More than 11,400 UK motorists reported receiving fines for driving offences they say they did not commit, after criminals allegedly copied their vehicle registration plates. The figures, reported on 16 October 2026, highlight the growing problem of vehicle number plate cloning across the UK.

Data analysed by the RAC showed that the number of motorists reporting fines linked to suspected plate cloning increased by 9% compared with 2024. The figure is also nearly double the level recorded in 2018, raising concerns about how easily criminals can misuse vehicle registration numbers.

For affected drivers, the consequences can include repeated penalty notices, time-consuming appeals and the stress of having to prove that another vehicle was responsible.

What Is Number Plate Cloning?

Number plate cloning happens when someone copies a legitimate vehicle’s registration number and displays it on another vehicle.

Criminals may choose a vehicle that looks similar to the original, making it harder for enforcement cameras and witnesses to distinguish between the two.

The copied registration can then be used when committing offences such as speeding, avoiding congestion charges or entering restricted areas without paying the required fee.

When cameras record the cloned vehicle, the registration number may lead authorities to the innocent vehicle’s registered keeper. This can result in penalty notices being sent to someone who was not involved in the offence.

Why Are Cloned Number Plates Becoming a Concern?

The latest figures suggest that motorists are increasingly reporting problems associated with suspected number plate cloning.

According to the RAC data reported by The Guardian, more than 11,400 drivers received fines for offences they did not recognise during the period covered by the figures.

The issue also raises questions about the checks used when number plates are manufactured and supplied. Reporting has identified concerns about suppliers allegedly willing to produce plates without sufficient verification.

Another related problem is the use of so-called ghost plates, which are designed to make registration numbers difficult for automatic number plate recognition cameras to read.

However, the reported figures concern motorists who received fines they believed were incorrect. They should not automatically be interpreted as a count of every confirmed cloned vehicle on UK roads.

What Are the Risks for Innocent Drivers?

Receiving a fine for an offence committed by another vehicle can create several problems.

Drivers may have to spend time contacting the organisation that issued the penalty, gathering evidence and responding to formal notices. If a notice is ignored, the situation can become more complicated.

Depending on the type of offence and the enforcement process, motorists may also worry about penalty points, further enforcement action or other financial consequences.

Anyone who suspects their number plate has been copied should respond to each relevant notice within the stated deadline rather than assuming that reporting the problem will automatically cancel every fine.

How Can You Tell If Your Number Plate Has Been Cloned?

There are several warning signs that may indicate possible number plate cloning.

You Receive a Fine for a Journey You Did Not Make

A penalty notice may identify a location or time when you know your vehicle was somewhere else.

Check the details carefully, including the date, time, location and any available photographs.

The Vehicle in the Evidence Looks Different

If an enforcement photograph is available, compare it with your own vehicle. Differences in colour, body style, wheels or other identifying features may help establish that the vehicle shown is not yours.

Do not rely on a single minor difference alone. Provide any relevant evidence to the authority handling the notice.

You Receive Several Unexpected Penalty Notices

Multiple notices involving unfamiliar locations or journeys may indicate that your registration number is being used on another vehicle.

Keep copies of every notice and record when and how you received it.

What Should You Do If Your Number Plate Has Been Cloned?

The UK government provides official guidance for motorists who suspect their registration has been copied.

1. Report the Suspected Cloning to the Police

In England and Wales, motorists can use the cloned number plate reporting form available through police websites or call 101. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the government’s guidance says to contact the police on 101.

A new online reporting service launched on 14 October 2026 allows eligible reports made through participating police websites to be shared with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

You can find the official guidance here:

GOV.UK: What to do if your number plate is cloned

2. Keep Your Evidence

Save copies of the penalty notices, enforcement photographs, relevant correspondence and any evidence showing where your vehicle was at the time.

Useful evidence may include dated photographs, receipts, work records or other documents, where available. Only provide information that is accurate and relevant to your case.

3. Contact the DVLA Where Required

The official government guidance explains that motorists may need to notify the DVLA, depending on how they report the suspected cloning.

If you use the police reporting service in England and Wales, the report can be shared with the DVLA. Follow the instructions provided by the police and the DVLA.

4. Appeal the Incorrect Fine

Contact the organisation that issued the penalty and explain that you suspect your registration has been cloned.

Provide the relevant evidence and the police report reference number, if available. Follow the appeal instructions and deadline printed on the notice.

Reporting suspected cloning does not automatically cancel a penalty. The organisation responsible for the fine will review the evidence and decide whether it should be withdrawn.

5. Keep Records of Every Response

Maintain a record of your reports, reference numbers, letters, emails and appeal outcomes. If another notice arrives, respond to it separately according to the instructions provided.

This record can help you explain the situation consistently and show what action you have already taken.

What Is the Government Doing About Cloned Number Plates?

The issue has prompted calls for stronger checks on number plate suppliers and improvements to vehicle identification systems.

The government has also committed resources to roads policing and is trialling technologies intended to help identify illegal number plates.

The new police reporting service, launched in October 2026, is intended to make the process easier for victims by improving information sharing between police forces and the DVLA.

The effectiveness of these measures will depend on their implementation, enforcement and ability to identify cloned or deliberately obscured registrations.

Can You Still Drive If Your Number Plate Has Been Cloned?

The GOV.UK guidance says that motorists can continue driving their vehicle after reporting suspected cloning. However, they may be stopped by police if another vehicle using the same registration is detected.

Drivers should keep their report reference number and relevant vehicle documents available and follow any instructions provided by the police.

If you are concerned about your particular circumstances, contact the police for guidance.

How Can Motorists Protect Themselves?

Motorists cannot completely prevent criminals from copying a registration number, but they can take practical steps to make problems easier to identify and resolve.

  • Buy replacement number plates from a reputable, authorised supplier.
  • Keep vehicle photographs and relevant documents up to date.
  • Check unexpected penalty notices promptly.
  • Never ignore a notice simply because you believe it relates to another vehicle.
  • Report suspected cloning and retain the reference number.
  • Respond to appeals and requests for evidence within the stated deadlines.

These steps may help motorists identify suspicious activity and provide useful information when challenging an incorrect penalty.

Conclusion

The latest UK figures underline the difficulties motorists can face when criminals copy their vehicle registration numbers. More than 11,400 drivers reportedly received fines for offences they said they did not commit, according to data analysed by the RAC.

For anyone affected, the most important steps are to report suspected cloning to the police, keep supporting evidence and challenge incorrect fines through the appropriate process.

The new police reporting service may simplify the process of informing the relevant authorities, but motorists should still follow the instructions on each penalty notice.

This article is for general information and is based on reporting and official guidance available on 16 October 2026. Individual cases and appeal outcomes may differ.

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