11.7.2008   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 183/41

Only the original UNECE texts have legal effect under international public law. The status and date of entry into force of this Regulation should be checked in the latest version of the UN/ECE status document TRANS/WP.29/343, available at: http://www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29fdocstts.html

Regulation No 54 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UNECE) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of pneumatic tyres for commercial vehicles and their trailers

Incorporating all valid text up to:

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

CONTENTS

REGULATION

1.

 Scope

2.

 Definitions

3.

 Markings

4.

 Application for approval

5.

 Approval

6.

 Specifications

7.

 Modification and extension of approval of a tyre type

8.

 Conformity of production

9.

 Penalties for non-conformity of production

10.

 Production definitely discontinued

11.

 Names and addresses of technical services responsible for conducting approval tests, and of administrative departments

ANNEXES

Annex I

 Communication concerning the approval or extension or refusal or withdrawal of approval or production definitely discontinued of a type of pneumatic tyre for motor vehicles pursuant to Regulation No 54

Annex II

 Arrangement of approval mark

Annex III

 Arrangement of tyre markings

Annex IV

 List of symbols of load-capacity indices

Annex V

 Tyre-size designation and dimensions: Part I — European tyres; Part II — United States tyres

Annex VI

 Method of measuring pneumatic tyres

Annex VII

 Procedure for load/speed endurance tests

Appendix 1 —

 Endurance-test programme

Appendix 2 —

 Relation between the pressure index and the units of pressure

Annex VIII

 Variation of load capacity with speed commercial vehicle tyres, radial and diagonal

Annex IX

 COMMUNICATION, Upgrade of Service Description for the purposes of retreading in accordance with Regulation No 109

1.   SCOPE

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

2.   DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Regulation:

2.1.

‘Type of pneumatic tyre’ means a category of pneumatic tyres which do not differ in such essential respects as:

2.1.1.

The manufacturer;

2.1.2.

Tyre-size designation;

2.1.3.

Category of use;

2.1.4.

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

2.1.5.

Speed category;

2.1.6.

Load-capacity indices; and

2.1.7.

Cross-section;

2.2.

Category of use:

2.2.1.

‘Normal tyre’ means a tyre intended for normal, everyday, on-road use;

2.2.2.

‘Special use tyre’ means a tyre intended for mixed use both on- and off-road or for other special duty.

2.2.3.

‘Snow tyre’ means a tyre whose tread pattern, tread compound or structure are 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.

2.3.

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

2.3.1.

‘Diagonal’ or ‘bias-ply’ describes a pneumatic-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;

2.3.2.

‘Radial’ describes a pneumatic-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.

2.4.

‘Bead’ means the part of a pneumatic tyre which is of such shape and structure as to fit the rim and to hold the tyre on it (2);

2.5.

‘Cord’ means the strands forming the fabric of the plies in the pneumatic tyre (2);

2.6.

‘Ply’ means a layer of rubber-coated parallel cords (2);

2.7.

‘Carcass’ means that part of a pneumatic tyre other than the tread and the rubber sidewalls which, when inflated, bears the load (2);

2.8.

‘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 adhesion (2);

2.9.

‘Sidewall’ means the part of a pneumatic tyre between the tread and the area designed to be covered by the rim flange (2);

2.10.

‘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 flange (2);

2.10.1.

However, in case of tyres identified by the ‘tyre to rim fitment configuration’ (see paragraph 3.1.11) symbol ‘A’, it means the area of the tyre which is seating on the rim.

2.11.

‘Tread groove’ means the space between two adjacent ribs and/or blocks in the tread pattern (2);

2.12.

‘Section width (S)’ means the linear distance between the outsides of the sidewalls of an inflated pneumatic tyre, excluding elevations due to labelling (marking), decoration or protective bands or ribs (2);

2.13.

‘Over-all width’ means the linear distance between the outsides of the sidewalls of an inflated pneumatic tyre, including labelling (marking), decoration and protective bands or ribs (2);

2.14.

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

2.15.

‘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;

2.16.

‘Outer diameter (D)’ means the overall diameter of an inflated new pneumatic tyre (2);

2.17.

‘Tyre-size designation’ means:

2.17.1.

A designation showing:

2.17.1.1.

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 V to this Regulation;

2.17.1.2.

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 V to this Regulation or, depending on the tyre design type, the nominal outer diameter expressed in mm;

2.17.1.3.

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;

2.17.1.3.1.

The values of the ‘d’ symbols expressed in millimetres are shown below:

Nominal rim diameter code (‘d’ symbol)

Value of the ‘d’ symbol expressed in mm

8

203

9

229

10

254

11

279

12

305

13

330

14

356

15

381

16

406

17

432

18

457

19

482

20

508

21

533

22

559

24

610

25

635

14,5

368

16,5

419

17,5

445

19,5

495

20,5

521

22,5

572

24,5

622

26

660

28

711

30

762

2.17.1.4.

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.

2.18.

‘Nominal rim diameter (d)’ means the diameter of the rim on which a tyre is designed to be mounted (2);

2.19.

‘Rim’ means the support for a tyre-and-tube assembly, or for a tubeless tyre, on which support the tyre beads are seated (2);

2.20.

‘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;

2.21.

‘Measuring rim’ means the rim on which a tyre must be fitted for dimensional measurements;

2.22.

‘Test rim’ means the rim on which a tyre must be fitted for load/speed endurance testing;

2.23.

‘Chunking’ means the breaking away of pieces of rubber from the tread;

2.24.

‘Cord separation’ means the parting of the cords from their coating;

2.25.

