Are 3D Number Plates Legal?
It’s not uncommon to get a little confused when it comes to knowing what number plates are and are not legal.
Especially with there being so many different types and styles of number plates to choose from. Yes, modifying your car or bike is a fun way to make it uniquely yours. However, it’s important that your plate(s) are legal for the context in which you want to display them.
What Are 3D Number Plates?
Simply put, 3D number plates are a stylish variation of traditional number plates. Unlike standard 2D plates, which feature flat printed characters, 3D plates incorporate raised lettering. These raised characters give the plate a three-dimensional appearance.
What are 3D Number Plates Made From?
The lettering on 3D plates is typically made from materials like gel or acrylic, that are applied to the base of the plate. This creates the raised effect that separates them from regular number plates. You can also add borders and even badges to 3D number plates to make them really stand out while remaining legal.
Are 3D Number Plates Popular?
Personalised number plates are still incredibly popular, with 6 million personalised registrations being sold in 2019. However, the rise in their popularity has also brought about confusion regarding their legality. Many drivers are unsure whether these plates comply with UK regulations, leading to questions about whether they can legally be used on the road.
To understand the legal status of 3D number plates, it’s important to first explore the rules that govern all registration plates in the UK. Knowing the specifics will help ensure your plates not only look good but also keep you on the right side of the law.
Are 3D Number Plates Legal in the UK?
The short answer is yes, 3D number plates can be legal in the UK – but only if they meet certain rules.
There’s a lot of confusion around this because not all 3D plates are created equal, and some designs can land you in trouble if they don’t follow the regulations (our 3D plates do!).
First off, it’s important to know that the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) has strict rules about how number plates should look. This is to make sure they’re easy to read and can be picked up by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. 3D plates are allowed as long as the characters are clearly visible and meet the standards for size, spacing, and reflectivity.
What’s not allowed are plates where the design makes it hard to read the numbers and letters. For example, plates with overly fancy or raised letters that distort the characters might not pass legal checks. Shiny, reflective effects or overly intricate 3D patterns can also be an issue if they interfere with readability.
A key point to know is that the law changed recently with the introduction of the British Standard BS AU 145e. This update put even more focus on making plates easy to read in all conditions. Legal 3D plates must now use plain black characters (no coloured or reflective finishes) that comply with these rules.
So, if your 3D number plates follow the DVLA’s guidelines and don’t try to bend the rules with fancy effects, you’re good to go.
But if they don’t, you could face fines or even fail your vehicle’s MOT.
When you buy 3D number plates with Plate Mate, you can rest assured that they are road compliant and follow all DVLA guidelines.
What Happens If You Use Illegal Number Plates?
Using illegal number plates might not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to some annoying and costly consequences. The rules around number plates are there for a reason, and breaking them can get you into trouble.
Here are a few of the biggest risks:
Fines
If your plates don’t meet UK standards, you could be hit with a fine. Police have the authority to stop you if they spot plates that aren’t legal – whether that’s due to incorrect spacing, unreadable characters, or illegal designs like coloured lettering. A fixed penalty notice of up to £100 is the most common outcome.
Failing Your MOT
It doesn’t stop there. If your number plates are deemed illegal, your vehicle could fail its MOT. This means you won’t be able to drive your car until the issue is sorted and you pass the test. Not only is this inconvenient, but it also means additional costs for replacement plates and re-testing.
ANPR Problems
Illegal plates can also cause bigger problems if they interfere with ANPR cameras, which are used by law enforcement and toll systems. If your plates can’t be read properly, you might miss alerts about unpaid tolls, parking charges, or even road traffic violations. This can lead to more fines or complications down the road.
You can also end up getting stuck in car parks!
Your Vehicle Being Deregistered
In the worst-case scenario, consistently using illegal number plates could result in your vehicle being deregistered. This is rare but can happen if the DVLA determines you’re not following the rules after repeated warnings.
To avoid these hassles, it’s always worth double-checking that your plates meet the DVLA’s standards. Legal doesn’t have to mean boring – there are plenty of stylish options that still comply with the law.
How to Ensure Your 3D Number Plates Are Legal
If you’re keen on using 3D number plates but don’t want to risk any fines or trouble, it’s important to make sure they follow the rules. The good news is that staying legal is super simple – you just need to know what to look out for.
Stick to Black Characters
The DVLA requires all number plate characters to be black. Even though some 3D designs include shading or reflective effects, you need to make sure the characters are plain black and easy to read. Avoid any colours, tints, or sparkly finishes – they might look cool, but they’re not legal.
Check the Plate Meets BS AU 145e Standards
This is the British Standard for number plates, and any legal plates in the UK must meet it. BS AU 145e focuses on durability, visibility, and compatibility with ANPR systems. Make sure your supplier can confirm that the plates are fully compliant with this standard.
If you’re buying a 3D plate from us, you don’t need to worry about this as long as you ensure that you stick to the ‘road compliant’ tab of the plate builder. Should you wish to enable further customisation options outside of the British Standards, these are available by selecting the ‘show plate’ option/tab.
Get the Spacing Right
One of the most common issues with illegal plates is incorrect spacing between characters or groups. Legal 3D plates must follow the same spacing rules as standard plates. Avoid squeezing the letters closer together or adding custom spacing – it might look unique, but it’s a big red flag for the police.
Avoid Fancy Fonts and Extra Embellishments
Custom fonts or additional decorations, like logos or patterns within the characters, are a no-go. The law requires plates to use the standard typeface for registration numbers, so don’t be tempted by anything overly creative.
Check for the Legal Markings
Every legal plate should display specific markings, including the manufacturer’s details and the BS AU 145e code. If these markings are missing, your plates could be considered illegal.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy stylish 3D plates without worrying about breaking the law. A bit of effort upfront can save you from fines, MOT failures, and unnecessary hassle later on!
Other Uses for 3D Plates
While 3D plates are a great option for road use, they’re also perfect for other creative purposes.
For example, 3D plates make excellent garage signs or display pieces. Whether you want to showcase your registration in your workspace, use it as a stylish decoration, or make your car stand out at shows, 3D plates are more versatile than you might think!
Why Compliance Matters: The Plate Mate Difference
When it comes to road-legal 3D plates, not all suppliers are created equal.
Some online sellers claim their plates are compliant but cut corners during production. A common issue is that their 3D characters are simply fixed onto a blank plate without a secure backup. If one of the characters falls off due to wear and tear, an accident, or even a minor bump, the plate would no longer meet DVLA standards.
At Plate Mate, we take compliance seriously. Our 3D characters are securely attached over a flat, printed version of the registration. This means that even if a raised character is damaged, your plate remains readable and road legal. This added layer of security ensures your plates are durable, reliable, and compliant no matter what happens.
Ready to Buy Your 3D Number Plates?
3D number plates can add a stylish touch to your car, but it’s crucial to make sure they follow the rules. While 3D plates are legal in the UK, they must comply with the DVLA’s guidelines to ensure they’re safe, readable, and roadworthy. That means sticking to plain black characters, proper spacing, and plates that meet the BS AU 145e standard.
At the end of the day, it’s all about balancing style and compliance. Following the guidelines doesn’t mean your plates have to be boring – there are plenty of ways to keep them both legal and unique.
So, take the time to make sure your 3D number plates are fully compliant, and you can hit the road with confidence and peace of mind!
