We had heard rumours of changes in DVLA procedure for reporting and dealing with display of non-compliant number plates, which meant de-registration of the vehicle for first offence if not dealt with promptly and without warning for a second offence.
The owner of the offending vehicle would receive a letter giving 28 days to have a set of complying plates fitted and a confirmation photo to be sent back. If this were not received within 28 days the vehicle would automatically be deregistered on the 29th day.
In the case of a cherished / personal plate the right to display would be lost. When you purchase a cherished / personal plate you only receive the right to display that plate, it always remains the property of the Secretary for State, as does every registration number, and can be removed at their discretion at any time.
De-registration means removal of the number currently displayed and having to have a new different number issued by the local DVLA office. This would entail updating tax disc, MOT and insurance to reflect the new number and possibly inspection of the vehicle as well.
Previously the Police needed to complete a long winded form to notify DVLA and consequently most offences were dealt with by a statutory fine system and it was hit and miss whether DVLA were informed.
We spoke with David Whitbread of DVLA and received the following reply: -
“Thank you for your e-mail and I trust that the following information will be useful.
DVLA takes the issue of misrepresented registration marks seriously. Vehicle keepers must now provide photographic evidence within 28 days that a registration mark is being correctly displayed, otherwise the mark is withdrawn and added to the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) stop list. Repeat offenders will have their marks withdrawn without 28 days notice.
Intelligence sent to DVLA is used to select number plate suppliers for DVLA compliance visits. This will allow us to raise awareness, gather evidence and, where appropriate, prosecute offenders.
You may also find the following background information useful.
The process is supported by the use of a proforma, used when police colleagues pursue a misrepresented registration mark offence. The offence report must be accompanied by a photograph of the number plate. The vehicle registration mark itself, as it should be displayed, must also be clearly recorded.
Best regards,
David
David Whitbread”
We have been informed, but currently have no proof, that it is not necessary for the vehicle to be stopped but that CCTV or ANPR photographs are acceptable to start the process. Bear in mind that this doesn’t just affect Cherished / Personal plates but all forms of registration plates that do not meet the current criteria.
Current legal number plates specifications may be found here :-
Display of Registration Marks for Motor Vehicles - V796
There is an exemption granted to imported vehicles which only have space for a small 12″x 6″ plate but these must use British motorcycle characters not plates which attempt to emulate the country of origins style of lettering. Again details of this exemption and acceptable format of these plates may be found here: -
Number Plate Requirements {DVLA link working intermittently}
Number Plate Requirements (Alternative Site)
The MOT test has also been amended to assist in tracking down non compliant plates :-
Changes to number plate section of MOT (ACE Article)
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