Car Sticker Laws You Probably Didn't Know

Stickers on cars are everywhere – from branding to slogans to quirky designs. They’re a quick way to add personality, and most drivers don’t think twice.

But a badly placed decal or one with the wrong message can land you in unexpected trouble. You could fail your MOT, pick up a fine, or confuse a camera – all from a small sticker.

So, are car stickers illegal? Not exactly. But some rules aren’t obvious. Here’s what every UK driver needs to know before sticking anything on.

Windscreen Obstruction Limits

Sticking something on your windscreen seems harmless, right? But if it’s bigger than 40mm and within the area your wipers sweep, it could be classed as an obstruction. The DVSA’s clear on this – anything affecting your view can mean trouble.

Stickers, especially on front or rear glass, often sneak into restricted spaces without much thought. If a tester thinks it limits visibility, you’re risking a failed MOT or a fine.

Stick to edges, keep the centre clear, and make sure tints or sunstrips stay well outside the wiper zone.

MOT Failures Due to Stickers

A surprising number of cars fail MOTs over something as small as a sticker. It’s not about what it says – it’s where it sits and how much it blocks.

• Any sticker in the driver’s line of sight can be flagged.

• Tints or decals over cameras or sensors could be an issue.

• Sunstrips, if too low, might cause a fail.

• Rear window graphics are usually fine – unless your rear-view mirror depends on them.

Before your MOT, check your glass. If anything blocks your view, peel it off.

UK Sticker Requirements for Driving Abroad

Driving across to Europe? You’ll need more than your passport. Since Brexit, UK drivers must display a UK identifier – the old GB stickers don’t cut it anymore.

Even if your number plate has a Union Jack, you still need the separate UK sticker on the rear. Skip it, and you could face fines or be turned away in certain countries.

If your car still has a GB badge, swap it. The UK is now the legal requirement – simple as that.

Restrictions on Hazard Warning Stickers

Some stickers look flashy – others just look like trouble. Reflective, fluorescent, or anything mimicking emergency vehicles can get you in hot water.

Red and blue graphics – especially ones that flash or resemble warning lights – often attract the wrong attention. It’s illegal to confuse other drivers or make your car look like a police or ambulance vehicle.

Utility and recovery vehicles get a bit of leeway. For everyone else, best avoid hazard-style designs unless required.

Offensive or Inappropriate Stickers

Stick the wrong thing on your bumper, and you could be breaking the law. Section 5 of the Public Order Act covers anything likely to cause “harassment, alarm, or distress.”

Here’s what might get flagged:

• Swearing, crude humour, or explicit images.

• Content mocking protected groups or promoting hate.

• Anything the public reports as offensive.

Drivers have been fined for less. If a sticker gives you pause, it probably isn’t worth the risk.

Fly-Posting and Unauthorised Advertising

Slapping on a cheeky sticker is one thing. Turning your car into a billboard? That’s something else entirely. If you’re advertising another business and parking in public spaces, it could be considered fly-posting.

Local councils can remove unauthorised materials and may issue fines if they think your sticker promotes a service without permission.

Promoting your own business is usually fine – just don’t go overboard. Check local guidelines to avoid getting stung.

Insurance Implications of Modifications

Most people wouldn’t think a sticker counts as a car modification – but your insurer might. Any change to your car’s appearance, including decals and vinyl wraps, needs to be declared.

If you don’t disclose it and later make a claim, your cover could be void. That includes logos, lettering, and colour accents.

Before you get creative, check your insurance policy or call your provider. It’s cheaper than invalidating your cover over something small.

Rules for Commercial and Rideshare Vehicles

Driving for work – Uber, deliveries, or as a taxi – means playing by stricter rules. Local councils often set specific requirements for decals, operator names, or licence numbers.

Miss these, and you could face penalties or even be banned from operating. For instance, some councils expect Uber drivers to display magnetic signs, while licensed taxis often have zones for official stickers.

Always check with your licensing body before applying commercial graphics.

Number Plate Sticker Regulations

Stick anything near or on your number plate and you might be in breach of the law. Here’s what not to do:

• No stickers over or around the plate border.

• Don’t mimic flags, badges, or official symbols.

• Avoid tints or anything reflective.

ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) systems are fussy. If your plate’s unreadable, you could get fined or stopped. Keep it clean and camera-friendly.

Local Authority Enforcement on Stickers

It’s not just national rules that matter – local authorities often enforce their own sticker laws. Some cities, especially busy ones, are stricter about signage and public complaints.

If a sticker’s too large, offensive, or unauthorised, enforcement officers might issue a fine or tell you to remove it. In some cases, they’ll act on the spot.

You can appeal, but that doesn’t guarantee a pass. It’s worth knowing your local policies, especially if your car spends time parked on the street.

A sticker might seem small, but the rules around them definitely aren’t. From MOT risks to insurance gaps, it pays to know where the lines are – literally. Before adding any graphics, check the laws. Or better yet, browse Demon Graphics for designs that look good and stay within the rules.