What Is the Legal Tyre Tread Depth in the UK?
Worn tyres are one of the most common reasons cars fail their MOT, and driving on them is both dangerous and illegal. Knowing the legal limit and how to check your own tyres takes less than a minute and could save you from a hefty fine. Here is what every UK driver needs to know.
The UK legal minimum is 1.6mm
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. This applies to cars, vans, and trailers up to 3,500kg. Tread is what channels water away from the contact patch, so as it wears down, your grip and braking in the wet get dramatically worse.
While 1.6mm is the legal limit, many safety experts and manufacturers recommend replacing tyres at 3mm, as wet braking performance falls off sharply below that point.
How to check with the 20p test
You do not need any special tools to get a quick indication of your tread depth. Take a 20p coin and insert it into the main tread grooves of the tyre. If the outer band of the coin is hidden by the tread, your tyres are above the legal limit. If you can see the outer band, your tread may be illegal and you should have the tyres checked by a professional.
Check at several points across the width and around the tyre, as tyres often wear unevenly. Repeat for all four tyres.
Penalties for illegal tyres
Driving with a tyre below 1.6mm can land you a fine of up to 2,500 pounds and 3 penalty points, per tyre. That means a car with four illegal tyres could in theory result in a 10,000 pound fine and 12 points, enough to lose your licence. Beyond the legal risk, worn tyres significantly increase your stopping distance in the wet.
What to do if your tyres are worn
If your tread is near or below the limit, replace the affected tyres as soon as possible. A mobile tyre fitter can supply and fit new tyres at your home or workplace, so you do not have to drive on illegal or unsafe tyres to reach a garage. Call or WhatsApp with your tyre size for an instant quote.
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