DOT does not "approve" tires for sale. They establish certain criteria
that tires must meet & manufacturer certifies tires have been tested to
meet these standards - certification is done by molding "DOT" markings
into tire sidewall
As these tires must have been tested to Japan or European standards
(JATMA or EU), I am sure they would meet DOT standards also. Yokohama
has chosen not to test / certify to DOT - this is a marketing decision
on their part.
BTW non-DOT marked tires cannot be sold in USA for on-road usage
(substantial fine for violation). Theoretically, Yoko could sell these
non-DOT tires for race use only but this would be highly unlikely due to
potential for on-road use & subsequent violation of law.
Jack Coffey (Bridgestone/Firestone employee)
-----Original Message-----
From: Randall Young [mailto:Ryoung@navcomtech.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2003 9:19 AM
To: Friends of Triumph
Subject: RE: Tires - A032R - 205-60/15"
> I would think that the lack of DOT approval would keep Yokohama from
> producing that tire for sales here in the USA through the bigger
vendors.
If the 60 series tires are not DOT approved for some reason, that might
explain why they aren't sold here.
Where in the US does one even buy a non-DOT tire ? Even the Hoosiers
are
DOT, AFAIK.
Randall
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