Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Tire Load Markings

Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Tire Load Markings

Publication: Federal Register
Agency: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Byline: Derek Barrs
Date: 19 February 2026
Subject: American Government

, Safety, Tires

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 33 (Thursday, February 19, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7884-7887]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-03260]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 393

[Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0123]
RIN 2126-AC97

Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Tire Load
Markings

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA amends the requirements for commercial motor vehicle
(CMV) tires to clarify that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations (FMCSR) do not require tire load restriction markings on
the sidewalls of the tires. This change eliminates confusion and
clarifies the scope of FMCSA's authority regarding requirements for CMV
tires.

DATES: Effective March 23, 2026.
Petitions for reconsideration of this final rule must be submitted
to the FMCSA Administrator no later than March 23, 2026.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Sutula, Chief, Vehicle and
Roadside Operations Division, FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590 0001; (202) 366-2551; David.Sutula@dot.gov. If you
have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call
Dockets Operations at (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FMCSA organizes this final rule as follows:

I. Availability of Rulemaking Documents
II. Abbreviations
III. Legal Basis
IV. Discussion of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments
V. International Impacts
VI. Section-by-Section Analysis
VII. Regulatory Analyses
A. E.O. 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures
B. E.O. 14192 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation)
C. Congressional Review Act
D. Regulatory Flexibility Act
E. Assistance for Small Entities
F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
G. Paperwork Reduction Act
H. E.O. 13132 (Federalism)
I. Privacy
J. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)
K. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

I. Availability of Rulemaking Documents

To view any documents mentioned as being available in the docket,
go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FMCSA-2025-0123/document and
choose the document to review. To view comments, click this final rule,
then click ``Browse Comments.'' If you do not have access to the
internet, you may view the docket online by visiting Dockets Operations
at U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590-0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure someone is there to help
you, please call (202) 366-9317 or (202) 366-9826 before visiting
Dockets Operations.

II. Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CMV Commercial motor vehicle
DOT Department of Transportation
FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[[Page 7885]]

FMCSR Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
FMVSS Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
FR Federal Register
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
PIA Privacy Impact Analysis
PTA Privacy Threshold Assessment
U.S.C. United States Code

III. Legal Basis

Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(a), DOT is required to ``prescribe minimum
safety standards for commercial motor vehicles. At a minimum, the
regulations shall ensure that--(1) commercial motor vehicles are
maintained, equipped, loaded, and operated safely, (2) the
responsibilities imposed on operators of commercial motor vehicles do
not impair their ability to operate the vehicles safely; (3) the
physical conditions of operators of commercial motor vehicles is
adequate to enable them to operate the vehicles safely. . . ; (4) the
operation of commercial motor vehicles does not have a deleterious
effect on the physical condition of the operators; and (5) an operator
of a commercial motor vehicle is not coerced by a motor carrier,
shipper, receiver, or transportation intermediary to operate a
commercial motor vehicle in violation of a regulation promulgated under
this section, or chapter 51 or chapter 313 of this title.''
This final rule is based on the authority of 49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(1)
to ensure that CMVs are equipped and operated safely. It does not
implicate the driver-centered requirements of 49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(2)-
(4). Because this final rule does not impose any requirement on motor
carriers, there is no obvious risk of coercion related to this rule to
which a driver might be subjected.
The Administrator of FMCSA is delegated authority under 49 CFR 1.87
to carry out the functions vested in the Secretary of Transportation by
49 U.S.C. chapters 311, 313, and 315 as they relate to CMV operators,
programs, and safety.
For the reasons explained below, FMCSA believes that this
clarification of 49 CFR 393.75(g) and (h) will not adversely affect the
operational safety of CMVs.

IV. Discussion of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments

A. Proposed Rulemaking

On May 30, 2025, FMCSA published in the Federal Register (Docket
No. FMCSA-2025-0123, 90 FR 22949) a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) titled ``Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation;
Tire Load Markings.'' The NPRM proposed to amend the FMCSR to revise
the requirements for tires on CMVs to clarify that the FMCSR do not
require tire load restriction markings on their sidewalls.

