Drivers have been warned they could be fined £1,000 for breaking the new number plate rules which come into effect this week.
The new UK “25” number plates are set to be introduced on March 1 making it crucial for motorists to ensure their plates comply with DVLA regulations.
With the change just days away, experts have warned drivers about the potential consequences of having illegal number plates.
The popularity of customised plates has surged in recent years, with Google searches for 4D number plates increasing by 54 per cent in the past year alone.
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However, many motorists remain unaware of the strict rules governing number plates in the UK.Nyo Logan, Tyre Content Manager at Blackcircles, warned that while personalisation may be tempting, the UK’s number plate laws are particularly stringent.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in serious penalties for drivers. There are several ways motorists can inadvertently break these rules, putting them at risk of significant fines and other consequences.
The penalties for non-compliant number plates are severe and can cause significant disruption for motorists. Drivers caught with illegal plates face fines of up to £1,000.
Vehicles with non-compliant plates will automatically fail their MOT tests and can even invalidate car insurance coverage, experts warned.
Police also have the authority to remove vehicles from the road until the plates are updated to meet the necessary regulations.
“While it may be tempting to personalise your number plate, the UK’s number plate laws are quite strict, and failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £1,000, your car failing its MOT, invalid insurance, and the police removing your vehicle from the road until the plates are updated,” Logan shared.
Many motorists may be breaking these rules without realising it, particularly those who have customised their vehicles.
Coloured plates that aren’t white at the front and yellow at the rear are illegal. Using incorrect font or spacing is also against regulations. To be compliant, all characters must be in Charles Wright font, with specific measurements for height, width, thickness and spacing.
Meanwhile, only certain flags are permitted on plates this includesthe Union Jack, Scottish Saltire, Cross of St.George or Welsh Dragon.
Illuminated plates are also illegal, except for white lights illuminating the rear plate. Coloured lights or highlighting specific characters are not allowed.
Tinted number plates fail to meet the DVLA’s minimum reflective requirements and are illegal. Dirty number plates that obscure visibility to police or automated systems can result in fines.
Tampered plates with altered characters or rearranged sequences are illegal, as they interfere with vehicle identification. Experts advise motorists to take proactive steps to ensure their number plates remain legal.
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Logan added: “If you are worried about your number plate legality, you can have it checked by a trusted number plate supplier or the DVLA. If it doesn’t comply with regulations, replace it immediately to avoid potential fines or legal action.”
