DVLA issues number plate warning to UK drivers - how to avoid £1,000 fines

Number plates must meet specific legal requirements regarding their size, shape, colour, spacing and font.

Drivers who display number plates that do not meet the legal requirements could be fined up to £1,000, the DVLA has warned. Registration plates must meet certain specifications, including font type and spacing, and must be clearly visible from a certain distance.

Number plate rules: What you need to know

The DVLA has issued a list of things to avoid when displaying number plates on the front and back of your car. These include:

• Plates that are not made from reflective material
• Plates that are obscured or damaged
• Plates that are not the correct size or shape
• Plates that have non-standard characters
• Plates that are not spaced correctly
• Plates that are not securely attached to the vehicle

If you are caught with number plates that do not meet the legal requirements, you could be fined up to £1,000. You could also be given a fixed penalty notice of £100.

What to do if you need new number plates

If your number plates are damaged, obscured or stolen, you will need to get new ones. You can do this online, by post or in person at your local DVLA office.

When ordering new number plates, you will need to provide your vehicle registration number (VRN) and the make and model of your car. You will also need to pay a fee for the new plates.

Once you have received your new number plates, you must fit them to your vehicle as soon as possible. Make sure that the plates are securely attached and that they meet all of the legal requirements.

Additional information

For more information on number plate rules, please visit the DVLA website:

https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates