Top 5 Questions We Get Asked – April Edition
Every week, we get loads of messages from people all over the UK asking about number plates. Some are just getting their first personalised plate, others are making sure they stay within the law. So we thought, why not put together a monthly blog answering the most common questions we get asked?
This is our April edition. We’ll be doing more next month too, so if you’ve got a question, send it in. Let’s get into it.
1. Can I create my own number plate?
This one comes up a lot. And the answer is yes, but with a catch.
You can design a custom plate using our Online Plate Maker. You choose the style like 3D, 4D or gel and customise the look. But you can’t make up a completely new reg from scratch unless you’ve bought it through DVLA.
Your reg number has to be something that’s already assigned to your vehicle or a private reg you’ve bought. You can’t just put “BEN123” on your plate because you fancy it. It has to be registered to your car.
2. Are homepage number plates legal?
We think this one comes from people seeing stylish plates on our homepage and wondering if they’re road legal. The good news is yes. The number plates we show on our homepage are 100 percent legal, as long as you choose the correct legal options when ordering.
You’ll notice on our site you can pick things like spacing, borders, and flag badges. Some options are just for show, but we make it really clear what’s legal and what isn’t. If you choose the road legal settings, you’ll get a plate that passes MOT and keeps you out of trouble.
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3. Are 4D plates legal?
This one’s probably our most asked question in 2024, and it’s still going strong in April.
Yes, 4D plates are legal in the UK, but they have to follow DVLA rules. That means:
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Black characters on a white (front) or yellow (rear) reflective background
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No coloured or tinted letters
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Correct spacing and size
We use laser-cut acrylic letters on our 4D plates that follow all the proper guidelines. Just don’t go adding coloured gel or glitter unless you’re buying it as a show plate only.
👉 Check out our legal 4D Plates
4. Can I display my number plate in my window?
We get this one a lot from people with vintage cars or those wanting to avoid drilling into their bumpers.
The answer is no. You can’t legally display your number plate in your windscreen or back window. The law says your plates must be securely fixed to the front and back of your car, and they need to be visible at all times. If they’re inside your car, reflections and tinted glass can make them hard to see. And that’s a fail.
It might seem like a harmless shortcut, but it can get you pulled over or failed on your MOT.
5. What number plates are banned in the UK?
This is one of our favourites because the banned plate list changes all the time, especially when new reg years come out.
Every time DVLA releases new plates, they go through them and block anything rude, offensive, or just a bit dodgy. Stuff with swear words, political messages, or anything that could cause offence won’t be allowed.
You won’t find these banned plates for sale anywhere legally. If you try to make one up and drive around with it, you’ll be fined and the car can even be flagged.
If you’re not sure whether your private plate idea is allowed, feel free to drop us a message first.
That’s our top 5 Questions for April
We’ll be doing this again for May, so keep an eye out. Got a question you want answered next month? Message us or drop a comment.
🚗 Ready to design your own legal plate? Head over to our Online Plate Maker and build it exactly how you want it, legal, stylish, and dispatched same day.