Eight components of the TREAD Act

The Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000 adds and revises the way that manufacturers make, test, and track possible defects in all tires for use in the U.S. In all, there are eight different components to the TREAD Act directly affecting the tire industry:

Defects in Foreign Countries – Previously, manufacturers only had to report on complaints received from within the U.S. This new standard mandates that companies report on defects found in the same or similar tires in foreign countries to help track possible trends leading to possible recall.

Early Warning Requirements – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed an Early Warning Reporting System (EWRS). This central database will include all reports of tire-related fatalities, injuries, and property damage from the manufacturers to watch for possible defect trends. This does not extend to retreaders, except in the case of fatalities.

Sale or Lease of Defective or Non-Compliant Tire – This states explicitly that selling defective, recalled, or other type of non-compliant tire is illegal.

Failure to comply with the three above regulations carries a maximum $15 million fine and a criminal penalty of up to 15 years.

Acceleration of Manufacturer Recall Program – In the event of a recall, the manufacturer must meet the Secretary of Transportation’s deadline to complete the recall, replacement, or reimbursement of the tires. The Secretary may substitute a competitor’s tire if it appears that the manufacturer will not be able to comply quickly enough.

Reimbursement Prior to Recall – If a consumer hears about a possible recall and chooses to replace the tires “within a reasonable time in advance” of the recall, the manufacturer must reimburse the cost of replacement after the recall is launched.

Certification Label – The NHTSA has developed a Tire Identification Number (TIN) system that will be printed on both sidewalls of every tire sold that will include information such as manufacturing plant location and manufacture date.

Endurance and Resistance Standards for Tires – Tire testing standards have not been updated since 1967 – before radial tires appeared on the market. The Secretary of Transportation must investigate methods to update testing standards for modern tires.

Tire Pressure Warning – This regulation states that the Secretary of Transportation must investigate a tire warning system that alerts drivers when their tires are improperly inflated, and then set regulations that require its use in all new cars.

If you have been injured because of defective tires, contact  Jim S. Adler & Associates personal injury attorney for a free case review. The firm has more than 30 years of litigation experience in Texas, protecting the rights of clients and getting the compensation for them that they deserve. Call or click on the link below, and make sure your rights are protected.

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