The UK government is taking decisive action against the growing issue of illegal number plates, which allow drivers to evade speed cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems. These plates, often referred to as “ghost plates,” use reflective coatings, transparent films, or altered characters to prevent detection, enabling criminals and reckless motorists to avoid fines and prosecution.
The Rise Of Illegal Number Plates
According to This Is Money, the availability of illegal number plates has surged in recent years, with online retailers openly selling self-adhesive laminate covers and reflective sprays that obscure plate details under infrared light. Some suppliers even offer plates with subtly altered fonts or misaligned characters, making them unreadable by ANPR cameras, says Yahoo News.
According to the British Number Plate Manufacturers Association (BNMA), up to one in 15 number plates may be modified to evade detection. This alarming trend has prompted calls for stricter regulations and enforcement measures.
Government Responses And Crackdown
Ministers have been urged to introduce tougher penalties for the sale and use of illegal number plates. Currently, offenders face a £100 fine, but MPs are pushing for this to be increased to £1,000, along with six penalty points on the driver’s license, according to Fleetwood. In severe cases, authorities may even consider vehicle seizure or license disqualification.
West Bromwich MP Sarah Coombes has been a vocal advocate for stricter regulations, arguing that the sale of ghost plates is not a victimless crime. She has introduced a Ten-Minute Rule Bill to address the issue, emphasizing that these plates enable criminal activity and undermine road safety.
The Role Of Trading Standards and the DVLA
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are working together to combat the sale of illegal number plates. Under UK regulations, all number plate suppliers must be registered with the DVLA and adhere to strict standards for reflectivity and legibility. However, many rogue sellers operate outside these regulations, offering non-compliant plates without verifying buyer details.
Recent enforcement efforts have uncovered widespread use of ghost plates by organized crime groups. In 2024, Rochdale Trading Standards led a nationwide operation targeting illegal plate manufacturers and users, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of thousands of counterfeit plates.
The Impact on Road Safety and Law Enforcement
The proliferation of illegal number plates poses a significant threat to road safety and law enforcement. ANPR cameras play a crucial role in tracking stolen vehicles, enforcing clean air zones, and identifying uninsured drivers. When criminals use ghost plates, they can evade detection, making it harder for authorities to uphold traffic laws and combat crime, says Yahoo News.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams has warned that the ease of purchasing ghost plates online is undermining enforcement efforts. He highlighted the growing issue of cloned number plates, where innocent motorists are wrongly accused of traffic violations committed by criminals using fake plates.
Conclusion
The government’s crackdown on illegal number plates is a necessary step toward improving road safety and ensuring that offenders are held accountable. By tightening regulations, increasing penalties, and enhancing enforcement efforts, ministers aim to curb the rise of ghost plates and protect law-abiding motorists.
As the debate continues, drivers are urged to verify their number plates’ compliance with UK regulations and report any suspicious sales to Trading Standards. With stricter laws and greater public awareness, authorities hope to put an end to the misuse of illegal number plates and restore integrity to the nation’s roads.
If you’re intrigued about the big wide world of number plates, did you also know that there are number plates that are banned? From registration numbers, to personalised plates, there are actually number plates that are banned. Some would say that its about time that Ministers crackdown on illegal number plates, would you agree?
