Having illegal tyres on your vehicle can result in a fine of up to £2500 and 3 penalty points per illegal tyre. To avoid fines, penalty points and to ensure safety you must make sure all your tyres are within the UK regulations.
There are various relgulations that cover UK tyre law:
Regulation 24 - Indicates the types of vehicle covered and also temporary use spares
Regulation 25 - Details tyre loads and speed ratings
Regulation 26 - Stipulates the requirements for tyre mixing
Regulation 27 - Details condition and Maintenance of Tyres
These regulations state the following:
Tyre Tread Depth
Tyre tread must have adepth of at least 1.6mm over three quarters of the tread around the complete circumference.
Tyre Pressure
This regulation states that each tyre must be inflated to ensure they are fit for use.
Tyre Mixing
Vehicles must not be fitted with radial tyres on the front wheels and cross ply tyres on the rear wheels. Furthermore, it is illegal to have a cross ply tyre on one side with a radial on the other.
Tyre Cuts
Tyres are deemed illegal if a cut in excess of 25mm or 10% of the tyre width and has reached the ply or cord exists. Any tyre cuts or damage that exposes the cords are illegal.
Unsuitability
A vehicle must be used within the fitted tyres load index or speed rating.
Temporary Tyres
All tyres that are marked temporary are restricted to 50mph.
