Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 96/00 – Commercial Vehicle Tyres) 2018

I, ANDREW BROAD, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, determine this vehicle standard under section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.

Dated  25 October 2018

[SIGNED]

Andrew Broad

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister

CONTENTS

1. legislative provisions...........................................3

2. FUNCTION..................................................3

3. APPLICABILITY.............................................3

4. DEFINITIONS...............................................3

5. requirements.................................................3

6. exemptions AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES..................4

7. alternative standardS...........................................5

APPENDIX A.........................................................6

1. legislative provisions
   1.                                  Name of Standard
      1.                            This Standard is the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 96/00 –Commercial Vehicle Tyres) 2018.
      2.                            This Standard may also be cited as Australian Design Rule 96/00 – Commercial Vehicle Tyres.
   2.                                  Commencement
      1.                            This Standard commences on the day after it is registered.
2. FUNCTION
   1.                                  The function of this vehicle standard is to specify requirements for new pneumatic tyres designed primarily for commercial vehicles.
3. APPLICABILITY
   1.                                  The circumstances under which vehicles must comply with this standard are set out in the Australian Design Rule 95/… – Installation of Tyres.
   2.                                  This standard does not apply to passenger car tyres (otherwise known as Class C1 tyres; and designed primarily for vehicles of UN categories M1, N1, O1 and O2).
   3.                                  This standard does not apply to re-treaded tyres fitted to trailers.
   4.                                  This standard does not apply to any temporary-use spare unit(s) supplied with a vehicle.
4. DEFINITIONS
   1.                                  For vehicle categories, definitions and meanings used in this standard, refer to:
      1.                            Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005; and
      2.                            Definitions in Appendix A of this standard or the alternative standards at clause 7.
5. requirements
   1.                                  For vehicles fitted with new light truck or new truck/bus (commercial vehicle) tyres, the tyres fitted must comply with the requirements of:

(a)          Appendix A, except as varied by Section 6 Exemptions and Alternative Procedures; or

(b)          at least one of the alternative standards at clause 7.

6.                                          exemptions AND ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES

6.1.                                    Subject to clause 6.2 below, compliance with the following parts, sections and annexes of Appendix A is not required for the purposes of this standard:

Section 3 Markings

Section 4 Application for approval

Section 5 Approval

Section 7 Modification and extension of approval of a tyre type

Section 8 Conformity of production

Section 9 Penalties for non-conformity of production

Section 10 Production definitively discontinued

Section 11 Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests, and of Type Approval Authorities

Annexes

Annex 1 Communication

Annex 2 Arrangement of approval mark

Annex 9 Communication – Upgrade of service description for the purposes of re-treading in accordance with UN Regulation No. 109

6.2.                                    In the case of a tyre type for which the manufacturer has elected, as permitted by clause 6.1 above, not to meet the full requirements of Appendix A – Section 3 – Markings, each tyre must at least bear:

(a)          the markings referred to in paragraphs 3.1.1 to 3.1.8 of Appendix A, on both side walls in the case of symmetrical tyres or at least on the outer side wall in the case of asymmetrical tyres;

(b)          the date of manufacture in the form of a group of four digits, the first two showing the week and the last two the year of manufacture, on at least one side wall;

(c)          the inflation pressure used, in either psi or kPa, for the dimension measurement and the load/speed endurance test, on at least one side wall; and

(d)          where applicable, the markings referred to in paragraphs 3.1.13 to 3.1.16 of Appendix A, on both side walls in the case of symmetrical tyres or at least on the outer side wall in the case of asymmetrical tyres.

6.2.1.                              Each required marking must be moulded onto or into the tyre.  They must be clearly legible and must, except for the marking referred to in paragraph 3.1.1 of Appendix A, be situated in the lower half of at least one of its side walls.

7.                                          alternative standardS

7.1.                                    The technical requirements of the United Nations Regulation No. 54 – UNIFORM PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF PNEUMATIC TYRES FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AND THEIR TRAILERS, incorporating the 00 series of amendments.

7.2.                                    The technical requirements of the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 119 (49 CFR 571.119) – 10-1-17 Edition, for new pneumatic tires for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms.

7.3.                                    The technical requirements of the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) D4230:1998 (Automobile tyres), for light truck and truck/bus tyres.

7.4.                                    The technical requirements of the Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 2230:1999 (New pneumatic tyres for light trucks and trucks/buses).

