5 January 20254 min readBristol, UK
Driving on illegal tyres in the UK carries a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre. Here's everything you need to know about tyre tread depth law.
The UK legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. Many road safety organisations recommend replacing tyres at 3mm as stopping distances increase significantly below this threshold. Police and DVSA enforcement officers can check tread depth roadside and issue fixed penalties on the spot — and you can receive up to 12 points if all four tyres are illegal.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Legal minimum: 1.6mm across central 75% of tyre width
- Safety recommendation: replace at 3mm
- Fine per illegal tyre: up to £2,500 + 3 points
- Use a tread depth gauge or 20p test to check at home
- DVSA officers can and do check tyres at roadside stops
#Tyre Laws UK#Legal Tread Depth#Road Safety