Safety and your vehicle
What is the legal minimum tread depth for the tyres on a car?
- 1.0 mm across the whole width of the tyre
- 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyreCorrect
- 2.0 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre
- 3.0 mm across the whole width of the tyre
Why?
Tread clears water away so the tyre keeps its grip on a wet road. The law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and all the way round. Annex 6 of The Highway Code covers this legal requirement for tyres, and driving on tyres below the limit is dangerous and illegal.
Highway Code rule Annex 6