AUSTIN, Texas—A bill to regulate the sale of used tires in Texas is "common-sense regulation," according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association.
Texas Senate Bill 459, sponsored by Rep. Jose Rodriguez, D-29th District (El Paso), would require tire retailers to dispose of used tires in accordance with local and state laws and to contract with registered tire transporters.
Tire sellers would be forbidden to sell any passenger or light truck tire that
* has visible damage or tread depth of less than 1/16 inch;
* has an improper tire repair;
* does not have a clear Department of Transportation identification number;
* or is subject to a safety recall.
Tires mounted on used vehicles would be exempt.
Violations of SB 459 would be Class A misdemeanors punishable by fines of $500 per violation, the state senate said.
"Requiring used tire sellers to be appropriately accountable when they return used tires back to road service is a simple, reasonable attempt to protect consumers," said Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president of public affairs, in March 27 testimony before the Texas Senate Transportation Committee.
"If you're in the business of selling tires, you should know not to sell tires that match the conditions listed in this legislation," Zielinski said.