GET A GRIP
Can I get fined for driving with bald tyres? Tread depth rules explained
The maximum fine handed out for insufficient tyre treads is surprisingly big
DRIVING with bald tyres is not only illegal, it can result in hefty fines and points on your licence.
Motorists must ensure their tyres are roadworthy — here's everything you need to know.
1
Can I be fined for driving with bald tyres?
If you drive without the legally required tyre tread depth, you could be fined £2,500 per tyre that is found to be defective.
Because this is for every wheel, this adds up to a possible financial penalty of £10,000 for most cars.
And if you drive a vehicle with more wheels, the maximum sanction could be even higher.
There is also a potential three penalty points per illegal tyre too, so you could realistically end up with a driving ban.
How much tread depth should my tyre have?
The law states that cars, light vans and trailers must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference.
Motorcycles and large vehicles have a minimum depth requirement of 1mm, with mopeds just needing to show a visible tread.
This is in addition to testing all tyres are correctly inflated as per your car manufacturer's instructions.
Worn or under-inflated tyres reduce a vehicle's ability to grip onto the road, in addition to compromising handling — this puts tyres at greater risk of blowing out.
Motorists also need to be careful not to over-inflate tyres, as this increases stopping distances while reducing grip.
This is because the tyres have less surface contact with the road, which in turn will cause more wear on the central part of the tyre — meaning they have to be replaced sooner than expected.
Beyond a monthly check of tyre tread and pressure, it's also recommended to test both before a long journey.
You can easily check whether a tyre has enough tread by using the 20-pence test.
If the rim or border of the 20p is not visible when inserted into the groove of a tyre, it is within the legal depth limit.
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Neil Worth, chief executive of road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist, said: "We rely on our tyres to keep us safe on journeys. After all, they provide the only contact between the car we’re driving and the road surface.
"In an extreme situation, correctly inflated tyres with good levels of tread will allow all the other safety systems on a car to work at their most effective.
"Inadequate tread or incorrect pressure mean one thing: the safety systems on your vehicle will not work as efficiently. That's why regular checks on tyre inflation and tread depth are so important."
How often should I replace my tyres?
Around 1.4million Brits are driving with at least one tyre that is classified as illegal, according to a recent study by the Confused.com site.
Most of the time, your tyres should last around 20,000 miles. This is how far it takes to wear new tyres down to a potentially hazardous level.
But the law covers the tread depth of the tyres rather than their age, so if your tyres have worn more quickly, then you still need to replace them.
Experts recommend replacing tyres when the tread is worn down to below 3mm.
But critics say it's a waste of money and that 1.6mm is enough.
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