Hawai'i County Code states that all vehicles on public roads must have fenders, covers, flaps or splash aprons covering their tires. A vehicle with oversized tires won't qualify for a safety sticker if the tire's threads are visible outside the fenders.

Police said the intent of the law is to minimize the splashing of mud, rocks and debris into the path of other cars. Such splashing can cause damage and visibility problems for other motorists.

A driver can be fined from $57 to $72 for operating a vehicle with oversized tires that aren't covered, a news release from the Big Island police department said. A police officer also has the authority to declare the vehicle unsafe. In that case, the vehicle could be towed away.

Police also are warning the public about dark tinting on vehicle windows. For a variety of safety and enforcement reasons, police and other emergency responders must be able to see the interior of vehicles. The fine for excessive tinting is $287. The installer of the illegal tint job may be fined $537. All tint shops and installers in the state are monitored and know what the legal amount is for different vehicles.