Bill seeks to ease spare tire requirement in Rhode Island

By: The Associated Press

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – General Motors wants to sell its new all-electric car in Rhode Island, but says it can’t because of the state’s unique law regarding spare tires.              

So the auto maker has persuaded a state lawmaker to introduce legislation to change the law to allow sales of the Chevrolet Bolt in the Ocean State.             

Currently, vehicles sold in the state must have a spare tire and jack, run-flat tires, or a “factory-installed tire repair and inflation system.”             

The Bolt is equipped with what are described as “self-sealing tires,” which the bill introduced by Tiverton Democrat John Edwards would allow as a substitute.             

The Providence Journal reports that the bill was approved by a House committee on Wednesday.              

An identical bill received a hearing in a Senate committee, although some senators had questions.

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