Tinted number plates have become a trend when it comes to customizing the look of vehicles. The tinted number plates are slightly darker than standard issue and can add a chic appeal to the vehicle. But, the question that often arises among the car fanatics and drivers is: are tinted number plates legal?
Query In Detail: Tinted Number Plate Allowed Or Not?
This question is much more than just aesthetics but also involves legal and safety aspects that every vehicle owner should know.
Legal Regulations on Tinted Number Plates
Legality of tinted number plates vary considerably from one jurisdiction to another so it is very essential for the vehicle owner to know what law applies in their case. In many regions, tinted number plates are highly regulated, and non-compliance leads to fines and penalties, along with vehicle impoundment in some cases. It is not only a style statement but also an awareness of what the law allows.
In the UK, for instance, the number plate rules are rather stringent. The DVLA has laid down clear guidelines regarding the display of number plates. UK legislation requires vehicle number plates to be made from reflective material and any number plate that is obscured or altered so it is difficult to read is illegal. The tinting of plate should not affect visibility or legibility in any way. The number plates have to be white at the front and yellow at the back, with black lettering. Adding any tint would render the plates illegal.
Likewise, the rules are different in the United States from state to state. Certain states have particular rules about the number plate's reflectivity and visibility. In California, for instance, the law requires that number plates be clearly visible and legible at all times. So, you cannot tint your number plate and can even get fined if you do that in California. Some states may have less strict rules but it is always a good idea for vehicle owners to verify what their state says to prevent getting into trouble.
Why Are Tinted Number Plates Regulated?
As a vehicle owner, you already know that tinting a car’s windows is illegal if it impairs visibility. Having tinted number plates could hinder traffic cameras and police from reading the car’s registration number. That can be an issue during an instance of traffic offenses or crime investigation. In short, the law exists to ensure number plates are always clear and visible for safety.
There are also tech reasons for the same. A lot of traffic enforcement systems use automated number plate recognition (ANPR) technology. These systems utilize cameras and software to automatically read vehicle registration numbers. When they are misread or not captured, tinted number plates block the detection and identification system. This may lead to the driver not being held accountable for the traffic rule violation. On the other hand, it may result in false fines due to misreading of number plate. As such, tinted number plates should not be used to avoid faulty systems.
Consequences of Using Illegal Tinted Number Plates
Many of you might be eager to invest in tinted number plates to enhance the look of a vehicle. However, one should understand the consequences before using them. Although the tinted plates look good, they can lead to serious consequences if used unlawfully. If caught with illegal number plates, the fines can be high. For repeat offenders, the fines can be more severe. Also, it can affect your vehicle insurance. Certain insurance policies have the clause that you may void your vehicle insurance if your vehicle does not comply with the laws.
Legal Alternatives for Customizing Number Plates
However, you do have a few ways through which you can customize the number plates legally. Most regions let you get a personalized or vanity plate, letting drivers choose their plate letters and numbers as long as they fit the legal plate format. You may use borders that don’t obstruct numbers/letters of the number plate; they are the legal option to beautify number plates. Many jurisdictions permit custom or vanity plates, which allow drivers to select their own combinations, within the normal formatting as prescribed by law. Along with this, there are legal options of decorative frames or surrounds too.
Though it may look good, tinted plates are illegal and can compromise the safety of the vehicle whose number might get obscured. Car owners must ensure their number plates are compliant with their locality so that they do not face any fines, penalties, etc. This way, they will be able to enjoy the customized vehicles while being on the right side of the law.