Ministry plates going paperless – Make your voice heard

DVSA are considering changing the requirements for Ministry plates on HGVs and trailers as part of plans to improve services and want your views.

DVSA are working to make Ministry plates and plating certificates (VTG6 & 7 documents) available to access electronically on GOV.UK. Plates would be linked to the vehicle and trailer record on the MOT History Service (MOTH).

This would allow operators, drivers, maintenance providers and enforcement bodies to view a digital copy of the issued Ministry plate.

If this change is made then there would be no legal requirement to fit a Ministry plate to vehicles. This change would also remove the requirement to purchase and replace plates when they are lost, become faded or defaced.

Ministry plates are documents that show important information such as serial number, year of manufacture, vehicle dimensions and more. The law requires a Ministry plate on HGVs and trailers in a clearly visible and accessible position.

DVSA has said in support of the proposed change “This change would remove the requirement to purchase and replace plates when they are lost, faded, or defaced.

Presenting the information digitally means that consideration could be given to reducing the cost to industry brought about by affixing the Ministry plate to vehicles.”

You can find the survey HERE. 

The survey closes Sunday 5 May.