The DVLA is currently examining four key areas with the aim of tightening controls on illegal number plates and their suppliers, as the government weighs up new penalties
The Labour government is considering potential changes to number plate regulations, a minister has revealed. The DVLA is currently reviewing four key areas with the goal of strengthening controls on number plates and their suppliers.
Conservative MP for New Forest East, Julian Lewis, questioned the Department for Transport about what measures it “will take to help tackle the use of vehicle number plates which are (a) false or (b) unreadable by automatic number plate recognition technology, with regard to (i) increasing penalties for (A) using and (B) supplying such plates, (ii) including number plate verification as a component of MOT tests, (iii) requiring number plate suppliers to be subject to criminal record checks and other background screening, and (iv) supplying police forces with appropriate detection equipment and training.”
Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Transport, Justin Madders, replied: “The Government recognises the impact of number plate crime and is committed to addressing this issue. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) works closely with police forces and the National Police Chiefs’ Council to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime.
“In its Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January 2026, the Government set out its vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of this, the Department for Transport is reviewing motoring offences and has sought views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect, altered or false number plate,” reports Birmingham Live.
“The consultation closed on 11 May and responses are being considered. A visual inspection of a vehicle’s number plate is already included as part of the MOT test. The test checks front and rear number plates for security, legibility, visibility and legal conformity.”, reports Nottinghamshire Live.
“The DVLA is also considering options to ensure a more robust, auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier process, which would enable tighter checks on number plate suppliers and the plates they supply. Options being considered include reviewing fees, scheme structure, resources and funding.
“The DVLA offers support and training for police forces on the illegal display and supply of number plates.
“In addition, the Department for Transport is funding a new National Roads Policing Coordination Centre, which brings together police forces from across England to share intelligence, improve collaboration and make better use of data. Its work includes stepping up enforcement against illegal number plates and trialling new technology to help detect plates designed to evade cameras.”