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Reports of suspected vehicle cloning have reached record levels, with new figures highlighting the risk of motorists and fleet operators receiving penalties for offences involving vehicles they do not recognise.
Data obtained by the RAC from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) shows that 11,402 drivers contacted the agency in 2025 to dispute fines or penalties they did not believe they were responsible for. This represents a 9% increase on 2024 and a 93% rise compared with 2018.
Vehicle cloning involves criminals copying a legitimate vehicle's registration number and using it on another vehicle, often of the same make, model and colour. This can result in speeding fines, parking penalties and other enforcement notices being incorrectly directed to the registered keeper of the genuine vehicle.
For rental, leasing and fleet operators, the issue reinforces the importance of checking unexpected penalty notices and maintaining accurate vehicle and driver records. Where cloning is suspected, operators may need to provide evidence that the vehicle was elsewhere at the time of the alleged offence.
A new online reporting service, introduced by the police in partnership with the DVLA, is designed to simplify the process for victims, including fleet operators and leasing companies. Reports submitted through participating police force websites can now be shared automatically with the DVLA, removing the need for separate notifications to both organisations. However, reporting suspected cloning does not automatically cancel any penalties received, which must still be challenged directly with the issuing authority.
Members can read more about the findings in the RAC's report and the new police reporting arrangements.
