Standard 2D number plates are typically printed onto acrylic, while the fashionable 3D and 4D gel types with raised letters involve doming techniques, similar to domed labels.
The criminal use of fake or cloned plates is a growing problem, with thousands of innocent motorists on the receiving end of baffling penalty tickets and a soaring number of fines having to be cancelled in the capital due to car cloning.
The DVLA mandates that number plate suppliers should see original documents that prove the purchaser’s name and address and that they are allowed to use the registration number, such as the vehicle registration certificate.
However, the BBC London team bought number plates from seven companies that were at the top of Amazon’s listing on the day of ordering, and all failed to correctly comply.
The BBC found that:
Defence Line, Domo Corporation, SLS UK Holdings, and Plastic Services delivered plates without requesting any documents.
Two companies – Official Plates and Meena Supplies – said ID was necessary but then dispatched the plates without requesting documentation.
One company, Reg Locker, followed up with a text message asking for the required documentation to be sent via email. However, when the BBC ignored the request, the plates were sent out anyway.
Reg Locker subsequently blamed the error on temporary staff, who would be retrained.
Amazon told the BBC it would remove all number plate listings, bar novelty plates, following the probe although that would not be an immediate process.
A DVLA spokesperson told Printweek: “DVLA is committed to ensuring all number plates are displayed correctly and legally. We work with the police and Trading Standards to take action against suppliers who do not comply with the law.
“A legitimate supplier will always ask to see ID and entitlement documents before selling a number plate. Where this doesn’t happen, members of the public can report this directly to DVLA or to their local Trading Standards.”
The British Number Plate Manufacturers’ Association (BNMA) notes that it is illegal to supply (and display) a plate that does not have a British Standard marking and the manufacturers’ name.
Firms must register with the DVLA to become a registered supplier of number plates.
Suppliers are required to keep records of every plate supplied, and to make three years’ of records available to relevant authorities, including the police, if required.
There are fines for non-compliance.
