NHTSA wants to rewrite tire test rules. Here's what it means for truck tires

NHTSA plans to set up a Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee for Tire Safety to modernize the federal tire standards. The notice ran in the Federal Register on Oct. 27, 2026, under docket NHTSA-2026-1717.

If you run trucks, the key standard here is FMVSS 119. It covers new pneumatic tires for vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds, plus motorcycles and some specialty and light truck tires, according to the regulation text. The committee will look at tests in FMVSS 109, 119 and 139.

What's on the table

NHTSA says stakeholders asked it to lower regulatory burdens and make the tests more effective. The committee would review:

• the tire strength test (plunger energy)
• the bead unseating resistance test
• the tire endurance test (chunking)

It would also take up broader issues:

• rules for non-pneumatic tires
• modernized tire markings
• a Tire and Rim Association petition to bring Load Range F light truck tires into FMVSS 139

The goal is a consensus report that NHTSA would turn into a proposed rule.

Who gets a seat

Up to 18 members, plus a NHTSA representative:

| Group | Seats | |---|---| | Tire manufacturers or retailers | 4 | | Vehicle manufacturers | 2 | | Vehicle or equipment manufacturing associations | 4 | | Safety organizations | 2 | | Research, education or testing organizations | 3 | | Engineering or standard-setting associations | 3 |

There is no seat set aside for motor carriers or drivers. NHTSA says anyone who feels the categories don't represent their interests should explain why in a comment or membership application.

How it would work

• About four meetings a year, open to the public and held virtually or hybrid
• Members serve one two-year term, unpaid
• The charter ends two years after it's filed unless renewed

Deadlines

• Comments on the committee and its membership: by Nov. 27, 2026, at regulations.gov
• Membership applications: by 5 p.m. ET, Nov. 27, 2026, by email to tiresfac@dot.gov. Applications need a letter of support on letterhead and a short bio, two pages or less in total.

Guru's take

Nothing changes on your tires today. But the tests every steer, drive and trailer tire must pass could be rewritten in the next two years. Fleet groups that want a say should comment now, before the table is set.