‘Ply separation’ means the parting of adjacent plies;

2.26.

‘Tread separation’ means the pulling away of the tread from the carcass;

2.27.

‘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 pneumatic 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 IV;

2.28.

‘Speed category’ means:

2.28.1.

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

2.28.2.

The speed categories are as shown in the table below (3):

Speed-category symbol

Corresponding speed (km/h)

F

80

G

90

J

100

K

110

L

120

M

130

N

140

P

150

Q

160

R

170

S

180

T

190

U

200

H

210

2.29.

‘Table load-capacity variation with speed’ means:

The table, in Annex VIII, showing as a function of the load-capacity indices and nominal-speed-category symbols the load variations which a pneumatic 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.

3.   MARKINGS

3.1.   Pneumatic tyres submitted for approval shall display on both sidewalls in the case of symmetrical tyres and at least on the outer sidewall in the case of asymmetrical tyres:

3.1.1.

The manufacturer's name or trade mark;

3.1.2.

The tyre-size designation as defined in paragraph 2.17 of this Regulation;

3.1.3.

An indication of the structure as follows:

3.1.3.1.

On diagonal (bias-ply) tyres: no indication, or the letter ‘D’;

3.1.3.2.

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

3.1.4.

The speed-category symbol (or symbols);

3.1.4.1.

An indication of the tyre's nominal speed category in the form of the symbol prescribed in paragraph 2.28.2 above;

3.1.4.2.

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

3.1.5.

The inscription M+S or M.S or M&S in the case of a snow tyre;

3.1.6.

The load-capacity indices as defined in paragraph 2.27 of this Regulation;

3.1.7.

The word ‘TUBELESS’ if the tyre is designed for use without an inner tube;

3.1.8.

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 (4);

3.1.9.

 In the case of tyres which can be regrooved, the symbol ‘

Image

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

3.1.10.

An indication, by the ‘PSI’ index, of the inflation pressure to be adopted for the load/speed endurance tests, as explained in Annex VII, 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.

3.1.11.

In the case of tyres first approved after 1 March 2004 the identification referred to in paragraph 2.17.1.4 shall be placed only immediately after the rim diameter marking referred to in paragraph 2.17.1.3.

3.1.12.

The inscription ‘ET’ or ‘ML’ or ‘MPT’ for ‘Special use tyres’ (5).

3.1.13.

The suffix ‘C’ or ‘LT’ after the rim diameter marking referred to in paragraph 2.17.1.3, and, if applicable, after the tyre to rim fitment configuration referred to in paragraph 2.17.1.4:

3.1.13.1.

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.

3.1.13.2.

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.

3.1.14.

The suffix ‘CP’ after the rim diameter marking referred to in paragraph 2.17.1.3, and, if applicable, after the tyre to rim fitment configuration referred to in paragraph 2.17.1.4. 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.

3.1.15.

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 II to this Regulation.

3.3.   Annex III 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 3.1.11) 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 pneumatic tyre shall be submitted by the holder of the manufacturer's name or trade mark or by his duly accredited representative. It shall specify:

4.1.1.

The tyre-size designation as defined in paragraph 2.17 of this Regulation;

4.1.2.

The manufacturer's name or trade mark;

4.1.3.

The category of use (normal or special or snow);

4.1.4.

Structure: diagonal (bias ply) or radial;

4.1.5.

The speed category;

4.1.6.

The load-capacity indices;

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 2.20 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 measuring pressure and test pressure index;

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 pneumatic 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 pneumatic tyre.

5.3.   Notice of approval or of refusal of approval of a type of pneumatic 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 I to this Regulation.

5.4.   There shall be affixed, conspicuously, to every pneumatic 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 II to this Regulation gives an example of the arrangement of the approval mark.

5.7.   Subsequent retreading 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 retreaded and marked with the later service description, the tyre manufacturer shall complete the Communication document given in annex IX 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 retreading 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’ expressed in millimetres 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 V 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 3.1.11) 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 2.17.1.3 above, expressed in millimetres;

S1

is the nominal section width in millimetres;

Ra

is the nominal aspect ratio;

H

is the nominal section height in millimetres and is equal to S1 × 0,01 Ra.

All as in the tyre designation shown on the sidewall of the tyre 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 V 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 3.1.11) 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 pneumatic tyres

The dimensions of pneumatic tyres shall be measured by the procedure described in annex VI 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.

6.1.4.3.   However, for tyres identified by the ‘tyre to rim fitment configuration’ (see paragraph 3.1.11) 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 + (2H × a)

 

Dmax = d + (2H × b)

where:

6.1.5.1.

For sizes listed in Annex V and for tyres identified by the ‘tyre to rim fitment configuration’ (see paragraph 3.1.11) symbol ‘A’, the nominal section height H is equal to:

H = 0.5 (D-d) — for references see paragraph 6.1.2.1.

6.1.5.2.

For other sizes, not listed in Annex V

‘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 (Dmax) established in conformity with the above may be exceeded by 1 per cent.

6.2.   Load/speed endurance test

6.2.1.   Each type of pneumatic tyre shall undergo at least one load/speed endurance tests carried out by the procedure described in Annex VII 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 pneumatic tyre for the load/speed combinations given in the table in Annex VIII, 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 pneumatic 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 VIII, 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.

7.   MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF APPROVAL OF A TYRE TYPE

7.1.   Every modification of a tyre type shall be notified to the administrative department which approved the tyre type. That department 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 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 I to this Regulation.

