More than 6,000 motorists were issued licence points for driving with defective tyres last year, according to data obtained by the RAC through a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA. The figures reveal 10,054 incidents where drivers were penalised for operating an unroadworthy vehicle in 2025, with tyres accounting for 6,670 of those cases. Defective steering or brakes contributed to 3,384 incidents.
Tread Depth and the 20p Coin Test
The RAC warns that a tyre is deemed defective if it fails to meet the minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference. To check this quickly, drivers can insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves. If the outer band of the coin remains visible, the tyre may be illegal. A tread depth gauge offers a more precise measurement.
Tyres must also be free from cuts, bulges, or other damage that could compromise their structural integrity. Additionally, tyres must be suitable for the vehicle, meaning the type, size, speed, and load rating—indicated on the sidewall—should be verified.
Penalties and Trends
Driving with an unroadworthy vehicle carries three licence points, and tyre-related offences can result in fines of up to £2,500 per tyre. The 2025 total of 10,054 incidents represents a decrease of 3,055 compared to 2024, when 13,109 such offences were recorded. The RAC suggests this decline may be due to fewer traffic police officers or improved vehicle maintenance by drivers.
Data shows that the number of traffic officers fell from 5,237 in 2015 to 4,149 in 2025—a reduction of 1,088. The RAC believes many unroadworthy vehicles remain undetected, noting that 10 million MOTs fail each year.
Expert Warning
Jack Halstead, the RAC's servicing and repair mechanic of the year, stated: "Far too many vehicles are unfit for the roads, posing a danger not only to the driver, but to other road users as well. Having bald tyres drastically reduces grip, greatly increases stopping distances, and raises the risk of blowouts. But whether it's tyres, brakes, steering or something else, every mechanical component in a vehicle plays a critical role."
Halstead added: "And this is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg because, with fewer police traffic units, it's likely more offenders are evading officers and putting themselves and others at risk."
Preventive Measures
The RAC advises drivers to use free apps like myRAC to receive reminders for key checks such as tyres, MOT, service, tax, and insurance renewal. The organisation also offers nationwide mobile mechanics who can carry out repairs and servicing at a driver's home or workplace, aiming to simplify car maintenance and reduce the number of unsafe vehicles on the road.
