Will My Number Plates Pass Their MOT? What Testers Check in 2026

Quick Answer

During an MOT, testers check that plates use Charles Wright 2001 font, correct character sizes and spacing, correct colours (white front, yellow rear), are securely fixed, undamaged, and carry the required supplier markings on the reverse.

Number plates are inspected at every MOT test. A tester can fail your vehicle if the plates are cracked, faded, use the wrong font, show incorrect spacing, carry a tinted cover, or are not securely fixed. Both front and rear plates must be present and legible. Replacing worn or damaged plates before your MOT is straightforward and costs from £6.99.

Here is exactly what MOT testers check and what will cause a failure.

What MOT Testers Check on Number Plates

The DVSA MOT testing manual requires testers to check the following on both front and rear number plates:

Both plates are present
Characters are legible and complete
The correct font (Charles Wright 2001) is used
Character spacing is correct (11mm between characters, 33mm between groups)
Background colours are correct (white front, yellow rear)
The plate is securely fixed and does not obscure the registration
No tinted or smoked covers are fitted
The plate is not cracked, peeling, or obscured by dirt

Common Reasons Number Plates Fail the MOT

Cracked or damaged plates

A crack across a character can make it difficult to read. Even a crack that does not directly obscure a character may be flagged if the tester considers the plate structurally compromised. This is one of the most common reasons for a number plate MOT failure, particularly on older vehicles or those that have been in minor bumper impacts.

Faded or discoloured characters

UV exposure over time causes the reflective backing and character colouring on cheaper plates to fade. A plate where the contrast between characters and background has reduced to the point of poor legibility will be failed. Higher-quality plates built from 5mm acrylic with UV-stable materials, like those from Car Plates Pro, hold their appearance significantly longer.

Wrong font

Any plate that does not use Charles Wright 2001 font will be failed. This includes plates with italic characters, stylised fonts that mimic letters in a name, or any font that deviates from the prescribed character dimensions.

Incorrect spacing

Plates with deliberately altered spacing to create words will be failed. Spacing errors that occur during manufacture (gaps that are too wide or too narrow between characters) can also result in a failure if the tester considers legibility affected.

Tinted or smoked cover

Any cover placed over the plate, however lightly tinted, will cause a failure. Tinted covers became explicitly illegal under the 2021 update to BS AU 145e. Removing the cover resolves this immediately.

Loose or incorrectly fixed plate

A plate that moves, rattles, droops at one end, or could fall off is a fail. Both screw and adhesive pad fixings are acceptable, but the plate must be firmly mounted and level.

Missing plate

If either the front or rear plate is absent the vehicle will be failed immediately. If a plate has fallen off or been stolen before your MOT, replace it before attending the test.

What Will NOT Cause a Failure

The style of the characters is not itself a reason for failure. 3D Gel and 4D laser-cut raised character plates are fully legal under BS AU 145e and will pass the MOT provided the font, spacing, and other requirements are met. The style being 3D or 4D does not concern the tester — compliance does.

How to Check Your Plates Before the MOT

Before your MOT, take five minutes to check your plates:

Stand 20 metres away and check both plates are clearly legible
Run your hand over the plate to check for cracks or peeling
Push the plate to confirm it is firmly fixed and does not flex or move
Check for any tinted covers and remove them if present
Wash the plates clean so no dirt obscures characters

If anything fails this check, replace the plates before your test. Car Plates Pro dispatches the same day for orders placed before 2PM, with next working day delivery to 98% of UK addresses, so there is no need to delay.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Plates Before an MOT?

Standard printed plates start from £6.99 per plate at Car Plates Pro. A replacement pair of standard plates costs from £13.98. 3D Gel, 4D Laser-Cut, and 4D Gel options are also available if you want to take the opportunity to upgrade while replacing.

See: How Much Do Replacement Number Plates Cost in the UK?

What Documents Do I Need to Order Replacement Plates?

As a DVLA-registered supplier, Car Plates Pro is required by law to verify your identity and entitlement before manufacturing plates. You will need to provide proof of identity (driving licence or passport) and your V5C logbook or a DVLA certificate of entitlement.

Full details: How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Number Plate (UK Step-by-Step)

Replace Your Plates Before Your MOT

Do not arrive at your MOT with plates that you are unsure about. A plate failure adds the cost of a retest to your bill. Replacing plates costs less and takes less time than a retest.