Would a tire with a tear in the sidewall less than one inch in length and visible cords pass inspection?

A tire with a tear in the sidewall that has visible cords does not meet safety standards, regardless of the tread depth. The presence of visible cords is a serious concern because it indicates that the structural integrity of the tire has been compromised. Tires are required to maintain uniform strength and cannot have any defects that expose the inner layers, which can lead to blowouts while driving.

Even if the tread depth is within specification, the state inspection criteria prioritize the overall safety of the tire. A tear in the sidewall is a critical issue because it can affect the tire's performance, especially under pressure or during turns. Even without bulging, any exposure of the tire's internal structure, such as cords, typically results in an automatic failure during inspection due to safety risks associated with potential tire failure. Thus, any visible cords indicate that the tire cannot safely operate, which leads to a clear conclusion that it does not pass inspection.

In this case, options suggesting that the tire could potentially pass inspection under certain conditions fail to recognize the inherent dangers associated with visible structural damage.