Hertfordshire police are to get tougher with motorists with illegal number plates.

If your number plates does not comply with the new rules, you can can be given a £30 fixed penalty ticket. A second offence could result in the registration being revoked.

Chief Inspector Peter Brooks said: "Number plates are needed so that a vehicle can be easily identified."

"They must be easy to read for police, other motorists and pedestrians."

"Police officers often rely on witnesses to remember the number plates, and accurate readings of the plates can help solve crimes and assist in investigations - these can range from motoring offences to very serious crimes."

All vehicles registered after 1972 must have reflective plates, black on white at the front and black on yellow at the rear.

They must comply with the British standard specifications of numberplates, which includes on the position of the bolt or screw fixing. They must also display the BS marking and manufacturer.

Motorcycles registered since 1972 must have double-row back plates. No front plate is allowed if registered after 2000.

All suppliers of number plates are now obliged to check purchasers' entitlement to plates before they sell them.

More details on Number Plate Requirements on the DVLA website.