VOSA have issued a Special Notice to all MOT stations updating the reasons for failing defective number plates.

There have always been reasons to fail on faulty / non complying number plates since 2001 details of which may be found here :-

MOT Manual On-Line

These were initially brought in and revoked over a year ago.

VOSA MOT number plate checks (ACE Article)

We believe this ties into recent changes in DVLA policy re prosecution for display of non conforming number plates and also to ensure compliance by number plate suppliers with new laws introduced last year:-

New number plate supply law comes into effect (ACE Article)

DVLA are getting tougher on display of non conforming registration plates in general with stricter procedures and tougher penalties: -

DVLA get tougher on non conforming number plates display (ACE Article)