8.   CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

The conformity of production procedures shall comply with those set out in the Agreement, Appendix 2 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev. 2), 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 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 pneumatic 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 I to this Regulation.

10.   PRODUCTION DEFINITELY DISCONTINUED

If the holder of an approval completely ceases to manufacture a type of pneumatic tyre approved in accordance with this Regulation, he shall so inform the 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 I to this Regulation.

11.   NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF TECHNICAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING APPROVAL TESTS, AND OF ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS

11.1.   The Parties to the 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 administrative departments which grant approval and to which forms certifying approval or refusal or withdrawal of approval, issued in other countries, are to be sent.

11.2.   The Parties to the Agreement which apply this Regulation may use laboratories of tyre manufacturers and may designate, as approved test laboratories, those among them which are situated on their territory or on the territory of another Party to the Agreement subject to a preliminary agreement to this procedure by the competent administrative department of the latter.

11.3.   Where a Party to the 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)

Image

(1)  As defined in the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3) (document TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.1).

(2)  See explanatory figure.

(3)  For consistency, the symbols and speeds shown in this table are the same as those for passenger cars (as in Regulation No 30). They should not be taken to indicate the speeds at which commercial vehicles fitted with such tyres may be operated on the roads.

(4)  Before 1 January 2000, the date of manufacture may be indicated by a group of three digits, the first two showing the week and the last one the year of manufacture.

(5)  This marking shall only be mandatory for tyre types approved to this Regulation after the entry into force of Supplement 14 to the Regulation.

(6)  1 for Germany, 2 for France, 3 for Italy, 4 for the Netherlands, 5 for Sweden, 6 for Belgium, 7 for Hungary, 8 for the Czech Republic, 9 for Spain, 10 for Serbia and Montenegro, 11 for the United Kingdom, 12 for Austria, 13 for Luxembourg, 14 for Switzerland, 15 (vacant), 16 for Norway, 17 for Finland, 18 for Denmark, 19 for Romania, 20 for Poland, 21 for Portugal, 22 for the Russian Federation, 23 for Greece, 24 for Ireland, 25 for Croatia, 26 for Slovenia, 27 for Slovakia, 28 for Belarus, 29 for Estonia, 30 (vacant), 31 for Bosnia and Herzegovina, 32 for Latvia, 33 (vacant), 34 for Bulgaria, 35 (vacant), 36 for Lithuania, 37 for Turkey, 38 (vacant), 39 for Azerbaijan, 40 for The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 41 (vacant), 42 for the European Community (Approvals are granted by its Member States using their respective ECE symbol), 43 for Japan, 44 (vacant), 45 for Australia, 46 for Ukraine, 47 for South Africa and 48 for New Zealand. Subsequent numbers shall be assigned to other countries in the chronological order in which they ratify or accede to the Agreement Concerning the Adoption of Uniform Technical Prescriptions 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 Prescriptions, and the numbers thus assigned shall be communicated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Contracting Parties to the Agreement.

ANNEX I

COMMUNICATION

(Maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm))

Image

ANNEX II

ARRANGEMENT OF APPROVAL MARK

Image

The above approval mark affixed to a pneumatic 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 III

Arrangement of tyre markings

Image

 

Minimum heights of markings

(mm)

Tyres of nominal rim diameter < 508 mm (Code 20) or of nominal section width ≤ 235 mm (Code 9)

Tyres of nominal rim diameter ≥ 508 mm (Code 20) or of nominal section width > 235 mm (Code 9)

B

6

9

C

4

D

6

1.   These markings, given as an example, define a pneumatic 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 IV 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 IV 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 3.1.3. 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 example 1 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 2.17. of this Regulation shall be grouped as shown in above examples: 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 2.17 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 IV

List of symbols of load-capacity indices

Load-capacity index

Corresponding maximum mass to be carried (kg)

60

250

61

257

62

265

63

272

64

280

65

290

66

300

67

307

68

315

69

325

70

335

71

345

72

355

73

365

74

375

75

387

76

400

77

412

78

425

79

437

80

450

81

462

82

475

83

487

84

500

85

515

86

530

87

545

88

560

89

580

90

600

91

615

92

630

93

650

94

670

95

690

96

710

97

730

98

750

99

775

100

800

101

825

102

850

103

875

104

900

105

925

106

950

107

975

108

1 000

109

1 030

110

1 060

111

1 090

112

1 120

113

1 150

114

1 180

115

1 215

116

1 250

117

1 285

118

1 320

119

1 360

120

1 400

121

1 450

122

1 500

123

1 550

124

1 600

125

1 650

126

1 700

127

1 750

128

1 800

129

1 850

130

1 900

131

1 950

132

2 000

133

2 060

134

2 120

135

2 180

136

2 240

137

2 300

138

2 360

139

2 430

140

2 500

141

2 575

142

2 650

143

2 725

144

2 800

145

2 900

146

3 000

147

3 075

148

3 150

149

3 250

150

3 350

151

3 450

152

3 550

153

3 650

154

3 750

155

3 875

156

4 000

157

4 125

158

4 250

159

4 375

160

4 500

161

4 625

162

4 750

163

4 875

164

5 000

165

5 150

166

5 300

167

5 450

168

5 600

169

5 800

170

6 000

171

6 150

172

6 300

173

6 500

174

6 700

175

6 900

176

7 100

177

7 300

178

7 500

179

7 750

180

8 000

181

8 250

182

8 500

183

8 750

184

9 000

185

9 250

186

9 500

187

9 750

188

10 000

189

10 300

190

10 600

191

10 900

192

11 200

193

11 500

194

11 800

195

12 150

196

12 500

197

12 850

198

13 200

199

13 600

200

14 000

ANNEX V

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

Tyre Size Designation (1)

