UK Tyre Law


Tread depth




The law states that:-   'Cars and light trailers (including caravans) up to 3500kgs gross vehicle weight and/or eight seated passenger vehicles (including the driver), must have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth in a continuous band across the central three quarters of the tread width, throughout the entire circumference of the tyre. '







What the law requires

The principal points of the regulations relating to tyre condition are: -

  1. Tyres must be suitable (of the correct type and size) for the use to which the vehicle is being put, and must be inflated to the vehicle or tyre manufacturers' recommended pressures.
  2. Tyres of different types must not be fitted to opposite wheels of the vehicle (for example, radial-ply tyres must not be fitted to a wheel on the same axle as wheels already fitted with cross-ply tyres and vice versa, and a two-axle vehicle with single rear wheels must not have radial ply tyres on the front axle if cross ply tyres are fitted to the rear axle).
  3. No tyre must have a break in its fabric or a cut deep enough to reach the body cords. No cut must be more than 25mm or 10 per cent of the tyre's section width in length, whichever is the greater.
  4. There must be no lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial fracture of its structure, neither must any portion of the ply or cord structure be exposed.


The penalties for offences related to the use of faulty tyres on vehicles can be quite severe.

In the case of any vehicle, except goods vehicles and vehicles adapted to carry more than eight passengers, for every offence there is a fine at level 4 of the standard scale with discretionary disqualification and compulsory driving licence endorsement with 3 penalty points.

Level 4 is currently £2500 and each faulty tyre is considered as a separate offence.


If you are planning to take your vehicle abroad, like the UK, most countries require a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm as stated. We recommend that you should consider replacing your tyres prior to any trip if the tread depth is down to 3mm. Always bear in mind the amount of mileage you may cover.

Remember, at 3mm of tread depth you only have 1.4mm of useable tread remaining!!!


Hometyre recommend that you regularly inspect your tyres for faults. See  Checking your tyres  for more information.