufacturers
to file petitions for a determination of
inconsequentiality allow NHTSA to
exempt manufacturers only from the
duties found in sections 30118 and
30120, respectively, to notify owners,
1 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is a vehicle
manufacturer incorporated under the laws of the
state of New Jersey.
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2011 / Notices
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES
purchasers, and dealers of a defect or
noncompliance and to remedy the
defect or noncompliance. Therefore,
these provisions only apply to the
vehicles that have already passed from
the manufacturer to an owner,
purchaser, or dealer.
Paragraph S4.3 of FMVSS No. 110
requires in pertinent part:
S4.3 Placard. Each vehicle, except for a
trailer or incomplete vehicle, shall show the
information specified in S4.3 (a) through (g),
and may show, at the manufacturer’s option,
the information specified in S4.3 (h) and (i),
on a placard permanently affixed to the
driver’s side B-pillar. In each vehicle without
a driver’s side B-pillar and with two doors on
the driver’s side of the vehicle opening in
opposite directions, the placard shall be
affixed on the forward edge of the rear side
door. If the above locations do not permit the
affixing of a placard that is legible, visible
and prominent, the placard shall be
permanently affixed to the rear edge of the
driver’s side door. If this location does not
permit the affixing of a placard that is legible,
visible and prominent, the placard shall be
affixed to the inward facing surface of the
vehicle next to the driver’s seating position.
This information shall be in the English
language and conform in color and format,
not including the border surrounding the
entire placard, as shown in the example set
forth in Figure 1 in this standard. At the
manufacturer’s option, the information
specified in S4.3 (c), (d), and, as appropriate,
(h) and (i) may be shown, alternatively to
being shown on the placard, on a tire
inflation pressure label which must conform
in color and format, not including the border
surrounding the entire label, as shown in the
example set forth in Figure 2 in this standard.
The label shall be permanently affixed and
proximate to the placard required by this
paragraph. The information specified in S4.3
(e) shall be shown on both the vehicle
placard and on the tire inflation pressure
label (if such a label is affixed to provide the
information specified in S4.3 (c), (d), and, as
appropriate, (h) and (i)) may be shown in the
format and color scheme set forth in Figures
1 and 2. * * *
(c) Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended
cold tire inflation pressure for front, rear and
spare tires, subject to the limitations of
S4.3.4. For full size spare tires, the statement
‘‘see above’’ may, at the manufacturer’s option
replace manufacturer’s recommended cold
tire inflation pressure. If no spare tire is
provided, the word ‘‘none’’ must replace the
manufacturer’s recommended cold tire
inflation pressure* * *
(d) Tire size designation, indicated by the
headings ‘‘size’’ or ‘‘original tire size’’ or
‘‘original size,’’ and ‘‘spare tire’’ or ‘‘spare,’’ for
the tires installed at the time of the first
purchase for purposes other than resale. For
full size spare tires, the statement ‘‘see above’’
may, at the manufacturer’s option replace the
tire size designation. If no spare tire is
provided, the word ‘‘none’’ must replace the
tire size designation;* * *
BMW explains that the
noncompliance is that the tire and
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loading information placards on the
affected vehicles incorrectly include a
recommended cold tire inflation
pressure and size designation for a spare
tire. Because the vehicles are equipped
with ‘‘run-flat’’ tires and have no spare
tire, the word ‘‘none,’’ as required by
paragraphs S4.3(c) and S4.3(d) is
required in place of the spare tire size
and the associated recommended cold
tire inflation pressure.
BMW argues that this noncompliance
is inconsequential to motor vehicle
safety for the following reasons:
1. Vehicle owners are informed via
the vehicle Owner’s Manual that if
‘‘RSC’’ is stamped on the sidewall of the
tire, then the tire is a ‘‘run-flat’’ tire.
2. BMW vehicle owners can contact
BMW Roadside AssistanceTM
representatives by telephone 24 hours/
day. These representatives can provide
vehicle owners, on a vehicle model and
model year basis, with all available tire
sizes and specifications for the tires
originally mounted on their vehicle,
including the installation of ‘‘run-flat’’
tires.
3. For vehicles equipped with BMW
Assist,TM passengers can contact BMW
Roadside Assistance,TM representatives
directly from within the vehicle.2
BMW reported that the
noncompliance was brought to their
attention during inspections of vehicles
equipped with ‘‘run-flat’’ tires. On
October 26, 2010, BMW realized that the
affected vehicles do not conform to
FMVSS No. 110.
BMW has additionally informed
NHTSA that it has corrected the
noncompliance so that all future
production vehicles will have compliant
labels.
In summation, BMW believes that the
described noncompliance of its vehicles
to meet the requirements of FMVSS No.
