Car registration: How to prevent number plate theft
British motorists are concerned they could be slapped with a £1,000 fine for failing to comply with post-Brexit number plate laws, according to experts.
The specialists warn motorists no longer automatically qualify to drive in Europe if they have an old GB/EU flag on their design.
These old layouts are no longer sold in the UK and are not valid since the UK left the European Union.
VRM Swansea’s Plates4Less has been bombarded with questions over the legality of the GB/EU flag with many road users concerned they could be fined back home.
In Britain, drivers can still order a legal number plate with a flag decoration on the left-hand side.
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The only designs now available are the Union Jack, the Cross of Saint Andrew and the Red Dragon of Wales.
Antony Clark, spokesperson for Plates4Less, admits drivers often request the old EU design but suppliers can no longer sell this under new rules.
He explained: “The UK number plate flag now works like the EU flag used to – it removes the need for an additional black and white UK sticker unless you are driving to Spain, Cyprus or Malta.
“Despite this, people are much less interested in getting a UK flag. Before Brexit, 21 percent of our customers ordered an EU flag.
“However, in 2023, only five percent of customers ordered the UK flag. It seems that some people preferred the EU flag, not just because it made it easier to drive outside of the UK, but because they liked the design of it.
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“Some clients proudly and consciously opt for the newer UK flag, but others request the old EU plates to show their love for the EU. We’ve got to tell them that we can’t legally supply those any longer for use on the roads.”
Drivers have been warned failure to comply with number plate rules could see motorists issued heavy sanctions.
There are strict regulations for UK designs to ensure vehicles are road-legal at all times. This includes the font, spacing and material of the plate.
Failure to follow the rules can see motorists issued a whopping £1,000 fine while drivers risk failing their annual MOT test.
However, despite no longer being illegal abroad, drivers do not have to worry about being penalised over the EU flag while in the UK.
Mr Clark added: “While we are no longer allowed to supply new number plates with the GB/EU flag, it is still perfectly legal to drive with these number plates in the UK.”
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