Interested individuals have until Feb. 6, 2007, to offer thoughts on whether tiremakers, tire retailers and automakers must continue collecting and maintaining records of the names and addresses of the first purchasers of new tires.

In 1982, NHTSA instituted regulations requiring automakers and tire companies to obtain and retain for three years contact information on tire buyers. Tire dealers are required to obtain such information on a voluntary basis. Tire registration information is used to inform owners of safety-related tire recalls.

NHTSA, as directed by the Office of Management and Budget, is considering whether the current system is necessary, and, if so, what changes should be considered to reduce the costs and burden of collecting and retaining registration data. The OMB has also asked NHTSA to determine to what extent independent dealers have “encouraged” tire buyers to register their purchases and to assess the utility of electronic registration.