What Makes UK Number Plates Legal or Illegal?

In the UK, number plates must meet certain legal standards. If they don’t, the vehicle could be issued a fine or even fail an MOT test. Here’s what makes a number plate legal:

• Small Text on Plates: A number plate which is DVLA compliant and legal should only have the companies name and postcode located at the bottom of the plate positioned in the middle, any personalisation or slogans are no deemed compliant. A number plate must also include a BSAU45e code. it refers to the British Standard for number plate manufacturing, which ensures that all number plates produced are durable, legible, and safe to use on public roads.

• Font Style and Size: The font used for UK number plates must be the “Charles Wright” font, which is a specific typeface designed for legibility. The characters must be of a certain size—typically 79mm tall, with a width of 50mm for most letters and digits.

• Characters and Spacing: The number plate must have a clear, legible separation between characters. This usually includes spaces between the regional identifier, age identifier, and the random characters. The number plate cannot be altered to form words or obscure the identity of the vehicle. The spacing and positioning are also strictly regulated.

• Reflective Background: Number plates must have a reflective background to ensure they are visible in low light. For standard plates, a white reflective background is required for the front plate, and yellow for the rear.

• Visibility: Number plates must be clearly visible at all times. This means no fading, dirt, or damage should obscure the plate. If the plate is cracked or the reflective coating is damaged, it may be considered illegal.

• No Illegal Modifications: Certain modifications are illegal, such as using a plate with the wrong font, or altering the characters in a way that makes it hard to read. For example, adding decorative elements, using a non-standard font, or having darkened plates are all illegal.