Number plates can mean different things to drivers. Some assume they are just a vehicle identification method, whereas others like to showcase what they love using personalised number plates.
Regardless of your relationship with number plates, you must ensure they are legal. The legality of number plates can refer to the number plates and their visibility.
The following is an overview of the checks you need to make to ensure your number plates are legal.
The Format of Number Plates in the United Kingdom
Although many understand the role of number plates, some may be unaware of the components that create a unique number. Current number plates are made using the following formula.
The DVLA memory tag records the location where the vehicle was first registered. Although the process regarding number plates has now moved online, the plates will still show details of the dealership used when registering the vehicle.
The numerical system regarding number plates can seem confusing at first but uses a method of determining a number that is updated every six months. This is how the age of a vehicle is identified using number plates and another reason why they must be legal.
Number plates also need to meet the following requirements when being designed.
It is also essential to ensure that the number plate cannot be altered. For example, a number plate with removable characters would be deemed illegal.
What Makes a Number Plate Illegal?
Identifying vehicles is vital for many reasons. As such, there are several responsibilities a vehicle owner has in ensuring their number plates are legal, including the following.
Using Plates from an Unregistered Vendor
Sometimes, people purchase number plates, unaware there will be a problem when using them. Although genuine, personalised number plates are available, they can be expensive, which is why some seek out cheaper online alternatives.
Unfortunately, using such vendors means driving risk using number plates that do not allow the vehicle to be identified, which could lead to a series of legal ramifications for the driver.
Whether purchasing replacement number plates or a personalised option, drivers must ensure the provider is registered with the DVLA.
Driving With Dirty Number Plates
Even when using legal number plates, there are other requirements of the driver, including keeping the number plates clean.
Of course, some environments can be challenging to drive in, and some find they must clean their number plates regularly. However, driving once with dirty number plates that cannot be identified could mean drivers receive a fine of £1000.00.
As such, drivers should ensure their number plates can be viewed at all times.
What Information Can Be Shown on a Number Plate?
Although a lot of information cannot be included on a number plate, some symbols and identifiers can be used, including the following.
Flags
The following flags can be shown above the identifying letters on the left-hand side of the plate.
Neither the flag nor the letters can be situated on the margin of the number plate and cannot be 50 millimetres wide.
Other Allowaces for Number Plates
In addition to showing flags, drivers can also use raised characters and display a green flash if the vehicle has zero emissions.
Rules Regarding Personlised Number Plates
Although the use of show plates is illegal, those wanting to showcase their personality in their plates can take advantage of personalised options. However, some rules still exist to ensure that personalised number plates are legal.
Personalised number plates cannot be used to make a vehicle seem newer than it is. Also, the personalised number plates can only be used on a vehicle registered and taxed in the United Kingdom.
Personalised number plates can be purchased via online auctions and via the DVLA. There are also several third-party providers, but drivers must ensure they are registered with the DVLA before making an order.
Two-Tone Number Plates Cannot Be Used
Although three-dimensional number plates are legal, a plate that create a three-dimensional effect using two-tone are illegal. Although legal in the past, the effect can cause problems for Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras trying to identify vehicles.
If you already have two-tone number plates, then you should replace them as soon as possible. Three-dimensioanl and four-dimensional plates are legal, but still cannot contain any shimmer that could make identifying the vehicle difficult.
Should Damaged Numbers Plates Be Replaced?
Damaged number plate can be just as detrimental as dirty plates, so they shold be replaced as soon as possible. Even if the number plate can current be seen, further damage could mean this soon changes.
Replacement number plates are very affordable, especially when compared to the potential fines that could arise if a number plate cannot be identified.
New number plates must meet a series of conditions from March 2002 regarding durability, meaning plates are saffeguarded against abrasion and damage, so drivers wil lfind plenty of value for money if they use a professional number plate provider who is registered with the DVLA..
A lot of drivers can worry about the legality of their vehicle, especially when there are som many factors to consider. Althoug there are manu rules regarding the issuing and creating of number plates, those who use professional providers can be confident that all plates are legible and legal.
However, there can be instances when some nefarious online plaatfroms aim to take advantage of inexperienced drivers, so research is needed in eve