Updated Proposals for Replacement Tires

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has officially revised its draft regulations concerning replacement tires for motor vehicles. Following an initial proposal introduced in April and a public hearing held in mid-June, the commission has adjusted its approach to address concerns raised by industry professionals and automotive enthusiasts.


The core objective of the CEC remains to ensure that all replacement tires sold in California meet efficiency standards comparable to those found on new vehicle original equipment. However, the updated framework introduces significant modifications regarding scope and timeline.


Expanded Exemptions and Flexibility

A primary criticism of the original plan was the potential difficulty for consumers to access specialized road-going performance tires. The latest submission addresses these issues by expanding the list of exempted products. While the initial draft only provided carve-outs for winter and off-road tires, the revised version is more comprehensive.


The updated proposal now includes exemptions for:

  • All-season tires featuring the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) certification.
  • Competition tires that satisfy specific criteria regarding tread depth, speed ratings, and treadwear.
  • Run-flat tires.
  • Large-diameter off-road tires.
  • Tires classified under the long and ultra-long-life categories.

Revised Implementation Schedule

Beyond product exemptions, the CEC has opted to delay the rollout of these regulations to give the market more time to adapt. According to the current plan, the timeline shifts as follows:

«The Phase 1 regulations, which impact manufacturing dates, have been pushed back from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2029. Meanwhile, the more rigorous Phase 2 standards are now slated to take effect for tires produced on or after January 1, 2033.»

Next Steps in the Regulatory Process

These revised proposals are currently undergoing a second public comment period, which is scheduled to remain open until 10:00 a.m. on August 3. While adoption is not yet confirmed, the CEC maintains the authority to move forward with this more flexible ruleset during a subsequent public business meeting.