March is historically the busiest month of the year for UK MOT testing stations.

Why? Because millions of cars bought during the massive March ’23 new registration boom are now exactly three years old, meaning their very first MOT is legally due right now.

With the DVSA rolling out new anti-fraud measures and stricter testing bay rules for 2026, testers are going by the book. Most drivers worry about their tyres, brakes, or suspension failing the test, but they completely overlook the simplest failure of all: the number plates.

Currently, number plate defects account for around 4% of all MOT failures. Here is why your plates might fail the 2026 test, and how to fix them before you get to the garage.

The Big 4 Number Plate MOT Fails

1. Delamination and Cracks

This is the number one culprit, especially after a harsh winter. “Delamination” happens when water gets inside the plate and causes the reflective backing to peel away from the clear acrylic. If the plate is cracked, chipped, or peeling—making it difficult for an ANPR camera to read—it is an instant major defect.

2. Illegal Spacing and Altered Fonts

If you have a private registration and you have creatively moved the letters to spell a name (e.g., changing A13 LOU to A 13LOU), you will fail. The law states there must be exactly 11mm of spacing between characters. Furthermore, you must use the standard Charles Wright font—no italics, no weird shapes.

3. “Carbon Fibre” or Two-Tone Characters

A few years ago, “carbon effect” or multi-shaded 3D lettering was popular. The DVLA has officially banned this. For the ANPR cameras to read them, the characters must be a single, solid shade of black.

(Note: True 4D Acrylic and 3D Gel plates are 100% legal and will pass the MOT, provided the material itself is completely solid black).

4. Missing BS AU 145e Markings

To pass the strict 2026 rules, your number plates must clearly display two things at the bottom:

• The manufacturer’s name and postcode.
• The British Standard mark (BS AU 145e).
  If you bought cheap “show plates” online that don’t have these markings, the tester will fail the vehicle.

A Quick 60-Second Driveway Check

Before you hand over your keys to the mechanic, walk around your car:

• Give the plates a wipe. Are they cracked or peeling?
• Are they securely screwed or stuck on? (A wobbly plate is a fail.)
• Crucial Check: Turn your headlights on and check the rear number plate light. A blown £2 bulb above the plate is an automatic MOT failure!

Don’t Risk a Retest Fee

Why fail your MOT, get a red mark on your car’s permanent history, and potentially pay a retest fee over a simple piece of plastic?

If your plates are looking tired, cracked, or questionable, swap them out before the test. At Easy Number Plates, we are a DVLA-registered supplier. Every plate we make is fully BS AU 145e compliant, correctly spaced, and guaranteed to pass your MOT.

Order Your MOT-Compliant Replacement Plates Here