393.75C

393.75C Violation: Tire Tread Depth Below 2/32 Inch

A non-steering-axle tire was recorded with tread depth below 2/32 of an inch in a major tread groove.

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Plain-English answer

What does violation code 393.75C mean?

A non-steering-axle tire was recorded with tread depth below 2/32 of an inch in a major tread groove.

Why carriers pay attention

How 393.75C can affect a trucking safety record

Tread-depth findings depend on the measured groove, tire position, and measurement method. Replacement after the inspection corrects the equipment but does not by itself show the original measurement was wrong.

FMCSA inspection data can flow into the Safety Measurement System used to organize carrier performance into Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories, commonly called FMCSA SMS BASICs. The carrier should verify the inspection, the assigned BASIC, and whether the violation is included in the official calculation.

How it gets cited

Common 393.75C inspection situations

  • A drive-axle or trailer tire measures below the federal minimum in a major groove.

  • A shoulder feature or non-major groove is measured instead of a qualifying major tread groove.

DataQ review

When a 393.75C violation may deserve a closer look

A DataQ challenge should identify a specific factual or legal error in the inspection data. These are review questions—not assumptions that the violation should be removed.

Potential review angles

  • The measurement location was not a major tread groove covered by the rule.
  • The report identifies the wrong tire or axle position.
  • Contemporaneous calibrated measurements contradict the recorded depth.

Evidence to collect

  • Close-up photographs with a tread-depth gauge in the measured groove
  • Pre-trip or tire-service measurements recorded before the inspection
  • Invoices linking a specific tire serial or position to the vehicle
Compliance expert review

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DataQs changes in 2026

A stronger review process still requires a stronger record.

FMCSA’s 2026 DataQs overhaul adds independent review stages, decision deadlines, and more detailed explanations. Carriers still carry the burden of identifying the error and supporting the requested correction.

See the 2026 DataQs changes
Frequently asked questions

393.75C violation FAQ

What does a 393.75C violation mean?

A non-steering-axle tire was recorded with tread depth below 2/32 of an inch in a major tread groove.

Which FMCSA SMS BASIC is associated with 393.75C?

Code 393.75C is commonly associated with the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC in the FMCSA Safety Measurement System. Inclusion and weighting should be confirmed on the carrier’s official record.

Can a trucking company challenge a 393.75C violation?

A carrier may submit an FMCSA DataQs Request for Data Review when the underlying inspection data is incomplete or incorrect. A repair made after the inspection does not by itself prove the original 393.75C finding was wrong.

What evidence helps review a 393.75C violation?

Useful evidence may include close-up photographs with a tread-depth gauge in the measured groove, pre-trip or tire-service measurements recorded before the inspection, invoices linking a specific tire serial or position to the vehicle. The best evidence is tied to the cited vehicle, driver, location, and inspection time.

Keep reviewing

Related DOT violation codes

View all violation guides
393.75A3Flat Tire or Audible Air LeakTires and wheels393.75BFront Tire Tread Below 4/32 InchTires and wheels393.9Inoperable Required LampLighting396.17CNo Proof of Periodic InspectionInspection and maintenance

Source references: 49 CFR 393.75 and FMCSA roadside inspection data. This guide is general information and does not guarantee a DataQs outcome or replace legal advice.