Frequently asked questions.

1. What is the difference between a road-legal plate and a show plate?

  • Road-Legal Plate: A plate that meets UK DVLA standards for display on a vehicle driven on public roads. It must use the correct font, size, color, and spacing, and include the supplier’s information.

  • Show Plate: A decorative plate intended for display at events, car shows, or private use only. Show plates do not need to meet DVLA requirements and can feature non-standard fonts, colors, and designs. However, they are not legal for use on public roads.

2. What are the legal requirements for UK road plates?

For a plate to be road-legal, it must adhere to these DVLA rules:

  • Font: Use the standard “Charles Wright” font with regulated letter and number spacing.

  • Color and Reflectivity: The front plate must be white, and the rear plate must be yellow, with black characters. The material must be reflective to ensure visibility.

  • British Standard: All road plates must be certified to BS AU 145e for durability and visibility.

  • Supplier Information: The plate must show the manufacturer’s name, postcode, and the British Standard mark to confirm its legality.

3. Are customizations allowed on road-legal plates?

Limited customization is permitted on road-legal plates, provided it follows DVLA standards:

  • Borders: You can add a simple border around the edge of the plate.

  • Flags: A small national flag (e.g., the Union Jack, St. George’s Cross, Scottish Saltire, Welsh Dragon) may be displayed on the left side.

  • 3D/4D Characters: Raised 3D gel or 4D acrylic characters are allowed, but they must be in the standard font and follow DVLA guidelines.

4. What is permitted on show plates?

Since show plates are not intended for road use, they offer more flexibility in terms of design:

  • Fonts and Colors: You can use various fonts, colors, and effects that aren’t DVLA-compliant.

  • Logos and Symbols: Personal logos, symbols, and additional graphics can be added.

  • Creative Layouts: Spacing, sizes, and formats can be modified.

Important Note: Show plates are for off-road use only and cannot legally be displayed on a vehicle used on public roads.

5. How do I know if a plate is road-legal or a show plate?

  • Supplier Information: Road-legal plates will display the manufacturer’s name, postcode, and the BS AU 145e mark.

  • Compliance Documentation: Reputable suppliers, like LNK Plates, will label road-legal plates as “DVLA-compliant” and include documentation for verification.

  • Visual Compliance: Road-legal plates use the standard font, size, and color combinations, whereas show plates may feature non-standard fonts, symbols, or layouts.

6. Can I get in trouble for using a show plate on public roads?

Yes, using a show plate on public roads is illegal in the UK. Consequences include:

  • Fines: You may face a fine of up to £1,000.

  • MOT Failure: Your vehicle may fail its MOT test if the plates are not DVLA-compliant.

  • Plate Removal: Persistent offenders may risk losing their registration number.

7. Are 3D and 4D number plates road-legal?

  • 3D Plates: Raised 3D gel characters are legal as long as they follow DVLA regulations.

  • 4D Plates: 4D acrylic characters, with slightly thicker, laser-cut profiles, are also legal if they meet size, spacing, and font requirements.

Both types must adhere to color, reflectivity, and font restrictions to be road-legal.

8. What documents are required to order a road-legal plate?

When ordering a road-legal plate, UK law requires:

  • Proof of Identity: A valid form of identification like a passport or driving license.

  • Proof of Entitlement: Proof that you own the registration number, such as the V5C logbook, a retention document, or a DVLA letter.

No documentation is required for show plates.

Please send in your documents before or after your purchase to docs@lnkplates.co.uk please note that your order will not be made up and sent out until these documents have been received.

9. Can I have a private or personalized registration on a road-legal plate?

Yes, private registrations are allowed as long as the plate complies with DVLA display regulations. The private plate must:

  • Be formatted in the correct font, size, and color.

  • Display the required supplier information and British Standard mark for legality.

10. Are tinted or reflective characters allowed on UK plates?

No, tinted backgrounds or reflective characters are not allowed on road-legal plates. Characters must be solid black on a white (front) or yellow (rear) reflective background for visibility and compliance.

11. How can I tell if a plate supplier is DVLA-approved?

Choose a reputable supplier like LNK Plates that:

  • Provides documentation confirming BS AU 145e compliance.

  • Clearly marks road-legal plates and show plates for easy identification.

  • Requires proof of identity and ownership for road-legal plate orders.

12. HOW LONG UNTIL MY ORDER OF PLATES REACHES ME?

Orders are sent out each day at 4PM and tend to reach the customer next day although in some cases may be 1-2 working days. Any issues regarding orders please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing us support@lnkplates.co.uk