Wheel & Tire Protrusion in North Carolina
No North Carolina statute requires tires to stay within the fenders or mandates flares. The only fender rule is the anti-squat provision limiting front fender height relative to the rear.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
No North Carolina statute requires tires to stay within the fenders or mandates flares for passenger cars. The only fender rule is the anti-squat provision of G.S. 20-135.4(d): the front fender may not sit 4 or more inches higher than the rear.
Specific Limits
- Related rule
- front fender height may not exceed rear fender height by 4 or more inches
- Protrusion limit
- none
Exceptions & Exemptions
Wheels and tires must not extend beyond the fender wells or body of the vehicle unless covered by fender flares or mud flaps that cover the full width of the tire
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wheel & tire protrusion legal in North Carolina?
What are the exact wheel & tire protrusion limits in North Carolina?
Are there exceptions for wheel & tire protrusion in North Carolina?
Street-legal wheel & tire protrusion picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in North Carolina.
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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