mechanics.tradeRegistration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
This was recorded 421,026 times on cars and light vans in 2025, which makes it number 23 on the list of things that stop a car passing.
421,026recorded in 2025
23on the national list
2.0%of the top forty defects
What the tester is looking at
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps
What you can do about it
This is the small light over your number plate. It is one of the cheapest things to put right, and you can check it in a minute by switching your lights on after dark.
How serious it counts as
The tester records this as a major defect. What the categories mean.
Other things checked on the registration plate lamp(s)
All forty defects, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.