Is it legal to drive in the UK without a spare wheel?

Question

Ok people please bear with me here.... I know some of you will be thinking it's an awful idea and that I'm stupid for even considering it, but here goes.

With the ever increasing petrol costs these days, there are a few tips and tricks to help you. Things like not using air con, driving in the correct gears, removing roof racks when not in use (wind resistance), emptying the boot to lighten the load... the list goes on. Now, in my boot is the spare wheel, it is very heavy. I would like to take it out of my car and store in the garage or something. This would remove a lot of weight from my car.

Now yea people will say it's there for a reason, what if I get a flat. I have already considered all this. It's one of those things that if you have it, you won't need it, if you don't have it then you will need it. I have free road side assistance and breakdown cover so in the unlikely event that I get a flat, they can just tow me home and my spare is there.

So is it legal?

Answer 1

Legal, yes.

Good idea, no.

Answer 2

Yes, it's quite legal.   I've heard that there are actually a couple of new models now being fitted with those "run flat" tires and which don't come from the factory with a spare as standard.

Answer 3

It's legal.  Unwise, but legal.  If you carry the spare you'll be able to change it and be on your way rather than spend an hour or two at the side of the road, maybe in a dodgy place.