The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) fully supports the inclusion of Section 114, Advancing Tire Technologies, in H.R. 7389, the “Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026,” voted out favorably by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
USTMA commends Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) for his leadership on tire safety and noted the bipartisan work committee staff to advance language directing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to modernize its Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for tires, allowing for the production of and consumer access to the highest performing tires available globally.
Tires are essential to moving people, goods and services across the United States. As industry representatives from across the value chain, USTMA and our collective membership understand the value of furthering a safer and more connected society.
The Advancing Tire Technologies section requires the Secretary of Transportation to:
- Eliminate outdated plunger energy and bead unseat testing for radial tires under FMVSS 139 and 119.
- Update the existing failure modes for snow tires.
- Review the possibility of updating similar failure modes for all tires.
- Adopt more stringent testing requirements for speed symbols on tires.
- Commission a GAO study to evaluate the implementation of the aforementioned changes, examine other global regulations for further consideration and issue recommendations for additional measures to improve tire safety.
USTMA urges members to pass this legislation on the House floor and send it to the Senate for their consideration.
Published June 2026
