What makes number plates legal

What happens to my old registration when I put a private number plate on my car? Skip to main content. What is the number plate law in the UK?

We've laid out the official rules, so don't be misled! General stuff about number plates The basic rules for number plates Number plates fitted after 1st September Number plates fitted before 1st September Traditional number plates Motorcycle and Tricycle number plates Euro and other flags on number plates Number plate font What you must not do with your number plate What's the British Standard for number plates? Rules on character dimensions differ for traditional 'black and white' plates, which may be fitted on vehicles manufactured before 1st January Group 1 89mm 64mm 16mm 13mm 38mm 13mm 19mm.

Group 1 79mm 57mm 14mm 11mm 33mm 11mm 9mm. Number plates fitted before 1st September If you fitted a number plate before 1st September , they must meet the dimensions in one of the two groups below: Character Height Character Width except 1 or letter I Character Stroke Space between characters Space between groups Top, bottom and side margins minimum Space between vertical lines.

Traditional number plates for vehicles manufactured before 1st January Vehicles manufactured before 1st January are allowed to display traditional style 'black and white' plates i.

The characters size must meet the dimensions in one of the two groups below: Character Height Character Width except 1 or letter I Character Stroke Space between characters Space between groups Top and bottom margins Side margin. Group 1 89mm 64mm 16mm 13mm 38mm 13mm 25mm. Group 1 79mm 57mm 14mm 11mm 33mm 11mm 11mm. Here are the character sizes: Character Height Character Width except 1 or letter I Character Stroke Space between characters Space between groups Top, bottom and side margins minimum Space between vertical lines.

Euro and other flags on number plates Since 1st September you have been able to choose to display a Euro flag, for vehicles registered in the UK. The front number plate law requires your car to display a white background on your licence plate. The rear licence plate must be yellow. All vehicles produced after the 1st of January are required to use a reflective material for their number plates.

Pressed aluminium number plates do not meet the requirements under the British Standards for current new style plates. Whilst you can design your own number plates, it is extremely important to abide the DVLA requirements in order to keep your plates on the road.

It is legal to display a flag on your number plate. However, there are specific requirements which drivers must abide to. For example, you are only allowed to display the following flags:. The flag and letters you choose must be placed on the left hand side of your number plate. Other flags, images and symbols are prohibited for your plates save that creativity for a bumper sticker instead. Surprisingly, many individuals fall into the trap of buying illegal number plates across the UK.

Low prices make buying illegal plates quite tempting. However, you pay out huge fines if you get caught and you are at higher risk of number plate cloning. With numerous dealers out there, anyone can become a victim. Therefore, it can be tricky to know where to buy legal number plates.

Yet, it is quite simple once you know what to look out for. These two checks will help you buy legal number plates:. All licence plate suppliers are required to be registered with the DVLA and will have to abide by the British Standards. The number plate needs to include the British Standard Mark on the bottom right hand corner. You may need to look closely as this will be in a small typeface. Businesses selling legal number plates will require certain documentation prior to payment.

What documents are needed, you ask? They will ask for original documents that prove your identity. If you are still unsure what number plate rules apply to your vehicle, simply search personalised number plates for any word or phrase. See our How to buy a number plate page.

Our page on car registration plates explains the different kinds of plate layouts you may see. All rights reserved. Registered in England. Company registration number Credit subject to status and affordability.

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