Tires
What the KTEO checks and what the legislation provides Guide for passenger vehicles with a simple explanation of the main inspection points, possible deficiencies and the relevant legislation.
What does the vehicle inspection check on the tires
Dimensions and characteristics: It is checked whether the dimensions, load capacity, approval mark and speed rating of the tire are suitable and do not affect road safety.
Tires on the same axle: There must not be different dimensions on the same axle or on twin wheels. It is also checked whether tires of different construction (e.g. radial/bias-ply) are used on the same axle.
Wear and cuts: Serious damage, deep cuts or visible/worn cords constitute a major deficiency and may affect the roadworthiness of the vehicle.
Tread depth: It is checked whether the wear indicator is visible and whether the depth of the main grooves meets the legal requirements.
Rubbing against other parts: It is checked whether any tire rubs against other structural parts of the vehicle and whether this affects safe driving.
Groove regrooving: It is checked whether there are regrooved grooves in cases where this is not permitted or the requirements are not met.
Minimum tread depth
For passenger cars, the basic minimum legal depth of the main tread grooves is 1,6 mm. If the tread has worn below the permitted limit or has reached the wear indicator, the tire does not meet the requirements.
Caution: The 1,6 mm limit does not mean that a tire is safe down to the last tenth of a millimeter. The actual condition of the tire is assessed as a whole, together with wear, cracks, deformations and other findings.
What happens if a problem is found during the vehicle inspection
Deficiencies identified during the technical inspection are classified, depending on their severity, as minor, major or dangerous. The final classification depends on the specific finding and the criteria of the applicable inspection table.
Category
Minor deficiency
It does not have a significant impact on safety or the environment. It is recorded in the Technical Inspection Report.
Major deficiency
It may affect safety or the environment and leads to a failed inspection / obligation to rectify and undergo reinspection, in accordance with the procedure.
Dangerous deficiency
It constitutes an immediate and serious risk to road safety or the environment and the prescribed procedures for restricting circulation are applied until rectification.
Legislation & Government Gazette
J.M.D. no. 49372/3352/2017 — Government Gazette 2726/B/04.08.2017
Establishes the minimum requirements for periodic roadworthiness testing of vehicles and transposes Directive 2014/45/EU.
M.D. no. 19111/192/2019 — Government Gazette 1003/B/26.03.2019
Defines the method, procedure and certification for carrying out roadworthiness testing at Public and Private Vehicle Technical Inspection Centers.
M.D. 340141/2022 — Government Gazette 5759/B/10.11.2022
Amends M.D. 19111/192/2019 and includes the detailed inspection table. For tires, the relevant item is 5.2.3 «Tires».
M.D. 21682/1991 — Government Gazette 955/B/20.11.1991
Relates to the requirements for tread groove depth. For passenger vehicles, a minimum depth of 1,6 mm is specified.
Main reference for the «Tires» page on eKTEO: Government Gazette 5759/B/10.11.2022 — Annex / item 5.2.3 «Tires».