What is the legal minimum tread depth for HGV tyres in the UK?

The legal minimum tread depth for HGV tyres (vehicles over 3.5 tonnes) in the UK is 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width and around the entire circumference. This is lower than the 1.6 mm minimum for cars. However, many tyre manufacturers and fleet operators recommend replacing tyres at 3 mm to maintain adequate wet-weather grip. A tyre below the legal minimum can result in a prohibition notice and a fixed penalty of up to £2,500 per tyre.

Can HGVs mix different types of tyres on the same axle?

No. Regulation 26 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 prohibits mixing radial and cross-ply tyres on the same axle. Mixing tyres of significantly different sizes on the same axle is also prohibited. Different tyre brands or tread patterns can be used on the same axle, but it is best practice to fit matching tyres to maintain consistent handling.

Are retreaded tyres legal on HGVs in the UK?

Yes, retreaded tyres are legal on HGVs in the UK, subject to conditions. Retreads must carry an ECE 108 or ECE 109 approval marking. They must not be used on the front steering axle of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Retreads are widely used on drive and trailer axles in the UK haulage industry and can offer significant cost savings.

What is the penalty for driving an HGV with an illegal tyre?

The penalty for each illegal tyre on an HGV is a fixed penalty notice of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on the driver's licence. If multiple tyres are defective, each tyre attracts a separate penalty. In serious cases, the vehicle may be prohibited from moving until the tyres are replaced. Operators can also face action under their operator's licence if tyre defects indicate a systemic maintenance failure.

How often should HGV tyres be inspected?

HGV tyres should be inspected as part of the daily walk-around check before each journey. Drivers should check tyre pressure (using a calibrated gauge), tread depth, and the overall condition of each tyre including the sidewalls and valve caps. A more thorough inspection should be carried out at each planned maintenance interval, typically every 6 weeks.

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HGV Tyre Regulations UK 2026: Legal Tread Depths, Condition Requirements and Penalties

9 May 20260 min readGS Driver TrainingUpdated: 9 May 2026

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HGV Tyre Regulations UK 2026: Legal Tread Depths, Condition Requirements and Penalties

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