State Inspections: Tire Guidelines
New tires typically come with 10/32” or 11/32” tread depths, and some truck, SUV, and winter tires may have even deeper tread depths than other models. In Massachusetts, the minimum tire tread depth is 2/32 inches. This means that all of your tires must have at least 2/32 inches of tread depth in the proper grooves, and be without any fabric breaks or exposed cords.
When you take your car in for inspection, the technician will examine various locations on each tire and in between different treads around each tire to detect uneven wear.
Will my tires pass inspection?
The best way to know if your tires will pass inspection is to check them yourself before you go. Using a tread depth gauge will produce the most accurate reading but, if you don’t have a gauge, you can try to “eyeball” it using a penny. Place a penny, with the top of Lincoln's head pointing down, into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Lincoln's head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32" of tread depth remaining. If you can see the top of his hair on any part of your tire, you likely won’t pass inspection. And remember, studded tires are only legal in Massachusetts from November 1st through April 30th. If you leave them on for an inspection from May through October, you won’t pass.At V&F
At V&F we offer:- Tire Sales
- Tire Installations
- Tire Rotation
- Tire Balancing
- Tire Replacement
- Wheel Alignment
- Tire Air Pressure Checks
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Repair & Service