ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.1 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/checking-tyre-tread/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-07 18:37:26 (2 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2017-10-17 13:18:14 (8 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Tyre tread depth, UK law and tyre safety checks | RAC Drive |
| Meta Description | What is the minimum legal tyre tread depth in he UK? Full information with advice and a short video about how to check your car's tyres. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | 5 minute read
|
12th Mar 2024
Content guide
Checking your legal tyre tread depth is one of the most important checks you can make on your car.
The
tyres
are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road. If your tyres are past their best then the safety of your vehicle will be compromised.
Driving a car with bald tyres can risk a fine of £2,500 and three penalty points. That’s per tyre, too. If all four tyres are worn below the legal limit, you could potentially be summoned to court, lose your licence and face a £10,000 fine.
Read on to find out how to check your minimum tyre tread depth and ensure you stay safe and legal on the road.
What is the legal tyre tread depth limit in the UK?
The legal tyre tread depth limit for cars in the UK and Europe is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. By law, the tread depth must meet this minimum requirement across its complete circumference.
Bald tyres are one of the , which is why it's essential that you get into the habit of checking your car's tyres regularly.
If you are not confident checking your car's tyres yourself, you can arrange for it to be checked by a .
What is the minimum tyre tread depth?
Tyre and safety experts believe the 1.6mm legal minimum is insufficient to guarantee safety – most recommend a minimum tread depth of 3mm for tyre replacement.
Tests by UK technical organisation MIRA found that, once tyres are below 3mm, stopping distances increase dramatically.
The difference in wet braking distance between a tyre worn to 3mm and one worn to 1.6mm can be as much as 44%.
Worn tyres are particularly dangerous in the wet because a tyre’s tread helps disperse water away from the contact patch between tyre and road.
If there’s less tread depth, less water can be shifted, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and losing grip.
In heavy rain, each tyre can shift one gallon of water every second, illustrating just how hard tyres work.
Simply put, deeper tread means they can work better, improving grip.
Should I buy winter tyres? Pros, cons and costs explained
A guide to run flat tyres - do you need them?
What makes your tyres illegal?
Are headlights too bright?
How to check your car tyre tread depth
Tyre tread depth of your car must to be above 1.6mm to be safe and legal. The 1.6 minimum tyre tread depth must be the case for the middle three quarters of the tyre.
If you are unsure if the tyres on your car meet the legal minimum standard then there are three simple methods you can use to check the tread depth:
Perform the 20p test
Inspect the wear indicators on the tyre (if fitted)
Check the tyre tread with a depth gauge
How to check tyre tread depth – the 20p test
The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way of checking the tyre tread of your car's wheels.
Just take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre.
If you can't see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit.
However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and require professional inspection by a
mechanic
.
We suggest drivers conduct the 20p test around every two weeks and before long journeys.
Checking tyre tread with tyre tread wear indicators
Some tyres will have indicators embossed on the tyre wall itself, usually with a line or arrow which is positioned somewhere below the outer tread.
If the tyre is flush with these markers then the tread may be at or below the 1.6mm legal limit and will need replacing.
Checking tyre tread with a tyre tread depth gauge
A tyre tread depth gauge is a purpose made tool that makes it easy to quickly measure the depth of an individual tyre groove. Simply place the tool on the tyre and it will tell you what the depth of your tyre is in millimetres.
Analogue tyre tread depth gauges (pictured above) are common, but digital gauges are also popular. Both tools make it easy to check your tyres are safe and legal.
READ MORE:
How to check your car's tyre pressure
What happens if you have an accident on illegal/bald tyres?
Driving with tyres that have a tread below the legal limit - or even worse, are bald - is dangerous.
It can put you and other motorists at risk.
If you are involved in an
accident
and the car you are driving has illegal or bald tyres, you should be aware of the consequences.
Any insurance claim as a result of an accident could be invalidated, so potentially your insurer won't pay out any money any
repairs
needed to your vehicle.
However, driving with dangerous or defective tyres also puts drivers at risk of a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on their license.
That is per tyre, so four illegal tyres could mean a fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points.
You can buy tyre tread gauges that help you assess the tread depth of the tyre, plus you can also get more basic colour-coded tools that let you know if a tyre is legal or not at a glance.
For more information about tyres read our
complete guide to tyre buying
or our
complete guide to tyre safety and maintenance
.
