Cloned Number Plates Hit Record High on UK Roads 2026

Cloned number plates on UK roads have reached a record high, with over 11,400 drivers reporting misattributed fines to the DVLA in 2025. This represents a 9% increase from 2024 and nearly double the 2018 figure, according to RAC analysis of Freedom of Information data. The surge highlights a growing crisis in vehicle cloning, where criminals copy number plates to evade enforcement cameras and commit offences with impunity.

What Is Vehicle Cloning and Why Is It on the Rise?

Vehicle cloning involves copying the number plate of a similar vehicle and attaching it to another car, often stolen or used in criminal activities. This allows offenders to dodge police, congestion charges, and speeding fines while the innocent owner faces the consequences. The rise in cloning is attributed to the ease of obtaining fake plates online and the increasing number of illegal suppliers. An investigation last year found over 130 official suppliers willing to sell cloned plates without proper documentation.

The Impact on Innocent Drivers

Innocent car owners are left to prove their innocence when enforcement cameras capture their cloned plate committing offences. The process is often lengthy and stressful, requiring drivers to provide evidence such as location data or CCTV footage. Many victims only discover they've been cloned when they receive fines or notices for offences they didn't commit. The DVLA reports that most misattribution complaints are due to cloning, underscoring the scale of the problem.

How to Protect Your Vehicle from Cloning

While there's no foolproof way to prevent cloning, you can take steps to reduce the risk and mitigate the impact. Here are key takeaways:

• Use theft-resistant screws on your number plates to make them harder to remove.
• Park in secure areas or garages to avoid your plate being photographed and copied.
• Regularly check your vehicle's records with the DVLA for any unexpected fines or penalties.
• Report suspicious activity to the police if you notice a similar vehicle with your plate.
• Consider a private plate if you drive a commonly cloned model, as these are less likely to be targeted.

Comparison of Cloning Statistics Over Time

The table below shows the rise in reported cloning incidents over recent years:

Source: RAC analysis of DVLA data.

What to Do If You're a Victim of Cloning

If you receive a fine for an offence you didn't commit, act quickly. Contact the issuing authority, provide evidence of your whereabouts, and inform the DVLA. You may also need to report the cloning to the police. Keeping a record of your mileage and location can help prove your innocence. In some cases, you may need to change your number plate to avoid further incidents.

FAQ

With cloning on the rise, staying informed and vigilant is crucial. Protect your vehicle and know your rights to avoid becoming a victim of this growing crime.