Are Tinted Number Plates Illegal in the UK?
In the UK, car number plates are regulated to ensure they are easily visible and readable by members of the public and law enforcement officials. A subject that comes up often in these regulations is whether tinted number plates are legal.
Why Are Tinted Number Plates Illegal?
In the UK, tinted number plates are indeed illegal. The answer is quite simple, isn’t it? This article will tell you why tinted number plates are illegal in the UK. Also, it will go further to check what the law has to say about it.
The main purpose of a number plate is to offer each vehicle on the road a unique identification. This is essential for multiple reasons such as enforcement, registration, and road safety. In order to serve this purpose, number plates must be easily readable under all conditions.
So, this is the issue with tinted number plates. Tinted number plates are plates with a darker shade, making it hard to read the characters on the plates.
UK Number Plate Standards
The UK government has set standards for number plates to ensure that their visibility is acceptable. As per the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), number plates should conform to British Standard BS AU 145d.
The standard outlines specifications regarding the character’s size, font type, and spacing, as well as the plate’s material and reflectivity. According to the British Standard, number plates should be made out of a reflective substance, which is one of the stipulations. The plates can be visible at night or during poor weather conditions due to the reflectivity of the material.
Due to their inherent properties, tinted number plates diminish the plate’s reflectivity, making them less visible and thus non-compliant with the standard.
Furthermore, the standard states that the front number plate must be white, while the rear number plate must be yellow with black alphanumeric letters. The chosen color scheme enhances visual contrast and maximizes readability. The dimmer shades of tint often found on tinted number plates go against this scheme, making them illegal.
Legal Consequences
The UK number plates are governed primarily by the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001. It clearly states that number plates should be readable clearly and should not be obstructed in any way. Using tinted number plates is illegal because they can change the visibility of the characters due to tinting.
The authorities take these regulations seriously and enforce them. Law enforcement officers have the authority to stop vehicles with improper number plates and issue fines to the drivers. In general, the penalties for using illegal number plates include a fixed penalty notice with a fine. However, in some cases, the severity of the offense may warrant prosecution in court. In such instances, the driver may be subject to a more significant fine and potential points on their license.
Practical Concerns
Besides the legal aspect, there is a practical one too, which drivers need to consider when using tinted number plates. Police officers and agencies use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems to track vehicle movements. The process will take more effort when the number plates are not clear. When drivers use tinted number plates, these systems may not work properly, leading to enforcement issues.
You should also check if this affects your insurance. If a car has illegal modifications such as tinted number plates, it could impact the validity of your car insurance policy. If the car or bike is not road-legal, an insurer may refuse to pay in case of an accident or claim.
Legal Customization Options
For those who want to modify their vehicles, there are legal methods to make number plates bespoke. Personalized number plates are favored by many drivers for a variety of reasons. From a legal point of view, they can certainly come in handy. You should get DVLA plates or go to an authorized dealer. The plates are still required to follow the rules for size, font, and reflectivity.
Final Verdict
In summary, the question "Are tinted number plates illegal in the UK?" The answer to this is a strong yes! Number plates must not have any color or tint other than white, yellow, or black.
Using tinted number plates is not worth the risk, as the legal, practical, and financial implications highlight. If you want to customize your vehicle, there are legal options available that allow personalization without compromising security or legality.
In the end, the rules relating to number plates ensure road safety and the enforcement of the law. When drivers follow these rules, the road network is safer and more efficient. Before making any changes to your vehicle, it's advisable to check and make sure that everything is legal to avoid any penalties.