Tire Inspection
Out-of-Service Tire Conditions
Out-of-service language should be handled carefully. The enforceable criteria can change, and roadside decisions depend on current standards and the facts in front of the inspector.
Treat the list as a conservative maintenance screen, not as official legal or compliance advice.
A practical shop rule is simple: if the tire shows structural damage, cannot hold pressure, is below the minimum tread depth for its position, or cannot be verified against its load rating, do not dispatch it while someone argues over wording.
Conditions to escalate before dispatch
Use this list before the truck leaves the yard or before a roadside repair is accepted as complete. It is intentionally conservative: a tire can be a poor maintenance decision even when the exact roadside classification is uncertain.
- Visible cord, belt, or casing material in the tread or sidewall
- Flat tire, audible leak, or severe underinflation that cannot be explained and corrected
- Bulge, raised shoulder, soft spot, or other evidence of separation
- Tread or sidewall damage deep enough that structure may be exposed under flex
- Load carried beyond the tire rating for its single or dual position
- Tire use prohibited by current rule, fleet policy, lease policy, or customer requirement
- Tread depth below federal minimums: 4/32 inch on steer positions and 2/32 inch on other positions
What to document
| Finding | Record this | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Low tread depth | Position, lowest tread-depth reading, groove measured, gauge used | A single center-rib reading can miss a shoulder that is already below limit |
| Visible cord or belt | Position, location on tire, photo if practical | Structural exposure is a removal issue, not a wear-planning note |
| Bulge or separation sign | Position, sidewall or tread location, whether pressure was retained | A small bulge can worsen quickly under load and heat |
| Flat or severely low tire | Cold pressure if measurable, leak location if found, dual mate condition | The paired tire may have carried extra load while the low tire was rolling |
| Load-capacity concern | Axle weight source, tire size, single or dual rating used, inflation pressure | A capacity check cannot be recreated later without the inputs |
Field judgment vs roadside criteria
Roadside out-of-service decisions use current inspection criteria. A fleet maintenance decision should be at least as conservative, but it does not need to wait for the exact enforcement label before acting. If a driver reports a bulge, exposed cord, repeated pressure loss, or a tire that was run flat, the next step is qualified inspection or removal, not a debate over whether the defect would be written the same way by every inspector.
The reverse is also true: this page should not be used to talk a driver past an inspector or a carrier safety department. If the vehicle has been placed out of service, follow the order, correct the defect, and document the repair before the vehicle moves.
Return-to-service check
- Replace the tire or complete an approved repair before the vehicle returns to operation.
- Recheck the dual mate when one tire in a dual set was flat, severely low, or overloaded.
- Confirm the replacement tire matches size, load range or service description, and position requirements.
- Record the corrected tire position, replacement size, and repair date in the maintenance file.
- If the defect involved load capacity, verify axle weight and inflation again instead of only replacing the tire.
Source note
Federal tire rules are available through eCFR.gov. CVSA out-of-service criteria are a separate inspection reference, updated annually, and should be checked through official or authorized channels before making a compliance decision. The full CVSA handbook may require purchase or authorized access.
Step-by-Step Checklist
- Do not dispatch on obvious structural tire defects.
- Measure and record the lowest tread-depth reading.
- Check current regulation text at eCFR.gov.
- Follow carrier maintenance authority.
- Inspect the dual mate after any flat or severely low dual tire.
- Document correction before returning to service.
FAQ
What are examples of tire conditions that can result in a vehicle being placed out of service?
Conditions typically associated with out-of-service orders include: visible cord or belt material in the tread or sidewall; flat or severely underinflated tires; sidewall bulges or separations; cuts that expose casing structure; tires carrying load beyond rated capacity; tread depth below federal minimums (4/32 inch on steer, 2/32 inch on other positions); and tires specifically prohibited for the axle position by current rules. The exact thresholds are defined in the current CVSA North American Standard out-of-service criteria.
How quickly must an out-of-service tire condition be corrected?
A vehicle placed out of service for a tire condition may not move under its own power until the condition has been corrected and the vehicle is back in compliance. Correction means replacing or repairing the tire to bring it into compliance with applicable standards — not just topping up air and hoping the inspector does not look again. Document the correction before the vehicle returns to service.
Where can I find the current out-of-service criteria for commercial vehicle tires?
The CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) publishes the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, which detail the specific thresholds used during roadside inspections. The full handbook is updated annually and may require purchase or authorized access. The CVSA website (cvsa.org) provides overview information and ordering details. Federal regulation text applicable to tire condition is available at eCFR.gov under 49 CFR 393.75.
Source Notes
- Government 49 CFR 393.75 - Tires
- Government FMCSA Motor Carrier Safety Planner: Tires (393.75)
- Industry CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria overview
- Site note TruckTireGuide.com editorial notes
Editorial Review
TruckTireGuide.com editorial team
Maintained by an independent editor with fleet tire-program experience in regional Class 8 operations, supported by transportation regulatory research and commercial vehicle technical writing.
Pages are checked against public regulations, manufacturer resources, industry references, and conservative field practice. The site does not approve tires for service or replace qualified inspection.