DV Plates Not for Regular Road Use – DVLA Warns Motorists
DVLA clarifies that DV plates are only for dealer operations and test drives, warning motorists against unlawful use on public roads
- DV plates are meant solely for car dealers and manufacturers for test drives or defect repairs
- Motorists cannot use DV plates after purchasing a vehicle; full registration is required for road use
- DVLA warns that dealers who allow misuse of DV plates are violating regulations under LI 2180
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has reiterated that DV number plates are strictly for car dealers and vehicle manufacturers and are not intended for general use on public roads.
DVLA emphasized that these plates are issued for specific, temporary purposes, such as moving vehicles for defect repairs or conducting test drives prior to sale, and should not replace full vehicle registration.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, February 5, DVLA Director of Communication, Stephen Attuh, clarified that many motorists mistakenly believe DV plates can be used freely even after purchasing a vehicle a practice that is unlawful.
“You are not required to have a DV plate on your vehicle unless it is for fixing a defect or test driving. Once the vehicle is sold and leaves the dealer’s facility, it must be fully registered to be legally driven on our roads,” he explained.
Mr. Attuh also criticized some car dealers for disregarding the regulations, contributing to the widespread misuse of DV plates. Citing Regulation 23 of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2180, he stressed that the conditions governing trade licenses and DV plate issuance are clear, and any deviation is a breach of the law.
“The DV plate has many limitations, and its use for ordinary driving is not permitted. Dealers allowing this practice are violating the law,” he added.
