To avoid potential fines of up to £1,000, it's crucial to perform a reg check and confirm your number plates are legally displayed. Modifying your plates without proper knowledge might unwittingly subject you to fines and even a failed MOT.
All number plates must meet UK standards, with clarity and legibility being paramount. Over the years, there have been thousands of recorded instances of failed car reg checks, resulting in number plate violations.
Seemingly minor errors can render your number plate illegal, catching you off guard. Here, we present six critical car reg checks to ensure your vehicle's registration is fully compliant with road regulations.
Six Reg Checks to Ensure Compliance
Reg Check #1. Proper Spacing: Correct spacing between digits is essential. If you're uncertain about the required spacing for your registration, refer to your V5C logbook or V778/V750 if you're yet to receive your V5C. Incorrect spacing not only impairs legibility for others but also confuses ANPR cameras (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), constituting a criminal offence. Here's a quick guide:
- Dateless style spacing (e.g., ABC 123) includes a space between letters and numbers.
- Suffix style spacing (e.g., ABC 123A) has a space after the initial 3 letters.
- Prefix style spacing (e.g., A123 ABC) includes a space before the last 3 letters.
- Current style spacing (e.g., AB12 ABC) has a space before the final 3 letters.
Reg Check #2. Bolt Placement: When using bolts to secure your plate, be mindful of their placement. Bolts might distort a letter or number from a distance, potentially causing your registration to resemble a different combination, even one registered to another vehicle. To mitigate this, consider using black, white, or yellow bolt covers, or opt for strong double-sided stickers instead of bolts.
Reg Check #3. Correct Font: A specific font is used on UK plates to ensure readability and easy identification of each letter and number. Incorrect font usage renders your plate unlawful. The standard font is "Charles Wright."
Reg Check #4. Appropriate Background: Standard UK background on perspex plates is vital for reflective visibility and clear digit recognition. Non-standard backgrounds, colours, or stickers can obstruct this visibility, leading to an illegal plate. The front plate must have a white background, while the rear plate requires a yellow one.
Reg Check #5. Accurate Colour: Adhere to standard colours for your number plate. The front plate must be white, and the back plate must be yellow. Letters and numbers should be black. Deviating from these colours might hinder identification and diminish clarity against the standard backgrounds.
Reg Check #6. Valid Flags: While optional, some individuals choose to add a flag to their plates. If you decide to do so, ensure proper positioning and use a valid flag, as only specific flags are permitted on UK plates. These include:
- EU Flag (Note: This might change due to Brexit)
- St. George Cross
- Union Jack
- Red Dragon of Wales
- Scottish Saltire (St Andrew Cross)
If you require reg check guidance, assistance with your plate or are considering a personalised plate purchase, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Conduct a thorough car reg check to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary penalties.
