In the most recent police data, 2020 figures showed that 13,720 drivers were stopped by police for having illegal number plates.
In this guide, we look at what makes a plate illegal, the rules around how to display them, and the penalties for breaking the law.
What makes a number plate illegal?
In the UK, vehicle number plates must adhere to strict regulations set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
A number plate can be deemed illegal if it fails to comply with certain standards.
Number plates must use a specific typeface known as the Charles Wright 2001 font. Any modifications to the font style, thickness, or size can render the plate illegal.
The spacing between letters and numbers must be consistent with DVLA guidelines. Altering the spacing to make the plate spell a word or name is illegal.
Plates must also have the correct size and layout, which is different for cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
The plates also need to be rectangular and correctly positioned on the vehicle. Custom shapes and arrangements can make a plate illegal.
They must be reflective and have a white background for the front plate and a yellow background for the rear plate. Tinted plates or plates with backgrounds other than the specified colours are illegal.
Legally manufactured number plates should display a British Standard. This ensures the plate meets durability, visibility, and reflectivity requirements – and has been approved by the DVLA.
Drivers can only display approved flags and identifiers on their number plates, including the Union Jack, Cross of St. George, Scottish Saltire, or Welsh Dragon. Other emblems and flags cannot be used.
Illegal plates can result in fines, MOT failure, and the police can remove a car from the road until the plates are corrected.
Rules for UK car number plates
Regarding DVLA approved rules for number plates, they must adhere to these rules.
The characters on a number plate need to be a certain display, height, and size:
- characters must be 79mm tall
- characters (except the number 1 or letter I) must be 50mm wide
- the character stroke (the thickness of the black print) must be 14mm
- the space between characters must be 11mm
- the space between the age identifier and the random letters must be 33mm
- the margins at the top, bottom and side of the plate must be 11mm
- vertical space between the age identifier and the random letters must be 19mm
- plate must be made of reflective material
- numbers must not be reflective
- white background (front plate)
- yellow background (back plate)
- display British Standard Number
These regulations apply for vehicles fitted after September 1st 2001.
From December 8th 2020 eligible zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) must display a green flag on the left hand side of the number plate.
It is possible to have 3D or 4D number plates – just as long as they confirm to all the other rules.
Examples of illegal number plates
There are a few things that will make a number plate illegal.
Aside from having non-compliant font, spacing, size or design, there are other reasons why the police might stop and fine a driver.
This can include offensive or inappropriate language, use of symbols, or have an illuminated plate.
It is also illegal to rearrange the numbers and letters yourself or tamper with it in any way.
Are dirty or obstructed number plates illegal?
Yes, it is illegal to drive with a dirty or obstructed number plates on the roads in the UK.
This is because number plates must always be readable and visible to both police and automated systems, such as ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras.
If a plate is obscured by dirt, mud, snow, or anything else that makes it difficult to read, it does not comply with the law.
However, in cases where it appears that the plate has been deliberately obscured to avoid detection, then penalties may be more severe, potentially leading to prosecution by the police.
To avoid fines and penalties, it's important to regularly clean your vehicle’s number plates, especially after driving in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow, or if you’ve driven through mud or dirt. This is an essential part of winter car maintenance.
Penalties for illegal number plates
Driving with an obscured plate can result in a fine of up to £1,000, and your car may fail its MOT if the plate cannot be read clearly.
In more serious examples, or where the driver is a repeat offender, it could lead to further penalties.
Are tinted number plates illegal?
Yes, tuned number plates are illegal in the UK – and drivers can be pulled over by the police and fined £100.
Repeat offenders can also receive increased fines or police action,
The Road Vehicles Regulations state that number plates must be made of reflective materials and have black characters on a white background on the front plate and black on a yellow background on the rear plate.
Furthermore, the DVLA highlights that tinted number plates do not meet readability standards.
Ghost number plates
What are ghost number plates?
Ghost number plates, also known as stealth plates, are fake or illegally altered vehicle licence plates that are used for avoiding speed and enforcement cameras – and to potentially engage in illegal activities.
In addition to evading detection for speeding or other offences, ghost number plates are often used to dodge fees, fines, and toll charges. This includes avoiding congestion charges, emission zone fees, road tolls, and penalties issued for traffic violations.
By masking a vehicle's true identity, offenders can bypass automated systems that rely on number plate recognition, placing the financial burden on innocent vehicle owners or preventing any accountability altogether.
These plates are designed to look like real ones but with subtle differences that make them hard to detect at first glance. Some are made to bounce light back, making it difficult for automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to capture the registration number.
Ghost plates are altered number plates designed with reflective sprays, transparent films, or slight character modifications. These tricks can block infrared detection or confuse recognition software.
Others are made to resemble official DVLA-issued number plates but use a different font, colour, or design.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Given the proliferation of number plate recognition cameras used for various types of enforcement, it simply isn’t right that criminals can get away with these offences by easily purchasing illegal ghost plates.
“Together with the modern motoring menace that is cloned number plates, where blameless drivers have to prove their innocence for motoring offences they didn't commit, it’s apparent these are serious and growing problems that need solutions.”
Are they legal?
Currently, ghost number plates are illegal, but only carry a £100 fine from the police.
Ghost number plate fine
If you are caught using an illegal number plate, you will be issued with a £100 fine.
No penalty points are given for having an illegal number plate.
Why are they a controversial topic?
Although it is possible to purchase ghost number plates online, there remains concern over how they are used in the UK.
This is because these plates are being used to evade detection from Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras through the use of reflective material and sprays used on the plates. There are also films used to wrap ghost number plates that are used to make it difficult for the cameras to pick up number plates.
These reflective tactics can bounce back the infrared light used by ANPR cameras.
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