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Number Plate Cloning Crisis: How BS AU 145e Plates Protect UK Drivers

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Vehicle cloning incidents have surged by 53% since 2021, with over 11,000 cases reported to the DVLA in 2025 alone. Modern number plates manufactured to BS AU 145e:2018 standards provide critical security features that older plates lack, including enhanced reflectivity, tamper resistance, and mandatory supplier identification that helps law enforcement trace illegal plates. As a DVLA-registered manufacturer (RNPS ID: 73132), Private Number Plate Maker Ltd produces every plate with these security features at our Ilford workshop, ensuring full compliance with the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001. New plates manufactured after September 2021 must meet stricter BS AU 145e requirements, making them significantly harder to clone and easier for ANPR cameras to verify authenticity. Drivers with plates manufactured before this date should consider replacement number plates to benefit from these enhanced security protections and reduce their risk of becoming cloning victims.

The Cloning Crisis: Alarming Statistics for UK Drivers

Vehicle cloning has reached epidemic proportions across the United Kingdom, with recent data revealing the true scale of this growing threat to motorists.

According to research by Churchill motor insurance published in May 2026, reports of stolen number plates have risen by 119% over five years, while cloned plate incidents have increased by 53% during the same period. In 2025 alone, an average of 51 number plates were reported stolen or cloned every single day across the UK.

The year-on-year trend shows no sign of slowing. Stolen plate reports jumped by 30% between 2024 and 2025, reaching 7,381 notifications. Cloned plate reports reached 11,394 in 2025, up from 10,461 the previous year.

DVLA Cloning Statistics 2021 to 2025:

  • 2021: 3,376 stolen plate notifications, 7,430 cloned plate notifications
  • 2022: 4,022 stolen plate notifications, 7,837 cloned plate notifications
  • 2023: 4,295 stolen plate notifications, 9,948 cloned plate notifications
  • 2024: 5,683 stolen plate notifications, 10,461 cloned plate notifications
  • 2025: 7,381 stolen plate notifications, 11,394 cloned plate notifications

Independent data from Hagerty Insurance suggests the actual figure may be even higher, with approximately 13,000 cases of number plate cloning occurring annually in England and Wales – a dramatic increase from just 4,000 cases in 2018.

Why Cloning Rates Are Soaring

Non-compliant suppliers: An investigation by The Telegraph identified around 40,000 number plate suppliers operating in the UK, with many disregarding legal requirements to verify proof of ownership before producing plates. Some operators base themselves offshore to circumvent UK regulations entirely.

Older plate vulnerability: Number plates manufactured before September 2021 were produced to earlier British Standards (BS AU 145d or earlier) that lacked critical security features now mandatory under BS AU 145e:2018.

ANPR evasion: Criminals specifically target common registration formats, knowing that identical make and model vehicles with cloned plates are harder to distinguish through Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems.

How BS AU 145e Plates Provide Superior Protection

The introduction of BS AU 145e:2018 in September 2021 marked a significant advancement in number plate security. This British Standard, which became mandatory for all plates manufactured after 1st September 2021, incorporates multiple security features specifically designed to combat cloning and enhance traceability.

Key Security Features of BS AU 145e Plates

Mandatory Supplier Identification

Every compliant plate must display the name and postcode of the DVLA-registered manufacturer in the bottom right corner, along with the BS AU 145e mark. This creates an auditable trail that helps law enforcement identify the source of illegally produced plates. Understanding DVLA document requirements ensures you know what legitimate plates should display.

Enhanced Reflectivity Standards

BS AU 145e introduced stricter reflectivity requirements, ensuring plates remain clearly visible to ANPR cameras in all weather conditions and lighting. The standard mandates that backgrounds must be retroreflective, meaning they reflect light back along the same path it arrived – a critical feature for camera readability and authenticity verification.

Near Infrared (NIR) Compatibility

The 2018 update added NIR testing requirements, ensuring plates can be read by infra-red traffic cameras used by police and enforcement agencies. This dual-spectrum readability makes it significantly harder for criminals to create convincing clones that pass both visual and electronic verification.

Impact and Abrasion Resistance

Plates must now withstand stone chips, road debris, and weathering without delamination or fading. This durability requirement prevents the degradation that can make older plates easier to clone or tamper with. Learn more about BS AU 145e explained standards.

Charles Wright Font Enforcement

The mandatory Charles Wright font, introduced in 2001 under the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001, features specific character spacing (11mm between characters, 79mm character height for cars) optimised for ANPR camera recognition. BS AU 145e reinforces these requirements, making non-standard fonts immediately identifiable as non-compliant.

Old Plates vs New Plates: The Security Gap

Plates manufactured before September 2021 may lack one or more of these critical security features. While plates made to earlier standards remain legal if they were compliant at the time of manufacture, they do not benefit from the enhanced protections of BS AU 145e.

