The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced plans to modernize federal tire safety standards, launching a regulatory review that could eventually change how tires are tested, classified and manufactured in the United States.

The Oct. 26 announcement marks what NHTSA describes as the first major overhaul of federal tire safety standards in more than 20 years. The agency says the initiative is intended to bring existing requirements in line with advancements in tire technology and vehicle design while improving safety and reducing costs.

As part of the effort, NHTSA plans to establish a negotiated rulemaking advisory committee that will include representatives from tire manufacturers, retailers and other industry stakeholders. The agency is accepting public comments and nominations for committee membership through Nov. 27.

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

What NHTSA Plans to Review

According to NHTSA, the initiative will focus on updating existing tire testing methods and evaluating federal requirements for emerging technologies.

Areas under consideration include tire strength, bead unseating resistance and endurance testing requirements contained in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) Nos. 109, 119 and 139.

The agency also plans to evaluate requirements for non-pneumatic tires, modernize tire sidewall markings and review certain tire load classifications.

One issue under consideration is a petition from the Tire and Rim Association to incorporate Load Range F light truck tires into FMVSS No. 139.

NHTSA also cited requests for clarification from tire manufacturers, including a Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. inquiry involving the marking and testing of extra-load passenger tires with a maximum inflation pressure of 350 kPa.

The agency says these issues demonstrate the need to update existing requirements to better accommodate modern tire designs and technologies.

Tire Industry to Have Voice in Rulemaking

Rather than immediately proposing new standards, NHTSA is pursuing a negotiated rulemaking process that brings affected stakeholders together to develop recommendations.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will appoint up to 18 members to the proposed advisory committee, including four representatives from tire manufacturers or tire retailers. Additional members would represent automakers, motor vehicle equipment manufacturers, safety organizations, research and testing institutions and professional engineering associations.

The proposed committee would review existing requirements and work toward consensus recommendations that could form the basis of future federal regulatory changes.

According to NHTSA's notice in the Federal Register, the committee is expected to meet approximately four times per year and operate for up to two years, unless its charter is renewed.

Any resulting proposed federal standards would still be subject to the established rulemaking process, including an opportunity for public comment.

For independent tire dealers, the proposed committee presents an opportunity for industry representation in discussions that could shape future tire safety requirements and product classifications.

NHTSA is currently seeking comments on the committee's proposed scope and membership balance, as well as applications from qualified individuals interested in serving. Public comments must be received by Nov. 27, 2026. Committee membership applications are due by 5 p.m. Eastern time that day.

Comments can be submitted through regulations.gov under Docket No. NHTSA-2026-1717. Membership applications should be emailed to [email protected].

Federal Review Comes Amid California Tire Efficiency Debate

NHTSA's announcement comes as tire manufacturers and independent dealers continue evaluating California's recently approved Replacement Tire Efficiency Program, which establishes rolling-resistance and wet-grip requirements for covered replacement passenger and light truck tires. The regulation will be implemented in phases beginning in 2029, with more stringent requirements taking effect in 2033.

As MTD has reported, the California regulation has prompted differing assessments from tire manufacturers and industry stakeholders about potential trade-offs involving tire efficiency, performance, tread life, costs and product availability. Dunlop Tires North America Inc. has raised concerns about the regulation's potential effects on tire performance and consumer choice, while the California Energy Commission maintains that its requirements can be achieved without compromising tire safety or service life.

Although both initiatives address aspects of tire performance, NHTSA's federal review does not specifically address California's rolling-resistance requirements or change the state's existing regulations.

Whether future federal standards could have implications for California's program remains unclear.

For now, NHTSA's announcement begins a process that could eventually reshape federal tire safety requirements, with tire manufacturers and retailers among the stakeholders being invited to participate.