Measuring Rim Width Code

Nominal Rim Diameter d (mm)

Outer Diameter D (mm)

Section Width S (mm)

Radial

Diagonal

Radial

Diagonal

Std. series

4.00R8 (2)

2.50

203

414

414

107

107

4.00R10 (2)

3.00

254

466

466

108

108

4.00R12 (2)

3.00

305

517

517

108

108

4.50R8 (2)

3.50

203

439

439

125

125

4.50R10 (2)

3.50

254

490

490

125

125

4.50R12 (2)

3.50

305

545

545

125

128

5.00R8 (2)

3.00

203

467

467

132

132

5.00R10 (2)

3.50

254

516

516

134

134

5.00R12 (2)

3.50

305

568

568

134

137

6.00R9

4.00

229

540

540

160

160

6.00R14C

4.50

356

626

625

158

158

6.00R16 (2)

4.50

406

728

730

170

170

6.50R10

5.00

254

588

588

177

177

6.50R14C

5.00

356

640

650

170

172

6.50R16 (2)

4.50

406

742

748

176

176

6.50R20 (2)

5.00

508

860

—

181

—

7.00R12

5.00

305

672

672

192

192

7.00R14C

5.00

356

650

668

180

182

7.00R15 (2)

5.00

381

746

752

197

198

7.00R16C

5.50

406

778

778

198

198

7.00R16

5.50

406

784

774

198

198

7.00R20

5.50

508

892

898

198

198

7.50R10

5.50

254

645

645

207

207

7.50R14C

5.50

356

686

692

195

192

7.50R15 (2)

6.00

381

772

772

212

212

7.50R16 (2)

6.00

406

802

806

210

210

7.50R17 (2)

6.00

432

852

852

210

210

7.50R20

6.00

508

928

928

210

213

8.25R15

6.50

381

836

836

230

234

8.25R16

6.50

406

860

860

230

234

8.25R17

6.50

432

886

895

230

234

8.25R20

6.50

508

962

970

230

234

9.00R15

6.00

381

840

840

249

249

9.00R16 (2)

6.50

406

912

900

246

252

9.00R20

7.00

508

1 018

1 012

258

256

10.00R15

7.50

381

918

918

275

275

10.00R20

7.50

508

1 052

1 050

275

275

10.00R22

7.50

559

1 102

1 102

275

275

11.00R16

6.50

406

980

952

279

272

11.00R20

8.00

508

1 082

1 080

286

291

11.00R22

8.00

559

1 132

1 130

286

291

11.00R24

8.00

610

1 182

1 180

286

291

12.00R20

8.50

508

1 122

1 120

313

312

12.00R22

8.50

559

1 174

1 174

313

312

12.00R24

8.50

610

1 226

1 220

313

312

13.00R20

9.00

508

1 176

1 170

336

342

14.00R20

10.00

508

1 238

1 238

370

375

14.00R24

10.00

610

1 340

1 340

370

375

16.00R20

13.00

508

1 370

1 370

446

446

80 Series

12/80 R 20

8.50

508

1 008

—

305

—

13/80 R 20

9.00

508

1 048

—

326

—

14/80 R 20

10.00

508

1 090

—

350

—

14/80 R 24

10.00

610

1 192

—

350

—

14.75/80 R 20

10.00

508

1 124

—

370

—

15.5/80 R 20

10.00

508

1 158

—

384

—

Wide Base Tyres for Multipurpose Trucks

7.50 R 18 MPT

5.50

457

885

 

208

10.5 R 18 MPT

9

457

905

276

270

10.5 R 20 MPT

9

508

955

276

270

12.5 R 18 MPT

11

457

990

330

325

12.5 R 20 MPT

11

508

1 040

330

325

14.5 R 20 MPT

11

508

1 095

362

355

14.5 R 24 MPT

11

610

1 195

362

355


Table B

Code designated sizes mounted on 15° tapered rims — radial

Tyre size designation

Measuring rim width code

Nominal rim diameter d (mm)

Outer diameter

D (mm)

Section Width

S (mm)

7 R 17.5 (3)

5.25

445

752

185

7 R 19.5

5.25

495

800

185

8 R 17.5 (3)

6.00

445

784

208

8 R 19.5

6.00

495

856

208

8 R 22.5

6.00

572

936

208

8.5 R 17.5

6.00

445

802

215

9 R 17.5

6.75

445

820

230

9 R 19.5

6.75

495

894

230

9 R 22.5

6.75

572

970

230

9.5 R 17.5

6.75

445

842

240

9.5 R 19.5

6.75

495

916

240

10 R 17.5

7.50

445

858

254

10 R 19.5

7.50

495

936

254

10 R 22.5

7.50

572

1 020

254

11 R 22.5

8.25

572

1 050

279

11 R 24.5

8.25

622

1 100

279

12 R 22.5

9.00

572

1 084

300

13 R 22.5

9.75

572

1 124

320

15 R 19.5

11.75

495

998

387

15 R 22.5

11.75

572

1 074

387

16.5 R 19.5

13.00

495

1 046

425

16.5 R 22.5

13.00

572

1 122

425

18 R 19.5

14.00

495

1 082

457

18 R 22.5

14.00

572

1 158

457

70 Series

10/70 R 22.5

7.50

572

928

254

11/70 R 22.5

8.25

572

962

279

12/70 R 22.5

9.00

572

1 000

305

13/70 R 22.5

9.75

572

1 033

330


Table C

Tyres for light commercial vehicles — radial and diagonal constructions

Tyre size designation (4)

