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The law requires that in order to be legal a tyre
must comply with a number of legal requirements.
These requirements range from what the manufacturer must be responsible
for - relevant sidewall markings etc - and what the motorist should be
responsible for - correct fitment and condition of tyre, tread depths
etc.
It is recommended that tyres are checked on a weekly basis for tread
depth, tread condition, inflation pressure, tread/sidewall damage, any
signs of irregular wear. If in doubt seek the advice of a trained tyre
expert who will be able to determine the suitability of the tyre for
further use.
The penalties for having illegal tyres are currently up to a £2500 fine
and 3 penalty points PER TYRE!
The following gives an overview of the relevant points.
There are two important Legal Statutes that Relate to Tyres:
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
These regulations do not cover only tyre legal requirements but any area
related to road usage and traffic. They include areas related to
dimensions and manoeuvrability, brakes, wheels, springs, tracks,
steering, vision, instruments, fuel, minibuses, power to weight ratio,
protective systems, control of emissions, plates, markings, testing and
inspection and conditions related to use.
Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994
Which cover the requirements relating to the supply of tyres and areas
such as E markings, Part Worn tyres and Re-treads.
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986
Regulation Number Subject Area
Regulation 24 Indicates the types of vehicle covered and also temporary
use spares
Regulation 25 Details tyre loads and speed ratings
Regulation 26 Stipulates the requirements for tyre mixing
Regulation 27 Details condition and Maintenance of Tyres
Unsuitability
All tyres must have a service description (i.e. load and speed index)
If the vehicle was to operate outside the service description indicated
on the sidewall e.g. at a higher speed or overloaded then the tyres
would be deemed to be unsuitable for the use, and a prosecution would
follow.
Tyre Pressures
Regulation 27 section b states "the tyre is not so inflated as to make
it fit for the use to which the motor vehicle or trailer is put",
however this statement is fairly ambiguous. As there is no indication of
at what point an under or over inflated tyre becomes unfit for the use
it is being put to.
Tyre Cuts
A cut in excess of 25mm or 10% of the section width of the tyre ,
whichever is the greater, measured in any direction on the outside of
the tyre and deep enough to reach the ply or cord would deem the tyre
illegal.
Ply or Cord Exposure
If there is any cut in the tyre no matter how small which exposes cords,
then the tyre is illegal.
Lumps, Tears and Bulges
Regulation 27 section (d) states - " the tyre has any lump, bulge or
tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure ".It is
good practice wherever possible when assessing damage that the tyre is
removed from the rim and systematically inspected both internally and
externally.
Tread Depth
The legal minimum tread depth for cars and light trailers (including
caravans) up to 3500 kgs gross vehicle weight and/or 8 seated passenger
vehicles including driver is:
A minimum of 1.6mm in a continuous band throughout the central
three-quarters of the tread width, throughout the whole of the
circumference.
Other Points to Remember
Damage to road, person or vehicle
If the tyre causes either damage to the road, or to persons, or to any
vehicle using the road. This would cover such instances as if a vehicle
with damaged or very oversized tyres which either caught against a
person or other vehicle resulting in either damage or injury. Studded
tyres also are included in this clause and if used in inappropriate
conditions (i.e. where there is no ice or snow) and they damage the road
surface then they would be clearly illegal.
Temporary Use Tyres
All tyres marked "Temporary Use Only" are restricted to 50mph.
Safety First! Tyres are your only point of contact with the road surface. You
cannot neglect the condition of your Tyres. If you do you could endanger
not only yourself and your passengers, but also other road users.
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