The law

This section is concerned with the UK law in relation to tyre use on passenger vehicles; if you need info on winter driving laws in other European countries please visit our winter tyre advice. There are 3 main regulations that need to be considered in order to drive legally:

Regulation 25

This Regulation is concerned with the tyre's load index and speed ratings. The Regulation requires that the tyres fitted to the vehicle are not only capable of supporting the maximum permitted load on each axle but of doing so at the vehicle's maximum legal speed. To keep within the law you must always fit tyres that have a speed capability and load index at least equal to or higher than those originally specified by the vehicle manufacturer. (Further info on this topic can be seen in 'tyres explained' 'load & speed ratings')

Regulation 26

Regulation 26 deals with the mixing of tyres of differing structures. The regulation defines three types of tyre structure, diagonal ply (Cross ply), bias-belted and radial. Cross ply tyres are now very rarely seen and have effectively been replaced by radial ply tyres. No vehicle shall be fitted with tyres of differing structure on the same axle. Mixing of a temporary spare tyre on a car is allowed, provided it is not driven at a speed exceeding 50mph.

Regulation 27

This regulation deals with the condition and maintenance of tyres. It specifies when a tyre should not be used on the road due to for example: not being suitable for the use to which the vehicle is being put, or issues relating to its condition or maintenance, such as inappropriate tyre pressures, cuts, bulges or tyre damage. It also allows the use of run flat tyres when in a deflated state provided the tyre and wheel are so constructed to be fit for the use to which the vehicle is being put. This Regulation also specifies that the grooves of the tread pattern of every tyre fitted to cars and light vans shall be of a depth of at least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central three quarters of the breadth of tread round the entire circumference of the tyre.

Drivers with tyres that fail to meet these standards face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre.

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