Glossary

Out-of-service

Last reviewed: 2026-05-20

An enforcement action requiring a commercial vehicle or driver to stop operating until a defect is corrected. Tire conditions that commonly trigger out-of-service orders include tread below minimums, visible cord, flat tires, and sidewall bulges.

Fix tire defects before dispatch. An out-of-service order at a roadside stop is far more disruptive and costly than a pre-trip inspection correction.

Real-World Use

A driver completing a pre-trip inspection finds a drive tire with visible cord on the shoulder — the same condition that would likely produce an out-of-service order during a roadside inspection — and reports it before departing.

Reference Sources

Sources used for context and verification of regulatory thresholds, inspection criteria, and compliance references on this page.

Gov 49 CFR 393.75 - Tires (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, reviewed 2026-05-20)
Ind CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria overview (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, reviewed 2026-05-20)
Gov FMCSA Motor Carrier Safety Planner: Tires (393.75) (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, reviewed 2026-05-20)

What to Pair It With

Read this term with the full tire sidewall, vehicle rating information, manufacturer documentation, and the actual condition of the tire.

This site is for general information only. It does not replace professional tire service, DOT compliance advice, tire manufacturer instructions, vehicle manufacturer recommendations, or fleet policy.