Motorists in Tenerife are being warned to check the condition of their tyres this weekend, as the Guardia Civil steps up roadside inspections aimed at improving safety and ensuring vehicles comply with Spanish traffic regulations.

Traffic officers regularly carry out preventative campaigns across the Canary Islands, focusing on key parts of vehicles that can have a direct impact on road safety.

This weekend, particular attention is being paid to tyres, which are essential for maintaining grip, braking effectively and keeping a vehicle under control.

Drivers found with tyres that do not meet the required standards can face substantial fines, potentially reaching €800 if all four tyres are seriously worn or defective.

What can you be fined for?

Spanish regulations set several requirements regarding the type and condition of tyres fitted to a vehicle.

Non-approved tyres:
Using tyres that are not approved for normal road use, such as certain competition tyres, can result in fines of between €90 and €120 per tyre.

Different tyres on the same axle:
Vehicles with incompatible or different types of tyres fitted on the same axle can face a fine of €150 per tyre.

Excessively worn tyres:
Tyre tread must have a minimum legal depth of 1.6mm. A tyre below this limit is considered a serious road safety infringement and can result in a fine of up to €200 per tyre. This means a vehicle with four illegal tyres could potentially generate fines totalling €800.

Damaged tyres:
Drivers should also check their tyres for cracks, bulges and other visible damage. Driving with tyres in poor condition is considered a serious offence and can lead to fines of €200.

The Guardia Civil stresses that tyre condition is not simply about avoiding a fine. Worn or damaged tyres can significantly reduce grip and braking performance, particularly on wet roads, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

What about tyre pressure?

Interestingly, neither Spain's traffic regulations nor the DGT currently impose a specific fine simply for having incorrect tyre pressure.

However, drivers are strongly advised to check pressures regularly, particularly before longer journeys.

Under-inflated tyres can cause increased and uneven wear, higher fuel consumption and a greater risk of punctures or tyre failure. They can also reduce braking efficiency and affect the handling of the vehicle.

With increased Guardia Civil checks taking place, motorists in Tenerife are advised to take a few minutes to inspect their tyres before setting off, checking the tread depth and looking for cracks, bulges or other obvious signs of damage.