B. Comments and Responses

FMCSA solicited comments concerning the NPRM for 60 days ending
July 29, 2025. By that date, four comments were received from the
following parties: the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Owner-
Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), Greg Smith, and
Thomas Bray.
ATA and OOIDA supported the NPRM. ATA agreed that the FMCSR should
make clear that any manufacturing requirements are imposed by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and should
reference the appropriate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. OOIDA
stated that this was an example of commonsense regulatory reform.
Greg Smith did not support the proposed rule, stating that removing
the requirement to mark tires with manufacturers weight ratings would
be a threat to roadway safety, would make enforcing overloaded tires
nearly impossible, and would lead to drivers not knowing the weight
capacity of their tires.
Thomas Bray also opposed the proposed rule. Bray stated that the
existing language is already clear, whereas the proposed language would
imply that tire markings are no longer required on existing tires, only
new ones. As a result, drivers could operate in excess of the tire
ratings if the weight rating is not known. Bray also stated that an
operator could deface or remove the load limit/rating markings, to
delay enforcement actions while inspectors search for the weight
ratings. Bray acknowledged that the regulations do not state that the
marking is required and provide instructions if the ratings are not
present, however Bray also stated that the proposed change could
provide some in the industry with what they will see as a way around
the tire rating violation.
FMCSA does not believe that the concerns raised in the comments
accurately reflect the change that was proposed in the NPRM. As stated
in the NPRM, FMCSA is adding clarifying language to the FMCSR to
explicitly state that NHTSA, not FMCSA, is the agency which imposes
requirements on tire manufacturers to add maximum load rating markings
to the sidewalls of tires. FMCSA has no authority to require
manufacturers to add such markings and the change does not alter any
current regulatory requirements. The Agency does not believe that this
final rule will result in any change in the likelihood of motor
carriers or drivers defacing the sidewalls of tires. If a motor carrier
or driver desired to deface their tires in an attempt to interfere with
inspections, it would result in the same outcome regardless of this
rule. If the markings are not displayed on a tire for any reason,
section 393.75(g) and (h) provide procedures for determining the load
rating of a tire through publications listed in FMVSS No. 119 (49 CFR
571.119) to ensure that a vehicle is not being operated in excess of
that limit. Motor carriers and drivers are required to be aware of the
load ratings of the tires on their CMV regardless of whether those
ratings are on the tire or in the publications listed in FMVSS No. 119.
Defacing the tires in any way does not alter that requirement. Adding
clarifying language will make the regulated public better aware of the
requirements under FMCSA regulations, resulting in less confusion about
the applicability of section 393.75.

VI. International Impacts

Motor carriers and drivers are subject to the laws and regulations
of the countries where they operate, unless an international agreement
states otherwise. Drivers and carriers should be aware of the
regulatory differences between nations.

VII. Section-by-Section Analysis

This section-by-section analysis describes the changes to the
regulatory text in numerical order.
Sec. 393.75 Tires
FMCSA adds a new paragraph (j) to clarify that FMCSA does not
require tire markings under paragraphs (g) and (h).

VIII. Regulatory Analyses

A. Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

FMCSA has considered the impact of this final rule under E.O. 12866
(58 FR 51735, Oct. 4, 1993), Regulatory Planning and Review, and DOT
Order 2100.6B.\1\ The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) determined that this
final rulemaking is not a significant regulatory action under section
3(f) of E.O. 12866, as supplemented by E.O. 13563, and does

[[Page 7886]]

not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section
6(a)(3) of that order. Accordingly, OMB has not reviewed it under that
E.O.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ DOT Order 2100.6B is available at https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/dot-order-21006b-policies-and-procedures-rulemakings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

FMCSA clarifies the requirements in section 393.75(g) and (h) by
explicitly stating that those paragraphs do not require manufacturers
to add markings to the sidewalls of tires. This revision avoids
possible misunderstanding of the rules by affected entities, such as
owners and operators of CMVs.
As NHTSA requires tires to be marked with a maximum load rating on
the sidewall of the tire, FMCSA finds that members of the regulated
public will not change their behavior due to this final rule. However,
the increased clarity provided by this final rule will result in de
minimis cost savings for regulated entities when navigating their
obligations under more streamlined and easier to read FMCSR.

B. E.O. 14192 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation)

E.O. 14192 (90 FR 9065, Jan. 31, 2025), Unleashing Prosperity
Through Deregulation, requires that for ``each new [E.O. 14192
regulatory action] issued, at least ten prior regulations be identified
for elimination.'' \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\2\ Executive Office of the President. Executive Order 14192 of
January 31, 2025, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, 90 FR
9065-9067, (Feb. 6, 2025).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Implementation guidance for E.O. 14192 issued by OMB (Memorandum M-
25-20, March 26, 2025) defines two different types of E.O. 14192
actions: an E.O. 14192 deregulatory action, and an E.O. 14192
regulatory action.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\3\ OMB. Guidance Implementing Section 3 of Executive Order
14192, Titled ``Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,''
Memorandum M-25-20 (Mar. 26, 2025).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

An E.O. 14192 deregulatory action is defined as ``an action that
has been finalized and has total costs less than zero.'' This final
rulemaking will have total costs less than zero and therefore is
considered an E.O. 14192 deregulatory action.

