The truth about “ghost plates” in the UK and why our Ghost Plates brand is completely legal

There’s a lot of confusion online about something called “ghost plates”. Some people use the term to describe illegal number plates designed to dodge ANPR cameras, speed cameras or police detection. Others use it to refer to our brand, Ghost Plates - a fully legal, DVLA‑registered number plate supplier based in South East London.

This blog post clears up the difference, explains the current UK crackdown on illegal plates, and confirms exactly what we do (and don’t) sell.

What people call “ghost plates” online

In the UK, the term “ghost plates” is often used to describe illegal reflective or infrared‑blocking plates that claim to:

• hide your registration from ANPR

• avoid congestion zone cameras

• avoid ULEZ cameras

• avoid speed cameras

• distort or block number plate recognition

These plates are 100% illegal and cannot be used on UK roads under any circumstances.

They are not sold legally in the UK, and any website claiming to sell them is either:

• operating illegally

• based overseas

• selling fake or non‑functional products

• putting drivers at risk of fines, points and vehicle seizure

What about “ghost‑style outline plates”?

There’s also a styling trend online where people refer to ghost‑style outline plates, plates where the characters have a clean outline instead of a solid fill, giving a softer, more stylised “ghosted” look.

These plates are popular on TikTok and Instagram because of their unique aesthetic, and this is another reason why the term “ghost plates” gets mixed up.

To clarify: Ghost‑style outline plates are simply a design choice. They are not the same thing as the illegal ANPR‑dodging plates people talk about online.

At Ghost Plates, we can produce outline‑style plates on request for customers who want that look.

The UK crackdown on illegal plates

Police forces across the UK have increased enforcement on illegal plates, including:

• ANPR‑blocking plates

• tinted plates

• reflective film plates

• plates with incorrect spacing

• plates with illegal fonts

• plates with hidden characters

Drivers caught using these plates can face:

• fines

• penalty points

• MOT failure

• vehicle seizure

• prosecution for fraud‑related offences

The DVLA has made it clear: Any plate designed to avoid detection is illegal and will not pass MOT or road checks.

Ghost Plates (our brand) has nothing to do with illegal plates

This is where the confusion happens.

Our business name is Ghost Plates, but we do NOT sell:

• ANPR‑blocking plates

• camera‑dodging plates

• reflective film plates

• infrared plates

• anything designed to avoid detection

We are a DVLA‑registered supplier, and every road‑legal plate we produce meets:

• UK DVLA regulations

• BSAU 145e standards

• MOT requirements

  
  

We also provide official documentation and follow all legal checks, including:

• proof of identity

• proof of entitlement

• correct spacing

• correct materials

• correct fonts

We take compliance seriously and that’s what sets us apart.

Why our brand is called Ghost Plates

Our name represents:

• Clean, sharp, premium designs

• a modern aesthetic

• a smooth, seamless customer experience

• the Ghost Automotive Group identity

It has nothing to do with illegal “ghosting” plates.

We specialise in:

• 3d gel plates

• 4d plates

• 4d gel plates

• short plates

• hex plates

• bike plates

• show plates (including outline‑style plates on request)

• custom sizes and shapes

All road‑legal plates are fully compliant.