HGV Tyre law

DVSA Tyre Regulations for HGVs: Tread Depth, Tyre Age & Legal Requirements

The DVSA enforces strict HGV tyre regulations to improve road safety and reduce the risk of serious accidents caused by tyre failure. These regulations focus on two critical areas: tyre tread depth and tyre age, both of which are regularly checked during roadside inspections and DVSA enforcement stops.

Understanding and complying with DVSA tyre rules is essential for avoiding fines, prohibitions, and OCRS score penalties.

HGV Tyre Age Regulations (10-Year Rule)

DVSA regulations prohibit the use of HGV tyres older than 10 years on:

Front steering axles

Axles fitted with single wheels

This rule applies to both new and retreaded tyres, meaning retreads must also fall within the same 10-year age limit. The tyre’s age is determined by the DOT code on the sidewall.

Failure to comply can result in:

Immediate vehicle prohibition

Fixed penalties

Serious impact on operator compliance records

HGV Tyre Tread Depth Requirements

Maintaining legal HGV tyre tread depth is a fundamental safety requirement.

The legal minimum tread depth for HGV tyres is:

1mm

Across ¾ of the tread width

Around the entire circumference of the tyre

This ensures the tyre can safely support heavy loads, maintain traction, and perform effectively in wet conditions.

New HGV Tyres: What to Expect

New HGV tyres typically have a tread depth of 8–10mm, depending on the manufacturer and tyre type. As tyres wear, regular inspections are essential to ensure they remain above the legal minimum and free from damage.

Routine tyre checks should form part of:

Daily walkaround checks

Scheduled maintenance inspections

Fleet compliance procedures

Why HGV Tyre Tread Depth Is So Important

Adequate tread depth is critical for:

Dispersing water in wet conditions

Reducing aquaplaning risk

Improving braking performance and stopping distances

Tyres worn close to or below the legal limit significantly increase the risk of blowouts, loss of control, and enforcement action.

Staying Compliant with DVSA Tyre Regulations

To stay compliant with DVSA tyre regulations, operators should:

Monitor tyre age using DOT codes

Measure tread depth regularly

Replace tyres before they reach legal limits

Keep clear inspection and maintenance records

Proactive tyre management not only improves road safety but also protects your operator licence, OCRS score, and overall fleet reliability.