Ohio Senator Tom Patton has introduced a bill that would require tire dealers to inform consumers when a tire was manufactured.
Senate Bill 289 wants to define and regulate the sale of used passenger tires. Here's how the bill, if passed and signed into law, would define "used."
"A supplier shall not sell a tire to a consumer as a new tire if either of the following apply to the tire:
1. The tire is a retreaded, previously used or recycled tire.
2. The tire was manufactured more than three years before the date of sale to the consumer.
The bill goes on to require tire dealers to inform consumers via written notice what month and year the tire was manufactured. The notice must be in plain language; in at least 10-point, boldface type; and given to the consumer prior to installation.
If the tire is used, the written disclosure also must include this statement: "Notice. This tire is not new."
The Tire Industry Association opposes this bill. According to Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield, it is similar to a bill introduced in Maryland last year (see "TIA, RMA, others oppose Md. tire aging bill").
"It surprised us, given that it was introduced by a Republican, it was in the home state of Goodyear and Cooper and they were not notified, and because the attorney general has a safety message on his website that includes some wording on tire aging."
The Rubber Manufacturers Association also opposes the bill.