Measuring rim width code

Nominal rim diameter d (mm)

Outer diameter D (mm)

Section Width S (mm)

Radial

Diagonal

Radial

Diagonal

Metric Designated

145 R 10 C

4.00

254

492

—

147

—

145 R 12 C

4.00

305

542

—

147

—

145 R 13 C

4.00

330

566

—

147

—

145 R 14 C

4.00

356

590

—

147

—

145 R 15 C

4.00

381

616

—

147

—

155 R 12 C

4.50

305

550

—

157

—

155 R 13 C

4.50

330

578

—

157

—

155 R 14 C

4.50

356

604

—

157

—

165 R 13 C

4.50

330

596

—

167

—

165 R 14 C

4.50

356

622

—

167

—

165 R 15 C

4.50

381

646

—

167

—

175 R 13 C

5.00

330

608

—

178

—

175 R 14 C

5.00

356

634

—

178

—

175 R 16 C

5.00

406

684

—

178

—

185 R 13 C

5.50

330

624

—

188

—

185 R 14 C

5.50

356

650

—

188

—

185 R 15 C

5.50

381

674

—

188

—

185 R 16 C

5.50

406

700

—

188

—

195 R 14 C

5.50

356

666

—

198

—

195 R 15 C

5.50

381

690

—

198

—

195 R 16 C

5.50

406

716

—

198

—

205 R 14 C

6.00

356

686

—

208

—

205 R 15 C

6.00

381

710

—

208

—

205 R 16 C

6.00

406

736

—

208

—

215 R 14 C

6.00

356

700

—

218

—

215 R 15 C

6.00

381

724

—

218

—

215 R 16 C

6.00

406

750

—

218

—

245 R 16 C

7.00

406

798

798

248

248

17 R 15 C

5.00

381

678

—

178

—

17 R 380 C

5.00

381

678

—

178

—

17 R 400 C

150 mm

400

698

—

186

—

19 R 400 C

150 mm

400

728

—

200

—

Code Designated

5.60 R 12 C

4.00

305

570

572

150

148

6.40 R 13 C

5.00

330

648

640

172

172

6.70 R 13 C

5.00

330

660

662

180

180

6.70 R 14 C

5.00

356

688

688

180

180

6.70 R 15 C

5.00

381

712

714

180

180


Table D

Tyres for special applications — radial and diagonal construction

Tyre size designation (5)

Measuring rim width code

Nominal rim diameter d (mm)

Outer diameter

D (mm)

Section Width

S (mm)

Code Designated

15×4 1/2-8

3.25

203

385

122

16×6-8

4.33

203

425

152

18×7

4.33

203

462

173

18×7-8

4.33

203

462

173

21×8-9

6.00

229

535

200

21×4

2.32

330

565

113

22×4 1/2

3.11

330

595

132

23×5

3.75

330

635

155

23×9-10

6.50

254

595

225

25×6

3.75

330

680

170

27×10-12

8.00

305

690

255

28×9-15

7.00

381

707

216

Metric designated

200-15

6.50

381

730

205

250-15

7.50

381

735

250

300-15

8.00

381

840

300

PART II

UNITED STATES TYRES

—

Tolerances shown at the bottom of the tables apply in place of those shown in paras. 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

Tyre size designation (6)

Measuring rim width code

Nominal rim diameter d (mm)

Outer diameter D (mm) (7)

Section width

S (mm) (8)

Normal

Snow

6.00-16LT

4.50

406

732

743

173

6.50-16LT

4.50

406

755

767

182

6.70-16LT

5.00

406

722

733

191

7.00-13LT

5.00

330

647

658

187

7.00-14LT

5.00

356

670

681

187

7.00-15LT

5.50

381

752

763

202

7.00-16LT

5.50

406

778

788

202

7.10-15LT

5.00

381

738

749

199

7.50-15LT

6.00

381

782

794

220

7.50-16LT

6.00

406

808

819

220

8.25-16LT

6.50

406

859

869

241

9.00-16LT

6.50

406

890

903

257

G78-15LT

6.00

381

711

722

212

H78-15LT

6.00

381

727

739

222

L78-15LT

6.50

381

749

760

236

L78-16LT

6.50

406

775

786

236

7-14.5LT (9)

6.00

368

677

 

185

8-14.5LT (9)

6.00

368

707

 

203

9-14.5LT (9)

7.00

368

711

 

241

7-17.5LT

5.25

445

758

769

189

8-17.5LT

5.25

445

788

799

199


Table B

Tyres for light commercial vehicles (high flotation tyres)

Diagonal and radial

Tyre size designation (10)

Measuring rim width code

Nominal rim diameter d (mm)

Outer diameter D (mm) (11)

Section width

S (mm) (12)

