The UK government is considering introducing penalty points and vehicle seizures for drivers found in charge of vehicles with false, altered or incorrect number plates.
Government Reviews Tougher Measures For Illegal Number Plates
The proposed changes are part of a wider review of motoring offences as authorities seek new ways to tackle number plate crime and improve enforcement against vehicles designed to avoid detection.
According to Birmingham Live, the Department for Transport is examining whether drivers could receive additional punishments for offences involving illegal number plates. The review follows concerns that false or unreadable plates can prevent automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems from identifying vehicles.
In the Commons this week, Conservative Party MP Sir Julian Lewis asked the government: “What steps she will take to help tackle the use of vehicle number plates which are false or unreadable by automatic number plate recognition technology?”
The MP also questioned whether ministers planned to introduce tougher measures, including “increasing penalties for using and supplying such plates, including number plate verification as a component of MOT tests.”
He also asked about “requiring number plate suppliers to be subject to criminal record checks and other background screening, and supplying police forces with appropriate detection equipment and training.”
Transport Department Considers New Driver Penalties
Responding on behalf of the government, Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, said authorities recognised the impact of illegal number plates and were working with enforcement agencies.
“The Government recognises the impact of number plate crime and is committed to addressing this issue,” he said.
“The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) works closely with police forces and the National Police Chiefs’ Council to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime.”
Madders said the government’s Road Safety Strategy, published on 7 January 2026, outlined plans for safer roads and included a review of possible changes to motoring offences.
“As part of this, the Department for Transport is reviewing motoring offences and has sought views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect, altered or false number plate,” he said.
“The consultation closed on 11 May and responses are being considered.”
MOT Checks And Number Plate Supplier Rules Also Under Review
Existing MOT tests already include checks on vehicle number plates, with inspectors examining whether plates meet legal requirements.
“A visual inspection of a vehicle’s number plate is already included as part of the MOT test,” Madders said.
“The test checks front and rear number plates for security, legibility, visibility and legal conformity.”
The DVLA is also exploring changes to the system that regulates businesses producing number plates. Officials are considering a stricter and more auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier system to increase oversight of suppliers and their products.
“Potential changes under review include examining fees, scheme structure, resources and funding arrangements,” Madders added.
Police Forces Could Receive New Support And Detection Technology
The government is also investing in police coordination and technology aimed at identifying illegal number plates.
“The DVLA offers support and training for police forces on the illegal display and supply of number plates,” Madders said.
He added that the Department for Transport is funding a new National Roads Policing Coordination Centre, which brings together police forces across England to share intelligence, improve cooperation and make greater use of data.
“Its work includes stepping up enforcement against illegal number plates and trialling new technology to help detect plates designed to evade cameras.”
The Department for Transport is now considering responses from the consultation before deciding whether the proposed penalty points and vehicle seizure measures will be introduced.
