Drivers risk harsh fines for breaking DVLA number plate rules

Drivers could be fined up to £1,000 for having offensive or improperly formatted registration plates.

The warning comes after the DVLA announced a list of 334 banned number plates which if found on a vehicle could see drivers penalised.

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Experts at Swansway Motor Group explained that when drivers choose plates close which borde on being unacceptable, “they risk having the plate banned and all the unnecessary hassle and costs that comes with that”.

The expert said: “The DVLA has already banned number plates ahead ranging from childish registrations like F24 RTS and **24 RSE, to ones with a more political stance.”

For example, anything relating to the war in Ukraine with number plates such as NO24 RUS, WA24 RUS, WA24 UKR and FK24 RUS.

Offering advice to drivers, the group stated that drivers should “choose wisely” and stay informed about the DVLA's latest updates to avoid any potential issues.

On top of any political plates, the DVLA list also includes combinations that might be offensive.

The expert added: "The rules surrounding the creation and display of number plates are there for a reason.

“Beyond the obvious legal compliance, they ensure that authorities and other drivers can easily identify all vehicles.

“Misrepresentation or misunderstanding these rules can lead to significant fines up to £1,000, and even failure in the vehicle's MOT test.”

Number plates in the UK must meet certain requirements. They must be made from a reflective material with the front plate displayed in black characters on a white background.

The rear plate must display black characters on a yellow background and the lettering must be in the Charles Wright 2001 typeface.

To avoid getting fined drivers should make sure plates are marked with a British Standard number – this is ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after September 1, 2021.

Drivers can also customise their number plate without changing the registration by having 3D raised characters or through displaying flags, symbols or identifiers.

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Flags can include the Union Jack, Cross of St George, Cross of St Andrew and the Red Dragon of Wales.

Identifies can include, UK/United Kingdom, GB/ Great Britain, CYM/Cymru, ENG/England, SCO/Scotland and Wales.