A major survey by The AA and TyreSafe has revealed that many UK drivers don’t fully understand tyre safety laws — or check their tyres as often as they should.
The AA and TyreSafe tyre safety research, which surveyed over 22,000 motorists earlier this year, found that 61% of drivers didn’t know the maximum fine for driving on an illegal tyre is £2,500 per tyre. Nearly half (45%) were unaware that each illegal tyre carries three penalty points, meaning four illegal tyres could lead to a driving ban.
Only 65% correctly said the driver is legally responsible for tyre safety, while over a third wrongly thought it was the car owner’s duty. Just 57% knew the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm.
Most drivers say they know how to check tyre pressure (96%), but far fewer actually do it — only 30% had checked in the past week. Tyre tread checks were even rarer, with only 19% checking weekly.
Knowledge and habits were generally better among older drivers, with those aged 55+ showing greater understanding and consistency than younger motorists aged 18–24.
Greg Carter, AA Technical Specialist, said that too many drivers “risk safety, fines and even bans through a simple lack of awareness”. TyreSafe Chair Stuart Lovatt added that the results “highlight the urgent need for better public education on tyre maintenance”.
Both organisations urge drivers to check tyre pressure and tread depth at least monthly — and always before long journeys. Keeping tyres safe is one of the easiest ways to prevent accidents and avoid costly penalties.
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.”
1 thought on “AA and TyreSafe Tyre Safety Research Highlights Major Gaps in UK Drivers’ Awareness”
Why are tyres not properly covered in the theory test? What about telling people that 94% if used tyres are illegal? What about telling them how to check the age of a tyre and at what age they should be scrapped? What about winter, summer and all season tyres? Chains anybody? You might never need them, but like seat belts and air bags, if you do, you will be jolly grateful.
How about explaining what tread actually does and showing the importance of correct inflation?
Government does not care. The UK has one if the lowest road fatalities in the world so everything is just fine and dandy.