WASHINGTON—The Rubber Manufacturers Association has published an article outlining tire dealers' legal responsibilities for distributing tire warranty and registration information to tire buyers at the point of purchase. The article, Did You Complete Your Obligations Under the Law?, describes the tire warranty requirements of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act and the Uniform Commercial Code, as well as tire registration requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
According to the article, the Magnuson-Moss Act requires the sellers of consumer products costing $15 or more to make a written warranty available for consumer examination. Failure to do so can mean fines of up to $11,000 for each violation.
The Uniform Commercial Code covers ``implied warranties'' and applies when a consumer relies on the seller's advice in buying a product for a specific use. If the product fails, the consumer can sue the dealer for damages caused by following his advice.
The Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires tire manufacturers to provide tire registration forms to dealers who, in turn, provide them to tire buyers. Failure to do so carries penalties of up to $1,000 for each offense, up to a maximum of $800,000.
The article also provides addresses and phone numbers at 13 tire companies dealers may contact with any questions concerning warranties or registration.
For a free copy, contact Gloria Bartholomew, RMA Technical and Standards Director: (202) 682-4843. E-mail: [email protected]