Are 4D number plates legal in the UK?

Yes, our 4D number plates are 100% road legal. They are manufactured to the British Standard (BSAU 145e) and are fully compliant with DVLA regulations. They feature solid black, non-reflective characters and display all legally required markings.

What is the difference between 3D and 4D number plates?

3D plates use gel resin to create raised characters with a rounded, domed look. 4D plates use precision laser-cut acrylic characters that are bonded to the plate, resulting in a sharper, more defined and blocky appearance with a higher profile.

How are 4D plates made?

4D plates are constructed by bonding professionally laser-cut acrylic digits and letters onto a premium acrylic backing plate. We use a high-strength 3M adhesive to ensure a permanent, durable bond that can withstand car washes and harsh weather.

Can I use custom spacing or fonts?

For a plate to be road legal, it must use the standard 'Charles Wright' font with the correct spacing as mandated by the DVLA. We do not produce 'show plates' with illegal spacing or fonts. All plates from Number Plates Manchester are fully compliant for road use.

Premium 4D Number Plates UK | 100% Road Legal | Number Plates Manchester

The Ultimate 4D Number Plates

Name: 4D Number Plates
Brand: Number Plates Manchester
SKU: NPM-4D-PLATE
Price: 39.99 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (215 reviews)

Elevate your vehicle’s style with our precision-crafted, 100% road legal 4D number plates. Sharp, durable, and fully compliant with BSAU 145e standards.

Buy My 4D Plates Now Learn More

Are 4D Number Plates Legal? Yes, 100%.

This is the most common question we get. Our 4D plates are fully compliant with all DVLA regulations and the latest British Standard, BSAU 145e.

BSAU 145e Compliant

Manufactured to the latest standard for reflectivity, durability, and resistance to abrasion.

Solid Black Characters

Our 4D characters are solid black acrylic, as required by law. They are not two-toned or reflective.

Legal Markings Included

All plates include our company name and the BS standard mark in small, legally required text.

Important MOT Note: As long as they are made to the BSAU 145e standard like ours, 4D plates are fully MOT compliant. Don’t risk failure with non-compliant plates from other suppliers.

What Exactly Are 4D Number Plates?

4D plates take vehicle styling to the next level. Unlike standard printed plates or even 3D gel plates, 4D plates feature characters that are physically raised from the plate surface, creating a striking shadow effect and a premium, high-end look.

Precision Laser-Cut Acrylic: Each character is cut from 3mm thick, solid black acrylic for incredibly sharp, clean edges that catch the light perfectly.
High-Strength 3M Bonding: We use industry-leading 3M adhesive to permanently bond the characters to the plate, ensuring they won’t peel or detach, even in a pressure washer.
Premium, Shatter-Resistant Backing: Our backing plates are made from high-quality, modified acrylic that resists stone chips, UV damage, and shattering.

A detailed close-up shot of the laser-cut characters on a 4D number plate.

3D Gel vs 4D Laser Cut Plates

While both offer a premium look, there’s a key difference in their style and construction.

3D Gel Plates

✓ Raised characters with a domed, glossy finish.
✓ Made from polyurethane gel resin.
✓ A softer, more rounded appearance.
✓ 100% Road Legal.

4D Laser Cut Plates

✓ Raised characters with a sharp, blocky profile.
✓ Made from laser-cut acrylic.
✓ Creates a more prominent, striking shadow effect.
✓ 100% Road Legal.

Ready to Order Your Perfect 4D Plates?

You’re just a click away from the UK’s premium 4D number plates. All plates come with a free fixing kit for easy installation.

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You will be required to provide proof of identity and entitlement to the registration mark on the product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers.

How long does delivery take? ▼

We aim to manufacture and dispatch all orders within 24 hours of receiving your legal documents. Standard delivery is typically 2-3 working days.

What documents do I need to provide? ▼

As a registered number plate supplier, we are legally required to see proof of your identity (like a driving licence or passport) and proof you can use the registration number (like a V5C logbook or V750 certificate). You can easily upload these on the product page during checkout.

Are the plates guaranteed? ▼

Absolutely. We offer a 12-month guarantee against manufacturing defects, such as the characters peeling or water ingress between the layers. Our plates are built to last.

Can you make 4D plates for my motorcycle? ▼

Yes, we can produce fully legal 4D plates for motorcycles. These will be made to the standard motorcycle size (9×7 inches) with the characters displayed over two lines, as required by law. You can select this option on the product page.