Tread depth plays a major role in keeping heavy goods vehicles safe and stable on the road. In this guide, we explain the minimum legal tread depth for lorry tyres, how to measure it correctly, and why staying compliant isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s essential for safe, efficient driving.
If there’s one thing that all drivers want, it’s full control over their vehicle. A great deal of this control comes from the vehicle tyres, whether it’s a small runaround car or a large commercial lorry.
This is because the tyres represent the main point of contact between the vehicle and the road, with the tread depth and pattern impacting how much friction exists between the two surfaces.
Without sufficient tread depth, the tyres are deemed bald and do not create enough friction to optimise control when steering or braking. That’s why a legal standard exists all over the world, recognising the need for at least 1.6mm of tyre tread on car tyres.
But is the legal standard the same for lorry tyres?
HGV Regulations for Tyre Tread
Regulations for HGV (heavy goods vehicles) dictate that the legal minimum tyre tread depth is a littler lower than everyday vehicles and cars, sitting at 1mm.
Crucially, this 1mm tread must cover at least three quarters of the tyre’s complete surface to be deemed suitable for driving.
This ensures that the tyres maintain sufficient traction on the road in both dry and adverse weather conditions, to maximise safety.
How to Check Tyre Tread on Lorry Tyres
The tread on lorry tyres can be checked using some of the same processes as you would use on a standard car tyre.
Most lorry and HGV drivers will use a tread gauge to check the level and ensure that it meets the legal minimum of 1mm. It is worth mentioning here that most lorry tyres come with a brand new tread depth of between 8mm and 10mm.
As part of your regular tyre tread check, it’s also important to check the structure of the tyre and its outer edge for signs of damage or wear and tear. Cracks, bulges, or even simple uneven wear and tear can all hint at underlying issues regarding alignment of the wheels or the integrity of the tyres.
