Indiana One Step Closer to Ban on Some Used Tires

Jan. 24, 2018

The Indiana House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved legislation that bans the installation of unsafe, used tires on vehicles.

The House bill, which was approved by a vote of 80-15, has been supported by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA).

“Indiana motorists are one step closer to safer travel on the roadways,” says Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA CEO and president. “This legislation is a common-sense approach to reduce the risk posed by worn-out, damaged, or improperly-repaired used tires.”

HB 1774 has bipartisan support, with Rep. Robert Morris (R-Fort Wayne), chairman of the House Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee as the sponsor and Reps. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) and Dan Forestal (D-Indianapolis) as coauthors.

HB 1774 defines an unsafe used tire as worn-out, has visible damage or improper repairs.

USTMA research shows that more than 30 million used tires are available for sale nationally each year. The Indiana legislation does not ban all used tires. It targets used tires that have specific, well-established, unsafe conditions.

“Indiana legislators recognize that this is an important safety issue and we are deeply appreciative of their quick action. We now look forward to using this momentum to work with the Indiana Senate to get this bill enacted," says Luke.

The tire manufacturing industry in Indiana generates $3.5 billion in economic output and supports more than 18,000 Indiana jobs including nearly 2,000 in manufacturing, according to a 2017 USTMA economic impact study.