For complete piece of mind, you can also check out our
breakdown cover
and
European breakdown cover
products today.
ALSO:
Learner driver insurance - from 2 hours to 5 months
If your tyre tread is below or neat the legal limit, we would recommend that you purchase a replacement tyre. Head over to
RAC Tyres
where we sell everything from budget to premium brands.
Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
Buy now
*
At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic).
^
T&Cs apply.
*
At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic).
^
T&Cs apply. |
| Markdown | [Personal](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover)
[Van](https://www.rac.co.uk/business/breakdown/van-breakdown-cover)
[Business](https://www.rac.co.uk/business)
Sales[0330 159 1111](<tel:0330 159 1111>)
[myRAC Login](https://www.rac.co.uk/myrac)
[Personal](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover)
[Van](https://www.rac.co.uk/business/breakdown/van-breakdown-cover)
[Business](https://www.rac.co.uk/business)
Sales[0330 159 1111](<tel:0330 159 1111>)
Breakdown cover
Insurance
Service & Repair
Route planner
Buying a car
Shop
Help & advice
Sales[0330 159 1111](<tel:0330 159 1111>)
[myRAC Login](https://www.rac.co.uk/myrac)
Breakdown coverBreakdown cover
InsuranceInsurance
Service & RepairService & Repair
Route plannerRoute planner
Buying a carBuying a car
ShopShop
Help & adviceHelp & advice
Menu
News
Advice & Guides
Travel
Car Reviews
Electric Cars
[Live Fuel Prices](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-watch/)
NewsNews
Advice & GuidesAdvice & Guides
TravelTravel
Car ReviewsCar Reviews
Electric CarsElectric Cars
[Live Fuel Prices](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-watch/)
1. [RAC](https://www.rac.co.uk/)
2. [Drive](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/)
3. [Advice & Guides](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/)
4. [Tyres](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/)
5. Tyre tread depth, UK law and tyre safety checks
[Tyres](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/)
# Tyre tread depth, UK law and tyre safety checks
[Barney Cotton](https://www.rac.co.uk/experts/barney-cotton)
Consumer Editor
5 minute read\|12th Mar 2024
Content guide
[What is the legal tyre tread depth limit in the UK?](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/checking-tyre-tread/#what-is-the-legal-tyre-tread-depth-limit-in-the-uk)[What is the minimum tyre tread depth?](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/checking-tyre-tread/#what-is-the-minimum-tyre-tread-depth)
[How to check your car tyre tread depth](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/checking-tyre-tread/#how-to-check-your-car-tyre-tread-depth)[What happens if you have an accident on illegal/bald tyres?](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/checking-tyre-tread/#what-happens-if-you-have-an-accident-on-illegalbald-tyres)
Checking your legal tyre tread depth is one of the most important checks you can make on your car.
The [tyres](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/) are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road. If your tyres are past their best then the safety of your vehicle will be compromised.
Driving a car with bald tyres can risk a fine of £2,500 and three penalty points. That’s per tyre, too. If all four tyres are worn below the legal limit, you could potentially be summoned to court, lose your licence and face a £10,000 fine.
Read on to find out how to check your minimum tyre tread depth and ensure you stay safe and legal on the road.
Service, repair or MOT?
You can trust the RAC with our local approved garages and [mobile mechanics](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/mobile-mechanic?intcid-dr-MM-banner).
[Get a quote](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/?intcid-dr-cc-banner)
## What is the legal tyre tread depth limit in the UK?
The legal tyre tread depth limit for cars in the UK and Europe is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. By law, the tread depth must meet this minimum requirement across its complete circumference.
Bald tyres are one of the , which is why it's essential that you get into the habit of checking your car's tyres regularly.
If you are not confident checking your car's tyres yourself, you can arrange for it to be checked by a .
## What is the minimum tyre tread depth?
Tyre and safety experts believe the 1.6mm legal minimum is insufficient to guarantee safety – most recommend a minimum tread depth of 3mm for tyre replacement.
Tests by UK technical organisation MIRA found that, once tyres are below 3mm, stopping distances increase dramatically.
The difference in wet braking distance between a tyre worn to 3mm and one worn to 1.6mm can be as much as 44%.
Worn tyres are particularly dangerous in the wet because a tyre’s tread helps disperse water away from the contact patch between tyre and road.
If there’s less tread depth, less water can be shifted, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and losing grip.
