Ride across the USA

[kennyw]

In the USA, you can legally drive on bald tires.

[Lord Popgun]

In Virginia, the annual state inspection for vehicles says: Measure in two adjacent tread grooves where tread is thinnest. If either of the grooves measure 2/32 of an inch or more, no further measurements are necessary and tread depth is satisfactory. Do not take measurements from the tread wear indicators.

6. If both adjacent grooves measure less than 2/32 of an inch, the tire tread depth must be measured again at two additional equally spaced intervals around the circumference of the tire in a like manner as the first measurement. Refer to Figure 1. If the tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch in two adjacent tread grooves at each of the equally spaced intervals, the tire must be rejected.
MEASURE WHERE THE TREAD IS THINNEST IN TWO ADJACENT TREAD GROOVES

It also says if the tread wear indicators are in contact with the ground the inspection fails, or if showing fabric or steel belts, etc.

[Django]

Wow, 2/32 of an inch is approx 1.6 mm. That's pretty much the same, what German inspection requires.

That is double the depth as the wear indicators, which show up (contact with ground) at 0.8 mm or 1/32 of an inch tread depth.

[Lord Popgun]

I got that info off the Virginia State Police site. The next time I'm in the Honda shop I'll ask what they actually look for. Sometimes the law and the practice aren't exactly the same.

[the Ferret]

Ive never seen or heard of a policeman inspect tire tread depth

[Bazbro_imp]

Ive never seen or heard of a policeman inspect tire tread depth

Don't come to the UK then! After any really serious accident, "tyre tread depths" are an integral part of the Police Accident Investigation, particularly if wet weather or skidding was a feature.

Plus, any Police traffic stop will involve a cursory examination of tyre condition and evidence of 'tread depth' could feature if the tyres are obviously bald.

[Lord Popgun]

Ferret, I never have either. But they enforce the program in Va.

By the way, I stopped at my Honda Dealer today and they said tread must be 3/32 or they fail the bike. Don’t know why there is a difference between the VSP website and the dealer, but a change that didn’t make the website wouldn’t surprise me.

While there I checked out the Cub. What a cool little machine. I want one!! Build quality is really nice. Elegant.

[peterbaron]

Will not argue how DOT regulations play in different countries, but Canada & USA are very close & similar.
In Canada, as far as tread depth is concerned:
Method of inspection:
Inspect the tire tread to locate the area where the depth is at its minimum.
Measure it at a major groove using a suitable tread-depth gauge. Do not measure tread depth on a wear bar.

FAILED: tread depth is less than 2 mm = 5/64 at point of minimum tread depth, which means: 2/32 failed.
Passed: 3/32

Tread issue is only a small fraction of tire safety inspection, besides other factors such as: age, cracks, cuts, bulge, re-treading, re-grooving, cord exposure, presence of plug-type repair, or rubber-coated or cured-rubber plug is used in the sidewall, UV degradation, tire leakage...

Police is not a vehicle safety authority and cannot influence safety inspection, but DOT is.
Hope this helps you understanding tire safety...

[Django]

Well, that's the contents of my right pannier:

[dbarkdoll_imp]

You are ready for some serious roadside repair! And then some....