How to Make Sure Your Number Plate Is MOT Compliant

May 27 2025, by Reece Dennis, 5 min reading time

Your number plate may look great — but if it doesn’t meet DVLA requirements, it could lead to an MOT failure, fines, or even points on your licence. This guide breaks down exactly how to make sure your number plate is MOT compliant and road legal in the UK.

🚗 Why MOT Compliance Matters

The DVLA has strict rules about how number plates must be displayed on UK roads. During your MOT test, examiners will check that your number plates meet legal standards. Non-compliant plates can lead to an instant fail.

Whether you have standard plates, 3D gel plates, or 4D acrylic plates, these rules still apply.

✅ Checklist: What Makes a Number Plate MOT Compliant?

To pass your MOT, your number plates must meet the following legal requirements:

1. Correct Font & Size

• Use Charles Wright 2001 typeface only

• Letters must be 79mm tall

• Width of each character (except the number 1 or letter I) must be 50mm

• Space between characters: 11mm

• Space between groups (e.g. AB12 _ CDE): 33mm

2. Proper Spacing & Alignment

• No custom spacing or distorted layouts

• Misaligned letters or changed spacing = illegal

3. Material & Reflectivity

• Plates must be made from a reflective material

• Background must be white (front) and yellow (rear)

• No background patterns or tints allowed

4. No Damage or Wear

• Cracked, faded, or damaged plates may lead to failure

• Plates must be clearly legible in all conditions

5. British Standard Marking

• Must display BS AU 145e marking (as of 2021)

• Also must include:

  • Plate supplier’s name

  • Manufacturer ID or postcode

6. Legal Flags & Symbols

• You can display a legal national identifier:

  • Union Flag, St George’s Cross, etc.

• But custom graphics or logos are not allowed on road-legal plates

⚠️ Common Reasons Plates Fail MOT

• Custom fonts or illegal spacing

• Missing BS mark or supplier details

• Tinted, dirty, or cracked plates

• Shadow or ghost plates that reduce visibility

• 4D plates without reflective backing

🔍 What About 3D and 4D Plates?

Yes – 3D gel and 4D plates can pass MOT and be road legal if they follow all of the above rules:

• Correct font & sizing

• Reflective backing

• BS AU 145e marking

• No illegal spacing or tint

Make sure you purchase your plates from a DVLA-compliant plate supplier (like us) who ensures every legal plate is built to spec.

🛠️ Show Plates Are Not MOT Compliant

Show plates (with custom spacing, slogans, logos, etc.) are for display or off-road use only. These will not pass an MOT and should not be used on public roads.

✅ Order MOT-Compliant Plates Online

We supply a full range of MOT-compliant number plates, including:

• 3D gel plates

• 4D acrylic plates (3mm–10mm)

• Ghost & shadow plates

• Standard replacement plates

Each road-legal plate we sell is fully compliant with DVLA and MOT standards.

📝 Final Tip: Always Provide Proof

When ordering road-legal plates, make sure to upload:

• Your V5C logbook or other vehicle document

• Your photo ID
  This ensures your plates are registered properly and legally made.

🚗 Stay Road Legal, Stay Stylish

You can have stylish plates and be 100% road legal. Stick to the rules above and shop with a trusted supplier to keep your car looking sharp — and MOT ready.

Tags

4d plates custom plates DVLA Rules gel plates Road Legal

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