Penalty from cloned number plates: how to challenge it

If you have a penalty for a zone or crossing you never drove through, check the camera photo. A different make, model or colour carrying your registration means your plates have probably been cloned. Every scheme lets you challenge on the basis that the vehicle was used without your consent, and authorities see cloning cases regularly.

Step by step

1. View the photos. Most authorities let you see them online with the PCN number and registration.
2. Compare: make, model, colour, wheels, stickers, damage. Screenshot the differences.
3. Report it to the police and get a crime or incident reference.
4. Tell the DVLA. If cloning continues they may issue a new registration.
5. Make representations on every notice, each within its own 28 days, with the police reference and photos of your own vehicle.

The legal ground

England schemes: the vehicle was used by a person in control of it without your consent (SI 2013/1783 reg 8(3)(b)). The regulations say representations on this ground must include a crime reference, police reference, insurance claim reference or other evidence (reg 8(7)).

London TfL schemes: the vehicle had been used by a person in control without the consent of the registered keeper (SI 2001/2313 reg 13(3)(d)).

Scottish LEZs: the contravention did not occur in your vehicle (SSI 2021/177 reg 8(4)(a)).

Where the photographed vehicle is plainly not yours, you can also say no charge was payable for your vehicle.

Your own vehicle's whereabouts

Evidence of where your car was at the time is persuasive: a work car park entry log, a dashcam, a fuel receipt elsewhere, a parking app session. You do not need all of these; one clear item plus the photo comparison is often enough.