DVSA Crackdown: New Policing Team Targets Illegal Number Plates
The government has launched a new roads policing hub designed to clamp down on illegal number plates and vehicle identity fraud. Here is what independent garages need to know to remain compliant and advise customers correctly.
A New Era for Roadside Enforcement
The government has officially launched a new, centrally-funded roads policing hub aimed at targeting illegal vehicle activities, with a specific focus on fraudulent number plates. By leveraging advanced technology and improved data sharing, this new initiative is designed to disrupt the use of cloned or mis-spaced plates, which are frequently used by organised crime groups to mask vehicle identities.
Why This Matters for the MOT Trade
For garage owners and MOT test station managers, this crackdown highlights the importance of rigorous vehicle identification during service and testing procedures. While the police focus on roadside enforcement, the DVSA continues to monitor the standard of number plates presented during the MOT test.
Compliance and Legislation
Under current DVSA guidelines, a vehicle must be presented for an MOT with compliant number plates to avoid an immediate fail. Common issues that garages must flag to customers include:
- Font and Spacing: Characters must follow the mandatory Charles Wright font and precise spacing requirements.
- Material standards: Plates must comply with British Standard BS AU 145e, which ensures they are durable and easily read by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems.
- Cloned Plates: If a technician suspects a vehicle is displaying incorrect plates or shows signs of identity tampering, it is essential to record this appropriately.
According to official government guidance, displaying illegal plates can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and an MOT failure. As enforcement intensifies through this new police hub, customers may be more likely to be pulled over for minor non-compliance, meaning your role in checking plates during routine maintenance is more critical than ever.
Staying Vigilant
With the introduction of this new policing unit, the UK authorities are signaling a zero-tolerance approach to vehicle identity fraud. Garages should ensure that any number plates supplied or fitted on-site are fully compliant with the latest regulations and that staff are trained to spot the subtle signs of illegal plate construction. For further guidance, consult the DVSA 'MOT Testing Guide' and the specific regulations regarding number plate display provided by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
What this means for your garage
What this means for your garage: You must tighten your pre-MOT inspection procedures regarding vehicle identification. Ensure all staff are aware of the BS AU 145e standards for number plates and do not overlook 'decorative' or non-compliant fonts during the initial check-in process. By educating your customers on the risks of illegal plates—including potential fines and failed MOTs—you provide a valuable service that protects them from unwanted police attention while keeping your business fully compliant with DVSA standards.
Stop losing MOT customers to the chains
RecallIQ automatically texts your customers before their MOT is due — branded as your garage. From £29/month.
See AEO Pricing →