Is tire tread depth checked at the NJ MVS inspection centers?

(I bought an out-of-state vehicle. I'm about to put snow tires on it
but I'd rather do that in December and the current tires are a bit
old.)

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Request for Question Clarification by rainbow-ga on 24 Nov 2006 04:47 PST

Hi elciny,

Please let me know if the following information suffices as an answer
to your question:

The inspection process
Make sure you have all necessary documentation (driver license,
registration, proof of insurance) with you ? you won't pass the
inspection without them.
The inspector will determine your car's engine type and prep it for testing 
Your brakes' suspension, steering, wheel alignment and safety features
(headlights, taillights, tires, horn, windshield wipers and turn
signals) will be checked
The inspector will perform the appropriate emissions test based on the
year, make and model of the vehicle
The final stage of the test will assure that your gas cap is stable
and limits the escape of fumes into the environment
Upon completion, the inspector will place a new two-year sticker in
your windshield
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Inspections/Understanding.htm

See also:
Vehicles leased or purchased outside New Jersey 
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Inspections/VehiclesLeased.htm


Looking forward to your clarification.

Best regards,
Rainbow

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Clarification of Question by elciny-ga on 24 Nov 2006 05:45 PST

I know that the minimum tread depth is 2/32. Is the tread depth
checked across the tread? For example, if the tread depth is below
that on one side of the tire but above in the middle and the other
side, is that passable?

So to clarify the original question, is the tread depth actually measured?

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Request for Question Clarification by rainbow-ga on 24 Nov 2006 11:00 PST

After additional research, I have not been able to verify whether the
tread depth is actually measured. You may want to contact the New
Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission with this inquiry.

Contact details can be found here:
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/About/Contact.htm

I hope that helps.

Best regards,
Rainbow

Certified inspections facilities in the State of New Jersey must have
a tread depth gauge as part of their equipment:


http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/BusinessServices/PIF.htm


The gauge is calibrated to 32nds of an inch.

Since this is a required item, it certainly stands to reason that
there's a high probablility your tread depth will, in fact, be
measured at your inspection.  You should be prepared for this
likliehood.

As for how it's actually measured, a competent inspector should be
able to note particular points of wear and tear on a tire,  If any
part of the tread is below mimimum requirements, then you run the risk
of failing that part of the inspection.

Let me know if there's anything more you need on this.


pafalafa-ga