From Tire Review
     
The RMA and TIA both say that all states should require periodic vehicle safety inspections – and urged that they include tire inspections.
 
The two groups filed joint comments to NHTSA supporting the agency’s recent suggestion to states that they should adopt vehicle safety inspections. Called a “guidance,” NHTSA’s suggestion is not a mandate, but one of a number of recommendations provided to states by NHTSA.
 
“RMA and TIA applaud NHTSA’s initiative and effort to encourage states to adopt effective safety programs,” RMA and TIA said. “We strongly support NHTSA’s guideline that states should adopt periodic motor vehicle safety inspections.  
 
“Such a program should have a tire inspection that, at a minimum, includes: Measure tread depth and fail vehicles that have any tire with a tread depth of 2/32nds inch or less on any part of the tire; check every tire for damage exposing the reinforcing plies of the tire, including cuts, cracks, bulges, punctures, scrapes or wear; and check and inflate all tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure.”
 
RMA and TIA noted that few motorists check tires regularly and cited studies showing that many motorists delay needed maintenance. “While an annual vehicle inspection that includes tires will not completely reverse such widespread neglect of tire maintenance, it can both reduce the incidents of tire failure and help educate more motorists about the importance of tire care,” the associations wrote.