TUBELESS (or TL)
The tyre is designed to be used without an inner tube: an airtight inner liner holds the air, sealed against the rim.
What to do with it
Fit it on a rim made for tubeless tyres with a valve that suits them. A TUBE TYPE tyre needs an inner tube.
- What it looks like
- The word TUBELESS on the sidewall, sometimes shortened to TL; its opposite is TUBE TYPE (TT).
- Set by
- UN Regulation No. 30, paragraph 3.1.7; 49 CFR 571.139, S5.5(g)
In detail
- UN R30 3.1.7 requires “The word ‘TUBELESS’ if the tyre is designed for use without an inner tube.”
- The US rule requires “tubeless” or “tube type”, whichever applies (FMVSS 139 S5.5(g)).
- Michelin notes a tubeless assembly is lighter and avoids damage that can occur to a tube in service.
What it does not mean
Tubeless does not mean puncture-proof or run-flat: a tubeless tyre loses air when punctured.
Markings that go with it
Sources
Each document was fetched and read on the date shown; the clause is the one that sets this marking.
- UNECE, as published in the Official Journal of the EU: UN Regulation No. 30 — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of pneumatic tyres for motor vehicles and their trailers, Revision 3 (OJ L 201, 30.7.2008) — paragraph 3.1.7: “The word ‘TUBELESS’ if the tyre is designed for use without an inner tube.” Checked 2026-09-28.
- US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on eCFR: 49 CFR 571.139 — Standard No. 139, New pneumatic radial tires for light vehicles — S5.5(g): Each tyre is marked with “The term ‘tubeless’ or ‘tube type,’ as applicable”. Checked 2026-09-28.
- Michelin (UK): Tyre markings explained: How to read a tyre? — “How to identify the type of tyre?”: “The word ‘Tubeless’ on the sidewall of your tyre indicates that your tyre does not require an inner tube.” Checked 2026-09-28.