Can I drive on worn tyres?
No, below 1.6 mm. The depth of a tyre's main grooves must be at least 1.6 mm across the tread. Wear indicators (small bumps in the grooves) mark this limit: if the tread reaches them, the tyre is worn and must be replaced. Driving on a bald, torn, deformed or under-limit tyre is banned. It's a 4th-class offence: €135 per non-compliant tyre, with possible immobilisation. Beyond the fine, worn tyres lengthen braking distances and sharply raise the risk of aquaplaning and blowout.
📋 The rules
- Minimum groove depth: 1.6 mm
- Wear indicators reached = tyre to replace
- Bald, torn or deformed tyre: banned
- €135 per non-compliant tyre (4th class)
- Vehicle immobilisation possible
🔓 Exceptions
- Winter/all-season tyres: specific indicators, faster wear to watch
- Fit identical tyres (size, type) on the same axle
- 'Space-saver' spare wheel: temporary use and reduced speed
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving on a non-compliant tyre (under 1.6 mm, bald, damaged) is a 4th-class offence: €135 per tyre (reduced to €90, raised to €375), with possible immobilisation until replacement. In a crash linked to faulty tyres, your liability can be engaged and the insurer can reduce its cover. The roadworthiness test also checks tyre condition.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Tyre condition →
- Road safety · Vehicle maintenance →
- Légifrance · Highway Code (tyres, art. R314-1) →
❓ Frequently asked
What's the minimum tyre depth?
1.6 mm on the main grooves, across the tread. Wear indicators in the grooves mark this limit: when the rubber reaches them, the tyre must be replaced.
What's the fine for worn tyres?
€135 per non-compliant tyre (4th-class offence), reduced to €90 and raised to €375. The vehicle can also be immobilised until the faulty tyres are replaced.
How do I know my tyres are worn?
Look for the wear indicators (small bumps at the bottom of the grooves): if the tread reaches their level, the tyre is at 1.6 mm and must be changed. Also check for cuts, bulges or deformations.
Must all 4 tyres be changed together?
Not necessarily, but identical tyres (size, structure, type) must be fitted on the same axle. For safety, it's advised to replace tyres in pairs and put the newest at the back.
Are tyres checked at the roadworthiness test?
Yes. Tyre condition and wear are among the checked points. A too-worn or damaged tyre can cause a major failure requiring repair and a re-test.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “minimum tyre depth 1.6 mm”
- “driving worn tyres fine”
- “tyre wear indicator”
- “bald tyre fine 135”
- “change tyres in pairs”
- “tyres roadworthiness test”