Legal Tyre Tread Limits
Your tyres are a vital part of your vehicle's safety. In the UK, car tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference.
Driving with an illegal tyre can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.
- Legal minimum tread depth: 1.6mm
- Recommended replacement point: around 3.0mm
- Typical new tyre tread depth: approximately 7–9mm, depending on the tyre
Although 1.6mm is the legal minimum, tyre performance in wet conditions reduces as the tread wears. For this reason, it is sensible to monitor tyres closely once they approach 3mm and consider replacement before reaching the legal limit.
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