Normal

Snow

9-15LT

8.00

381

744

755

254

10-15LT

8.00

381

773

783

264

11-15LT

8.00

381

777

788

279

24×7.50-13LT

6

330

597

604

191

27×8.50-14LT

7

356

674

680

218

28×8.50-15LT

7

381

699

705

218

29×9.50-15LT

7.5

381

724

731

240

30×9.50-15LT

7.5

381

750

756

240

31×10.50-15LT

8.5

381

775

781

268

31×11.50-15LT

9

381

775

781

290

31×13.50-15LT

11

381

775

781

345

31×15.50-15LT

12

381

775

781

390

32×11.50-15LT

9

381

801

807

290

33×12.50-15LT

10

381

826

832

318

35×12.50-15LT

10

381

877

883

318

37×12.50-15LT

10

381

928

934

318

37×14.50-15LT

12

381

928

934

372

8.00-16.5LT

6.00

419

720

730

203

8.75-16.5LT

6.75

419

748

759

222

9.50-16.5LT

6.75

419

776

787

241

10-16.5LT

8.25

419

762

773

264

12-16.5LT

9.75

419

818

831

307

30×9.50-16.5LT

7.50

419

750

761

240

31×10.50-16.5LT

8.25

419

775

787

266

33×12.50-16.5LT

9.75

419

826

838

315

37×12.50-16.5LT

9.75

419

928

939

315

37×14.50-16.5LT

11.25

419

928

939

365

33×9.50 R15LT

7.50

381

826

832

240

35×12.50 R16.5LT

10.00

419

877

883

318

37×12.50 R17LT

10.00

432

928

934

318


Table C

Code designated tyres mounted on 5° tapered or flat base rims

Diagonal and radial

Tyre size designation (13)

Measuring rim width code

Nominal rim diameter d (mm)

Outer diameter D (mm) (14)

Section width

S (mm) (15)

Normal

Snow

(a)

(b)

6.50-20

5

508

878

 

893

184

7.00-15TR

5.5

381

777

 

792

199

7.00-18

5.5

457

853

 

868

199

7.00-20

5.5

508

904

 

919

199

7.50-15TR

6

381

808

 

825

215

7.50-17

6

432

859

 

876

215

7.50-18

6

457

884

 

901

215

7.50-20

6

508

935

 

952

215

8.25-15TR

6.5

381

847

855

865

236

8.25-20

6.5

508

974

982

992

236

9.00-15TR

7

381

891

904

911

259

9.00-20

7

508

1 019

1 031

1 038

259

10.00-15TR

7.5

381

927

940

946

278

10.00-20

7.5

508

1 054

1 067

1 073

278

10.00-22

7.5

559

1 104

1 118

1 123

278

11.00-20

8

508

1 085

1 099

1 104

293

11.00-22

8

559

1 135

1 150

1 155

293

11.00-24

8

610

1 186

1 201

1 206

293

11.50-20

8

508

1 085

1 099

1 104

296

12.00-20

8.5

508

1 125

 

1 146

315

12.00-24

8.5

610

1 226

 

1 247

315

14.00-20

10

508

1 241

 

1 266

375

14.00-24

10

610

1 343

 

1 368

375


Table D

Code designated tyres for special services

Diagonal and radial

Tyre size designation

Measuring rim width code

Nominal rim diameter d (mm)

Outer diameter D (mm) (16)

Section width

S (mm) (17)

(a)

(b)

10.00-20ML

7.5

508

1 073

1 099

278

11.00-22ML

8

559

1 155

1 182

293

13.00-24ML

9

610

1 302

 

340

14.00-20ML

10

508

1 266

 

375

14.00-24ML

10

610

1 368

 

375

15-19.5ML

11.75

495

1 019

 

389

24 R 21

18

533

1 372

—

610


Table E

Code designated tyres mounted on 15° tapered rims

Diagonal and radial

Tyre size designation (18)

Measuring rim width code

Nominal rim diameter d (mm)

Outer diameter D (mm) (19)

Section width

S (mm) (20)

Normal

Snow

(a)

(b)

8-19.5

6.00

495

859

 

876

203

8-22.5

6.00

572

935

 

952

203

9-22.5

6.75

572

974

982

992

229

10-22.5

7.50

572

1 019

1 031

1 038

254

11-22.5

8.25

572

1 054

1 067

1 073

279

11-24.5

8.25

622

1 104

1 118

1 123

279

12-22.5

9.00

572

1 085

1 099

1 104

300

12-24.5

9.00

622

1 135

1 150

1 155

300

12.5-22.5

9.00

572

1 085

1 099

1 104

302

12.5-24.5

9.00

622

1 135

1 150

1 155

302

14-17.5

10.50

445

907

 

921

349 (—)

15-19.5

11.75

495

1 005

 

1 019

389 (—)

15-22.5

11.75

572

1 082

 

1 095

389 (—)

16.5-22.5

13.00

572

1 128

 

1 144

425 (—)

18-19.5

14.00

495

1 080

 

1 096

457 (—)

18-22.5

14.00

572

1 158

 

1 172

457 (—)

(1)  

(+)

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

(2)  The tyre size designation may be supplemented with the letter ‘C’ (e.g. 6.00-16C).

(3)  The tyre size designation may be supplemented with the letter ‘C’ (e.g. 7 R 17.5C).

(4)  

(+)

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

(5)  

(+)

Tyres in radial construction are identified by the letter ‘R’ in place of the hyphen ‘-’ (e.g. 15×4 1/2 R 8).

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

(7)  Coefficient ‘b’ for the calculation of Dmax: 1,08.

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

(9)  The suffix ‘MH’ may replace ‘LT’ in the tyre size designation (e.g. 7-14.5 MH).

(10)  Tyres in Radial construction are identified by the letter ‘R’ in place of ‘-’ (e.g. 24×7.50 R 13LT).

(11)  Coefficient ‘b’ for the calculation of Dmax: 1,07.

(12)  Overall width may exceed this value up to +7 per cent.

(13)  Tyres in Radial construction are identified by the letter ‘R’ in place of ‘-’ (e.g. 6.50 R 20).

(14)  Coefficient ‘b’ for the calculation of Dmax: 1,06. Category of use: Normal Service tyres: (a) Highway tread (b) Heavy tread.

