What Makes Number Plates Illegal ?

Published by Number Plate Clinic

March 14, 2023

Road users need to display their legal number plates correctly. Most people were looking for what makes number plates illegal in the united kingdom. Any unwarranted modification could attract a fine of £1,000, which means a failed MOT. For a number plate to meet UK standards, it must be clear and easy to identify. So many things can go wrong with a number plate, making it unfit for usage on UK roads.

Here are six things – What Makes Number Plates Illegal:

1. Spacing:

Incorrect spacing of characters on number plates means it’s illegal. To be sure that you are not going against the law, a quick check on your V5C logbook (or your V778/V750 if you are yet to receive your V5C) will give you a better insight. Incorrect spacing makes it hard for onlookers and the authorities to read the registration plate. It is a criminal offence for the ANPR cameras (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) not to be able to scan your number plate.

2. Bolt placement:

You have to be aware of the implication of using a bolt to affix your number plate to your vehicle. In some cases, it has interfered with the visibility of the number plates. When not placed in the right place, it can affect the appearance from a distance making a letter or number look. This could make your number plate take the form of another registered combination which is not ideal. To avoid this, you can use matching colours of the bolt and number plate backgrounds or use strong double-sided stickers.

3. Font:

UK number plates have specific fonts. Road users and number plate dealers generally accept it. It allows enhances the visibility of letters and numbers. Furthermore, incorrect font renders your plate illegal. The standard font used is “Charles Wright”.

4. Background:

The number plate’s background in the UK has to be reflective. This allows the characters to stand out making it visible. It also aids the visibility of drivers, especially under bad weather conditions. Road users will be able to know which way a vehicle is facing easily with the background colour. It is illegal for you to use non-standard backgrounds, colours or even stickers. The front plate background must be white, while the rear plate background must be yellow.

5. Colour:

As stated earlier, incorrect colour on number plates attracts fines. There are standard colours for the background and font. The front must be white and the rear must be yellow while the characters must be black. Any other colours apart from these make it harder to identify, and illegal.

6. Invalid Flags:

Having a flag on the number plate is optional but it adds to its beauty nonetheless. However, if you decide to add a flag, it must be a valid flag and placed correctly. Not every flag is accepted in the UK, but the set number of flags permitted in the UK includes EU flags like the St. George Cross, Union Jack, Red Dragon of Wales and Scottish Saltire (St Andrew Cross).