APPENDIX A

Agreement

  Concerning the Adoption of Harmonized Technical United Nations Regulations for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be Fitted and/or be Used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal Recognition of Approvals Granted on the Basis of these United Nations Regulations[*]

(Revision 3, including the amendments, which entered into force on 14 September 2017)

Addendum 53: UN Regulation No. 54

Incorporating by the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, all valid text up to:

Corrigendum 1 to Supplement 15 to the original version of the Regulation – Date of entry into force: 23 June 2004

Supplement 16 to the original version of the Regulation – Date of entry into force: 13 November 2004

Corrigendum 1 to Revision 2 of the Regulation – Date of entry into force: 9 March 2005

Supplement 17 to the original version of the Regulation – Date of entry into force: 17 March 2010

Erratum to Revision 2 of the Regulation (English only)

Supplement 18 to the original version of the Regulation – Date of entry into force: 27 January 2013

Corrigendum 1 to Revision 3 of the Regulation (Erratum by the secretariat)

Corrigendum 2 to Revision 3 of the Regulation – Date of entry into force: 25 June 2014

Supplement 19 to the original version of the Regulation – Date of entry into force: 22 January 2015

Supplement 20 to the original version of the Regulation – Date of entry into force: 20 January 2016

Supplement 21 to the original version of the Regulation – Date of entry into force: 9 February 2017

Uniform provisions concerning the approval of pneumatic tyres for commercial vehicles and their trailers

UN Regulation No. 54

Uniform provisions concerning the approval of pneumatic tyres for commercial vehicles and their trailers

Contents

 Page

 1. Scope............................................................ 8

 2. Definitions......................................................... 8

 3. Markings.......................................................... 12

 4. Application for approval................................................ 14

 5. Approval.......................................................... 15

 6. Specifications....................................................... 16

 7. Modification and extension of approval of a tyre type ............................ 19

 8. Conformity of production ............................................... 20

 9. Penalties for non-conformity of production ................................... 20

 10. Production definitively discontinued ........................................ 20

 11. Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests,
and of Type Approval Authorities ......................................... 20

Annexes

 1 Communication..................................................... 22

 2 Arrangement of approval mark............................................ 24

 3 Arrangement of tyre markings............................................ 25

 4 List of symbols of load-capacity indices...................................... 27

 5 Tyre-size designation and dimensions....................................... 31

  Part I - European tyres................................................. 31

  Part II - United States tyres.............................................. 36

 6 Method of measuring pneumatic tyres....................................... 43

 7 Procedure for load/speed endurance tests..................................... 44

  Appendix 1 - endurance-test programme..................................... 46

  Appendix 2 - relation between the pressure index and the units of pressure............... 47

 8 Variation of load capacity with speed commercial vehicles tyres - radial and diagonal........ 48

 9 Communication - upgrade of service description for the purposes of retreading in
accordance with Regulation No. 109........................................ 50

1. Scope

This Regulation covers new pneumatic tyres * designed primarily for vehicles of categories M2, M3, N, O3 and O4.[1] [2] However, it does not apply to tyre types identified by speed category symbols corresponding to speeds below eighty (80) km/h.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation:

2.1. "Type of tyre" means tyres which do not differ in such essential characteristics as:

(a) The manufacturer’s name;

(b) Tyre-size designation;

(c) Category of use (normal tyre, snow tyre, special use tyre);

(d) Structure (diagonal (bias-ply); radial);

(e) Speed category symbol;

(f) Load-capacity indexes;

(g) Tyre Cross-section;

2.2. "Manufacturer" means the person or body who is responsible to the Type Approval Authority (TAA) for all aspects of the type-approval and for ensuring the conformity of production.

2.3. “Brand name/trademark" means the identification of the brand or trademark as defined by the tyre manufacturer and marked on the sidewall(s) of the tyre. The brand name/trademark may be the same as that of the manufacturer.

2.4. "Trade description/commercial name" means an identification of a range of tyres as given by the tyre manufacturer. It may coincide with the brand name/trademark.

2.5. Category of use:

2.5.1. "Normal tyre" means a tyre intended for normal, on-road use;

2.5.2. "Snow tyre" means a tyre whose tread pattern, tread compound or structure is primarily designed to achieve in snow conditions a performance better than that of a normal tyre with regard to its ability to initiate or maintain vehicle motion;

2.5.3. "Special use tyre" means a tyre intended for mixed use both on- and off-road or for other special duty. These tyres are primarily designed to initiate and maintain the vehicle in motion in off-road conditions;

2.5.3.1. "Professional off-road tyre" is a special use tyre primarily used for service in severe off-road conditions;

2.6. "Structure" of a tyre means the technical characteristics of the tyre's carcass.  A distinction is made between the following structures in particular:

2.6.1. "Diagonal" or "bias-ply" describes a  tyre structure in which the ply cords extend to the beads and are laid at alternate angles substantially less than 90° to the centreline of the tread;

2.6.2. "Radial" describes a tyre structure in which the ply cords extend to the beads and are laid substantially at 90° to the centreline of the tread, the carcass being stabilized by an essentially inextensible circumferential belt;

2.7. "Bead" means the part of a tyre which is of such shape and structure as to fit the rim and to hold the tyre on it[3];

2.8. "Cord" means the strands forming the fabric of the plies in the tyre3;

2.9. "Ply" means a layer of rubber-coated parallel cords3;

