Drivers with non-regulation number plates could face on the spot fines or even end up in court as a county-wide crackdown starts this week.
As part of the new campaign, vehicles with number plates that are too small, have incorrectly spaced lettering or are non-standard typefaces could be fined £30 or even be served with a court summons under the Road Vehicle (Display of Registration) Regulations Act 2001.
Drivers that are not stopped but have been seen on the road will be sent warning letters by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority advising them of the regulations.
The push to standardise number plates comes as police are increasing using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras as a way of catching unregistered or stolen vehicles.
All regulation number plates have the British Standard markings BS AU145D printed in small letters on them.
In addition to the new campaign the DVLA will have powers to confiscate plates considered illegal without offering compensation.
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