What are Digital Plates and How Do They Work?

Digital number plates might sound like the future of number plates, and for good reason. They present a number of benefits, including improved security, convenience and efficiency for road cameras and general road safety admin purposes. 

However, there are a few things that still need to be ironed out before digital number plates become a mainstay on our roads. 

What Are Digital Number Plates?

Digital number plates are a modern alternative to traditional acrylic plates. Instead of printed characters fixed onto a reflective backing, these plates use electronic displays (usually e-ink screens) to show your vehicle registration. 

The idea is to combine the practicality of a standard number plate with the added intelligence of built-in tech.

In places where they’re currently allowed (such as certain states in the US), digital plates can automatically update registration details, show vehicle status messages, and more.

Although they aren’t legal for road use in the UK at the moment, understanding how they work gives a good picture of where number plate technology might be heading in the future.

How Registration Information is Displayed

Digital plates rely on an e-ink or similar low-power display. This type of screen is chosen because it’s:

• Easy to read in bright sunlight
• Highly energy-efficient
• Capable of holding an image even when powered off

The registration number is displayed just like on a traditional plate, but the difference is that the information can be updated electronically. For example, in regions where the system is supported, registration renewals can be pushed directly to the plate. This means you won’t need any stickers or visits to a licensing office.

The display is designed to mimic the clarity and contrast of a standard plate, so even though the technology behind it is advanced, the end result still looks familiar to other drivers and law enforcement.

Digital Plate Security and Anti-Theft Features

One of the biggest advantages of digital plates is the built-in security tech. Traditional plates can be stolen, cloned or tampered with relatively easily. Digital plates address these weaknesses through features that typically aren’t possible with standard acrylic designs.

Most digital plates are equipped with:

• Tamper sensors that send alerts if someone tries to remove or interfere with the plate
• GPS tracking, allowing the plate (and vehicle) to be located if stolen
• Wireless connectivity, which can notify the owner or authorities if something suspicious happens
• Locking modes that freeze the display or switch it into a “stolen vehicle” status if the car is reported missing

You can also read our guide on when your number plates are stolen if you find yourself in this position!

The Benefits of Digital Number Plates

Digital number plates come with a range of modern perks that go far beyond what a standard acrylic plate can offer. While they’re still fairly new in the regions that allow them, the advantages are already clear.

First, there’s the convenience factor. Renewal reminders, registration updates, and vehicle information can be managed digitally, sometimes even pushed directly to the plate without the owner needing to do anything, like knowing when number plates change. It removes admin hassle and keeps everything up to date automatically. 

That said, we do have a fast and simple guide to changing your number plate if you need to!

Digital plates also improve visibility and clarity, especially in low-light situations. Because the display can adjust or refresh itself, registration information remains crisp and readable at all times.

The biggest selling point, though, is security. With GPS tracking, tamper alerts and connectivity features, digital plates are far harder to steal, clone or misuse than traditional ones. For drivers worried about plate theft or vehicle fraud, this kind of baked-in protection is a huge step forward.

And because the plates can display additional messages in some countries (such as “stolen”, “expired”, or fleet information) they can even assist law enforcement and help recover stolen vehicles more quickly.

Downsides and Concerns

The first and most obvious is cost. Digital plates are significantly more expensive than traditional ones (upwards of £150), plus ongoing subscription fees for connectivity and software updates.

There’s also the matter of privacy and data use. Built-in GPS and wireless tracking create questions about who can access the data, how it’s stored, and whether it could be misused. For some drivers, the idea of a constantly connected number plate feels a little too intrusive.

Another practical concern is durability. While e-ink displays are tough, they aren’t quite as simple or repairable as a standard plate. Screens can fail, electronics can wear out, and repairs aren’t as cheap as replacing a normal plate.

The main concern is that as this technology is still developing, compatibility and regulation issues mean not everyone can or will have access to them. Features available in one region might not be permitted in another, and roadside enforcement technology isn’t yet equipped to fully handle electronic plates in many countries.

Are Digital Number Plates Legal in the UK?

Right now, digital number plates are not legal for road use in the UK. UK regulations require number plates to follow very strict rules around material, reflectivity, layout, spacing, and durability, most of which digital plates can’t currently meet.

UK law also doesn’t allow for dynamic or electronic displays on number plates, even if the main registration number remains fixed. Until legislation changes, traditional plates remain the only road-legal option.

That said, digital plates can be used for certain off-road situations like private displays, exhibitions, or promotional vehicles, just not on public roads.

As the technology develops and more countries adopt digital plates, it’s likely the UK will revisit its rules in the future. For now, though, standard and 3D/4D plates remain the only compliant choice for UK drivers.

Find out what number plates are legal and illegal. 

Should You Buy Digital Plates?

Well, no, not right now anyway. In the UK, they aren’t legal, so you’d end up with a fine very quickly. However, there are some who may find digital plates useful if and when they become legal in the UK.

Fleet Owners

For companies running multiple vehicles, digital plates can make admin easier. Being able to track vehicles, update registration info, and receive alerts remotely can save time and reduce paperwork.

Owners of High-Value or High-Risk Vehicles

Digital plates with anti-theft features (like tamper alerts and GPS) offer extra reassurance. Drivers of luxury cars, modified vehicles, or anything attractive to thieves may find the extra security worthwhile, but only if they’re legal in their region.

Tech Enthusiasts

If you love new tech and live somewhere they’re allowed, digital plates offer a modern alternative to traditional plates. They’re convenient, connected, and have that futuristic appeal.

Stick With UK-Legal Plates for Now

Digital number plates may eventually become part of the UK’s road system, but right now they aren’t legal for road use, and there’s no official timeline suggesting that will change soon.

If you’re looking for something stylish, compliant and available today, traditional number plates are still the only choice.

With Plate Mate, you can get:

• Fully DVLA-compliant road plates
• 3D, 4D and 5D upgrades
• Custom show plates
• No document requirements
• Fast UK delivery

Until digital plates become legal (if they ever do), your best option is to stick with high-quality, fully compliant standard plates.

Ready to customise yours? Build your plate with Plate Mate today.