Oregon Tire Protrusion Law: No Specific Inch Limit in Vehicle Code

Oregon Law on Tires Extending Past Fenders: Silence = Not Explicitly Regulated

The Oregon Vehicle Code (ORS Chapter 815) does not contain a specific measurement (e.g., "2 inches," "flush," "fully covered") for how far tires may protrude past fenders.

What the Code Does Say

• ORS 815.150: "A vehicle may not be operated on a highway if it has any equipment... that is in violation of equipment requirements established by the Department of Transportation."
• ORS 815.010: DOT adopts FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) — but FMVSS 108/110/119 cover lighting, tires, glazing — not fender coverage.
• ORS 815.250: Mud flaps/splash guards required on trucks >26k GVW or modified suspension — but no tire protrusion metric.

What Does Apply (De Facto Limits)

• ORS 815.020 — "Unsafe Vehicle": "A person commits the offense of driving an unsafe vehicle if the person drives... a vehicle that is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person." Protruding tires throwing rocks, striking pedestrians, or causing instability = ticketable.
• ORS 815.200 — Fenders Required: "A vehicle must have fenders... covering the tread width of the tire." Interpretation: Tread must be covered. Sidewall protrusion? Gray area.
• Local Ordinances: Cities (Portland, Eugene) may have stricter equipment codes.
• Inspection: No periodic state safety inspection — but commercial vehicles (DOT) inspected. Protruding tires = likely CVSA violation (out-of-service).

🛠️ Practical Guidance for Modifiers

• Street Legal Build: Keep tread fully under fender flare. Use wheel offset/backspacing to tuck. Fender flares (Bushwacker, EGR) = legal coverage extension.
• Track/Off-Road Only: No protrusion limit off-highway. Trailer it.
• Police Discretion: "Unsafe vehicle" citation (~$265) is the tool. Don't give them cause.

📋 Comparison: Neighboring States

Oregon: No inch number. But "tread covered" is the enforceable standard. Build accordingly.