In the automotive customization world, car enthusiasts often look for ways to make their vehicles stand out. There are several options available to car lovers for personalizing their vehicles like flashy paint jobs. In recent times, a popular trend has emerged which is tinted number plates. But can you have tinted number plates legally? As regulations can vary widely from area to area, this issue has caused quite an uproar among many car owners.
What Are Tinted Number Plates?
Essentially, tinted number plates are vehicle registration plates that have a tinted or dark design. This effect is usually done by putting tint film on the number plate that is already there or with a specially manufactured number plate which has the tint on it. Many people like this modification just because of the look it gives to the car. A tint number plate looks attractive.
Are Tinted Number Plates Legal?
Unfortunately, tinting a number plate is illegal. The law states that number plates must be clearly visible to facilitate easy identification of vehicles. Since tinting impedes visibility, it is deemed unlawful. Many governments require number plates to follow strict standards on visibility and legibility. These standards have been established to allow drivers, authorities, and everyone else to identify a vehicle’s registration quickly and easily. Thus, any change that affects the clarity of the number plate such as tinting can be illegal.
Regulations in Different Countries
For instance, the law in the UK is pretty clear on this. DVLA states that number plates must be made of reflective material and must not have any obstructive writing/message on them. The front plate must have black characters on a white background, while the rear plate must consist of black characters on a yellow background. Any tinting that changes such details would mean the number plate has failed to comply. This may lead to fines and penalties imposed on the vehicle owner.
Just like in the US, every state has its own regulations regarding automobile registration plates. Certain states may provide wiggle room in terms of allowances like custom plates but in general, they must be readable in the basic sense. Many people now like to have tinted number plates, which can be considered as illegal. It can certainly make it harder to read the number plate from a distance and not so easy in the night time.
Why Do People Get Tinted Number Plates?
One reason is for making the vehicle look better. Different customized elements like window tinting or blacked-out trims go well along with tinted number plates. Some car lovers can get thrown over the idea of a fully customized vehicle, but the tinting of number plates actually serves a more practical purpose.
Privacy is another reason some car owners opt for tinted plates. While a number plate is not usually linked to personal privacy, some people may find this comforting to know it is not easy to see their car’s registration details. Many people may also choose to have tinted number plates because it gives them a sense of anonymity. Even though number plates are not generally associated with personal privacy, it does not mean that they don’t offer any sort of it. Seeing other vehicles which are alike, in a dense area, definitely helps preserve the anonymity.
Legal and Practical Risks
Using tinted plates where they are not allowed, as talked about earlier, can invite fines, penalties, or even the seizure of the vehicle. Additionally, having illegal number plates can make certain insurance issues arise. In case there is an accident or a theft, their insurance companies may not pay claims in case the car was not compliant at the time of the incident.
Also, there are other practical considerations to think about. The efficacy of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems may be diminished by tinted number plates that are used by law enforcement and toll collection agencies. These systems need clear and unobstructed views of number plates to work properly. If their number plate is obscured, their license plate readers (LPRs) – the more official name for ANPRs – might produce false alarms or delays in toll collection.
Final Thoughts
Thus, before modifying, do a research on number plate laws. It is a good idea to check with local authorities or a legal expert to find out what is allowed. Further, car owners need to think about whether the aesthetic benefits of tinted number plates outweigh the risks and potential inconveniences.
However, if you do want to achieve this effect, there are options you can pursue to stay legal. Certain makers provide number plate designs that have a legal touch while staying true to regulation compliance. In addition, you may have noticed that some drivers on the road have chosen to attach specially customized number plates on their cars.
While having a customized vehicle sounds appealing, it is, in fact, paramount that a vehicle is safe and legal. As a result, drivers can frown upon no fines, penalties, or other legal trouble with the conduct of their insurance. In the end, tinted number plates will only work if you are using them complying with the rules. Thus, the choice is ultimately yours to make.