If you feel like you’re seeing more and more of the FMCSA inspections on the road, you’d be right.
Between June and August 2025, federal roadside inspections increased 67% year-over-year compared to the same period. That is a massive increase in a very short time.
Not only are inspections happening more frequently, but they’re also getting stricter: Since 2021, out-of-service violations have increased by 12.1%. That amounted to more than half a million out-of-service violations in 2025 alone.
In a time when an out-of-service violation could be fatal to your business, it’s critical to understand what inspectors are looking for.
Spoilers: It’s tires.
Why Are So Many Truckers Getting Sidelined?
Previously, CDL issues, improper logging, and other paperwork constituted many out-of-service violations. Today, vehicle issues make up 60% of violations.
Of the vehicle issues cited, tire violations comprised 21.4% of all out-of-service violations in 2025. Tire leaks alone were responsible for more than 90,000 carriers being sidelined.
The standards for keeping your tires compliant are expanding.
What are Inspectors Looking for When Checking Tires?
Here’s what inspectors look for when evaluating your tires:
- Exposed fabric or belt materials will result in an 8-point CSA violation—a hefty ding—and a one-way ticket to the roadside. The same penalties apply to tread or sidewall separation.
- Flat tires or audible leaks can also get you written up. If your tire pressure dips below 50% of the prescribed PSI, that’s a legal flat.
- Low tread depth is one of the most common citations. You know the drill:
- Front steer tires require 4/32 of an inch
- Drive and trailer tires need 2/32 of an inch
- Bulges in sidewalls are a tell-tale sign of tire decay and an immediate flag to inspectors.
- Items lodged between dual tires are a massive safety risk and a penalty to boot.
- Improper repairs, like rubber plugs in sidewalls, are also prohibited. Keep your fixes FMCSA-compliant.
Best Tires for Compliance
To avoid getting sidelined, these tires are renowned for their durability and longevity.
You can get them at a special price through England Carrier Services.
Click your favorite brand below to get a lower price for new, premium, tier-one tires.
- Michelin
- BFGoodrich
- Bridgestone
- Uniroyal
- Firestone
- Yokohama
- Cooper
- Goodyear Endurance
- Goodyear Marathon
- Continental
- General
- Hankook
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The England Carrier Services (ECS) division offers various services for carriers ranging from maintenance to support. As ECS members, carriers have access to nationwide discounts on fuel and tires from dedicated team members committed to finding the best price. ECS also provides factoring services with benefits such as same-day funding to a bank account or fuel card. These options allow carriers the freedom to focus on growing their business while saving time and money.