Statement: Regulations on vehicle tyres to be implemented - NRSC

The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) acting in collaboration with Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) wishes to bring to the attention of the general public particularly Vehicle Tyre Dealers, Importers, Wholesalers, Vendors, Vulcanizers, Automobile Companies and all companies and institutions, both private and public, including Customs Exercise and Preventive Service (CEPS), Road Transport Organizations and Service Providers, Vehicle Owners, Drivers and Riders, that Regulation 62 of Road Traffic Regulation 2012, LI 2180 provides that:

1. Unless the Licensing Authority permits in writing, the importer of a motor vehicle or trailer shall ensure that:

a) the motor vehicle or trailer is fitted with pneumatic tyres manufactured for use in hot and normal weather areas labelled temperature Class A or B

b) Tyres are of the specified size and suited to withstand the maximum permissible loads of the motor vehicle to which they are fitted

c) Gross weight of vehicle or trailer are fitted with tyres whose pressure are specified by the vehicle manufacturer

d) Minimum thread depth of all categories of tyres: 1.6mm

e) The Tyre of a vehicle or trailer does not have a brake in its fabric in excess of 10mm or 10% of the section width of the tyre whichever is the greater or deep enough to reach the body cords

2. A person shall not fit a tyre on a motor vehicle or a trailer, if the tyre:

a) Is more than 4 years old counting from the date of manufacture

b) Is labelled temperature class C and meant for use in cold areas

c) Is under inflated

d) Is over inflated

e) Has a limp or bulge caused by separation of the tyre structure

f) Has a portion of the ply or cord of the tyre exposed

g) Is worn out to the extent that it is not suitable for the type of motor vehicle or

h) Is worn out to the extent that the tread pattern is not visible at the base of the groove

3. For the purpose of determining the pressure in the tyre, the temperature of the tyre shall be disregarded

4. A person who drives or is in charge of a motor vehicle or trailer shall ensure that a tyre fitted on one axle of the motor vehicle or trailer is of the same specifications as those fitted on the other.

5. A person who drives or is in charge of a motor vehicle shall ensure that the motor vehicle is equipped with a spare tyre that meets the required standard and is inflated

6. A person who contravenes this regulation commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than twenty five penalty units and not more than fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than 30 days and not more than 3 months or to both

Over 15% of vehicles involved in fatal crashes in Ghana had some form of tyre defect prior to the crash. The use of sub-standard or bad tyres reduces braking capabilities of vehicles and increases the probability of crash occurrence in wet conditions. Substandard or bad tyres increase the risk of crash (accident) occurrence by 30% in Ghana and motorists driving on bad tyres are more likely to be the party at fault in road crashes.

Enforcement of the Regulation 62 0f LI 2180 by will commence on 1st September, 2015.

A task force comprising representatives from NRSC, DVLA, MTTD and Vehicle Tyre Dealers Association shall visit the offices and premises of all interest groups from 1st May, 2015 to 30th August, 2015 to address all related concerns to ensure a smooth implementation of the Regulation. Questions related to this notice should be directed to the Head Office of the National Road Safety Commission in Accra or the Regional Offices in all the ten (10) Regional Capitals or directly to 0501319081/0501260539 or info@nrsc.gov.gh

Road Safety is a Shared and Collective Responsibility

Issued by: Executive Director, National Road Safety Commission