UK MOT
MOT Tyre Rules UK
What MOT testers check on your tyres, the legal tread depth, and how to make sure your tyres pass first time.
Common MOT tyre fails
- Tread below 1.6mm in the central three-quarters of the tread
- Cuts longer than 25mm or 10% of the tyre's width on the sidewall
- Lumps, bulges or tears caused by impact damage
- Cord or ply exposed anywhere on the tyre
- Mixed tyre types or structures on the same axle
- Speed rating below the manufacturer's minimum
- Incorrectly fitted tyres or wrong size for the vehicle
- Damaged or missing valves
How to prepare your tyres for the MOT
- Check tread depth across the full width and circumference of every tyre.
- Inspect sidewalls for cuts, bulges or cracks. Don't forget the inside walls.
- Make sure all four tyres match each other on the same axle.
- Check the tyre size, load index and speed rating against the door frame sticker.
- Inflate to the recommended pressure when cold.
- Replace any tyres that look close to the limit before the test.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about UK tyre fitment, MOT rules and seasonal options.
What's the legal MOT tread depth in the UK?
1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the full circumference. Less than that is an MOT failure.
What other tyre faults fail an MOT?
Sidewall cuts and bulges, cord exposure, the wrong tyre type or speed rating, mismatched tyres on the same axle, and damage to the valve or tread.
Can mismatched tyre sizes fail an MOT?
Yes. Tyres on the same axle must be the same size, type and structure. Mixing radial and cross-ply tyres is not allowed.
Do older tyres fail the MOT?
Some tyres over 10 years old now fail the MOT on certain heavier vehicles, including buses, coaches and HGVs. For passenger cars there is no fixed age limit, but old tyres can be flagged for condition.
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.