Legal requirement to have a spare tyre?

nottsphil

marlot said:

williamgriffin said:

You can have a fully legal space saver but if fitted during the test your vehicle will fail. 

That used to be the case, but changed in 2018.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-changes-from-may-2018-guidance-for-mot-testers/mot-inspection-manual-changes

Some defects that are classed as ‘minor’ since 20 May 2018 previously resulted in a test fail.

They include:

• brake fluid level below the minimum mark
• brake fluid warning lamp illuminated or inoperative
• power steering fluid below the minimum mark
• trailer electrical socket insecure
• direction indicator flashing rate
• one of two registration plate lamps missing or inoperative
• several audible warning defects
• many items ‘insecure’ but not likely to become detached

If the vehicle only has minor defects, it will pass its MOT and you’ll need to issue an MOT certificate.

There are some surprising items in there to us non-mechanics, in particular the first two. Also, in these days of number plate recognition technology, enforcement of the illumination regulations have actually been relaxed!

headpin

AdrianC said:

MCNAV said:

Does a vehicle require by road safety laws to have a spare tyre or a tyre sealant with a compressor? What happens if you are sold a vehicle with neither?
Unsure if it's required to have one by law when sold a new vehicle. 

It's not a legal requirement.

If you choose to buy a car without, then it would probably be a wise addition.

Most recovery services will charge if you require assistance after a puncture if you do not have the manufacturer-provided equipment in serviceable condition - but, of course, the manufacturer may not have provided anything.

That’s correct about the manufacturer not providing one. Many cars now come with a can of gunk to use in event of a puncture. However, a spare is often an option. On my Range Rover it was an option that I took. But, my wife has a BMW MSport and although on the other models in that Series (model range) a spare is an option it is not on the MSport, the only option is the can of gunk. We even contacted BMW to confirm the dealers advice. 

The only issue with the gunk is that it can ruin an otherwise perfectly good tyre that could be legally repaired and of course it is no good if the tyre splits.