Drivers are at risk of £1,000 fine from a little-known DVLA winter number plate rule. Motorists and road users could be affected by a little-known number plate rule as the weather changes over autumn.
Liam Barnes, a driving expert and manager at TopReg, said: "Forgetting to clear snow and ice from your number plates during cold snaps can lead to a hefty fine of up to £1,000 from Local Authorities.
"The law mandates that number plates must be easily readable to ensure compliance with speed cameras and police checks. By taking a few moments to clear your number plates before driving, you can avoid unnecessary legal trouble and potential penalties."
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Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, says: "Having an obscured number plate is an office under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, and a poorly-placed rear bike rack could easily see you being prosecuted.
"If caught, you could receive a £100 on-the-spot fine. And if the issue is reviewed in court, you may incur a Level 3 fine of £1,000, as well as three points on your licence.
"Even if it's an innocent mistake, the police might see it as an attempt to avoid speed camera detection or ULEZ fees, for example.
"Having a bike rack that obscures your number plate could also see you failing your MOT - the annual government check that ensures your vehicle meets legal safety standards.
"If you're using a rear-mounted bike rack, you should purchase a detachable number plate to mount over the top of your bikes so that it's clearly visible to other drivers and traffic cameras."
Mr Conway adds: "Number plates are widely available to buy online. Popular online retailers like Amazon, eBay and Etsy sell them, among hundreds of other websites.
"The price or convenience of buying from these retailers might be tempting. But motorists need to know that they must purchase their plates from registered suppliers which have been approved by the DVLA.
"The GOV.UK website has a useful search tool that will help you find your nearest supplier.
"Having a plate from a non-registered supplier could result in you being stopped and fined by the police, or your vehicle failing its MOT. It's really not worth the risk, however cool you think the supplied design might look."