Are Part-Worn Tyres Legal in the UK?
Updated 14 October 2026 · Hyde Road Wheels & Tyres team
Key facts
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Governing law: the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/3117). It is not the Construction and Use Regulations. Source: www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/3117/contents
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Tread: original grooves at least 2mm deep across the full breadth of the tread and round the entire circumference. Source: regulation 7, www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/3117/regulation/7/made
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Marking: “PART-WORN” in capitals at least 4mm high, permanently applied next to the approval mark. Source: regulation 7(12).
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Damage: no cut over 25mm or 10% of section width (whichever is greater) reaching the ply or cord, no lumps, bulges or tears, no exposed ply or cord. Source: regulation 7(2).
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Inflation test: the tyre must not show these defects when inflated to its highest operating pressure. Source: regulation 7(3).
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Repairs: a repaired tyre must have been properly repaired and meet the British Standard AU 159 requirements named in the regulation. Source: regulation 7(10) and (11).
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Enforcement: DVSA’s Market Surveillance Unit checks part-worn tyres on sale. Source: movingon.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/07/buying-part-worn-tyres-what-
Are part-worn tyres legal to buy and fit?
They are legal, with conditions. The law does not ban used tyres. It bans supplying used tyres that fail a safety test.
Regulation 7 of the 1994 Regulations says nobody may supply a part-worn tyre unless the listed requirements are met. The duty falls on the seller, but you carry the risk if you fit a tyre that is not safe.
Which law covers part-worn tyres in the UK?
The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 cover part-worn tyres. Regulation 7 holds the conditions for supply. Trading Standards enforce the rules, and Business Companion’s guide explains the seller’s duties. Source: www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/product-safety/pa
Some AI answers and web pages cite a different regulation. Check the legislation.gov.uk text above if a seller quotes one.
What must the sidewall say on a part-worn tyre?
Look for two things next to each other: the ECE approval mark that was moulded in at manufacture, and the word “PART-WORN”.
The word must be in capital letters, at least 4mm high, and permanently applied. It must not be hot-branded or cut into the tyre. Regulation 7(12) says so in terms.
The tyre must also carry a speed category symbol and load-capacity index, moulded at manufacture. If a used tyre has no readable markings, walk away.
How much tread must a part-worn tyre have?
At least 2mm across the full breadth and round the whole circumference. Compare that with the 1.6mm road minimum, which applies to the central three-quarters of the tread.
The two rules apply at different moments: one governs the sale of a used tyre, the other governs driving on it. The base of the original groove must also be clearly visible.
What damage makes a part-worn tyre illegal to sell?
The regulation lists it plainly:
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a cut longer than 25mm or 10% of the section width, whichever is greater, deep enough to reach the ply or cord
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any lump, bulge or tear from separation or partial failure of the structure
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any ply or cord exposed inside or out
The Moving On blog from DVSA adds that tyres must pass an inflation test and that any penetration repair must follow BS AU 159.
Can part-worn tyres be fitted on the front axle or an electric car?
The regulation text we read sets no rule about which axle a part-worn tyre may go on. Ask the fitter which position suits your car, and check the load index and speed symbol match the vehicle.
Electric cars are heavy and need the right load rating. Check the load index and any EV marking before considering used tyres. See TyreSafe’s EV tyre guidance, www.tyresafe.org/tyre-advice/tyre-types/tyres-for-electric-v
Part-worn versus new: the contrast
| Part-worn | New | |
|---|---|---|
| Tread at sale | At least 2mm | Full depth |
| Mark | PART-WORN | Standard markings |
| History | Unknown unless the seller can show it | None |
| Repairs | Allowed if to BS AU 159 | Not applicable |
| Legal to sell at 2mm | Yes | Not applicable |
| Legal to drive on at 2mm | Yes, above the 1.6mm road minimum | Yes |
The honest trade-off: part-worn can suit a short-term need, but you are buying less tread and an unknown history. That is why inspection before you buy matters.
How do part-worn tyres get checked in Manchester?
Trading standards checks show why inspection matters. An investigation by Lancashire County Council found none of the part-worn tyres it checked met the legal requirements. Wherever you buy, inspect the tyre yourself first. Source: news.lancashire.gov.uk/news/part-worn-tyres-investigation-fo
Hyde Road Wheels & Tyres in Gorton does not claim part-worn stock on this page. If you would rather compare with new rubber, see our tyre fitting service in Manchester.
Legal is only the floor: what to read next
Legal is only the floor: see part-worn or new budget tyres for cost and risk. To check how old a tyre is before you accept it, read how old is too old for a car tyre.
Frequently asked questions
Can a part-worn tyre be sold without the PART-WORN mark?
No. Regulation 7 requires the mark next to the approval mark, in capitals at least 4mm high. A tyre without it does not meet the supply rules. Treat the missing mark as a reason to refuse the tyre.
What is the 3% rule for tyres?
We found no 3% rule for part-worn tyres in the 1994 Regulations or in the DVSA and GOV.UK guidance we checked. The figures that do appear in those sources are 2mm for supply and 1.6mm for the road. Do not rely on a seller who quotes a 3% rule without a legal source.
Will part-worn tyres pass an MOT?
They can. The MOT tests the tyre on the car against the road rules, which include a 1.6mm minimum, no exposed cord and no bulges. A legal part-worn tyre in good condition meets those tests. A tyre at 2mm leaves little margin before it fails. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-parts-checked-at-an-mot/car-parts-checked-at-an-mot
Are part-worn tyres dangerous?
They can be, if they are damaged, over-repaired or badly stored. The law targets exactly those defects. A tyre that meets regulation 7 and is fitted correctly is not unsafe because it is used, but you cannot see its internal condition without an inspection.
How long do part-worn tyres last?
Less time than new tyres, because they start with less tread. A tyre sold at the 2mm minimum is already close to TyreSafe's advice to consider replacement below 3mm. Remaining life depends on tread left, your driving and the tyre's condition.
Is there a maximum age for part-worn tyres?
The regulation text we read sets no maximum age (source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/3117/regulation/7/made). That is why the date code matters. The last four digits of the DOT code give the week and year of manufacture, so 1319 means the 13th week of 2019. Source: Goodyear, https://www.goodyear.com/en-us/learn/tire-date-code
Can part-worn tyres be repaired?
Yes, but regulation 7 says the repair must be proper and meet BS AU 159. TyreSafe says repairs to car tyres must be carried out by a tyre specialist to BS AU 159.
Need tyres, an MOT or a repair in Gorton?
Ring the garage on 0161 274 3125 or come to 270 Hyde Road. We will tell you what the car needs before any work starts.
Hyde Road Wheels & Tyres, 270 Hyde Road, Gorton, Manchester M12 5FH. Open Mon to Fri 9:00 to 17:30, Sat 9:00 to 16:30.