Number Plate Format: Deciphering the Code
Let’s break down the format of the newer style number plates (the ones most of us have). The rules are readily available online, but I’ll summarise them here.
Customising Your Number Plate: Where Things Get Tricky
Now, this is where it gets interesting, and where a lot of the confusion lies. Many people with custom plates have private registrations, but some people like to customize their standard plates, too. Here’s what you need to know:
Font Variations: Risky Business
While the “Charles Wright” font is mandatory, you sometimes see variations. You *might* get away with some subtle tweaks, but it’s a risk. I’ve seen examples of italic fonts, or even completely different fonts. Personally, I’m not a fan – I think they often look a bit tacky – but more importantly, you’re just asking for trouble. My dad got pulled over and fined for having italic fonts on his car. He’d driven it for years like that, but the one day I borrowed it, I got stopped! It’s just not worth it, in my opinion. Some of these rules I personally feel are less important than others. But professionally, they all should be adhered to.
Dimensions: The Devil’s in the Details (and Margins!)
This is where I admit I’ve bent the rules a little in the past (when I was younger and more rebellious, of course!). The dimensions are quite specific, and I’ll summarise them:
That last point – the 11mm margin – is where many people, even some police officers, get it wrong. This margin means you can actually have a *shorter* plate if your registration allows for it. For example, if your registration is “S111 AAA,” the “1”s are narrower, so you can legally trim the plate down, as long as you maintain that 11mm margin all around. It’s clearly stated in the regulations. You can download the document, it’s pretty clear.
Different Shapes and Sizes: It’s Possible!
You can have different sized and even differently shaped plates, as long as you meet those minimum margin requirements. Think of some Range Rovers or older Rovers – they often have plates that fill a specific recess in the bumper. They’re uniquely shaped for that vehicle, and the margins are often much larger than 11mm. This proves the point: the size and shape can vary, as long as the *minimum* standards are met. So, if you have a short private plate (four, five, or even two or three digits), you can have a much smaller, neater plate.
BS Mark and Supplier Details: The (Often Ignored) Requirement
For a plate to be fully legal, it needs to have the British Standard mark (BS AU 145d, soon to be updated) in the bottom right corner and the plate supplier’s details in the bottom middle. This is one rule I’ve admittedly ignored in the past. When I had a private plate, I didn’t have these markings because I wanted a cleaner look. My argument was that the plate was perfectly legible, and I wasn’t trying to deceive anyone.
But, of course, if I’d been pulled over and an officer had pointed it out, they’d have been within their rights to fine me. You can only legally get plates made up by a registered number plate supplier. Plates without these markings are often sold as “show plates,” which technically aren’t for road use. But many people use them anyway, and as long as you’re not drastically breaking other rules, you’ll *probably* be okay (but it’s always a risk).
National Flags and Green Flashes
You’re allowed to display certain national flags on your plate, but it’s a limited list. You see it all the time, but it needs to be from a specific list of permitted flags. Also, you might be seeing more green flashes on plates lately. These are for zero-emission vehicles registered after 8th December 2020. I’ve also seen them with a green border. They’re exclusively for zero-emission cars.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Here are some things I see people doing all the time that are either definitely illegal or often misunderstood:
Tinted Plates: A Grey Area (Pun Intended!)
The regulations state that the front plate must be white and the rear plate must be yellow. So, tinted plates are technically illegal. However, I’d argue that a tinted front plate is now grey, not white, so it’s definitely illegal. But a tinted *rear* plate is still yellow, just a darker shade. The documents I’ve read don’t specify a precise shade of yellow, just that it must be reflective and yellow. So, personally, I think there’s less of an issue with a tinted rear plate, as long as it’s still reflective. But it’s a risk you take.
Altering Plates with Screws or Dodgy Letters: Just Don’t!
This is a terrible idea. Trying to make an “11” look like an “H” by placing a black screw in the middle, or trimming letters to make them look different, is just asking for trouble. You’re altering the plate so it no longer matches the vehicle’s registration, and you risk a fine. If you’re going to break the law, you may as well put a completely random plate on that suits you – the risk is the same! If the ANPR camera picks up an altered plate, it won’t match your vehicle’s details, and you’ll likely be flagged for no insurance, no tax, etc. I’ve never understood why people do this – just get a proper private plate if you want something specific!
3D and “4D” Plates: Are They Legal?
I’m still baffled by the term “4D” plates – I don’t know how they’ve squeezed a plate into the fourth dimension! What people usually mean by “4D” is a plate with raised letters, either acrylic cut-outs or plastic domed letters. “3D” plates are often considered to be 2D plates with a shadow effect.
The regulations *do* allow for 3D plates, but they don’t specifically mention “4D” plates. To me, a “4D” plate *is* a 3D plate – it’s not in another dimension! Some number plate suppliers on the recommended list even offer “4D” plates, which suggests they’re probably fine. I’ve seen people get fined for them, and I’ve seen people successfully contest those fines. Personally, I don’t think it’s a major issue, but if you’re running a “4D” plate, make sure *everything* else about the plate is completely legal, just in case.
Display Location: Stick with the Standard
The law states that the front plate should be at the furthest forward point of the vehicle, and the rear plate at the furthest rearward point. This rule hasn’t been updated to reflect modern car designs, where plates aren’t always in those positions. My advice: stick with the standard location where the plate was originally fitted. Some Alfa Romeos, for example, have the plate offset to one side. If you move it, not only does it often look odd (leaving an empty plate holder), but it’s also technically illegal. And, of course, taking the plate off and sticking it in the windscreen is *definitely* illegal – don’t do that! I see it all the time, people remove the plate from an Audi grille, for airflow (which is rarely the true reason when it is on a standard car). It just doesn’t look good!
Other Fonts and Sizes: Subtle Changes
People sometimes use slightly different fonts or slightly smaller plate sizes. To the untrained eye, it’s often unnoticeable, and it can tidy up the look of a vehicle, especially on motorbikes. I used to run smaller plates on my bikes (before I started making videos!), but I always made sure everything else was perfect. If any doubt remains, you can ask in the comments.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide how closely they want to follow the rules. My aim here is to provide the information so you can make informed choices. I’ve shared my own experiences and opinions, but it’s always best to refer to the official documents if you want the definitive answer. It is important to note that some of this is based on opinion, and you should always err on the side of caution. My personal thoughts are separate from best practice. Best practice is to follow the rules.
you might be interested in exploring Vehicle Registration Plates for a global perspective on how they differ. To understand the technology that’s driving changes in enforcement, understanding Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), the technology mentioned, is a great next step and understanding British Standards will allow to better understand the BS AU requirements.