As autumn’s first leaves start to tumble and late summer delivers a combination of downpours and bright intervals, British drivers are being cautioned about a concealed seasonal hazard that could result in a hefty penalty. Overlooking a registration plate that’s been obscured by foliage, grime or rubbish could see you slapped with a fine reaching £1,000 and cause your motor to fail its MOT examination, based on official guidance from GOV.UK.
However, according to Chris Coops, a 4D number plates expert and director at Mr Plates, the danger is no longer simply about officers spotting a grimy plate – it’s about an “unseen network of cameras”.
He explained: “Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are everywhere, from traffic cameras to car parks. If your plate is even slightly unreadable due to grime, it can’t be scanned, and that can trigger a fine. Many drivers assume they’re in the clear as long as they don’t get pulled over, but with ANPR, the fine could be in the post before they even know they’ve broken the law.”
The registration plate inspection
Mr Plates advises all motorists to develop the routine of carrying out a swift “number plate check” each time they drive throughout the autumn period.
Before departure: Prior to climbing into your vehicle, spare a moment to examine your front and rear registration plates. Can they be seen clearly? If not, a swift clean with a rag or your palm is all that’s required.
Always have a cloth handy in your vehicle: The easiest solution is to keep a microfibre cloth or a sponge in your boot or glovebox. It’s a swift and simple method to wipe off leaves and dirt, particularly after an unexpected rain shower.
Be vigilant for muck: It’s not just leaves and mud that can cause issues. Road spray, especially during rainy weather, can accumulate a layer of grime that renders plates unreadable. This can be a problem even if your car appears clean.
Mr Coops advised: “You don’t need to do anything drastic; just making a small, proactive change to your routine can save you a huge amount of stress and money. A clear plate is the simplest way to avoid an expensive seasonal trap.”