Legislation to protect consumers by curbing the installation of unsafe used tires was introduced in the Ohio House and Senate.

Rep. Robert Sprague and Rep. Anthony Devitis sponsored the bill in the Ohio House (HB 574) and Sen. Cliff Hite and Sen. Frank LaRose introduced a companion Senate measure (SB 334). The Rubber Manufacturers Association supports the effort as a way to protect motorists.

“Safety is the highest priority for the tire industry,” said Anne Forristall Luke, RMA president and CEO. “This common-sense legislation to keep dangerous used tires off the road will help improve highway and motorist safety.”

The proposed legislation would prohibit the installation of tires that display visible damage, are worn-out or are improperly repaired, among other conditions. For example:

· Tires worn to 2/32nds inch of tread do not sufficiently grip the road, particularly under wet weather conditions.

· Damaged tires that expose internal components threaten a tire’s structural integrity.

· Improperly repaired tires can suffer loss of inflation pressure or have hidden damage that may contribute to tire failure.

· Tires with bulges indicate possible internal damage that can lead to tread separation.

RMA estimates that 30-35 million used tires are available for sale every year. A 2015 motorist survey sponsored by RMA found that nearly 1 in 10 motorists said their car is currently riding on tires that were bought used. Approximately 11,000 tire-related vehicle crashes occur annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

RMA is working with the bills’ sponsors to build support for the legislation among Ohio tire dealers, business organizations, insurers and others.