UK drivers given points on licence for easy-to-miss issue

According to figures obtained by the RAC through a Freedom of Information request to the Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), 10,054 motorists across the UK were penalised last year for driving with defective vehicles.

Of these cases, 6,670 related to tyre issues.

Jack Halstead, RAC’s Servicing and Repair Mechanic of the Year, said: “Far too many vehicles are unfit for the roads, posing a danger not only to the driver, but to other road users as well.

“Having bald tyres drastically reduces grip, greatly increases stopping distances, and raises the risk of blowouts.”

Defective steering or brakes were behind 3,384 of the incidents, with each offence carrying a penalty of three points on the driver’s licence.

Tyre-related offences can also result in fines of up to £2,500 per tyre.

Mr Halstead said: “But whether it’s tyres, brakes, steering or something else, every mechanical component in a vehicle plays a critical role.

“And this is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg because, with fewer police traffic units, it’s likely more offenders are evading officers and putting themselves and others at risk.”

The report suggests there may be ‘many more unroadworthy vehicles’ on UK roads, noting that around 10 million vehicles fail their MOTs each year.

The RAC highlighted a decline in the number of traffic police, with 1,088 more officers patrolling the roads in 2015 (5,237) than in 2025 (4,149).

Mr Halstead said: “No doubt there will be some who have accidentally let their car maintenance slip, but this can be easily avoided by using free apps like myRAC.

“They will send you reminders to check key components like tyres as well as flagging important dates like your MOT, service, tax and insurance renewal.”

The RAC advises that tyres are considered defective if they fail to meet the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

Tyres must also be free from any forms of damage, such as cuts or bulges, that could ‘compromise their structural integrity’ and must be appropriate for the vehicle in terms of type, size, and speed and load rating.

Mr Halstead also encouraged drivers to take advantage of mobile services: “We know life gets busy so that’s why we’re helping drivers to keep on top of car admin with our team of nationwide mobile mechanics that come to you.

“They can carry out repairs and service your vehicle on your driveway or at work, saving you the slog of getting it to a garage.

“It’s the better way to look after your car.”