Federal motor vehicle safety standards govern tire dimensions, testing and labeling requirements, and tire load ratings for all pneumatic, radial tires for use on motor vehicles.  The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is responsible for enforcing laws governing the equipment required on vehicles for lawful use on public highways.

Federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements mandate minimum fuel standards for the fleets of new vehicles produced by automakers.  To meet CAFE standards, a new vehicle's original equipment may include energy efficient tires.  The energy efficiency of tires is measured by their rolling resistance.

The United States Congress has twice directed the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) to adopt rules relating to the energy efficiency of replacement tires.  The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, directed the creation of a National Tire Fuel Efficiency Consumer Information Program.  The rules adopted by the NHTSA in 2012, prescribed testing methods for determining ratings for rolling resistance, peak wet traction, and treadwear.  The rules did not adopt a tire rating system or consumer information requirements.  The EISA also requires that after federal rules are adopted, a state may only adopt regulations on tire fuel efficiency consumer information if the state regulations are identical to the federal regulations.  The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act of 2015 required additional minimum performance standards for the efficiency and traction of passenger car tires.  The NHTSA halted this rulemaking in 2017.

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is authorized to establish and enforce energy efficiency standards for replacement tires on passenger cars and light duty trucks not exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Commerce may implement any of the following:

• a database of replacement tires in production offered for sale or distribution in the state;
• reporting requirements for tire brand name owners and manufacturers with replacement tires in production offered for sale or distribution in the state;
• a rating system for the energy efficiency of replacement tires based on their rolling resistance coefficient;
• testing procedures in alignment with the NHTSA regulations; and
• minimum energy efficiency standards for replacement tires based on their rolling resistance.

Commerce may prohibit the sale or offer for sale of replacement tires that do not meet minimum energy efficiency standards.  Any rules adopted by Commerce prohibiting the sale of tires based on their rolling resistance:

• may not adversely affect tire safety or tire longevity as demonstrated by independent testing prepared for Commerce or another state energy office and verified by Commerce; and
• must provide exemptions for snow tires, spare-use tires, tires manufactured specifically for use in vehicles with three or fewer wheels, off-road recreational vehicles or agricultural motor vehicles.

Commerce may require that energy efficiency ratings be displayed to consumers at the physical or online point-of-sale.

Any person or entity who violates rules adopted to implement energy efficiency standards for replacement tires may be issued a warning for a first violation.  Repeat violations are subject to a civil penalty of $100 to $10,000 per occurrence.  Commerce may also carry out inspections of replacement tires sold or offered for sale.  Enforcement and inspections may be conducted by Commerce or another state agency designated by Commerce.

The WSP is authorized to update its rules to reference rules adopted by Commerce to implement energy efficiency standards for replacement tires.