Smoked number plates, also known as tinted or blacked-out number plates, have gained popularity among vehicle owners in recent years. These plates feature a dark tint or black background with white or silver characters, giving a sleek and stylish look to the vehicle. However, there has been some confusion regarding the legality of smoked number plates in the UK. In this article, we will discuss whether smoked number plates are legal or not according to UK regulations.
What is the UK Law on Number Plates?
In the UK, number plates must meet specific requirements set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). According to these regulations, number plates must be made from reflective material and have characters that are easily readable. The characters should be black on a white background for the front plate and black on a yellow background for the rear plate. The font used should be the standard Charles Wright font, with specific measurements for the size and spacing of the characters.
It is important to note that the purpose of these regulations is to ensure that number plates are easily visible and readable by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which are used for various purposes such as enforcing traffic laws and monitoring vehicle movements.
Are Smoked Number Plates Legal in the UK?
Based on the current regulations, smoked number plates are considered illegal in the UK. The reason for this is that the dark tint or black background of smoked number plates reduces the visibility and legibility of the characters, especially in low light conditions or when viewed from certain angles.
According to the DVLA, number plates must have a high level of contrast between the characters and the background to ensure easy readability. Smoked number plates fail to meet this requirement, as the dark background can make it difficult for ANPR cameras and other relevant authorities to identify the vehicle's registration number accurately.
It is worth mentioning that the police and other law enforcement agencies have been cracking down on vehicles with smoked number plates. Offenders can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or have their vehicle seized until the number plates are replaced with legal ones.
What are the Consequences of Using Smoked Number Plates?
Using smoked number plates on your vehicle can lead to several consequences. Apart from potential legal penalties such as fines and vehicle seizures, there are other implications to consider:
- Invalidating Insurance: If you are involved in an accident or require an insurance claim, using illegal number plates can invalidate your insurance policy. This means that you may not be eligible for compensation or have to pay for damages out of your pocket.
- Failed MOT Test: During the MOT test, smoked number plates will likely be flagged as a violation of the regulations, resulting in a failed test. This means that you will not be able to legally drive your vehicle until the number plates are replaced with compliant ones.
- Difficulty in Selling: If you decide to sell your vehicle with smoked number plates, potential buyers may be hesitant to purchase it due to the legal complications. This can make it harder to sell your vehicle or reduce its resale value.
While smoked number plates may offer a visually appealing aesthetic, it is important to adhere to the UK regulations when it comes to number plates. The use of smoked number plates is currently considered illegal, as they fail to meet the requirements for visibility and legibility set by the DVLA. To avoid legal consequences and other complications, it is advisable to stick to standard, legal number plates for your vehicle.
Can ANPR read tinted plates?
No, ANPR cameras may have difficulty reading tinted plates due to the reduced visibility and legibility of the characters. It is important to use number plates that meet the UK regulations for easy identification by ANPR cameras.
What number plate is banned in the UK?
Number plates that do not meet the requirements set by the DVLA are considered banned in the UK. This includes plates with non-standard fonts, incorrect character sizes or spacing, and plates with dark tint or black backgrounds.
What are ghost plates in the UK?
Ghost plates, also known as stealth plates or flipper plates, are illegal in the UK. These plates feature a mechanism that allows the user to flip the characters, making the plate unreadable by ANPR cameras. Such plates are considered an attempt to evade law enforcement and can result in severe penalties.
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