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Stay on the right side of UK tyre law
To protect driver safety, the government has introduced several laws relating to tyre choice and wear.
 
This guide could help you stay on the right side of those laws - and avoid a substantial fine or worse.
It is illegal to use unsuitable tyres.
The law requires that you fit your vehicle with the correct type and size of tyre for the kind of vehicle you’re driving - and the purpose for which you’re using it.
 
This also means ensuring that they’re inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
 
It is illegal to use over-worn tyres.
The legal limit for minimum depth of the tread on your tyres is 1.6mm, across the central ¾ of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre.
 
For safety reasons, we at Ford recommend you replace your tyres before the legal limit is reached, and preferably at 3mm as tyre tread depth has a huge impact on braking distance.
 
If you’re found to have tyres fitted that are worn beyond the legal minimum limit, you’ll be penalised with three penalty points and £2,500 in fines - per tyre. Another good reason why we recommend regular tyre checks.
  
It is illegal to mix tyres of different types.
The law states that tyres that are constructed differently must not be fitted to opposite sides of the same axle. The two main tyre types are radial and cross-ply.
 
You’re allowed to mix brands and patterns of the same tyre type, so long as it’s appropriate for your vehicle and meets with the manufacturer’s recommendation. Check your owner’s manual for details
 
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