When we are looking for a vehicle of our dreams and see it listed for a reasonable price on a well-known platform, then in excitement, we almost forget about its registration number plate—whether it follows the UK laws or not?
Therefore, the UK government advises motorists to familiarize themselves with the number plate laws to avoid any trouble while on the road. There are a surprising number of rules and restrictions on license plates in the UK which, if ignored, increase the risk of getting caught and could lead to a hefty fine of up to £1,000.
Legality of Number Plate in UK
The regular number plates are usually issued by DVLA-approved dealers so they hardly attract the attention of the authorities. However, issues arise when it comes to private cherished number plates because they are often misused by the owners.
Factors That Tell If Your Number Plate Is Legal
- British Standard Mark: If your vehicle is registered in the UK, then it should have a British Standard mark such as “BS AU 145d” (or “BS AU 145e” for plates after 2021). It should also include the manufacturer or dealership name.
- Flags and Badges: You can display one of four flags—Union Jack, Cross of St George, Cross of St Andrew, or Welsh Red Dragon—on the left side of your number plate. If traveling in Europe and no flag is present, a GB sticker is required as a national identifier.
- Plate Backgrounds: The front number plate must have a plain white background with black characters. The rear plate should have a plain yellow background with black characters. The material must be reflective.
- Standard Font & Spacing: The characters must follow a standard DVLA-approved font with even spacing and sizing. Some personalization is allowed with 3D registration plates, but the character style must still comply.
- Visibility: Number plates must remain visible at all times. Dirty or damaged plates can make the vehicle non-compliant. Always keep your plates clean and readable. Replace old or broken ones promptly.
- Authorized Dealer: Only purchase plates from a DVLA-approved dealer. These dealers are required to keep a record of each legal plate sold, which can be crucial for future verification and investigations.
- Standard Format: Legal plates follow a format of two letters (location), two numbers (vehicle age), and three random letters. Deviating from this makes the plate illegal unless it’s a valid private registration.
- Private Plates: These do not follow the standard format but must still meet all legal specifications. Not all custom plates are allowed; the DVLA bans plates deemed offensive or misleading. Always consult an authorized dealer for guidance.
Reglocker can help you in this regard and will do all the groundwork for you.
The DVLA has extremely strict regulations for number plates. Even a minor mistake can lead to serious consequences, including fines up to £1,000 and potentially causing your vehicle to fail its MOT.