UK motorists risk £10k fine and 12 points if they ignore 20p rule

The simple 20p test helps UK drivers ensure their cars meet UK law, especially in hot weather

Motoring specialists are advising UK drivers to follow a rule requiring only a 20p coin, or face a £10k fine and penalty points on their licence. The 20p rule can prove vital during severe weather conditions, as it enables drivers to determine whether they need to make adjustments to their vehicle that could substantially reduce their risk in hazardous situations.

With UK temperatures forecast to stay elevated for the remainder of the week, including peaks around 35C today (June 26), a few practical modifications to driving behaviour and vehicle upkeep can prove invaluable towards maintaining road safety.

Warm weather can harm vehicles by overloading the cooling system, accelerating battery fluid evaporation, and increasing the risk of tyre blowouts as air expands quickly inside the tyres. Tyres are the sole connection between your vehicle and the road surface.

If your tyres are worn out, they can compromise your vehicle’s safety. By using a 20p coin, motorists can verify their tyres are appropriate for driving in warm weather. National Highways has explained precisely how drivers can use the coin to determine if their vehicle’s tyres satisfy the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, reports the Mirror.

To guarantee safety, tyre tread should measure no less than 1.6mm in the central three-quarters. This is essential for water drainage, preserving traction, and preventing excessively lengthy stopping distances.

It is against the law if the tread falls beneath this threshold. Motorists could receive a penalty of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each tyre failing to meet the standard. As outlined by the RAC: “Driving a car with bald tyres can risk a fine of £2,500 and three penalty points. That’s per tyre, too.”

Nevertheless, the RAC cautions that the ramifications could be far more severe. “If all four tyres are worn below the legal limit, you could potentially be summoned to court, lose your licence and face a £10,000 fine,” it states.

What is the 20p tyre test and how can it help drivers stay safe?

In footage published by National Highways as part of its TRIP campaign, the organisation demonstrates how to verify whether your vehicle’s tyres satisfy the UK legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Simply place a 20p coin into the main grooves of your tyre.

If the outer rim (band) of the coin is concealed, your tread depth is legal. If you can observe the rim, your tyre may be worn beneath the legal threshold and should be inspected or replaced. Always examine multiple locations around each tyre, as deterioration is frequently uneven.

Motorists are also encouraged to examine their tyre walls for cracks, bulges, or other defects. If drivers identify any damage or the tread is too shallow, they are recommended to replace the tyre straight away to prevent penalties and road incidents.

What happens if you have an accident on illegal/bald tyres?

The RAC states: “If you are involved in an accident and the car you are driving has illegal or bald tyres, you should be aware of the consequences. Any insurance claim as a result of an accident could be invalidated, so potentially your insurer won’t pay out any money any repairs needed to your vehicle.

“However, driving with dangerous or defective tyres also puts drivers at risk of a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on their license. That is per tyre, so four illegal tyres could mean a fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points.

“You can buy tyre tread gauges that help you assess the tread depth of the tyre, plus you can also get more basic colour-coded tools that let you know if a tyre is legal or not at a glance.”

What is tyre tread?

The AA says: “Tyre tread is the rubber part of the tyre that makes contact with the road surface – it’s located all around the circumference of the tyre. As tyres are used, the tread slowly wears off, reducing the traction between them and the road.”

• New tyres start with about 8mm of tread depth
• Once they wear down to 4 or 5mm, you should check the tread monthly
• You should consider replacing them at 3mm
• The minimum legal tread depth for cars is 1.6mm