Why waiting for your MOT could put you at risk
Recent research reveals that millions of motorists may unknowingly be breaking the law by driving on unsafe or illegal tyres - leaving them exposed to major fines, penalty points and even automatic disqualification.
According to a recent survey by Bridgestone - of 2,000 motorists, 63% admitted they had delayed buying new tyres until their car was due an MOT or had failed one.
This has highlighted how many drivers are waiting until their annual MOT test to identify tyre issues. Rather than carrying out routine checks themselves.
A significant number of drivers may be driving for months on tyres that do not meet the legal safety standards, not only putting themselves and other road users at risk, but also risking heavy fines.
An RAC survey found only one in three drivers checked their tyres' tread depth at least once a month, with 6% only doing so just before their MOT test.
Illegal tyres carry severe penalties
Under UK law, tyres must meet strict minimum standards, including:
- A legal tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
- Tyres must also be free from damage such as cuts, bulges, exposure of cords and other defects.
Driving a vehicle with illegal tyres can result in a fine of £2,500 and 3 penalty points, and that is per defective tyre.
Meaning if all 4 tyres are defective, a driver could be facing up to a £10,000 fine plus 12 penalty points and a trip to court.
Accumulating 12 points within three years can result in an automatic driving ban - even for motorists who previously held a completely clean licence.
For new drivers, the consequences are even more serious. Under the New Drivers Act, accumulating 6 points within the first two years of passing a test results in an immediate licence revocation. Just two defective tyres could be enough to trigger this.
Why waiting for the MOT is a dangerous mistake
The study also found that 40% of drivers only replace tyres when prompted at an MOT test. But tyres wear continuously throughout the year - and MOTs are only required annually.
The UK government consistently reminds motorists that it is their legal responsibility to ensure their vehicle is safe to drive at all times, not just once a year (DVSA – “You’re responsible for keeping your vehicle in a roadworthy condition”).
This means a tyre could fall below the legal limit months before the next MOT, leaving drivers unknowingly committing an offence every time they get behind the wheel.
Quick, simple checks every driver can do
Many tyre issues are easy to spot early. Safety organisations encourage motorists to follow three basic checks:
- Air Pressure
Under-inflated tyres wear faster, grip less effectively and increase fuel consumption. Your car’s manual or door-frame sticker shows the correct pressures.
- Tyre Condition
Check your tyres for damage, bulges, flat spots or visible tread wear indicators. Any of these could mean the tyre needs replacing.
- Tread Depth
Using the 20p coin test, insert a 20p coin into the tread groove. If you can see the coin’s outer band, the tread may be below the legal minimum of 1.6mm and should be checked by a professional immediately.
These checks take less than a minute and could prevent thousands in fines - or a serious accident.
Don’t wait for the MOT - act now
With winter approaching and conditions such as rain, cold temperatures and potholes accelerating tyre wear, experts urge drivers to stay proactive. Regular checks can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents and keep you on the right side of the law.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your tyres, or it’s been a while since they were professionally inspected, it’s best not to leave it until the next MOT reminder.
Use our MOT or Service online booking to get your car’s next appointment booked today.