Many drivers throughout the UK could face the prospect of a £10,000 penalty, alongside the possibility of receiving 12 penalty points on their licence, for a completely avoidable problem. RAC Drive motoring experts have issued a warning, encouraging drivers to exercise caution and try a straightforward 20p trick to avoid the substantial fine.
The issue is all about tyre tread depth, a legal requirement clearly outlined in the Highway Code. Experts explain that if a vehicle fails to meet the minimum standard and all four tyres are deemed illegal, drivers could face fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each tyre.
RAC Drive stress: "That is per tyre, so four illegal tyres could mean a fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points."
The Highway Code confirms: "Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference."
Drivers have been urged by RAC Drive to try a 20p method every two weeks to see if you could be breaking these rules. The experts explain: "Tyre tread depth of your car must to be above 1.6mm to be safe and legal. The 1.6 minimum tyre tread depth must be the case for the middle three-quarters of the tyre."
If you don't know whether the tyres on your car meet the legal minimum standard, try the 20p method. RAC Drive explain: "The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way of checking the tyre tread of your car's wheels. Just take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre. If you can't see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit.
"However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and require professional inspection by a mechanic. We suggest drivers conduct the 20p test around every two weeks and before long journeys."
The penalties for ignoring tyre safety can be severe. RAC Drive add: "Driving with tyres that have a tread below the legal limit - or even worse, are bald - is dangerous. It can put you and other motorists at risk. If you are involved in an accident and the car you are driving has illegal or bald tyres, you should be aware of the consequences.
"Any insurance claim as a result of an accident could be invalidated, so potentially your insurer won't pay out any money any repairs needed to your vehicle."
Alongside warnings about fines and points, drivers are also advised to invest in a tyre tread gauge to accurately measure wear. RAC Drive notes: "You can also get more basic colour-coded tools that let you know if a tyre is legal or not at a glance."
