What is number plate cloning?

Number plate cloning, also known as license plate cloning or registration plate cloning, is a fraudulent practice where someone creates a copy or duplicate of another vehicle’s number plate and fixes it to another vehicle. The purpose of cloning a number plate is usually to engage in illegal activities while avoiding detection and consequences. Here’s how number plate cloning works and why it is a problem:

1. Creation of duplicate plates: The perpetrator creates a set of counterfeit or identical number plates that match those of a legitimate vehicle. These fake plates are designed to look like the real ones, with the same registration numbers and often the same design.
2. Installation on another vehicle: The counterfeit plates are then installed on another vehicle, which can be of the same make and model or a different one. This makes it difficult for law enforcement or automated systems to distinguish between cloned and legitimate vehicles.
3. Engaging in illegal activities: Once the cloned number plates are in place, the individual with the cloned plates may use them for various illegal activities, such as avoiding road taxes, fines, congestion charges, committing crimes, or fleeing the scene of an accident. This can result in financial and legal consequences for the innocent vehicle owner whose plates were cloned.
4. Identification challenges: Cloned number plates can make it challenging for law enforcement to identify the responsible party, as traffic cameras and surveillance systems will record the cloned plate’s number rather than the original owner’s information.

Cloning can have serious legal and financial consequences for both the cloned vehicle owner and the individuals responsible for the fraudulent activity, making it a significant concern for law enforcement and motorists alike.

What to do if your number plates have been cloned?

Unfortunately, the vehicle keeper has the responsibility to prove that the vehicle involved in an offence wasn’t theirs. If a UK motorist suspects that their vehicle’s number plate has been cloned, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect themselves from any potential legal and safety consequences. Cloning occurs when someone duplicates your vehicle’s number plate to engage in illegal activities like avoiding road taxes, fines, or committing more serious crimes. Here’s what a UK motorist should do in such a situation:

1. Contact the Police: Report the suspected number plate cloning to your local police station or via the 101 non-emergency hotline. Provide as much information as possible about when and where you noticed the clone and any other relevant details. Request a crime number.
2. Notify the DVLA: Inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about the suspected cloning. They can offer guidance on the steps to take and may issue a replacement registration number.
3. Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that could help to demonstrate that your vehicle has been cloned, such as photographs of your vehicle, dash cam footage to prove the cloned vehicle was in a different location, car parking tickets with your number plate, location and date details, and any other evidence to prove your whereabouts if a dispute arises.
4. Notify BOSS Payment Watch: If you have received a letter from our solicitors about your vehicle being reported as being involved in an unpaid fuel incident, you should return the letter and confirm that your vehicle was not at the stated location and that you believe that your number plates have been cloned. Provide the crime number that the police gave you together with any evidence.
5. Speak to your insurance provider: Inform your vehicle insurance company about the situation. They may offer advice on protecting yourself from liability.
6. Protect your identity: Be cautious about the potential misuse of your number plate. Monitor your financial and personal records for any suspicious activity.

Number plate cloning can have serious consequences, including fines and legal issues resulting from the misuse of your vehicle’s details. Promptly reporting and taking action can help mitigate these risks and protect your identity as a responsible motorist in the UK.