It will soon be the 1st March 2025: Are you ready for car registration day? Whether that’s looking for a MOT Test or splashing out on a personal registration & eye-catching number plate.
Are you ready for car registration day?
Vehicle registration plates are updated twice a year in the United Kingdom, with a new series introduced every March and September. The upcoming ’25’ series is set to launch on 1 March 2025, followed by the ’75’ series on 1 September 2025. This system has been in place since 2001 and helps streamline vehicle registration by offering a clear method for tracking vehicles based on when they were first registered.
In the UK, a new car doesn’t need an MOT (Ministry of Transport test) until it is 3 years old. After that, it needs to be tested every year to ensure it is roadworthy and safe to drive. As such, many cars in the UK will naturally have their MOT due dates fall around these dates, regardless of what year they were made. This creates a peak demand for MOT appointments during March and September.
Importance of Compliant Number Plates
Adding a unique number plate to your vehicle is a great way to show your personality, whether you’re looking for 3D GEL Digits, a HEX Plate, or True 3D Digits. However, it’s crucial to ensure that you still comply with legal standards. This is especially important in terms of the annual MOT test, as non-compliant number plates can lead to MOT Failures and potential fines.
It is therefore recommended that any personalisation is done through a reputable supplier to ensure legality. Knowing the legal requirements can also help you to spot illegal plates and protect yourself from inadvertent fines.
Legal Requirements for Number Plates
UK regulations stipulate that number plates must adhere to specific standards to pass the MOT test.
These include:
- Visibility and Legibility: Number plates must be clean, free from damage, and securely fixed to the vehicle. Obscured or dirty plates can result in an MOT failure.
- Design and Material: Plates should be made from reflective material with black characters on a white (front) or yellow (rear) background. Features like honeycomb patterns or tints that impair reflectivity are not permitted.
- Fixing and Delamination: The position of fixing screws or bolts and any delamination of the number plate are scrutinised during the MOT. Such issues can prevent identification by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, leading to a failed MOT.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Using a non-compliant number plate can result in MOT failure, which could prevent the vehicle from being driven on the road until necessary corrections are made. Fines and penalties are also a risk of driving with an illegal number plate; this can incur fines up to £1,000 and may lead to penalty points on the driver’s license.
Ensuring Compliance
To ensure your number plate meets legal standards:
- Purchase from Reputable Sources: This will ensure that number plates are made to legal standards, including the right font, spacing, and layout.
- Ensure Correct Markings: Plates must display a BSAU 145e standard mark and a manufacturer’s name or trademark. These marks confirm the plates meet safety and quality standards.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically check the condition of your number plates to ensure they remain clean, legible, and securely fixed.
- Ensure Proper Spacing: The letters and numbers should be spaced correctly. Any attempt to “stylise” the plate by altering the spacing could result in non-compliance.
By adhering to these guidelines, vehicle owners can enjoy the benefits of personalised number plates while ensuring their vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant with MOT standards.
Solutions from Tennants
Whether you’re making number plates yourself or are looking to order new ones, Tennants are here to support you. Our services include advanced printing systems, software, and made-up plates, all designed to deliver number plates that meet legal specifications, reducing the risk of penalties for non-compliance.
We also provide expert resources through our Knowledge Base to make it easier for customers to create compliant plates on site.
Contact us to find out more.
