New Legislation
http://www.tirereview.com/?type=art&id=5278&
Finally, you should be aware of some new legislation regarding the installation of aftermarket wheels and non-OE tires on a new vehicle that hasn’t been titled yet. The new rule, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #110, which took effect Sept. 1, 2005, states that if you “alter” a new vehicle by installing different tires or wheels, you must place a new tire inflation and load capacity placard over the original to indicate the new front/rear/spare air pressures to the buyer.

SEMA has compiled recommendations to help you avoid any problems that may arise due to differing interpretations of the ruling. You can order the placards from various label makers.

If you are interested in getting this information, feel free to contact me, and I will direct you to several companies compiled by NHTSA. This standard applies to changes in the vehicle’s weight capacity, as well. If you install products that add weight to the vehicle, you will need to indicate the new weight capacity of the vehicle, which will be the manufacturer’s listed weight less the amount you added. NHTSA does allow for a 0.5% deviation of the gross vehicle weight rating without replacing the placard, but this may change in the coming months.

 

Great . . . More artillary for the ambulance-chasing attorneys! They're not trying to stop accidents, they just want to make sure they have someone to point the finger at when one happens.

 

I did seem to notice that the wording "a new vehicle that hasn't been titled yet" meaning this applies is that context only. We are not open to this as we are titled owners. Dealers have the issue.Nice to see something is done but tirerack, onlinetires and others make sure their reccomendations work with you. This will be another avenue for litigation but getting behind the wheel of a poorly maintained vehicle is too. Too may ways for an attorney to get ya. Thanks for the heads up though and the link.

 

it's probably meant to protect the consumers-legislation directed toward dealers who install aftermarket wheels on new cars at their dealerships

 

However It should apply to owners as well from a safety standpoint......redesigning a marginal oem design has serious ramifications to on the road safety for others.
Therefore owner negligence in redesigning their car must be taken into account in lawsuits.

The area of tires, wheels, rotors and brakepads in the aftermarket is one where there are no rules/minimal safety standards and very little rigorous testing. There are fitable brake pads for $9 x 2 [used at the $99 friction reline places], there are $22 rotors available from Asia [lowest grade cast iron], $250 wheels on ebay, and inexpensive tires.

 

Remember what should is not what is. Owners are not experts and the law always wants to nail an expert as they have the expertise and deep pockets...rather their insurance policy provides the deep pockets. Safety is always nice but many want "the look" and never consider any other facets of their choice. Yes cheap parts are great until you need them to stop the car or keep it going straight, again not considering the other facets of their choice but this time its price. It goes on and on. I do agree that we should know how our changes affect the vehicle for the plus and the minus in all areas not just safety although that is a very broad term and might be the only one needed. Again, thanks for the heads up Q.