R714-161-8. Tires and Wheels

  (1) When examining the tires and wheels of a vehicle, the inspector shall:

  (a) check the wheel bolts; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when wheel bolts or nuts are loose, missing, or damaged;

  (b) check the wheels for damage; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) any part of the wheel is bent, out of round, cracked, re-welded, or if any spokes are missing, loose, or broken; or

  (B) a wheel is not centered on the axle or wobbles in excess of 3/16 inch at three equally spaced intervals around the circumference of the tire;

  (c) check the bearings by grasping the tire at the top and bottom and rocking it in and out; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when the wheel bearing play exceeds the manufacturer's recommended tolerances;

  (d) check the tire tread depth, which may not be measured on the tread wear bar; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) any tread wear indicator contacts the ground; or

  (B) the tread depth is less than 2/32 when measured in any two adjacent major tread grooves at any location around the circumference of the tire;

  (e) check the tire's condition; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) a tire has any damage including cuts, weather cracks, or cords that are exposed; or

  (B) a tire is worn to the extent secondary rubber is exposed in the tread or sidewall area;

  (f) check the tires for bumps or bulges; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when a tire has visible bumps or bulges indicating partial failure or separation of the tire;

  (g) check for tires that are re-grooved, re-cut, or labeled "not for highway use"; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when a tire has been re-grooved, re-cut, or is marked for other than highway use; and

  (h) check the valve stems;

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

  (A) the rubber stems are cracked or cut; or

  (B) a metal stem lock nut is missing; and

  (i) check the tire pressure with tire pressure gauge; and

  (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when tires are flat, have noticeable air leak, or are inflated to less than 50% of the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire pressure.