NHTSA Opens Negotiated Rulemaking on Federal Tire Safety Standards

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is beginning a negotiated rulemaking to modernize federal tire safety standards. The effort brings affected industries and technical experts into the process before any updated requirements are finalized. NHTSA’s review will address test methods, requirements related to airless tires, sidewall markings, and weight-limit guidance for trucks and SUVs. These topics could affect product design, testing, labeling, and the technical specifications used in vehicle and tire purchases.

The agency is inviting tire manufacturers, automakers, safety organizations, research institutions, and engineering associations to participate. Interested organizations may nominate representatives to a committee of up to 18 members and submit comments through the rulemaking process. Submissions are due within 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. The stated contact for submissions is tiresfac@dot.gov. Because the deadline is tied to Federal Register publication, stakeholders should monitor the notice and confirm the applicable submission window and instructions when it appears.

For contractors and suppliers, this is an opportunity to raise practical concerns while the standards are under development—not a solicitation or contract award. Tire and vehicle suppliers can compare the topics under review with their product lines, current test protocols, sidewall information, and truck or SUV specifications. Organizations considering committee nominations should identify representatives with relevant engineering, compliance, safety, or procurement expertise and prepare evidence-based input on how potential changes could affect product performance, testing burdens, costs, and implementation.

The rulemaking also has implications for public-sector buying teams. Procurement professionals sourcing tires or vehicles can track the proceeding to anticipate standards-related considerations in future technical requirements, evaluation criteria, and supplier discussions. NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said, “By bringing key industry stakeholders and other technical safety experts to the same table, we can modernize outdated standards to boost safety and reduce costs for you and your family.” That statement frames the agency’s intended balance: updating safety requirements while considering costs. The final effect on procurement specifications will depend on the outcome of the negotiated process and subsequent agency action.

• Agency: NHTSA, within the U.S. Department of Transportation, is initiating a negotiated rulemaking on federal tire safety standards.
• Topics under review: Test methods, airless-tire requirements, sidewall markings, and weight-limit guidance for trucks and SUVs.
• Participation: Tire manufacturers, automakers, safety organizations, research institutions, and engineering associations may nominate representatives and submit comments.
• Committee size: NHTSA may form a committee of up to 18 members.
• Deadline: Submissions are due within 30 days after publication in the Federal Register; stakeholders should verify the notice date and submission instructions.
• Submission contact: The listed email address is tiresfac@dot.gov.
• Supplier action: Map the rulemaking topics to affected products, testing methods, markings, and vehicle specifications; prepare technical input where relevant.
• Buyer action: Track the proceeding for potential effects on future tire and vehicle specifications, compliance expectations, and supplier discussions.
• Status: This is a standards-development process, not a procurement solicitation, contract award, or announcement of final requirements.