What Number Plates Are Legal And Illegal?

Introduction to Legal and Illegal Number Plates

In the United Kingdom, number plates or registration marks have strict guidelines determined by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The rules in place are designed to ensure consistency, legality, and quick recognition by law enforcement authorities and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the regulations that govern which number plates are legal and which are not.

The Importance of Legal Number Plates

The importance of adherence to the correct format for number plates cannot be overstated. A number plate serves as an official identification for a vehicle. It allows for the easy tracking of a vehicle’s history, ownership, and ensures accountability in incidents involving the vehicle. A breach in the number plate regulations can result in the vehicle failing its MOT test, a fine of up to £1,000, and the number plate possibly being withdrawn by the DVLA.

Basic Requirements for Legal Number Plates

In order to be considered legal, number plates must comply with various specifications. The key criteria can be summarised as follows:

Aspect	Requirement
Characters	Must be black on a white plate (front) or black on a yellow plate (rear)
Font	Must use the mandatory typeface, size and spacing known as Charles Wright 2001
Reflective Material	Must be made from reflective material to aid visibility
Display	Must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle (except in certain cases such as motorcycles)
Flags and Identifiers	Can display national flags and identifiers in the specified format
3D lettering	3D lettering is permitted as long as it adheres to the other regulations

Understand the Legal Number Plate Format

A legal number plate follows a specific format that aids in recognising when and where the vehicle was registered. Let’s break down an example number plate, ‘AB51 CDE’, to understand this:

• ‘AB’ – these two letters are known as the local memory tag. They signify the area where the vehicle was registered.
• ’51’ – this is the age identifier, which changes every six months in March and September. It denotes the six-month period when the vehicle was registered.
• ‘CDE’ – these random letters make the registration unique.

Identifying Illegal Number Plates

Just as there are defined specifications for legal number plates, there are explicit practices that can render a number plate illegal. It’s crucial for motorists to avoid these to prevent any legal ramifications. Here are the main factors that could render a number plate illegal:

Incorrect Typeface and Spacing

One of the primary causes of illegality is the use of incorrect typeface and spacing. Number plates must use the standard Charles Wright 2001 font. This specific typeface ensures easy readability and uniformity across all vehicles. Using a different font or styling, such as italic or bold, can make a number plate illegal.

Additionally, there are explicit rules regarding the spacing between characters on a number plate:

Character Spacing	Requirement
Between characters	11mm
Between age identifier and random letters	33mm
Top, bottom and side margins	11mm minimum
Space between groups	33mm

Number plates that don’t comply with these spacing requirements are deemed illegal.

Unauthorised Symbols or Flags

While it is permissible to display certain flags or identifiers on a number plate, not all symbols are allowed. The permissible symbols include the Union Jack, Cross of Saint George, Cross of Saint Andrew, or the Red Dragon of Wales.

Regarding identifiers, motorists can use ‘UK’, ‘ENG’, ‘CYM’, ‘SCO’, or ‘WALES’. Using any other symbols, logos, or identifiers, especially those that may be offensive or misleading, is prohibited and constitutes an illegal number plate.

Incorrect Colours and Reflective Material

Another critical factor that can result in an illegal number plate is the improper use of colours. As stated earlier, characters must be black on a white plate (front) or black on a yellow plate (rear). Any variation from this, including coloured or tinted backgrounds, could be deemed illegal.

Moreover, the material of a number plate must be reflective to aid in visibility. Non-reflective or non-compliant materials make a number plate illegal.

Legal and Illegal Personalised Number Plates

Personalised or private number plates allow motorists to customise their vehicle identity within specified parameters. However, they must adhere to the DVLA’s strict guidelines.

A personalised plate is considered legal as long as it follows the number plate format rules, uses the approved typeface and spacing, and does not form offensive words. Attempting to manipulate letters or numbers to present a specific word or message, or using any form of fixing or adhesive that alters the appearance of a character, is illegal.

To legally acquire a personalised number plate, one must purchase it from a registered number plate supplier or directly from the DVLA Personalised Registrations. The process ensures that the chosen registration adheres to the legal format and is not already in use.

