The California Energy Commission (CEC) Replacement Tire Efficiency Program (RTEP) is designed to ensure that replacement tires are, on average, at least as energy efficient as tires sold on new vehicles, saving consumers billions in fuel costs.
Many replacement tires that meet the standard already exist and are available today. These tires are popular, safe, long-lasting, competitively priced, and made by a wide range of manufacturers. The details of this standard were collaboratively developed through a five-year stakeholder engagement process with the tire industry, including manufacturers and trade associations.
When fully implemented, this standard will generate an estimated $1 billion in fuel cost savings for California drivers each year. Energy Commission staff estimate that the Phase 2 standard will save individual drivers $153 to $207 over the lifetime of a set of compliant tires.
The standard applies to tire retailers, not individuals, and only makes it illegal to sell non-compliant replacement tires manufactured after January 1, 2029 for Phase 1 and January 1, 2033 for Phase 2. The law regulates what can be sold, not what is currently installed on a vehicle, so drivers can continue to use the tires they have until they wear out and need to be replaced. Many tires, such as snow tires and deep tread tires, are exempt from the standard.
The CEC will develop a public online database of compliant replacement tires before the standard comes into effect in 2029.
The CEC is setting modest energy efficiency standards for replacement tires. Most tires on the market today already comply with the 2029 Phase 1 standard, and many even comply with the more stringent standards that begin in 2033. Staff analysis and data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that the price increase of these tires will be small – approximately $1.50 per tire for Phase 1 and $6.50 for Phase 2 – and will produce fuel cost savings of at least $150 over the lifetime of the Phase 2 efficient tires.
No. Drivers will not see a reduction in treadwear or lifespan of replacement tires. CEC collected laboratory data on 89 of the most popular tire models in California, as well as real-world lifespan data from Discount Tire from their market-leading Treadwell database. The data is clear: increasing the efficiency of tires does not reduce their average lifespan. Of the tires that met the Phase 2 standard, the average lifespan was 61,000 miles, more than the average lifespan of all tires measured.
No. A wide variety of replacement tires will remain on the market after the standard is fully phased in. Tire manufacturers can incorporate technological advances into their products so that replacement tires that do not yet meet the standard become more efficient, complying with the regulations. Specialty replacement tires like competition tires, large off-road and deep tread tires, and winter tires are not affected by the standard.
No. Efficient tires are safe in dry weather. Tire testing commissioned by the CEC evaluated 179 specific passenger vehicle and light truck tires. This testing found no relationship between tire efficiency and dry traction, the primary measure of a tire’s grip in dry weather. The Commission also evaluated wet traction and similarly found no relationship between tire efficiency and wet traction. The standard also includes the US’s first minimum traction limits, which will help improve tire safety in California.
No, this is not true for the initial phase of the standard in 2029. The majority of tires in the market today already meet these requirements. On January 1, 2033, the more stringent second phase of the efficiency standard takes effect. The CEC estimates that approximately 30% of existing replacement tires in California already comply with the Phase 2 standard. Tire manufacturers have a full six years to apply known technological advances (or new innovative methods) to update those products that currently fall short of the 2033 Phase 2 requirements. By the time the second phase comes into effect, most tires are expected to meet the standard.
No. The standard does not impact replacement tires with a tread depth of 18/32 inch or greater or a speed rating of under 99 miles per hour and a minimum diameter of 34.5 inches or more. This standard exempts many off-road tires from the requirements.
No. Specialty replacement tires used in motorsports will remain available. Competition tires with low tread, high speed ratings, and low treadwear are exempt from the regulation, as are tires that are not street legal. Ultra-high-performance tires must meet a less stringent efficiency standard than passenger vehicle tires.
No. Tires designed for exclusive use on trailers are not within the scope of this standard.
Yes. The standard applies to replacement tires based on their date of manufacture, not sale. There is no limitation on how long tire retailers can sell non-compliant tires, provided that the tire was manufactured before January 1, 2029 for Phase 1 of the standard and January 1, 2033 for Phase 2.
Yes. The standard sets no minimum performance standard for replacement tires marked with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake.
Yes. More efficient replacement tires can extend the range of electric vehicles and save fuel costs similar to gasoline vehicles.
Unlikely. Replacement tires for classic cars will remain available because tires with a rim diameter of 13 inches or less are exempt, as are limited production tires. The Commission will also exempt a specific replacement tire model if it is the only tire available for a vehicle make and model.
Yes. The standard does not affect any replacement tire manufactured before January 1, 2029. The CEC will publish an online database that lists replacement tires that comply with the standard prior to 2029.
For those interested in learning more about how the standard was developed, the CEC has posted several documents and studies that detail the process. Please visit our Replacement Tire Efficiency Program Proceeding, which includes the CEC’s full staff report, fact sheets, a full breakdown of tire testing, an environmental impact report, and much more.
Press Release: CEC Approves Nation’s First Replacement Tire Efficiency Standards, Saving Californians Billions in Fuel Costs