HGV Seized in Ballymena After Police Discover Cloned Number Plates

Police seized an HGV in Ballymena on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, after discovering it was allegedly displaying cloned registration plates.

The driver, identified by police as a company director, had previously had his HGV driving licence revoked on medical grounds. Officers also reported several issues involving insurance, professional driving qualifications and vehicle licensing.

Police Stop HGV Displaying Cloned Number Plates in Ballymena

A heavy goods vehicle has been seized following a roadside stop by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in the Ballymena area.

Road Policing Interceptors from Sprucefield stopped the DAF HGV on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.

According to Police Mid & East Antrim, the vehicle was displaying the registration number of another HGV of a similar make and model.

Police said the plates were being used to conceal the vehicle’s true identity.

In an unusual discovery, officers established that both vehicles belonged to the same company.

Company Director’s HGV Licence Had Been Revoked

The person driving the HGV was identified as a director of the company.

Police said checks revealed that the driver’s HGV driving licence had previously been revoked by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) on medical grounds.

Further investigations uncovered several additional alleged offences and regulatory issues.

Police Identify Multiple Vehicle Compliance Issues

According to the PSNI, officers discovered:

• No current Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).
• No valid vehicle insurance.
• A Goods Vehicle Certificate that had expired nearly three years earlier.
• No operator’s licence in force.
• No tachograph in use.

Following the roadside checks, police seized the vehicle.

HGV Licensing Rules in Northern Ireland

Heavy goods vehicle operators and professional drivers must meet specific legal requirements before operating on public roads.

These include holding the appropriate driving qualifications, maintaining insurance and complying with relevant licensing regulations.

Businesses transporting goods commercially may also require a goods vehicle operator’s licence.

The requirements vary depending on the vehicle, its weight and how it is used.

Further information is available through the government’s goods vehicle operator licensing guidance.

Police Issue Warning Over Cloned Registration Plates

Vehicle registration cloning involves using registration details belonging to another vehicle.

Cloned number plates can make identifying vehicles more difficult and may be used to conceal their true identity.

In this incident, police said both the genuine vehicle and the HGV displaying its registration were owned by the same company.

Following the seizure, officers issued a warning through their official Facebook page:

“A different number plate doesn’t make the problems disappear.”

The full police statement is available on the Police Mid & East Antrim Facebook page.

How to Report Information to Police

Anyone wishing to report suspected criminal activity or road traffic offences can contact the PSNI using its non-emergency telephone number, 101.

Information can also be submitted through the PSNI online reporting service.

In an emergency, always call 999.

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