FAQ Numberplatesmanchester.co.uk

Number plate makers use a combination of technology and craftsmanship to produce number plates. The process starts with specialized computer software that allows for the design of the number plate layout, ensuring it adheres to the DVLA’s regulations for character size, spacing, and font. Once the design is finalized, a dedicated number plate printer is used to print the characters onto a reflective sheet. This sheet is then carefully applied to a plate blank, typically made of acrylic (for most vehicles) or metal (primarily for vehicles over 40 years old), using a laminator to bond the materials together. Finally, the plate is cut and finished to the required size and shape.

 

What are the Different Types of Number Plates Available?

 

NumberPlatesManchester.co.uk offers a wide variety of number plates to suit your needs and preferences. These include:

 

• Current Style: This is the style used for new car registrations today. This design has been around since 2001 and comprises seven characters. It’s made up of two letters indicating the region it was registered, followed by two numbers indicating the vehicle’s age, and finishing with three random letters. Example – AB18 ABC. 
• Prefix Style: This style of plate was used in the UK between 1983 and 2001. It’s called prefix because the first letter indicates the vehicle’s age. For instance, a prefix plate that begins with a ‘G’ was registered in August 1989. Example – A123 ABC.
• Suffix Style: This style of plate was issued in the UK between 1963 and 1983. It starts with the letter ‘A’ and ends with a letter that indicates its age. If the plate ends in ‘B’, for instance, you’ll know it’s from 1964. Example – ABC 123A. 
• Dateless Style: Dateless-style plates were used prior to 1963. They can be any combination of up to four numbers and three letters. There is nothing to indicate the vehicle’s age, which is what makes them so desirable. Example – 1 AB. 

 

• Standard Number Plates: These are the most common type of number plates and meet all the legal requirements for UK roads.
• 3D Gel Number Plates: These plates have raised characters, giving them a more distinctive and modern look.
• 4D Number Plates: These are the latest innovation in number plate design, with even more pronounced raised characters for a bolder appearance.
• Pressed Number Plates: These plates have a classic, slightly raised letter effect, often used on vintage or classic cars.
• Show Plates: These plates are for display purposes only and are not road legal. They can be customized with different colours, fonts, and styles.

 

How Much Does a Personalised Number Plate Cost?

 

The cost of a personalised number plate can vary significantly depending on the desirability of the registration number.

Factors that influence the price include the combination of letters and numbers, how rare the plate is, and its overall desirability. Prices start from under £200 and can go up to tens of thousands of pounds, with some rare plates even fetching hundreds of thousands. The DVLA also holds auctions for exclusive registration numbers, with reserve prices starting from £130.

It’s important to note that the cost of the personalised number plate itself is separate from the cost of assigning it to your vehicle. Assigning a private number to a vehicle typically involves a fee of around £80.

 

Personalised number plates offer several benefits, including:

• Uniqueness: They make your vehicle stand out from the crowd.
• Personalization: They can reflect your personality or interests.
• Resale Value: Desirable number plates can increase the resale value of your car.

 

How do I Order a Number Plate from Number Plates Manchester?

 

Ordering a number plate from Number Plates Manchester is a simple and straightforward process:

 

1. Choose your design: Select the type of number plate you want, including standard, 3D, 4D, or pressed plates.
2. Enter your registration number: Provide your vehicle’s registration number.
3. Customize your plate (optional): Add borders, flags, or 3D/4D effects to personalize your plate.
4. Place your order: Submit your order online or by phone.
5. Collect or receive your plates: Choose to collect your plates from our store or have them delivered to your address.
6.  

 

To order a number plate, you will need to provide original documents that prove your name and address, as well as documents that show you’re allowed to use the registration number.

 

Legal Requirements for Number Plates in the UK

 

In the UK, number plates must adhere to specific regulations to be road legal. These regulations ensure that number plates are clearly visible and readable by other road users and law enforcement agencies, including those using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. ANPR is used by police to help detect, deter and disrupt criminality.

It is crucial to get your number plates from a registered number plate supplier, such as numberplatesmanchester.co.uk. These suppliers adhere to the British standards of number plate making to ensure that the number plate is made correctly and follows all the rules set by the DVLA. 

Number plates must be displayed clearly on the front and rear of the vehicle. Front plates must have a white background with black characters, while rear plates must have a yellow background with black characters. The background of the number plate must be reflective, but the characters should not be. Number plates must be made from a durable, reflective material that meets the British Standard BS AU 145e.

 

The characters must be in the standard Charles Wright font with specific size and spacing requirements. There are specific rules for the spacing between characters and groups of characters on the plate. Number plates must include the supplier’s business name and postcode, along with the British Standard number. You cannot rearrange letters or numbers, or alter them to make them hard to read. Number plates must be durable and able to withstand weather conditions.

 

What Makes a Number Plate Illegal?

 

While there is some flexibility in personalizing your number plate, it’s important to be aware of the rules that can make a number plate illegal in the UK. These include:

 

• Non-standard character spacing: Altering the spacing between letters and numbers to create words or phrases is illegal.
• Incorrect font: Only the mandated ‘Charles Wright 2001’ typeface is permitted.
• Wrong colours: Front plates must have black characters on a white background, while rear plates require black on yellow.
• Reflective or removable characters: Characters must be non-reflective and permanently affixed.
• Background patterns or designs: Number plates must have a plain background.
• Unapproved flags or emblems: While certain national flags and identifiers are allowed, any other graphics, logos, or emblems are illegal.
• Misrepresented registration: Displaying a registration number that doesn’t belong to the vehicle or altering the plate to misrepresent the actual registration is illegal.

 

 

Motorcycle Number Plate Regulations

 

Motorcycles registered from September 1st, 2001 can only display a number plate at the back of the vehicle. Motorcycles registered before September 1st, 2001 can display a number plate at the front, but that is optional. The number plate style must be a ‘two-line’ format. 

 

 

Trailer Number Plate Regulations

 

Your trailer must display the same number plate as the vehicle you’re towing it with. If you’re towing more than one trailer, the number plate must be fixed to the trailer at the back. 

 

Eyesight and Number Plates

 

According to the DVLA, you must be able to read a number plate correctly from at least 20 metres away to be able to drive. This eyesight test is a crucial part of the driving test and ensures that all drivers have adequate vision for safe driving. 

 

Conclusion

 

This FAQ provides a comprehensive overview of number plates in the UK, covering various aspects such as legal requirements, types of plates, and the ordering process.