Auto LAW / MOT (maybe)

Associate
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
756
Location
Middleton, Manchester
As some of you may know i've got some new alloys for my mini...

It has wider arches

the new wheels are 7 inches wide

the tyres ordered will stick out about 10mm either side of the wheel..

now i put one of the wheels on my mini today only to see JUST the wheel stick out just under 1/4 of an inch...

now i thought the law was no TREAD outside the arch area.. but my mums BF (used to work at ATS - doing MOT's) says you're allowed an inch of tyre sticking out before its a fail...

anyone got any information to hand on this.. dont want to have to extend my arches or whatever, that'd be a pain.

Thanks

RiPz
 
My understanding is that as long as the wheels don't actually foul the bodywork (including lock-to-lock turning of the fronts) then it won't fail the MOT.

Problem is it does contravene the Construction & User regs (part II) of the Road Traffic Act 1998, so if the police see them you can be pulled and receive a CU60 - Undefined failure to comply with Construction and Use Regulations. 3 Points per offence, and 4 wheels extending = 4 offences :eek: (you'd have to be really unlucky for this I think)
 
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1988/Ukpga_19880052_en_3.htm#mdiv41

^ ok i've been reading that, and it does say that using incorrect width tyres is an offence, but it doesnt actually say anything about what 'incorrect' means (as far as i can see)

(2) In particular, the regulations may make provision with respect to any of the following matters—

(a) the width, height and length of motor vehicles and trailers and the load carried by them, the diameter of wheels, and the width, nature and condition of tyres, of motor vehicles and trailers,

anyone else know any specifics on the matter - or know of whom i could contact to find out for sure ?
 
I know somebody who got 12 points & hence a ban for something similar, although I am sure that he had done something to attract their attention in the first place...

Jonathan
 
just spotted this...

67.—(1) An authorised examiner may test a motor vehicle on a road for the purpose of—

(a) ascertaining whether the requirements imposed by law as to—
(i) brakes, silencers, steering gear and tyres,
(ii) the prevention or reduction of noise, smoke, fumes or vapour, and
(iii) lighting equipment and reflectors,are complied with as respects the vehicle, and

(b) bringing to the notice of the driver any failure to comply with those requirements.

Would i be right assuming an 'authorised examiner' would be the MOT examiner... and that paragraph stating that it's the MOT testers job to test things such as incorrect wheels and tyres, so if its passed an MOT, it should pass the width requirement ?
 
But if tis as the second poster says, it might pass MOT but get me pulled over, and points.. which wouldnt be a good thing :P

Perhaps a good idea to ask the local police force ? maybe VIA email ?
 
Back
Top Bottom