Guidance
Tyre defects and damage: HGVs, buses and trailers
Examples of how tyre defects and damage on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses and trailers will be dealt with at roadside inspections and MOTs (annual tests).
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Documents
Details
You can use this guide if you’re a vehicle operator or maintenance inspector to help you make consistent decisions about tyre wear, defects and damage.
It includes information about:
- tyre inspection equipment
- irregular tread wear
- sidewall abrasion
- damage
Updates to this page
Published 9 December 2020
Last updated 28 April 2026
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Updated section 2.1 to clarify that the legal requirements for tread depth also apply to public service vehicles.
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First published.