NHTSA opens tire-safety negotiated rulemaking; comments and membership bids due Nov. 27
The agency wants a committee of up to 18 industry and safety representatives to modernise federal tire tests, markings and Load Range F light-truck rules under FMVSS 109, 119 and 139.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration intends to form a Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee for Tire Safety to rewrite how federal tire standards are tested and written.
The notice, published in the Federal Register on Oct. 27, 2026 (91 FR 67647, Docket No. NHTSA-2026-1717), asks for public comments on the committee's scope and proposed membership by Nov. 27, 2026. Membership applications must reach NHTSA by 5 p.m. Eastern the same day.
What the committee would do
In a negotiated rulemaking, interested parties work with the agency toward consensus recommendations. If consensus is reached, the Department of Transportation would issue a proposed rule consistent with that consensus for ordinary public comment.
NHTSA says the committee would draft a detailed term sheet to inform a proposal modernising tire requirements and test procedures under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the TREAD Act. Topics listed in the notice include:
- Whether the tire strength (plunger energy), bead-unseating resistance and tire endurance (chunking) tests in FMVSS Nos. 109, 119 and 139 are still needed and effective
- Incorporating non-pneumatic tires
- Modernising tire markings
- A Tire and Rim Association petition to include Load Range F light-truck tires in FMVSS No. 139
The notice does not change any current FMVSS, inspection rule or tire load limit. Any future change would still need a full rulemaking after the committee finishes.
Who would sit at the table
NHTSA proposes up to 18 members for a single two-year term, or until the work is done. Proposed seats include tire manufacturers or retailers, vehicle manufacturers, manufacturing associations, safety organisations, research or testing bodies, and engineering or standards groups, plus a NHTSA representative. Members would not be paid.
The agency says the committee would meet about four times a year, mostly virtually, with a neutral facilitator. Comments and nominations go to Docket NHTSA-2026-1717; membership applications are also accepted by email at tiresfac@dot.gov or overnight mail to NHTSA's Office of Rulemaking.