Drivers in the North East and North Yorkshire are being warned after police have flagged up a potential £10,000 fine for 'invisible numberplate' offences. 

The seasonal reminder comes as there is more dirt from leaves, mud and grit on the roads, and they could cause numberplates to be muddied over.

Richmondshire Neighbourhood Policing Team were alarmed to find one vehicle with a number plate that was so filthy, not a single digit was visible earlier this week - with other police forces warning of this issue. 

The Northern Echo: The 'invisible numberplate' that police say was impossible to readThe 'invisible numberplate' that police say was impossible to read (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE)

North Yorkshire Police were on routine patrols when they pulled the vehicle over.

Inspector Martin Metcalfe, of Richmondshire Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It’s that time of year when we see more and more vehicle registration plates that are totally obscured.

"So this is a gentle reminder to please check your lights and number plates are clean before you set off.” 

Drivers can be given a verbal warning and told to wipe their plate clean.

But sometimes the digits are so badly obscured that a warning is not appropriate and they are reported for the offence.

Insp Metcalfe added: “This one was totally invisible, and we see others like this too. It’s not crime of the century, I agree. And before anyone says it, yes we do have better things to do!

“I’d rather people kept their plates readable than we had to spend valuable time stopping and dealing with them. But we can’t turn a blind eye if your number plate is this dirty.”  

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While it is not an offence to have a dirty vehicle, it is an offence to have an obscured registration plate or one that is not easily distinguishable.

The maximum penalty for having an obscured registration plate or one that is not easily distinguishable is up to £1,000.

Insp Metcalfe said: “All we’re asking people to do is keep their numberplates clean - it only takes a few seconds before you set off and further checks will be ongoing while we’re on patrol.”