National flags on numberplates illegal

• Only EU flag should be displayed
• Thousands of drivers flout law
• Could lead to an MoT failure

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Thousands of motorists are unwittingly breaking the law by displaying flags on their vehicle numberplates.

Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick has confirmed that displaying any flag other than the European Union symbol of 12 yellow stars on a blue background is illegal.

The Union flag, the Cross of St George, the Scottish Saltire, and the Welsh Dragon are all included in the ban.

Drivers who flout this rule face a £60 fine and they could also fail an MoT test due to their illegal numberplate.

Regulations concerning the display of flags came into force seven years ago, according to Mr Fitzpatrick, who was responding to a Parliamentary question.