Vulnerabilities of older plates:

  • May lack NIR compatibility, making them harder to verify electronically
  • Earlier standards had less stringent reflectivity requirements
  • Supplier identification was not always consistently applied
  • Materials may have degraded over time, reducing readability
  • May not display current British Standard marking

The DVLA Registration System: Your First Line of Defence

Under the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001, all number plate suppliers must be registered with the DVLA through the Registered Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) scheme. This legislation was specifically introduced to combat vehicle ringing and cloning by regulating the supply of number plates.

Why DVLA Registration Matters

Document Verification: Registered suppliers like Private Number Plate Maker Ltd (RNPS ID: 73132) must verify customer identity and vehicle entitlement before manufacturing plates. Under Schedule 2 of the Road Vehicles Regulations 2001, we require proof of identity (driving licence, passport, utility bill, or council tax bill) and proof of entitlement (V5C registration certificate, V750 certificate of entitlement, V778 retention document, V948 auction allocation, or new keeper slip). This verification process creates a documented chain of custody that helps prevent criminals from obtaining plates for vehicles they do not own or have rights to.

On-site Manufacturing: Unlike resellers or drop-shippers, DVLA-registered manufacturers produce plates at verified UK addresses. Private Number Plate Maker Ltd manufactures every plate at our Eastern Avenue workshop in Ilford, East London, using BS AU 145e-certified materials and professional-grade equipment.

Audit Trail: The RNPS register enables law enforcement to trace plates back to their source. When illegal plates are discovered, investigators can contact the registered supplier to obtain customer records and manufacturing details.

The Problem with Unregistered Suppliers

The existence of approximately 40,000 number plate suppliers in the UK – many operating offshore or without proper DVLA registration – represents a significant security vulnerability. These operators often:

  • Fail to verify proof of ownership
  • Do not display required supplier identification on plates
  • Use substandard materials that fail to meet BS AU 145e requirements
  • Operate outside UK jurisdiction making enforcement difficult
  • May sell illegal ANPR-proof plates using reflective sprays or films

Practical Steps to Protect Against Cloning

If you suspect your number plate has been cloned, or want to reduce your risk of becoming a victim, take these immediate steps.

Immediate Actions for Suspected Cloning

Report to Police: Contact your local police force immediately to report suspected cloning. Request a crime reference number – this is essential for challenging fines, penalties, or speeding tickets issued to the cloned vehicle.

Notify the DVLA: Inform the DVLA of the cloning incident. They will place a marker on your vehicle record to help prevent further misuse and flag suspicious activity.

Alert Your Insurer: Contact your insurance provider to document the incident. This protects you if the cloned vehicle is involved in accidents or other incidents.

Gather Evidence: Keep records of your vehicle location when offences occurred, including GPS data, parking receipts, or witness statements that prove you were elsewhere.

Preventive Security Measures

Tamper-Resistant Fixings: Invest in anti-theft number plate screws or security fasteners that require special tools to remove. This makes it harder for thieves to physically steal your plates.

Distinctive Markings: Consider adding subtle, legal distinguishing features to your vehicle that make it identifiable in ANPR footage. This could include a small sticker in the window or other visual marker that differentiates your vehicle from identical models.

GPS Tracking: Install a tracker device that records your vehicle precise location. This provides irrefutable evidence if you need to prove your car was elsewhere when offences occurred.

Regular Plate Inspection: Check your plates regularly for signs of tampering, theft, or degradation. Replace any plates that show wear, fading, or damage that could affect readability.

Upgrade to BS AU 145e: If your plates were manufactured before September 2021, consider replacing them with BS AU 145e-compliant plates to benefit from enhanced security features. Explore our range of 3D gel number plates or 4D laser-cut number plates for premium security.

Why Private Number Plates Reduce Cloning Risk

Industry data from Plates4Less indicates that private number plates offer practical security advantages over standard-issue registrations, including reduced cloning risk.

How Private Plates Protect You

Uniqueness: Private registrations are less common than standard age-identifier plates, making them more distinctive and easier to identify if cloned. Criminals typically target common registration formats that blend in with high volumes of similar vehicles.

Age Obscuring: Private plates do not reveal the vehicle age, making it harder for criminals to find an identical make, model, and colour combination to use for cloning.

Resale Value: Vehicles with private plates often have broader resale appeal and may be more memorable to witnesses or camera operators.

Owner Engagement: Private plate owners tend to be more engaged with their vehicle registration and more likely to notice suspicious activity or unexplained fines quickly. Learn more about buying personalised number plates.

How Plate-Maker Ensures Your Protection

At Private Number Plate Maker Ltd, we manufacture every plate with security and compliance as our top priorities.

Our Security Standards

DVLA Registration: We are registered with the DVLA under RNPS ID 73132, ensuring full compliance with the Registered Number Plate Supplier scheme and the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001.

