Many people have started customizing their cars in various ways in the recent past. The usage of tinted number plates is among the popular modifications. There is no doubt that tinted number plates certainly do look quite stylish and sleek. But, are tinted number plates road legal?
As the laws regarding vehicle modifications differ greatly from one area or country to another, this has lately become a hot topic. Knowing whether tinted number plates are legal or not is essential knowledge for a car owner to avoid fines or penalties while keeping their cars looking keen.
The Purpose of Number Plates
The basic function of a number plate or license plate is to identify a vehicle with a unique code. This identification number is essential for cops, toll fines, and other bureaucratic work. As such, number plates should be readable to the human eye and must also easily be readable to computer systems like cameras, etc. The legality of tinted number plates has always been questioned as it may impair visibility.
Legal Concerns with Tinted Number Plates
The law regarding number plates is strict in many places. The laws regarding number plates are quite strict, which demand they must be visible and readable to the human eye and traffic cameras. Using tinted number plates can interfere with their visibility so they can cause a legal problem for the vehicle’s owner.
In certain places, the use of tinted number plates is forbidden, while in other jurisdictions, there may be specific rules regarding the type of tint that is allowed. For example, in the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) outlines the rules for number plates. As per DVLA, the number plates must meet certain size, colour and reflectivity standards. Number plates that have tints are not generally allowed as they may hinder the reflectivity and legibility made compulsory in their use.
As per DVLA, a number plate must be manufactured using reflective material. Furthermore, it must not have any background pattern. If you use a green or blue tint on your number plate and do not use a rear number plate reflector, you can be fined or made to switch your number plates out with a compliant one.
Tinted Number Plates in the US
Similarly, in the US, whether it is legal to use tinted number plates varies from state to state. Some states have clear laws making it illegal to place any tint on number plates. Other states do allow a certain kind of tint as long as it is readable.
Modification that compromises number plate visibility, such as tinting, is illegal in California. Law mandates number plates to be legible from a certain distance. In other parts of the United States, different states might offer a bit more leeway in terms of customization. They could permit some level of tinting as long as it doesn’t obscure the crucial information on the plate.
The logic behind this is quite simple - if the number plates are easily readable, law enforcement can go about their jobs effortlessly. From identifying a traffic violator to toll collection, number plates that can be read clearly are essential for law and order on the road. Using tinted number plates can create problems, as these plates may prevent cameras or officers from receiving clear information.
Practical Issues with Tinted Number Plates
On top of that, there are other practical reasons for not possessing tinted number plates. A vehicle with tinted number plates may get into an accident or a hit-and-run. In this case, witnesses or the cameras may not be able to accurately record the needed details. This can hinder investigations and delay justice.
Besides, motorists with number plates that don’t comply may be stopped more often by the police, which causes unnecessary hassle to the driver. They can choose to modify their vehicles in other ways without any infringement.
Legal Alternatives for Customization
Numerous manufacturers offer customized number plates with the right font, style, and color that are legal to use. Car enthusiasts have many legal modification options available, like body kits, customized paint jobs, or interior modifications that will not disturb the car’s compliance with the road.
You should also note that tinted number plates may seem small, but the punishment for using them is hefty. Illegal number plates can get you fined by the police, points on your driving license, and more if your plates are deliberately obscured in order to evade detection depending on the jurisdiction. In certain situations, vehicles that have number plates which do not comply with regulations may be impounded until the matter is resolved.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, we can see that tinted number plates may fall on the wrong side of the law but also, in some cases, may not. The tinted number plates may be good-looking, but their illegal status does not make them a good choice for all vehicle owners.
To avoid fines and ensure compliance with the law, it is important to ensure number plates are clear and legible. Also, while tinting plates adds to the elegance of the vehicle, it is not legal on roads in Australia. Instead of going for tinted number plates, exploring legal options for customization is a smart choice. Drivers can customize without getting into trouble with the law as long as they follow the rules and choose compliant ones.