Tyres - Minimum tread depth

It was pointed out to me that my trye looks a bit dodgy, at which point I said it needs to be below 1mm over 2/3rds of the tread. Am I correct? I know its a tad square, maybe to the point of not needing a side stand but I didn't think it was that bad.

The rear is just coming up to 9k I think and the front is about 11k, with a bit of blistering and cracking.

Nearly. The law requires that tyre tread depth should be a minimum of 1.0mm across 3/4 of the breadth of the tread and in a continuous band around the whole circumference.

But 3/4? 2/3? We're quibbling!

aren't these two opinions conflicting, one suggesting it needs to be worn over 2/3rds of the tyre and the other saying it needs to be 3/4 good?
sadly thats my only input, would be interested in the answer but have nothing useful to contribute I'm afraid.

[fizzwheel]

The grooves of the tread pattern must have a depth of a least 1 mm throughout a continuous band measuring at least three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre,

OR

if the grooves of the original tread pattern of the tyre do not extend beyond three-quarters of the breadth of the tread (i.e. common with motorcycle tyres) any groove of the original pattern must have a minimum depth of at least 1 mm.

Taken from here

http://www.etyres.co.uk/uk-tyre-law

I remember this from when I did my motorcycle theory and I always understood the 1mm minimum across 75% of the tyre as being the legal minimum limit.

Ok, I'm confused... I would say my tyre looks like this -

/+++++---+++++\

With + = more then 1mm and - = less then 1mm.

[Bluepete]

Get a bit of string, use it to measure the width of the tyre, then fold it into 4. If the section under 1mm is shorter than the string, all is well. Or, just use a tape measure!

But does it not state that "least 1 mm throughout a continuous band"... So mine would be dodgy?

[Bluepete]

The band refers to the circumference of the tyre.

[jambo]

If you've got less than 1mm of tread left down the centre it's not going to last much longer anyway. Try not to wheelie past any police vehicles.....

Originally Posted by Grinch

But does it not state that "least 1 mm throughout a continuous band"... So mine would be dodgy?

Correct. By your diagram you have two continuous bands of 1/3 each but even if you were allowed to add them up to make 2/3 total you'd still be short of the 3/4 minimum.

Look just change 'em mate else we'll fret about you.