Number plate cloning is a growing issue in the UK, where criminals copy a vehicle’s registration number and use it on a different car—often to avoid fines, commit crimes, or dodge congestion charges. Many victims only realise their plates have been cloned when they receive unexpected penalties, speeding fines, or even police contact about offences they had no involvement in.
If you’ve received fines or notifications for places you’ve never driven, it’s recommended you act quickly. Ignoring the issue can lead to further complications, including financial penalties and legal troubles. Fortunately, there are clear steps you can take to resolve the problem.
This guide will walk you through how to identify number plate cloning, the correct steps to report it, and the measures you can take to prevent it from happening again.
How to Identify If Your Number Plate Has Been Cloned
Spotting number plate cloning early can help you avoid fines and legal trouble. Signs that your registration has been duplicated include unexpected fines or penalty notices for places you’ve never visited, police contact regarding offences you weren’t involved in, toll road or congestion charge alerts for routes you haven’t taken, and parking tickets from unfamiliar locations.
Some drivers only realise they are victims when they receive letters demanding payment for outstanding charges or even court summons for offences they did not commit. If you lease your car or have a company vehicle, it's worth checking with your employer or leasing provider to ensure they haven't received any penalties on your behalf.
If you notice any of these signs, act quickly to stop further misuse by reporting it immediately to the authorities and gathering any available evidence that proves your vehicle was elsewhere at the time of the alleged offence.
The Immediate Steps to Take
If you suspect your number plate has been cloned, taking swift action can help prevent further issues. Follow these steps:
- Do not ignore fines or penalties – Even if they aren’t your fault, they won’t disappear on their own. Acting quickly ensures you don’t end up liable for unpaid charges. Responding promptly can also prevent cases from escalating, particularly if court action is involved.
- Gather evidence – Collect proof that your vehicle wasn’t at the reported location. This could include receipts, GPS logs, work schedules, or dashcam footage. If your vehicle has a telematics system or tracking app, retrieve location history to further prove your whereabouts. Witness statements from colleagues, family, or friends who were with you at the time of the alleged offence may also be helpful.
- Contact the issuer of any fines – Whether it’s a local council, private parking company, or the police, let them know your plates have been cloned and provide supporting evidence. Request a written confirmation that the fine is being reviewed or disputed to ensure the issue does not escalate to debt collection.
- Avoid confronting the suspected driver – If you happen to spot a vehicle using your registration, do not approach the driver. Instead, report it to the police. Attempting to deal with the situation yourself could lead to unnecessary risks or complications, especially if the vehicle is linked to criminal activity.
Taking these steps early can help resolve the issue more efficiently and prevent further misuse of your registration. Keeping clear records of all communications and ensuring you regularly check your vehicle’s registration status will help protect you from future issues.
Reporting the Cloning to the Police
Once you've gathered evidence, report the number plate cloning to the police as soon as possible. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Contact your local police station – Call or visit in person and explain that your number plate has been cloned. If possible, provide details of when you first became aware of the issue and any fines or charges you have received.
- Request a crime reference number – This is essential for contesting fines and proving your innocence. If any additional fines arise later, referencing this case number will help expedite the dispute process.
- Provide supporting documents – Share vehicle ownership details, proof of your actual location, and any penalties received. Additional evidence, such as witness statements, dashcam footage, or tracking data from a telematics system, can further strengthen your case.
- Ask for guidance on future fines – The police can advise on handling further cloned vehicle-related charges. In some cases, they may suggest keeping a copy of your crime report in your vehicle in case you are stopped by law enforcement due to the cloned plates.
Although police may not always locate the cloned vehicle, reporting it ensures you have a formal record of the crime, protecting you from further legal or financial issues. If your situation is urgent—such as being wrongfully accused of a serious offence—inform the police immediately and ask for additional support in clearing your name.
Notifying the DVLA and Your Insurance Provider
After reporting to the police, inform the DVLA and your insurance provider to protect yourself from further issues. The DVLA has specific procedures for handling cloned number plates, and they may ask you to complete a form or submit additional documentation proving your vehicle has been affected. In some cases, they may issue a new registration number to prevent further misuse, which will require you to update your logbook (V5C) and inform your insurer of the change.
Your insurance provider needs to be made aware of the situation, as cloned plates can sometimes be linked to fraudulent activity, such as unpaid tolls or criminal use of a vehicle. Failing to notify them might result in complications if claims or reports are made against the falsely registered car. Some insurers may require additional security measures, such as fitting tracking devices or installing anti-theft number plates, to continue covering your vehicle.
If you are issued a new registration number, be sure to update any vehicle-related services such as congestion charge accounts, parking permits, and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) toll systems like Dart Charge or the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Keeping a thorough record of all correspondence, including reference numbers, emails, and letters, will be essential in case further disputes arise in the future.
These steps help safeguard your legal and financial position while ensuring your vehicle is properly registered and protected against future misuse.
What Happens After Reporting a Cloned Number Plate?
Once you've reported the issue to the police, DVLA, and your insurer, here's what you can expect:
- Police investigation – Authorities will look into the case, but finding the cloned vehicle isn’t always guaranteed. However, your crime reference number ensures you’re not held responsible for offences linked to the clone. In some instances, the police may request additional information or updates on any new penalties that arise, so it's important to maintain open communication.
- DVLA action – The DVLA may issue a new registration number if the problem persists or if there's a risk of further misuse. If you receive a new registration, you will need to update your vehicle records, insurance details, and any parking permits or toll accounts linked to your number plate. The DVLA may also provide guidance on additional security measures, such as anti-theft plates.
- Fines and charges cancelled – Once the authorities verify your claim, any penalties, fines, or charges linked to the cloned plate should be cancelled. However, this process can take time, so keep records of all communications. Some councils and agencies may require further appeals or documentation, so be prepared to follow up if necessary.
- Ongoing monitoring – Even after resolving the immediate issue, continue checking your vehicle registration for any suspicious activity to ensure no further misuse occurs. Setting up alerts for penalty notices and regularly reviewing your motoring records can help detect any new issues early. If possible, consider registering your vehicle with crime prevention databases to enhance tracking and recovery efforts.
By staying proactive, keeping thorough documentation, and regularly reviewing your vehicle’s records, you can minimise the impact of number plate cloning and reduce the risk of further problems.
How to Prevent Your Number Plate from Being Cloned Again
While number plate cloning can’t always be avoided, taking the right precautions reduces the risk. Using anti-theft number plates, which break apart if tampered with, makes them harder to steal and copy. Regularly checking your vehicle registration details online for any suspicious activity can help you catch potential misuse early.
When sharing images of your car online, blur or obscure the number plate to prevent it from being copied by criminals. If you notice someone tampering with number plates or acting suspiciously near vehicles, report it to the authorities or local neighbourhood watch. Parking securely, such as in private driveways, monitored car parks, or garages, can also reduce the likelihood of plate theft.
Additionally, some drivers opt to use secure screws or tamper-proof fittings for their number plates to make them more difficult to remove. For extra protection, installing a CCTV system or using motion-activated security lights around your parking area can deter criminals from attempting to tamper with your vehicle.
Number plate cloning can cause serious issues, but acting quickly will help resolve it. If you suspect your plates have been copied, report it to the police, notify the DVLA and your insurer, and provide evidence to challenge any fines.
Although the process takes time, keeping records and following the right steps will clear your name. Using anti-theft plates and monitoring your registration details can also reduce future risks. Stay vigilant and act fast to protect yourself.