2.10. "Carcass" means that part of a tyre other than the tread and the rubber sidewalls which, when inflated, bears the load3;

2.11. "Tread" means that part of a pneumatic tyre which comes into contact with the ground, protects the carcass against mechanical damage and contributes to ground adhesion3;

2.12. "Sidewall" means the part of a tyre between the tread and the area designed to be covered by the rim flange3;

2.13. "Lower sidewall" means the area included between the line of maximum section width of the tyre and the area designed to be covered by the rim flange3;

2.13.1. However, in case of tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see paragraph 3.1.12.) symbol "A", it means the area of the tyre which is seating on the rim;

2.14. "Tread groove" means the space between two adjacent ribs and/or blocks in the tread pattern3;

2.15. "Section width (S)" means the linear distance between the outsides of the sidewalls of an inflated tyre, excluding elevations due to labelling (marking), decoration or protective bands or ribs3;

2.16. "Over-all width" means the linear distance between the outsides of the sidewalls of an inflated tyre, including labelling (marking), decoration and protective bands or ribs3;

2.17. "Section height (H)" means a distance equal to half the difference between the outer diameter of the tyre and the nominal rim diameter;

2.18. "Nominal aspect ratio (Ra)" means one hundred times the number obtained by dividing the number expressing the section height (H) by the number expressing the nominal section width (S1), both dimensions expressed in the same units;

2.19. "Outer diameter (D)" means the overall diameter of an inflated new tyre3;

2.20. "Tyre-size designation" means:

2.20.1. A designation showing:

2.20.1.1. The nominal section width (S1).  This width must be expressed in mm, except in the case of types of tyre for which the size designation is shown in the first column of the tables in Annex 5 to this Regulation;

2.20.1.2. The nominal aspect ratio, except in the case of certain types of tyre for which the size designation is shown in the first column of the tables in Annex 5 to this Regulation or, depending on the tyre design type, the nominal outer diameter expressed in mm;

2.20.1.3. A conventional number "d" (the "d" symbol) denoting the nominal diameter of the rim and corresponding to its diameter expressed either in codes (number below 100) or in millimetres (numbers above 100).  Numbers corresponding to both types of measurement may be used together in the designation;

2.20.1.3.1. The values of the "d" symbols expressed in millimetres are shown below:

2.20.1.4. An indication of the tyre to rim fitment configuration when it differs from the standard configuration and is not already expressed by the symbol "d" denoting the nominal rim diameter code;

2.21. "Nominal rim diameter (d)" means the diameter of the rim on which a tyre is designed to be mounted[3];

2.22. "Rim" means the support for a tyre-and-tube assembly, or for a tubeless tyre, on which support the tyre beads are seated[3];

2.23. "Theoretical rim" means a rim whose width would be equal to x times the nominal section width of a tyre; the value of x shall be specified by the manufacturer of the type;

2.24. "Measuring rim" means the rim on which a tyre must be fitted for dimensional measurements;

2.25. "Test rim" means the rim on which a tyre must be fitted for load/speed endurance testing;

2.26. "Chunking" means the breaking away of pieces of rubber from the tread;

2.27. "Cord separation" means the parting of the cords from their coating;

2.28. "Ply separation" means the parting of adjacent plies;

2.29. "Tread separation" means the pulling away of the tread from the carcass;

2.30. "Load-capacity index" means one or two numbers, which indicate the load the tyre can carry in single or in single and dual operation at the speed corresponding to the associated speed category and when operated in conformity with the requirements governing utilization specified by the manufacturer.  A type of tyre can have either one or two sets of load capacity indices depending on whether or not the provisions of paragraph 6.2.5. are applied.  The list of these indices and their corresponding loads is given in Annex 4;

2.31. "Speed category" means:

2.31.1. The speeds, indicated by a symbol, at which the tyre can carry the load indicated by the associated load-capacity index;

2.31.2. The speed categories are as shown in the table below[4]:

2.32. "Table load-capacity variation with speed" means:

 The table, in Annex 8, showing as a function of the load-capacity indices and nominal-speed-category symbols the load variations, which a tyre can withstand when used at speeds different from that conforming to its nominal-speed-category symbol.  The load variations do not apply in the case of the additional load capacity symbol and speed category obtained when the provisions of paragraph 6.2.5. are applied;

2.33. "Void to fill ratio" means the ratio between the area of voids in a reference surface and the area of this reference surface calculated from the mould drawing;

2.34. "Tyre Class" means one of the following groupings:

2.34.1. Class C2 tyres: Tyres identified by a load capacity index in single formation lower or equal to 121 and a speed category symbol higher or equal to "N";

2.34.2. Class C3 tyres: Tyres identified by:

(a) A load capacity index in single formation higher or equal to 122; or

(b) A load capacity index in single formation lower or equal to 121 and a speed category symbol lower or equal to "M".

