COLUMBUS—Legislation supported by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and designed to stop the installation of unsafe used tires has been introduced in the Ohio House and Senate.
The companion bills, House Bill 574 and Senate Bill 334, are the model bill created by the RMA. They would prohibit the installation of used tires that are visibly damaged, worn out or improperly repaired.
The bills expressly forbid the mounting of tires with 2/32-inch treads or less. Such treads do not sufficiently grip the road, especially in wet weather, the RMA said in a June 3 press release.
The legislation also prohibits tires with exposed internal components, bulges or obviously inadequate repairs.
Some 30 to 35 million used tires are available for sale every year, according to RMA estimates. The AAA found in a 2015 survey that nearly one in 10 motorists said their cars have used tires.
Introduction of the bills coincided with the RMA-sponsored National Tire Safety Week, which occurred May 29-June 4.
“Introduction of this measure for National Tire Safety Week is perfect timing to help highlight the important roles tires play in consumer and vehicle safety,” said RMA President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke. “Tires are the last protective equipment between you and the road. It's vital to make sure they're properly maintained and good quality.”
The RMA used tire bill was most recently introduced in the South Carolina legislature. The legislation passed the South Carolina House of Representatives, but ran into opposition in the state Senate.