Celebrity-style number plates could be breaking the law

The cult of celebrity-style number plates has led to a police crack-down on the increased number of illegal number plates in use, says Confused.com.

Incorrectly spaced plates, or those using decorative or italic type-faces, can often evade speed cameras and are therefore illegal to use on UK roads. In fact, only the approved DVLA font is permissible, and the number plates themselves must be registered by a plate supplier.

Vehicles with misrepresented number plates could face a fixed penalty notice, with a fine of up to £1,000. They could also have their registration withdrawn, and the car declared an MOT failure.

Will Thomas, head of car insurance at Confused.com, says: "With the launch of the new registration plates next week, we are asking drivers to think carefully about their decision to splash out on personalised number plates; if they are not approved by the DVLA, motorists could find themselves slapped with a £1,000 fine.

"With the rise of many unofficial number plate websites, offering drivers celebrity-style plates at affordable prices, it is important that drivers realise that purchasing through these mediums could cause far more trouble than they are worth. It is vital to do your homework before committing to any investment, not least one which could mean an MOT failure, at the very least, if you are caught."