California State Legislature passed AB 1665, a bill that will require “an automotive repair dealer that repairs tires or changes tires shall be capable of diagnosing and servicing a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in accordance with industry standards if the vehicle is manufactured with the device.”
The bill, which will be enforced by the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), was approved on Aug. 20 in a 75-2 vote. It now awaits the Governor’s signature.
California will be the first state to institute these requirements to ensure TPMSs are properly maintained and work in accordance to industry standards. California State Assembly Member Brian Jones, the bill’s author, said in a press release yesterday that AB 1665 will “improve automotive safety, protect consumers from unscrupulous tire dealers and increase fuel economy.”
“This is the most important automotive safety legislation since California’s hands-free while driving law took effect,” said Jones. “TPMS devices are one of the most significant improvements to ensure proper air pressure, which allows our tires to last longer and improves mileage. With passage of this legislation, consumers will also have better assurance that tire dealers are properly trained and certified to service these important warning devices.”
“The bottom line is properly inflated tires are safer, last longer and give us better fuel economy and cleaner air,” said Senator Ted Lieu. “For California, these systems are already saving millions of gallons each year. These fuel savings will only increase as more TPMS vehicles enter our state’s car pool.”
Additionally, the release said that AB 1665 provides new consumer protections over questionable billing practices by some tire dealers and gives BAR disciplinary authority to go after bad actors.
