Is Driving With A Flat Tyre Illegal?
It can be frightening to incur a sudden puncture when you’re driving, and it can be exceptionally frustrating to go out to your vehicle and find that a tyre has suddenly gone flat. As tyres are made of rubber, they are highly susceptible to damage caused by debris left in the road. Rubble and sharp objects such as screws, nails, and glass can pierce the threads of your tyres or become embedded in the body of the tyre itself.
Our tyre professionals have helped to create a guide to an important question when you find yourself with a flat - is driving with a flat tyre illegal? Here’s our advice as to what you should do when caught out with a flat.
Tyres are vital to the safety of your vehicle. Not only is driving on damaged tyres dangerous for you and for other road users, but it’s also an offence under section 41A of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The Highway Code states: ‘Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle’s handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects.’
Being caught driving on flat tyres can result in you getting a £100 fixed penalty notice and three points on your license. On top of that, unless your tyre can be repaired or replaced at the roadside, the police are unlikely to allow you to drive your vehicle any further.
What Should You Do If You Get a Flat When Driving?
It is vital that you stop in a safe location as soon as possible. The Highway Code says that ‘If a tyre bursts while you are driving, try to keep control of your vehicle. Grip the steering wheel firmly and allow the vehicle to roll to a stop at the side of the road’. You must stop as soon as it is safe to do so, and only change the tyre if you can do so without putting yourself or other passengers at risk. If you cannot, call a breakdown service as soon as possible.
It is legal to drive to a place of safety in order to view the damage to your car in a location where you will not be at risk, but it is dangerous to try and drive straight to the nearest garage. Driving on a flat tyre can cause serious internal structural damage to the tyre, as well as damage to the steering and the wheel wells, and permanently damage the handling and control of your vehicle. Not only are these costly repairs to your car, but they can lead to serious accidents.
If you have concerns about the health of your tyres or you have damage caused by a flat, our qualified fitters are here to help. Protyre staff are friendly and experienced in the diagnosis, maintenance, and tyre repair for any potential problems you may have. For any concerns why not book in for a free tyre check at any of our local garages today. We stock a wide range of tyres from leading manufacturers including Pirelli and Bridgestone, all at competitive prices.
Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy
When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.
If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.
We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.
But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.
So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!