With recent updates to UK regulations on displaying number plates, drivers must be more vigilant than ever to avoid fines, MOT failures, or even losing their personalised registrations.
The new rules, which came into effect in 2023, have clarified and tightened the standards for number plate display to improve vehicle identification and road safety. In this blog, we’ll break down what these changes mean for you and how you can ensure your number plate is displayed correctly to stay on the right side of the law.
1. What Are the New Rules?
The UK government has updated the rules surrounding number plates, emphasising the importance of clarity, legibility, and conformity with legal standards. Here are the key changes:
- New British Standard (BS AU 145e): All new number plates must comply with the BS AU 145e standard, which replaces the previous BS AU 145d. This standard improves durability against weathering and impacts, ensuring that number plates are more resistant to damage.
- Standardised Font and Spacing: The new regulations continue to require the mandatory use of the "Charles Wright" font. The spacing between characters must be correct, and any attempt to alter spacing to form words or names is illegal.
- Solid Black Letters Only: All letters and numbers on number plates must be solid black. Two-tone or 3D-effect lettering is no longer permitted, as it can affect the readability of the plates by ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras. 4D laser-cut black lettering is permitted.
- No Background Patterns or Tints: Plates must have a plain white background for the front plate and a plain yellow background for the rear plate. Any patterns, tints, or effects are not allowed.
- ‘GB’ Plates Replaced by ‘UK’ Plates: With the UK leaving the European Union, plates displaying the “GB” Euro symbol are no longer valid for travel abroad. Drivers need to replace them with new plates displaying the "UK" identifier or attach a “UK” sticker to their vehicle when driving in Europe.
- Mandatory Supplier Details and British Standard Marking: The number plates must include the supplier’s business name and postcode, along with the BS AU 145e standard marking to prove compliance.
2. What This Means for Your Vehicle?
These new rules apply to all newly registered vehicles and existing vehicles that require replacement plates. If your current plates are damaged or need replacement, it’s essential to ensure they meet the new BS AU 145e standard. Here’s what you should consider:
- Check Your Current Plates: If your plates are cracked, faded, or do not meet the new standards, it's time for an upgrade. The new regulations mean that plates need to be durable, clear, and legible under all conditions.
- Choose Legally Compliant Plates: When buying a new private number plate, ensure it adheres to the legal standards, including font, color, and layout requirements.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Misplaced or altered spacing, illegal fonts, background patterns, or any other modifications could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and could cause your vehicle to fail its MOT.
3. How to Ensure Your Number Plates Are Correctly Displayed
To stay compliant with the latest number plate regulations, follow these guidelines:
- Correct Placement: Plates should be securely attached to the front and rear of the vehicle in a clear and unobstructed position.
- Ensure Visibility: Plates must be clean and readable at all times. Dirt, snow, or any other obstruction that hinders legibility can lead to penalties.
- Use Approved Suppliers: Only purchase number plates from approved suppliers who can provide plates that meet the BS AU 145e standard. Reputable suppliers like CarReg ensure that all plates conform to the latest regulations.
4. Why These Changes Matter
The recent changes aim to improve road safety and security. Clear and legible number plates are crucial for:
- Effective Law Enforcement: ANPR cameras rely on clear number plates to track and identify vehicles involved in crimes, uninsured vehicles, or those not meeting emission standards.
- Road Safety: Ensuring all vehicles have compliant plates helps maintain order on the roads and ensures that vehicles are easily identifiable.
- Minimising Fraud: By standardising the design and durability of number plates, the UK government aims to reduce the use of fraudulent plates and help combat vehicle-related crimes.
5. What’s Next for Number Plate Owners?
As the UK government continues to enhance and enforce number plate regulations, it is crucial for vehicle owners to stay informed. Non-compliance is not worth the risk, and adhering to the new guidelines ensures you remain road-legal.
- Get Your Plates Checked: If you are unsure about your current plates' compliance, contact a professional like CarReg to get your number plates evaluated and replaced if necessary.
- Stay Updated: Laws and regulations can change, and staying informed will help you avoid unnecessary fines or complications.
- Consider Personalisation Legally: While personalisation is increasingly popular, ensure any private plates you choose comply with the latest rules.
Conclusion
With the latest updates to number plate regulations in the UK, it’s more important than ever to ensure your vehicle meets all the necessary standards. At CarReg, we provide fully compliant, high-quality number plates that conform to BS AU 145e standards, helping you stay safe and legal on the road.
For more information on the latest number plate regulations and to find the perfect personalized plate for your vehicle, visit our website or contact us today!
