Can I get fined for having a dirty number plate?
SOME of us have to drive around with a pristine car but some of us aren't as bothered about keeping on top of washing our vehicles.
However, motorists who drive around with an un-readable number plate could wind up with hefty penalties.
Is it illegal to drive a car with a dirty number plate?
Police are cracking down on drivers who have dirty or obstructed number plates on their cars, however it is technically not illegal.
Number plates are important, as they let the owner and the police know when and where the vehicle is registered.
If police see you driving with a dirty number plate then you will most likely be pulled over.
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 may face a fine of up to £1,000.
You might get a on-the-spot £100 fine but unlucky drivers could get up to a grand.
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.
Neil Worth, GEM road safety officer 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.
“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."
There is also a chance having a dirty number plate could put you at greater risk of being victim to a crime.
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.
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 however, this differs from the rear plate which should display 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 the inform police officers when and where the vehicle was registered and 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 the 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