3. Markings

3.1. Tyres submitted for approval shall bear on both side walls in the case of symmetrical tyres and at least on the outer side wall in the case of asymmetrical tyres:

3.1.1. The manufacturer’s name or the Brand name/trademark;

3.1.2. The trade description/commercial name (see paragraph 2.4. of this Regulation). However, the trade description is not required when it coincides with the Brand name/trademark.

3.1.3. The tyre-size designation as defined in paragraph 2.20. of this Regulation;

3.1.4. An indication of the structure as follows:

3.1.4.1. On diagonal (bias-ply) tyres: no indication, or the letter "D";

3.1.4.2. On radial-ply tyres: the letter "R" placed in front of the rim-diameter marking and, optionally, the word "RADIAL";

3.1.5. The speed-category symbol (or symbols);

3.1.5.1. An indication of the tyre's nominal speed category in the form of the symbol prescribed in paragraph 2.31.2. above;

3.1.5.2. An indication of a second speed category in cases where paragraph 6.2.5. below is applied;

3.1.6. The inscription M+S or M.S or M&S if the tyre is classified in the category of use "snow tyre" or if the tyre is classified in the category of use "special use tyre" when declared by the tyre manufacturer at paragraph 4.1.3. as complying also with the definition given in paragraph 2.5.2.

3.1.7. The load-capacity indices as defined in paragraph 2.30. of this Regulation;

3.1.8. The word "TUBELESS" if the tyre is designed for use without an inner tube;

3.1.9. The date of manufacture in the form of a group of four digits, the first two showing the week and the last two the year of manufacture.  However, this marking, which it is permissible to restrict to one sidewall, shall not be mandatory, on any tyre submitted for approval, until two years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation[5];

3.1.10. In the case of tyres which can be re-grooved, the symbol

“ “

at least 20 mm in diameter, or the word "REGROOVABLE", moulded into or on to each sidewall;

3.1.11. An indication, by the "PSI" index, of the inflation pressure to be adopted for the load/speed endurance tests, as explained in Annex 7, Appendix 2. However, this indication, which it is permissible to restrict to one sidewall, shall not be mandatory, on any tyre submitted for approval, until two years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation. 5

 For tyres first approved after 1 January 2018, the inflation pressure for the dimension measurement and for the load/speed endurance test, pursuant to paragraph 4.1.12. of this Regulation, shall be indicated in kilopascals, replacing the "PSI" index.

 It is allowed to use kPa marking instead of PSI for tyres first type approved before 1 January 2018;

3.1.12. In the case of tyres first approved after 1 March 2004 the identification referred to in paragraph 2.20.1.4. shall be placed only immediately after the rim diameter marking referred to in paragraph 2.20.1.3;

3.1.13. The inscription "MPT" (or alternatively "ML" or "ET") and /or "POR" if the tyre is classified in the category of use "special use tyre". In addition, they may also bear the inscription M+S or M.S or M&S.

 "ET" means Extra Tread, "ML" stands for Mining and Logging, "MPT" means Multi-Purpose Truck and "POR" means Professional Off Road6;

3.1.14. The prefix "LT" before the tyre size designation, or the suffix "C" or "LT" after the rim diameter marking referred to in paragraph 2.20.1.3., and, if applicable, after the tyre to rim fitment configuration referred to in paragraph 2.20.1.4., or the suffix "LT" after the service description.

3.1.14.1. This marking is optional in the case of tyres fitted on 5° drop centre rims, suitable for single and dual fitment, having a load capacity index in single lower or equal to 121 and destined for the equipment of motor vehicles;

3.1.14.2. This marking is mandatory in the case of tyres fitted on 5° drop centre rims, suitable for single fitment only, having a load capacity index higher or equal to 122 and destined for the equipment of motor vehicles;

3.1.15. The suffix "CP" after the rim diameter marking referred to in paragraph 2.20.1.3., and, if applicable, after the tyre to rim fitment configuration referred to in paragraph 2.20.1.4.  This marking is mandatory in the case of tyres fitted on 5° drop centre rims, having a load capacity index in single lower or equal to 121 and specifically designed for the equipment of motor caravans;

3.1.16. The inscription "FRT" (Free Rolling Tyre) in case of tyres designed for the equipment of trailer axles and axles of motor vehicles other than front steering and drive axles.

3.2. Tyres shall exhibit a free space sufficiently large to accommodate an approval mark as shown in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

3.3. Annex 3 to this Regulation gives an example of an arrangement of the tyre markings.

3.4. The markings referred to in paragraph 3.1. and the approval mark prescribed in paragraph 5.4. of this Regulation shall be moulded on to or into the tyres.  They shall be clearly legible and shall, except for the marking referred to in paragraph 3.1.1. above, be located on at least one lower sidewall.

3.4.1. However, for tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see paragraph 3.1.12.) symbol "A", the markings may be placed anywhere on the sidewall of the tyre.

