Experts say a simple 20p coin check could help drivers avoid points, hefty fines and dangerous journeys
Part-worn tyres are being sold with serious safety defects, unsafe repairs and incorrect labelling, the Local Government Association (LGA) said. (Image: PA)
More than 6,000 motorists were slapped with licence points over one easy-to-miss vehicle issue, shocking stats have revealed today. The RAC’s Freedom of Information request to the Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) shows there were 10,054 incidents last year where Brits were booked for driving with a ‘defective’ car.
They say tyres were the biggest reason motorists received points, with 6,670 being stopped for this, while defective steering or brakes accounted for 3,384 incidents. The RAC warn that a tyre can be deemed defective if it doesn’t meet the minimum required tread depth, which is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference.
The motoring brand claims this is the most common issue facing drivers and to test this you can use a tread depth gauge. They add that one quick measurement includes inserting a 20p coin into the tread grooves and if you can’t see its outer band then the tyre is legal.
Tyres must also be free from any forms of damage, such as cuts or bulges, that could ‘compromise their structural integrity’. A third factor is ensuring the tyres being used are suitable for the vehicle you’re driving so the type, size and speed and load rating, which is written on its side, should be checked.
Driving with an unroadworthy vehicle earns offenders three licence points and tyre issues can even carry a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.
The most recent stats show 3,055 fewer incidents of points being handed out for defective vehicles than in 2024 (13,109).
The RAC aren’t sure if that’s due to a reduction on traffic police officers or if people are better at maintaining their cars.
Their research states there were 1,088 more traffic officers on the roads in 2015 (5,237) compared to 2025 (4,149). They do believe there are ‘many more unroadworthy vehicles’ on UK roads as their report says 10 million MOTs are failed each year.
RAC’s servicing and repair mechanic of the year, Jack Halstead, said: “Far too many vehicles are unfit for the roads, posing a danger not only to the driver, but to other road users as well.
“Having bald tyres drastically reduces grip, greatly increases stopping distances, and raises the risk of blowouts. But whether it’s tyres, brakes, steering or something else, every mechanical component in a vehicle plays a critical role.
“And this is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg because, with fewer police traffic units, it’s likely more offenders are evading officers and putting themselves and others at risk.
“No doubt there will be some who have accidentally let their car maintenance slip, but this can be easily avoided by using free apps like myRAC.
“They will send you reminders to check key components like tyres as well as flagging important dates like your MOT, service, tax and insurance renewal.
“We know life gets busy so that’s why we’re helping drivers to keep on top of car admin with our team of nationwide mobile mechanics that come to you.
“They can carry out repairs and service your vehicle on your driveway or at work, saving you the slog of getting it to a garage.
“It’s the better way to look after your car.”
