RMA Supports E-Registration

(Akron/Tire Review) Electronic registration of tyres should be permitted, according to the RMA, which voiced its opinion to NHTSA. The agency is considering changes to voluntary tyre registration regulations.

Current Federal regulations require tyre retailers to provide paper registration cards to tyre buyers, who then may or may not mail them back in. Registering tyres makes it easier for tyre companies to contact tyre owners in the event of a product recall.

According to the RMA, “no more than 10% of tyre registration cards are currently returned to manufacturers and a significant number of these cards are inaccurate, incomplete or illegible.” The trade group believes the return rate would “substantially improve” if tyre buyers could use the Internet or “other electronic means” to register their tyres.

Currently, most tyremakers provide electronic tyre registration via their Web sites and/or extranet sites. However, tyre retailers are still required to provide paper cards with tyre identification numbers.

RMA urged NHTSA to allow a registration system whereby a tyre retailer could either provide a hard-copy form that includes instructions to allow the consumer to register tires directly on the manufacturer’s Web site; or provide, as a voluntary service, electronic registration at the point of sale.

Third party services – those not operated or owned by tyre companies – would be required to transfer registration data directly to the appropriate tyre company.

RAM said tyre company obligations to collect and maintain (for at least five years) all tyre registration records should continue.

NHTSA is expected to issue revised regulations later this year.