UK Drivers Face £10k Fine and 12 Points for Missing Simple 20p Check

UK drivers are being urged to inspect their tyres as hot-weather journeys increase pressure on vehicles. One of the quickest checks requires nothing more than a 20p coin, yet overlooking it can leave a car unsafe and expose its driver to substantial penalties.

The headline figure applies when all four tyres are illegal: each defective tyre can attract a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points. The coin test is useful, but drivers need to understand exactly what it reveals—and what it cannot confirm.