Did you know that DVLA have strict rules that must be adhered to before you display your private number Plate? Explore below for the essential rules on spacing, formats and all legal requirements BEFORE you make your own private number plate to ensure it complies with DVLA regulations.
Here we can help guide you on what to look out for and what you should avoid, as certain modifications are illegal and can in turn land you a very hefty fine.
Several different factors can make a number plate illegal here in the UK and it is essential you adhere to the DVLA standards to avoid potential fines or even a plate withdrawal.
• Font, spacing, size, colours & materials must meet DVLA standard
• No Plates to be obscured or covered
• No Plates illuminated
• Never tamper with plates
• Format must comply with the rules
• Offensive language or spelling errors are illegal
• Non-standard symbols or designs must not be added
How can you be sure it's road legal?
When buying a car, we often focus on its mechanical condition and the validity of its MOT. However, it's equally important to ensure that the registration plate meets DVLA’s legal requirements. If you're considering new plates to make your own registration plate, make sure to use a DVLA recommended supplier like us here at Moonstone Plates, who will ensure they adhere to all DVLA’s strict requirements.
When you buy any sort of number plate, be it a replacement for your current registration or you have purchased a private registration, you MUST present a valid ID (driving licence or passport) and the Vehicles Registration Certificate (V5C) as this demonstrates your right to use the registration number and is a legal requirement. Beware of any supplier who doesn't request these documents, especially online as they are most likely to be untrustworthy.
Driving a vehicle with illegally displayed number plates may result in a fine of up to £1,000. This violation could impact your car insurance, potentially leading to an increase of up to 86% in your premium, which means you could be paying nearly twice the price. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras play a role in identifying non-compliant plates.
Missing Components:
For your number plate to be road legal, it must contain very specific elements. Firstly, it should of course display the actual registration number, with spacing in the correct place, the supplier's name and postcode, and a BS number. Depending on the vehicle's age, the British Standard should be either BSAU145d or BSAU145e.
Incorrect Colours:
All UK number plates must be made on a reflective white (front) or yellow (rear) background for safety reasons. NO alterations can be made to either the materials used, the original colour and its finish. Any number plate that has a patterned background or is tinted are considered illegal. All registration plate characters, both front and rear should be solid black and in Charles Right Font, this is to enhance vehicle identification through Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems (ANPR), the front plate must be white, while the rear plate must be yellow. Additionally, characters must be of equal height, with no background patterns on the plates or characters, have no coloured layers and no LED lights. 3D & 4D digits are acceptable as long as they are in a single shade of black and all plates must be clean, legible and in good condition always.
Plate Durability
Plates are now subjected to durability and toughness tests, including an abrasion test. This ensures that they can withstand environmental elements like grit, road salt, and debris while remaining readable. A BS AU 145e plate should endure a minimum of 160 hours of consistent force, assuming the adhesive pads are correctly placed.
Readability of a Registration:
Your registration must always be readable, any changes in its appearance could lead to you receiving a fine of up to £1000, points on your licence and your plate can even be withdrawn. Always make sure the screws are in the correct place and not amongst the digits that will change the display of a character, adding tape to alter letters is forbidden, and make sure you pay attention to the format as adding or removing gaps between digits is illegal. If you are unsure and want to make sure that your plates are legal go to British Number Plate Manufacturers Association website which provides an article that covers this.
Why do DVLA ban certain number plates?
Any plate that 'may cause offence, embarrassment or are in poor taste' are banned. Plates that spell out or almost spell out swears or otherwise offensive words are the most obvious to be banned.
Here are a few that DVLA banned for 2024 plates, and most will be self-explanatory:
BA24 TDS, BA24 TRD, AND BB24 STD
GB24 FKT
GO24 HEL
HA24 SSS
SK24 NKY
TO24 ERS
AA24 OLE
EU24 SHT
CC24 PPY
FF24 RTD
So before you make your own Private Number Plate and attach it onto your vehicle make sure you follow these rules and avoid a hefty fine.
Looking to buy a private number plate?
Take a look on our website at the thousands and thousands of private number plates to suit all budgets with prices starting at just £275, it is a perfect & unique gift for everybody.
Click the link www.moonstoneplates.com/buy or press our logo to go back to the home page to begin your number plate journey!
Or If you would like to speak to someone you can call our team Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm at 01995 213112 or click here to contact us!
Looking to sell a private number plate?
Alternatively, if you have a registration plate and are looking to sell or know someone who might you can click here to go to our sell page or give our team a call on 01995 213112.
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