24/7 Emergency Mobile Tyre Fitting · Approved by the AA & RAC
24/7 Emergency Mobile Tyre Fitting · Approved by the AA & RAC
The rules, the 1.6mm limit, and why fines are per tyre.
UK law requires at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of a car tyre, all the way round, with no cuts, bulges or exposed cords, and the correct size/load/speed rating. The penalty is up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per illegal tyre — so four bald tyres could mean a ban.
No call-out fee · Fitted at home, work or the roadside · 7 days a week
Tyres are the single biggest MOT failure item — and driving on illegal ones can cost you dearly. Here’s exactly what UK tyre law requires, in plain English.
For cars, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way around. Below that, the tyre is illegal — and each bald tyre can mean a fine and penalty points.
This is the part that shocks people: it’s up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per illegal tyre. Four bald tyres could, in theory, mean 12 points and a ban.
| Requirement | The law |
|---|---|
| Minimum tread | 1.6mm across the centre 3/4 |
| Condition | No cuts, bulges or exposed cords |
| Penalty | Up to £2,500 + 3 points per tyre |
| Correct type | Right size, load & speed rating |
The law also covers condition — no lumps, bulges, cuts or cords showing — and that tyres are the correct size, load and speed rating for your car and correctly inflated. Mixing certain tyre types across an axle is also restricted.
Check your tread against the wear indicators or with the 20p test in our how to check your tyres guide, and don’t wait for the limit — grip drops long before 1.6mm (see when to replace). If you’re close, we’ll fit legal tyres at your door — send your reg.
Send your reg for a fixed price — fitted at home, work or the roadside.
Call, message or send us a note — our mobile tyre teams are on the road 24/7 across the North West & North Wales. No call-out fee, fixed prices, Pay Monthly available.
