N.J. Admin. Code § 13:20-32.19

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 13:20-32.19 - Tire requirements, all vehicles; commercial vehicle inspection at official inspection facilities

(a) The tread on each tire shall not be less than 2/32 of an inch deep.

(b) Many tires have tread depth indicators that become exposed when the tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch. Tread depth indicators on commercial vehicles shall be inspected and a tire rejected if it is worn so that the indicators are visible in any two adjacent major grooves at three locations spaced approximately equally around the outside of the tire. For tires without tread depth indicators, the tread depth shall be measured with a tire tread depth gauge.

(c) Notwithstanding (a) above, the tread on each front tire of a motor vehicle that is registered as a commercial motor vehicle pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:3-20 or that is a bus that has been issued passenger, governmental, no fee, or commercial vehicle license plates by the Motor Vehicle Commission or that is a taxicab, limousine, or jitney shall not be less than 4/32 of an inch deep. The tread on each rear tire of a motor vehicle that is registered as a commercial motor vehicle pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:3-20 or that is a bus that has been issued passenger, governmental, no fee, or commercial vehicle license plates by the Motor Vehicle Commission or that is a taxicab, limousine, or jitney shall not be less than 2/32 of an inch deep.

(d) Tires shall be free from chunking, bumps, knots, or bulges evidencing cord, ply, or tread separation from the casing or other adjacent materials. Tire cords or belting materials shall not be exposed.

(e) There shall not be any mismatch in nominal tire size, construction, or profile between tires on the same axle, or any deviation from the motor vehicle manufacturer's tire recommendations. Tire tread shall not protrude beyond the fenders.

(f) Tires on motor vehicles registered for use on a public highway shall not be marked "FOR FARM USE ONLY," "OFF HIGHWAY USE ONLY," or "FOR RACING USE ONLY." Tires that were originally manufactured with extra undertread material and are marked "REGROOVABLE" may be regrooved below the original tread depth.

(g) Studded tires may not be used on a public highway in New Jersey earlier than November 15 or later than April 1 of any winter season. Certification of a commercial motor vehicle shall not be refused because of the improper use of studded tires; however, the motorist shall be advised to have the condition corrected.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:20-32.19

Repealed by 48 N.J.R. 810(a), effective 5/16/2016

Adopted by 53 N.J.R. 2056(a), effective 12/6/2021