Law change allows Scots motorists to fly the flag

26 Apr 2009

Motorists across the UK are now able to display national flags on their number plates after Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon secured a change in the law.

Under the new rules - which come into force on Monday 27 April- motorists in England, Scotland and Wales can display the Union flag, Saltire, Cross of St George, or Red Dragon of Wales.

 Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said:

 "The Saltire is a proud symbol of Scotland which belongs to every Scot so it's right that drivers here should be allowed to display it on their licence plates.

 "This is good news for Scottish motorists who, thanks to changes in the law made by the UK Government, can now use this important part of their identity in public. I welcome today's announcement."

 The flags can be displayed on the left hand side of the number plate.

 NOTES TO EDITORS

 1. Vehicle number plates must comply with the specifications contained in the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001.  These regulations specify, amongst other things, the character size, font, colour and spacing that registration numbers must comply with.  These Regulations also make provision for the voluntary display of the blue European Flag with "GB" within the circle of stars. This allows motorists to travel within the European Community without the need to display the conventional oval sticker to identify in which member state the vehicle is registered.

 2. The amendments to the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 that come into force today mean that motorists in England, Scotland and Wales can display the Union flag, Cross of St George, Cross of St Andrew (also known as the Saltire) or Red Dragon of Wales as well one of the following identifiers: GREAT BRITAIN, Great Britain, GB, UNITED KINGDOM, United Kingdom, UK, CYMRU, Cymru, CYM, Cym, ENGLAND, England, ENG, Eng, SCOTLAND, Scotland, SCO, Sco, WALES or Wales. No other symbols or flags can be displayed on number plates.  Motorists displaying national flags and identifiers will still be required to display the conventional oval sticker when travelling in Europe.