The tire aging bill in Maryland is bad. That's the message the Tire Industry Association (TIA) wants to send to the state legislature.
To do that, TIA wants to get the word out to Maryland tire dealers.
"Legislation was introduced last week in the Maryland state legislature on tire aging," says the association. The bill would require manufacturers or distributors when selling tires for passenger cars, SUV’s, crossovers and motorcycles to:
* affix on all tires a label stating the date of manufacture;
* make available to consumers a statement on tire aging that "would spell out that NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced after six years regardless of the remaining tread depth, even though NHTSA has never stated this";
* print the date of manufactured on the receipt or invoice;
* have consumers sign a disclosure statement;
* give a copy of the disclosure statement to the consumer; and
* keep a copy of the signed disclaimer.
"Retailers who violate any provision of the new law would be subject to a $500 fine for each infraction," says TIA.
The bill was introduced in both the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates. House Bill HB729 was introduced with 22 co-sponsors and will be heard Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, in the House Economic Matters Committee.
TIA, which describes the legislation as "outrageous and unnecessary," will hold a meeting for tire retailers at the Lowes Hotel in Annapolis (126 West Street) at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21. "If possible, wear your company shirt, jacket, hat or uniform," says TIA.
TIA will provide lunch while TIA Executive Vice President Dr. Roy Littlefield provides information on the regulation and how it can be stopped.
"Then, we will take the short walk to Maryland House Office building to the hearing room to attend the committee meeting so the delegates can see how concerned we are with this unnecessary burden that does nothing to protect our customers or help our businesses during this economic recovery," says Littlefield.
TIA asks that if you plan to attend the luncheon, e-mail Wilson Beach, TIA's director of membership, at [email protected] or call him at (800) 876-8372, ext. 103.
