Appendix D. Safety & Emissions Inspection 540 CMR 4.00 4.05: continued k. Tires. 1. Any tire on any steering axle of a power unit. a. With less than /32 inch tread when measured at any point on a major tread groove. b. Has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall. c. Has any tread or sidewall separation. d. Has a cut where the ply or belt material is exposed. e. Is labeled " Not For Highway Use " or displaying other marking which would exclude use on steering axle (except for farm vehicles, implements of husbandry, and off-road equipment is used on highway at restricted speeds). f. A tube-type radial tire without radial tube stem markings. These markings include a red band around the tube stem, the word " radial " embossed in metal stems, or the word " radial " molded in rubber stems. g. Mixing bias and radial tires on the same axle h. Tire flap protrudes through valve slot in rim and touches stem. i. Regrooved tires on buses, trucks and truck tractors, except for trucks and truck tractors equipped with front tires with a load carrying capacity of less than that of 8.25-20 eight ply-rating tires. j. Boot, blowout patch or other ply repair. k. Weight carried exceeds tire load limit. This includes overloading tire resulting from low air pressure. l. Tire is flat or has noticeable (e.g., can be heard or felt) leak. m. Any bus equipped with recapped or retreaded tire(s). n. So mounted or inflated that it comes in contact with any part of the vehicle. o. Tire size shall be the same on each side of the front and/or rear axle. Tire size may be different between front and rear axles as determined by vehicle manufacturer. Back to Index