# California Tightens Regulations on Tire Purchases Low-efficiency tires to be banned from 2026, drivers and manufacturers prepare for changes. - **Source:** [SlashGear](https://www.slashgear.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-26 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fc79274d-bd05-4b3a-aff7-805aede1e840 ## What the New Regulation Entails California approved the Replacement Tire Efficiency Program effective August 17, 2026. Based on 2003's Assembly Bill 844, this initiative mandates that replacement tires meet the same durability and fuel efficiency standards as original equipment tires. The Energy Commission notes that current aftermarket tires often underperform. ## Emission and Savings Targets The program is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 2 million metric tons annually. California drivers are projected to save nearly $1 billion in energy costs. The change aims to prevent fuel waste caused by low-quality, inefficient tires. ## Rolling Resistance Standards The new regulation limits tires' rolling resistance. The first phase in 2029 will enforce a 9.1 newtons per kilonewton limit, dropping to 7.2 newtons in the 2033 second phase. The Commission determined these figures after testing 537 different tires. ## Exemptions and Exceptions Off-road vehicle tires, motorcycle tires, deep-tread or treadless tires, snow tires, and spare tires are exempt from the new rules. This means drivers with special needs will still have options available. ## Market Impacts Short-term, low-efficiency tires will disappear from the market while compliant alternatives increase. The regulations taking full effect in 2029 gives both manufacturers and consumers time to adapt. ## Major Manufacturers' Preparations Tire giants like Michelin and Bridgestone stated they can meet the new standards without compromising safety or innovation. Some tires currently on the market already comply, suggesting no radical product overhaul is needed. ## Changes for Consumers Drivers will need to pay attention to rolling resistance values when purchasing tires. Long-term, more efficient tires should lower fuel costs, though compliant tires may initially carry higher price tags. ## Significance for Industry Transformation This regulation marks an important step toward sustainability in the automotive sector. If other states adopt similar policies, global tire standards could shift. California's environmental policies often pioneer changes for other regions. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.slashgear.com/2244338/california-new-aftermarket-tires-rules/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._