(15)  Overall width may exceed this value up to +6 per cent.

(16)  Coefficient ‘b’ for the calculation of Dmax: 1,06.

Category of use: special (a) Traction tread (b) Heavy tread

(17)  Overall width may exceed this value up to +8 per cent.

(18)  Tyres in Radial construction are identified by the letter ‘R’ in place of ‘-’ (e.g. 8R19.5).

(19)  Coefficient ‘b’ for the calculation of Dmax: 1,05.

Category of use: Normal Service tyres: (a) Highway tread (b) Heavy tread

(20)  Overall width may exceed this value up to +6 per cent

(—) Overall width may exceed this value up to +5 per cent.

ANNEX VI

Method of measuring pneumatic tyres

1.

The tyre is mounted on the measuring rim specified by the manufacturer pursuant to paragraph 4.1.11 of this Regulation and is inflated to a pressure specified by the manufacturer pursuant to paragraph 4.1.12 of this Regulation.

2.

The tyre fitted on its rim is conditioned to the ambient temperature of the laboratory for at least 24 hours.

3.

The pressure is readjusted to the value specified in paragraph 1 above.

4.

The overall width is measured by caliper at six equally spaced points, account being taken of the thickness of the protective ribs or bands. The highest measurement so obtained is taken as the overall width.

5.

The outer diameter is calculated from the maximum circumference.

ANNEX VII

Procedure for load/speed endurance tests

1.   PREPARING THE TYRE

1.1.   Mount a new tyre on the test rim specified by the manufacturer pursuant to paragraph 4.1.11. of this Regulation.

1.2.   Use a new inner tube or combination of inner tube, valve and flap (as required) when testing tyres with inner tubes.

1.3.   Inflate the tyre to the pressure corresponding to the pressure index specified by the manufacturer pursuant to paragraph 4.1.12. of this Regulation.

1.4.   Condition the tyre-and-wheel assembly at test-room temperature for not less than three hours.

1.5.   Readjust the tyre pressure to that specified in paragraph 1.3. above.

2.   TEST PROCEDURE

2.1.   Mount the tyre-and-wheel assembly on the test axle and press it against the outer face of a smooth power-driven test drum 1,70 m ± 1 per cent in diameter having a surface at least as wide as the tyre tread.

2.2.   Apply to the test axle a series of test loads expressed in per cent of the load indicated, in annex IV to this Regulation, opposite the load index engraved on the sidewall of the tyre, in accordance with the test programme below. Where the tyre has load-capacity indices for both single and twinned utilization, the reference load for single utilization shall be taken as the basis for the test loads.

2.2.1.   In the case of tyres with a speed category symbol above P, test procedures are as specified in paragraph 3.

2.2.2.   For all other tyre types, the endurance test programme is shown in appendix 1 to this annex.

2.3.   The tyre pressure must not be corrected throughout the test and the test load must be kept constant throughout each of the three test stages.

2.4.   During the test the temperature in the test-room must be maintained at between 20 °C and 30 °C or at a higher temperature if the manufacturer so agrees.

2.5.   The endurance-test programme shall be carried out without interruption.

3.   LOAD/SPEED TEST PROGRAMME FOR TYRE WITH SPEED CATEGORY SYMBOL Q AND ABOVE

3.1.   This programme applies to:

3.1.1.

all tyres marked with load capacity index in single 121 or less.

3.1.2.

tyres marked with load capacity index in single 122 and above and with the additional marking ‘C’, or ‘LT’, referred to in paragraph 3.1.13. of this Regulation.

3.2.   Load placed on the wheel as a percentage of the load corresponding to the load index:

3.2.1.

90 % when tested on a test drum 1,70 m ± 1 per cent in diameter;

3.2.2.

92 % when tested on a test drum 2,0 m ± 1 per cent in diameter.

3.3.   Initial test speed: speed corresponding to the speed category symbol less 20 km/h;

3.3.1.   Time to reach the initial test speed 10 min.

3.3.2.   Duration of the first step = 10 min.

3.4.   Second test speed: speed corresponding to the speed category symbol less 10 km/h;

3.4.1.   Duration of the second step = 10 min.

3.5.   Final test speed: speed corresponding to the speed category symbol:

3.5.1.

Duration of the final step = 30 min.

3.6.   Total test duration: 1 h.

4.   EQUIVALENT TEST METHODS

If a method other than that described in paragraph 2. above is used, its equivalence must be demonstrated.

Appendix 1

Endurance-test programme

Load index

Tyre speed category

Test-drum speed

Load placed on the wheel as a percentage of the load corresponding to the load index

Radial-ply min-1

Diagonal (bias-ply) min-1

7 h.

16 h.

24 h.

122 or more

F

100

100

66 %

84 %

101 %

G

125

100

J

150

125

K

175

150

L

200

—

M

225

—

121 or less

F

100

100

G

125

125

J

150

150

K

175

175

L

200

175

70 %

4 h.

88 %

6 h.

106 %

M

250

200

75 %

97 %

114 %

N

275

—

75 %

97 %

114 %

P

300

—

75 %

97 %

114 %

Notes:

(1)

‘Special-use’ tyres (see paragraph 2.1.3 of the Regulation) should be tested at a speed equal to 85 per cent of the speed prescribed for equivalent normal tyres.

(2)

Tyres with load index 122 or more, speed categories N or P and the additional marking ‘LT’, or ‘C’, referred to in paragraph 3.1.13 of this Regulation, shall be tested with the same programme as specified in the above table for tyres with load index 121 or less.

