NHTSA makes split decisions on tire testing exemptions

WASHINGTON (June 23)—Bias-ply tires, small trailer tires, retreads and non-pneumatic spares are exempt from the stringent new tire performance and testing standards issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to the final rule released today. But limited-production, snow, and deep-tread radial tires must pass the new tests the same as all other radials, the agency said. The Rubber Manufacturers Association had sought an exemption for snow tires and deep-tread radials. Limited-production tire manufacturers Denman Tire Corp., Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. and Specialty Tires of America Inc. had told NHTSA they would be forced to drop certain tire lines, or even perhaps to go out of business, if required to meet the new testing standards for their specialty bias-ply and radial tires.