Traffic Operation on Hillside NW10

Traffic Operation on Hillside NW10

Last weekend, SNT officers carried out a targeted traffic operation on Hillside, NW10, as part of our wider weekend policing activity. During the operation, we conducted random vehicle stops to provide reassurance to the community and to ensure road‑safety compliance.

The most common offence identified during the checks was the use of illegal number plates, resulting in several Fixed Penalty Notices being issued.

What Makes a Number Plate Illegal? – Clear Legal Guidance

UK number plates must meet strict DVLA and British Standard requirements. A number plate becomes illegal when it fails to comply with these rules.

1. Incorrect Spacing (Most Common Offence)

Spacing between letters and numbers must follow DVLA standards.

Altering spacing to make a name or word is explicitly illegal.

2. Unapproved or Altered Fonts

Plates must use the Charles Wright 2001 typeface.

Any stylised, stretched, thickened, narrow, italic, or non‑standard characters make the plate illegal.

3. Non‑Compliant 3D / 4D Letters

3D or raised letters are allowed only if they still comply with all DVLA rules on spacing, size, single shade of black, and reflectivity.

If 3D or 4D characters distort readability or spacing, the plate becomes illegal.

4. Missing Required Markings

Legal plates must display the supplier details and the British Standard code “BS AU 145e” (for plates fitted after 1 Sept 2021).

5. Incorrect Colour or Reflectivity

Front plate: black characters on a white background

Rear plate: black characters on a yellow background

Background patterns, tinted plates, or reflective characters are illegal.

6. Unapproved Symbols or Flags

Only specific flags are allowed:

Union Jack, St George’s Cross, Scottish Saltire, Welsh Dragon

Any other symbols or national emblems make the plate illegal.

Penalties for Illegal Plates

Displaying an illegal registration plate can result in:

A £100 Fixed Penalty Notice at the roadside

Up to £1,000 in court for serious or repeated offences

Possible MOT failure

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Message Sent By
Marzena Krol
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Stonebridge)