CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE REQUIREMENTS

To: Saturn Retailers, General Managers in California and Bordering States

Subject: California Vehicle Code Requirements Regarding 1996 Tire Chain Disclosure California Vehicle Code Section 9953 states:

Every manufacturer of a new motor vehicle sold in this state, which, as equipped, may not be operated with tire chains shall indicate that fact in the Owner's Manual for the vehicle or other written material provided by the manufacturer regarding the vehicle.

The Owner's Manual of any Saturn vehicle which, because of equipment, may not be operated with tire chains, has the required disclosure under the caption of "Tire Chains" in language, such as the following:

Do not use tire chains if your Saturn has P195/6015 size tires. They can damage your car.

California Vehicle Code Section 11713.6 states:

It is unlawful and a violation of this code for the holder of any dealer license issued under this article to fail to disclose in writing to the buyer of a new motor vehicle, that the vehicle, as equipped, may not be operated on a highway signed for the requirement of tire chains if the Owner's Handbook or other material provided by the manufacturer states that the vehicle, as equipped, may not be operated with tire chains. The dealer shall obtain the signature of the buyer to acknowledge the disclosure required by this section.

The following Saturn vehicles, which are equipped with 15" tires and wheels, may not be operated with tire chains:

1991 SL2, SC 1992 SL2, SC 1993 SL2, SC1 with optional 15" tires, SC2, SW2 1994 SL2, SC1 with optional 15" tires, SC2, SW2 1995 SL2, SC1 with optional 15" tires, SC2, SW2 1996 SL2, SC1 with optional 15" tires, SC2, SW2

Attachment A is provided to illustrate a type of acknowledgment required for disclosure to a buyer of a vehicle equipped with 15" tires or wheels, if the vehicle is intended for registration or primary use in California. Retailers should obtain a suitable acknowledgment from buyers of those vehicles and retain it. However, Saturn Retailers should consult legal counsel with respect to their obligations under California Vehicle Code 11713.6.

The State of California Department of Motor Vehicles has reviewed the form shown as Attachment A and advised that it is suitable for use in obtaining the buyer's acknowledgment of the tire chain disclosure.

Note On Alternate Traction Device:

California Retailers should know that although our 15" tires will not accommodate tire chains, there are alternative aftermarket traction devices that may meet the California requirements. For example, a product marketed as the "Spikes Spider" is available from Frigiquip International (1-800-227-5260). The makers of this product claim that it performs effectively as a traction device. Because Saturn Corporation has not performed validation testing of this product, we are not in a position to endorse or recommend it. Also, customers may find that alternative traction devices are more expensive than the tire chains. We emphasize that despite the availability of this traction device, the California state disclosure requirements regarding tire chains continue to apply to all Saturn vehicles equipped with 15" tires and wheels.

Questions regarding information communicated in this letter should be directed to your Area Office. If you have any questions regarding your responsibility under the law, you should consult with your attorney.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF TIRE CHAIN DISCLOSURE

The manufacturer of this_____________________________________________________ (Year) (Division) (Model) (VIN)

indicates that it, as equipped, may not be operated with tire chains on a highway signed for

the requirement of tire chains.

Dated:______________________

_____________________________________ Buyer(s) Signature

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.