Aftermarket Parts Laws

There are laws that exist that control the way aftermarket parts are used on vehicles. This is essentially to ensure the safety of humans as well as the environment. These are a part of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, or the FMVSS. These standards are created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

When speaking in terms of pneumatic tires, the manufacturer’s name must be displayed visibly on the tire. Other requirements include the serial number and brand name. The DOT, or Department of Transportation, must also have the symbol on the tires. The maximum inflation pressure must also be included on the tires so that anyone who deals with the tires is aware of the limits.

The rims on tires are required to include a placard and owner’s booklet. Additionally, these rims must be labeled accordingly. When tires are retreaded, they must still meet the official requirements of certification. Retreaded tires are simply those that are used, but have a surface that is recreated in order to lengthen the amount of time the driver can benefit from the traction. The actual guidelines that are put into place are dependent upon the type and size of the tires in question.

Most of the aftermarket lighting parts are regulated by the laws and are required to meet the requirements. Others may not be required to adhere to the lighting parts regulations. Most of the rearview mirrors are required to be convex and labeled accordingly. This applies to all rearview mirrors aside from mirrors on school buses.