BS AU 145e Certification: All our plates are manufactured to BS AU 145e:2018 standards using certified materials that meet reflectivity, impact resistance, weathering, and NIR compatibility requirements.

Document Verification: We rigorously verify all customer documentation according to Schedule 2 of the Road Vehicles Regulations 2001 before manufacturing any plate.

On-site Manufacturing: Every plate is produced at our Ilford workshop on Eastern Avenue using professional laser-cutting and UV-curing equipment. We do not outsource or drop-ship plates from third-party suppliers.

Supplier Identification: Every plate we produce displays our supplier details and the BS AU 145e mark in the bottom right corner, creating a clear audit trail.

Same-Day Collection: For local customers, we offer same-day collection from our Ilford workshop, allowing you to receive your secure, compliant plates immediately.

Practical Takeaways

What You Should Do Now

If your plates are old: Replace plates manufactured before September 2021 with BS AU 145e-compliant versions to benefit from enhanced security features and improved cloning protection.

If you suspect cloning: Report it immediately to police (get a crime reference number), notify the DVLA, and alert your insurer. Do not delay – swift action limits further misuse.

If buying new plates: Always use a DVLA-registered manufacturer who verifies documents and displays their RNPS details on plates. Avoid online suppliers who do not require proof of ownership.

For ongoing protection: Install tamper-resistant screws, consider distinctive vehicle markings, and use GPS tracking to create alibi evidence if needed.

What to Avoid

  • Unregistered suppliers who do not verify ownership documents
  • ANPR-proof plates using reflective sprays or films (illegal under Road Vehicles Regulations 2001)
  • Offshore suppliers operating outside UK jurisdiction
  • Plates without supplier identification or BS AU 145e marking
  • Delaying action if you suspect cloning – every day counts

Next Steps

Ready to upgrade to secure, BS AU 145e-compliant plates? Design your custom plates using our online builder, or visit our Ilford workshop for same-day collection. As a DVLA-registered manufacturer, we guarantee full compliance and enhanced protection against cloning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is number plate cloning in the UK?

Number plate cloning has increased dramatically, with 11,394 cases reported to the DVLA in 2025 – a 53% rise since 2021. Independent data suggests approximately 13,000 cloning cases occur annually in England and Wales, up from 4,000 in 2018. Stolen plate reports reached 7,381 in 2025, representing a 30% year-on-year increase.

Are BS AU 145e plates more secure than older plates?

Yes. BS AU 145e:2018 plates include enhanced security features not required in earlier standards, including mandatory supplier identification, stricter reflectivity requirements, NIR compatibility for ANPR cameras, and improved impact resistance. These features make plates harder to clone and easier for law enforcement to verify authenticity.

What should I do if my number plate is cloned?

Report the cloning to police immediately and obtain a crime reference number. Notify the DVLA so they can mark your vehicle record. Alert your insurance provider. Gather evidence of your vehicle location when offences occurred, such as GPS data or parking receipts. This documentation is essential for challenging fines and penalties.

How much do BS AU 145e compliant plates cost?

BS AU 145e compliant number plates start from £39.95 per plate for premium styles like 3D gel or 4D laser-cut plates, with standard 2D plates available from lower prices. All plates manufactured after September 2021 must meet BS AU 145e standards regardless of style or price point.

Can private number plates reduce cloning risk?

Yes. Private registrations are more distinctive than standard age-identifier plates, making them easier to identify if cloned. They do not reveal vehicle age, making it harder for criminals to find matching vehicles. Industry data from Plates4Less confirms private plates offer reduced cloning risk compared to standard registrations.

Do I need to replace plates made before 2021?

Plates manufactured before September 2021 remain legal if they complied with standards at the time of manufacture. However, upgrading to BS AU 145e plates provides enhanced security features including better ANPR readability, tamper resistance, and supplier traceability that help protect against cloning.

What makes a number plate illegal?

Number plates become illegal if they lack proper supplier identification, fail to meet BS AU 145e standards (for plates made after September 2021), use incorrect fonts or spacing, or are produced without proper DVLA document verification. Learn more about what makes a number plate illegal.

Conclusion

The surge in number plate cloning represents a serious threat to UK motorists, with over 11,000 cases reported in 2025 alone. However, BS AU 145e:2018 compliant plates offer significantly enhanced protection through mandatory supplier identification, improved reflectivity, NIR compatibility, and tamper-resistant materials. By replacing older plates with modern BS AU 145e-compliant versions from a DVLA-registered manufacturer, drivers can substantially reduce their risk of becoming cloning victims.

At Private Number Plate Maker Ltd, we manufacture every plate to the highest security standards at our Ilford workshop, ensuring full compliance and maximum protection. Don’t wait until you become a victim – upgrade your plates today and drive with confidence.

Contact us today to order your secure, BS AU 145e-compliant number plates, or visit our workshop for same-day collection.