US moves to modernise tire safety standards

Washington – The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a review of federal tire safety standards, marking the first major overhaul of the regulations in more than 20 years.

The initiative will update existing testing requirements and address emerging tire technologies, the agency announced 26 Oct.

The review will cover tire strength, rim resistance and endurance testing, with the aim of aligning requirements with modern tire technology and current road conditions.

NHTSA will also examine safety requirements for new designs, including airless tires, as well as tire sidewall markings and weight-limit guidelines for trucks and SUVs.

“As American tire technology and vehicle design continue to evolve, our regulatory framework must keep pace,” said NHTSA administrator Jonathan Morrison.

“By bringing key industry stakeholders and other technical safety experts to the same table, we can modernise outdated standards to boost safety and reduce costs,” he added.

To advance the review, NHTSA will use a “negotiated rulemaking” process, involving industry representatives and technical experts in developing proposed regulatory changes.

As part of this, US transportation secretary will appoint a committee of up to 18 stakeholders, drawn from tire manufacturers, vehicle makers, safety organisations, research institutions and engineering associations.

NHTSA is seeking public comments on the scope of the review and the proposed balance of committee membership, as well as nominations for the committee.