1. (1) When examining the tire and wheels, the inspector shall:

   1. (a) check tires for cuts, cracks, or sidewall plugs; and

      1. (i) advise the customer when a tire has weather cracks, but no cords showing; or
      2. (ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when a tire has sidewall plugs, cuts, or cracks deep enough to expose cords;

   2. (b) check tires for indication of tread separations; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when tire integrity has been compromised due to visible bumps, bulges, or tire separation;

   3. (c) check tire pressure for proper inflation with tire pressure gauge; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) a tire is flat, has a noticeable air leak, or is inflated to less than half, or 50% of the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire pressure; or
         2. (B) a tire is over inflated;

   4. (d) check tires for regrooving or recutting; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when a tire is regrooved and is not identifiable as regroovable;

   5. (e) check tires for "restricted usage only" markings; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when a tire is marked "for farm use only", "off-highway use only", "for racing only", "for trailers only", or other non-highway use;

   6. (f) check tires for the same size and same type of construction, but mismatched tread design is allowed; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when tires on the same axle are not the same size or construction;

   7. (g) check tire wear; and

      1. (i) advise the customer when tread wear bars are touching the road surface; or

      2. (ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) the tread depth is less than 2/32 inch when measured in any two adjacent major tread grooves at three equally spaced intervals around the circumference of the tire. Tread depth measurement shall not use a tread wear bar; or
         2. (B) secondary rubber is exposed in the tread or sidewall area;

   8. (h) check wheels for damage and proper mounting; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) wheel bolts, nuts, studs, or lugs are loose, missing, or not properly fastened;
         2. (B) wheels are bent, cracked, re-welded, or have elongated bolt holes;
         3. (C) spacers are used to increase the wheel track width; or
         4. (D) bead lock wheels are installed that do not meet the SAE J2530 Aftermarket Wheel Performance Requirements and Test Procedures;
      2. (i) check vehicle tires for proper size and weight load ratings; and

      3. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) tires do not meet the proper weight load rating for the vehicles actual gross vehicle weight; or
         2. (B) tires are mounted on wheels that are not within tire manufacturer specifications;

   9. (j) check that fenders and mudflaps are in place when required; and

      1. (i) advise the customer when:

         1. (A) fenders or fender extenders do not cover the full width of a tire;
         2. (B) rear tires do not have the top 50% of the tire covered by mudflaps, fenders, or the vehicle body construction when required; or
         3. (C) rear mudflaps are not directly aligned with the tire and at least as wide as the tire when required; or

      2. (ii) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) tire tread is not fully covered by existing fenders or fender extenders;
         2. (B) tires make contact with any other vehicle parts or accessories;
         3. (C) fender flares or mud flaps are not made of durable material; or
         4. (D) fender flares or mud flaps are not secured properly; and

   10. (k) check for studded snow tires; and

       1. (i) advise the customer when studded snow tires are mounted on a vehicle between April 1 and October 14 of any year.

KEY: motor vehicle safety, safety inspection manual

Date of Last Change: December 6, 2018

Notice of Continuation: April 29, 2026

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 53-8-204; 53-8-205; 41-6a-1601