Spain has introduced a 1 mm minimum tread depth for truck, bus, and heavy trailer tyres, ending years of legal uncertainty. The new rule, now in force, brings stricter penalties and aims to boost road safety for professional drivers.
Spain has officially set a minimum tread depth of 1 millimeter for tyres on trucks, buses, and heavy trailers, marking a significant change in the country’s vehicle regulations. The updated rule, now in effect, replaces years of vague requirements that left both drivers and inspectors uncertain about what was legally acceptable on Spanish roads.
Previously, the law only specified a 1.6 mm minimum for light vehicles up to 3.5 tons, while heavy vehicles were simply required to have “visible tread.” This lack of clarity often led to inconsistent enforcement and confusion during roadside checks. The new regulation, published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE), amends Annex VII of the Reglamento General de Vehículos to require at least 1 mm of tread depth in the main grooves of tyres for all trucks, buses, and heavy trailers.
The change has been welcomed by the transport sector and tyre manufacturers, including Continental, who have long called for a clear, enforceable standard. The Agrupación de Fabricantes de Neumáticos (Afane) described the update as a step forward for both legal certainty and road safety. “With a defined minimum, we expect greater responsibility behind the wheel, but regular inspections must remain a core part of preventive maintenance,” said Afane’s director general, José Luis Rodríguez.
Industry data supports the move: a recent study by Continental and Fenadismer found that 83% of Spanish transport operators consider tread depth the most important safety factor for tyres, and over half supported a mandatory minimum. The new rule is not optional—drivers found with tyres below the 1 mm threshold face fines of up to €200 per tyre.
In severe weather, the stakes are even higher. If a truck or bus over 7.5 tons is caught with three or more unsafe tyres during adverse conditions, authorities may issue a reckless driving charge, with penalties rising to €500 and a deduction of six points from the driver’s license.
The reform also introduces other updates for professional transport. Vehicles over 3,500 kg must now use winter-certified tyres (marked 3PMSF) on steering and drive axles, and the digitalization of the ITV inspection card is being rolled out for categories M, N, and O.
Spain’s move to clarify tyre standards follows a broader trend of tightening road safety rules, as seen in recent regulatory changes affecting e-scooters and cyclists. For more on how Spain’s traffic laws are evolving, see this overview of recent updates to vehicle regulations.
By setting a clear legal minimum, Spain aims to reduce accidents linked to tyre wear and ensure that heavy vehicles meet consistent safety standards nationwide. The new rules are already shaping maintenance routines and compliance checks across the country’s transport industry.
