Proper tyre maintenance is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). By adhering to VOSA HGV tyre regulations, you not only ensure legal compliance but also reduce the risk of accidents and costly penalties. In this blog, we’ll explore key aspects of VOSA HGV tyre regulations, such as tread depth, tyre age limits, and how to maintain tyres to keep your vehicle roadworthy and safe.
VOSA Tyre Regulations: Overview and Key Updates
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) enforces tyre regulations for HGVs, helping maintain safety on UK roads. The latest updates to the regulations focus on two key areas: tyre tread depth and tyre age. These regulations aim to prevent accidents caused by worn or damaged tyres and ensure that all HGV tyres meet legal requirements.
Tyre Age Regulations:
VOSA prohibits tyres older than 10 years on the front axles or axles with single wheels, unless specific exemptions apply. Retreaded tyres must also meet the same age limit as new tyres.
HGV tyre tread depth
Maintaining the correct tyre tread depth is crucial for HGVs. The legal minimum tread depth for HGV tyres is 1mm across ¾ of the tread width and around the entire circumference. This ensures that the tyres can handle the vehicle’s weight and provide adequate control on wet surfaces.
New Tyres
New HGV tyres typically have a tread depth of around 8-10mm. As the tyres wear down, you must regularly check them to ensure they meet the legal minimum of 1mm.
Why Tread Depth Matters
Adequate tread depth helps to expel water from the road surface in wet conditions, reducing the risk of aquaplaning and improving stopping distances. Lower tread depth increases the risk of tyre failure and compromises road safety.
Tyre age legislation UK
VOSA enforces strict rules regarding the age of tyres. The regulations state that tyres on the front axles of HGVs (and any axle with single wheels) must not exceed 10 years in age. This limit applies to both new and retreaded tyres. If the tyre exceeds 10 years, the law considers it illegal for use on specific axles.
HGV tyre date markings
Every tyre sold in the UK has the date of manufacture printed on the sidewall. The date is marked with a four-digit number: the first two digits represent the week of manufacture, and the last two digits indicate the year. For example, “222” means the tyre was made in the 22nd week of 2022.
VOSA tyre regulations: Maintenance
To comply with VOSA tyre regulations, you must regularly check and maintain your HGV’s tyres. A thorough tyre inspection includes the following steps:
Visual Inspection:
Check for visible damage, such as cuts, bulges, or foreign objects lodged in the tyre.
LGV tyre tread depth:
Use a tread depth gauge or a 20p coin to check the tyre’s tread. Insert the coin into the grooves; if the outer band is visible, the tread is below the legal limit.
Tyre Pressure Check:
Ensure that the tyres are inflated to the correct PSI, typically between 8 and 9 bars (116-130 PSI). Incorrect tyre pressure can cause uneven wear and increase the risk of tyre failure.
Tyres Age Limit:
Keep a record of the age of each tyre and monitor when it needs replacement. This is especially important for tyres on front axles and single-wheel configurations, which must be under 10 years old.
HGV tyres legal limit
A tyre may be deemed illegal if:
- The tread depth falls below the minimum of 1mm across ¾ of the tread width and around the entire circumference.
- The tyre is more than 10 years old, particularly on front axles or axles with single wheels.
- The tyre shows visible damage, such as exposed cords, significant cuts, or bulges.
Using tyres in this condition can result in severe penalties, including fines and points on your driving licence. If an illegal tyre is found during an annual roadworthiness inspection, the vehicle will fail the inspection.
FAQs
HGV tyres must meet specific regulations regarding tread depth, age, and overall condition. Tyres on the front axle must not exceed 10 years in age, and the tread must have a minimum depth of 1mm. You can read these regulations here which are listed by UK government.
You can check the tread depth using a tread depth gauge or a 20p coin. Insert the coin into the tread grooves; if the outer band of the coin is visible, your tyres are below the legal limit.
Penalties include fixed fines, points on your driving licence, or even disqualification from driving. The maximum fine can reach up to £5,000 in Scotland and potentially unlimited fines in England and Wales.
Tyres on the front axles or single-wheel configurations of HGVs must be no older than 10 years. Retreaded tyres must also comply with the same age limit.
The 20p test is a simple method to check tread depth. Insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves; if the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread is below the legal minimum.
Conclusion
Adhering to VOSA HGV tyre regulations is essential for maintaining the safety and roadworthiness of your vehicle. Regular tyre inspections, monitoring tyre age, and ensuring proper tread depth can help you avoid penalties, accidents, and costly repairs. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure your HGV remains compliant with the latest regulations and operates safely on the road.