A tire DOT code (officially known as a Tire Identification Number or TIN) is a unique 8-to-13-character serial number mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (NHTSA 49 CFR § 574.5) stamped into a tire sidewall. It identifies the manufacturing plant, tire size/brand specification, and the exact week and year of production.
1. Where to Find the DOT Code on Your Tire
Locating your tire's DOT serial number requires a quick visual inspection of the outer or inner sidewall. Follow these steps:
Look near the metal wheel rim on the lower portion of the rubber sidewall (Area A).
Find the capital letters DOT, certifying compliance with US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
Follow the letters to read the plant code, manufacturer symbols, and 4-digit date stamp inside a oval capsule.
Under federal regulations, manufacturers are required to mold the full TIN (including date code) on at least one sidewall, while the opposite sidewall may only carry the DOT symbol and plant code. If the date digits are missing from the outside facing you, check the inner sidewall facing the vehicle chassis.
2. How to Read the 4-Digit Manufacture Date
For all passenger, light truck, and commercial tires produced after the year 2000, the last four digits of the TIN represent the exact production calendar week and year:
3. Anatomy of the Full 13-Character TIN (NHTSA Standard)
Under modern 49 CFR § 574.5 regulations (mandatory for all tires produced after April 13, 2025), a full new tire TIN consists of three groups totaling 13 characters:
4. Why Tire Registration & Recall Notices Require the DOT Code
Major tire manufacturers like Goodyear and federal safety agencies rely on the full Tire Identification Number for official tire registration and safety recall compliance.
Critical Safety Functions of the DOT Code:
- ▸Official Recall Isolation: In the event of a manufacturing defect, NHTSA issues safety recalls targeting specific plant codes (`PPP`) and production weeks (`DDDD`), rather than recalling an entire product line.
- ▸Warranty & Ownership Registration: Registering your tire's full 13-character TIN with the manufacturer ensures you are immediately notified if your tire batch is subject to a safety alert or recall bulletin.
- ▸Commercial & Fleet Compliance: Fleet managers use the TIN to track mileage intervals, tire rotation schedules, and retread history for commercial vehicle compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 3-digit tire DOT code mean?▼
Tires manufactured before the year 2000 used a 3-digit date code (e.g. "388" for week 38 of 1998). Any tire with a 3-digit date code is over 26 years old and presents an extreme structural failure risk. It should be replaced immediately.
Does the 4-digit date code reveal the tire brand or model?▼
No. The 4-digit date code reveals ONLY the week and year of manufacture. It does not indicate the brand (e.g. Michelin, Goodyear), model, wet grip, or speed rating.
How old is too old for a tire?▼
NHTSA recommends following your specific vehicle and tire manufacturer guidelines. Most major vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend inspection after 6 years and replacement at 10 years, regardless of tread depth.