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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Michelin wants to put more cars on the road to test the wear and tear of real world miles on experimental treads.

Lawmakers this week are to consider a measure to increase the number of research and development license plates given to manufacturers so they can take the tires on public roads even though.

those tires have not been certified by the U.S. Transportation Department as roadworthy.

State Sen. Paul Campbell of Goose Creek says Michelin asked lawmakers to increase the number of license tags available from 30 to 400. The bill passed by the Senate authorizes up to 100 tags. The House delayed work on the bill last week and is scheduled to take it up again this week.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)