Motorists who use illegal 'ghost' number plates to make themselves invisible to speed cameras are set to face significantly harsher penalties under a planned government crackdown.
The practice, which has grown in recent years, involves modifying licence plates so they cannot be read by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) or speed cameras. This allows reckless drivers to flout traffic laws, such as speeding and running red lights, with impunity.
What Makes a Number Plate Illegal?
According to Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, UK number plates must adhere to strict DVLA requirements. Failure to meet these rules can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and an automatic MOT failure.
The legal requirements include:
- A specific reflective colour scheme: white with black characters on the front, yellow with black on the rear.
- The use of a standard, easily readable font introduced in 2001.
- Plates must be made from a durable, reflective material.
- The supplier's name and postcode, plus the British Standard number (BS AU 145e for plates fitted after 1 September 2021), must be displayed.
"It's important for drivers to understand the nuances," Conway explained. "For example, while 3D characters are permitted, if the raised letters are not black or have a reflective coating, they become illegal."
The Wider Dangers of 'Ghost' Plates
Campaigners, including West Bromwich Labour MP Sarah Coombes, have long called for tougher penalties to act as a deterrent. The issue creates an uneven and dangerous playing field, where some drivers bypass rules that others follow.
More seriously, security services are concerned that the technology enables criminal groups to move around the country undetected, posing a significant threat to public safety beyond mere traffic offences.
Common Pitfalls for Drivers
Conway also highlighted that modifications around the plate itself can lead to penalties. Licence plate lights must be white, not tinted, and must illuminate the plate evenly without casting shadows or showing the bulbs.
"Any modifications that make the plate unreadable are considered illegal," he stressed. The planned crackdown aims to bring stricter enforcement of these existing laws, with harsher fines and penalty points on licences serving as a stronger deterrent to those tempted to break the rules.
