A little known fact is that your number plates can be the reason your vehicle fails an MOT.
In this article, we’ll discuss MOT compliance measures for number plates, from defects to backgrounds, fonts, and more. We’ll also show you the best place to buy private number plates for road-legal vehicles in the UK.
Let’s jump straight in with the all-important question.
How can a number plate make a car fail an MOT?
There are many ways a vehicle can fail an MOT because of its number plate, from sizing to spacing, font, durability, and reflectivity.
The following are deemed as “dangers” or “major defects” and will mean a fail in the MOT centre:
- The number plate is missing or so insecure that it could fall off.
- The number plate inscription (the registration number) is missing or illegible.
- The number plate shows an incorrect registration.
- The number plate does not conform to the specified requirements.
In addition, the DVLA advises that plates must not:
- Be obscured, excessively damaged, deteriorated or delaminated.
- Have background overprinting.
- Have any feature or fixing that has the effect of changing the appearance or legibility of any of the characters including the use of tints or films.
- Have a honeycomb or similar effect background on vehicles first registered on or after 1st September 2001.
Backlit registration plates may have a honeycomb-type construction which should not be confused with a honeycomb effect background.
Failure to meet these requirements will mean an MOT fail.
What are show number plates?
Sometimes, the owner of a number plate will mis-space letters, numbers, or fastenings to spell a certain word or phrase. These are show plates. Some businesses sell show plates for different purposes, such as decorative wall hangings, but they can’t be used to identify your vehicle.
The production of these bespoke number plates or ‘’show plates’’ is not illegal, but they aren’t permitted for road use.
Will you get away with illegal number plates?
Those tempted to go down the illegal number plate route should beware. Aside from annual MOT inspections, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and manual roadside police checks can catch you out for non-compliant number plates.
The DVLA’s position on illegal number plates is clear:
‘’You cannot rearrange or misrepresent the numbers and letters on a number plate to form names or words so that they are hard to read. For example, fixing bolts to change any of the letters or numbers. If you misrepresent a vehicle registration number you will not get back any money that you have paid for the registration, or any other costs you have to pay’’.
Where to buy road-legal number plates
National Numbers has over 40 years of experience as a DVLA-approved private number plate dealer. With tens of millions of combinations available and 0% finance on a range of plates, call our experts on 01642 363738 for more information.
You can also build a number plate online or search for a word, initials, or phrase at the National Numbers website.
Number Plate MOT FAQs
How many vehicles fail MOTs due to their number plates?
Research conducted by the British Number Plate Manufacturers Association (BNMA) found that nearly 4% of all vehicles fail an MOT due to faulty number plates, which translates to around 280,000.
What happens if your number plates are incorrectly displayed?
The DVLA advises that you could be fined up to £1000 and your vehicle will fail its MOT test if you drive with incorrectly displayed number plates. In some cases, the registration may be permanently withdrawn.
How to avoid a failed MOT with your number plates
You should only get a number plate made up from a registered number plate supplier.
To buy the rights to a road-legal private number plate, you’ll need to prove your identity with a passport or driving license. You’ll also need to show you are entitled to the registration number with a V5 registration certificate.
