UK motorists face severe penalties, including fines up to £10,000 and 12 penalty points on their licence, for driving with illegal tyre tread depth—an issue easily checked with a simple 20p coin test.
Legal Tyre Tread Requirements
The Highway Code mandates that cars, light vans, and light trailers maintain a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s breadth and around its entire circumference. Failure to comply turns routine drives into potential legal nightmares.
Heavy Penalties for Non-Compliance
Authorities enforce strict rules: each illegal tyre carries a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points. With four tyres affected, drivers risk a total £10,000 penalty and 12 points, which could lead to licence revocation.
The Simple 20p Test
Motoring safety guidelines recommend the 20p coin method to verify tread depth. Insert the coin into the tyre grooves. If the outer band remains hidden, the tyres meet legal standards. Visibility of the band signals inadequate tread, warranting immediate professional inspection.
Perform this quick check every two weeks and before long trips to stay compliant and safe.
Safety Risks and Insurance Warnings
Tyres below the 1.6 mm limit compromise road grip, heightening accident risks for drivers and others. In a crash, illegal tyres may invalidate insurance claims, leaving owners liable for all repair costs.
Additional Tools for Precision
For accurate measurements, invest in a tyre tread depth gauge. Basic colour-coded versions provide instant legal status checks at a glance.
