IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Wheel & Tire Protrusion in Vermont

Conditional

Vermont fails a vehicle at inspection if any fender has been removed or a fender fails to cover the tread portion of a tire. Modified vehicles must have fenders covering the entire tire tread width from 15 degrees forward to 75 degrees rearward of the wheel centerline.

Verified against primary sources · August 2026

What the law says

Fenders are optional on pre-1935 street rods, and the tire may never contact the body, fender, or chassis. Rear wheel flaps on buses, trucks, and trailers are separately required with 6 to 16 inches of ground clearance.

Specific Limits

Fender coverage
a fender must cover the tread portion of the tire; removed fenders fail inspection
Modified vehicles
fenders must cover the entire tread width, 15 degrees forward to 75 degrees rear of the wheel centerline

Statute

Code Vt. R. 14-050-022 (VN-113 inspection manual); 23 V.S.A. § 1306

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wheel & tire protrusion legal in Vermont?
Vermont fails a vehicle at inspection if any fender has been removed or a fender fails to cover the tread portion of a tire. Modified vehicles must have fenders covering the entire tire tread width from 15 degrees forward to 75 degrees rearward of the wheel centerline.
What are the exact wheel & tire protrusion limits in Vermont?
Fender coverage: a fender must cover the tread portion of the tire; removed fenders fail inspection. Modified vehicles: fenders must cover the entire tread width, 15 degrees forward to 75 degrees rear of the wheel centerline. Source: Code Vt. R. 14-050-022 (VN-113 inspection manual); 23 V.S.A. § 1306.

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