Appendix 2

Relation between the pressure index and the units of pressure

Pressure Index (‘PSI’)

Bar

kPa

20

1,4

140

25

1,7

170

30

2,1

210

35

2,4

240

40

2,8

280

45

3,1

310

50

3,4

340

55

3,8

380

60

4,1

410

65

4,5

450

70

4,8

480

75

5,2

520

80

5,5

550

85

5,9

590

90

6,2

620

95

6,6

660

100

6,9

690

105

7,2

720

110

7,6

760

115

7,9

790

120

8,3

830

125

8,6

860

130

9,0

900

135

9,3

930

140

9,7

970

145

10,0

1 000

150

10,3

1 030

…

…

…

ANNEX VIII

Variation of load capacity with speed commercial vehicles tyres radial and diagonal

(See paras 2.27 and 2.29)

Variation of load capacity (per cent)

Speed (km/h)

All load indices

Load indices ≥ 122 (1)

Load indices ≤ 121 (1)

Speed category symbol

Speed category symbol

Speed category symbol

F

G

J

K

L

M

L

M

N

P (2)

0

+ 150

+ 150

+ 150

+ 150

+ 150

+ 150

+ 110

+ 110

+ 110

+ 110

5

+ 110

+ 110

+ 110

+ 110

+ 110

+ 110

+90

+90

+90

+90

10

+80

+80

+80

+80

+80

+80

+75

+75

+75

+75

15

+65

+65

+65

+65

+65

+65

+60

+60

+60

+60

20

+50

+50

+50

+50

+50

+50

+50

+50

+50

+50

25

+35

+35

+35

+35

+35

+35

+42

+42

+42

+42

30

+25

+25

+25

+25

+25

+25

+35

+35

+35

+35

35

+19

+19

+19

+19

+19

+19

+29

+29

+29

+29

40

+15

+15

+15

+15

+15

+15

+25

+25

+25

+25

45

+13

+13

+13

+13

+13

+13

+22

+22

+22

+22

50

+12

+12

+12

+12

+12

+12

+20

+20

+20

+20

55

+11

+11

+11

+11

+11

+11

+17,5

+17,5

+17,5

+17,5

60

+10

+10

+10

+10

+10

+10

+15,0

+15,0

+15,0

+15,0

65

+7,5

+8,5

+8,5

+8,5

+8,5

+8,5

+13,5

+13,5

+13,5

+13,5

70

+5,0

+7,0

+7,0

+7,0

+7,0

+7,0

+12,5

+12,5

+12,5

+12,5

75

+2,5

+5,5

+5,5

+5,5

+5,5

+5,5

+11,0

+11,0

+11,0

+11,0

80

0

+4,0

+4,0

+4,0

+4,0

+4,0

+10,0

+10,0

+10,0

+10,0

85

–3

+2,0

+3,0

+3,0

+3,0

+3,0

+8,5

+8,5

+8,5

+8,5

90

–6

0

+2,0

+2,0

+2,0

+2,0

+7,5

+7,5

+7,5

+7,5

95

–10

–2,5

+1,0

+1,0

+1,0

+1,0

+6,5

+6,5

+6,5

+6,5

100

–15

–5

0

0

0

0

+5,0

+5,0

+5,0

+5,0

105

 

–8

–2

0

0

0

+3,75

+3,75

+3,75

+3,75

110

 

–13

–4

0

0

0

+2,5

+2,5

+2,5

+2,5

115

 

 

–7

–3

0

0

+1,25

+1,25

+1,25

+1,25

120

 

 

–12

–7

0

0

0

0

0

0

125

 

 

 

 

 

0

–2,5

0

0

0

130

 

 

 

 

 

0

–5,0

0

0

0

135

 

 

 

 

 

 

–7,5

–2,5

0

0

140

 

 

 

 

 

 

–10

–5

0

0

145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

–7,5

–2,5

0

150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

–10,0

–5,0

0

155

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

–7,5

–2,5

160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

–10,0

–5,0

(1)  The load capacity indices refer to a single operation.

(2)  Load variations are not allowed for speeds above 160 km/h. For speed category symbols ‘Q’ and above the speed category corresponding to the speed category symbol (see paragraph 2.28.2) specifies the maximum speed permitted for the tyre.

ANNEX IX

COMMUNICATION

Upgrade of Service Description for the purposes of retreading in accordance with Regulation No 109

(Maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm))

Issued by (Name and Address of Tyre Manufacturer): …

Declaration:

The tyre corresponding to the following details has been approved to operate at a higher service description than that of the tyre originally approved. It is therefore permitted, subject to any limitations given in paragraph 4.1.1 below, for a tyre bearing the original service description and approval number, to be retreaded to the upgraded service description.

It is also agreed that this information may be released by an approval authority to any retreading production unit that is approved in accordance with Regulation No 109.

1.   Manufacturer’s name or trademark on the tyre: …

2.   Manufacturer’s tyre type, model or design designation: …

3.   Tyre size designation: …

3.1.   Category of use (Normal, Snow or Special): …

4.   Service description

4.1.   Original tyre: …

Approval No Pursuant to Regulation No 54 …

Granted by: …

4.1.1.   Where applicable, the production plant in which tyres suitable for upgrading were produced, the production periods concerned, and the means of identifying either or both of these issues:

4.2.   Upgraded tyre: …

Approval No pursuant to Regulation No 54: …

Granted by: …

5.   Authorised by (tyre manufacturer’s representative):

5.1.   Name (Block capitals): …

5.2.   Department: …

5.3.   Signature: …