Amends TCA Title 47 and Title 55.

This bill prohibits any supplier from installing or offering to install an unsafe used tire on a motor vehicle. This bill defines "unsafe used tire" to mean a used tire that suffers from at least one of the following nonconformities:<br /> <br /> (1) The used tire is worn to a tread depth of 2/32 of one inch or less on any area of the tread;<br /> (2) The used tire suffers from damage that exposes the reinforcing plies of the tire;<br /> (3) The used tire shows evidence of any of the following:<br /> <br /> (A) A repair to the tire in the tread shoulder or belt edge;<br /> (B) A puncture that has not been both sealed or patched on the inside, and plugged with a cured rubber stem through to the outside of the tire;<br /> (C) A repair to the sidewall or bead area of the tire;<br /> (D) A repair for a puncture that is greater than 1/4 of one inch;<br /> (E) Prior use of a temporary sealant without evidence of a subsequent proper repair;<br /> (F) Damage to the inner liner or bead damage; or<br /> (G) An internal separation, such as bulges or localized areas of irregular tread wear, indicating possible tread or belt separation;<br /> <br /> (4) The U.S. department of transportation tire identification number on the sidewall of the used tire has been defaced or removed; or<br /> (5) The used tire is a recalled tire the sale of which is prohibited by federal law;<br /> <br /> A violation of this bill will be an unfair and deceptive act or practice in violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, which is a Class B misdemeanor criminal offense and may subject the offender to an action for damages, including treble damages for a willful or knowing violation. In addition to all other remedies, this bill will subject any supplier who knowingly installs or offers to install an unsafe used tire on a motor vehicle to a civil penalty of $500 for each violation.<br /> <br />