# NHTSA Launches Tire Standards Rulemaking

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is beginning a negotiated rulemaking to update federal tire safety standards, covering test methods, airless-tire requirements, sidewall markings, and weight-limit guidance for trucks and SUVs. Tire manufacturers, automakers, safety organizations, research institutions, and engineering associations may nominate representatives to a committee of up to 18 members and submit comments. Submissions are due within 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. The rulemaking gives affected industries an opportunity to provide technical input on standards that may shape future vehicle and tire requirements.

- Interested organizations can nominate committee representatives and submit comments through the rulemaking process; the listed submission contact is tiresfac@dot.gov.
- Tire and vehicle suppliers should assess how the topics under review relate to their products, testing methods, markings, and truck or SUV specifications.
- Procurement teams sourcing tires or vehicles can use the rulemaking’s focus areas to identify standards-related considerations for future technical requirements and supplier discussions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Policy
**Published:** October 27, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

### Key Quotes
> By bringing key industry stakeholders and other technical safety experts to the same table, we can modernize outdated standards to boost safety and reduce costs for you and your family.
> — Jonathan Morrison, NHTSA Administrator

### Sources
- [NHTSA To Update Federal Tire Safety Standards | NHTSA](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/move-to-modernize-tire-safety-standards) - Nhtsa