In heavy rain, each tyre can shift one gallon of water every second, illustrating just how hard tyres work.
Simply put, deeper tread means they can work better, improving grip.
- [**Should I buy winter tyres? Pros, cons and costs explained**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/should-i-buy-winter-tyres/)
- [**A guide to run flat tyres - do you need them?**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/a-guide-to-run-flat-tyres-do-you-need-them/)
- [**What makes your tyres illegal?**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/what-makes-your-tyres-illegal-the-complete-guide-to-be-road-legal/)
- [**Are headlights too bright?**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/headlight-glare/)
## How to check your car tyre tread depth
Tyre tread depth of your car must to be above 1.6mm to be safe and legal. The 1.6 minimum tyre tread depth must be the case for the middle three quarters of the tyre.
If you are unsure if the tyres on your car meet the legal minimum standard then there are three simple methods you can use to check the tread depth:
- Perform the 20p test
- Inspect the wear indicators on the tyre (if fitted)
- Check the tyre tread with a depth gauge
### How to check tyre tread depth – the 20p test
The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way of checking the tyre tread of your car's wheels.
Just take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre.
If you can't see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit.
However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and require professional inspection by a [mechanic](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/mobile-mechanic/?utm_source=rac&source=website&utm_medium=dr-article&utm_campaign=drive_seo_article&cid=dr_seoarticlelink).
We suggest drivers conduct the 20p test around every two weeks and before long journeys.
### Checking tyre tread with tyre tread wear indicators
Some tyres will have indicators embossed on the tyre wall itself, usually with a line or arrow which is positioned somewhere below the outer tread.
If the tyre is flush with these markers then the tread may be at or below the 1.6mm legal limit and will need replacing.
### Checking tyre tread with a tyre tread depth gauge
A tyre tread depth gauge is a purpose made tool that makes it easy to quickly measure the depth of an individual tyre groove. Simply place the tool on the tyre and it will tell you what the depth of your tyre is in millimetres.
Analogue tyre tread depth gauges (pictured above) are common, but digital gauges are also popular. Both tools make it easy to check your tyres are safe and legal.
**READ MORE:** [**How to check your car's tyre pressure**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/checking-tyre-pressure/)
## What happens if you have an accident on illegal/bald tyres?
Driving with tyres that have a tread below the legal limit - or even worse, are bald - is dangerous.
It can put you and other motorists at risk.
If you are involved in an [accident](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/car-repairs/accident-repairs) and the car you are driving has illegal or bald tyres, you should be aware of the consequences.
Any insurance claim as a result of an accident could be invalidated, so potentially your insurer won't pay out any money any [repairs](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/car-repairs/?utm_source=rac&source=website&utm_medium=dr-article&utm_campaign=drive_seo_article&cid=dr_seoarticlelink) needed to your vehicle.
However, driving with dangerous or defective tyres also puts drivers at risk of a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on their license.
That is per tyre, so four illegal tyres could mean a fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points.
You can buy tyre tread gauges that help you assess the tread depth of the tyre, plus you can also get more basic colour-coded tools that let you know if a tyre is legal or not at a glance.
For more information about tyres read our [complete guide to tyre buying](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/the-racs-guide-to-tyre-buying/) or our [complete guide to tyre safety and maintenance](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/tyre-safety/).
For complete piece of mind, you can also check out our [breakdown cover](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover) and [European breakdown cover](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover/european-breakdown-cover) products today.
**ALSO:** [**Learner driver insurance - from 2 hours to 5 months**](https://www.rac.co.uk/insurance/learner-driver-insurance)
**If your tyre tread is below or neat the legal limit, we would recommend that you purchase a replacement tyre. Head over to** [**RAC Tyres**](https://www.ractyres.co.uk/) **where we sell everything from budget to premium brands.**
Roadside cover from £5.29 a month\*
- Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
[Buy now](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover?intcid=dr-UKBD-prod)
\*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T\&Cs apply.
\*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T\&Cs apply.
### Tyre tread depth and safety - FAQ
Expand all
Is 2 mm tyre tread legal?
Tyre tread depth has to be above 1.6mm to be legal. This must be the case for the middle three quarters of the tyre.
What is the legal limit for tyres to pass MOT?
The legal tyre tread depth in the UK is above 1.6mm in the middle three quarters of the tyre.
How long does the average tyre last?