110 is inconsequential to motor vehicle
safety, and that its petition, to exempt
from providing recall notification of
noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C.
30118 and remedying the recall
noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C.
30120, and should be granted.
Interested persons are invited to
submit written data, views, and
arguments on this petition. Comments
must refer to the docket and notice
number cited at the beginning of this
notice and be submitted by any of the
following methods:
a. By mail addressed to: U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
2 Refer
to the BMW petition for specific details on
the availability of BMW Assist.TM
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12411
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
b. By hand delivery to U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington,
DC 20590. The Docket Section is open
on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
except Federal Holidays.
c. Electronically: By logging onto the
Federal Docket Management System
(FDMS) Web site at https://
www.regulations.gov/. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Comments may also be faxed to 1–202–
493–2251.
Comments must be written in the
English language, and be no greater than
15 pages in length, although there is no
limit to the length of necessary
attachments to the comments. If
comments are submitted in hard copy
form, please ensure that two copies are
provided. If you wish to receive
confirmation that your comments were
received, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard with the comments.
Note that all comments received will be
posted without change to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided.
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.). DOT’s
complete Privacy Act Statement is in
the Federal Register published on April
11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78).
You may view documents submitted
to a docket at the address and times
given above. You may also view the
documents on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by following the
online instructions for accessing the
dockets available at that Web site.
The petition, supporting materials,
and all comments received before the
close of business on the closing date
indicated below will be filed and will be
considered. All comments and
supporting materials received after the
closing date will also be filed and will
be considered to the extent possible.
When the petition is granted or denied,
notice of the decision will be published
in the Federal Register pursuant to the
authority indicated below.
Comment closing date: April 6, 2011.
Authority: (49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120:
delegations of authority at CFR 1.50 and
501.8).
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2011 / Notices
Issued on: February 4, 2011.
Claude H. Harris,
Acting Associate Administrator for
Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2011–5036 Filed 3–4–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Surface Transportation Board
Release of Waybill Data
The Surface Transportation Board has
received a request from Davis LLP on
behalf of Imperial Oil in connection
with a regulatory proceeding regarding
the shipment of petroleum diluents
(Diluent) in the Enbridge Southern
Lights Pipeline (ESL) pending before the
National Energy Board of Canada,
captioned NEB File OF-Tolls-Group2E242-TFGen 01 01 (WB11–021), for
permission to use certain data from the
Board’s 2008 and 2009 Carload Waybill
Samples. A copy of this request may be
obtained from the Office of Economics.
The waybill sample contains
confidential railroad and shipper data;
therefore, if any parties object to these
requests, they should file their
objections with the Director of the
Board’s Office of Economics within 14
calendar days of the date of this notice.
The rules for release of waybill data are
codified at 49 CFR 1244.9.
Contact: Scott Decker, (202) 245–
0330.
Andrea Pope-Matheson,
Clearance Clerk.
[FR Doc. 2011–5015 Filed 3–4–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau
Proposed Information Collections;
Comment Request
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau; Treasury.
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments.
AGENCY:
As part of our continuing
effort to reduce paperwork and
respondent burden, and as required by
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,
we invite comments on the proposed or
continuing information collections
listed below in this notice.
DATES: We must receive your written
comments on or before May 6, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments to
Mary A. Wood, Alcohol and Tobacco
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SUMMARY:
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17:54 Mar 04, 2011
Jkt 223001
Tax and Trade Bureau, at any of these
addresses:
• P.O. Box 14412, Washington, DC
20044–4412;
• 202–453–2686 (facsimile); or
• formcomments@ttb.gov (e-mail).
Please send separate comments for
each specific information collection
listed below. You must reference the
information collection’s title, form or
recordkeeping requirement number, and
OMB number (if any) in your comment.
If you submit your comment via
facsimile, send no more than five 8.5 x
11 inch pages in order to ensure
electronic access to our equipment.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To
obtain additional information, copies of
the information collection and its
instructions, or copies of any comments
received, contact Mary A. Wood,
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau, P.O. Box 14412, Washington,
DC 20044–4412; or telephone 202–453–
2265.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Request for Comments
The Department of the Treasury and
its Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau (TTB), as part of their
continuing effort to reduce paperwork
and respondent burden, invite the
general public and other Federal
agencies to comment on the proposed or
continuing information collections
listed below in this notice, as required
by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be included or
summarized in our request for Office of
Management and Budget (OMB)
approval of the relevant information
collection. All comments are part of the
public record and subject to disclosure.
Please not do include any confidential
or inappropriate material in your
comments.
We invite comments on: (a) Whether
this information collection is necessary
for the proper performance of the
agency’s functions, including whether
the information has practical utility; (b)
the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of
the information collection’s burden; (c)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information collected; (d)
ways to minimize the information
collection’s burden on respondents,
including through the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology; and (e)
estimates of capital or start-up costs and
costs of operation, maintenance, and
purchase of services to provide the
requested information.
