Tyre safety knowledge is seriously lacking

“The findings from our joint research are a stark reminder that while drivers understand the dangers of worn tyres in principle, a significant proportion are completely unaware of the precise legal requirements and the severe financial and licensing consequences they face for non-compliance,” said Greg Carter, AA Technical Specialist.

“It’s alarming that so many drivers are risking not just their own safety and that of others, but also potentially crippling fines and driving bans, simply due to a lack of knowledge and inconsistent maintenance.”

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, commented, “Our partnership with The AA on this vital research has unveiled critical knowledge gaps that we, as an industry, must address. Tyres are the only contact points a vehicle has with the road, and their condition directly impacts braking, steering, and overall vehicle control.

“It’s concerning that fundamental aspects of their maintenance and the critical legal ramifications of neglect are so poorly understood. This collaborative insight reinforces the urgent need for greater public education to empower drivers with the knowledge and habits needed to keep their tyres, and our roads, safe.”

The AA and TyreSafe urge all drivers to prioritise regular tyre checks as a fundamental part of vehicle safety. Low tyre pressure can affect handling and fuel economy, while insufficient tread depth dramatically reduces grip, especially in wet conditions.

Key Findings from the Research

• Ignorance of Legal Penalties– A staggering 61% of drivers are unaware that the maximum fine for driving on an illegal tyre is £2,500 per tyre. Furthermore, 45% do not know that they can receive 3 penalty points for each illegal tyre, meaning two illegal tyres could lead to 6 points, and four could result in a driving ban.
• Confusion Over Responsibility– Only 65% of respondents correctly identified the car driver as legally responsible for ensuring tyres are safe and legal, with 34% incorrectly believing it was the car owner.
• Low Awareness of Tread Depth– Just 57% of drivers correctly knew the minimum legal tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm. A worrying 28% cited incorrect depths, and 15% admitted they didn’t know.
• Inconsistent Checks Despite Confidence– While 96% claimed to know how to check tyre pressure, only 30% actually checked it within the last week. Similarly, only 19% checked their tyre tread depth weekly, with 15% admitting they check less than every six months or never.
• Significant Demographic Disparities– Across almost all metrics, the joint research consistently showed that men had better knowledge and more frequent checking habits than women. Likewise, older drivers (55+) displayed a much stronger understanding and better maintenance practices than younger drivers (18-24). For instance, 71% of men knew the driver was responsible, compared to 55% of women, and only 43% of 18-24 year olds knew this, versus 68% of 55-64 year olds.