4. Application for approval

4.1. The application for approval of a type of tyre with regard to this Regulation shall be submitted by the tyre manufacturer or by his duly accredited representative. It shall specify:

4.1.1. The tyre-size designation as defined in paragraph 2.20. of this Regulation;

4.1.2. The manufacturer's name;

4.1.2.1. The Brand name(s)/trademark(s);

4.1.2.2. The trade description(s)/commercial name(s).

4.1.3. The category of use (normal, snow tyres, special use tyres);

4.1.3.1. For the tyres belonging to the category of use "special use tyre" those which may bear the inscription M+S or M.S or M&S.

4.1.4. Structure:  diagonal (bias ply) or radial;

4.1.5. The speed category;

4.1.6. The load-capacity indexes;

4.1.7. Whether the tyre is intended to be used with or without an inner tube;

4.1.8. The overall dimensions: overall section width and outer diameter;

4.1.9. The factor "x" referred to in paragraph 2.23. above;

4.1.10. The rims on which the tyre can be mounted;

4.1.11. The measuring rim and test rim;

4.1.12 The inflation pressure for the dimension measurement and for the load/speed endurance test pressure;

4.1.13. The additional load/speed combinations in cases where paragraph 6.2.5. below is applied.

4.2. The application for approval shall be accompanied (all in triplicate) by a sketch, or a representative photograph, which identify the tyre tread pattern and a sketch of the envelope of the inflated tyre mounted on the measuring rim showing the relevant dimensions (see paragraphs 6.1.1. and 6.1.2.) of the type submitted for approval.  It shall also be accompanied either by the test report issued by the approved test laboratory or by one or two samples of the tyre type, at the discretion of the competent authority.  Drawings or photographs of the side wall and tread of the tyre shall be submitted once production has been established, no later than one year after the date of issue of the type approval.

4.3. The competent authority shall verify the existence of satisfactory arrangements for ensuring effective control of the conformity of production before type approval is granted.

4.4. Where a tyre manufacturer submits application for type approval for a range of tyres, it is not considered necessary to carry out a load/speed test on every type of tyre in the range.  Worst case selection may be made at the discretion of the approval authority.

5. Approval

5.1. If the type of tyre submitted for approval in pursuance of this Regulation meets the requirements of paragraph 6. below, approval of that type of tyre shall be granted.

5.2. An approval number shall be assigned to each type approved; its first two digits (at present 00 for the Regulation in its original form) shall indicate the series of amendments incorporating the most recent major technical amendments made to the Regulation at the time of issue of the approval.  The same Contracting Party may not assign the same number to another type of tyre.

5.3. Notice of approval or of refusal of approval of a type of tyre pursuant to this Regulation shall be communicated to the Parties to the Agreement, which apply this Regulation by means of a form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

5.4. There shall be affixed, conspicuously, to every tyre conforming to a type of tyre approved under this Regulation, in the space referred to in paragraph 3.2. above and in addition to the markings prescribed in paragraph 3.1. above, an international approval mark consisting of:

5.4.1. A circle surrounding the letter "E" followed by the distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval[6]; and

5.4.2. An approval number.

5.5. The approval mark shall be clearly legible and be indelible.

5.6. Annex 2 to this Regulation gives an example of the arrangement of the approval mark.

5.7. Subsequent re-treading in accordance with Regulation No. 109

In the case where, during the course of production of a particular tyre type, the manufacturer has obtained a new approval for that same tyre type to be marked with a service description indicating a higher load index or different speed symbol than the earlier marking and where the tyre manufacturer authorizes the earlier tyre type to be re-treaded and marked with the later service description, the tyre manufacturer shall complete the Communication document given in Annex 9 to this Regulation and shall submit this to the Type Approval Authority that has granted the new approval.  If the authorization for upgrading only applies to tyres from a particular manufacturing plant, or produced during particular production periods, the information necessary to identify the tyres shall be stated on the Communication document.

The Type Approval Authority shall communicate this information to other Parties to the Agreement, which apply this Regulation, and tyre manufacturers or Type Approval Authorities shall release this information on the request of any re-treading production unit that is approved in accordance with Regulation No. 109.

6. Specifications

6.1. Dimensions of tyres

6.1.1. Section width of a tyre

6.1.1.1. The section width shall be obtained by means of the following formula:

S = S1 + K (A - A1),

Where:

S is the "section width" rounded to the nearest millimetre and measured on the measuring rim;

S1 is "the nominal section width" in millimetres, as shown on the sidewall of the tyre in the tyre designation as prescribed;

A is the width of the measuring rim in millimetres, as shown by the manufacturer in the descriptive note; and

A1 is the width of the theoretical rim in millimetres.

A1 shall be taken to equal S1 multiplied by the factor x as specified by the manufacturer, and K shall be taken to equal 0.4.

6.1.1.2. However, for the existing types of tyres whose designation is given in the first column of the tables in Annex 5 to this Regulation, the section width shall be deemed to be that given opposite the tyre designation in those tables.

