USTMA members strive to improve the longevity and driving performance of the tires we design, make and sell
Tire manufacturers must follow a variety of federal and state regulations that address safety, environmental impact, labor, and trade. The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association actively collaborates with regulators to provide education on new developments, share important data, and advocate for regulations that enhance safety and environmental protection while also supporting job creation and economic growth.
Federal Tire Performance Standards
USTMA successfully advocated for key provisions to the 2015 federal highway bill known as the FAST Act to raise tire performance standards, ensuring consumer value and boosting U.S. tire manufacturers' competitiveness, aligning U.S. standards with global norms by setting minimum requirements for tire fuel efficiency and wet traction. The consumer tire recall process was also improved and USTMA is working closely with NHTSA and Congress to implement these changes.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Alongside NHTSA, USTMA continues to coordinate to implement the crucial regulations authorized by the FAST Act and identify opportunities to streamline regulations for current and future tire technologies that enhance safety and efficiency. USTMA maintains regular contact with NHTSA regulators to advocate for meaningful safety and environmental improvements.
Advocating for Autonomous Vehicle Tire Safety
We see an exciting new era on the horizon, where autonomous vehicles (AVs) show a future with significantly reduced crashes, injuries and fatalities on U.S. roads. Since tires will remain critical safety components for AVs, USTMA will continue to advocate on behalf of the industry as new laws and regulations develop for this far-reaching transformation.
Standardized Vehicle Data Access
USTMA supports fair, equal and standardized access to digital vehicle and infrastructure assets, including real-time access to data and to hardware resources. Access to this data can increase the speed of innovation of connected and autonomous technologies in the United States. It can also improve safety and the environment through information generated in applications for individual drivers/operators or services for fleets.
Stopping the Sale of 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.