C. Congressional Review Act

This rule is not a major rule as defined under the Congressional
Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801-808).'' \4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\4\ A major rule means any rule that OMB finds has resulted in
or is likely to result in (a) an annual effect on the economy of
$100 million or more; (b) a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers, individual industries, geographic regions, Federal,
State, or local government agencies; or (c) significant adverse
effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity,
innovation, or on the ability of United States-based enterprises to
compete with foreign-based enterprises in domestic and export
markets (5 U.S.C. 804(2)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Regulatory Flexibility Act

The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), as amended
by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996,\5\
requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of the regulatory
action on small business and other small entities and to minimize any
significant economic impact. The term small entities comprises small
businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are independently
owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and
governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000 (5
U.S.C. 601(6)). Accordingly, DOT policy requires an analysis of the
impact of all regulations on small entities, and mandates that agencies
strive to lessen any adverse effects on these businesses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\5\ Public Law 104-121, 110 Stat. 857 (Mar. 29, 1996).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

No regulatory flexibility analysis is required, however, if the
head of an Agency or an appropriate designee certifies that the rule
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. This final rule clarifies the requirements in section
393.75(g) and (h) by explicitly stating that those paragraphs do not
require manufacturers to add markings to the sidewalls of tires.
Regulated entities will not change their behavior in response to this
final rule because NHTSA requires manufacturers to add markings to the
sidewalls of tires. De minimis cost savings could be realized by
entities through the clarification of the FMCSR.
Consequently, I certify that this action will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

E. Assistance for Small Entities

In accordance with section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 857),
FMCSA wants to assist small entities in understanding this final rule
so they can better evaluate its effects on themselves and participate
in the rulemaking initiative. If the final rule will affect your small
business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please
consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal
employees who enforce or otherwise determine compliance with Federal
regulations to the Small Business Administration's Small Business and
Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman (Office of the National
Ombudsman, see https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-national-ombudsman) and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness
Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each
agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on
actions by employees of FMCSA, call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247).
DOT has a policy regarding the rights of small entities to regulatory
enforcement fairness and an explicit policy against retaliation for
exercising these rights.

F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538)
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary
regulatory actions. The Act addresses actions that may result in the
expenditure by a State, local, or Tribal government, in the aggregate,
or by the private sector of $206 million (which is the value equivalent
of $100 million in 1995, adjusted for inflation to 2024 levels) or more
in any 1 year. Because this final rule will not result in such an
expenditure, a written statement is not required.

G. Paperwork Reduction Act

This final rule contains no new information collection requirements
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

H. E.O. 13132 (Federalism)

A rule has implications for federalism under section 1(a) of E.O.
13132 if it has ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government.''
FMCSA has determined that this rule will not have substantial
direct costs on or for States, nor will it limit the policymaking
discretion of States. Nothing in this document preempts any State law
or regulation. Therefore, this rule does not have sufficient federalism
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Impact
Statement.

I. Privacy

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005,\6\ requires the Agency
to assess the privacy impact of a regulation that will affect the
privacy of individuals. This

[[Page 7887]]

final rule will not require the collection of personally identifiable
information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\6\ Public Law 108-447, 118 Stat. 2809, 3268, note following 5
U.S.C. 552a (Dec. 4, 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) applies only to Federal agencies
and any non-Federal agency that receives records contained in a system
of records from a Federal agency for use in a matching program.
The E-Government Act of 2002,\7\ requires Federal agencies to
conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for new or substantially
changed technology that collects, maintains, or disseminates
information in an identifiable form. No new or substantially changed
technology will collect, maintain, or disseminate information as a
result of this rule. Accordingly, FMCSA has not conducted a PIA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\7\ Public Law 107-347, sec. 208, 116 Stat. 2899, 2921 (Dec. 17,
2002).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition, the Agency will complete a Privacy Threshold
Assessment (PTA) to evaluate the risks and effects the final rule might
have on collecting, storing, and sharing personally identifiable
information. The PTA will be submitted to FMCSA's Privacy Officer for
review and preliminary adjudication and to DOT's Privacy Officer for
review and final adjudication.

J. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)

This rule does not have Tribal implications under E.O. 13175,
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because
it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian
Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian
Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between
the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.

K. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

FMCSA analyzed this rule pursuant to the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The Agency believes this
final rule will not have a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on
the quality of the human environment. This action falls under a
published categorical exclusion and is thus excluded from further
analysis and documentation in an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement under DOT Order 5610.1D,\8\ Subpart B,
subsection (e). Specifically, paragraph (e)(6)(bb), which covers
regulations pertaining to vehicle operation safety standards, equipment
approval, and/or equipment carriage requirements, applies to this rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\8\ Available at: https://www.transportation.gov/mission/dots-procedures-considering-environmental-impacts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 393

Highway safety, Motor carriers, Motor vehicle safety.

Accordingly, FMCSA amends 49 CFR part 393 as follows:

PART 393--PARTS AND ACCESSORIES NECESSARY FOR SAFE OPERATION

0
1. The authority citation for part 393 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31136, 31151, 31502; sec. 1041(b), Pub. L.
102-240, 105 Stat. 1914, 1993; secs. 5301 and 5524, Pub. L. 114-94,
129 Stat. 1312, 1543, 1560; and 49 CFR 1.87.

0
2. Amend section 393.75 by adding paragraph (j) to read as follows:

Sec. 393.75 Tires.

* * * * *
(j) The requirements in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section
shall not be construed to require manufacturers to add any markings to
the sidewall of a tire.

Issued under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.87.
Derek Barrs,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2026-03260 Filed 2-18-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P