What’s the law with black and silver number plates?
Across the world, different countries have their own systems of vehicle registrations in place and the colour plays a massive part of this.
Here in the UK, registration plates became law back in 1903 following the launch of the Motor Car Act 1903 with black plates and silver or white digits on vehicles and that stayed in place right up until 1980.
Can anybody put black and white number plates on their vehicle?
Unfortunately, no, as much as we love the look of them, they can only be used on vehicles that were manufactured on or before January 1st, 1980, and if you are lucky enough to own one of these classic or vintage vehicles, then you’re even luckier as you get to use the black license plate!
Can you put black number plates on modern cars?
Again, only if it was manufactured before 1980. There was a slight confusion when the DVLA suffered an unintended consequence of a change in law, whereby any vehicle over 40 years old and registered to the historic tax class, was able to display a silver and black number plate. This obviously counteracted the underlying law that only vehicles registered on 1st January 1973.
An incident which the DVLA had never intended. And since then, they have sought to rectify the issue through legal correction which was implemented in 2021. The change implemented seeks to alter the dates from 1973 to 1980. This means that those vehicles constructed before 1 January 1980 will have the ability to legally display black and silver plates.
Current Plates
The white and yellow reflective plates that we know today, were introduced in 1967 and were optional. They only became mandatory in 1973.
Laws regarding registration plates in the UK are very strict and could end up costing you not only a failed MOT but also a fine of up to £1000. From the exact height and width of the characters to the material they’re crafted on, number plates have several rules car owners need to stick to. They even have their very own font known as Charles Wright. Although thanks to technology there’s a little room for customisation with 3D and 4D printing, when it comes to the colour of your plates, the Driver and Vehicle licensing Agency (DVLA) won’t budge. Click here to see all the rules and regulations you must abide by.
Exceptions to the rule
Military vehicles still carry black plates with white or silver characters and, unlike the legal plates carried by our cars, aren’t fashioned from reflected material. This is to keep them safe and avoid them being targeted by laser sighted weapons, which can make use of a reflective finish to take aim.
Older number plates in the UK were once black with either silver or white characters showing the alphanumerical registration display. In 1972, this style of plate was on its way out but still legal on cars and other vehicles up until the year 2012, when they were permanently phased out. Before 2012, this style of plate was accepted as legal if it was registered before January 1st, 1973.
Since April 2015 vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1975 can display the older black and silver style plates.
But only if:
- You have applied to DVLA, and
- be registered within the ‘historic vehicles’ tax class.
This allows your vehicle to retain its authenticity and be in keeping with its age.
Vehicles constructed 40 or more years ago are exempt from vehicle tax.
The 40-year exemption date rolls forward automatically each year on 1 April.
Vehicle tax or SORN
Remember, you’ll still need to apply for vehicle tax or make a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) - even if you don’t need to pay.
Vehicles must be registered in the historic tax class
If you’re not registered within the historic class, you can’t display the black and silver number plates.
You can’t rearrange the letters or numbers.
You could lose the right to display a registration number if it is displayed incorrectly.
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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