UK tyre law - what you need to know (and do)
Making sure your tyres are legal can save you from fines and points on your licence. Tyre Shop NG8 & Mobile Tyre Service has shops in Nottingham and Mansfield to supply you with road-legal tyres.
Tyres from £25
Puncture repairs from £10
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What happens if my tyres aren’t legal?
Breaking the law when it comes to tyres can lead to some significant consequences. Aside from putting yourself and other road users in danger, if you’re found to be driving with tyres that don’t meet the legal standards, you could face 3 penalty points and a £2,500 fine.
What does the law say?
The most important point of UK tyre law relates to tread depth. The tread on your tyres is what gives you traction, keeping you on the road. For your tyres to be legal they must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre. This has to be the case right around the tyre - any areas where the tread is below this will mean your tyres do not comply with the law.
Other points to consider
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Taking care of your tyres keeps you safer on the road
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Tyres in good condition improve fuel economy
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Better tyres mean better handling
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing tyres when your tread reaches 3mm, rather than the legal minimum of 1.6mm. Did you know that it takes an extra two car lengths to stop in wet weather when your tyres have 1.6mm of tread rather than 3mm?
Having matching tyres matters
You are legally required to have the correct type and size of tyre fitted to your vehicle. You also need to ensure that you’re using tyres with the same construction type, usually either radial or cross-ply. You can’t have different types on opposite ends of the same axle. Depending on your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, you can often have different brands or patterns on the same axle, so long as the construction type is the same.
“Brilliant job, fast, efficient and fairly priced. Called at 12.20pm and we’re at my house by 1.20pm to change my flat tyre! Can’t recommend them enough! Thank you so much!”
Rachel Gavin - Google review
“Excellent service with friendly staff, they were very helpful in selecting the right tyres for my car and the prices was fair too. Would recommend to family and friends.”
Abbad Ahmad - Google review
