CVC 27465(b)Eligible for written declarationCorrectable · Fix under CVC 40522

Tire Tread Depth Violation

Using a pneumatic tire on a vehicle axle on a highway with less than 1/32 of an inch tread depth in any two adjacent grooves at any location of the tire, or less than the deeper minimums the section sets for certain vehicles and snow tires.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: check your notice or your court's bail scheduleDMV Points: None✓ Correctable

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.

What is a Tire Tread Depth Violation ticket?

CVC 27465(b) says no person shall use on a highway a pneumatic tire on a vehicle axle when the tire has less than (1) 1/32 of an inch tread depth in any two adjacent grooves at any location of the tire; (2) for motor vehicles specified in Section 34500, 4/32 of an inch at all points in all major grooves on a steering-axle tire and 2/32 of an inch on all other tires; or (3) 6/32 of an inch at all points in all major grooves on snow tires used in lieu of tire traction devices in posted control areas, except when temporarily installed on a disabled vehicle as specified in subdivision (a). CVC 27465(c) says tread depth is not measured where tie bars, humps, or fillets are located, and CVC 27465(d) says the section does not apply to implements of husbandry.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(b) No person shall use on a highway a pneumatic tire on a vehicle axle when the tire has less than the following tread depth, except when temporarily installed on a disabled vehicle as specified in subdivision (a): (1) One thirty-second (1/32) of an inch tread depth in any two adjacent grooves at any location of the tire, except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3). (2) Four thirty-second (4/32) of an inch tread depth at all points in all major grooves on a tire on the steering axle of any motor vehicle specified in Section 34500, and two thirty-second (2/32) of an inch tread depth at all points in all major grooves on all other tires on the axles of these vehicles. (3) Six thirty-second (6/32) of an inch tread depth at all points in all major grooves on snow tires used in lieu of tire traction devices in posted tire traction device control areas.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You used a pneumatic tire on a vehicle axle on a highway
2The tire had less than the tread depth CVC 27465(b) requires for that tire
3The tire was not temporarily installed on a disabled vehicle as described in CVC 27465(a)

Arguments Commonly Raised for Tire Tread Depth Violation

General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.

Tread depth

CVC 27465(b)(1) requires 1/32 of an inch in any two adjacent grooves at any location of the tire, for most vehicles. If your tires met it, describe how they were measured and include photos.

Where it was measured

CVC 27465(c) says tread depth is not measured where tie bars, humps, or fillets are located.

Spare on a disabled vehicle

The section does not apply to a spare temporarily installed on a disabled vehicle as part of an emergency service on a highway.

Correction

If your notice is marked correctable, keep proof of the replacement.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the tread with a gauge before replacing the tires
✗Not keeping the tire receipt

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 27465(b) — Tire Tread Depth Violation. Using a pneumatic tire on a vehicle axle on a highway with less than 1/32 of an inch tread depth in any two adjacent grooves at any location of the tire, or less than the deeper minimums the section sets for certain vehicles and snow tires.

This section is listed as a correctable (fix-it) violation. California has a general process for showing proof that the problem was corrected.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 27465(b). It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tire Tread Depth Violation

What is the minimum tire tread depth in California?▼

For most vehicles, CVC 27465(b)(1) says 1/32 of an inch tread depth in any two adjacent grooves at any location of the tire. Paragraphs (2) and (3) set more for motor vehicles specified in Section 34500 and for snow tires used in lieu of tire traction devices in posted control areas.

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