Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumTires, Wheels, and Rims Inspection

An enforcement officer performs a comprehensive roadside safety evaluation on an interstate cargo transport vehicle. Which of the following tire tread depth readings represents a regulatory violation?

  1. A
    A tandem drive tire measured at 232 inch\frac{2}{32}\text{ inch} of tread depth in major grooves
  2. A steer axle tire measured at 332 inch\frac{3}{32}\text{ inch} of tread depth in major groovesAnswer
  3. C
    A trailing axle tire measured at 432 inch\frac{4}{32}\text{ inch} of tread depth in major grooves
  4. D
    A steer axle tire measured at 432 inch\frac{4}{32}\text{ inch} of tread depth in major grooves

Answer

A steer axle tire measured at 3/32 inch of tread depth in major grooves is a regulatory violation because front steering axle tires require a minimum of 4/32 inch of tread depth.
Federal commercial motor vehicle safety regulations require a minimum tread depth of 432 inch\frac{4}{32}\text{ inch} in every major groove on front steering axle tires. A steer tire with only 332 inch\frac{3}{32}\text{ inch} of remaining tread falls below the mandatory threshold and constitutes an out-of-service safety violation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific axle position and corresponding regulatory tread depth threshold.
Front steering axle tires mandate a minimum of 432 inch\frac{4}{32}\text{ inch} (3.2 mm3.2\text{ mm}) of tread depth in every major groove, whereas all other positions (drive, trailer, and tag axles) require at least 232 inch\frac{2}{32}\text{ inch} (1.6 mm1.6\text{ mm}).
Commercial motor vehicle safety regulations enforce stricter tread depth standards on steering axles to ensure directional stability and prevent hydroplaning.
2
Evaluate each recorded measurement against the established legal minimums.
The steer axle tire with 332 inch\frac{3}{32}\text{ inch} is below the mandatory 432 inch\frac{4}{32}\text{ inch} standard, making it a direct violation. All other listed readings meet or exceed their respective axle limits.
Any measurement falling below the federal minimum requirement places the vehicle in non-compliant status.

Key Concept

Tire Tread Depth Regulatory Requirements
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Tires, Wheels, and Rims Inspection

More questions from this topic