Wheel & Tire Protrusion in New Jersey
New Jersey is explicit: tire tread may not protrude beyond the fenders, and fenders must cover the width of the tire tread. Fender flaps or flares may be added to provide the needed coverage.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
This is one of the few states with a direct rule on the point. Flaps on buses, trucks, and trailers over 3 tons are separately governed by N.J.S.A. 39:3-79.1.
Specific Limits
- Fender flares
- permitted to provide the required coverage
- Protrusion limit
- tire tread may not protrude beyond the fenders
Exceptions & Exemptions
Wheels and tires must not extend beyond the fender wells unless proper fender flares or extensions are installed to cover the protrusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wheel & tire protrusion legal in New Jersey?
What are the exact wheel & tire protrusion limits in New Jersey?
Are there exceptions for wheel & tire protrusion in New Jersey?
Street-legal wheel & tire protrusion picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in New Jersey.
The standard fix when wheels stick out past the fender line.
Shop on AmazonSeveral states require them once tires extend beyond the body.
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