The Consequences of Using Illegal Number Plates

The use of illegal number plates is not without repercussions. The DVLA, local police forces, and even Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are vigilant in identifying and penalising infringements. The implications can be severe and multifaceted, and include the following:

Financial Penalties

Perhaps the most immediate consequence for drivers is the potential for financial penalties. A vehicle bearing an illegal number plate can be subjected to a fine of up to £1,000. This penalty can be imposed on the spot if caught by a police officer, and there is no recourse to appeal in court.

MOT Failure

Vehicles in the UK are required to pass the Ministry of Transport (MOT) test to ensure they are roadworthy and meet environmental standards. Part of this test includes an assessment of the vehicle’s number plate. If it does not conform to the legal requirements, the vehicle can fail the MOT test, causing inconvenience and potential additional costs for the vehicle owner.

Number Plate Withdrawal

The DVLA has the right to withdraw a number plate if it fails to meet the requirements or is considered offensive or in poor taste. In this case, you would lose the right to use the number plate and would not receive any compensation for it, even if you had initially paid a substantial amount for a personalised plate.

Maintaining a Legal Number Plate: Practical Tips

Maintaining a legal number plate is not only an obligation for drivers but it also avoids the aforementioned penalties and helps ensure the efficient tracking and identification of vehicles. Here are some practical tips to maintain the legality of your number plate:

Follow the Format

Always adhere to the prescribed number plate format which includes using the correct font, size, and spacing. Avoid any alterations to the characters or arrangement that could render the number plate illegal.

Use Approved Suppliers

When purchasing a number plate, especially a personalised one, always use a registered supplier or the DVLA directly. These suppliers adhere to the legal requirements, ensuring that your number plate is compliant.

Keep it Visible and Clean

Ensure your number plate is always visible and clean. A dirty or obscured number plate can be as problematic as an illegal one, as it can hinder the plate’s readability and result in a fine.

Regularly Check Your Number Plate

Regularly inspect your number plate to ensure it remains in good condition and meets the legal requirements. Check for any damage, dirt, or alterations that may affect its legality or readability.

Through understanding the rules governing number plates and following these practical tips, motorists can ensure they stay on the right side of the law, avoid unnecessary penalties, and contribute to the safe and effective identification of vehicles on UK roads.

Common Misconceptions about Number Plates

Despite the clear rules set out by the DVLA, there remain several common misconceptions about number plates that can lead to inadvertent illegality. Addressing these misunderstandings can help motorists better adhere to the regulations.

Misconception 1: Personalised Plates Can Use Any Format

While personalised plates do offer an element of customisation, they still need to follow the same legal format as standard plates. The common mistake is to manipulate the characters to spell out certain words, but this can easily lead to an illegal configuration. Always ensure that your personalised plate conforms to the standard layout and character requirements set by the DVLA.

Misconception 2: 3D Lettering Is Illegal

Contrary to popular belief, 3D lettering is not illegal on UK number plates as long as it adheres to the Charles Wright 2001 font and meets the size and spacing criteria. It is the use of other stylistic alterations, such as italic or bold lettering, that is not permitted.

Misconception 3: Number Plates Can Be Tinted

Some drivers believe that tinted or coloured plates are acceptable, but the rules are clear that the front plate must be white with black characters, and the rear plate must be yellow with black characters. Any alteration to these colours, including tinting or shading, renders the number plate illegal.

Misconception 4: Any Symbol or Flag Can Be Displayed

While it is permissible to display a flag or identifier, the range of approved symbols is limited. Only the Union Jack, Cross of Saint George, Cross of Saint Andrew, the Red Dragon of Wales, and certain identifiers are legal. Any other symbol, including football team badges or other logos, is not permitted.

Conclusion

Understanding what makes a number plate legal or illegal is essential for all motorists in the UK. Following the specific rules and regulations set out by the DVLA not only helps maintain consistency and readability but also helps to avoid the financial penalties and inconvenience that can come from using an illegal number plate.

Whether opting for a standard or personalised number plate, adherence to the legal format, correct use of font and spacing, display of approved symbols, and use of specified colours and materials, is of utmost importance. Regular checks and proper care of your number plate, along with dispelling common misconceptions, will ensure that you remain on the right side of the law.