NHTSA seeks tire-panel input; no new standard is proposed
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking public comment and membership nominations for a proposed federal tire-safety committee. The Oct. 27, 2026, notice opens a discussion about the committee’s scope and representation; it does not propose or adopt a new tire standard.
Does the notice require drivers or vehicle owners to change anything now? No. It makes no change to existing tire requirements and creates no immediate compliance action. The immediate options are to comment on the proposed committee or apply for membership.
The committee’s proposed task would be to develop a detailed term sheet of consensus recommendations that could inform future rulemaking. If the committee reaches consensus and required agency steps follow, the Department of Transportation says it would issue a separate proposed rule for public comment. That later proposal is not guaranteed by this notice.
Proposed review spans tests, markings and tire types
The committee would consider whether three existing tests remain necessary and effective: tire strength, also called plunger energy; bead-unseating resistance; and tire endurance, also called chunking. The notice connects the tests to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Nos. 109, 119 and 139.
Other proposed topics are non-pneumatic tires, tire markings, and a Tire and Rim Association petition concerning the inclusion of Load Range F light-truck tires in Standard No. 139. These are subjects for possible review, not changes already made to the standards.
NHTSA characterizes earlier comments on tire standards as including calls to reduce regulatory burdens and improve safety effectiveness. That description does not establish agreement on what the committee should recommend. The agency is now seeking comments on the proposed scope and balance of representation.
Proposed allocations cover six stakeholder categories
NHTSA proposes up to 18 stakeholder members, with category allocations totaling 18 positions, plus an NHTSA representative:
| Proposed stakeholder category | Allocated positions |
|---|---|
| Tire manufacturers or retailers | 4 |
| Vehicle manufacturers | 2 |
| Manufacturing associations | 4 |
| Safety organizations | 2 |
| Educational, research or testing organizations | 3 |
| Engineering or standard-setting associations | 3 |
The two categories allocated four positions each account for 8 of the 18 proposed positions, about 44 percent. Neither category has a majority on its own; the other four categories account for the remaining 10 positions.
Members would serve for two years or until the committee’s work is complete, whichever comes first, subject to renewal provisions. Meetings are expected about four times a year, with additional meetings if needed. They would be open to the public unless otherwise approved by the Secretary, and members would not be paid.
Comments and applications are due Nov. 27
Comments on the proposed committee and applications for membership are due Nov. 27, 2026. Membership applications must arrive by 5 p.m. Eastern, be no more than two pages, and include the applicant’s full legal name and date of birth. NHTSA says it will consider submissions when deciding how to establish the committee.
One application instruction asks applicants to describe expertise in “vehicle lighting,” although the proposed committee concerns tire safety. The notice does not explain the connection.
Sources
- Notice of Intent To Establish a Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee for Tire Safety; Request for Comments and Solicitation of Nominations for Membership, Federal Register / National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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