UK MOT and tyre safety
Tyre Tread Depth Checker UK
Check your tread depth against the UK legal minimum of 1.6mm. Free, simple and UK-focused.
Tyre Tread Depth Checker
Enter your tread depth in millimetres for each tyre. The UK legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
Overall verdict
Enter the tread depth for all four tyres to see your overall result.
- • Below 1.6mm in the central three-quarters: illegal in the UK and an MOT failure.
- • 1.6mm to 3mm: legal, but consider replacing for wet weather safety.
- • 3mm to 4mm: monitor regularly across the full tread width.
- • Above 4mm: generally healthy — keep checking monthly.
UK legal tyre tread depth
The UK legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the full circumference. Tyres below this limit are illegal and an MOT failure.
Police can issue penalty points and fines for each illegal tyre. Tyres also lose much of their wet grip below 3mm, so many UK drivers and tyre safety organisations recommend replacing tyres around the 3mm mark.
For commercial vehicles up to 3,500 kg, the UK legal minimum is also 1.6mm. For larger commercial vehicles, the legal minimum is 1mm — but always check the latest DVSA guidance.
How to check tread depth at home
- Use a tread depth gauge — most reliable for accurate readings.
- Use a 20p coin: place the coin into the main tread groove. If you can't see the outer band of the 20p, you have at least about 3mm.
- Check across the full width of the tyre and at several points around the circumference, not just one spot.
- Look for uneven wear patterns — these can indicate alignment, suspension or pressure issues.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about UK tyre fitment, MOT rules and seasonal options.
What is the legal tyre tread depth in the UK?
The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the full circumference.
When should I replace my tyres in the UK?
Many UK drivers and tyre safety organisations recommend replacing tyres at around 3mm of remaining tread for better wet weather safety, even though the legal limit is 1.6mm.
How do I check tyre tread depth at home?
Use a tread depth gauge or a 20p coin. If the outer band of a 20p is hidden when you place it in the tread, you have at least about 3mm. Always check across the full width and circumference.
What happens if my tyres are below 1.6mm at MOT?
Tyres below 1.6mm in the central three-quarters of the tread will fail an MOT and you can be fined and given penalty points per tyre.
Official UK & EU sources
Our reference content cross-checks against official UK government and European Commission publications. Use these as the primary source.
Tyre Finder UK provides general tyre guidance only. We do not guarantee tyre fitment, local stock, prices or fitting availability. Always confirm your tyre size, load rating, speed rating and vehicle requirements using your current tyre sidewall, vehicle handbook, manufacturer guidance or a qualified tyre fitter before fitting.