Non-compliant license plate: how much is the fine?

To be compliant, a license plate must meet several constraints of dimensions, color, fixing and display in particular. In case of non-compliance with these conditions, what fine do you risk?

Since 1892, the year they were put into circulation within the Parc de la Tête d’Or, in Lyon, license plates have evolved a lot in their format, design and dimensions. Today, in order to be able to drive legally, your car must be equipped with a compliant license plate. All of the following conditions must be met for a plate to be considered compliant.

Compliant format of a license plate.

Police : The font must be vertical and not display fanciful shapes. There are several, which depend on the manufacturer or distributor.
Bands : Since 1993, all plates must show euro blue band to the left of the plate. On the right, the blue banner is also mandatory. However, the department number and the region logo are not.
Dimensions : Three kinds of dimensions are allowed: 520 x 110 mm, 210 x 130 mm or 275 x 200 mm.
Colors : Only black characters on a white background are allowed. Vehicles classified as a collection may display white or gray characters on a black background.
Fixation : The plates must be non-removable, ie fixed to the bodywork by rivets.
Lighting : Since 1998, license plate lighting is mandatory. It should be legible and cleaned up if not.

The penalties incurred for non-compliance

If any of these conditions are not met, you incur a fine for non-compliance of the license plate. It’s about a fine of 4^e class, which amounts to 135€. This amount can be reduced to €90, or on the contrary be increased up to a maximum of €750 if you go to court.

False plates

Traveling with a vehicle fitted with fake license plates is much more serious. In this case, you incur a prison sentence up to 5 years. The fine can reach 3 750€. The judge can also pronounce a driving license suspension for up to 3 years, or even its cancellation. Your vehicle may also be subject to a permanent entry and be sold at public auction.

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