Can You Drive With a Cracked or Damaged Number Plate?
A cracked number plate might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, but if the damage affects the plate’s visibility or legibility, it can become a legal and MOT problem.
UK number plates must display the vehicle’s registration correctly and remain easy to read. GOV.UK states that incorrectly displayed number plates can result in a fine of up to £1,000, and the vehicle can also fail its MOT. GOV.UK
Is a cracked number plate illegal?
A small crack does not automatically mean that a vehicle is illegal to drive.
The important issue is whether the damage makes the registration mark harder to read, affects the reflective surface or interferes with the plate’s required appearance.
The regulations state that a number plate must not be treated or fitted in a way that makes its characters less distinguishable or interferes with a clear photographic image of the registration. Legislation.gov.uk
If a crack runs through one of the letters or numbers, causes part of the reflective backing to lift, or makes the registration difficult to read, replacing the plate is the sensible option.
Can a damaged number plate fail an MOT?
Yes.
The MOT inspection guidance specifically says that registration plates must not be obscured, excessively damaged, deteriorated or delaminated. GOV.UK
That means problems such as these can potentially cause an MOT issue:
- cracks passing through the registration characters
- damaged or missing sections of the plate
- peeling or delaminating reflective material
- faded characters or backgrounds
- damage that makes the registration difficult to identify
A tiny surface mark may not necessarily cause a failure, but once the plate becomes difficult to read or substantially damaged, it should be replaced.
What if the number plate is faded?
Fading can be just as important as cracking.
UK number plates must use reflective material, with black characters on a white front plate and black characters on a yellow rear plate. Plates fitted after 1 September 2021 must also meet BS AU 145e requirements. GOV.UK
If the background or characters have deteriorated enough that the registration is no longer clearly visible, it is time to replace the plate.
What about delamination?
Delamination happens when the layers of the number plate begin separating.
You may notice cloudy areas, bubbles, peeling or patches where the reflective surface has started lifting.
This is specifically mentioned in the MOT inspection guidance and can become a problem if it affects the visibility of the plate. GOV.UK
Should I replace a cracked number plate?
If the plate is still perfectly readable and the damage is very minor, you may not need to replace it immediately.
However, replacement is advisable if:
- the crack crosses a letter or number
- the plate is becoming difficult to read
- reflective material has started peeling
- part of the plate is missing
- the plate is badly faded
- you’re approaching an MOT and the damage is noticeable
A replacement is normally inexpensive compared with the potential inconvenience of an MOT failure or problems with an unreadable plate.
Where can I get a replacement number plate?
Replacement number plates must be made by a registered number plate supplier. The supplier will normally need documents proving your identity and your entitlement to use the registration number. GOV.UK
Number Plate Supply can produce replacement front plates, rear plates or complete pairs to replace damaged plates.
ORDER A REPLACEMENT NUMBER PLATE
FAQs
Can I drive with a cracked number plate?
Potentially, if the plate remains fully compliant and clearly readable. However, damage that affects the registration characters, visibility or reflective surface could make the plate non-compliant.
Will a cracked number plate fail an MOT?
It can. MOT guidance says plates must not be excessively damaged, deteriorated, obscured or delaminated. GOV.UK
How much can you be fined for an illegal number plate?
GOV.UK says you could be fined up to £1,000 for driving with incorrectly displayed number plates. GOV.UK
Can I replace just one number plate?
For an ordinary vehicle replacement plate, you can buy the particular front or rear plate you need from a registered supplier, provided you supply the required documentation. GOV.UK
