There are strict rules in place for number plates for all cars within the UK
Motorists could be at risk of being slapped with a fine of up to £1,000 for not properly following licence plate rules. There are very strict laws and guidance in place to ensure that all licence plates on cars within the UK follow the same standard.
These rules are not only in place to help authorities but also other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians who also use the roads across the country. Furthermore, the condition of your licence plate is a core part of the MOT process so if you’re not sure whether it will pass or not read below so you can make any quick checks and fixes as soon as possible….
General appearance
Official guidance states that every licence plate in the UK must adhere to a certain appearance. If you get a new licence plate or purchase a new car you should always ensure it has the following characteristics:
- Must be made from a reflective material
- Not have a background pattern
- Rear plate displays black characters on a yellow background
- Front plate displays black characters on a white background
- Have a mark showing who supplied the number plate
- Contain a British Standard number mark
- Characters must not be removable or reflective themselves
Plates fitted after September 1, 2021 must also be a single shade of black.
Dirty licence plate
It is vital that you keep your licence plate clean of any dirt or debris so that it is still readable. If police are unable to properly read your licence plate for this reason, they have the power to stop you and issue an on-the-spot fine of £100.
However, if the matter is taken to court, you could receive a fine of up to £1,000 for being in breach of licence plate rules. It is important to have a clear and easy to read licence plate number as it allows authorities to identify vehicles.
This is backed up by the Highway Code which states that “lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates must be kept clean and clear”. Other things that could obscure your licence plate include snow and foliage.
Not being reflective
Similar to having a dirty and obscured licence plate, not having reflective material on your plate is also in direct breach of rules. It is especially important to keep this rule in mind if you opt to purchase a custom plate, as the maker may not always add reflective material which includes matte plates.
This is because it is significantly harder to see non-reflective plates in poor conditions, making it harder for other drivers and authorities to identify the vehicle. Keep in mind that reflectivity in plates must meet the BS AU 145e standard so as too ensure they are not too reflective and could limit the vision of other drivers.
Stickers
Official guidance does allow the use of stickers and identifiers on licence plates but only if they follow strict criteria. For instance, you can have a flag or identifying letter on the left-hand side of the licence plate, as long as it contains one of the following:
Flags
- Cross of St Andrew – also known as the Saltire
- Union flag (also known as the Union Jack)
- Red Dragon of Wales
- Cross of St George
Letters
- ENGLAND, England, ENG, Eng
- UNITED KINGDOM, United Kingdom or UK
- WALES or Wales
- CYMRU, Cymru, CYM or Cym
- SCOTLAND, Scotland, SCO or Sco
- GREAT BRITAIN, Great Britain or GB
In some circumstances, you may need to put a white oval sticker on the rear of the vehicle if you’re driving outside the UK. However, you do not need to use a sticker if the licence plate already has a UK identifier with the Union flag on it. The only exception to this is if you’re driving in Spain, Malta, or Cyprus where a UK sticker needs to be displayed regardless of the licence plate.