In terms of miles a tyre should last, there is a general acceptance with manufacturers, that tyres have a lifespan between 20,000 and 40,000 miles. However. this can vary if you tend to drive on more uneven and challenging surfaces. Even if you drive limited miles each year, tyres should be replaced every five or six years. Always ask your mechanic at your annual MOT about the safety of your tyres. It is important to remember that for the majority of vehicles, the front tyres wear quicker than the rear ones.
What depth should tyres be?
Tyre and safety experts believe the 1.6mm legal minimum is insufficient to guarantee safety – most recommend a minimum tread depth of 3mm for tyre replacement.
What is the lowest legal limit for tyre tread?
The lowest trade depth for tyres is 1.6mm - which is a legal minimum. Industry experts recommend a minimum tread depth of 3mm for tyres.
How long does it take for tyre tread to wear down?
Tyres wear down different depending on the road conditions and how often you use your vehicle. Manufacturers generally agree that they should be replaced every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Your tyres should be checked every year during your vehicle’s MOT.
What does 1.6 mm tread look like?
The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way of checking the tyre tread of your car’s wheels. Just take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre. If you can’t see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit.
Back to top
## Car maintenance
[More on this topic](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/)
[EGR valve replacement – cost and symptoms](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/EGR-valve-replacement/)
[Air-con regassing: everything you need to know](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/air-con-regassing/)
[Common exhaust problems you need to be aware of](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/common-exhaust-problems-you-need-to-be-aware-of/)
[More on this topic](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/)
## Road safety
[More on this topic](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/)
[Video Driving in the dark - tips on how to stay safe](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/driving-in-the-dark-tips/)
[The 10 biggest winter driving myths revealed](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/the-10-biggest-winter-driving-myths-revealed/)
[Drink driving in the UK - statistics and data](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/drink-driving-in-the-uk/)
[More on this topic](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/)
## Tyres
[More on this topic](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/)
[Video How to check your tyre pressure and why it's important](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/checking-tyre-pressure/)
[What is a slow tyre puncture? Tyre safety guide](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/what-is-a-slow-tyre-puncture-tyre-safety-guide/)
[What is a tyre speed rating?](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/tyre-speed-rating/)
[More on this topic](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/)
## You might also like
[Video A complete guide to towing a caravanAll the information you need to know when towing a caravan, from licences to towing weight to width and length rules and handy tips and advice. Read more here.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/towing-a-caravan/)
[How to save fuel – the ultimate guide8 industry-expert tips for how to save fuel: looking at cruise control, the speed you drive, what gear you drive in and how much fuel you carry](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/fuel-saving-tips/)
[Ten signs your car isn’t ready for the winterCold conditions over the winter can exacerbate any underlying mechanical problems with your car and even lead to a breakdown.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/top-10-ways-to-detect-a-breakdown/)
[Driving without shoes - is it illegal?There’s a great level of uncertainty surrounding whether or not it’s illegal to drive a vehicle barefoot in the UK. Learn more with RAC Drive today.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/legal/driving-without-shoes-is-it-illegal/)
[Video How to check your engine coolantEngine coolant is vital to keeping your vehicle running smoothly so it’s important to know exactly how and why it’s put to use. Learn more here.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/how-to-check-your-coolant/)
## Popular in Advice & Guides
[1Signs of a faulty alternator and replacement costs](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/signs-of-a-faulty-alternator-all-you-need-to-know/)
[2Euro 1 to Euro 7 guide – find out your vehicle's emissions standard](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/euro-emissions-standards/)
[3Broken down without cover – here’s what you can do](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/broken-down-without-cover-heres-what-you-can-do/)
[4What is AdBlue and why do you need it?](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/adblue/)
[5How long does an oil and filter change take?](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/how-long-does-an-oil-and-filter-change-take/)
[6What is Android Auto? Everything you need to know](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/what-is-android-auto/)
[7How often should you change your car's engine oil?](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/how-often-should-you-change-your-cars-engine-oil/)
