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What is the legal tyre tread depth in the UK?

Updated 2 min readSources: GOV.UK

Quick answer

The legal minimum tread depth for cars, light vans and light trailers is 1.6mm, across the central three-quarters of the tyre's width and around its whole circumference. Driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points. Check tyre pressure weekly, and look for cuts and other damage too.

Key facts

Legal minimum (cars, light vans, light trailers)
1.6mm
Where it applies
Central three-quarters of the tread, all the way round
Maximum penalty
Fine up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points
Check tyre pressure
Weekly, when the tyres are cold
In this article

The legal limit

Cars, light vans and light trailers must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre's width, and around the entire circumference. Motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles need at least 1mm across three-quarters of the width.

How to check your tread depth

  1. Use a tread depth gauge. It is cheap and the most reliable way to measure.
  2. Or try the 20p test: put a 20p coin in the main grooves. If you cannot see the coin's outer band, the tread is above the legal minimum at that point. It is a rough guide, not a measurement.
  3. Check in several places across the tread and around the tyre. Wear is often uneven.
  4. Look at the whole tyre too: cuts, bulges and other damage matter as much as depth.

Replace tyres before they reach the limit

The legal minimum is a limit, not a target. Grip falls as tread wears, particularly on wet roads, so many safety organisations advise replacing tyres before they reach 1.6mm, commonly at around 3mm.

Pressure and condition

  • Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's specification for the load being carried.
  • Check weekly, before your journey, when the tyres are cold.
  • Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres adversely affect your brakes and steering.
  • Tyres should be free from certain cuts and other defects.
  • A tyre pressure warning light on the dashboard means something needs checking: see car warning lights explained.

Penalties and the MOT

GOV.UK says you can be fined up to £2,500, banned from driving and given 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition. Councils and road-safety bodies quote the tyre penalty per illegal tyre, so several bad tyres can add up quickly.

Tyre condition and tread depth are also part of the MOT: see what an MOT checks.

Common questions

Is the legal limit 1.6mm for every vehicle?

For cars, light vans and light trailers, yes. Motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles need at least 1mm across three-quarters of the tread.

How often should I check my tyre pressure?

Weekly, before a journey, when the tyres are cold, and set to the manufacturer's specification for the load you are carrying.

Does the MOT check tread depth?

Yes. The MOT checks tyre condition, security, size and type and tread depth. On vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012 it also checks the tyre pressure warning light.

Is the 20p test accurate?

It is a quick guide, not a measurement. A tread depth gauge is more reliable, and it is sensible to replace tyres before they get close to the legal limit.

Sources

Facts last checked against these pages on .

General information for drivers in Great Britain, not legal advice. Northern Ireland has different MOT rules. Spotted a mistake? Email hello@carfixnearme.com. See how we write and check our advice.

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