TruckTireGuide.com Semi Truck Tire Reference

Tire Inspection

DOT Tire Date Code

Last reviewed:

The four-digit date code is only one part of the Tire Identification Number. It tells you the week and year of manufacture, not whether a tire is automatically safe or unsafe today.

Age belongs in the same conversation as condition, application, storage, repairs, and manufacturer guidance.

This site is for general information only. It does not replace professional tire service, DOT compliance advice, tire manufacturer instructions, vehicle manufacturer recommendations, or fleet policy.

How the date code works

For tires produced in the current four-digit format, the first two digits indicate the production week and the last two digits indicate the year. For example only, 2524 would mean the 25th week of 2024. Weeks run from 01 to 52 (or 53 in some years). Tires made before 2000 used a three-digit code and a different format.

Where to look

  • Find the DOT marking on the sidewall.
  • Look for the full TIN; the date code may be on only one side.
  • Check every tire because dates can differ on the same vehicle.
  • Do not confuse mold codes or partial markings with the date code.

Date code alone does not determine service status

There is no single federal age limit that automatically removes a commercial tire from service based on date code alone. FMCSA regulations focus on visible condition. Many tire manufacturers and fleets set their own age policies — commonly ranging from 6 to 10 years from the production date — but these are program decisions, not uniform law. Condition inspection, storage history, and manufacturer guidance all matter alongside the date.

Step-by-Step Checklist

  • Record the full visible DOT/TIN.
  • Inspect condition, not age alone.
  • Check manufacturer or fleet age policy.
  • Get professional review for cracking, bulges, repairs, or unknown history.

FAQ

How do I read the DOT date code on a truck tire?

Look for the DOT Tire Identification Number on the sidewall. The date code is the last four digits of the TIN: the first two digits are the production week (01–52) and the last two are the year. For example, "2524" means the 25th week of 2024. The code may appear on only one sidewall — check both sides if you cannot find it on the first.

How old is too old for a semi truck tire?

There is no single federal age limit that automatically requires commercial tire removal based on date code alone. Tire age is one factor in an overall condition assessment. Some manufacturers and fleets set their own age policies, commonly ranging from 6 to 10 years from the production date. A full inspection — covering condition, application, storage history, cracking depth, and repairs — matters alongside the date code.

Can a truck be cited for a tire with an old date code during a roadside inspection?

Date code alone is generally not a CVSA North American Standard out-of-service criterion under current inspection procedures. Enforcement focuses on visible condition defects. However, some state rules, fleet policies, or specific vehicle types may address tire age separately. Check the current applicable rules and your carrier compliance requirements.

Source Notes

References are used for context and verification. Exact tire service decisions should use current manufacturer data, applicable regulations, and qualified inspection.