Think You Know What “Ghost Plates” Are? Think Again

The term “Ghost plates” has become a buzzword in recent news stories – but a private plate specialist warns of potential confusion

In recent weeks, Labour MP for West Bromwich Sarah Coombes has pushed for fines of up to £1,000 and six-point penalties to be introduced for drivers who use “ghost plates” to evade the law. As private plate provider Regtransfers highlights, however, there may be some confusion as to what actually constitutes a ghost plate.

The term is being misused by some – from media outlets to online retailers – who are incorrectly linking legal 3D and 4D number plates to the term.

In reality, the term “ghost plates” refers to those that employ various methods of altering or obscuring number plates to avoid detection – ranging from gels and sprays to physical modifications like tape or mud. The term originated in the U.S., where temporary paper tags are also exploited to evade enforcement.

Confusingly, “ghost plates” also seems to be being used to describe 3D and 4D plates, which CEO of Regtransfers Mark Trimbee advises could cause confusion.

“While there are serious and legitimate concerns about drivers deliberately altering number plates to evade enforcement, it’s important to note that legal 3D and 4D plates, which simply offer a raised character design, are fully compliant with UK regulations and should not interfere with camera detection. 

It took a simple search on Google to find a number of cases in which the term “ghost plates” was being applied to both 3D and 4D plates – which is likely to cause undue confusion.

We’re in support of the movement to crack down on ghost plates, but it’s important that clear, accurate information is available, tackling illegal plate modifications while ensuring that law-abiding drivers aren’t unfairly targeted.”

ENDS

About Regtransfers

Regtransfers, the UK’s leading private number plate supplier, has over four decades of industry expertise. Established in 1982 by Tony Brown, they are officially registered with the DVLA and offer an extensive selection of over 50 million personalised registration plates.

Contact

To request further information on this research, please contact luke@brick-digital.co.uk

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