what is the legal tyre depth

In the UK and Europe, the legal minimum tread depth for car tires is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tire, according to the law. This requirement must be met across the complete circumference of the tire. Driving with tires below this limit is not only a safety hazard but also carries the risk of a fine of £2,500 and three penalty points per tire. It is advisable to have your tires replaced once they reach 2mm, although most experts recommend replacing them when they have a minimum of 3mm tread depth. While the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, many safety experts recommend a minimum tread depth of 3mm for tire replacement, as tests have shown that stopping distances increase dramatically once tires are below 3mm. It is important to regularly check the tread depth of car tires to ensure they are well above the legal minimum, as tires with inadequate tread depth may not perform properly in wet conditions, reducing safety on the road. The 20p test is a simple and quick way to check tire tread depth, where a 20p coin is inserted into the tread grooves, and if the outer band on the coin is visible, the tires are below the legal limit. In the United States, tire tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch, and most states require a minimum of 2/32 of an inch (approximately 1.6mm) of tread, although some states have different requirements or no requirements at all. It is important to note that tire performance can diminish significantly before the tread hits 2/32”, so it is advisable to consider replacing tires before reaching the legal minimum tread depth for safety reasons.