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Information Collections Open for
Comment
Currently, we are seeking comments
on the following forms and
recordkeeping requirements:
Title: Drawback on Beer Exported.
OMB Control Number: 1513–0017.
TTB Form Number: 5130.6.
Abstract: When taxpaid beer is
removed from a brewery and ultimately
exported, the brewer exporting the beer
is eligible for a drawback (refund) of
Federal excise taxes paid. By
completing this form and submitting
documentation of exportation, the
brewer may receive a refund of those
taxes.
Current Actions: We are submitting
this information collection for extension
purposes only. The information
collection, estimated number of
respondents, and estimated total annual
burden hours remain unchanged.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
100.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 5,000.
Title: Application for a Basic Permit
under the Federal Alcohol
Administration Act.
OMB Control Number: 1513–0018.
TTB Form Number: 5100.24.
Abstract: TTB F 5100.24 is completed
by persons intending to engage in a
business involving beverage Alcohol
operations at distilled spirits plants,
bonded wineries, or wholesaling/
importing business. The information
allows TTB to identify the applicant and
the location of the business, and to
determine whether the applicant
qualifies for a permit.
Current Actions: We are submitting
this information collection for extension
purposes only. The information
collection, estimated number of
respondents, and estimated total annual
burden hours remain unchanged.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
1,600.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 2,800.
Title: Application for Amended Basic
Permit under the Federal Alcohol
Administration Act.
OMB Number: 1513–0019.
TTB Form Number: 5100.18.
Abstract: TTB F 5100.18 is submitted
by permittees who change their
operations in a manner that requires
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 44 (Monday, March 7, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12410-12412]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-5036]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
[Docket No. NHTSA-2010-0180; Notice 1]
BMW of North America, LLC, Receipt of Petition for Decision of
Inconsequential Noncompliance
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) \1\ a subsidiary of BMW AG, Munich,
Germany, has determined that certain BMW vehicles equipped with ``run-
flat'' tires do not fully comply with paragraphs S4.3(c) and S4.3(d) of
49 CFR 571.110, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 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. BMW filed an appropriate report
pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573, Defect and Noncompliance Responsibility
and Reports dated November 2, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is a vehicle manufacturer
incorporated under the laws of the state of New Jersey.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) (see implementing rule
at 49 CFR part 556), BMW has petitioned for an exemption from the
notification and remedy requirements of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 on the
basis that this noncompliance is inconsequential to motor vehicle
safety.
This notice of receipt of BMW's, petition is published under 49
U.S.C. 30118 and 30120 and does not represent any agency decision or
other exercise of judgment concerning the merits of the petition.
BMW estimates that approximately 54,200 vehicles equipped with
``run flat'' tires are affected. The affected vehicle models are
certain: Model Year 2008-2011 BMW X5 SAV multipurpose passenger
vehicles, manufactured from February 2, 2008 through October 26, 2010;
Model Year 2008-2011 BMW X6 SAC multipurpose passenger vehicles,
manufactured from September 19, 2008 through October 26, 2010; and 2011
BMW 5-Series, BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, and BMW 7-Series passenger
cars, manufactured from September 1, 2010 through October 26, 2010.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes
that the statutory provisions (49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h)) that
permit manufacturers to file petitions for a determination of
inconsequentiality allow NHTSA to exempt manufacturers only from the
duties found in sections 30118 and 30120, respectively, to notify
owners,
[[Page 12411]]
purchasers, and dealers of a defect or noncompliance and to remedy the
defect or noncompliance. Therefore, these provisions only apply to the
vehicles that have already passed from the manufacturer to an owner,
purchaser, or dealer.
