Reasons You Need a Standard Number Plate

Every UK driver requires a standard number plate for driving on UK roads. Every vehicle needs to have a clearly visible, road-compliant plate to ensure it can be properly identified. Without one, you could face fines, failed MOTs, and even issues with your insurance.

Here’s why your number plate is so important:

• Legal compliance: In the UK, the DVLA requires all vehicles to display a registered number plate that meets strict standards, including correct font, spacing, and visibility. Non-compliant plates can result in penalties. Additionally, standard plates have restricted customisation options in order to conform to UK road standards (BSAU), ensuring the plates are road compliant.
• MOT and roadworthiness: A damaged, faded, or missing plate can cause your vehicle to fail its MOT, meaning you won’t be able to legally drive until it’s replaced.
• ANPR and law enforcement: Number plates help Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and law enforcement identify vehicles correctly in the UK. Whether it’s for toll roads, parking enforcement, or crime prevention.
• Insurance and ownership proof: Your number plate links your vehicle to its official records, making it essential for insurance claims, reselling, and proving ownership.

Whether you need a new plate or a replacement, ensuring you have a compliant, roadworthy plate is essential. Plate Mate’s standard number plates are road-compliant and built to last, allowing you to drive with confidence knowing you’re meeting all road compliance regulations.

Our Standard Number Plates – What You Get

When you order a standard number plate from us, you’re getting more than just a legal requirement – you’re getting a high-quality, durable plate designed to last. We ensure every plate meets strict UK regulations while also offering a sleek, professional finish.

Road-compliant number plates

• Fully meets BS AU 145e standards, ensuring durability, reflectivity, and visibility.
• Correct Charles Wright font, legally required for UK number plates.
• Compliant character spacing, size, and colour for full DVLA approval.
• Includes official supplier markings and British Standard code, as required by law.
• PLUS – as we are based in the Channel Islands, we won’t ask you for any further information. just design your number plate and it will be on the way to you!

Hand-made and built to last

• We use the best quality materials from the UK and all of our plates are made by hand.
• Resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling, even in tough weather conditions.
• High-quality manufacturing ensures long-term durability for everyday use.
• Strong, clear reflective properties for better visibility at night and in low light.

Customisation Options (Within Legal Limits)

• Add a legal border for a subtle, personalised touch.
• Choose a GB, England, Scotland, or Wales flag to represent your home nation.

We also offer enviro plates made using eco-friendly, recycled materials. These plates are cost-effective and designed to meet the minimum legal requirements while also reducing environmental impact.

Are Standard Number Plates Legal for Jersey Vehicles?

Yes! If you’re registering or driving a vehicle in Jersey, you’ll need to follow the island’s specific number plate regulations, which are different from the UK mainland, however are very similar. 

The main things to remember are:

• No DVLA registration is required – Unlike the UK, Jersey operates its own vehicle registration system. This means you don’t need to provide documents like a V5C logbook when ordering a plate.
• If you’re driving out of Jersey – To the UK, Europe or anywhere else in the world, your plate must display a “GBJ” identifier or a separate GBJ sticker.
• Standard UK number plates can be used in Jersey – Provided they meet the island’s legal format. Plates designed specifically for Jersey also need to include a British Standard code or UK supplier markings.

FAQs

• Can I replace just one plate, or do I need to buy a full set?

You can order just a front or rear plate, or a full set, depending on what you need.

• Do I need documents to buy a new number plate?

When you buy with Plate Mate, you do not need any documentation because we’re based in the Channel Islands. Our number plates are still road compliant, so you won’t run into any issues if you’re driving in the UK. 

• How much do replacement number plates cost?

Prices vary depending on plate type, size, and any customisation (such as legal borders or flags). With Plate Mate, you can expect to pay between £11 – 16 for a standard number plate (£20-£25 for a set), and design customisation is done at no extra charge. However, different materials and plate sizes may increase this price.

Enter your registration in our plate builder to see exact pricing before checkout.

• What happens if I drive with an illegal number plate?

Driving with a damaged, missing, or incorrectly formatted plate could lead to:

• A fine of up to £1,000.
• Your vehicle failing its MOT.
• Being stopped by the police.
• ANPR cameras failing to recognise your vehicle, causing issues with tolls and parking enforcement.

What if I need help with my order?

Our friendly support team is happy to help! Just contact us via email, and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.