Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has considered increasing penalties available for the manufacture, supply and use of illegal vehicle registration plates.

The Government recognises the impact of number plate crime and is committed to addressing this issue. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) works closely with police forces and the National Police Chiefs’ Council to improve the identification and enforcement of number plate crime.

As part of its Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January 2026, the Government has sought views on the introduction of penalty points and vehicle seizure for the offence of being in charge of a motor vehicle with an incorrect, altered or false number plate. The consultation closed on 11 May and responses are being considered.

The DVLA is also considering options to ensure a more robust, auditable Register of Number Plate Supplier process, which would enable tighter checks on number plate suppliers and the plates they supply. Options being considered include reviewing fees, scheme structure, resources and funding.

The DVLA uses its social media pages to warn the public of the importance of only buying number plates from a registered supplier and on gov.uk contains information that advises drivers where their nearest suppliers are and what they need to do to purchase new plates.

The Home Office is responsible for police funding. The DVLA offers support and training for police forces on the illegal display and supply of number plates.