WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 1151

An Act relative to spare tires

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Steven Howitt

Massachusetts bill mandating spare tire or equivalent backup system in new vehicles to improve roadside safety and driver emergency preparedness.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1151

Legislative bill overview

HD 1151 requires motor vehicles manufactured after a specified date to be equipped with a spare tire or an equivalent backup tire system. The bill establishes standards for spare tire accessibility, maintenance, and functionality to ensure drivers have emergency options when experiencing tire failure.

Why is this important

Modern vehicles increasingly ship without spare tires, relying instead on tire repair kits or run-flat tires, which may be unavailable, expensive, or ineffective in certain situations. This bill addresses roadside safety by mandating backup options for drivers, particularly important in rural areas where tire repair services may be distant or unavailable.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to manufacturers and consumers: Requiring spare tires adds manufacturing and vehicle purchase costs, which automakers have been eliminating to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency
  • Space and design constraints: Spare tire requirements limit interior/trunk space and conflict with modern vehicle design priorities for weight reduction and aerodynamics
  • Alternative solutions: The bill may not adequately account for tire repair kits, run-flat tires, or roadside assistance services that modern vehicles increasingly use instead of spares

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.