Another State Attempts to Ban Unsafe Used Tires

Dec. 14, 2017

Ohio is a step closer to passing a law prohibiting the installation of unsafe used tires after the state Senate passed legislation on Dec. 13, 2017.

A House committee approved a similar bill earlier this year. However, the Senate-approved measure now must be referred to the House, where it will be assigned to a committee for consideration.

"We are confident that this legislation’s strong support will convince Ohio House leaders to quickly consider and move the bill through the process and then on to Gov. John Kasich’s desk,” says Anne Forristall Luke, CEO and president of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA).

"This is an important step toward reducing risk posed by unsafe used tires that too often find their way back into service. This is a common-sense, reasonable approach to address a serious highway safety issue."

USTMA is one of many supporters of the bill, SB 223, sponsored by Sen. Frank LaRose (R-Hudson). Supporting organizations include the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Association of Manufacturers, Ohio Tire and Automotive Association, Ohio Conference of AAA Clubs, the Property Casualty Insurance Association and the Tire Industry Association.

"USTMA is grateful to Sen. LaRose for his tireless leadership on this important issue," says Luke. "His perseverance has been crucial to advancing this bill. Additionally, we want to thank our fellow coalition members who have worked with us to educate Ohio lawmakers about this serious issue."

According to USTMA research, more than 30 million used tires are available for sale nationally each year. SB 223 does not ban all used tires. It targets used tires that have specific, well-established, unsafe conditions.

* Tires worn to 2/32nds of an inch are worn-out and dangerous because they no longer provide sufficient grip on the road, particularly under wet conditions.

* Damage that exposes steel belts or other internal components threatens a tire’s structural integrity.

* Improperly repaired tires can suffer loss of inflation pressure or have hidden damage that may contribute to tire failure.

* Tires with bulges indicate possible internal damage that can lead to tread separation.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash statistics indicate that about 200 fatalities and 6,000 injuries are attributed to tire-related causes annually. 

Earlier this year, New Jersey enacted a similar used tire bill.

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