Clean Number Plates Save Money

Cars are inveitably going to get dirty and dusty while on the roads but if cars aren't kept clean drivers can face a hefty fine.

If this dirt or grime builds up so much on the car’s number plate, to the point where it becomes unreadable, you are committing a driving offence.

The Government clarifies the legal position as follows: "Number plates (also known as licence plates) should show your vehicle registration number correctly.

“You can't rearrange letters or numbers, or alter them so that they're hard to read."

The fine for driving a car with an unreadable number plate is up to £1,000.

In addition, it is enough of an offence for a car to fail its MOT.

A DVLA spokesman explained the rules in a statement to the Burton Mail: "There is a specific offence under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 of obscuring or allowing a registration mark to be not easily distinguishable.

Motorcycles and motor tricycles registered on or after 1 September 2001 must only display a number plate at the rear of the vehicle.

If you ride a motorbike or motor tricycle registered before 1 September 2001 you can also display a number plate at the front, but you don’t have to.

Motorcycle and motor tricycle number plate numbers should be on 2 lines.

Your trailer must display the same number plate as the car you’re towing it with.

If you’re towing more than one trailer, the number plate must be fixed to the trailer at the back.