Tennants urge retailers to guide on number plates this Christmas

As the festive season approaches, there is an increased interest in number plates as a unique and practical Christmas gift and Tennants UK, a leader in number plate solutions, is encouraging customers to ensure motorists are well-informed about the legalities surrounding number plate purchases.

By offering clear guidance, retailers can help motorists avoid fines, MOT failures and potential safety risks associated with non-compliant plates.

Personalised plates and unique designs, such as bubble contours or novelty fonts, are growing in popularity, but many of these styles fail to meet the UK’s strict number plate legislation.

Plates that don’t adhere to the BS AU 145e standard, such as those with non-compliant fonts or reflective issues, can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to £1,000 or a failed MOT test.

These plates may also be flagged by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, leading to further complications for vehicle owners.

Stephen Archer, Business Development and Marketing Manager at Tennants UK, said: “Retailers play a critical role in educating customers about the importance of compliance when buying number plates. Many motorists are unaware of how strict the regulations are, and it’s vital to steer them toward plates that meet the necessary standards.

“By providing accurate advice, you not only protect your customers but also build trust and credibility for your business. With more motorists looking for personalised plates this Christmas, now is the perfect time for retailers to enhance their role as trusted advisors.”

Retailers can encourage customers to make informed decisions by emphasising the importance of purchasing from DVLA-registered suppliers. Legitimate suppliers follow strict guidelines, including verifying identity and vehicle ownership before selling plates, ensuring they comply with UK laws.

UK law requires plates to meet specific formatting standards, such as the mandated font type, character spacing and reflective materials. Compliant plates aren’t just about passing an MOT, they ensure long-term compatibility with ANPR systems and maintain vehicle safety standards.