Are Tinted Number Plates Illegal in the UK?
Car enthusiasts have picked up a recently growing trend that is named ‘personalising’ the vehicles with tinted number plates to name one of them. Nonetheless, the lawfulness of such changes can at times be murky, particularly with regards to compliance with road laws in the UK. So, are tinted number plates illegal in the UK? Drivers who want to stay legal by modifying their vehicles need to understand how number plates laws work.
UK Number Plate Regulations
Number plates in the UK are highly regulated, chiefly to make them readily legible to humans and systems like traffic cameras and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition). The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 is the main piece of legislation regarding number plates in the UK. It specifies number plates’ size, font, spacing, and material. The basic condition is that number plates should always be clearly visible and readable.
As the name suggests, tinted number plates involve putting a tint or film over the standard number plate. This change can lessen the reflectiveness and visibility of the plate, possibly making it hard for one to read it. According to the law of the UK, number plates have to be of reflective material and must not have a background pattern. The front plate must be white with black characters, while the rear plate must be yellow with black characters. Any tint that changes these characteristics may make the number plate illegal.
Issues with Tinted Number Plates
The main issue with tinted number plates is visibility. Traffic police and law-enforcement agencies rely on quickly and accurately being able to read a number plate for enforcing traffic laws and managing road safety. When officers cannot read traffic violations or cannot see the crime number plates, the tinted number plates can create issues.
In addition, these tinted plates could prove hard to read for automated systems, especially ANPR cameras. The system is largely used to keep traffic in check and enforce speed limits. Therefore, in the anvil of the law, the plates are not permissible nor justifiable as tinted.
Some car owners might argue how slightly tinted number plates are visible enough for the authorities to read; the law does not accept any shades or variations on that graduated scale. If any changes are made to the number plate which is different from the actual design, it may be seen as illegal.
Legal Consequences of Tinted Number Plates
The police and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are clear on this matter: number plates have to meet the specifications in the legislation by not altering them so they cannot be read clearly. For those wondering, are tinted number plates illegal in the UK? In most cases, the answer is yes. Tinting of number plates that detracts from their full compliance with regulations is likely to be illegal as per the law.
If drivers are found using tinted number plates, they may face a fine and points on their license. Drivers of vehicles with illegal number plates may potentially fail the MOT test. This test is crucial for determining whether the vehicle is roadworthy, safe, and environmentally sound.
Furthermore, the police do not disregard the number plates of cars and trucks just because they are not on the road. During an MOT, the numbers of the vehicles are checked to see if they comply with the law. If the tint or any modifications make the plating illegal, the car may fail the test. The failed MOT can cost you money and trouble.
Legal Alternatives for Personalization
There are, however, ways to modify number plates legally for petrolheads. You don’t have to break the law for the same either. One option that’s legal is selecting a personalized registration number, which you can buy from the DVLA or private dealers. These choice plates add a personal touch while being legal and compliant. Some companies now sell legal 3D or 4D number plates. They give your plate a unique appearance while also ensuring they are legal and compliant.
Final Thoughts
More and more drivers are modifying their vehicles for a variety of reasons. Thus, it is best to stay aware of number plate legality. Whether you know it or not, one cannot rely on the excuse of ignorance when it comes to the law.
Using illegal number plates can have serious consequences for vehicle owners. You can face a lot of issues if you use tinted number plates. Insurance companies can reject claims if they stage that a car has had a modification that is illegal, and potential buyers can be put off thinking they will have to replace it. In short, the answer is: Yes, they are illegal. It is meant for everyone to easily see and understand your vehicle number plate, both for safety and enforcement of law reasons.
Vehicle owners should focus more on what is legal than what is fancy. They need to customize their number plates legally and not make them fancy such that they become illegible. When you choose to customize your car, make sure it is compliant with the law. Thus, it is best to benefit from the driving experience without breaking the law.
With the automotive industry constantly evolving, it is possible the laws about modifying vehicles will also change. However, till any such amendments are made in law, the drivers should comply with the law so as to avoid any hassle. It is the duty of every driver to get clear about the law for car modifications. Just because you can, does not mean you should. To avoid any troubles with the law, get informed.