Paragraph S4.3 of FMVSS No. 110 requires in pertinent part:
S4.3 Placard. Each vehicle, except for a trailer or incomplete
vehicle, shall show the information specified in S4.3 (a) through
(g), and may show, at the manufacturer's option, the information
specified in S4.3 (h) and (i), on a placard permanently affixed to
the driver's side B-pillar. In each vehicle without a driver's side
B-pillar and with two doors on the driver's side of the vehicle
opening in opposite directions, the placard shall be affixed on the
forward edge of the rear side door. If the above locations do not
permit the affixing of a placard that is legible, visible and
prominent, the placard shall be permanently affixed to the rear edge
of the driver's side door. If this location does not permit the
affixing of a placard that is legible, visible and prominent, the
placard shall be affixed to the inward facing surface of the vehicle
next to the driver's seating position. This information shall be in
the English language and conform in color and format, not including
the border surrounding the entire placard, as shown in the example
set forth in Figure 1 in this standard. At the manufacturer's
option, the information specified in S4.3 (c), (d), and, as
appropriate, (h) and (i) may be shown, alternatively to being shown
on the placard, on a tire inflation pressure label which must
conform in color and format, not including the border surrounding
the entire label, as shown in the example set forth in Figure 2 in
this standard. The label shall be permanently affixed and proximate
to the placard required by this paragraph. The information specified
in S4.3 (e) shall be shown on both the vehicle placard and on the
tire inflation pressure label (if such a label is affixed to provide
the information specified in S4.3 (c), (d), and, as appropriate, (h)
and (i)) may be shown in the format and color scheme set forth in
Figures 1 and 2. * * *
(c) Vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation
pressure for front, rear and spare tires, subject to the limitations
of S4.3.4. For full size spare tires, the statement ``see above''
may, at the manufacturer's option replace manufacturer's recommended
cold tire inflation pressure. If no spare tire is provided, the word
``none'' must replace the manufacturer's recommended cold tire
inflation pressure* * *
(d) Tire size designation, indicated by the headings ``size'' or
``original tire size'' or ``original size,'' and ``spare tire'' or
``spare,'' for the tires installed at the time of the first purchase
for purposes other than resale. For full size spare tires, the
statement ``see above'' may, at the manufacturer's option replace
the tire size designation. If no spare tire is provided, the word
``none'' must replace the tire size designation;* * *
BMW explains that the noncompliance is that the tire and loading
information placards on the affected vehicles incorrectly include a
recommended cold tire inflation pressure and size designation for a
spare tire. Because the vehicles are equipped with ``run-flat'' tires
and have no spare tire, the word ``none,'' as required by paragraphs
S4.3(c) and S4.3(d) is required in place of the spare tire size and the
associated recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
BMW argues that this noncompliance is inconsequential to motor
vehicle safety for the following reasons:
1. Vehicle owners are informed via the vehicle Owner's Manual that
if ``RSC'' is stamped on the sidewall of the tire, then the tire is a
``run-flat'' tire.
2. BMW vehicle owners can contact BMW Roadside
AssistanceTM representatives by telephone 24 hours/day.
These representatives can provide vehicle owners, on a vehicle model
and model year basis, with all available tire sizes and specifications
for the tires originally mounted on their vehicle, including the
installation of ``run-flat'' tires.
3. For vehicles equipped with BMW Assist,TM passengers
can contact BMW Roadside Assistance,TM representatives
directly from within the vehicle.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Refer to the BMW petition for specific details on the
availability of BMW Assist.TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
BMW reported that the noncompliance was brought to their attention
during inspections of vehicles equipped with ``run-flat'' tires. On
October 26, 2010, BMW realized that the affected vehicles do not
conform to FMVSS No. 110.
BMW has additionally informed NHTSA that it has corrected the
noncompliance so that all future production vehicles will have
compliant labels.
In summation, BMW believes that the described noncompliance of its
vehicles to meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 110 is inconsequential
to motor vehicle safety, and that its petition, to exempt from
providing recall notification of noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C.
30118 and remedying the recall noncompliance as required by 49 U.S.C.
30120, and should be granted.
Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments on this petition. Comments must refer to the docket and
notice number cited at the beginning of this notice and be submitted by
any of the following methods:
a. By mail addressed to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
b. By hand delivery to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Section is open on
weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Federal Holidays.
c. Electronically: By logging onto the Federal Docket Management
System (FDMS) Web site at https://www.regulations.gov/. Follow the
online instructions for submitting comments. Comments may also be faxed
to 1-202-493-2251.
Comments must be written in the English language, and be no greater
than 15 pages in length, although there is no limit to the length of
necessary attachments to the comments. If comments are submitted in
hard copy form, please ensure that two copies are provided. If you wish
to receive confirmation that your comments were received, please
enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard with the comments. Note that
all comments received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.
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.). DOT's complete Privacy
Act Statement is in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000
(65 FR 19477-78).
You may view documents submitted to a docket at the address and
times given above. You may also view the documents on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by following the online instructions for
accessing the dockets available at that Web site.
The petition, supporting materials, and all comments received
before the close of business on the closing date indicated below will
be filed and will be considered. All comments and supporting materials
received after the closing date will also be filed and will be
considered to the extent possible. When the petition is granted or
denied, notice of the decision will be published in the Federal
Register pursuant to the authority indicated below.
Comment closing date: April 6, 2011.
Authority: (49 U.S.C. 30118, 30120: delegations of authority at
CFR 1.50 and 501.8).
[[Page 12412]]
Issued on: February 4, 2011.
Claude H. Harris,
Acting Associate Administrator for Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2011-5036 Filed 3-4-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P