Defective tyres top car offences list – could you be driving illegally?

In 2024, 8,945 drivers received penalty points for using vehicles with illegal or unsafe tyres, a 44% increase on the 6,196 caught in 2023, according to a new RAC analysis of DVLA data.

Each offence carries three penalty points that remain on your licence for four years, and fines of up to £2,500 per defective tyre. These penalties can push up insurance costs and, if points build up, may even lead to disqualification.

While the overall number of drivers penalised for vehicle defects jumped by 52% last year, tyres accounted for the lion’s share of offences, ahead of brakes, steering and other mechanical issues.

“Whether it’s brakes, tyres, steering or something else, every mechanical component plays a critical role in ensuring a vehicle is safe,” warned RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, Nick Mullender. “By driving on defective tyres, a minority of drivers are needlessly putting everyone at risk.”

Police and safety experts stress that an MOT pass is no guarantee your car will remain legal for the next 12 months as defects can occur at any time. In many cases, drivers are only caught after being stopped for something else, with unsafe tyres spotted during roadside checks.

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What else did the data show?

While defective tyres accounted for the most offences overall, the sharpest increase was in brake-related violations. In 2024, 1,190 drivers were penalised for faulty brakes – a dramatic jump from just 181 the year before, representing a more than six-fold rise.

Other mechanical issues also featured prominently. Defective steering and similar faults led to 2,974 endorsements last year, up 33% from 2,237 in 2023.

Geographically, almost every UK region saw an uptick in unroadworthy vehicle offences. The East Midlands recorded the steepest climb, with cases up 87% (374 to 700), followed by central Scotland with a 50% increase (46 to 69). Only mid Wales (42 to 38) and south west Wales (109 to 100) bucked the trend, recording slight declines.

Here are the number of drivers in the UK that received penalty points for driving unroadworthy vehicles in 2023 and 2024:

How to avoid fines and stay roadworthy

Checking your tyres takes minutes and can save you from costly penalties, or worse, a serious collision. Here’s what to do:

• Check tread depth: The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Use a tread depth gauge or the edge of a 20p coin (if the rim of the coin is visible, your tread may be too low).
• Routinely look for damage: Cuts, bulges or exposed cords can make tyres illegal and unsafe.
• Monitor pressure: Under- or over-inflated tyres affect handling and braking, as well as fuel economy. Check pressures at least monthly and before long journeys.
• Rotate tyres: Moving tyres between front and rear axles helps them wear evenly, prolonging life and grip.
• Don’t delay repairs or replacements: Worn tyres only get worse; prompt action is cheaper and safer.

Chief superintendent Marc Clothier of the National Roads Policing Operation summed it up: “If you are driving an unroadworthy vehicle with defects such as tyres or brakes, you are putting yourself and other road users at risk. Ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive is your responsibility.”

With police checks and tyre-related penalties rising, a simple monthly check could be the cheapest – and most important – motoring habit you adopt this year.

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