[8What to do if you have a flat battery](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-flat-battery/)
[9How long does a car service take?](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/how-long-does-a-car-service-take/)
[10Engine coolant leaks - why do they happen and what should you do?](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/coolant-leaks-why-do-they-happen-and-what-should-you-do/)
#### Company Information
- [About us](https://www.rac.co.uk/about-us)
- [Careers](https://www.rac-careers.com/)
- [Contact us](https://www.rac.co.uk/contact-us)
- [Legal information](https://www.rac.co.uk/legal-information)
- [Affiliates](https://www.rac.co.uk/affiliates)
- [Press centre](https://media.rac.co.uk/)
- [Complaints](https://www.rac.co.uk/complaints)
- [RAC Corporate](https://www.raccorporate.co.uk/)
- [RAC Modern Slavery Statement](https://www.rac.co.uk/about-us/modern-slavery-statement)
#### Products & Services
- [Breakdown cover](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover)
- [European breakdown cover](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover/european-breakdown-cover)
- [Car insurance](https://www.rac.co.uk/insurance/car-insurance)
- [Home insurance](https://www.rac.co.uk/insurance/home-insurance)
- [Business breakdown cover](https://www.rac.co.uk/business/breakdown)
- [Route planner](https://www.rac.co.uk/route-planner/)
- [myRAC](https://www.rac.co.uk/myrac)
- [RAC Rewards](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover/enjoymore)
- [Student deals](https://connect.studentbeans.com/v4/hosted/rac/uk)
- [Refer a friend](https://www.rac.co.uk/members/refer-a-friend)
##### Sign up for our newsletter
Be the first to know about new RAC products and special offers:
[Subscribe](https://t.go.rac.co.uk/webApp/subscribe)
##### Follow the RAC
03 numbers are charged at national call rates and included in inclusive minute plans from landlines and mobiles. Calls may be monitored and/or recorded.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.rac.co.uk/legal-information/privacy-policy)
- [Terms of use](https://www.rac.co.uk/legal-information/terms-of-use)
- [Accessibility](https://www.rac.co.uk/accessibility)
- [Cookie policy](https://www.rac.co.uk/legal-information/privacy-policy/part-2/cookies-policy)
- [Sitemap](https://www.rac.co.uk/site-map)
© 2026 RAC Motoring Services. All rights reserved.
## Happy with cookies?
We use cookies to keep our site safe, understand how it's used, give you a better experience and show you more relevant ads. Read how we - and our partners - [use cookies.](https://www.rac.co.uk/legal-information/privacy-policy/part-2/cookies-policy)
Accept all
Reject non-essential
Let me choose
Cookie settings on our site
In order to provide with the best experience possible we might sometimes track information about you. Sometimes this may involve writing a cookie. We use this information for things like experience enrichment, analytics and targeting advertising. We recommend allowing these functions to get the most out of your experience.
***
Required cookies
They are necessary for our website to operate. They're set automatically and can't be switched off in our system. Whilst you can set your browser to block them, our site won't then work for you.
***
Performance cookies
We use these to see how our site is being used, so we can improve the experience for all customers. The data is aggregated across all visitors, so is anonymous.
***
Advertising cookies
We use these to tailor advertising to your interests - both on our site and other sites you visit. If you disable them, you'll still see adverts, they just won't be tailored to you.
***
Functional cookies
We use these to improve our site's functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we use on our site.
***
Save
Cancel |
| Readable Markdown | 
5 minute read\|12th Mar 2024
Content guide
Checking your legal tyre tread depth is one of the most important checks you can make on your car.
The [tyres](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/) are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road. If your tyres are past their best then the safety of your vehicle will be compromised.
Driving a car with bald tyres can risk a fine of £2,500 and three penalty points. That’s per tyre, too. If all four tyres are worn below the legal limit, you could potentially be summoned to court, lose your licence and face a £10,000 fine.
Read on to find out how to check your minimum tyre tread depth and ensure you stay safe and legal on the road.
## What is the legal tyre tread depth limit in the UK?
The legal tyre tread depth limit for cars in the UK and Europe is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. By law, the tread depth must meet this minimum requirement across its complete circumference.
Bald tyres are one of the , which is why it's essential that you get into the habit of checking your car's tyres regularly.
If you are not confident checking your car's tyres yourself, you can arrange for it to be checked by a .
## What is the minimum tyre tread depth?
Tyre and safety experts believe the 1.6mm legal minimum is insufficient to guarantee safety – most recommend a minimum tread depth of 3mm for tyre replacement.
Tests by UK technical organisation MIRA found that, once tyres are below 3mm, stopping distances increase dramatically.
The difference in wet braking distance between a tyre worn to 3mm and one worn to 1.6mm can be as much as 44%.
