How does a separation indicated on the sidewall of a tire affect the vehicle's inspection status?

The presence of a separation indicated on the sidewall of a tire is a significant safety concern. Sidewall separations can compromise the structural integrity of the tire, leading to potential blowouts or loss of control while driving. During a Maryland State Inspection, the condition of the tires is critical, and any sign of separation is considered a major flaw.

When a vehicle has a tire with sidewall separation, it poses an immediate risk to the safety of the vehicle's operation, making the vehicle unfit for safe travel. Therefore, such a condition results in the vehicle failing the inspection. Inspectors prioritize the safety of the vehicle, and a tire with these types of defects does not meet the required safety standards, justifying the failure.

In contrast, other options suggest different outcomes that do not align with safety protocols, as a temporary permit would not mitigate the risk associated with a defective tire, and a separation cannot be repaired safely. Thus, the presence of a separation on the sidewall leads directly to a failure in the inspection process.