6.1.1.3. However, for tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see paragraph 3.1.12.) symbol "A", K shall be taken to equal 0.6.

6.1.2. Outer diameter of a tyre

6.1.2.1. The outer diameter of a tyre shall be obtained by means of the following formula:

D = d + 2H

where:

D is the outer diameter expressed in millimetres;

d is the conventional number defined in paragraph 2.20.1.3. above, expressed in millimetres;

H is the nominal section height rounded to the nearest millimetre and is equal to

H = S1 • 0.01 Ra, where

S1 is the nominal section width in millimetres;

Ra is the nominal aspect ratio;

all as shown on the sidewall of the tyre in the tyre-size designation in conformity with the requirements of paragraph 3.4. above.

6.1.2.2. However, for the existing types of tyres whose designation is given in the first column of the tables in Annex 5 to this Regulation, the outer diameter shall be deemed to be that given opposite the tyre designation in those tables.

6.1.2.3. However, for tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see paragraph 3.1.12.) symbol "A", the outer diameter shall be that specified in the tyre-size designation as shown on the sidewall of the tyre.

6.1.3. Method of measuring tyres

 The dimensions of tyres shall be measured by the procedure described in Annex 6 to this Regulation.

6.1.4. Tyre section width specifications

6.1.4.1. The overall width of a tyre may be less than the section width or widths determined pursuant to paragraph 6.1.1. above.

6.1.4.2. It may exceed that value by 4 per cent in case of radial-ply tyres and by 8 per cent in the case of diagonal (bias-ply) tyres.  However, for tyres with nominal section width exceeding 305 mm intended for dual mounting (twinning), the value determined pursuant to paragraph 6.1.1. above shall not be exceeded by more than 2 per cent for radial-ply tyres with nominal aspect ratio higher than 60, or 4 per cent for diagonal (bias-ply) tyres. The respective limits shall be rounded to the nearest millimetre (mm).

6.1.4.3. However, for tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see paragraph 3.1.12.) symbol "A", the overall width of the tyre, in the lower area of the tyre, equals the nominal width of the rim on which the tyre is mounted, as shown by the manufacturer in the descriptive note, increased by 27 mm.

6.1.5. Tyre outer diameter specifications

 The outer diameter of a tyre must not be outside the values dmin and dmax obtained from the following formulae:

Dmin = d + 2 • Hmin

Dmax = d + 2 • Hmax

where:

Hmin = H • a rounded to the nearest mm

Hmax = H • b rounded to the nearest mm

6.1.5.1. For sizes listed in Annex 5 and for tyres identified by the "tyre to rim fitment configuration" (see paragraph 3.1.12.) symbol "A", the nominal section height H is equal to:

 H = 0.5 (D-d), rounded to the nearest mm - for references see paragraph 6.1.2.1.

6.1.5.2. For other sizes, not listed in Annex 5

 "H" and "d" are as defined in paragraph 6.1.2.1.

6.1.5.3. Coefficients "a" and "b" are respectively:

6.1.5.3.1. Coefficient "a" = .97

6.1.5.3.2. Coefficient "b"   Radial  Diagonal

 For normal use tyres   1.04  1.07

 For special use tyres   1.06  1.09

6.1.5.3.3. For snow tyres the outer diameter shall not exceed the following value

Dmax,snow = 1.01 • Dmax  rounded to the nearest mm

where Dmax is the maximum outer diameter established in conformity with the above.

For tyres of the category of use, "snow tyre" the outer diameter (Dmax) established in conformity with the above may be exceeded by one per cent.

6.2. Load/speed endurance test

6.2.1. Each type of tyre shall undergo at least one load/speed endurance tests carried out by the procedure described in Annex 7 to this Regulation.

6.2.2. A tyre which, after undergoing the endurance test, does not exhibit any tread separation, ply separation, cord separation, chunking or broken cords shall be deemed to have passed the test.

6.2.3. The outer diameter of the tyre, measured six hours after the load/speed endurance test, must not differ by more than 3.5 per cent from the outer diameter as measured before the test.

6.2.4. Where application is made for the approval of a type of tyre for the load/speed combinations given in the table in Annex 8, the endurance test prescribed in paragraph 6.2.1. above need not be carried out for load and speed values other than the nominal values.

6.2.5. Where application is made for the approval of a type of tyre, which has a load/speed combination in addition to the one that is subject to the variation of load with speed given in the table in Annex 8, the endurance test prescribed in paragraph 6.2.1. above shall also be carried out on a second tyre of the same type at the additional load/speed combination.

6.3. Tread pattern of a tyre

6.3.1. In order to be classified as a "special use tyre" a tyre shall have a block tread pattern in which the blocks are larger and more widely spaced than for normal tyres and have the following characteristics:

For C2 tyres: a tread depth ≥ 11 mm and void to fill ratio ≥ 35 per cent

For C3 tyres: a tread depth ≥ 16 mm and void to fill ratio ≥ 35 per cent

6.3.2. In order to be classified as a 'professional off-road tyre', a tyre shall have all of the following characteristics:

(a) For C2 tyres:

 (i) A tread depth ≥ 11 mm;

 (ii) A void to fill ratio ≥ 35 per cent;

 (iii) A maximum speed rating of ≤ Q.

