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Irregularity in Tire Tread Can Result in Fine, Points on the Driver’s License, and Vehicle Retention According to Contran Rules and the Brazilian Traffic Code.
Driving with tires with treads below the allowed limit can result in fines and also increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle, as Brazilian regulations require a minimum depth of 1.6 millimeters in the tread for circulation on the roads.
The limit applies to cars, utility vehicles, trucks, and other motor vehicles, and the inspection can classify the situation as a serious infraction, with a fine of R$ 195.23, five points on the driver’s license, and retention of the vehicle for regularization.
What Resolution 913/2022 Says About Tire Wear
Resolution No. 913, from the National Traffic Council, states that the vehicle cannot circulate when the tire wear reaches the indicators of use, or when the remaining tread depth is less than 1.6 mm.
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In addition to the numerical requirement, the regulation stipulates that every tire must have wear indicators molded into the tread pattern to allow visual confirmation, making it easier to check during a routine inspection or enforcement approach.
When these inner indicators are “level” with the rest of the tread, the tire has reached the legal limit, a situation commonly associated with the term TWI, used in the market to indicate the maximum point of safe use.
How the CTB Classifies Tires in Poor Condition
Although the Brazilian Traffic Code does not use the term “bald tire,” the CTB stipulates that driving a vehicle in poor condition, compromising safety, constitutes an infraction described in Article 230, item XVIII.
In this classification, the conduct is classified as a serious infraction, with a penalty of a fine and an administrative measure of retention for regularization, a mechanism that prevents continued movement until the issue is resolved.
The base value of the fine for serious infractions is set at R$ 195.23 in Article 258 of the CTB, while Article 259 states that serious infractions add five points to the driver’s record.
Retention for Regularization and Impact on Travel
In routine inspections, retention for regularization serves as a measure to prevent the vehicle from continuing to circulate in a condition deemed unsafe, which may lead the driver to change the tire before continuing the journey.
In operational contexts, this can mean staying stopped at the location, seeking assistance, calling for a tire change service or tow truck, or even replacing the set with another in adequate condition, according to the officer’s guidance at the time of the approach.
On the other hand, the practical outcome often varies according to the specific situation, as the inspection evaluates the condition of the vehicle as a whole and the possibility of resolving the irregularity, without altering the classification under the CTB.
Why the Limit of 1.6 mm is Considered a Safety Parameter
The design of the tire exists to create channels for water drainage and maintain efficient contact with the asphalt, and excessive wear reduces this capacity, which can increase braking distance and favor loss of grip.
On rainy days, shallower treads tend to handle water layers worse, a scenario where driving requires even more predictability, as reduced friction can compromise simple maneuvers, such as moderate turns and progressive braking.
Meanwhile, deterioration can appear unevenly, with parts of the tire reaching the limit before others, reinforcing the need to observe the entire tread and not just an isolated point.
How to Identify Wear on Your Own Tire
Visual inspection usually begins with the wear indicators, which are small raised markings distributed within the treads, and Resolution 913/2022 provides that the remaining depth be visually confirmed by these indicators.
If the tread is at the same level as the indicator, the practical reference is that the tire has reached the limit, requiring replacement, as the regulation prohibits circulation when wear reaches these points or when the depth falls below 1.6 mm.
Still, when in doubt, measuring with the appropriate instrument can help, as long as it’s done at more than one point on the tire, since uneven wear is common in vehicles with misalignment, unbalanced wheels, or incorrect inflation.
Preventive Maintenance and Care to Avoid Penalties
To reduce the chance of premature wear, basic maintenance usually focuses on correct inflation, timely alignment and balancing, as well as periodic inspections, as these routines help preserve the tread and maintain stability.
It’s also important to observe signs that appear before the “end of the tread,” such as unusual vibrations, pulling to the side, persistent noises, and more pronounced wear on one side, as these indications suggest a mechanical problem associated with tire use.
Finally, replacing at the right time reduces both the risk of unexpected stops and the possibility of retention for regularization, especially on long trips, when the driver relies on predictability to maintain safe driving.
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