DVLA Guidelines

At EF Number Plates, we ensure all our number plates comply with DVLA regulations to guarantee legality and roadworthiness. Below is an overview of the DVLA guidelines for legal number plates in the UK.

 

1. Legal Requirements for Number Plates

All UK number plates must meet the following DVLA standards:

  • Material: Must be made from reflective material for visibility.
  • Colour Scheme:
    • Front plate: Black characters on a white background
    • Rear plate: Black characters on a yellow background
  • No Background Patterns: Plates must be plain to ensure readability.
  • Legal Markings: Every plate must display:
    • Supplier’s name
    • Supplier’s postcode
    • British Standard number (‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after 1 September 2021)

 

2. Character and Spacing Rules

  • Characters must be solid black and in a single shade (3D gel and 4D plates are permitted as long as they comply).
  • Correct font: ‘Charles Wright’ is the only DVLA-approved font for UK number plates.
  • Spacing & Size Requirements:
    • Characters must be 79mm tall
    • Character width (except for ‘I’ or ‘1’): 50mm
    • Stroke width: 14mm
    • Space between characters: 11mm
    • Space between groups: 33mm
    • Margin at top, bottom, and sides: 11mm

Incorrect spacing or fonts can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and your vehicle failing its MOT.

 

3. 3D & 4D Number Plates

Are 3D and 4D plates legal?
Yes! 3D gel and 4D acrylic plates are legal, provided they meet all BS AU 145e regulations. This means:
✔ Solid black characters (no colouring, tinting, or shading)
✔ Compliant reflectivity and material
✔ Correct size and spacing

Plates with coloured or non-compliant characters are illegal.

 

4. Flags and National Identifiers

You can legally personalise your number plate with a national flag and identifier, but it must be positioned on the left-hand side.

✔ Legal Flags:

  • Union Flag
  • Cross of St George
  • Cross of St Andrew (Saltire)
  • Red Dragon of Wales

✔ Legal Identifiers:

  • UNITED KINGDOM (or UK)
  • ENGLAND
  • SCOTLAND
  • WALES (or CYMRU)

🚗 Using a UK identifier with the Union Flag allows you to drive abroad without a separate UK sticker!

 

5. Show Plates vs. Road Legal Plates

  • Show Plates: Plates made for display purposes only. Not legal for road use.
  • Road-Legal Plates: Must comply with BS AU 145e to be legally used on UK roads.

🚨 Driving with illegal plates could result in:

  • A £1,000 fine
  • A failed MOT test
  • Your registration being withdrawn by the DVLA

 

6. Electric Vehicle (EV) Number Plates

If you own an electric vehicle, you can opt for a green number plate, which features:
✅ A green flash on the left-hand side
✅ The same legal requirements as standard plates
✅ Recognition for EV incentives and benefits

 

7. MOT and Number Plates

Your number plates must be:
✔ Securely attached to the vehicle
✔ Clearly readable
✔ Free from cracks, fading, or dirt

Any non-compliant plates may result in an MOT failure.