This Photo of Concern involves a bald tire found at the roadside during an interaction with police. As you can see from the photo, the outside edge of the tire is so badly worn that the belts under the tread are starting to show. The groove between the two tread ribs is no longer visible as well.
Is the Spare Tire in Good Condition?
This driver had better have a usable spare tire as this would be the end of the trip without one. If this tire could not be replaced at the roadside the only alternative to proceed is by tow truck.
Traction
If we disregard the exposed tread belt, this tire may have adequate traction on dry pavement. However, add a little bit of water and you have a recipe for trouble. Without grooves to clear the water hydroplaning can easily take place.
No Excuse for a Bald Tire
This didn't happen during the trip that day and the tire has likely been looking like this for some time. It can only be described as neglect and it is likely that the driver failed to consider his own safety much less that of others on the roadway with him.
Tire Regulations
20 A vehicle shall be equipped with tires in compliance with sections 7.16 and 7.161 of the regulations.
No tire on a vehicle shall have any of the following defects:
(1) Cord break or air leak;
(2) Tread damage including cracks, cuts or snags in excess of 25 mm in any direction and deep enough to expose the ply cords;
(3) Sidewall cracks, scuffs, cuts or snags to the extent that body cords are damaged or exposed;
(4) Bumps, bulges or lumps apparently caused by separation of the tread or sidewall from the ply cords or by partial failure of the tire structure, including the bead area.
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