Number of cloned number plates on UK roads at record high, data shows
More than 11,400 drivers last year were fined for offences they did not recognise as RAC says system needs reform
TL;DR
- Reported cloned vehicles involved in offences on UK roads have hit a record high.
- Over 11,400 drivers contacted the DVLA last year about unrecognized fines, believed to be due to number plate cloning.
- The number of complaints is 9% higher than in 2024 and almost double the 2018 figure.
- Cloning involves fraudulently copying number plates onto similar vehicles to avoid enforcement cameras.
- An investigation found over 130 official suppliers willing to sell cloned number plates.
- "Ghost" plates, unreadable by ANPR cameras, are also a concern.
- The RAC advocates for an overhaul of the number plate system and better enforcement.
- The government is launching a nationwide crackdown, including a new roads policing team and technology trials.