Florida legislator proposes used tyre age bill

The problem of growing part worn tyre sales in the UK has been much discussed within the industry this year, though while it can be seen as symptomatic of certain sections of the British market’s attitude to tyre purchases, the problem is reaching a level that appears to warrant government intervention in at least one US state. Tire Review reports that Florida State Representative Jason Brodeur has proposed a bill that tackles both the sale of used tyres and tyre aging, backed by an Orlando law firm. The still unnamed and un-numbered proposal would require “retail used tyre dealers” to inform buyers of the ago of the used tyres they are buying and provide “certain warnings relating to the age of used tyres.” While the Bill is primarily concerned with the age of sold tyres, it has strong implications for those selling part worn tyres, making the dealer more responsible for knowing the provenance of their products.

Specifically, the language of the proposed bill states: “A retail tyre dealer shall, no later than the time of sale, before dismounting a tyre to be replaced by a used passenger or light truck tyre sold by the dealer and before mounting a used passenger or light truck tyre sold by the dealer, provide a written disclosure of the age of the replacement used tyre to the purchaser. The disclosure must be initialed and dated by the purchaser, who must be given a copy, and the dealer must retain the original for at least three years.  The disclosure shall include the following information:

“(a) The week and year the tyre was manufactured; and

“(b) The following statement:

“’Passenger and light truck tyres, including spare tyres and tyres that are stored or have had little or no use, deteriorate as they age and are more prone to sudden failure that can cause a crash. Heat caused by hot climates can accelerate the aging process. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend that passenger or light truck tyres be replaced after six years, regardless of the remaining tread depth.’”

A violation brings a fine of up to $250 per incident, and Brodeur proposes the bill become law and take effect by 1 July, 2013.

Orlando-based law firm Newsome Melton is backing Brodeur’s effort, and has been drumming up support through the Florida media, and its website.

“Despite several efforts in multiple states in recent years, legislators have been unable to establish laws that would require tyre manufacturers and retailers to provide consumers with a tyre’s age upon sale,” said the website.

“Additionally, a potentially greater problem exists in the used tyre retail industry, as new tyres are generally safer and experience fewer cases of tread separation than used tyres.”

Firm principal Rich Newsome told WFTV-TV in Orlando that he has a “warehouse filled with wrecked cars,” and said the “link in a lot of these cases is the age of the tyre. Most people don’t know it, but tyres have a shelf life.”

Related news:

• Micheldever: more than half of cars on illegal tyres
• NTDA chairman hits out at “frightening” increase in part worn sales
• A busy year for TyreSafe