A leading tyre trade body is calling for an increase in the legal minimum tread depth, after its annual report revealed major safety concerns.
The Tyre Check 2025 Report by the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) found that 40% of vehicles on UK roads were running on tyres dangerously close or below the legal limit of 1.6mm.
A further third (32%) were on “barely legal” tyres – technically compliant but offering severely reduced grip and safety margins, especially in wet conditions.
The NTDA warns this trend shows motorists are delaying replacement until the last possible moment, putting themselves and others at serious risk. The association is calling for urgent action, including raising the legal minimum tread depth from 1.6mm to 2.0mm, targeted interventions in high-risk hotspots and greater financial support for motorists struggling with replacement costs.
Stopping distances double in wet conditions on tyres worn below 2mm, while fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points are faced by those caught driving illegally.
“This report should serve as a wake-up call for every motorist in the UK”, said Ian Andrew, CEO of the NTDA.
“The fact that nearly two in five vehicles are running on tyres that are either illegal or dangerously close to it is shocking. The tragedy is that this isn’t just a technical issue – it’s about lives at risk every single day on our roads.
“Legal doesn’t always mean safe and drivers are leaving tyre replacement far too late. We urgently need to move beyond minimum standards and make tyre safety a national priority.”
