Before you get behind the wheel of a car, you need to make sure your vehicle is legally allowed on the road and safe to drive. But did you also know that even if your vehicle passes these checks, you could get into hot water?
Motoring experts at RAC Drive have revealed that your number plate could cause you some bother if you are not aware of the rules. The experts stress that, in the UK, vehicle number plates must comply with strict regulations set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Failure to comply with these standards can be deemed illegal. Such plates can result in fines, MOT failures, and the police can remove a car from the road until the plates are corrected.
The RAC explains: "Number plates must use a specific typeface known as the Charles Wright 2001 font. Any modifications to the font style, thickness, or size can render the plate illegal."
In addition to the font, the shape, background, spacing and position also need to adhere to these strict rules. So what can make a plate illegal?
All cars must comply with DVLA-approved rules. This means the characters on a number plate need to be a certain display, height, and size.
This means your car may need to adhere to the following:
These regulations apply to vehicles fitted after September 1, 2001. It is possible to have 3D or 4D number plates. However, it must adhere to all the other rules.
Interestingly, legally manufactured number plates should also display a British Standard to ensure it meets durability, visibility, and reflectivity requirements, and has been approved by the DVLA.
Drivers can only display approved flags and identifiers on their number plates. This includes the Union Jack, Cross of St. George, Scottish Saltire, or Welsh Dragon, but other emblems and flags cannot be used.
Weather may also be an issue, as if a plate is obscured by dirt, mud, snow, or anything that makes it difficult to read, it means it does not comply with the law.
RAC stress: "In cases where it appears that the plate has been deliberately obscured to avoid detection, then penalties may be more severe, potentially leading to prosecution by the police.
"To avoid fines and penalties, it's important to regularly clean your vehicle’s number plates, especially after driving in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow, or if you’ve driven through mud or dirt. This is an essential part of winter car maintenance."
Driving with an obscured plate can result in a fine of up to £1,000, and your car may fail its MOT if the plate cannot be read clearly. In more serious cases or when the driver is a repeat offender, it could lead to additional penalties.
