Many tire retailers are unaware of the proper tire registration process. According to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C.1381), any tire dealer selling replacement tires directly to consumers must provide the consumer with a tire registration form at the time of sale. Providing the registration form to the consumer is mandatory.
If the dealer completes and mails the registration form for the consumer, they must fill out the highlighted areas on the form with the dealer’s name, address, number of tires sold, and the full DOT tire identification number of the tire(s) sold. The dealer must also complete the customer name and address portion, affix postage, and mail.
If the dealer does not complete and mail the registration form for the customer, they must provide the customer with a registration form that includes the dealer’s name and address, the tire identification number for each tire sold, the tire brand name and the number of tires sold. The consumer then enters their name and address on the form, affixes postage, and mails. The important thing to remember is that the dealer selling directly to the consumer must provide the tire registration form to the consumer at the time of sale.
Failure to comply with this regulation can result in penalties of up to $1,100 per violation, with a maximum of $880,000. Therefore, understanding the process and adhering to the law when registering tires is crucial to avoid legal issues. Ensure you have your dealer code to complete tire registration accurately.