Worn tyres are particularly dangerous in the wet because a tyre’s tread helps disperse water away from the contact patch between tyre and road.
If there’s less tread depth, less water can be shifted, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and losing grip.
In heavy rain, each tyre can shift one gallon of water every second, illustrating just how hard tyres work.
Simply put, deeper tread means they can work better, improving grip.
- [**Should I buy winter tyres? Pros, cons and costs explained**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/should-i-buy-winter-tyres/)
- [**A guide to run flat tyres - do you need them?**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/a-guide-to-run-flat-tyres-do-you-need-them/)
- [**What makes your tyres illegal?**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/what-makes-your-tyres-illegal-the-complete-guide-to-be-road-legal/)
- [**Are headlights too bright?**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/headlight-glare/)
## How to check your car tyre tread depth
Tyre tread depth of your car must to be above 1.6mm to be safe and legal. The 1.6 minimum tyre tread depth must be the case for the middle three quarters of the tyre.
If you are unsure if the tyres on your car meet the legal minimum standard then there are three simple methods you can use to check the tread depth:
- Perform the 20p test
- Inspect the wear indicators on the tyre (if fitted)
- Check the tyre tread with a depth gauge
### How to check tyre tread depth – the 20p test
The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way of checking the tyre tread of your car's wheels.
Just take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre.
If you can't see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit.
However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and require professional inspection by a [mechanic](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/mobile-mechanic/?utm_source=rac&source=website&utm_medium=dr-article&utm_campaign=drive_seo_article&cid=dr_seoarticlelink).
We suggest drivers conduct the 20p test around every two weeks and before long journeys.
### Checking tyre tread with tyre tread wear indicators
Some tyres will have indicators embossed on the tyre wall itself, usually with a line or arrow which is positioned somewhere below the outer tread.
If the tyre is flush with these markers then the tread may be at or below the 1.6mm legal limit and will need replacing.
### Checking tyre tread with a tyre tread depth gauge
A tyre tread depth gauge is a purpose made tool that makes it easy to quickly measure the depth of an individual tyre groove. Simply place the tool on the tyre and it will tell you what the depth of your tyre is in millimetres.
Analogue tyre tread depth gauges (pictured above) are common, but digital gauges are also popular. Both tools make it easy to check your tyres are safe and legal.
**READ MORE:** [**How to check your car's tyre pressure**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/checking-tyre-pressure/)
## What happens if you have an accident on illegal/bald tyres?
Driving with tyres that have a tread below the legal limit - or even worse, are bald - is dangerous.
It can put you and other motorists at risk.
If you are involved in an [accident](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/car-repairs/accident-repairs) and the car you are driving has illegal or bald tyres, you should be aware of the consequences.
Any insurance claim as a result of an accident could be invalidated, so potentially your insurer won't pay out any money any [repairs](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/car-repairs/?utm_source=rac&source=website&utm_medium=dr-article&utm_campaign=drive_seo_article&cid=dr_seoarticlelink) needed to your vehicle.
However, driving with dangerous or defective tyres also puts drivers at risk of a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on their license.
That is per tyre, so four illegal tyres could mean a fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points.
You can buy tyre tread gauges that help you assess the tread depth of the tyre, plus you can also get more basic colour-coded tools that let you know if a tyre is legal or not at a glance.
For more information about tyres read our [complete guide to tyre buying](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/the-racs-guide-to-tyre-buying/) or our [complete guide to tyre safety and maintenance](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/tyres/tyre-safety/).
For complete piece of mind, you can also check out our [breakdown cover](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover) and [European breakdown cover](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover/european-breakdown-cover) products today.
**ALSO:** [**Learner driver insurance - from 2 hours to 5 months**](https://www.rac.co.uk/insurance/learner-driver-insurance)
**If your tyre tread is below or neat the legal limit, we would recommend that you purchase a replacement tyre. Head over to** [**RAC Tyres**](https://www.ractyres.co.uk/) **where we sell everything from budget to premium brands.**
Roadside cover from £5.29 a month\*
- Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
[Buy now](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover?intcid=dr-UKBD-prod)
\*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T\&Cs apply.
\*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T\&Cs apply. |
| Shard | 27 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 3806484939146146427 |
| Unparsed URL | uk,co,rac!www,/drive/advice/tyres/checking-tyre-tread/ s443 |