The Tire Industry Association has submitted comments to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s docket office regarding a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for tire identification and recordkeeping.

The NHTSA is seeking to expand the first part of TIN numbers from a 2-symbol plant code to a 3-symbol plant code.

TIA, like the Rubber Manufacturer Association, acknowledges the need of the additional symbol plant code due to NHTSA running out of unique codes. But TIA is concerned the new requirements may have a significant financial impact on the industry with no safety benefits.

According to TIA, the association went on record supporting the amendments to the NPRM that the RMA proposed. The amendments included eliminating the proposed requirement for a 50mm blank space after the TIN, changing the lead-time of five years to a 10-year lead-time for all existing molds, making changes to other regulatory requirements and the global tire regulation for light duty tires, and making a technical correction to clarify the requirements for mileage-contract tires, TIA said. The association urges NHTSA to work with RMA and its members, and commented, “…on this issue, the industry speaks with one voice.”