(b) For C3 tyres:

 (i) A tread depth ≥ 16 mm;

 (ii) A void to fill ratio ≥ 35 per cent;

 (iii) A maximum speed rating of ≤ K.

7. Modification and extension of approval of a tyre type

7.1. Every modification of a tyre type shall be notified to the Type Approval Authority, which approved the tyre type.  That Authority may then either:

7.1.1. Consider that the modifications made are unlikely to have an appreciable adverse effect and that in any case the tyre still meets the requirements; or

7.1.2. Require a further test report from the Technical Service responsible for carrying out the tests.

7.2. A modification of the tread pattern of the tyre shall not be considered to necessitate a repetition of the tests prescribed in paragraph 6. of this Regulation.

7.3. Confirmation or refusal of approval, specifying the alterations, shall be communicated by the procedure specified in paragraph 5.3. above to the Parties to the Agreement which apply this Regulation.

7.4. The competent Type Approval Authority issuing the extension of approval shall assign a series number for such an extension and inform thereof the other Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation by means of a communication form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

8. Conformity of production

 The conformity of production procedures shall comply with those set out in the 1958 Agreement, Schedule 1 (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3) with the following requirements:

8.1. Tyres approved under this Regulation shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved, by meeting the requirements set forth in paragraph 6. above.

8.2. The Type Approval Authority, which has granted type approval, may at any time verify the conformity control methods applied in each production facility.  For each production facility, the normal frequency of these verifications shall be once every two years.

9. Penalties for non-conformity of production

9.1. The approval granted in respect of a type of tyre pursuant to this Regulation may be withdrawn if the requirement laid down in paragraph 8.1. above is not complied with or if the tyres taken from the series have failed to pass the tests prescribed in that paragraph.

9.2. If a Party to the Agreement, which applies this Regulation, withdraws an approval it has previously granted, it shall forthwith so notify the other Contracting Parties applying this Regulation, by means of a communication form conforming to the model in annex 1 to this Regulation.

10. Production definitively discontinued

 If the holder of an approval completely ceases to manufacture a type of tyre approved in accordance with this Regulation, he shall so inform the Type Approval Authority, which granted the approval.  Upon receiving, the relevant communication that Authority shall inform thereof the other Parties to the 1958 Agreement applying this Regulation by means of copies of the communication form conforming to the model in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

11. Names and addresses of Technical Services responsible for conducting approval tests, and of Type Approval Authorities

11.1. The Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement which apply this Regulation shall communicate to the United Nations Secretariat the names and addresses of the technical services responsible for conducting approval tests and, where applicable, of the approved test laboratories and of the Type Approval Authorities which grant approval and to which forms certifying approval or extension of approval or refusal of approval or withdrawal of approval or production definitively discontinued, issued in other countries, are to be sent.

11.2. The Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement, which apply this Regulation, may designate laboratories of tyre manufacturers, as approved, test laboratories.

11.3. Where a Contracting Party to the 1958 Agreement applies paragraph 11.2. above, it may, if it so desires, be represented at the tests by one or more persons of its choice.

Explanatory figure

(See paragraph 2. of the Regulation)

Annex 1

Communication

(Maximum format: A4 (210 x 297 mm))

[7]

concerning[8]: Approval granted

 Approval extended

 Approval refused

 Approval withdrawn

 Production definitively discontinued

of a type of tyre for motor vehicles pursuant to Regulation No. 54

Approval No.:..................Extension No.: ......................

1. Manufacturer's name and address:.................................

2. Tyre type designation[9]........................................ 

2.1. Brand name(s)/trademark(s): ....................................

2.2. Trade description(s)/ Commercial name(s)/...........................

3. If applicable, name and address of manufacturer's representative:.............

 ........................................................

 ........................................................

4. Summarized description:

4.1. Size of tyre................................................

4.2. Category of use:  normal/snow/special2

4.3. Structure:  diagonal (bias-ply)/radial2

4.4. Tyre class: C2 / C32

4.5. Speed category symbol:

4.5.1. Nominal:..................................................

4.5.2. Additional (if applicable): ......................................

4.6. Load-capacity indices:

4.6.1. Corresponding to nominal speed: single ................... twinned (dual)...........

4.6.2. Corresponding to additional speed: single ................. twinned (dual)...........

5. Technical Service and, where applicable, test laboratory approved for purposes of approval or of verification of conformity:             

 ........................................................

