Experts have warned that drivers could face a hefty fine this autumn due to a little-known number plate rule. Driving with a dirty or obscured registration plate could result in a fine totalling £1,000 if you’re not careful.
Car expert Louis Rix, from CarFinance247, urged motorists to always check their number plates before driving for this very reason. His advice comes as part of a list of “vital autumn checks” to carry out.
He explained: “Drivers can face fines of up to £1,000 if plates are unreadable or illegal.
“Mud, spray, or fallen leaves can quickly obscure plates in autumn, so it’s vital to keep them clean and compliant.”
His warning is backed by experts at the RAC. On its website, it says: “Yes, it is illegal to drive with a dirty or obstructed number plates on the roads in the UK.
“This is because number plates must always be readable and visible to both police and automated systems, such as ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras. If a plate is obscured by dirt, mud, snow, or anything else that makes it difficult to read, it does not comply with the law.
“However, in cases where it appears that the plate has been deliberately obscured to avoid detection, then penalties may be more severe, potentially leading to prosecution by the police.
“To avoid fines and penalties, it’s important to regularly clean your vehicle’s number plates, especially after driving in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow, or if you’ve driven through mud or dirt.
“This is an essential part of winter car maintenance.” The RAC further said: “Driving with an obscured plate can result in a fine of up to £1,000, and your car may fail its MOT if the plate cannot be read clearly.
“In more serious examples, or where the driver is a repeat offender, it could lead to further penalties.”
Other checks to carry out
To avoid issues when driving this autumn, Louis also advised checking the following:
- Tyres in good condition – Wet, leaf-strewn roads demand good tread depth, correct pressure and no visible damage. Each illegal tyre can result in fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points
- Ensure all lights are working – Faulty lighting is a common roadside fine with fixed penalty notices ranging from £50–£100, but poor visibility in autumn makes working headlights, indicators, and brake lights essential for both safety and compliance
- Clear autumn leaves from your windscreen – Fallen leaves can quickly build up and seriously obstruct visibility. Failing to clear these, as per regulation 30 of The Road Vehicles Regulations 1986, could compromise safety and result in a fine of up to £1,000
He added: “Autumn doesn’t just bring colder weather — it highlights vulnerabilities in vehicle maintenance that can lead to costly fines or worse. A few minutes of preventive care now can protect against penalties and keep drivers safer on the road.”