To drive your vehicle legally on British roads, it is essential to have a valid set of number plates. Many car enthusiasts opt for personalised registration numbers, and a growing trend among them is the use of '4D' number plates.
In this post, we will explore what these plates are and whether they comply with the law.
What are 4D number plates? The rising popularity of 4D number plates involves using standard plates with raised numbers and lettering that slightly stick out from the plate's background. However, there have been instances, shared on social media, where authorities have stopped vehicles with 4D number plates. Such incidents have prompted drivers to question the regulations governing number plates on the road.
What are the regulations for number plates?
In the UK, number plates must adhere to the guidelines set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for vehicle operators. The following measures should be followed:
- Number plates should be made from reflective material.
- The rear plate should display black characters on a yellow background, while the front plate should have black characters on a white background.
- Background patterns on number plates are not permitted.
- The supplier's details must be marked on the number plate.
- The plates must conform to the British standard 'BS AU 145e' if fitted after September 1st, 2021.
- There are strict rules regarding the size and shape of the letters on a number plate. The font used should be 'Charles Wright,' with characters measuring 79mm in height and 50mm in width. There should be an 11mm space between the characters.
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Additionally, according to the DVLA, drivers have the option to fit '3D' characters on a nationally identified strip on the left-hand side of their number plates.
Are 4D number plates legal? Although the DVLA has not explicitly prohibited the use of 4D number plates, there is some resistance in practice.
Police explain that while there is no specific law against using 4D number plates, the lettering and characters themselves should not obscure the legibility of the registration when viewed from different angles.
In conclusion, if you are considering using 4D number plates, it is important to be aware of the DVLA regulations. While they are not explicitly banned, it is crucial to ensure that the plates do not make the registration number difficult to read from various angles. Stay informed and comply with the guidelines to avoid any issues while driving on British roads.