Operating a vehicle with tires that have less than the minimum required tread depth of 1/32 inch on any portion of the tread.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
CVC 27465(a) requires tires on motor vehicles to have a minimum tread depth of 1/32 inch. Tires with worn treads below this threshold are a safety hazard and a correctable equipment violation. An officer may check tread depth during a traffic stop if tires appear visibly worn.
Tire tread violations carry no DMV points. They are typically correctable — replace the tires, get the ticket signed off. But worn tires dramatically increase accident risk, especially in wet conditions.
No DMV points — no insurance impact.
Officer notices visually bald tire during traffic stop for another violation.
Secondary citation for 27465(a); replace tires to get sign-off on the equipment charge.
Driver has one rear tire with less than 1/32" tread.
Fix-it ticket for that tire; replace the worn tire(s) and get signed off.
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Tread depth exceeded minimum at time of citation
CVC 27465(a) requires at least 1/32 inch tread depth on all tires. A penny-test check (Lincoln's head just visible) indicates approximately 2/32 inch — double the minimum. If your tires had adequate tread, document it.
Correctable violation
Replace tires meeting the minimum tread requirements, then get a Certificate of Correction.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
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CVC 27465(a) requires a minimum of 1/32 inch of tread across the tire. Most tire safety experts recommend replacing tires at 2/32" — the legal minimum is lower than the safety recommendation.
Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head pointing down. If the top of his head is visible, your tread is at or below 2/32" and should be replaced. A quarter gives the 4/32" measurement.
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This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
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