Car enthusiasts often invest in personalization of vehicles with numerous modifications to make their car unique. Tinted number plates have become a popular modification. But, a common question is: are tinted number plates illegal? This is important to not just car lovers but also to everyday drivers who might be thinking of this modification.
Before thinking of modifying your car’s number plate with a tint, it is important to know if tinted number plates are illegal. In this blog post, we will explain the legality of tinted number plates, what the law states, and the consequences of having one.
What Are Tinted Number Plates?
Tinted number plates are basically standard vehicle registration or number plates that have been tinted or darkened. This can be done in various ways, like by putting a tinted film over the plate or using a special material while making it. Many people find tinted number plates appealing due to their stylish appearance. They can make a vehicle look more attractive.
Legality of Tinted Number Plates
The legality of tinted number plates is determined by the laws as it differs from one country to another. Many countries have strict rules regarding the look and visibility of the registration plate. The rules are there to ensure that number plates are easily read by law referencing authorities, traffic cameras, and others on the road.
As a rule of thumb, you should be able to read the number plate 24 hours a day, regardless of the intensity of the light and at any angle. For example, this is made clear in United Kingdom law. According to the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001, all registration plates must meet certain requirements. These standards include things like the size, font, and space between the characters or letters and also the plate’s colour, material, and reflectivity.
According to the regulations, nothing should obscure or change the appearance of the plate number. This suggests that tinted number plates are illegal as they reduce the contrasting visibility of the characters.
Laws in Different Countries
Similarly, different states in the U.S have their own rules regarding the registration plates of vehicles. While the specifics differ from state to state, the basic premise is that number plates must always be readable. Numerous states have laws that specifically forbid any alteration or coverage that affects the readability of the plate. This covers darkened covers, which can obscure the wall-letters and make them not bright enough readable, i.e., at night.
Using these can mean you could incur severe penalties. In many jurisdictions, driving with tinted number plates may lead to a fine, penalty points on your driving licence, or even your vehicle being impounded. If your number plates are not legally compliant, police may stop your car.
Consequences of Using Tinted Number Plates
Using tinted number plates can give rise to troubles concerning fitness and insurance claims apart from penal consequences. Similarly, other than legal problems, there are practical problems related to the usage of tinted number plates. The main objective of registration plates of vehicles is that they allow for the identification of vehicles during accidents and other incidents and traffic violations.
They result in such difficulties that even the driver and police may struggle to identify you. Additionally, surveillance cameras and other automatic machines also need to receive clear and proper number plates. Using tinted plates can hamper the functioning of the systems, causing them to give erroneous results and possibly land you in law trouble.
Alternatives to Tinted Number Plates
If you want to personalize your vehicle, there are other options available. Many people choose custom number plates, where you can create your unique combination of letters and numbers. As long as they comply with the requirements in terms of size, spacing, and legibility, custom plates offer a way to stand out while being legal.
Vehicle wraps and paint jobs can enhance the looks of a vehicle while making sure the number plates are still visible.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the answer to – are tinted number plates illegal – is generally yes. Vehicle number plate laws help ensure safety and compliance on the road. Many people are annoying from tinted number plates but by using tinted vehicle wraps they can make their vehicle look more attractive. Drivers shouldn’t modify their vehicle for style; they should modify for safety and action.
By learning and following the rules about number plates, drivers can avoid getting fined or having any problems. They get to enjoy personalising their cars in different ways.