Tire Safety and Performance Standards

Tire manufacturers are subject to numerous federal and state regulations affecting safety, the environment, labor, trade and others. USTMA works closely with regulators to educate them about new developments, share data and advocate for effective regulation that improves safety and enhances environmental protection without inhibiting job creation or economic growth.

Federal Tire Performance Standards 

USTMA successfully advocated for safety-enhancing and pro-competitive provisions to the 2015 federal highway bill known as the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.

By raising the bar for tire performance, these provisions help to ensure ever-increasing value for consumers and advance U.S. tire manufacturers’ competitiveness. The provisions will align U.S. tire performance standards with other nations by establishing minimum standards for tire fuel efficiency and wet traction.

The FAST Act also includes provisions promoted by USTMA to improve the tire recall process and help consumers identify recalled tires. We’re now working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to implement these provisions and are in constant contact with Congress to inform them of our progress.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration​

In addition to coordinating with NHTSA to implement the important regulations authorized by the FAST Act, we’re working to identify opportunities to streamline regulations to accommodate current and future tire technologies that enhance safety and efficiency. USTMA maintains consistent contact with NHTSA regulators to advocate for regulations that bring meaningful safety and environmental improvements.

Stopping Unsafe Used Tires

USTMA firmly believes businesses should not be permitted to install tires that are worn out, damaged or exhibit other unsafe conditions. In Colorado, New Jersey, Ohio and California, we successfully advocated for legislation to reduce the availability of unsafe used tires. We are now working to support similar efforts in several other states to protect drivers from this safety hazard.  

Autonomous Vehicles

We see an exciting new era on the horizon, where autonomous vehicles (AVs) promise to significantly reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities on U.S. roads. Since tires will remain critical safety components for AVs, USTMA will represent the industry as new laws and regulations develop for this far-reaching transformation.




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