What is the legal minimum tread depth?
For cars, light vans and light trailers in the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the entire circumference of the tyre.
What are the penalties?
Driving with a tyre below the legal limit, or with a tyre that has cuts, bulges or exposed cords, can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points for each illegal tyre. With four illegal tyres, that could add up to £10,000 and 12 points – enough for a driving ban.
Defective tyres can also cause an MOT failure and could affect your insurance if you are involved in an accident.
How to check your tread depth – the 20p test
Put a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread may be close to or below the legal limit and should be checked by a professional straight away. Check several points around each tyre, as tyres can wear unevenly.
Most tyres also have tread wear indicators – small raised bars across the bottom of the grooves. When the tread is level with these bars, the tyre is at the legal limit.
Should I wait until 1.6mm?
Braking distances in the wet increase noticeably as tread wears down, so many safety organisations recommend replacing tyres at around 3mm rather than waiting for the legal limit.
Not sure about your tyres? Call into our Telford shop and we will check them for you, or call 07854 360918 for a mobile fitting.