Motorists are being urged to check their tyres are legal. Otherwise, they risk being slapped with a fine of up to £10,000 and 12 licence points. Experts have told drivers how to carry out essential tyre checks with a 20p coin to avoid driving illegally.
The Road Traffic Act makes it illegal for drivers to have the incorrect tyre tread depth. It must be at least 1.6 mm around the central three-quarters of the tyre breadth and the entire outer circumference.
The tread depth is essentially the grooves of the tyre. It ensures sufficient grip on the roads and provides stability.
A tyre’s safe and legal tread depth is most important when it comes to braking – with an insufficient depth, vehicles have an increased stopping distance, which could increase the risk of aquaplaning.
Drivers can use a 20p coin to ensure that the tread depth of all four tyres (and any spares) is at the correct legal limit of at least 1.6 mm.
By placing the coin in the tyre grooves, motorists should not be able to see the engraved words “twenty pence.”
However, if the writing is visible, the tyres likely have insufficient and illegal tread depth and should be taken to a garage as soon as possible.
Motorists caught driving with illegal tyres are subject to a fine of £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.
Therefore, motorists could face a fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points if all four tyres are defective.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “Ahead of long summer road trips, all drivers across the country must remember to carry out essential checks on their tyres to ensure they meet the legal requirements and are roadworthy.
“Tyres that do not meet the legal tread depth limit of 1.6 mm are illegal, and motorists could be fined up to £10,000 and receive 12 penalty points on their licence.
“It’s simple to check if your tyres are suitable for driving at home with the simple 20p hack.
“By placing the coin in the tyre grooves, the writing on the 20p should not be visible. However, if you can see the engraved “twenty pence”, the tyres should be taken to the garage immediately for a professional check.
“The 20p check takes a minute to carry out but could quickly save you from being slapped with hefty fines and penalty points. It would be best if you also remembered to check the spare tyres in case they need to be used, as they’re not checked as part of a standard MOT.
“Without the correct tread depth, your vehicle is more likely to start aquaplaning as it cannot grip the road properly.
“Having the correct tread depth also means the tyre can travel smoothly and safely on the road surface and that the drive is stable.
“This extortionate fine is life-changing for many people, so it’s always important to check all tyres regularly to ensure you aren’t driving illegally without knowing.”
