Can You Get Penalty Points for an Illegal Number Plate?

Getting pulled over, or just receiving a letter, over a non-compliant number plate raises an immediate worry: will this go on my licence? It’s a reasonable question, and the answer is more specific than most people expect.

The short answer

Displaying an illegal or non-compliant number plate is not typically an offence that carries penalty points on its own. The primary consequence is a fine of up to £1,000. Penalty points are usually associated with more serious driving offences, not with plate format or condition issues in isolation.

What you actually risk for a non-compliant plate

The core enforceable consequence for an illegal or non-compliant number plate is a fine, which can be up to £1,000 depending on the nature and severity of the non-compliance. This applies to a range of issues: incorrect spacing or font, non-standard colours, altered characters, poor condition affecting legibility, or a plate that doesn’t meet the BS AU 145e manufacturing standard.

There’s no fixed penalty-points tariff attached to this specific offence the way there is for something like speeding or using a mobile phone while driving.

Where points could realistically come into play

Points become a possibility only if the plate issue is connected to a separate, more serious offence. For example, if a vehicle is stopped and the number plate situation forms part of a broader case (such as an attempt to evade identification, fraud, or a more serious traffic offence investigation). In those scenarios, any points would relate to the underlying offence, not to the number plate itself being non-compliant.

For the overwhelming majority of cases (a faded plate, incorrect spacing, a non-standard font, or an unofficial finish) the consequence is the fine, not points.

The indirect risk: MOT and insurance

While points aren’t typically in play, there are two indirect consequences worth taking seriously:

MOT failure: Number plate condition and compliance is treated as a major-defect category in the DVSA’s inspection manual, meaning a non-compliant plate can cause an MOT fail on its own.

Insurance complications: If a vehicle isn’t roadworthy or legally compliant at the time of an incident, an insurer could potentially raise questions during a claim, since driving a vehicle that doesn’t meet basic legal display requirements sits outside normal expectations. This isn’t a guaranteed claim refusal, but it’s a real risk worth avoiding rather than testing.

What actually counts as non-compliant

The most common triggers for a plate being judged illegal or non-compliant include:

• Incorrect character spacing or non-standard font
• Non-standard background colour or missing reflectivity
• Decorative borders, images, or slogans that interfere with legibility
• A plate not manufactured to BS AU 145e (missing supplier details or standard marking)
• Damage, fading, or dirt severe enough to affect legibility

How to avoid the risk entirely

The straightforward fix is ensuring any plate you order or fit is manufactured to BS AU 145e by a DVLA-registered supplier, with the correct registration, font, spacing, and reflective background for its position on the vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

Will I get points on my licence for an illegal number plate?
Not typically. The standard consequence is a fine of up to £1,000, not penalty points, unless the plate issue is tied to a separate, more serious offence.

Can a non-compliant plate fail my MOT?
Yes. Number plate condition and compliance is a major-defect category in the DVSA inspection manual, so it can cause an automatic fail.

Could an illegal plate affect my insurance?
It could complicate a claim if a vehicle isn’t legally compliant at the time of an incident, though this isn’t the same as a fixed points penalty.

What’s the maximum fine for an illegal number plate?
Up to £1,000, depending on the nature of the non-compliance.

Avoid the risk with a compliant plate

Order a fully compliant plate through the Car Plates Pro Number Plate Builder. Every plate is BS AU 145e certified and DVLA registered, with prices from £6.99.