BOSTON (Jan. 21, 2014) — On Jan. 22, a joint committee of the Massachusetts legislature will hear testimony on a bill that would make it illegal to have tires more than six years old on any passenger vehicle.
House Bill No. 3016 was introduced in January 2013 by Rep. Ruth Balser (I-12th Middlesex District). It would amend the state's vehicle emissions testing requirements to include safety testing of most vehicle components, including tires, brakes, lights, steering, suspension, safety belts and exhaust systems.
Any passenger vehicle or light truck bearing a tire (including a full-service spare) more than six years of age according to its tire identification number would automatically fail a safety inspection, the bill states.
The Rubber Manufacturers Association, the Tire Industry Association and the New England Tire & Service Association all oppose the bill.