Requires a sticker or label to be affixed to any tire identifying the creation date of any tire

1 Co-sponsor

• Kevin S. Parker

BILL NUMBER:S1240

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the sale of tires

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to significantly reduce accidents caused by tire failure through consumer awareness.

Summary of provisions

Subdivision 35 of section 375 of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new paragraph (d) which states that no tire shall be distributed, sold or offered for sale in this state unless a label or sticker determined by the Commissioner is affixed to such tire clearly displaying the manufacturer and the date of creation of such tire prior to its sale. In addition, the accompanying receipt from the sale of the tire shall state the manufacturer and the creation date of the tire. Installation of a tire by anyone other than the owner of the motor vehicle shall include a sticker affixed to the tire and an accompanying receipt indicating the manufacturer and creation date of the tire.

Provisions of this new paragraph shall not apply to any motor vehicle with tires installed as of the effective date of this paragraph.

Existing law

None.

Justification

Tires have a limited shelf life despite how deep a tread may appear or the usage amount. To the average eye, tires that have exceeded their shelf life may appear perfectly normal with no signs of deterioration. Research shows that the poor condition of the tires is due to shelf life, improper temperatures and unclean facilities. In 2008, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles released a report stating that there were over 1,500 accidents due to tire failure with over a third resulting in personal injury (tire failure occurs when a tire is underinflated, uneven or worn-out, amongst other conditions).

Many car owners are unaware of the tire creation date due to placement of the date within the top sidewall portion of a hot tire mold. The date, written as a manufacturing shift code, is cryptic and perplexing. For example, the code "8PY806" means a tire was created on the 8th week ('8') in the year 2006 ('06'), with 'SPY' symbolizing a manufacturing shift code. It makes sense to display the manufacturer and the creation date on a label or sticker as it is instantaneous in providing information to the consumer. A label or sticker on the tire that clearly shows a "born on date", and a sales receipt indicating the manufacturer and creation date of the tire will allow for consumers to know exactly how old the tire is, which results in consumer awareness and accident prevention. It is in the best interest and responsibility of the state to move forward with regulations regarding tire failure since federal regulation of a manufacturing shift code is perplexing to the public.

Legislative history

2010: S.7005 - Reported and Committed to Codes from Transportation.

Fiscal implications

Nominal charges to tire manufacturers in compliance with this proposed new paragraph.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.