During your MOT, your number plate is one of the first things checked by mechanics. As it’s a legal requirement for your number plate to meet number plate requirements, your number plate can fail the MOT if any issues are found.

As a result, it’s important that your number plate is checked not only before the MOT, but at all times to ensure compliance and avoid fines from being pulled over.

According to the UK Government, you could be fined up to £1,000 and your vehicle will fail its MOT test if you drive with incorrectly displayed number plates. Did you know? Around 4% of all MOT failures are due to number plates not meeting the specified requirements.

With recent changes to number plate legislation, we have put together this guide to help you understand the MOT rules for registration plates.

Damaged Number Plates

If your number plate is damaged in any way that affects or changes the appearance of the visibility of the characters, it can result in a failed MOT test. It’s advised that your number plates should be replaced as soon as possible if damaged or cracked.

Dirty Number Plates

If your number plate is obscured by dirt, not only will you fail the MOT, but you could also be pulled over with the additional risk of a fine. Your number plates must be clean and visible at all times, otherwise, your MOT may fail before it has begun.

Number Plate Lights

Number plate lights are vital for illuminating your number plate when driving in dark or foggy conditions. If your number plate light isn’t working, this can be an instant fail on your MOT. Additionally, only white lights are permitted, so if you are using coloured lights, this will also be another MOT failure.

For this reason, you should regularly check all lights are working and avoid using lights that are not legally permitted.

Missing Number Plates

For obvious reasons, driving without front and rear number plates is illegal and a major defect on your MOT. As a driver, it is a legal responsibility to make sure that you have both number plates affixed in the right places to your vehicle at all times.

If you are found driving without number plates, you can face a fine and points on your license.

‘Stuck On’ Number Plates

To avoid number plates from becoming detached (which, as we mentioned above could result in fines and penalties), your number plate should be securely attached. Unfortunately, this does mean that number plates ‘stuck on’ could fail the MOT if they aren’t secure. 

Stuck-on number plates can easily and quickly be removed and do not adhere to the British Safety Standard BS AU 145D as they can detach during accidents, so we advise attaching them in the most secure way.

‘Road Legal’ Number Plates

Many online number plate suppliers will issue new plates quickly and easily, while some will fail to ask for documentation to prove you are the registered owner. 

Some documentation you will need to provide includes one of the following:

  • Vehicle registration certificate(V5C)
  • New keeper supplement (V5C/2)
  • Certificate of Entitlement (V750) to the number
  • Retention Document (V778)
  • Renewal reminder for vehicle tax or SORN (V11 or V11NI)
  • Temporary Registration Certificate (V379)
  • Number Plate Authorisation Certificate (V948) with an official stamp from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
  • Electronic Number Plate Authorisation Certificate (eV948)
  • Letter of authorisation from a fleet operator (including lease or hire company) quoting the document reference number from the V5C
  • Record of insurer’s name, reference and policy numbers (for repairs approved by an insurance company)

You will also be asked to provide proof of name and address, including:

  • Driving license, with or without a photo(doesn’t have to be issued in the UK)
  • Utility bill, Council Tax or rates bill in
  • Northern Ireland (from the last 6 months)
  • Bank or building society statement (from the last 6 months)
  • National identity card (issued by the government of a state or territory other than the United Kingdom)

Therefore, when purchasing a registration plate from a number plate dealer, you must ensure they are reputable and trustworthy. If the number plate dealer doesn’t obey the rules, you may end up in trouble with the law.

MOT Tests in Loughborough

At Parkland Services, we offer affordable MOTs in Leicestershire as part of our MOT service. For any of our work, we will always do our utmost to give you an accurate quote beforehand and will never carry out any additional work without your authority. If you are unsure of the new number plate rules, we would be more than happy to offer advice. 

If you would like to book your MOT, please visit our online booking page, or if you require advice, please do not hesitate to call us on 01509 232232.