DOWN AND DIRTY
Can I get fined for having a dirty number plate?
Including if you could end up with points on your licence
SOME motorists love to drive around in a pristine car while others aren't as bothered about keeping on top of washing their vehicles.
However, those who drive around with illegible number plates could wind up with a hefty penalty.
1
Is it illegal to drive a car with a dirty number plate?
Yes, it is illegal to drive with your number plate obscured.
Under the vehicle maintenance part of the Highway Code it states that "lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear".
This means not only that it should be kept clean, but also making sure it has not been obscured by snow.
Number plates are displayed at the front and rear of most vehicles, and the driver should ensure they are BOTH clean prior to heading off.
The licence plate lets the owner and the police know when and where the vehicle is registered.
Can I be fined for driving a car with a dirty number plate?
Drivers with dirty licence plates or ones that are hard to read are likely be pulled over by the police.
They may face a fine of up to £1,000, or an on-the-spot £100 fine.
The fine is to act as a deterrent and a reminder to drivers in the UK to check their licence plates on a regular basis.
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GEM road safety officer, Neil Worth, told The Express: “Although there is no law against having a dirty car, the law is very clear when it comes to keeping your number plates clear; you risk a £1,000 fine if you allow it to become obscured.
“A number plate must be readable and not covered by dirt.
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“This is to ensure a vehicle can be identified as and when required."
He added: “It makes sense to get into the habit of giving your number plate a regular wipe – every day when conditions require."
Motorists may face also disqualification of a minimum of six months if the offence is committed within three years of a previous conviction for a similar offence.
Three penalty points could also be added to a driver's record if caught.
There is also a chance having a dirty number plate could make police more suspicious that the driver has been involved in a crime, as it may have deliberately obscured.
What are the legal requirements for number plates?
All number plates should be made from a reflective material.
The front plate should display black characters on a white background.
The rear plate must have black characters on a yellow background.
Licence plates cannot have a background pattern.
3D and 4D lettering is legal as long as it does not prevent the reading of the number plate.
Registration plates are important as they inform police officers when and where the vehicle was registered.
It allows the vehicle to be registered by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Is the law different for motorbike licence plates?
Licence plates must be displayed at the rear of a motorcycle.
Those registered on or after September 1, 2001 can also display a plate on the front, but this is not essential.
Two line number plates are standard for motorcycles registered after September 1, 2001.
It is against the law to display a one line plate on a motorcycle, regardless of the date of registration.
Most common illegal driving activities
Here's a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it.
- Using phone while driving
Cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine
New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it - Speeding
Lovers of fast and furious will end up with minimum three points and £100 fine - Running a red light
This offence will incur three points and £100 fine - Middle lane hogging
It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you out a £100 fine with three penalty points - Undertaking
This could possibly result in three points on your license and a £100 fine
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