‘Used tires are for practicality’

A Rota member of the House of Representatives told Saipan Tribune that his bill to allow the importation of used vehicle tires for personal use is geared toward the practicality of its use for people in the CNMI.

Citing traffic provisions prohibiting vehicles from going over 45 miles per hour, Rep. Glenn Maratita (R-Rota) believes that his House Bill 20-121, HD1 is perfect for people who wish to secure decent tires for their cars without spending too much for brand new ones.

Attorney General Edward Manibusan thinks otherwise. His comments on the bill, dated Jan. 31, 2018, and addressed to Sen. Francisco Borja (R-Tinian), stated that, although the bill is legally sufficient, there are some policy concerns.
“…Tires that have already been used present a serious safety issue. There is no system in place to evaluate the imported used tires to ensure they are road-worthy,” said Manibusan, adding that the absence of such system could risk motorists’ safety.

Manibusan added that the “effect on the poor,” as the bill intends to assist, should also be considered. Manibusan pointed out that those less fortunate may risk their safety, their family’s safety, and other motorists’ safety “to make ends meet.”

“Furthermore, individuals who can afford new tires but who do not want to pay full price may elect to use imported used tires, thereby endangering themselves and their fellow motorists,” added Manibusan.

In response, Maratita compared the CNMI to neighboring Guam, where secondhand tires are an option.

“…If we were to input our practical sense, who would want to buy tires that are not safe?” asked Maratita.

Maratita told Saipan Tribune that using used tires “shouldn’t be an issue to begin with” and in terms of safety, he said he knows one would use “good judgment [when] purchasing used tires.”

“The only concern there is the existing law would not authorize people from bringing [used tires] in. What my bill does is give the less fortunate the opportunity to bring those tires in,” he said.

Maratita added that since the speed limit in the CNMI is up to 45 miles per hour, it would be ideal to use used tires.

H.B. 20-121 was amended by the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism, chaired by Rep. Joseph “Lee Pan” Guerrero (R-Saipan) and passed the House last November.

H.B. 20-121 is currently with the Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Developments, and Programs, which is chaired by Sen. Borja. According to Borja’s office, the committee is still waiting for comments from mayors, the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, the Department of Commerce, and more.