California Loosens Proposals for Tire RegulationsMichael Simari - Car and DriverThe California Energy Commission (CEC) has updated its proposed rule set, which could change how replacement tires are treated in the state.Originally put forward in April, the CEC updated its proposed regulations after comments from the public, including enthusiasts and members of the tire industry.The new proposals push back the implementation timeline and add additional carve-outs for more types of tires.Earlier this year, the California Energy Commission (CEC) proposed a new set of regulations surrounding replacement tires for vehicles. This month, the California Energy Commission (CEC) has amended those proposals, which could seriously impact the way replacement tires are treated in the state, and ultimately the country. Originally put forward in April, with a public hearing held on June 10, the CEC's proposals set new standards that would require all replacement tires to be at least as efficient as the tires sold on new vehicles.Drew Martin BFGoodrichThe changes to the proposed regulations come after feedback from the June 10 public comments, as well as conversations with enthusiasts and members of the tire industry, a representative for the CEC informed Car and Driver.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe highlights of the new proposals are the additional carve-outs for more types of tires. While the initial proposal could have made it hard for customers in California to source road-going performance tires, the new submissions have more leeway. The initial proposal's list of carve-outs included winter and off-road tires, but that was it. The new proposals have carve-outs for all-season tires that wear the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) certification, competition tires that meet certain tread depth, speed rating, and treadwear requirements, along with run-flat tires, large diameter off-road tires, and long and ultra-long-life category tires.In addition to submitting less stringent regulations, the updated proposals push back the timeline for the new ruleset. The proposed Phase 1 regulations move from affecting tires manufactured on or after January 1, 2028 to the same date in 2029. Phase 2 regulations, which are more stringent, would now go into effect for tires manufactured on or after January 1, 2033.The new proposals are now in another period of public comment, which extends until 10:00 a.m. on August 3. While there's no guarantee of the new proposals being accepted, the CEC could choose to adopt the new, more relaxed ruleset at a future public business meeting.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029