6. Date of report issued by that Service:...............................

7. Number of report issued by that Service:.............................

8. Reasons(s) of extension (if applicable):..............................

9. Any remarks:...............................................

10. Place:....................................................

11. Date:....................................................

12. Signature:.................................................

12. Annexed to this communication is a list of documents in the approval file deposited at the Type Approval Authorities having delivered the approval and which can be obtained upon request.

Annex 2

Arrangement of approval mark

a = 12 mm (min.)

The above approval mark affixed to a tyre shows that the type of tyre concerned has been approved in the Netherlands (E 4) under approval number 002439. The first two digits of the approval number indicate that the approval was granted in accordance with the requirements of Regulation No. 54 in its original form.

Note: The approval number must be placed close to the circle and either above or below the "E" or to left or right of that letter.  The digits of the approval number must be on the same side of the "E" and face in the same direction. The use of Roman numerals as approval numbers should be avoided so as to prevent any confusion with other symbols.

Annex 3

Arrangement of tyre markings

(*)  PSI marking instead of kPa is allowed for tyres first type approved before 1 January 2018.

1. These markings define a tyre:

Having a nominal section width of 255;

Having a nominal aspect ratio of 70;

Of radial-ply structure (R);

Having a nominal rim diameter of 572 mm, for which the symbol is 22.5;

Having load capacities of 3,150 kg when single and 2,900 kg when twinned (dual), corresponding respectively to the load indices 148 and 145 shown in Annex 4 to this Regulation;

Having a reference speed of 100 km/h corresponding to speed category symbol: J;

 Classified in the category of use Snow: M+S;

Able to be used additionally at 120 km/h (speed category symbol L) with a load capacity of 3,000 kg when single and 2,725 kg when twinned (dual), corresponding respectively to the load indices 145 and 143 shown in Annex 4 to this Regulation;

 Capable of being fitted without inner tube: "TUBELESS";

Manufactured during the twenty-fifth week of the year 2003, and

Requiring to be inflated to 620 kPa for load/speed endurance tests, for which the PSI symbol is 90.

2. In the particular case of tyres having a tyre to rim fitment configuration "A", the marking shall be in the form of the following example:

235-700 R 450A

Where:

235 is the nominal section width in mm

700  is the outer diameter expressed in mm

R  is an indication of the structure of the tyre - see paragraph 3.1.4. of this Regulation

450  is the nominal diameter of the rim expressed in mm

A  is the tyre to rim fitment configuration.

The marking of the load index, speed category symbol, date of manufacture and other markings, shall be as given in the example above.

3. The positioning and order of the markings constituting the tyre designation shall be the following:

a)         The tyre-size designation as defined in paragraph 2.20. of this Regulation shall be grouped as shown in the example above: 255/70 R 22.5 or 235-700 R 450A;

b)         The service description comprising the load index/indices and the speed symbol shall be placed immediately after the tyre-size designation as defined in paragraph 2.20. of this Regulation;

c)         The symbols "TUBELESS" and "M+S" or "FRT" or "MPT" (and equivalents) may be at a distance from the tyre-size designation

d)         If paragraph 6.2.5. of this Regulation is applied, the additional load-capacity indices and speed-category symbol must be shown inside a circle near the nominal load-capacity indices and speed-category-symbol appearing on the tyre sidewall.

Annex 4

List of symbols of load-capacity indices

Annex 5

Tyre-size designation and dimensions

Part I - European tyres

Table A

Code designated sizes mounted on 5° tapered rims or flat base rims.

Radial and diagonal constructions

(+) Tyres in diagonal construction are identified by an hyphen in place of the letter 'R' (e.g. 5.00-8).

(*) The tyre-size designation may be supplemented with the letter 'C' (e.g. 6.00-16C).

Table B

Code designated sizes mounted on 15° tapered rims - Radial

  (*) The tyre-size designation may be supplemented with the letter 'C' (e.g. 7 R 17.5C).

Table C

Tyres for light commercial vehicles - Radial and diagonal constructions

  (+)    Tyres in diagonal construction are identified by an hyphen in place of the letter 'R' (e.g. 145-10 C).

Table D

Tyres for special applications - Radial and diagonal construction

  (+)  Tyres in radial construction are identified by the letter 'R' in place of the hyphen '-' (e.g. 15x4 1/2 R 8).

Part II - United States tyres

- Tolerances shown at the bottom of the tables apply in place of those shown in paragraphs 6.1.4.2. and 6.1.5.3.

- Outer diameters are listed for the various categories of use: Normal, Snow, Special.

Table A

Tyres for light commercial vehicles (LT tyres)

Diagonal and radial

 1 Tyres in Radial construction are identified by the letter "R" in place of "-" (e.g. 6.00 R 16LT).

 2 Coefficient "b" for the calculation of Dmax: 1.08.

 3 Overall width may exceed this value up to +8 per cent.

 4 The suffix "MH"' may replace "LT" in the tyre-size designation (e.g. 7-14.5 MH).

Table B

Tyres for light commercial vehicles (high flotation tyres)

Diagonal and radial