Will my Number Plate Fail my MOT?

The Number Plate MOT Facts.

The short answer is absolutely yes, but many people may be surprised to find the reasons why. The BNMA (British Number Plates Manufacturers Association) has found that 4% of all MOT failures is caused by Number Plates not being upto standard, Which is a whole lot more than what people realise. With an average of 147,000 MOT’s done per day and a 40% fail rate (58,800). This would mean an average of 2352 cars fail it’s MOT due to Number Plates each and every day.

Who decides the MOT and Number Plate Laws?

This is where everything gets a little more confusing and that is why we are here to break everything down for you! The agency that creates the legislation for Number Plate Suppliers is the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), this is different to the agency that creates the legislation for MOT’s, These being the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), They are very commonly mixed up and if you are not careful you can get caught out.

Are Faulty Number Plate Lights a Fail?

The light fixture on your rear number plate serves to illuminate your plate number, ensuring it’s visible to other drivers during conditions of reduced visibility, such as at night or in fog. If this rear number plate light is damaged, it will be categorised as a major defect and lead to the failure of your MOT inspection.

Are coloured Number Plate Bulbs a Fail?

It is against the law to utilize colored feature lights on your number plate. Only white light is allowed both above and below your number plates. However, there are no limitations on the number of lights, wattage, or intensity you can use.

Is a Cracked Number Plate an MOT Fail?

Damage to the number plate caused by incidents like collisions or accidents, such as cracks or bends. MOT tests strictly enforce the condition of your registration plate, ensuring it is not excessively damaged, deteriorated, or delaminated. Therefore, if you have a cracked number plate that hampers readability, it is advisable to replace it prior to the MOT to avoid the risk of failure.

Can I Fail an MOT without a Number Plate?

It is illegal to drive without a front and rear number plate attached in the proper location. Specific locations are made to maintain the correct height and visibility for various road traffic cameras. If your Number Plates are missing or relocated, this can result in an MOT failure as a major failure. 

Will Tinted plates fail an MOT?

Any Tints or Appearance changing films will be classed as a fail. This can affect the reflective backing of the number plates and affect visibility making this a major defect and direct fail.

Will Honeycomb Number Plate background fail an MOT?

This follows the sames issues as Tinting and appearance changing films. Any background changing effects such as the very popular Honeycomb will be classed as a fail. Anything that impairs the visibility or changes the retro-reflectivity will be deemed as a major fail.

Will 3D Gel or 4D text fail an MOT?

As long as the digits are completely black and have no two-tone colouring then they will pass the MOT with flying colours and are completely road legal. Having a Carbon or frosted affect on top of the digits causes a two-tone effect which will lead to a direct fail.

Will a Shaped or Short Number Plate fail an MOT?

These plates have been around a long time and for as long as I can remember people have always been unsure, They will not fail an MOT and are 100% road legal as long as they meet the DVLA’s minimum spacing requirements, This means that the reflective backing must extend 11mm around the Number Plate digits before reaching the edge of the Number Plate. There must also be 11mm between each digit exempt for the main middle spacing, This is required to be 33mm.

What Happens if You Fail an MOT on Number Plates?

You will have 10 days to amend the Number Plates, If done within the 10 days the tester will normally retest for free. Many garages will be able to provide the simple fixes, However if not you will need to find a highly trusted and reliable Number Plate supplier. 

NationwideNumberPlates are a DVLA registered supplier. We are the leading Supplier of innovation and exclusive products, Because of this, we know all the laws and legislation. Check out our Plate Builder for the most stylish Number Plates.