S.C. Code Ann. § 39-75-210: "Unsafe" defined.

(A) For the purposes of this article, "unsafe" means an inspection of the exterior or inner lining of the tire reveals:

(1) tread depth is worn to two thirty-seconds of an inch or less on any area of the tire;

(2) damage exposing the reinforcing plies of the tire, including cuts, cracks, bulges, or punctures;

(3) an improper repair that includes any repair to the tire in the belt edge area, a repair to the sidewall or bead area of the tire, or a puncture repair of damage that is larger than three-eighths of an inch in size;

(4) evidence of prior use of a temporary tire sealant without evidence of a subsequent properly-performed repair;

(5) a defaced or removed United States Department of Transportation tire identification number usually located on the sidewall of the tire;

(6) inner liner or bead damage, such as a blistered liner or inner cracks; or

(7) indication of internal separation, such as bulges, carcass-to-belt, or belt-to-belt separation.

(B) A recalled tire whose sale is prohibited by federal law is also considered "unsafe" for the purposes of this article.