May 24, 2008

VOSA have issued new instructions to MOT testing stations relaxing the rules with regards to licence plates.

A large number of infringements that would have previously meant cars failing their MOTs have been lifted.  Confusing backgrounds are no longer an MOT failure, front plates are no longer required to have a white background and back plates yellow.

The following suspensions have been made to the regulations:-

The registration plate background overprinted or shadowed with text.

A front registration plate does not have black characters on a white background.

A rear registration plate does not have black characters on a yellow background.

A registration plate obviously not displaying the name and postcode of the supplying outlet.

A registration plate obviously not displaying a BSAU 145d marking.

A registration plate obviously displaying a honeycomb or similar effect background.

A registration plate with a non-reflective border obviously wider than permitted or positioned too close to the characters.

A dual purpose registration plate displaying a symbol other than an acceptable international symbol or flag.

At the same time the police have the power to issue on the spot fines to drivers with licence plates that don’t meet the required standards, but with the new regualtions there is confusion over what exactly the standards are.

In the course of researching this piece the Police were contacted to clear up what the regulations are, and what constitutes an invalid licence plate. They were unable to answer this and suggested a call to the DVLA.  Their automated system had no appropriate options, so we’re no clearer from consulting the authorities.

As part of the fine process owners need to get a document stamped by a MOT testing station, to say that the vehicle now features the correct licence plates.  But if the issuing officer is not fully up to date on the new regulations, it could be possible for drivers to take their vehicle to an MOT testing station only to find that is is perfectly roadworthy.  This would make the fine something of a nonsense and surely lead to claims for compensation.

If you get fined, or have been fined since November 2007, under these regulations, make sure you know exactly what you are being fined for because there’s every chance that your custom plate is now perfectly legal.

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