A warning has been issued to motorists as they face hefty £1,000 fines for incorrectly displayed number plates.
Something as simple as a bit of mud on your plates could be enough to see a motorist facing a fine, according to the experts at Comparethemarket.
And from a dirty number plate to a custom one, motorists have to make sure that they always remain in-line with DVLA rules.
This especially applies to motorists who are looking to purchase custom number plates, as it is their responsibility to make sure they are official.
You cannot use anything other than the standard DVLA font, and letters on your plates must also be spaced in a certain way.
As well as potential fines that you could face, experts warn that you can also fail your MOT for using altered or unauthorised plates.
This comes as new '23' number plates are being released this month. The first two numbers on your plate is an age identifier, which tells you when your vehicle was first registered.
Julie Daniels from the car insurance team at Comparethemarket comments: "As the new ‘23’ number plates are released, this can serve as a reminder to motorists on how not to be fined with plate-related offences.
"It’s important for drivers to keep their number plate clean and clear, especially in the rainy months when we are more likely to see mud, or they could face fines of up to £1,000.
"Drivers must also never tamper with their vehicle’s plate, which includes changing the spacing or size of the characters, or moving them around to show a different registration number. This includes changing it to make your car seem newer by giving it the new '23' registration.
"Your car will be illegal to drive, risking fines on the road. You would also fail your MOT, which could invalidate your insurance, and impact your ability to make a claim if needed."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .
