What’s the legal minimum depth?
Current tread depth legislation requires that car tyres must have a minimum tread of 1.6mm. This must be in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width and over the whole circumference of the tyre.
Motorists found to be driving on illegal tyres face a maximum penalty of three penalty points and a fine of up to £2500 per tyre.
Did you know?
- Cars with illegal tread depths risk significantly longer stopping distances, particularly on wet roads
- Check tread depths alongside monthly pressure checks
- Motorists could face a fine of £2500 and three penalty points for each tyre that does not meet the legal minimum standards
Further information
- For more about tread depth or tyre safety visit www.tyresafe.org
- See also our Advice Centre article on Tyres – why the writing is on the sidewall
