How a 20p Coin Can Save Your Licence
Motorists risk being stripped of their driving licences and fined up to £10,000 for a simple 20p error — failing to check tyre tread depth. The law requires tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across at least three-quarters of the tyre's width. Falling below this threshold can result in three penalty points and a £2,500 fine per tyre. If all four tyres are illegal, drivers face a total fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points, which is enough for an automatic driving ban.
The 20p Rule Explained
The RAC recommends a simple check using a 20p coin. Insert the coin into the tread grooves; if the outer band of the coin is visible, the tyre may be unsafe and requires professional inspection. If the band is not visible, the tyre is above the legal limit. The RAC states: “The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way of checking the tyre tread of your car's wheels.”
Dangers and Consequences of Illegal Tyres
Driving with tread below the legal limit — or bald tyres — is dangerous and puts the driver and others at risk. In the event of an accident, insurance claims may be invalidated, leaving the driver to cover repair costs. Additionally, driving with defective tyres can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre. The RAC advises using tyre tread gauges or colour-coded tools for a quick legality check.
