TyreSafe has launched a new campaign warning that just two illegal tyres could cost new drivers their licence.
The campaign coincides with the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) Operation Spotlight – a nationwide road safety operation targeting young drivers – running from 22 September to 5 October.
The core message is simple but serious: driving with unsafe or illegal tyres carries fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.
For new drivers in their first two years on the road, just two illegal tyres – six penalty points – is enough for an automatic licence revocation.
The campaign also addresses a worrying knowledge gap revealed in new TyreSafe research, which found that over half of UK drivers aged 17-24 years (52%) don’t realise they can be held legally responsible for the condition of the tyres on any vehicle they drive – even if they don’t own it.
By focusing on TyreSafe’s simple, but effective, ACT message – Air pressure, Condition, Tread – the campaign equips young drivers with practical knowledge to stay safe and legal, helping them avoid breakdowns, collisions, fines, and penalty points.
Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe chair, said: “Young and new drivers are a vulnerable road user group, not only due to inexperience, but also because of the tighter restrictions on their licence.
“By empowering young drivers with the correct knowledge, and encouraging them to undertake regular tyre inspections and maintenance, we can help to mitigate the risk of a tyre related incident or conviction.
“By launching this campaign alongside the NPCC’s Operation Spotlight, and in support of THINK!, the government’s road safety campaign, we can reach more young people than ever with practical advice.
“If that advice is implemented, it could ensure that not only they are safer on the roads, but they reduce their risk of receiving penalty points and fines that could cost them their licence.”
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