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Published: 19 Mar 2026 | Last reviewed: 19 Mar 2026 | Reviewed by: VanCompare Editorial Team
Tyres are one of the simplest safety items to control — and one of the easiest to neglect on busy vans. DVSA roadside enforcement data shows that “condition of tyres” is consistently the most common prohibition defect found on LGVs inspected at the roadside, accounting for around 18–22% of recorded “top 10” prohibition defects in recent quarters (for example, 21.47% in Apr–Jun 2025).
The legal risk: fines and points can be per tyre
Driving with illegal tyres can carry up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per illegal tyre.
That’s before you factor in downtime, missed jobs, and the safety risk to your driver and other road users.
A compliance-first van tyre checklist (TyreSafe’s A.C.T. method)
TyreSafe’s advice for van drivers and fleet managers is built around a simple monthly routine: A.C.T. — Air pressure, Condition, Tread depth.
A — Air pressure (and load matters)
- Check pressures at least monthly and before long trips.
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended pressures for the load you’re carrying (front and rear may differ).
- Check when tyres are cold (or after very short driving).
Why it matters: under-inflation increases wear and can hurt fuel economy and handling.
C — Condition (damage you can’t ignore)
Walk around the van and look for:
- Cuts, bulges, cracking, exposed cords, or embedded debris
- Uneven wear (often a sign of alignment, suspension, or pressure issues)
TyreSafe’s van tyre maintenance guidance highlights checking for damage and uneven wear as a core safety step.
T — Tread depth (stay legal, stay safe)
For cars and light vans, the UK legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the full circumference. TyreSafe recommends regular tread checks and explains the enforcement and penalties for illegal tread.
Employer and fleet responsibility (not just the driver)
If the van is used for work, employers have duties around safe work equipment and vehicle maintenance. HSE guidance on vehicle maintenance explicitly includes tyres, and notes that preventive maintenance should be regular and thorough.
For fleets, that usually means:
- A documented walkaround check process
- Clear defect reporting
- Planned inspections/servicing and tyre replacement rules
Costs: where tyres can hit your bottom line
Good tyre routines can reduce:
- Blowouts and roadside callouts
- Premature replacement from under/over-inflation
- Downtime (lost earning time)
And while tyre care doesn’t guarantee cheaper insurance, safer maintenance and fewer incidents may help reduce claims frequency over time — which can support a healthier risk profile when insurers price cover.
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Sources
- DVSA (GOV.UK), Top 10 prohibition defects as a percentage of all LGVs inspected at roadside (updated 18 Nov 2025): View source
- TyreSafe, Tyre Safety and The Law (fine/points guidance): View source
- GOV.UK (National Highways news), Motorists urged to check tyres… (penalty reminder): View source
- TyreSafe, How to Check Your Van Tyres: Pressure, Tread & Wear (maintenance checklist): View source
- TyreSafe, Tyre Checks Guide (A.C.T.) (Air, Condition, Tread depth): View source
- HSE, Vehicle maintenance (tyres highlighted in maintenance needs): View source
- HSE, Inspection, maintenance and repair – Vehicle safety (drivers’ daily checks incl. tyres): View source
- TyreSafe, Record MOT tyre failures… (DVSA-referenced MOT tyre defect failure volume 2023–24): View source
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
- Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
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