Dirty or damaged number plates are far from just a cosmetic issue for your vehicle.
It can actually lead to penalties and various safety concerns, so it pays to make sure they’re readable and in good condition.
This is largely down to British law, because number plates must be clearly legible to ensure that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and police officers can read them in all conditions.
Here’s all you need to know about number plate maintenance so you aren’t caught out.
UK Legal Requirements for Number Plate Appearance
The DVLA mandates that all vehicles in the UK must display number plates that are made from a reflective material, use black characters on a white background for the front plate and black letters on a yellow background for the rear plate, and have no background pattern or other colours.
The characters also need to be clearly legible and not obscured in any way, following the BS AU 145e number plate standard.
If your number plates do not meet these standards, your vehicle will fail its MOT and you could be given a fine of up to £1,000.
Signs Your Number Plates Need Attention
A regular inspection of your registration plates is all it takes to see if they’re damaged or dirty.
Here’s what you should check for periodically:
- Cracks or shattering: Physical damage can distort characters and make them difficult to read.
- Fading or discolouration: Sun exposure or significantly adverse weather can leave number plates faded and not as reflective as they should be.
- Dirt andgrime: Built-up dirt can obscure characters, make them hard to decipher, and lead to fines.
- Loose number plates: Make sure your number plates are fastened as securely as possible.
Why Legible Number Plate Characters Are Important
Clear number plates are crucial for many reasons, primarily for law enforcement. ANPR systems, for example, heavily rely on being able to read number plates so they can identify vehicles involved in crimes and violations such as speeding.
Traffic management is another issue at play, and congestion zones use number plate recognition to manage the flow of traffic.
Of course, there’s also public safety, and the ability to identify number plates quickly and effectively can help emergency response and criminal investigations.
Tips to Clean and Maintain Your Number Plate
Because of the potential dangers of illegible number plates, you should do your best to keep them in good condition.
This is particularly important if you live in a rural area and your registrations have a buildup of dirt or debris.
- Regularly clean your plates with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the reflective surface.
- Check screws and bolts are tight to prevent plates from becoming loose or falling off.
Replacing Damaged or Stolen Number Plates
If your number plates are damaged beyond repair or stolen, you must use a DVLA-approved number plate supplier to produce a new set of number plates for you.
To do this, you’ll need proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport, and proof of entitlement to the number plate in the form of a VC5 logbook, V750 certificate, or retention document.
We recommend using Replace My Plates if your number plates are stolen and Jepson & Co Ltd, one of the leading UK number plate suppliers, if you want a new set of registrations for your vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Having clean and well-maintained number plates on your vehicle is essential in the UK. It keeps you and your vehicle legally compliant and helps the police do their job when necessary. Regular inspections and prompt action can save you from fines and make sure your vehicle is identifiable to the relevant authorities.
