Abstract: An automated design rule checking software system processes a physical layout file of a circuit design to derive a list of vias needing design rule checks for violations in metal end, enclosure and/or exposure design rules. The process involves selection of vias likely to cause design rule check problems, selection of vias that violate an enclosure design rule, selection of vias violate metal end design rules, and design rule checks on the selected vias. Potentially problematic vias may be identified by expanding the dimensions of existing vias by a first predetermined minimum distance, subtracting out the metal area, and identifying those vias with residual portions remaining as potentially problematic vias. Candidate vias for an enclosure design rule check may be identified by expanding the dimensions of potentially problematic vias by a second predetermined minimum distance, subtracting out the metal area, and identifying those vias with residual portions remaining as violating the enclosure design rules.