Number plate lamp not working
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Rear registration plate lamp inoperative”
- “Registration plate lamp missing or inoperative”
What it is
The rear number plate must be lit at night so it can be read.
Why it matters
It's a legal requirement and one of the most common MOT failures, usually caused by a blown bulb or a corroded lamp holder.
What to check when viewing a car
Switch the lights on and check the rear plate is lit. Usually a quick, inexpensive fix.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
Free: every MOT, every defect explained in plain English, mileage, tax and ULEZ.
What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: lights and number plates
- Headlamp aim too high or too low
- Headlamp lens damaged or not giving enough light
- Lamp not working (bulb out)
- Number plate illegible or incorrect
- Headlamp main beam warning lamp not working
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.