Have you ever wondered if you could spot an illegal number plate? Whether you're considering buying a private registration or buying a new vehicle, understanding the legality of number plates is crucial to ensure compliance with DVLA rules.
Here, we can help guide you on what to look out for and what you should avoid, as certain modifications are illegal and can in turn land you a very hefty fine.
Several different factors can make a number plate illegal here in the UK and it is essential you adhere to the DVLA standards to avoid potential fines or even a plate withdrawal.
• Font, spacing, size, colours & materials must meet DVLA standard
• No Plates to be obscured or covered
• No Plates illuminated
• Never tamper with plates
• Format must comply with the rules
• Offensive language or spelling errors are illegal
• Non-standard symbols or designs must not be added
How can you be sure it's road legal?
When buying a car, we often focus on its mechanical condition and the validity of its MOT. However, it's equally important to ensure that the registration plate meets DVLA’s legal requirements. If you're considering new plates, make sure to use a DVLA recommended supplier like us here at Moonstone Plates.
Failure to comply with these rules could result in your number plate being confiscated without a refund. Additionally, if your plate is unreadable, you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
But what are those rules and what should you look out for?
Here are 5 Guidelines to bear in mind when buying a car or checking your number plate.
Examples of illegal number plates UK
1. Missing Components:
For your number plate to be road legal, it must contain very specific elements. Firstly, it should of course display the actual registration number, the supplier's name and postcode, and a BS number. Depending on the vehicle's age, the British Standard should be either BSAU145d or BSAU145e.
2. Incorrect Colours:
All UK number plates must be made on a reflective white (front) or yellow (rear) background for safety reasons. NO alterations can be made to either the materials used, the original colour and its finish. Any number plate that has a patterned background or is tinted are considered illegal. All registration plates both front and rear should be in black without any patterns, have no coloured layers and no LED lights. 3D digits are acceptable as long as they are in a single shade of black and all plates must be clean, legible and in good condition always.
3. Readability of a Registration:
Your registration must always be readable, any changes in its appearance could lead to you receiving a fine of up to £1000. Always make sure the screws are in the correct place and not amongst the digits that will change the display of a character, adding tape to alter letters is forbidden, and make sure you pay attention to the format as adding or removing gaps between digits is illegal. The font that must be used is Charles Wright as it is distinctive and easily identifiable. If you are unsure and want to make sure that your plates are legal go to British Number Plate Manufacturers Association website which provides an article that covers this.
4. Flags & side Badges:
There are only a certain number of badges that can be legally displayed on your number plate, namely national flags such as the Union Flag or the Welsh flag. However, there are still used cars that display the outdated GB Euro, there's nothing wrong with these badges, and there's no obligation to replace them. Watch out for any plates that display football crests, emoticons and any other logos as these are illegal.
5. Obtaining Replacement Plates:
When you buy any sort of number plate, be it a replacement for your current registration or you have purchased a private registration, you MUST present a valid ID (driving licence or passport) and the Vehicles Registration Certificate (V5C). Reputable suppliers are listed on the DVLA website like us here at Moonstone Plates and we can provide number plates that adhere to all DVLA's strict rules. Initially you will need to present the supplier your ID and the V5C as this demonstrates your right to use the registration number and is a legal requirement. Beware of any supplier who doesn't request these documents, especially online as they are most likely to be untrustworthy. Next, consider the elements and style of your number plate (see above).
What is the fine for an illegal number plate?
Driving a vehicle with illegally displayed number plates may result in a fine of up to £1,000. This violation could impact your car insurance, potentially leading to an increase of up to 86% in your premium, which means you could be paying nearly twice the price. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras play a role in identifying non-compliant plates.
If the police pull you over, you could receive an on the spot fine of up to £1,000, as the number plate is not identifiable on ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras, which read the registration plates of cars and check them against their database of registered vehicles. Your MOT will fail if the incorrect number plates are on your vehicle.
Understanding the rules that surround a legal number plate is vital to avoid fines and ensure road safety. Whether you're buying a car or replacing plates, adherence to DVLA regulations is essential. Stay informed, stay legal.
Connect with us
If you need any further assistance on this process, have a plate to sell or you are looking to buy a new plate, contact our team who will be more than happy to help you. Call us on 01995 213112, www.moonstoneplates.com and don’t forget to follow us on our Social Media Platforms
