A number plate is the most prominent way to identify your vehicle visually. These days, number plates are made from acrylic, a form of plastic, with black font on a white background at the front of the car and a yellow plate at the rear. There are a multitude of different rules that have to be applied in order to make a number plate legal.
Custom plates allow individuals to express their personality, interests, or sense of humor through a unique combination of letters and numbers. Custom plates can be easier to remember than a random sequence of numbers and letters, which can be useful for personal identification or business branding. Personalized plates can make for a unique and thoughtful gift for a special occasion. Private number plates for sale can be purchased and used on registered vehicles.
Number plate regulations
The government has set specific rules to govern the design of number plates to ensure that they are clear and readable to officials, such as police officers, speed cameras, and ANPR systems. Certain things, such as the font, colour, character size, spacing, and amount of reflectivity, are all taken into account to ensure that the plates are completely readable.
The first two letters of the number plate are the DVLA memory tag, and the two numbers following identify the age of the vehicle. The last three letters are random identifiers to give the plate its uniqueness. The spacing between each of the characters is specifically measured, and the characters are sized in a regulated manner.
If your number plate strays away from any of the rules, there will be repercussions if you’re caught. There are different penalties for displaying illegal number plates, which can range from MOT failure to large fines and loss of your registration, meaning you will be unable to use your vehicle. It is essential to make sure you follow the rules in order to avoid harsh penalties such as these.
Motorcycle and Motor tricycle plates
Certain rules also need to be covered for these vehicles to ensure your plate is legal. However, as the vehicles are smaller, the plates are smaller, too, and certain specifications are required for motorcycles.
Buying a replacement plate
Whether you need an extra plate for a caravan or trailer or you’ve broken your original number plate, it is possible to get a new one. However, restrictions do apply. You can no longer purchase a new plate from a dodgy dealer down the road; you’ll have to buy from a registered supplier. In order to get hold of a new number plate, you’ll have to produce several documents to prove your identity and show that you can officially buy a number plate for the vehicle necessary.
The DVLA has implemented these rules to prevent the buying and selling of illegal “fake” number plates.
How to fit a number plate
Now that number plates are made from acrylic, there is a lot of room for error when it comes to fitting a plate. You may find that the plates scratch and crack easily, therefore it is essential that you prepare with the right tools and be patient with the process. There are several guides online that show you how to fit a number plate properly.
Show plates
Often, you’ll see at car dealerships show plates that have been placed on the vehicles to make them stand out. They are also used at events and can only be placed in vehicles that will not be driving on the roads. With a show plate, you are able to use any words and numbers to exhibit the vehicles appropriately, but the usual number plate rules do not apply.
However, it is still essential to be cautious when fitting a show plate to a vehicle. If you forget to change the plate back and drive with the show plate on, you risk facing penalties.
If you’re looking to buy a private number plate, it’s best to go through an official seller to ensure the plate is legal.