Ghost number plates vs cloned number plates: what every driver needs to know

Key takeaways:

• While both illegal, there is are differences between ghost and cloned number plates.

• Thousands of suspected illegal plates have been detected on UK roads.

• As an innocent driver, you could be stung if your plate was cloned or you were involved in an accident with a vehicle using an illegal plate.

If you've heard people talking about ghost number plates or cloned number plates, you might be wondering what they are and whether they could affect you. Although both are illegal, they work in very different ways. And if you're an innocent driver, they can create a surprising amount of stress, from unexpected fines and penalties to insurance complications and even disputes over accidents.

A recent BBC Panorama* investigation highlighted the growing problem of illegal number plates across the UK. During trials of new camera technology near the Dartford Crossing, more than 1,000 suspected ghost plates were detected every day. Another site near the M25 saw daily detections almost double over two years, while a location near the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone recorded more than 400 detections each day.

The investigation has raised concerns about how difficult these illegal plates can make it for authorities to identify vehicles through the UK's network of more than 14,000 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Whether your number plate has been cloned, you've been involved in an accident with a vehicle using a ghost plate, or you're buying a second-hand car, here's what you need to know.

Ghost plates and cloned plates: what's the difference?

A cloned plate is when a person copies a genuine registration number and puts it on another vehicle, often one that is the same make, model and colour. Why might someone clone your plate? The aim is to make the vehicle look legitimate while hiding its true identity. As cloning a plate is illegal it could be used to:

• Avoid speeding fines

• Avoid parking tickets

• Evade ULEZ or congestion charges

• Drive a stolen vehicle

• Commit criminal acts like driving without insurance, car tax, driving licence, or a valid MOT

A ghost plate refers to a registration plate that has been altered using special reflective coating or films that make it difficult for speed and ANPR cameras capture and read. The plate may look normal to the human eye. Unlike a cloned plate, a ghost plate may belong to the vehicle it is registered to. The illegal element is that is has been modified to avoid detection to:

• Avoid speeding fines

• Evade ULEZ or congestion charges

• Avoid convictions for driving without insurance or car tax

What to do if your number plate is cloned

Many drivers only discover their plate has been cloned when they receive a speeding ticket, parking fine or police enquiry for somewhere they have never been. Could it affect your insurance? Potentially, yes. If your registration number has been linked to an incident, such as a traffic collision, you could be contacted by your insurer about a claim that you do not have knowledge of.

In this circumstance, you should report the cloning to the police and the DVLA as soon as possible. You should also gather evidence to show your insurer that your vehicle was elsewhere at the time of the incident. Your insurer will form an investigation on this information. Four actions you should take if your plate has been cloned

1. Contact the police and obtain a crime reference number.

2. Inform the DVLA and provide your crime reference number.

3. Contact your insurer, sharing your crime reference number.

4. If you have been made aware of an incident, fine or penalty, source evidence showing where your vehicle was at the time of the offence to challenge the allegation.

What if you are hit by a vehicle with a cloned or ghost plate?

If the driver of the vehicle involved in the incident does not stop or leave their details, then identifying them will be more difficult.

Will an insurer help?

If the other driver can be identified or has left valid contact and insurance details, the claim process will follow your insurers standard process.

The challenge for you and the insurer comes when the vehicle is using a cloned plate, a ghost plate or false details and the driver cannot be traced.

What happens if the driver does not stop or leave contact details?

In some cases, the claim may be handled through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), which exists to compensate people affected by uninsured or untraced drivers.

This includes some hit-and-run incidents. Speak with one of our expert insurance brokers for additional guidance if you find yourself in this situation.

What evidence should you collect at the scene of the accident?

Only if it is safe to do so, try to gather as much evidence available to you, as it may support your claim. This includes:

• Photos of all vehicles involved in the accident

• Dashcam footage from vehicles involved or passing by that stop to assist

• The time and location of the collision

• Registration details of all vehicles affected by the incident

What if you buy a second-hand car with a ghost plate?

When buying a second-hand vehicle, you probably don't think to check whether the registration plate is a ghost plate, as they don't appear any different to a legal one. The issue may only become apparent if you receive a warning, fine or penalty from the police.

Can your vehicle be insured?

As the vehicle owner it's your responsibility to make sure all elements of your vehicle is legal, including your registration plate. If you discover after purchasing your vehicle that the number plate is a ghost plate, your insurer can decide whether your policy is still valid, and they will require the plate to be replaced with a legal one.

Could an insurer refuse a claim?

An insurer is unlikely to reject a claim simply because you did not know there was a problem. However, difficulties may arise if the vehicle's identity cannot be verified or if the vehicle turns out to be stolen, cloned or fraudulently registered.

In those circumstances, claims may be delayed while ownership and vehicle identity are investigated. [rac.co.uk], [moneysupermarket.com]

What if you purchase a vehicle unknowingly that has a cloned plate?

As a cloned vehicle has been given the identity of a legitimate car, the police have the authority to seize the vehicle and return its rightful owner. If you unknowingly buy a cloned vehicle, you could lose the vehicle, the money you paid for it, and potentially any uninsured costs connected to the purchase.

When buying a used vehicle, it’s recommended that you check the registration with DVLA records, verify that the VIN matches the documents, obtain a vehicle history check, and triple-check that the seller’s details match the vehicle documentation.

You should be suspicious of the price if it seems too good to be true, and if you can't view the vehicle at the registered keeper’s address.

Seek advice

Ghost and cloned number plates are both illegal, but it's often law-abiding drivers who end up dealing with the consequences. Staying alert, carrying out checks when buying a vehicle and acting quickly if something doesn't look right can help protect you from unnecessary stress. If you have questions about vehicle insurance or you're dealing with the impact of a cloned or ghost plate, our specialist car and van insurance brokers are here to help. With experts across our nationwide branch network, we can guide you through your options and help you understand the next steps.

*BBC Panorama aired a programme titled Ghost Plates: Drivers cheating the Law on 28 September 2026.