The Andy Burnham government has confirmed it is considering the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizures for motorists found in charge of vehicles displaying incorrect, altered, or false number plates.
During a session in the House of Commons this week, Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis raised concerns about the misuse of vehicle number plates that are unreadable by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology. He inquired about the government’s plans to increase penalties for those using and supplying such plates, including the possibility of incorporating number plate verification into MOT tests.
Sir Julian also asked whether there would be requirements for number plate suppliers to undergo criminal record checks and background screening, alongside providing police forces with the necessary detection equipment and training to tackle the issue effectively.
Responding, Justin Madders, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, stated, “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.”
Mr Madders highlighted that the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, published in January 2026, outlines a vision for safer roads and includes a review of motoring offences. As part of this review, the Department for Transport sought views on introducing penalty points and vehicle seizure powers for offences involving incorrect, altered, or false number plates. The consultation period closed on 11 May, and the responses are currently being considered.
He added that MOT tests already involve a visual inspection of front and rear number plates for security, legibility, visibility, and legal compliance.
Further, the DVLA is exploring the establishment of a more stringent, auditable Register of Number Plate Suppliers to allow stricter oversight. This may involve reviewing fees, scheme design, resources, and funding arrangements.
The DVLA also provides support and training to police forces regarding the illegal display and supply of number plates. The Department for Transport is funding the new National Roads Policing Coordination Centre, which facilitates intelligence sharing and collaboration among police forces across England. Part of its remit includes enhancing enforcement against illegal number plates and trialling new technology to detect plates designed to evade cameras.