Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
People are getting heated over a new law in California that could ban a bunch of popular performance tires. Should you freak out too?
We say: not yet. The new regulation requires aftermarket tires sold in the state to meet tougher standards for rolling resistance over the next 7 years. Lower resistance means longer lifespan and better fuel economy, but it also generally means harder rubber and worse grip.
There ARE a number of top summer tires, like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, that will be affected by this. Tire companies will have to redevelop compounds, possibly raise prices to compensate, or even discontinue more niche lines. Performance could suffer.
But, the law carves out a bunch of exclusions that also matter to enthusiast. Here's the list of tires that WON'T be affected:
(A) a "competition" tire with tread depth less than 8/32 of a inch and treadwear greater than 200
(B) a large off-road tire 34.5 inches and up; or
(C) a deep tread tire;
(D) a winter-type snow tire;
(E) a space-saver tire;
(F) a temporary use spare tire;
(G) a tire with a nominal rim diameter of 1213 inches or less;
(H) a motorcycle tire;
(I) a tire manufactured specifically for use on an off-road motorized recreational vehicle;
(J) a limited production tire;
(K) a tire with a load index of 122 or greater, or where the load index is not marked and the tire is rated for a maximum load that exceeds 1,450 kg; or
(L) a tire that is not capable of maintaining sustained speeds of greater than 50 miles per hour.;
(M) a used tire
(N) a retreaded tire; or
(O) any tire that the manufacturer has not labeled with a tire identification number
You can read more about the new policy here: energy.ca.gov/news/2026-08/cec-approves-nations-first-replacement-tire-efficiency-standards-saving
So yes, it could shake up the tire market a bit, but no, it's not a ban on cool tires. And now it's written into law that you're not a real off-roader if you're only running 33s.
#cars #cartok #tires #performance #summertires #michelin #continental #california #law #regulation #carculture #carenthusiast #explained #drama
People are getting heated over a new law in California that could ban a bunch of popular performance tires. Should you freak out too?
We say: not yet. The new regulation requires aftermarket tires sold in the state to meet tougher standards for rolling resistance over the next 7 years. Lower resistance means longer lifespan and better fuel economy, but it also generally means harder rubber and worse grip.
There ARE a number of top summer tires, like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, that will be affected by this. Tire companies will have to redevelop compounds, possibly raise prices to compensate, or even discontinue more niche lines. Performance could suffer.
But, the law carves out a bunch of exclusions that also matter to enthusiast. Here's the list of tires that WON'T be affected:
(A) a "competition" tire with tread depth less than 8/32 of a inch and treadwear greater than 200
(B) a large off-road tire 34.5 inches and up; or
(C) a deep tread tire;
(D) a winter-type snow tire;
(E) a space-saver tire;
(F) a temporary use spare tire;
(G) a tire with a nominal rim diameter of 1213 inches or less;
(H) a motorcycle tire;
(I) a tire manufactured specifically for use on an off-road motorized recreational vehicle;
(J) a limited production tire;
(K) a tire with a load index of 122 or greater, or where the load index is not marked and the tire is rated for a maximum load that exceeds 1,450 kg; or
(L) a tire that is not capable of maintaining sustained speeds of greater than 50 miles per hour.;
(M) a used tire
(N) a retreaded tire; or
(O) any tire that the manufacturer has not labeled with a tire identification number
You can read more about the new policy here: energy.ca.gov/news/2026-08/cec-approves-nations-first-replacement-tire-efficiency-standards-saving
So yes, it could shake up the tire market a bit, but no, it's not a ban on cool tires. And now it's written into law that you're not a real off-roader if you're only running 33s.
#cars #cartok #tires #performance #summertires #michelin #continental #california #law #regulation #carculture #carenthusiast #explained #drama
