UK Tyre Tread Law 2026: Minimum Legal Depth, MOT Rules & Fines Explained
The legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, measured across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width, around its entire circumference. Driving on a tyre below this limit is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre and 3 penalty points on your licence. Most safety experts, including tyre manufacturers, recommend replacing tyres at 3mm for meaningfully better wet-weather braking performance.
What Is the Legal Tyre Tread Depth in the UK?
By law (Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986), car tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central 75% of the tyre’s tread pattern, all the way around the tyre. This applies to cars, and separate minimums apply to motorcycles, vans, and larger vehicles.
How Much Are the Fines for Illegal Tyre Tread?
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| One illegal tyre | Up to £2,500 fine + 3 penalty points |
| Two illegal tyres | Up to £5,000 fine + 6 penalty points |
| Four illegal tyres | Up to £10,000 fine + potential licence revocation (12 points) |
Penalties are per tyre, so multiple worn tyres can escalate quickly — and a new driver who reaches 6 points within two years of passing their test automatically has their licence revoked.
1.6mm vs 3mm: Why “Legal” Isn’t the Same as “Safe”
While 1.6mm is the legal minimum, independent testing consistently shows a significant increase in wet-weather stopping distances once tread drops below 3mm. At 70mph in wet conditions, the difference between a tyre at 3mm and one at 1.6mm can be several car lengths of extra stopping distance — enough to matter in an emergency stop on the M4 or a wet B-road around Windsor or Maidenhead.
For this reason, most tyre manufacturers and breakdown organisations recommend replacing tyres once tread reaches 3mm, particularly ahead of autumn and winter.
How to Check Your Tyre Tread Depth at Home
The 20p test
Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If the outer rim of the coin is not visible when inserted, your tread is likely above the legal minimum. If you can see the outer band clearly, your tyre may be illegal and should be checked by a professional immediately.
Tread wear indicator bars
Most modern tyres have small raised bars built into the tread grooves. Once the tread wears down level with these bars, the tyre has reached 1.6mm and needs replacing.
Check in multiple spots
Tyres often wear unevenly, especially with poor wheel alignment. Check tread depth at several points across the width and around the circumference, not just one spot.
Does Tyre Tread Get Checked at the MOT?
Yes. Tyre tread depth is one of the most common MOT failure points in the UK. Your MOT tester will measure tread depth and fail the vehicle if any tyre falls below 1.6mm, or if there’s uneven wear, cuts, bulges, or exposed cord.
What to Do If Your Tyres Are Close to the Limit
If your tread is approaching 3mm, particularly heading into autumn or winter, it’s worth arranging a replacement before it becomes urgent — rather than waiting until you’re pulled over or fail an MOT. A mobile tyre fitter can check your tread and replace tyres at your home or workplace without needing to book a garage slot.
Rapid Tyre Rescue: Free Tyre Tread Checks Across Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead
Rapid Tyre Rescue offers mobile tyre tread checks and same-day replacement across Slough, Windsor, Maidenhead, and the wider Berkshire and West London area. If your tyres are close to the legal limit, we’ll tell you honestly and quote a fair, upfront price for replacement — no pressure, no hidden extras.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal tyre tread depth in the UK?
1.6mm minimum, measured across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the full circumference of the tyre.
Can I get points on my licence for worn tyres?
Yes. Each illegal tyre can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points, meaning four illegal tyres could theoretically mean 12 points and a driving ban.
Is 2mm tyre tread legal?
Yes, 2mm is above the 1.6mm legal minimum, though many experts recommend replacing tyres at 3mm for better wet-weather safety.
How do I check my tyre tread without a gauge?
Use the 20p test: insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves — if you can see the outer rim of the coin, the tyre may be illegal and should be checked professionally.
Not sure if your tyres are legal? Call or WhatsApp Rapid Tyre Rescue for a free tread check and same-day mobile replacement across Slough, Windsor, Maidenhead, and Berkshire.