Number plate illegible or incorrect
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Registration plate illegible”
- “Registration plate characters incorrectly formed or spaced”
- “Registration plate insecure”
What it is
Number plates must be clearly readable, securely fitted, and use the correct characters, font and spacing.
Why it matters
An unreadable or incorrectly formatted plate is an MOT fail and can bring a fine. Cameras and police need to read it.
What to check when viewing a car
Look at both plates for fading, cracks, damage, stylised fonts or unusual spacing. Replacement plates must come from a registered supplier.
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 lamp not working
- 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.