What is the legal minimum tyre tread depth for a car in Northern Ireland?

nidirect repeats the Northern Ireland legal minimum of 1.6 mm for cars, light vans and light trailers.

Measure across the main tread area rather than relying only on the outer shoulder. Check several points around the tyre because wear can be uneven.

Legal minimum does not mean ideal wet-weather performance. Replace tyres earlier if grip is poor, damage is present or wear is close to the limit.

For 'What is the legal minimum tyre tread depth for a car in Northern Ireland?', treat the issue as a current roadworthiness matter rather than something to leave until the next MOT. A valid MOT does not protect you if the vehicle develops a defect afterwards.

Check the current source for 'What is the legal minimum tyre tread depth for a car in Northern Ireland?' before acting if the relevant rule, policy, fee or eligibility has recently changed. Keep any official confirmation or reference number produced by the process because it can help resolve a later query. This note is specific to answer 461.