What does a dot number mean?

The DOT number is used for safety standard certification and also in the event of a tire recall by the manufacturer. According to current regulations, the DOT Tire Identification Number must begin with the letters “DOT” followed by a series of characters (usually 10, 11, or 12 numbers, letters, or symbols).

What does it mean when a tire has no dot number?

When there is no DOT number on the sidewall, it implies that the tire does not meet all U.S. regulations. As a result, tires with missing DOT numbers are banned in the United States. Now that you know the mechanics of a Tire’s DOT number, you can do proper maintenance and not fall in trouble with the authorities.

Why is my dot number incomplete?

If you look at the tire's sidewall and see a DOT number that appears to be incomplete, that's because the DOT's current regulations require the entire number to be branded on only one sidewall, while the opposite sidewall is branded with just the first few digits. To see the entire DOT number, just look on the other sidewall.

Where is the dot serial number on a tire?

The DOT serial number is found on the inside sidewall near the rim of tires manufactured in the United States. The initials “DOT” are followed by eight to thirteen letters and/or digits identifying the manufacturing location, tire size, and the manufacturer’s code, as well as the week and year of manufacture.