More than 1.3 million MOT failures linked to number plate-related defects

More than 1.3 million number plate-related MOT failure items were recorded for Class 4 vehicles^[1] last year due to issues with number plates and number plate lighting, according to new research by breakdown provider Green Flag, highlighting how overlooked faults can lead to costly and avoidable MOT failures for drivers.

DVSA data shows that 477,914 MOT failure items were recorded for Class 4 vehicles, which includes most cars and light vans on UK roads, due to number plate condition or compliance faults, with illegible registration inscriptions responsible for more than four in five failures (389,375).

Illegible plates include those where characters are obscured by fading, cracking, damage, dirt, poor fixings or incorrect spacing - making them difficult to read and non‑compliant with DVSA requirements.

A total of 60,451 of these MOT failures were attributed to number plates that were not legally compliant due to issues such as incorrect font, spacing, size or background effects, including patterns, shading, carbon-style finishes or plates that do not reflect correctly.

Regulations require black characters in the prescribed font, correct spacing, and a standard white (front) or yellow (rear) background with full reflectivity. Any deviation, even minor ones, renders a plate illegal. While some cases may be innocent mistakes, others may be deliberate, with drivers using so‑called ‘grey’ or tinted plates that reduce contrast and impair reflectivity, making them difficult to read at night or in poor light conditions.

In some instances, these modifications could be linked to attempts to avoid detection by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems used for speed enforcement, congestion charges and other road‑monitoring measures. Any tinted or altered background that diminishes reflectivity is against the law, regardless of how subtle the change may appear.

Under DVSA MOT rules, vehicles must display a clearly legible registration plate at all times, using the correct font, spacing and layout, and must be securely fixed. Any plate that is missing, damaged, incorrectly formatted or difficult to read is classed as a major defect, leading to an immediate MOT failure. In addition, the rear number plate must be properly illuminated whenever the vehicle’s lights are on, with any faults classed as a major defect, resulting in an automatic MOT failure.

Number plate lighting issues accounted for 850,235 MOT failures in 2025, with faults including missing or inoperative lamps that prevent the rear plate from being clearly illuminated at night.

Damon Jowett, Head of Customer, Roadside & Network Services, at Green Flag, said: “Many drivers don’t realise just how strict the rules around number plates are. Something as simple as a faded digit, cracked plastic or loose fixing can lead to an MOT failure, as can plates fitted with illegal fonts, altered spacing or decorative effects.

“While these issues are often quick and relatively inexpensive to fix, failing to display a legal plate can also result in fines, enforcement action or problems if a vehicle is misidentified by cameras. With more than 1.3 million number plate-related MOT failure items recorded last year, a simple visual check could help drivers avoid unnecessary cost and disruption. Keeping number plates compliant can also help ensure there are no issues if motorists need roadside or breakdown assistance.”

Green Flag’s top tips for checking your vehicle’s number plates:

• Make sure plates are clean and fully visible, with no dirt, damage or wear that could obscure or distort the characters.
• Check for cracking, peeling or delamination, which can affect legibility and lead to an MOT failure.
• Avoid decorative backgrounds or effects, including patterns, shading or so‑called “3D” styles that change how characters appear.
• Ensure fixings don’t alter the registration, as screws or bolts placed through characters can make plates illegal.
• Check plates meet legal design standards, including font, spacing and layout, with no background overprinting.
• Pay close attention to how plates are fixed, as loose or poorly positioned fixings are a common reason for failure.
• Replace any plate that is insecure, incorrect or hard to read, as missing or illegible plates are classed as a major defect.
• Check the rear number plate is clearly illuminated when the vehicle’s lights are on and replace any loose or broken bulbs.

Failing to meet any of these requirements can result in an automatic MOT failure and may also prevent vehicles being correctly identified by enforcement cameras.

ENDS

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About Green Flag

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required). Green Flag is part of the Aviva Group.

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting Green Flag's website.

Resources

MOT number plate rules - British Number Plate Manufacturers Association

MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles - 4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment - Guidance - GOV.UK

Categorisation of vehicle defects

References:

^1. _{Analysis of DVSA FOI data (Ref: 2604-105344) for calendar year 2025 relating to Class 4 vehicles which includes most cars and light vans on UK roads. Figures represent recorded MOT failure items within registration plate and registration plate lighting defect categories. Totals were calculated by aggregating individual defect categories. Source: DVSA, MOT Inspection Manual for Cars and Passenger Vehicles (Class 4). [↑]}