Wheel & Tire Protrusion in Hawaii
Conditional
Hawaii's safety inspection rejects a vehicle unless the fenders cover the entire width of the tire tread viewed from above and cover the tire from vertical to 75 degrees rearward — so tires must effectively stay covered.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
Hawaii tests coverage geometrically, which some fender flares will fail.
Specific Limits
- Fender coverage
- must cover full tread width viewed from above and the tire circumference from vertical to 75 degrees rearward
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wheel & tire protrusion legal in Hawaii?
Hawaii's safety inspection rejects a vehicle unless the fenders cover the entire width of the tire tread viewed from above and cover the tire from vertical to 75 degrees rearward — so tires must effectively stay covered.
What are the exact wheel & tire protrusion limits in Hawaii?
Fender coverage: must cover full tread width viewed from above and the tire circumference from vertical to 75 degrees rearward. Source: HAR § 19-133.2-35 (commercial mudguards: HRS § 286-202.8).
Street-legal wheel & tire protrusion picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in Hawaii.
Fender flares
The standard fix when wheels stick out past the fender line.
Shop on AmazonMud flaps
Several states require them once tires extend beyond the body.
Shop on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, Is My Mod Legal earns from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear that helps you stay street-legal.