Tire Safety Modernization Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Introduced
Summary
Modernizes federal tire safety standards and testing to match current technology and international rules. This bill would update key definitions, remove outdated strength tests, and require new uniform high-speed test protocols for passenger car and light truck tires.
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- Drivers and households: Clarifies that visible "chunking" counts as a failure under endurance and low-pressure rules, which could affect when tires are judged unsafe and removed from service.
- Tire makers and test labs: Removes older strength and bead-unseating tests in FMVSS No. 139 and No. 119 within 1 year and requires uniform high-speed testing protocols within 180 days aligned with the U.N. Global Technical Regulation on Tyres.
- Federal oversight and policymakers: Requires the Comptroller General to report 3 to 5 years after final rule publication, or by 8 years after enactment, on market effects, safety outcomes, international standards, and recommended next steps.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New rules for car and truck tires
If enacted, DOT would update passenger car and light‑truck tire rules. Within 1 year, DOT would change the definition of “chunking,” add a snow‑tire exception, and make visible chunking count as a failure in endurance and low‑pressure tests. Within 180 days, DOT would issue a single high‑speed test for passenger car and light‑truck tires that follows parts of the United Nations Global Technical Regulation on Tyres (GTR No. 16). The high‑speed rules would cover speed symbols and steady runs at rising speeds under set load, pressure, and temperature conditions.
Strength tests removed for commercial truck tires
If enacted, DOT would remove the specified tire strength testing and references that apply to radial light truck and radial commercial tires. DOT would make this change within 1 year. Tire makers and testing labs would no longer have to perform the S6.2 strength tests for these commercial and light‑truck radial tires. This would reduce testing burdens and costs for manufacturers and fleets, but it would also change which tire performance attributes are formally verified and could affect safety verification, availability, or price.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
MS • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
GA • D
Sponsored 7/23/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov