Number Plate Policy – Legal Requirements vs. Show Plates

Road Legal Number Plates (UK)

We supply number plates that meet the requirements set out by the DVLA and British Standard (BS AU 145e) for road use in the UK. To be road legal, your number plate must comply with the following rules:

✅ Legal Plate Requirements:

  • Correct Font: Only the standard “Charles Wright” font is permitted.

  • Standard Spacing: Must follow DVLA regulations (no altered spacing or compression).

  • No Decorative Elements: No background patterns, tinted overlays, or additional badges (e.g., football clubs, slogans).

  • Legal Flags Only: UK, GB, Union Jack, or other DVLA-approved national identifiers.

  • BS AU 145e Marking: All legal plates must include this standard.

  • Supplier & Manufacturer Details: These must be present in small print at the bottom of the plate.

  • White Front / Yellow Rear: Plates must be reflective with black characters on a white front and yellow rear plate.

❌ What Makes a Plate “Show Use Only” (Not Legal for Road Use)

The following customisations are NOT road legal and will result in the plate being classified as a Show Plate:

  • Altered or non-standard spacing between letters or numbers (e.g., "M4 TTE" instead of "M 4TTE")

  • Non-standard fonts or stylised characters

  • Tinted plates, reflective gels, or coloured backgrounds

  • Inclusion of badges, logos, emojis, or slogans not approved by the DVLA

  • Vertical, slanted, or misaligned layouts

  • Glitter gel or 4D characters outside DVLA-approved specs

  • Lack of BS AU 145e certification or supplier information

Important Notes:

  • Show plates are for off-road/display purposes only and must not be used on public roads.

  • Use of non-compliant plates on public roads can result in fines, MOT failure, or points on your licence.

  • It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure plates ordered for road use meet legal

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 4D Plates Legal?

The short answer is yes, 4D plates are completely legal if made to the correct legal standards set by the DVLA.

Do 4D Plates prevent cameras from reading my registration?

No 4D Number Plates don't prevent cameras from reading your registration.

Are Gel Plates Legal?

Yes Gel Number Plates are completely road legal as long as they are made up to the standards set by the DVLA

What Are Show Plates?

Show plates are Number Plates that are made for show use only, for example these can be used at events/shows and can contain social media handles, logo's & text.

Show plates do not contain the correct legal text on the bottom of the plate e.g. Company Name, postcode & the British standard mark // BSAU

Are Tinted Plates Legal?

No, Tinted plates are not road legal, all tinted plates we make are for show uses only. (NOT FOR USE ON ANY PUBLIC HIGHWAYS)

Are short plates road legal?

Yes short plates are completely road legal if made to the correct legal standards.

We make short plates for all registration sizes, all of which meet the legal requirements.

Are Number Plate Flags Legal?

All of the standard country flags of the United Kingdom are road legal e.g. England, GB, UK, Scotland, Wales, Ireland & EV (Electric Vehicle) / Green

However customised blacked our flags are not.

All of the flags sold within our store are road legal.

Are Hex plates Road Legal?

Yes all of our Hex Plates are Road Legal, we also make Hex Plates for all reg sizes.

Can You Have Neon/Coloured 4D Number Plates?

Neon & Coloured Number Plates are not road legal and can only be made for show use.

Are borders on Number Plates legal?

Yes, Borders are completely legal whether they're printed, Gel or 4D

How should I install my Number Plates?

We provide free sticky pads with every set of number plates ordered, meaning it is a straight forward process to stick them on.

All you have to do is make sure the paint/surface of your vehicle is clean and dry.

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