Abstract: A defect marker method and apparatus for use with tire inspection machines wherein the defect marker apparatus comprises a slide assembly, together with marker arm and marker head assemblies, with the apparatus being mounted adjacent to the inspection machine imaging unit and the marker arm and marker head assemblies being adapted to be operatively interposed between the imaging unit and the tire being inspected. The method for precisely marking a defect area on the tire being inspected includes the steps of extending the marker mechanism from an inactive position axially forward relative to the imaging unit; aligning a target so that it is perpendicular to the defect area and marking the defect area with a visually discernible mark via a stamp coaxial with the target.